Eagle Tree Systems GPS-V4 Instruction Manual
Instruction Manual for the Micro GPS Expander V4
Document Version 1.3
Model # GPS-V4
Thank you for your purchase! This instruction manual will guide you through the installation and operation of your GPS
V4. Please read the entire manual carefully before proceeding. If, after you read the manual, you have further
questions or problems, see the Support page on http://www.eagletreesystems.com for additional information, or email us at
support@eagletreesystems.com.
Intended Uses
The GPS Expander V4
(the GPS)
is intended for use exclusively in model planes, boats and cars. Other uses are not supported.
Features
The GPS is designed to be used with all present Eagle Tree recording, OSD and wireless telemetry products. The GPS updates at 10Hz, consumes
very little power, and has battery backup for quick hot and warm starts.
Our Data Recorder software includes support for Google Earth, including live mode display, and Google Earth Track support for logged data.
The GPS includes onboard filtering, as well as a toroid ring filter, to improve signal reception, especially when used in conjunction with First Person
View video transmitters.
The GPS’s built-in LED indicates when a 3D fix has been attained, for convenient usage. The LED flashes UNTIL a 3D fix is attained, then stops
flashing.
The GPS is tiny and lightweight, making it perfect where weight and size are issues. See the Specifications section below for more information.
With our Windows software, and now with Google Earth™ software, your GPS data can be easily and fully visualized.
Supported Products
The GPS is compatible with the Eagle Tree Systems eLogger V3, Flight Data Recorder V2, Car Data Recorders and Boat Data Recorders with
firmware version 5.55 or higher. It is also fully compatible with Seagull Dashboards with firmware version 4.76 or higher. If you have
firmware lower than this version, go to our support website, and download the latest software, which will update the firmware of your device.
Packing List
Your package should include the following: the GPS, and a printed version of this manual. Please check your packaging for printed addenda to this
manual which may be included if changes were made after printing.
How the GPS Works
When coupled The GPS uses satellite information to determine position, speed, altitude, course,
distance to operator, and UTC time.
Connecting the GPS to the Recorder
The 4 wire connector attached to the GPS plugs into the rightmost port of your Data Recorder as
shown in Figure 1. Make sure that you connect it in the correct location on the recorder, and with the
correct polarity!
Connecting the GPS to the eLogger V3
The 4 wire connector attached to the GPS plugs into the eLogger V3 as shown in Figure 2. Make
sure that you connect it in the correct location on the recorder, and with the correct polarity!
Note: The GPS draws significant current from the eLogger. When the eLogger is powered by a higher voltage pack, such as an 8s or larger
pack, or a pack above 30 volts, the eLogger’s regulator may shut off after a short period when
used with the GPS. Please use our “Battery Backup Harness”, part number CAB-BAT-BACK, or
build your own, to provide supplemental power to the eLogger if you encounter this issue.
Installing the GPS in your Model
The GPS should be mounted with Velcro in your vehicle so that the top part (with the label) is facing
toward the sky. Normally, it is satisfactory to have the GPS inside the vehicle, since the skin of most
vehicles is relatively thin. If you have difficulty getting a signal, try mounting it externally to the
vehicle.
Copyright © 2005-2010 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
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Setting up the GPS with your Recorder
To use the GPS, first ensure that you have the latest version of the Windows application (the application). Application updates are available as a
free download from the support page of our website, for our customers.
When configured with the recorder, the GPS will record all GPS parameters as listed in the features section above, and the data is also available on
the Seagull Wireless Dashboard.
If you wish to record GPS data, choose “Hardware, Choose Parameters to Log in the Recorder” in the app, and select “GPS Parameters”. This
indicates to the recorder that GPS data should be recorded. Note that you DO NOT need to record GPS data to see it live on the Seagull
Dashboard.
If you wish the recorder to only start recording GPS (and all other) parameters after a GPS Fix is acquired, select “Advanced, Set Logging Triggers”
and select the option to trigger on GPS Fix Acquire. NOTE: If this option is triggered, the LED will flash in “pause” state (two quick flashes
repeated) until a fix is acquired. This is a handy way to tell when the fix has been acquired, if you do not use the Seagull Wireless Dashboard. Also
note that the Recorder will not log any parameters if the GPS is not connected or has not acquired a fix, when this option is selected.
To configure the application to display the GPS data, choose “Software, Choose Instruments to Display on PC Screen” in the application, and select
the GPS Parameters you wish to see. Here is a description of the parameters available:
GPS Coordinates – this option displays the Latitude and Longitude parameters of the flight. These parameters are displayed just below the
playback controls in the application.
Show GPS In DMS Mode – when this checkbox is checked, the GPS Latitude and Longitude are displayed in Degrees:Minutes:Seconds.Seconds
mode. When this box is unchecked, the parameters area displayed in Degrees:Minutes.Minutes mode.
GPS UTC Time – this option displays the UTC time as received from the GPS. The UTC is displayed in the Total Length/Progress window when
this option is selected.
GPS Altimeter Gauge/Numeric GPS Altitude – these options display GPS altitude. Note that GPS altitude takes several minutes to stabilize, after
the GPS/recorder are powered. Also note that this altitude is above MSL (Mean Sea Level). Depending on the “Metric” button on this page, the
altitude is displayed in either feet or meters.
GPS Speed Gauge/Numeric GPS Speed – these options display GPS speed. Depending on the “Metric” button on this page, the speed is
displayed in either MPH or K/H.
GPS Course Gauge/Numeric GPS Course – these options display the course of the vehicle, in degrees True North.
GPS Distance to Operator – this option displays the distance from the operator to the GPS. The value is reset to zero when the GPS/recorder are
powered on.
After a recording is made with the GPS, assuming GPS data is being logged, it will be displayed after data download. Note that if the recorder is
connected to your PC via USB, Live Mode will allow you to see the GPS parameters live. Just hit the “Live Mode!” button. See the section
below on graphing GPS data.
Setting up the GPS with the Seagull Dashboard
If you wish to display GPS data on your Seagull Dashboard, choose “Hardware, Choose Parameters to Display on Wireless Dashboard LCD” in the
application, and select the GPS parameters you wish to display.
After selecting the parameters, the Dashboard LCD pages will show the GPS information you selected, as well as any other parameters selected.
Note that the UTC, Lat/Lon and status parameters take up an entire LCD page each.
The GPS parameters can be selected via the Dashboard up/down buttons, as is the case with other Dashboard parameters.
If you connect your Dashboard to your laptop for real-time laptop display, the items selected in the section above will be displayed live.
Setting up the GPS with the Eagle Tree OSD Pro or OSD
If you wish to display GPS data on your Eagle Tree OSD, choose “Hardware, Choose Parameters to Display on Video OSD” in the application, and
select the GPS parameters you wish to display.
After selecting the parameters, the OSD will display GPS information you selected, as well as any other parameters selected.
Using the GPS
Now that you have the GPS installed and configured, it’s time to use it! To use it, simply move the GPS into an open area (some enclosed areas
will work also), power on your vehicle, and normally within one minute, the GPS will obtain a fix and begin recording and/or displaying information
on the Seagull Dashboard.
Copyright © 2005-2010 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
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