Campbell Scientific GPS16X-HVS User Manual

GPS16X-HVS

GPS Receiver

Revision

Copyright ©
Campbell Scientif

: 05/2020

2003 – 2020

ic, Inc.

Table of Contents

PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.

1. Overview .................................................................... 1

1.1 Default Settings ....................................................................................1

1.2 Compatible Data Loggers.....................................................................2

1.3 Common Accessories ...........................................................................2

2. Precautions ................................................................ 2

3. Initial Inspection ........................................................ 3

4. QuickStart .................................................................. 3

5. Specifications ............................................................ 5

6. Installation ................................................................. 6

6.1 Wiring ..................................................................................................6

6.1.1 Using with an A300 ......................................................................8

6.2 Mounting ..............................................................................................9

7. GPS Data .................................................................... 9

7.1 $GPGGA Sentence (Position and Time) ............................................ 10

7.2 $GPRMC Sentence (Position and Time) ............................................ 11

8. CRBasic Programming ............................................ 11

8.1 GPS() Instruction ............................................................................... 11

8.2 Example Program Using GPS() Instruction ....................................... 13

9. Troubleshooting ...................................................... 14

9.1 Testing and Evaluating Serial Communications ................................ 15

9.1.1 Through a Direct Connection to the GPS16X-HVS ................... 15

9.1.2 Through a Data Logger Connected to the GPS16X-HVS ........... 15

9.2 NMEAStrings Variable Populated, but Clock Not Setting ................ 16

Appendices

A. Changing GPS16X-HVS Settings .......................... A-1

A.1 Computer Connections .................................................................... A-1

A.1.1 Using the A200 ........................................................................ A-1

A.1.1.1 Driver Installation .......................................................... A-1

A.1.1.2 Wiring ............................................................................ A-2

A.1.1.3 Powering the Sensor ...................................................... A-3

i

Table of Contents

Determining which COM Port the A200 has been

A.1.1.4

Assigned .................................................................... A-3

A.1.2 Using the DB9-Female-to-Terminal-Block Interface .............. A-3

B. Serial Programming ............................................... B-1

Figures

1-1. The GPS16X-HVS terminates in pigtails for direct connection to

our data loggers.................................................................................1

6-1. CR1000 to GPS16X-HVS connection .................................................7

6-2. GPS16X-HVS mounted using a CM235 Magnetic Mounting Stand ...9

A-1. A200 Sensor-to-PC Interface .......................................................... A-2

Tables

1-1. Default Settings ....................................................................................1

6-1. Data Logger Wiring .............................................................................7

6-2. CR9000X Wiring .................................................................................8

6-3. GPS16X-HVS Wiring to A300 Terminals and Data Logger

Terminals ..........................................................................................8

6-4. A300 Cable Wiring to Data Logger Terminals ....................................9

7-1. NMEA $GPGGA String Definition ................................................... 10

A-1. A200 Wiring .................................................................................... A-2

A-2. DB9-Female-to-Terminal-Block Interface Wiring .......................... A-3

CRBasic Examples

8-1. Reading the GPS Using the GPS() Instruction ................................... 14

B-1. Reading the GPS Using Serial Programming ................................... B-1

ii

TABLE 1-1. Default Settings

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

1. Overview

FIGURE 1-1. The GPS16X-HVS terminates in pigtails for direct

connection to our data loggers

The GPS16X-HVS is a complete GPS receiver manufactured by Garmin
International, Inc. Campbell Scientific configures the GPS16X-HVS to work
with our data loggers and modifies its cable so that the cable terminates in
pigtails. The pigtails connect directly to the control terminals of our data
loggers or with the aid of an A300.

The GPS16X-HVS includes the GPS receiver and antenna in the same housing
with one cable for the power supply and communications. The GPS antenna
must have a clear view of the sky. Generally, the GPS antenna will not work
indoors.

The GPS16X-HVS is a 12-channel GPS receiver that supports FAA Wide Area
Augmentation System (WAAS) or RTCM differential GPS. Also supported is
the 1 Pulse Per Second (PPS) timing signal. The cable connections provided
with the GPS16X-HVS do not support differential GPS correction. The cable
can be modified by the user if differential correction is required.

1.1 Default Settings

TABLE 1-1 shows the default settings of the GPSX16-HVS.

Baud Rate 38400 bps

Sentences Output GPGGA, GPRMC

Parity N (no parity)

Stop Bit 1

PPS 100 ms

1

1.2 Compatible Data Loggers

NOTE

Compatible Contemporary Data Loggers

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

CR300

Series



CR800

Series CR6 Series CR1000X CR1000 CR3000 CR9000X

*

 

*If PPS is required, the A300 Power and Signal Converter is needed.
**CPU Card RS-232 port only.

This manual provides information only for CRBasic data loggers.
For retired Edlog data logger support, see an older manual at

www.campbellsci.com/old-manuals.

Except for the CR9000(X), our data loggers use the CRBasic GPS() instruction
to read the GPS16X-HVS. To use the PPS functionality, some data loggers
need an updated clock chip. The clock chip is factory replaced (refer to

Assistance page for more information). Data loggers with the following serial

numbers need an updated chip:

Data Logger Serial Number

CR1000M < 20409

CR800 Series < 7920

CR3000 < 3168

In August 2014, Garmin changed the PPS output signal from 5 V to 3 V. Units
with serial numbers greater than 1A4189318 have a 3 V PPS output signal.
Because of this, the CR800-series, CR1000, and CR3000 data loggers need the
A300 power and signal converter to use the PPS signal output. The A300 is
NOT required for the CR6-series, CR1000X, or CR300-series data loggers.

* * **

1.3 Common Accessories

2. Precautions

The following common accessories are described at

www.campbellsci.com/gps16x-hvs:

• GPS16X-HVS Magnetic Mount

• CM235 Magnetic Mounting Stand

• A200 Sensor to PC Interface

• A300 Power and Signal Converter

• DB9 Female to Terminal Block with Hood and Hardware Kit

• READ AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the front of this

manual.

• When wiring the GPS16X-HVS, connect Ground before connecting 12V.

2

3. Initial Inspection

Upon receipt of the GPS16X-HVS, inspect the packaging and contents for
damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.

4. QuickStart

A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:

www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-datalogger-getting-started-program­part-3. Short Cut is an easy way to program your data logger to measure the

GPS16X-HVS and assign data logger wiring terminals. Short Cut is available
as a download on www.campbellsci.com. It is included in installations of
LoggerNet, RTDAQ, PC400, or PC200W.

The following procedure also describes using Short Cut to measure the
GPS16X-HVS.

1. Open Short Cut and select to create a new program.

2. Double-click the data logger model.

3. In the Available Sensors and Devices type GPS16X-HVS or find the

sensor in the Sensors > Miscellaneous Sensors folder. Double-click

GPS16X-HVS. Specify the Local time offset, whether to synchronize
datalogger clock to GPS clock, and the Maximum time difference
allowed between datalogger clock and GPS clock. You may also change

any of the default labels for the returned GPS values.

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

3

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

4. Click on the Wiring tab to see how the sensor is to be wired to the data

logger. Click OK after wiring the sensor.

5. Repeat steps three and four for other sensors. Click Next.

6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, meaningful table names, and Data

Output Storage Interval.

4

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

7. Select the output options.

8. Click Finish and save the program. Send the program to the data logger if

the data logger is connected to the computer.

9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor

in the data display in LoggerNet, RTDAQ, PC400, or PC200W to make
sure it is making reasonable measurements.

5. Specifications

Physical

Size: 86 mm (3.39 in) diameter, 42 mm (1.65 in) high

Weight: 181 g (6.4 oz) without cable, 332 g (11.7 oz) with 5 m

Cable: PVC-jacketed, 5 m, foil-shielded, 8-conductor, 28 AWG

Electrical Characteristics

Input Voltage: 8.0 VDC to 40 VDC unregulated

Current Drain: 65 mA @ 12 VDC

GPS Receiver

Sensitivity: –185 dbW minimum

GPS Performance

Receiver: WAAS enabled; 12 parallel channel GPS receiver

cable

continuously tracks and uses up to 12 satellites, 11 if
PPS is active

5

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

Acquisition Times (Approximate)
Reacquisition: Less than 2 s
Hot: 1 s (all data known)
Warm: ~38 s (initial position, time and almanac known,

ephemeris unknown)

Cold: ~45 s

SkySearch: 5 min (no data known)

Sentence Rate: 1 s default; NMEA 0183 output interval configurable

from 1 to 900 s in one second increments

Accuracy: GPS Standard Positioning Service (SPS)
Position: Less than 15 m, 95% typical (100 m with selective

availability on)

Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS steady state

DGPS (USCG/RTCM)

Position: 3-5 m, 95% typical
Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS steady state

DGPS (WAAS)

Position: Less than 3 m
Velocity: 0.1 knot RMS steady state

6. Installation

6.1 Wiring

PPS Time: ±1 microsecond at rising edge of PPS pulse (subject to

selective availability)

Dynamics: 999 knots velocity (limited above 60,000 ft, 6g

dynamics)

Interfaces: True RS-232 output, asynchronous serial input

compatible with RS-232 or TTL voltage levels, RS-232
polarity. Selectable baud rates (4800, 9600, 19200,

38400)

PPS: 1 Hz pulse, programmable width, 1 microsecond

accuracy

Power Control

Off: Open circuit
On: Ground or pull to low logic level < 0.3 VDC

Environmental Characteristics

Temperature: –30 to 80 °C operational, –40 to 80 °C storage

The GPS16X-HVS connects directly to a CR6-series, CR3000, CR1000X,
CR800-series, CR300-series, or CR1000 data logger (see TABLE 6-1).
However, if PPS is required, the A300 Power and Signal Converter may be
required for use with the CR800 series, CR1000, and CR3000. See Section

6

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

TABLE 6-1. Data Logger Wiring

⏚

6.1.1, Using with an A300

(p. 8). The CR6 series, CR1000X series, and CR300

series do not require the A300.

Use the DB9-Male-to-Terminal-Block interface to connect the GPS16X-HVS
to the RS-232 port of the CR9000X CPU card. See TABLE 6-2.

To change the default settings, connect the GPS16X-HVS to a computer.
Either use the A200 interface to connect to a computer USB port or the
DB9-Female-to-Terminal-Block interface to connect to a computer serial port
(see Appendix A, Changing GPS16X-HVS Settings

(p. A-1)).

GPS16X-HVS Data Logger Function

Red 12V Power In

Black G Power Ground

Yellow G or C (control terminal)

Ground or

Power Switch

White C or U configured for Rx1 TXD

Gray C or U configured for Tx or PPS1 RXD or PPS

Blue G Ground

Shield

1

U terminals are automatically configured by the measurement instruction.

Shield

FIGURE 6-1. CR1000 to GPS16X-HVS connection

7

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

TABLE 6-2. CR9000X Wiring

TABLE 6-3. GPS16X-HVS Wiring to A300 Terminals

GPS16X-HVS CR9000X Function

*All of the grounds to the RS-232 pin 5 (using the DB9-Male-to-Terminal Block
interface). A 5-position terminal connector can be used to facilitate connecting all of the
wires into the same terminal.

6.1.1 Using with an A300

In 2014, Garmin changed the pulse-per-second (PPS) output of the
GPS16X-HVS from 5 V to 3 V. Units with a serial number 1A4189318 or
greater have a PPS output of 0 to 3 V. For those units, an A300 is needed to
connect the PPS output to a CR800-series, CR3000, or CR1000 data logger.
Those data loggers require the PPS line to have a voltage of 3.8 V or greater.

Red

Black

Yellow

White

Gray

12 V (SDM or 9011

connector)

Ground (SDM or 9011

connector)*

Ground (SDM or 9011

connector)*

RS-232 pin 3 (using

28841)

RS-232 pin 9 (using

28841)

Power In

Power Ground

Power Switch

TXD

PPS

Blue No Connection N/A

Shield

Ground (SDM or 9011

connector)*

Shield

GPS16X-HVS

Wire Color

Red 12 V 12V

Black Ground G

Yellow Enable G or C terminal

White TXD (Output) C (even) (Rx)

Gray PPS 3.3V IN

Blue Ground Ground

Shield Shield Ground

and Data Logger Terminals

GPS16X-HVS

Wire Function

A300

Terminal

Data Logger

8

TABLE 6-4. A300 Cable Wiring to Data Logger Terminals

A300 Wire Color

A300 Wire Function

Data Logger

G

G

6.2 Mounting

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

Red 12 V 12V

Black Ground

Green 5 V Signal Input

White 5 V Signal Output C (Tx)

The GPS16X-HVS mounts to a mast or crossarm using the CM235 Magnetic
Mounting Stand. Typically, the GPS16X-HVS mounts to the CM235
magnetically with the Magnetic Mount. Alternatively, the GPS16X-HVS can
be mounted directly to the CM235 using three M4 screws supplied with the
17212 or by the customer.

FIGURE 6-2. GPS16X-HVS mounted using a CM235 Magnetic

Mounting Stand

7. GPS Data

The GPS16X-HVS has several data formats available. The GPS16X-HVS is
configured to output the NMEA $GPGGA and $GPRMC time and position
string. It is possible to configure the GPS16X-HVS to output other NMEA
strings including the $GPVTG track made good and ground speed string. See
Appendix A, Changing GPS16X-HVS Settings

(p. A-1), for details.

9

7.1 $GPGGA Sentence (Position and Time)

TABLE 7-1. NMEA $GPGGA String Definition

Sample NMEA $GPGGA data string:

$GPGGA,hhmmss,llll.lll,a,nnnnn.nnn,b,t,uu,v.v,w.w,M,x.x,M,y.y,zzzz*hh<CR><LF>

Field Description

0 $GPGGA NMEA string identifier

1 hhmmss UTC of Position: Hours, minutes, seconds

2 1111.111 Latitude: Degrees, minutes, thousandths of minutes

3 a N (North) or S (South)

4 nnnnn.nnn Longitude: Degrees, minutes, thousandths of minutes

5 b E (East) or W (West)

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

6 t

7 uu Number of Satellites in Use

8 v.v Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP)

9 w.w Antenna Altitude in Meters

10 M M = Meters

11 x.x Geoidal Separation in Meters

12 M

13 y.y

14 zzzz Differential Reference Station ID (0000 to 1023)

15 * Asterisk, generally used as the termination character

16 hh Checksum

17 <CR><LF> Carriage return, line feed characters.

Sample $GPGGA output strings:

GPS Quality Indicator: 0 = No GPS, 1 = GPS, 2 =
DGPS

M = Meters. Geoidal separation is the difference
between the WGS-84 earth ellipsoid and mean-sea­level.

Age of Differential GPS Data. Time in seconds since
the last Type 1 or 9 Update

Cold Start
No satellites acquired, Real Time Clock and Almanac invalid:
$GPGGA,,,,,,0,00,,,,,,,*66

Warm Start
No satellites acquired, time from Real Time Clock, almanac valid:
$GPGGA,235032.0,,,,,0,00,,,,,,,*7D

Warm Start
One satellite in use, time from GPS Real Time Clock (not GPS), no position:
$GPGGA,183806.0,,,,,0,01,,,,,,,*7D

10

Valid GPS Fix

NOTE

Three satellites acquired, time and position valid:
$GPGGA,005322.0,4147.603,N,11150.978,W,1,03,11.9,00016,M,-016,M,,*6E

7.2 $GPRMC Sentence (Position and Time)

Example (signal not acquired):
$GPRMC,235947.000,V,0000.0000,N,00000.0000,E,,,041299,,*1D
Example (signal acquired):
$GPRMC,092204.999,A,4250.5589,S,14718.5084,E,0.00,89.68,211200,,*25

Field Example Comments

Sentence ID $GPRMC

UTC Time 092204.999 hhmmss.sss

Status A A = Valid, V = Invalid

Latitude 4250.5589 ddmm.mmmm

N/S Indicator S N = North, S = South

Longitude 14718.5084 dddmm.mmmm

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

E/W Indicator E E = East, W = West

Speed over ground 0.00 Knots

Course over ground 0.00 Degrees

UTC Date 211200 DDMMYY

Magnetic variation Degrees

Magnetic variation E = East, W = West

Checksum *25

Terminator CR/LF

8. CRBasic Programming

This section describes programming a CR6-series, CR3000, CR1000X,
CR800-series, CR300-series, CR1000, or CR9000X data logger.

8.1 GPS() Instruction

The GPS() instruction is used along with a GPS device to set the data logger
clock. This instruction will also provide information such as location
(latitude/longitude) and speed, and store NMEA sentences from the GPS
device.

To use the GPS() instruction, the data logger operating system
(OS) should be OS17 or higher for the CR1000; OS10 or higher
for the CR3000; or OS08 or higher for the CR800 series. Go to

www.campbellsci.com/downloads to upgrade the data logger OS.

11

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

The resolution of accuracy for the clock set is typically 10 microseconds. Some
older CR3000, CR800-series, and CR1000 data loggers (hardware revision
number less than or equal to 007 in RevBoard field in the data logger Status
table) have a resolution of 10 milliseconds. The clock set relies on information
from the GPRMC sentence. If this sentence is not returned, a clock set will not
occur.

By default, the instruction expects the GPS unit to be set up at 38400 baud,
outputting the GPRMC and GPGGA sentences once per second. The data
logger expects the start of the second to coincide with the rising edge of the
PPS signal. If there is no PPS signal or if the required sentences come out at
less than once per second, the data logger will not update its clock.

GPS units with lower baud rates can be used with the GPS() instruction but the
baud rate has to be set for the relevant Com port it is to be connected to either
in the data logger settings or by including a SetStatus() command after the

BeginProg() instruction in the program (for example,
SetStatus("BaudrateCOM4",19200)).

Baud rates of 2400 bps or lower will not work as the GPS unit will not transmit
the two GPS sentences once per second reliably. Similar problems can be
encountered even at higher baud rates if too many optional GPS strings are
selected to be output.

The GPS() instruction has the following syntax:

GPS(GPSArray,ComPort,TimeOffset,MaxTimeDiff,NMEAStrings)

Description of the parameters follows:

GPSArray The GPSArray parameter is the variable in which to store the

information returned by the GPS. Fifteen values are returned.
If this array is not dimensioned to 15, values will be stored to
fill the array and no error will be returned. If no values are
available, NAN will be returned. The following values are
returned by the GPS:

Array(1) = Latitude, degrees
Array(2) = Latitude, minutes
Array(3) = Longitude, degrees
Array(4) = Longitude, minutes
Array(5) = Speed over ground, knots
Array(6) = Course over ground, degrees
Array(7) = Magnetic variation (positive = East, negative =
West)
Array(8) = Fix Quality (0 = invalid, 1 = GPS, 2 = differential
GPS, 6 = estimated)
Array(9) = Number of Satellites
Array(10) = Altitude, meters
Array(11) = Pulse per second (PPS) length, microseconds
Array(12) = Seconds since last GPRMC sentence
Array(13) = GPS Ready, 10 = ready
Array(14) = Maximum clock change, milliseconds (10 msec
resolution)
Array(15) = Clock change count

12

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

ComPort The ComPort parameter is the control terminal pair to which

the GPS device is attached. Valid options are COM1 (C1/C2),
COM2 (C3/C4), COM3 (C5/C6), and COM4 (C7/C8). Rx is
used to read in the NMEA sentences and Tx is used to monitor
the PPS from the GPS. This instruction defaults to a baud rate
of 38,400 bps. If a different baud rate is required, use the
SetStatus() instruction to override the default.

TimeOffset The TimeOffset parameter is the local time offset, in seconds,

from UTC.

MaxTimeDiff The MaxTimeDiff parameter is the maximum difference in

time between the data logger clock and the GPS clock that will
be tolerated before the clock is changed. If a negative value is
entered, the clock will not be changed.

For data loggers prior to hardware revision 08, the
MaxTimeDiff parameter should not be set to 0. A minimum
value of 20 ms is recommended. With this hardware, when a
GPS() instruction is in the program the clock is checked each
second (regardless of how often the GPS() instruction is run).
The clock is set if any difference is found. This can result in
the clock being set each second, resulting in skipped records in
the data table(s). This restriction does not apply to hardware
revisions 08 or greater.

NMEAStrings The NMEAStrings parameter is the string array that holds the

NMEA sentences. If it exists, the GPRMC sentence will reside
in NMEAStrings(1), and the GPGGA sentence will reside in
NMEAStrings(2). Any other sentences will reside in
subsequent indexes into the array (on a first-in basis). Once an
index in the array is used to store a particular sentence, that
sentence will always be stored in that location when updates to
the sentence are received.

8.2 Example Program Using GPS() Instruction

The following wiring and short program provide an example of using the
GPS() instruction with the Garmin GPS16X-HVS.

13

CRBasic Example 8-1. Reading the GPS Using the GPS() Instruction

'Program the GPS16-HVS to use 38.4 kbaud, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit

PipeLineMode

EndProg

Const LOCAL_TIME_OFFSET = -6 'Local time offset relative to UTC time
Dim nmea_sentence(2) As String * 100

Public gps_data(15)
Alias gps_data(1) = latitude_a 'Degrees latitude (+ = North; - = South)
Alias gps_data(2) = latitude_b 'Minutes latitude
Alias gps_data(3) = longitude_a 'Degress longitude (+ = East; - = West)
Alias gps_data(4) = longitude_b 'Minutes longitude
Alias gps_data(5) = speed 'Speed
Alias gps_data(6) = course 'Course over ground
Alias gps_data(7) = magnetic_variation 'Magnetic variation from true north (+ =

'East; - = West)

Alias gps_data(8) = fix_quality 'GPS fix quality: 0 = invalid, 1 = GPS, 2 =

'differential GPS, 6 = estimated

Alias gps_data(9) = nmbr_satellites 'Number of satellites used for fix
Alias gps_data(10) = altitude 'Antenna altitude
Alias gps_data(11) = pps 'usec into sec of system clock when PPS

'rising edge occurs, typically 990,000 once
'synced

Alias gps_data(12) = dt_since_gprmc 'Time since last GPRMC string, normally less

'than 1 second

Alias gps_data(13) = gps_ready 'Counts from 0 to 10, 10 = ready
Alias gps_data(14) = max_clock_change 'Maximum value the clock was changed in msec
Alias gps_data(15) = nmbr_clock_change 'Number of times the clock was changed

'Define Units to be used in data file header

Units latitude_a = degrees
Units latitude_b = minutes
Units longitude_a = degrees
Units longitude_b = minutes
Units speed = knots
Units course = degrees
Units magnetic_variation = unitless
Units fix_quality = unitless
Units nmbr_satellites = unitless
Units altitude = m
Units pps = ms
Units dt_since_gprmc = s
Units gps_ready = unitless
Units max_clock_change = ms
Units nmbr_clock_change = samples

BeginProg

'Use SetStatus prior to scan if baud rate needs to be changed for device
Scan (1,Sec,0,0)
GPS (latitude_a,Com4,LOCAL_TIME_OFFSET*3600,100,nmea_sentence(1))
NextScan

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

9. Troubleshooting

Testing and evaluation of serial communications is best done by reducing the
whole system to small manageable systems. Usually some portions of the
whole system are working. The first steps involve finding what is working.
During this process, you may find parts of the system that are not working or
mistakes that can be easily corrected. Fix each subsystem before testing others.

14

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

DB9-Female-to-Terminal-Block Connections

9.1 Testing and Evaluating Serial Communications

9.1.1 Through a Direct Connection to the GPS16X-HVS

Test the GPS16X-HVS for proper operation including the baud rate and output
string. Use a computer, terminal emulator software, a serial port (RS-232), and
a DB9 to Terminal Block Interface. The computer and serial port can be the
same as used to communicate with the data logger. Terminal emulation
software is common. Hyperterm is supplied as part of Windows™ and works.
Procomm™ is another communication software package that works well.

Set up the software for the correct serial port, 38.4 kbps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit
and no parity. Flow control should be none. Using the DB9-Female-to-Terminal­Block interface, connect the GPS16X-HVS to the computer serial port. Power up
the GPS16X-HVS. The GPS antenna should have a clear view of the sky. Don’t
expect the GPS antenna to work indoors. The $GPGGA and GPRMC strings
should be displayed once a second. Make sure the $GPGGA string is showing a
valid GPS fix. A valid GPS fix will display time, position and have a GPS
quality number greater than zero.

GPS16X Receiver DB9 to Terminal Block Interface

White Pin 2

Black and Yellow Pin 5 (shares power ground)

9.1.2 Through a Data Logger Connected to the GPS16X-HVS

Serial communication can also be tested using the data logger terminal mode
watch command, also known as sniffer mode. To enter sniffer mode:

1. Connect to your data logger in the Device Configuration Utility and select

the Terminal tab. (You can also use the Terminal Emulator in PC200W,
PC400, or the LoggerNet Connect screen.)

2. Press Enter until a datalogger_type> prompt (for example, CR1000X>)

appears.

3. Type W and press Enter.

4. In response, the query Select: is presented with a list of available

terminals. Enter the port number assigned to the terminal to which the
GPS16X-HVS is connected, and press Enter.

5. In answer to Enter timeout (secs):, type 100 and press Enter.

6. In response to the query ASCII (Y)?, type Y and press Enter.

7. Communication between the data logger and GPS16X-HVS is now open

If you see no communication, the GPS16X-HVS is hooked up incorrectly, is
not powered, or does not have the yellow wire tied to ground. If you see
readable NMEA strings coming in but many fields are not populated, you most

for viewing.

15

GPS16X-HVS GPS Receiver

likely need to go outside to obtain a better signal. If you see “garbage”
characters coming in (that is, non-NMEA strings), there is likely a baud rate
mismatch.

9.2 NMEAStrings Variable Populated, but Clock Not Setting

Look at the GPSReady variable. It will increment from 0 to 10 when the data
logger has received good GPRMC strings and a synchronized PPS signal. Once
GPSReady reaches 10, the data logger will begin to use GPS time for clock
setting. The 12th value populated in GPSArray indicates elapsed time since a
GPRMC string was received and should not exceed 1. If the GPRMC string is
being received and GPSReady remains at zero, the PPS signal is not being
received by the data logger.

16

Appendix A. Changing GPS16X-HVS Settings

As configured by Campbell Scientific, the GPS16X-HVS will output the
NMEA 0183 $GPGGA and $GPRMC data strings once a second, the PPS
signal is enabled with a duration of 100 milliseconds and the baud rate is set to
38,400 baud.

Special software (SNRSRCFG.EXE) is available from Garmin International
for system setup. The GPS16X-HVS user manual available from Garmin
International provides technical details beyond the scope of the Campbell
Scientific user manual.

Settings used by Campbell Scientific for GPS16X-HVS setup:
GPS Base Model = GPS 16(X)
Fix Mode = Automatic
Baud Rate = 38,400
Dead Reckon Time = 30 sec
NMEA output time = 1 sec
Position pinning = off
NMEA 2.30 mode = off
Power Save Mode = off (Normal mode)
PPS mode = 1 Hz
PPS Length = 100 mS
Phaze output Data = off
DGPS Mode = WAAS only
Differential mode = Automatic
Earth Datum Index = WGS 84

Selected Sentences = GPGGA and GPRMC

Common changes would be baud rate and selected sentences. The NMEA 0183
GPVTG data sentence gives ground speed and direction, which may be
required for some applications. Changes can be made with the Garmin
software, or with a terminal emulator and the Garmin technical user manual.
Contact Garmin International (www.garmin.com) for either resource.

A.1 Computer Connections

Either an A200 interface or a DB9-Female-to-Terminal-Block interface is
required to connect the GPS16X-HVS to a computer. The A200 is used to
connect to a computer USB port, and the DB9 Female to Terminal Block is
used to connect to a computer 9-pin serial port.

A.1.1 Using the A200

A.1.1.1 Driver Installation

If the A200 has not been previously plugged into your computer, the A200
driver needs to be loaded onto your computer.

A-1

A.1.1.2 Wiring

TABLE A-1. A200 Wiring

NOTE

Appendix A. Changing GPS16X-HVS Settings

Drivers should be loaded before plugging the A200 into the
computer. The A200 drivers can be downloaded, at no charge,

www.campbellsci.com/downloads.

from:

One end of the A200 has a terminal block while the other end has a type B
female USB port. The terminal block provides 12V, G, TX, and RX terminals
for connecting the GPS16X-HVS (see FIGURE A-1 and TABLE A-1).

A data cable ships with the A200. This cable has a USB type-A male connector
that attaches to a computer USB port, and a type B male connector that
attaches to the A200 USB port.

Color

Red 12V +12 Vdc

Black G G

Yellow G G

White Tx Tx

Gray PPS No Connection

Blue Rx Rx

Shield sig ground G

Sensor

Cable Label

A200

Terminal

FIGURE A-1. A200 Sensor-to-PC Interface

A-2

Appendix A. Changing GPS16X-HVS Settings

TABLE A-2. DB9-Female-to-Terminal-Block

A.1.1.3 Powering the Sensor

The A200 provides power to the GPS16X-HVS when it is connected to a
computer USB port. An internal DC/DC converter boosts the 5 VDC supply
from the USB connection to a 12 VDC output that is required to power the
sensor.

A.1.1.4 Determining which COM Port the A200 has been Assigned

When the A200 is loaded, the A200 is assigned a COM port number. Often, the
assigned COM port will be the next port number that is free. However, if other
devices have been installed in the past (some of which may no longer be
plugged in), the A200 may be assigned a higher COM port number.

Often, the assigned COM port will be the next port number that is free.
However, if other devices have been installed in the past (some of which may
no longer be plugged in), the A200 may be assigned a higher COM port
number. To check which COM port has been assigned to the A200, you can
monitor the appearance of a new COM port in the list of COM ports offered in
your software package, such as LoggerNet, before and after the installation, or
look in the Windows Device Manager list under the ports section (access via
the control panel).

A.1.2 Using the DB9-Female-to-Terminal-Block Interface

The DB9-Female-to-Terminal-Block interface includes a hood for covering the
connections and is only needed for permanent installations. TABLE A-2 shows
wiring.

Interface Wiring

Interface Pin

Number

Pin 3 Blue N/A

Pin 2 White N/A

Pin 5 Shield N/A

N/A Red +12 V

N/A Black Ground

N/A Yellow Ground

Wire Color of
GPS16X-HVS

Power

Supply

A-3

CRBasic Example B-1. Reading the GPS Using Serial Programming

'GPS16X-HVS at Campbell Scientific Factory Defaults

Sample (1,ggae_w_ind,String)

Appendix B. Serial Programming

Serial programming allows the retrieval of all values of GPRMC and GPGGA
values. The GPS() instruction is a subset of the values that are available.

Const GPSPort = Com4 'Com port where GPS is connected

Public GGAstring As String * 500
Public RMCstring As String * 500

'rmc variables

Public rmcid As String
Public rmcutc As String
Public rmcstatus As String
Public rmclatitude As String
Public rmcin_s_ind As String
Public rmclongitude As String
Public rmce_w_indicator As String
Public rmcspeed As String
Public rmccourse As String
Public rmcutcdate As String
Public rmcmagvariation As String
Public rmcmage_w As String
Public rmcchecksum As String

'gga variables

Public ggaid As String
Public ggautc As String
Public ggailatitude As String
Public ggan_s_ind As String
Public ggalongitude As String
Public ggae_w_ind As String
Public ggapositionfix As String
Public gganumsatellites As String
Public ggahdop As String
Public ggaaltitude As String
Public ggaaltutudeunits As String
Public ggageoidsep As String
Public ggageoidunits As String
Public ggachecksum As String

Dim NBytesReturned As Long
Dim SubStrings(16) As String * 32, rawdata As String * 500
Dim CalculatedChecksum As Long, ReportedChecksum As Long

DataTable (gpsdata,True,-1)

DataInterval (0,1,Sec,10)
Sample (1,rmcid,String)
Sample (1,rmcutc,String)
Sample (1,rmcstatus,String)
Sample (1,rmclatitude,String)
Sample (1,rmcin_s_ind,String)
Sample (1,rmclongitude,String)
Sample (1,rmcspeed,String)
Sample (1,rmccourse,String)
Sample (1,rmcutcdate,String)
Sample (1,rmcmagvariation,String)
Sample (1,rmcmage_w,String)
Sample (1,rmcchecksum,String)
Sample (1,ggaid,String)
Sample (1,ggautc,String)
Sample (1,ggan_s_ind,String)
Sample (1,ggalongitude,String)

B-1

Sample (1,ggapositionfix,String)

Sample (1,gganumsatellites,String)

ggageoidunits=Left(SubStrings(13),1)

Sample (1,ggahdop,String)
Sample (1,ggaaltitude,String)
Sample (1,ggaaltutudeunits,String)
Sample (1,ggageoidsep,String)
Sample (1,ggageoidunits,String)
Sample (1,ggachecksum,String)

EndTable

'Main Program

BeginProg

SerialOpen (GPSPort,38400,3,0,1001)
Scan (1,Sec,0,0)

SerialInRecord (GPSPort,rawdata,36,0,&h0D0A,NBytesReturned,11)
CalculatedChecksum = CheckSum (rawdata,9,Len(rawdata) - 3)
CalculatedChecksum = CalculatedChecksum AND 255
ReportedChecksum = HexToDec(Right(rawdata,2))
If CalculatedChecksum = ReportedChecksum Then
If InStr (1,rawdata,"GPRMC",2) Then
RMCstring = rawdata
ElseIf InStr (1,rawdata,"GPGGA",2) Then
GGAstring = rawdata
EndIf
EndIf
SerialInRecord (GPSPort,rawdata,36,0,&h0D0A,NBytesReturned,11)
CalculatedChecksum = CheckSum (rawdata,9,Len(rawdata) - 3)
CalculatedChecksum = CalculatedChecksum AND 255
ReportedChecksum = HexToDec(Right(rawdata,2))
If CalculatedChecksum = ReportedChecksum Then
If InStr (1,rawdata,"GPRMC",2) Then
RMCstring = rawdata
ElseIf InStr (1,rawdata,"GPGGA",2) Then
GGAstring = rawdata
EndIf
EndIf

'parse rmc data
SplitStr (SubStrings(),RMCstring,",",16,5)
rmcid = SubStrings(1)
rmcutc = SubStrings(2)
rmcstatus = SubStrings(3)
rmclatitude = SubStrings(4)
rmcin_s_ind =SubStrings(5)
rmclongitude=SubStrings(6)
rmce_w_indicator=SubStrings(7)
rmcspeed=SubStrings(8)
rmccourse=SubStrings(9)
rmcutcdate=SubStrings(10)
rmcmagvariation=SubStrings(11)
rmcmage_w =Left(SubStrings(12),1)
rmcchecksum=Right(RMCstring,2)

'parse gga data
SplitStr (SubStrings(),GGAstring,",",16,5)
ggaid=SubStrings(1)
ggautc=SubStrings(2)
ggailatitude=SubStrings(3)
ggan_s_ind=SubStrings(4)
ggalongitude=SubStrings(5)
ggae_w_ind=SubStrings(6)
ggapositionfix=SubStrings(7)
gganumsatellites=SubStrings(8)
ggahdop=SubStrings(9)
ggaaltitude=SubStrings(10)
ggaaltutudeunits=SubStrings(11)
ggageoidsep=SubStrings(12)

Appendix B. Serial Programming

B-2

ggachecksum=Right(GGAstring,2)

EndProg

CallTable gpsdata
NextScan

Appendix B. Serial Programming

B-3

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