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Hemisphere GPS LiteStar II Air User Manual

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LiteStar II Air
User Guide
Part No. 875-0103-001 Rev. B1

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Summary of Contents for Hemisphere GPS LiteStar II Air

  • Page 1 LiteStar II Air User Guide Part No. 875-0103-001 Rev. B1...
  • Page 2 Hemisphere GPS Inc. RADEMARKS Hemisphere GPS and the Hemisphere GPS logo, Satloc and the Satloc logo, Mapstar, Air Star Outback Guidance and eDrive are trademarks of Hemisphere GPS. Other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

  • Page 4: Warranty Notice

    Hemisphere GPS, of any defective Products or components thereof. The end user shall notify Hemisphere GPS or a Hemisphere GPS approved service center immediately of any claimed defect. Repairs shall be made through a Hemisphere GPS approved service center only.
  • Page 5 IMITATION OF IABILITY THE EXTENT OF HEMISPHERE GPS' LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE TO THE END PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT AND WHETHER TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY SHALL IN NO CASE EXCEED, IN THE AGGREGATE, THE COST OF CORRECTING THE DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT OR, AT HEMISPHERE GPS' OPTION, THE COST OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE ITEM.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Components & Parts List ..... . . 12 Installing LiteStar II Air ..... . . 14 3: G .
  • Page 7 What the Display Screen Shows 34 Operating the Controller 36 Using the Lightbar ......37 Setting the Basic Features .
  • Page 8 LiteStar II Air User Guide 6: U & SING AVIGATION ARKS ....69 AYPOINTS Setting a Mark ....... 70 Recalling a Mark .
  • Page 9 Using e-Dif 100 Lightbar Options ......105 Setting the Lightbar Brightness 106 Setting the Lightbar Sensitivity 106 Changing the Left and Right Lightbar Displays 108 PPENDIX .

  • Page 10: 1: About Lite Star Ii Air

    1: A BOUT II A Product Overview Understanding Your GPS Data...

  • Page 11: Product Overview

    1: About LiteStar II Air RODUCT VERVIEW LiteStar II Air is an entry-level precision guidance system that allows you to fly accurate swaths with one of six built-in aerial patterns. LiteStar II Air consists of a ruggedized Lightbar that provides GPS guidance and an intuitive controller with graphic display screen.

  • Page 12: Available Patterns

    LiteStar II Air User Guide Available Patterns Left Back to Back Right Back to Back Racetrack Quick Racetrack Reverse Racetrack...

  • Page 13: Features & Benefits

    You can also manually set a mark on a job to return to later. The LiteStar II Air is sold with Hemisphere GPS’ SLXg3 receiver - a high-performance, 12-channel GPS engine with a selection of...
  • Page 14 LiteStar II Air User Guide differential options. The SLXg3 gives you several options for choosing a differential source: WAAS, *Beacon, L-Band, and e-Dif. *Available with SLXg3 Combo model only.

  • Page 15: Understanding Your Gps Data

    1: About LiteStar II Air GPS D NDERSTANDING What is GPS? GPS stands for Global Positioning System. This worldwide radio- navigation system is formed by 24 dedicated NAVSTAR satellites (plus active spares) orbiting the earth approximately 11,000 miles away. Initially developed in the early 1970s for precise navigation and weapons guidance by the U.S.

  • Page 16: What Is Dgps

    OmniSTAR also broadcasts correction signals from multiple satellites around the globe. • Relative DGPS services. For example, Hemisphere GPS’ patented e-Dif service provides relative DGPS accuracy. e-Dif selects the GPS coordinates of a known point to serve as an...

  • Page 17: What Type Of Dgps Does Litestar Ii Air Use

    What Type of DGPS Does LiteStar II Air Use? LiteStar II Air is sold with Hemisphere GPS’ SLXg3 receiver. The SLXg3 is a 12-channel GPS engine with 4 differential options: •...
  • Page 18 ~ < 6 feet (2 meter) accuracy e-Dif is a differential correction, designed by Hemisphere GPS for use with the SLX receiver. Hemisphere GPS developed e-Dif for our customers who are not able to receive other types of differential signals due to location or budget.

  • Page 20: 2: Installing Lite Star

    2: I NSTALLING II A Components & Parts List Installing LiteStar II Air...

  • Page 21: Components & Parts List

    Please look over the contents of your LiteStar II Air purchase to ensure the components are not damaged. The contents will vary if you are using LiteStar II Air for the first time or are upgrading your existing system. The basic components include:...
  • Page 22 LiteStar II Air User Guide Component Part Number Quantity Controller, Lightbar, and Receiver Lightbar-to-controller 054-0042 cable (25 feet) DGPS receiver to 051-0053 or 051-0056 controller cable (10 feet) Remote swath advance 051-0094 cable (15 feet) SLX antenna cable (15 050-0026...

  • Page 23: Installing Litestar Ii Air

    Lightbar brackets 3/8” wrench assembling Lightbar brackets Marker pen marking mounting holes on vehicle Installing LiteStar II Air is a four-step process: • Step 1: Install the Lightbar • Step 2: Install the Controller • Step 3: Install the Receiver/Antenna...
  • Page 24 • Step 4: Connect the Cables WARNING! Please install LiteStar II Air in the following order and READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING. Failure to read the warnings in this section may cause damage to your system. Step 1: Install the Lightbar - To install the Lightbar, you must first assemble the Lightbar mounting brackets.
  • Page 25 2: Installing LiteStar II Air Secure the left and right flat panel plates to the lightbar using the enclosed captive screws. Right Front Rear Left Left and right flat Front of lightbar faces thin panel plates edge of plate (plates are...
  • Page 26 LiteStar II Air User Guide included 3” brackets for the 1” brackets for added height if needed. Attach the leftt and right brackets to the lightbar plates using the 4 #10-32x 3/4” screw, nut, and washer sets, as shown below.
  • Page 27 2: Installing LiteStar II Air Using the assembled lightbar and brackets as a template, mark the 4 mounting hole locations on the surface of the aircraft. WARNING! Consider using existing hardware and hardware locations. Avoid drilling holes that may cause damage to other equipment (structural frame members, electrical cables, or fluid lines).
  • Page 28 LiteStar II Air User Guide Note: Attach the enclosed backing plates to the underside of the mounting surface for additional reinforcement if desired (see below). The backing plates provide additional support to prevent the bolts from pulling through the surface under vibration.
  • Page 29 2: Installing LiteStar II Air Step 2: Install the Controller - 1.Determine the desired controller location. It should be located inside the cab, within easy reach and visibility of the driver. Use either the supplied Gimbal mount or the U-Bolt mounting base to secure the controller to the cab.
  • Page 30 LiteStar II Air User Guide The following diagram shows the correct installation of the cables. Terminal Connection Swath Advance Cable Power Cable Power must be between 10-30 Volts DC GPS Cable Spray Cable Receiver Lightbar Cable Lightbar...
  • Page 31 2: Installing LiteStar II Air WARNING! CABLE INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS • Never connect or disconnect the antenna cable with the power • Do not route cables alongside power generator wire and other high-noise electric sources. This will cause interference. • Do not kink or force cables into sharp bands. This will destroy the cable.
  • Page 32 LiteStar II Air User Guide Use the length taken in Step 2 and tie-off excess cable length if required. Connect one end of the cable to the Lightbar. Tip! To connect the cable: plug the cable into the outlet and turn the ring on the plug connector to tighten.
  • Page 33 2: Installing LiteStar II Air Connect the other end of the Power cable to the power source. WARNING! The power source must be able to supply uninterrupted power between 10-30 volts DC. Your system must be well- grounded. Note: The Power cable can either be plugged into a Cigarette Lighter Adapter cable or hardwired to your battery.
  • Page 34 LiteStar II Air User Guide Use the length taken in Step 2 and tie-off excess cable length if required. Run the cable from the controller to the spray system. Connect the end of the cable to the vehicle spray system using the supplied spray leaf-spring switch (Part No.

  • Page 36: 3: Getting Started

    3: G ETTING TARTED Turning LiteStar II Air On/Off Operating the Controller Using the Lightbar Setting Basic Features...

  • Page 37: Turning Litestar Ii Air On/Off

    URNING Before you get started using LiteStar II Air, you need to know the basics: how to turn LiteStar II Air on and off, how to operate the controller, and how to read the Lightbar. Turning LiteStar II Air On After you turn on LiteStar II Air, it will go through a controller boot up and Lightbar test to make sure your system is working correctly.

  • Page 38: Controller Boot Up

    Controller Boot Up The controller’s buttons and display screen are the brains of LiteStar II Air; everything you see and do is entered in the controller. You cannot enter field details or spray patterns until the controller’s boot up is complete. The controller goes through the following boot-up sequence: The display screen flashes the Satloc logo.

  • Page 39: Lightbar Tests

    Logging is: Note: You have the option to turn off start-up help, but we recommend you keep it running until you are comfortable operating LiteStar II Air. See “Chapter 7: Setting Advanced Features” for more information. Lightbar Tests The Lightbar tests take about 15 seconds to complete and follow this sequence.

  • Page 40: Turning Litestar Ii Air Off

    Turning LiteStar II Air OFF Turn LiteStar II Air off before turning off the aircraft or main power supply source. This ensures your data is saved. To turn LiteStar II Air OFF: Press the ON/OFF button located on the top of the controller.

  • Page 41: Operating The Controller

    What is the Controller? The controller is a graphic menu with push button and rotary dial controls that allow you to quickly and easily change LiteStar II Air’s settings. The controller is mounted inside the cab within reach of the pilot.

  • Page 42: What The Buttons And Dials Do

    LiteStar II Air User Guide The bottom of the controller has a series of connectors that connects the controller to the receiver, Lightbar, and power source. What the Buttons and Dials Do The lower part of the controller has an assortment of buttons and a rotary dial.

  • Page 43: What The Display Screen Shows

    3: Getting Started What the Display Screen Shows The controller’s display screen consists of a Menu mode and a Run mode. Menu Mode - In Menu mode, the display screen consists of a series of menus where you can change system settings, view or change DGPS status and settings, and change Lightbar settings.
  • Page 44 LiteStar II Air User Guide number, time, if your spray is on/off, and if you have DGPS reception. Time Job number 03122201 12:57:38 Lightbar guidance Cross-track NO XTRACK distance 0.00 Ha Swath Number GPS Data Good SQUEZ (thumbs down = bad) 0.00 M...

  • Page 45: Operating The Controller

    See “Chapter 4: Logging Job Data” and “Chapter 6: Using Navigation Marks & Waypoints” for additional information on creating jobs and using marks for navigation with LiteStar II Air.

  • Page 46: Using The Lightbar

    It displays all the information you need for guidance, like cross-track distance, GPS status, speed, heading, steering, and navigation cues. The LiteStar II Air uses the CAN (Controlled Area Network) Lightbar. What makes the CAN Lightbar different from other models are: •...

  • Page 47: Setting The Basic Features

    Once you have set these options, you are ready to begin using LiteStar II Air. See “Chapter 4: Logging Job Data” and “Chapter 5: Flying a Pattern.” Note: Please see “Chapter 7: Setting Advanced Features” for advanced setup options as needed.

  • Page 48: Setting The Local Time

    LiteStar II Air User Guide Setting the Local Time LiteStar II Air is set to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). GMT is based on a 24-hour clock representing the time at the zero degree meridian (Prime Meridian). To convert to local time, you must set your local time in LiteStar II Air.

  • Page 50: 4: Logging Job Data

    4: L OGGING Overview Changing Log Settings Creating a New Job Continuing a Job Reviewing Log Data Deleting a Job...

  • Page 51: Overview

    4: Logging Job Data VERVIEW LiteStar II Air is available in a logging and a non-logging version. The logging version of LiteStar II Air comes pre-set and ready to log your important job data. Data logged includes both general log data and spray activity data.
  • Page 52 LiteStar II Air User Guide LiteStar II Air can typically hold up to 80 hours of logging time on a 16MB memory card, depending on the activities performed. You can choose to turn logging on or off with each new job at the Settings OK? screen.

  • Page 53: Changing Log Settings

    4: Logging Job Data HANGING ETTINGS Logging is automatically enabled in LiteStar II Air (if you have purchased the logging version). However, there are three log settings that can affect the log data logged: • Log speed - the speed at or above which logging is ON.
  • Page 54 LiteStar II Air User Guide Scroll down the System menu until you reach the Logging > sub-menu. LOGGING Log Speed Log Interval Log per Job Change any of the settings as desired. See the introduction to this section for available options.

  • Page 55: Creating A New Job

    4: Logging Job Data REATING A Creating a job is your first task in using LiteStar II Air. That’s why when you first turn on your LiteStar II Air system, you will see the following start-up help screen. SETTINGS OK? Swath Width 60.0 Ft...
  • Page 56 LiteStar II Air User Guide • If they are not, press to change the settings. If you select NO: You will see the Swath Width entry screen. Enter the swath width. Tip! Menu reminder! To change a number, use your rotary dial to scroll through numbers 0 - 9.
  • Page 57 4: Logging Job Data remote Swath Advance button on your aircraft to set your A, B, and C points at the prompts. Note: For further instructions on how to follow pattern guidance and fly a basic pattern, see “Chapter 5: Flying a Pattern”.

  • Page 58: Saving A Job

    LiteStar II Air log in MapStar, or other mapping application, to review your work. To save an incomplete job, you can set a mark in LiteStar II Air. LiteStar II Air automatically stores job information as a mark -...

  • Page 59: Continuing A Job

    4: Logging Job Data ONTINUING A LiteStar II Air automatically stores a mark - including your swath number, swath width, pattern, direction, acreage, and spray information - at the last point sprayed on your last job flown before turning off LiteStar II Air.

  • Page 60: Reviewing Log Data

    LiteStar II Air User Guide EVIEWING You cannot reveiw log data from the controller. You must transfer the multimedia card to your personal computer. You can then view the log files on your computer in text format or in a graphic using MapStar.

  • Page 61: Deleting Log Data

    4: Logging Job Data ELETING To delete a log: Select to access the main menu. MAIN Setup > DGPS > Light Bar > Select the Setup menu. You will see the System Setup sub- menu: SETUP Flip Pattern Swath Number Brightness Contrast Units...
  • Page 62 LiteStar II Air User Guide Select the item you wish to delete and press LiteStar II Air will ask you if you are sure you wish to delete the selection - press delete or to cancel.

  • Page 64: 5: Flying A Pattern

    5: F LYING A ATTERN Available Patterns Pattern Guidance Flying a Basic Pattern...

  • Page 65: Available Patterns

    5: Flying a Pattern VAILABLE ATTERNS LiteStar II Air supports six patterns, providing complete flexibility to fly the shape of any field. Racetrack (RCTRK) Back-to-Back (BK-BK) - Left or Right Fly consecutive swaths Fly each side of a field, then parallel to the A|B line.
  • Page 66 LiteStar II Air User Guide Quick Racetrack (QKRTK) Reverse Racetrack (RVTRK) Fly a pattern similar to the Fly a pattern similar to the Racetrack - however, in the Racetrack. This is called the Quick Racetrack pattern, you “Reverse” Racetrack because...

  • Page 67: Pattern Guidance

    5: Flying a Pattern ATTERN UIDANCE Pattern Types There are two basic types of patterns - open patterns and closed patterns. In an open pattern, you can fly an unlimited, or “open” number of swaths because the pattern is not dependent on the size of the field.

  • Page 68: Flying A Basic Pattern

    ATTERN Once you have set your job options (see Chapter 2), you are ready to begin flying with LiteStar II Air. In the example below, we have chosen to fly a Back-to-Back (BK-BK) pattern. Note: The example below uses your default settings set at the factory.
  • Page 69 5: Flying a Pattern Press the remote swath advance button to set your B point. Note: If flying a closed pattern, the Lightbar will next prompt you to set your C point. Press the remote swath advance button to set your C point. Turn off the spray as you leave the field.
  • Page 70 LiteStar II Air User Guide b. Use lightbar guidance to find Swath #2 c. Turn on spray a. Press Swath d. Fly Swath #2 Advance beginnin g of turn e. Turn off spray Lightbar guidance: the top row of LEDs shows cross-track distance and direction to target swath;...
  • Page 71 Headin swath line. The default left display tells you the exact cross-track distance. LiteStar II Air will show up to 999 (feet or meters depending on units selected); if you are farther out than 999 feet/meters, the display will...
  • Page 72 LiteStar II Air User Guide Note: Each cross-track (top row) LED represents a certain distance. For example, the farther you are off-track, the more LEDs will light up. When you are closer to your target, fewer LEDs will light up.

  • Page 73: Common Tasks For Flying A Pattern

    5: Flying a Pattern Common Tasks for Flying a Pattern Common tasks you may need to perform when flying a pattern include: • flipping a pattern to the opposite side of the A|B line - this allows you to repeat your pattern on the opposite side of the A|B line without having to redefine the A|B line •...
  • Page 74 LiteStar II Air User Guide Select Flip Pattern. A message will appear on the screen: “Are you sure you want to flip the pattern?” Press to flip the pattern, or to cancel. Advancing/Decrementing Swaths - You can advance swaths by...
  • Page 75 5: Flying a Pattern • Press to access the main menu and enter a specific swath number. Select Setup. SYSTEM Swath Number Flip Pattern Brightness Contrast Select Swath Number. SWATH NUMBER Turn the rotary dial left or right to increment or decrement swath numbers as needed.

  • Page 76: Troubleshooting

    LiteStar II Air User Guide Troubleshooting When flying a pattern, you may encounter a Lightbar warning. Warnings may include spraying a previously sprayed swath (double-spray warning) or invalid or poor DGPS reception. The Lightbar will flash a warning in this case. Your active guidance will disappear from the Lightbar;...

  • Page 78: W Aypoints

    6: U SING AVIGATION ARKS & W AYPOINTS Setting a Mark Recalling a Mark Navigating to a Mark Deleting a Mark...
  • Page 79 6: Using Navigation Marks & Waypoints ETTING A In LiteStar II Air you can mark a location while flying and save it as a Last Swath or a Waypoint. Saving a mark as “Last Swath” saves your current job and swathing information: •...
  • Page 80 Note: You can set up to three marks (M1, M2, and M3) in addition to the Last Swath mark automatically set by LiteStar II Air at the last swath flown on the last spray job flown before shutting down LiteStar II Air.
  • Page 81 When you return to a Last Swath mark, LiteStar will guide you back to the swath that was active when you made the mark. When you return to a Waypoint, LiteStar II Air calculates the shortest distance between where you recalled the waypoint and provides guidance back to the point where you saved the waypoint.
  • Page 82 Air provides guidance to the exact GPS coordinates of the waypoint. However, when receiving guidance to a mark, LiteStar II Air provides guidance to the swath that was active when you made the mark. See “Navigating to a Mark” on the following page for more information.

  • Page 83: Navigating To A Mark

    - When navigating to a waypoint, LiteStar II Air provides guidance to the exact GPS coordinates. However, when navigating to a mark, LiteStar II Air provides guidance to the swath that was active when you made the mark. Waypoint Guidance - When navigating to a waypoint, LiteStar II...
  • Page 84 LiteStar II Air User Guide Mark Guidance - When navigating to a mark, LiteStar II Air provides guidance to the swath that was active when you made the mark. Follow your Lightbar guidance cues to find the swath. Note: The Navigation screen will not show Brg or distance - it will remain blank - when navigating to a mark.
  • Page 85 Scroll down and select the Delete option. Select the mark number the mark or waypoint is stored under (M1, M2, or M3). Press . LiteStar II Air will ask you to confirm that you wish to delete the mark. Press to confirm or to cancel.

  • Page 86: S Etting A Dvanced F Eatures

    7: S ETTING DVANCED EATURES System Options DGPS Options Lightbar Options...

  • Page 87: Overview

    7: Setting Advanced Features VERVIEW Advanced setup options include: • System setup: manually adjust the swath number, adjust display screen brightness and contrast, set units, flip pattern, restore start-up help or factory defaults, set logging options, • Differential GPS (DGPS) setup: check the status of the DGPS being used by the receiver, check the port setup, and set the local time, or switch receiver applications •...
  • Page 88 LiteStar II Air User Guide YSTEM PTIONS After using LiteStar II Air for awhile, you may wish to change the system settings or reset the entire system to factory defaults. The System menu allows you to: • increment/decrement the Swath Number •...

  • Page 89: Setting The Swath Number

    7: Setting Advanced Features Setting the Swath Number If you choose not to install the remote Swath Advance switch, you can manually increment/decrement swaths using the controller. To set the swath number: Press to access the main menu. Select Setup. SYSTEM Swath Number Brightness...

  • Page 90: Setting The Display Screen Brightness

    LiteStar II Air User Guide Setting the Display Screen Brightness Depending on weather conditions or the cockpit’s environment, you may need to adjust the brightness of the display screen many times during a workday. To set the display screen brightness: Select System >...
  • Page 91 7: Setting Advanced Features Setting the Display Screen Contrast The display screen also has contrast settings. You can customize the contrast on the display screen to meet your needs. To set the display screen contrast: Select Setup > Contrast from the Main menu. SYSTEM Brightness Contrast...

  • Page 92: Setting The Units

    LiteStar II Air User Guide Setting the Units By default, your LiteStar II Air comes pre-set with U.S. units. If using metric units, you will need to change this setting. To set units: Select Setup > Units from the Main menu.
  • Page 93 7: Setting Advanced Features To set Look Ahead timing: Select System > Look Ahead from the Main menu. SYSTEM Units U.S. Look Ahead Start-up Help Delete Tip! Notice the number next to Look Ahead - it shows the current setting (0.0 seconds). You will see the following screen: Look Ahead 0.5 Sec...

  • Page 94: Turning Start-Up Help Off/On

    LiteStar II Air User Guide Turning Start-Up Help Off/On The LiteStar II Air comes equipped with a quick start screen that provides a guided shortcut to starting a job. Please see “Chapter 4: Logging Job Data” for more information on using jobs in LiteStar II Air.

  • Page 95: Deleting Logs Or Marks

    Deleting Logs or Marks Select Setup > Delete and follow the on-screen prompts to delete jobs or marks in LiteStar II Air. This function is covered in “Chapter 4: Logging Job Data” and “Chapter 6: Using Navigation Marks & Waypoints.”...

  • Page 96: Resetting Factory Defaults

    74.5 Hr Resetting Factory Defaults Factory defaults are the pre-programmed setup options that allow you to begin using LiteStar II Air as soon as it is installed! However, if you have customized any settings, you may wish to restore the defaults.

  • Page 97: Loading Firmware

    Firmware is the software that controls the Lightbar and controller. You can load new firmware by copying it onto your multimedia card (logging version), or directly into the LiteStar II Air via the serial port (non-logging version). To load the firmware by copying onto the multimedia card: Turn off LiteStar II Air.
  • Page 98 “Power” connector on the bottom of the LiteStar II Air controller. Attach the LiteStar II Air Power Adapter Cable (Part No. 054- 0034) to the end of the LiteStar II Air Power Cable (Part No. 054-0040). Connect one end of the LiteStar II Air GPIO Cable (Part No.
  • Page 99 10. Once completed, turn off the LiteStar II Air controller, remove the LiteStar II Air GPIO cable, and turn on the LiteStar II Air controller. 11. Verify that you have loaded the desired firmware version by looking in the upper right-hand corner of the splash screen for the new version number.Formatting a Replacement Memory...
  • Page 100 LiteStar II Air User Guide When you receive a replacement card or wish to purge your current card of all files select the Format Card option. WARNING! Formatting a memory card is NOT reversible. You will erase any data on the card.

  • Page 101: Testing Hardware

    7: Setting Advanced Features To format a card: Select Setup > Utilities > Format Card from the Main menu. You will see the following screen: Warning! All data will be erased from the card. Are you sure? Press to format a new card, or return to the menu.
  • Page 102 The type of DGPS receiver you purchase with LiteStar II Air plays an important role in the overall performance of the product. Because the receiver communicates with the Lightbar and controller, you may want to check the DGPS menu to: •...

  • Page 103: Checking The Dgps Status

    7: Setting Advanced Features Checking the DGPS Status The Status display screens provide information on the GPS used by LiteStar II Air. The status screens show: • differential age • number of satellites used • Bit Error Rate (BER) •...
  • Page 104 LiteStar II Air User Guide DGPS STATUS 3D “D” = DGPS “d” = lost signal Receiver type Rcvr: SLX Number of satellites Lower HDOP = better Tracked 10 Used 9 tracked & used GPS precision HDOP 1.3 Time (seconds) since last Diff.

  • Page 105: Checking The Differential Source

    Your differential source depends on the type of receiver you are using, such as WAAS, OmniSTAR, or e-Dif. Please refer to the user guide that came with your receiver or your Hemisphere GPS dealer for information on differential sources. Note: In some circumstances, the differential source will not be available.

  • Page 106: Checking The Port Setup

    LiteStar II Air User Guide Checking the Port Setup DGPS receivers require different signals in order to function. These signals are broadcast after the position and time have been successfully calculated. To ensure that your receiver is properly formatted, there are international standards for the data exchange (NMEA or RTCM) formats and protocols.
  • Page 107 7: Setting Advanced Features NMEA Messages - All Hemisphere GPS receivers support eight different NMEA string types. Some are restricted to certain output rates and some are used more than others, but they are all controlled using the same ASCII command. The NMEA string types are: •...
  • Page 108 LiteStar II Air User Guide Setting the Local Time LiteStar II Air is set to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). GMT is based on a 24-hour clock representing the time at the zero degree meridian (Prime Meridian). To convert to local time, you must set your local time in LiteStar II Air.

  • Page 109: Swapping Slx Applications

    WARNING will tell you that you may temporarily lose guidance while swapping. Press to confirm you wish to swap applications. Reboot LiteStar II Air to begin receiving data. Using e-Dif - e-Dif (extended-Differential) is a proprietary Hemisphere GPS technology that provides precision guidance with accuracy similar to that achieved with a broadcast differential solution.
  • Page 110 LiteStar II Air User Guide Tips for Using e-Dif - •If absolute positioning based on a reference point is critical to your operation, then set a reference point and return to it every 40 minutes to re- calibrate e-Dif and maintain sub-meter accuracy. This is most commonly used for air applications.
  • Page 111 40 minutes. Turn on your LiteStar II Air system if it is not yet turned on. If e-Dif is selected as your differential type, you will see the Waiting for GPS screen followed by the Waiting for e-Dif screen upon powering on LiteStar II Air.
  • Page 112 LiteStar II Air User Guide Turn the rotary dial to access the status screen and verify that the Diff Age field has reset to 0 and begun counting up. 6-10-04 15:08:47 N 75.11111 W 75.111111 Diff Age 0 e-Dif 0...
  • Page 113 Setup Start e-Dif Status LiteStar II Air will switch back to the main guidance screen. Continue using LiteStar II Air for guidance for another 40 minutes and repeat the calibration process if necessary. Note: You can return to a calibration point at any time, even after powering down the receiver.

  • Page 114: Lightbar Options

    LiteStar II Air User Guide IGHTBAR PTIONS Depending on its position on the aircraft or daily weather conditions, you may need to adjust the brightness of the Lightbar in order to see the LED display. You may also wish to adjust the sensitivity of the LEDs (how many feet or meters each LED light represents) and change the left and right display options on the Lightbar.

  • Page 115: Setting The Lightbar Brightness

    Setting the Lightbar Brightness To set the Lightbar brightness: Select Lightbar > Brightness from the Main menu. LIGHTBAR Brightness Sensitivity L Disp X-track R Disp Swath # Tip! Notice the number next to Brightness shows the current brightness level (5). Turn the rotary dial to adjust the brightness level.
  • Page 116 LiteStar II Air User Guide...

  • Page 117: Changing The Left And Right Lightbar Displays

    7: Setting Advanced Features To set the Lightbar sensitivity: Select Lightbar > Sensitivity from the Main menu. LIGHTBAR Brightness Sensitivity L Disp X-track R Disp Swath # Tip! Notice the number next to Sensitivity shows the current sensitivity (Level 5). Turn the rotary dial to adjust the sensitivity level.
  • Page 118 LiteStar II Air User Guide • blank Left Display (Default Right Display (Default Cross-Track Swath Number) Distanc To change the left and right displays: Select L (Left) display or R (Right) display from the Lightbar menu. LIGHTBAR Brightness Sensitivity L Disp...
  • Page 119 7: Setting Advanced Features Testing the Lightbar LiteStar II Air automatically runs a Lightbar test at start up. However, you can run a test at any time to ensure the Lightbar is functioning properly. For example, if you suspect one of your LED lights is burned out, you can run a test to make sure.

  • Page 120: Appendix A: Troubleshooting

    PPENDIX ROUBLESHOOTING FAQs Common Error Messages...

  • Page 121: Faqs

    Appendix A: Troubleshooting Q: Why don’t I have guidance? A: You may have lost differential GPS. Select DGPS > Status from the main menu to check: • Differential age. If the age is zero, that means you have no differential. Check your subscription date to make sure it hasn’t expired.
  • Page 122 A: Yes. While you can’t program in a specific waypoint, LiteStar II Air will remember a waypoint that you mark while driving a field. This is called a mark in LiteStar II Air. During an active job, press . Save the mark as a Waypoint. LiteStar II Air stores the...
  • Page 123 Q: How many logs can LiteStar II Air hold in its memory? How do I purge the files? LiteStar II Air can typically hold over 80 hours of log time on a 16MB memory card, but this depends on the activities logged. To purge logs from LiteStar II Air’s memory, you will need to reformat...

  • Page 124: Common Error Messages

    LiteStar II Air User Guide OMMON RROR ESSAGES Lightbar Error Messages Lightbar Display Warning Message Swath Double Spray When spray on is detected on a previously sprayed swath, the display will blink and you will see an underscore in front of the swath number.

  • Page 125: Controller Error Messages

    Appendix A: Troubleshooting Controller Error Messages Controller Display This Means Solution Guidance Status Screen, Guidance Status Screen, See the solution in the Thumbs down = loss of Lightbar Error table Thumbs down DGPS above, Loss of DGPS. DGPS Status Screen, lowercase “d”...

  • Page 126: Appendix B: Glossary

    PPENDIX LOSSARY...

  • Page 127: Glossary

    Appendix B: Glossary LOSSARY Altitude - The altitude is based on the level above the WGS-84 ellipsoid. The ellipsoid is very close to sea level but varies depending on your location on Earth. The value is set by the unit of measurement you are using (US or metric).
  • Page 128 GPS receiver. The remote receiver then applies the corrections to each satellite used to compute its fix. e-Dif - e-Dif is available with Hemisphere GPS’ SLXg and SLXg3 receivers. e-Dif provides positions that are very accurate in relation to a temporary reference location. This is done by gathering...
  • Page 129 A positive value represents East. A negative value represents West. Mark - A mark whose coordinates are known with sufficient accuracy for a given purpose. LiteStar II Air Air uses DGPS data to guide you back to a saved mark.
  • Page 130 Port - The Port setup in LiteStar II Air allows you to ensure that your DGPS receiver is properly formatted. You can set the baud rate and view NMEA and RTCM message types.
  • Page 131 WAAS - Wide Area Augmentation System. A U.S. government based GPS-based navigation and landing system that provides precision guidance to civilians. WAAS is designed to improve accuracy and ensure the integrity of information coming from GPS satellites. Waypoint - A GPS location - latitude and longitude.

  • Page 132: Appendix C: Lite Star Ii Air Technical Specifications

    PPENDIX II A ECHNICAL PECIFICATIONS...

  • Page 133: Technical Specifications

    Appendix C: LiteStar II Air Technical Specifications ECHNICAL PECIFICATIONS Table C-1: Power specifications Voltage Input Range 10 - 32 V Power Consumption Current Consumption 450 mA @ 12 VDC 850 mA @ 24 VDC Table C-2: Mechanical specifications Lightbar Dimensions 1.9 H x 13.4 W x 6.5 D in.
  • Page 134 LiteStar II Air User Guide Table C-3: Environmental specifications Operating Temperature -4 to +140 F (-20 to +60 C) Storage Temperature -40 to +176 F (-40 to +80 C) Resistance Dust and Water Vibration and Shock Humidity 95% non-condensing *Specifications are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 135 www.hemispheregps.com e-mail: info@hemispheregps.com...

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