Leica MX400 Operating Instructions Manual
Operator’s
Manual
MADE TO MEASURE
MX400 GPS Navigator
Operator’s Manual
DGPS Navigator
Version 3.3
Product Information
The model and serial number of your instrument are given on
the instrument. Enter the model and serial number in the
spaces provided below. Always refer to this information
when you contact your dealer.
Receiver Serial No.:______________
Part No.: _______________
Document No. 10500MAN
MX400 Series GPS
MX400
MX400B
MX412
MX412B
MX412BR
Symbols Used In This Manual
Danger
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Warning
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Caution
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury and/or appreciable material,
financial and envirtonmental damage. This symbol is also used to
alert against unsafe practices.
Important paragraphs which must be adhered to in practice as they
enable the product to be used in a technically correct and efficient
manner.
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This manual contains important safety directions as well as instructions for setting up the instrument and operating it. Read carefully
through the Operator’s Manual, Options Manual, and Installation
& Service Manual before you switch on the instrument.
Scope Of This Manual
This manual reflects the software capabilities in version 3.2
software.
We have attempted to take care and develop manuals which provide
in-depth information. Where possible, we have attempted not only
to describe what you see on the screen, but how to understand or
use it as well. Obviously, we can’t teach you how to navigate, but
we can help make your work more thorough and enjoyable.
Throughout the manual, you will find helpful hints about the
interaction of various functions. In a piece of equipment that has the
many capabilities of this receiver, important details can sometimes
become obscured in one or two lines of text. In our effort to ensure
you get the most out of this documentation, and protect against
important details becoming lost, don’t be surprised if you see the
same or similar information more than once.
This manual is organized by describing the special front panel
features first. The sections that follow detail each primary function
as it is presented on the front panel (i.e. NAV, RTE, WPT, PLOT,
...CFG). The appedixes describe important details about special
functions. Details of any product options that are available at an
additional modest price are provided in a separate Options Manual
(see Related Documents below).
We hope you find the manual enjoyable and informative reading.
As always, we welcome your comments on improving our products
or manuals. We wouldn’t mind if you wrote to tell us that we did
the job right the first time either. You can find a Reader Comment
Card at the back of the manual.
Related Documents
Installation & Service Manual (P/N 10501MAN)
How To Contact Us
For Installation, Service, & Technical Support:
Contact your local Leica dealer
For Sales of accessories:
Contact your local Leica dealer
For Hardware and Software Upgrades:
Contact your local Leica dealer
Unlike many other consumer electronics industries which only sell
consumer electronic devices, your marine dealer is often your best
advisor for installation and service of your new GPS receiver. Leica
strongly encourages you to utilize the knowledge and experience of
your sales and service dealer.
Should you need to contact us directly, we can be reached at the
following for new sales, upgrades, repair service, or technical
support:
International:
Leica Geosystems
GPS
23868 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, California 90505
USA
+01-310-791-5350 Telephone (International)
1-800-97-LEICA (1-800-975-3422) Telephone (USA)
+01-310-791-6108 Fax
support@leica-gps.com
In Europe:
Leica Geosystems
A/S
Høkær12A
DK-2730 Herlev
Denmark
+45-44-54-03-00Telephone
+45-44-54-03-30 Sales Fax
Version 3.3 i
Table of Contents Operator’s Manual
Table of Contents
Product Information........................................................................ i
Product Information........................................................................ i
Symbols Used In This Manual........................................................ii
Symbols Used In This Manual........................................................ii
Scope Of This Manual...................................................................iii
Related Documents.......................................................................iii
Scope Of This Manual...................................................................iii
Related Documents.......................................................................iii
How To Contact Us........................................................................iv
How To Contact Us........................................................................iv
About GPS Navigation................................................................1
Special Notes ................................................................................ 2
GPS ............................................................................................. 2
DGPS........................................................................................... 2
Charts and Navigational Aids....................................................... 3
Functional Description ................................................................4
Receiver Configurations..................................................................4
6 Channel GPS ............................................................................. 4
6 Channel GPS With Built-in Beacon ............................................ 4
12 Channel GPS ........................................................................... 4
12 Channel GPS With Built-in Beacon.......................................... 5
6 Channel Dual Control................................................................. 5
12 Channel Dual Control............................................................... 5
12 Channel Dual Control Integrity Monitor .................................... 6
DGPS Beacon System ...............................................................8
ii Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual Table of Contents
Keypad & Display Description...................................................10
Differential GPS Traffic Light Operation: ..................................... 11
Red Flashing.............................................................................. 11
Red/Yellow Solid ........................................................................ 11
Red Solid ................................................................................... 11
Yellow/Green Solid..................................................................... 11
Yellow Solid................................................................................ 12
Green Solid ................................................................................12
GPS Traffic Light Operation: ....................................................... 12
Red Flashing.............................................................................. 12
Red/Yellow Solid ........................................................................ 13
Red Solid ................................................................................... 13
Yellow Solid................................................................................ 13
Green Solid ................................................................................13
The Display: ................................................................................ 14
The Softkeys: ..................................................................... 14
The Function Keys: ..................................................................... 14
Mark Position..................................................................15
GOTOO ............................................................................. 15
LIGHT ............................................................................. 15
POWER ON/OFF............................................................ 16
MAN OVER BOARD (MOB) ........................................... 16
E
E (EDIT).......................................................................... 17
C
C (CLEAR)...................................................................... 18
CURSOR ........................................................................18
NAV
1
ABC
FUNCTION ..................................................................... 18
Version 3.3 iii
Table of Contents Operator’s Manual
Navigate ...................................................................................20
Dead Reckoning............................................................................21
NAV1 - The Panorama Screen......................................................22
NAV2 - Basic Steering Information................................................24
NAV 3 - Expanded Navigation Information....................................26
NAV4 - Sensor Input Navigation....................................................27
Route........................................................................................31
RTE1 - The Active Route...............................................................32
Creating A Route Using The GOTO Key: .................................... 33
Erasing An Existing Route........................................................... 36
Creating A Multi-Waypoint Active Route...................................... 37
Insert By Number ........................................................................ 38
Choose In Bank........................................................................... 39
Insert New Waypoint ................................................................... 40
Insert Route................................................................................. 41
Maneuvering Within The Route................................................... 42
Scrolling ..................................................................................... 42
Skipping and Unpassing Waypoints........................................... 42
Inserting Waypoints or Routes Into An Existing Route...............43
Reversing The Active Route.......................................................46
ETA Setup .....................................................................................47
SOG Based on Arrival Date & Time: ........................................... 48
ETA Based on Speed: ................................................................. 48
RTE2 - The Route Bank................................................................49
Waypoint...................................................................................51
Creating And Editing Waypoints....................................................52
Waypoint Lock/Unlock.................................................................57
To lock a waypoint......................................................................58
To unlock a waypoint..................................................................58
To lock all waypoints .................................................................. 59
To unlock all waypoints .............................................................. 59
iv Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual Table of Contents
Removing Waypoints.....................................................................60
Moving waypoints..........................................................................61
Downloading Waypoints & Routes To Other Devices....................63
Rnn - Routes:............................................................................. 63
RTE - Active Route:....................................................................64
WPL - Waypoint Location - NMEA 0183 Standard:.................... 65
WPL - Waypoint With Symbols &
Description - NMEA 0183 Expanded: .................................. 65
Downloading Waypoints To A Personal Computer ...................... 66
Uploading Waypoints From Other Devices....................................68
Uploading Waypoints From A Personal Computer ...................... 69
Mark or Event .................................................................. 71
GOTOO ..............................................................................72
Plot ...........................................................................................75
PLOT 1 - Relative To Boat.............................................................77
Modifying The Active Route Using The Plot Screen.................... 77
Customizing The Display............................................................. 79
PLOT 2 - Relative To Marker.........................................................82
Plot Screen Use Examples............................................................82
Station Keeping........................................................................... 82
Grid Search ................................................................................. 83
Man Over Board...............................................................85
Remote MOB ................................................................................86
Tide ..........................................................................................87
TIDE1 - Current Tide Display ........................................................87
TIDE2 - Tide Table Port List ..........................................................88
Adding A Port ................................................................................90
Version 3.3 v
Table of Contents Operator’s Manual
Auxiliary....................................................................................92
AUX1 - Alarm Log...................................................................... 92
AUX2 - Speed Graph .................................................................. 93
AUX3 - Fuel Information.............................................................. 93
AUX4 - Sun Almanac................................................................... 94
AUX5 - Moon Phases.................................................................. 94
AUX6 - Batteries.......................................................................... 94
AUX7 -Unit Information ............................................................... 95
Position.....................................................................................96
POS1 - Large Position Display......................................................97
Loran-C ....................................................................................... 97
User Grid..................................................................................... 98
UTM............................................................................................. 98
Decca .......................................................................................... 99
POS2 - Position, Altitude, Magnetic Variation, & Time ..................99
POS3 - Position & Log ................................................................100
GPS........................................................................................102
GPS1 - Current Satellite Status...................................................102
For 6 Channel GPS Models ...................................................... 102
For 12 Channel GPS Models .................................................... 104
GPS2 - GPS Health (All Models).................................................105
DGPS..................................................................................... 109
DGPS1 - Current DGPS Correction Status .................................109
DGPS3 - DGPS Messages ......................................................... 112
vi Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual Table of Contents
Configuration.......................................................................... 113
Alarms.........................................................................................113
Anchor - Anchor Watch Alarm ..................................................... 114
COG SOG - Course & Speed Filter Settings & Setup.................114
Compass - External Compass Input & Magnetic
Variation Table ......................................................................115
Datum - Current Position Calculation .......................................... 116
Depth - NMEA Input Control........................................................117
DGPS - Differential Correction Input Control............................... 118
DR - Dead Reckoning .................................................................121
Dual Contr. - Dual Station Control...............................................123
Fuel - Fuel Input Calibration & Control ........................................123
GPS - Elevation Mask & Antenna Offset Control.........................125
Init Pos - Initial Position Entry......................................................126
Language - Foreign Language Setup..........................................127
Lighting - Display/Keyboard Light & Contrast Control .................128
Log - Speed Log Input (Pulse or NMEA 0183) ............................129
Log Pulses - GPS SOG Log Pulse Output..................................131
MX 480 - MX 480 PC Chart Interface Control .............................131
Navigation - Navigation Method & Waypoint Pass
Criterion Control....................................................................131
NMEA Out 1 thru 4 - NMEA 0183 Output Data Control...............135
Other Special Cases Affecting NMEA 0183 Records: ............... 140
Operation - General Setup And Control Settings.........................141
Organizer - Automated Message Reminders ..............................143
Position - Positioning Reference, Mode, & Alarm Control ...........144
Printout 2 - Printer Output Control...............................................146
Version 3.3 vii
Table of Contents Operator’s Manual
Security .......................................................................................149
Set & Drift....................................................................................149
SJB - Smart Junction Box Control...............................................150
Time - Mode And Format Control ................................................152
Wind............................................................................................153
Wpt & Rte Input - Uploading Waypoints Into the receiver ...........154
Appendix A - Datum List .........................................................155
Appendix B - Beacon List .......................................................162
Appendix C- Engineering Mode.............................................. 175
AUX7 - Unit Information & Self Test ............................................175
Receiver Cold Start - Clearing Memory To Factory Default.........177
GPS - GPS Receiver Troubleshooting ........................................178
GPS6 - Visible Satellite Information .......................................... 178
GPS7 - GPS Position Uncertainty...............................................179
GPS8 - Oscillator Offset Temperature Curve Fit..........................180
GPS9 - GPS Debug Screen........................................................181
DGPS8 - Beacon Receiver Status ..............................................183
Beacon Signal Scope..................................................................184
Appendix D - Dual Control Head Mode................................... 186
Turning Master And Slave Units Off ............................................188
Appendix E - Demonstration Mode.........................................189
Appendix F - Software Updates..............................................191
Glossary .................................................................................196
viii Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual Table of Contents
Version 3.3 1
About GPS Navigation Operator’s Manual
About GPS Navigation
This GPS receiver is a precision navigation instrument utilizing the
latest technology available today to provide optimum performance
from the GPS satellite and Beacon land signals received. As with all
other forms of radio signals, the ultimate navigation result is
dependent upon the quality of these signals. Radio signals may, on
occasion, be distorted, jammed, or otherwise incorrect. As a result,
your position accuracy may occasionally be less than that which can
normally be expected.
The Navstar Global Positioning System, commonly referred to as
GPS, is a satellite navigation system developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide both military and civilian users with
highly accurate, worldwide, three dimensional navigation and time.
By receiving signals from orbiting GPS satellites, authorized users
are able to continuously navigate with an accuracy on the order of
16 meters or better, while civilian users are limited to accuracy’s of
approximately 100 meters 2D RMS.
A technique referred to as Differential GPS (DGPS), allows users to
obtain maximum accuracy from the GPS system. DGPS requires
the use of two GPS receivers. One receiver, known as the Reference
Station, is placed at a surveyed location, the coordinates of which
are precisely known. The purpose of the differential GPS system is
to use the reference station to measure the errors in the GPS signals
and to compute corrections to remove the errors. The corrections
are then communicated in real-time to the navigators, where they
are combined with the satellite signals received by the navigators,
thereby improving their navigation or positioning. This technique is
effective because many of the errors at the reference station and
navigators are common. The geographic validity of these corrections decreases with distance from the reference station, but the
corrections are valid for navigators hundreds of kilometers from the
reference station.
In order to set up a DGPS system, the user must have a GPS
reference station at a precisely known location, a DGPS navigator,
and a communication link to transmit the pseudorange corrections.
Leica has pioneered the development of the DGPS Beacon System.
This system allows the user to benefit from the accuracy of DGPS
without the need to purchase and maintain a complete DGPS
System (reference stations, transmitting equipment, as well as
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2 Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual About GPS Navigation
receiving equipment, and navigators).
Marine radio beacons operating in the 283.5 to 325.0 KHz fre-
quency range are in widespread use for direction finding in coastal
navigation. Because the beacon system has been in place and
widely used for many years, it provides an effective means for the
transmission of DGPS signals. Depending on their local environment and power output, their signals may be usable to several
hundred miles. Marine beacons provide an economical means of
obtaining DGPS accuracy for coastal navigators. GPS receivers
with built-in beacon receivers are designed to provide low cost
reception of DGPS corrections broadcast (normally free of charge)
by coastal authorities.
Special Notes
GPS
Never rely solely on any single navigational aid. Always use
whatever information is available, and cross-check information
when possible. GPS expected position accuracy is better than 100
meters (95% of the time); but may be up to 300 meters occasionally. The derived speed and course readings may be hampered
accordingly. The GPS system was declared operational in 1994,
however, the system’s availability and accuracy are subject to
change at the discretion of the US Department of Defense.
DGPS
This GPS receiver’s position accuracy is improved to 5 meters or
better for 95% of the time, subject to the availability, accuracy, and
control of the DGPS correction transmission from the Beacon
Station, or other reference station connected at the time of usage.
The differential GPS position is that of the navigator GPS antenna,
and not that of the beacon antenna, if a separate beacon antenna is
in use. In addition, the beacon radio signal which carries the DGPS
corrections may be hampered by weather conditions such as heavy
rain, snow, and thunder storms. The beacon radio signal may also
be interrupted by powerful radio transmitters operating in long
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Version 3.3 3
About GPS Navigation Operator’s Manual
wave length bands.
Charts and Navigational Aids
Positions obtained from charts are not always as accurate as your
navigator (due to environmental changes, the dates of charts, and
datum offsets if the datum differs from the one in use by the
navigator). The position of a floating aid can differ due to tide, set
and drift.
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4 Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual Functional Description
Functional Description
Receiver Configurations
This GPS receiver is available in six basic configurations, identified
by product description and part number. Refer to the Auxiliary Unit
Information section of the manual to view sample screens to
identify your particular model.
6 Channel GPS
The basic 6 channel GPS navigator is capable of receiving DGPS
corrections in the RTCM SC-104 version 2 format via one of the
four input data ports. However, it does not have an internal marine
beacon DGPS receiver. This model is supplied with a GPS only
Volute, Discus, or Globe style antenna. Should you decide at a later
date to upgrade your receiver to a GPS with Built-in Beacon, the
display unit must be returned to the factory to install the appropriate
components and software. In addition, a separate whip, loop
(optional), or combined (optional) antenna is supplied with the
upgrade. This model can be upgraded to a 12 channel GPS model in
the field, by purchasing a 6 channel baseband daughter board (P/N
10502).
6 Channel GPS With Built-in Beacon
This is a standard 6 channel DGPS navigator with an integrated
internal beacon receiver. It is capable of receiving DGPS corrections in the RTCM SC-104 version 2 format via its internal marine
beacon DGPS receiver, or via one of the four input data ports. This
model is supplied with a GPS and Loop (H-Field) combined Discus
style antenna. A separate (optional) whip or loop antenna may be
used with this model; however, an additional internal cable must be
installed in this configuration. This model can be upgraded to a 12
channel GPS model in the field, by purchasing a 6 channel
baseband daughter board (P/N 10502).
12 Channel GPS
This is a 12 channel GPS upgraded version of the basic 6 channel
GPS navigator. It is capable of receiving DGPS corrections in the
RTCM SC-104 version 2 format via one of the four input data
Version 3.3 5
Functional Description Operator’s Manual
ports. However, it does not have an internal marine beacon DGPS
receiver. This model is supplied with a GPS only Volute, Discus, or
Globe style antenna. Should you decide at a later date to upgrade
your 6 channel to a 12 channel receiver or your 12 channel receiver
to a 12 channel with built-in beacon, the display unit must be
returned to the factory to install the appropriate components and
software. In addition, a separate whip, loop (optional), or combined
(optional) antenna is supplied with this upgrade.
12 Channel GPS With Built-in Beacon
This is a 12 channel GPS upgraded version of the standard 6
channel with built-in beacon DGPS navigator. It is capable of
receiving DGPS corrections in the RTCM SC-104 version 2 format
via one of the four input data ports, or via its internal marine beacon
DGPS receiver. This model is supplied with a GPS and Loop (HField) combined Discus style antenna. A separate (optional) whip or
loop antenna may be used with this model, however, an additional
internal cable must be installed in this configuration.
6 Channel Dual Control
This is an enhanced 6 channel DGPS navigator. Two GPS receivers
are actually supplied, one 6 channel GPS (operating as a slave unit)
and one 6 channel with built-in beacon (operating as a master unit)
with one GPS and Loop (H-Field) combined Discus style antenna.
It is capable of receiving DGPS corrections in the RTCM SC-104
version 2 format via one of the four input data ports, or via its
internal marine beacon DGPS receiver. This configuration allows
data to be shared between two remotely separated stations (i.e.
navigator’s station and helmsman’s station), with independent
access to various information fields. The 6 channel GPS unit gets its
positioning information from the 6 channel GPS with built-in
beacon unit, but can be connected to the antenna independently and
calculate its own position as a back-up GPS receiver. This model
can be upgraded to a 12 channel GPS model in the field, by
purchasing a 6 channel baseband daughter board (P/N 10502).
12 Channel Dual Control
This is a 12 channel GPS upgrade to the enhanced 6 Channel Dual
Control configuration. It is a dual head DGPS system where two
GPS receivers are actually supplied, one 6 channel GPS (operating
6 Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual Functional Description
as a slave unit) and one 12 channel with built-in beacon (operating
as a master unit) with one GPS and Loop (H-Field) combined
Discus style antenna. It is capable of receiving DGPS corrections in
the RTCM SC-104 version 2 format via one of the four input data
ports, or via its internal marine beacon DGPS receiver. This
configuration allows data to be shared between two remotely
separated stations (i.e. navigator’s station and helmsman’s station),
with independent access to various information fields. The 6
channel GPS gets its positioning information from the 12 channel
with the built-in beacon, but can be connected to the antenna
independently and calculate its own position as a back-up GPS
receiver.
12 Channel Dual Control Integrity Monitor
This is an enhanced to the 12 Channel Dual Control configuration.
It is a dual control DGPS system where two DGPS receivers are
supplied, one 12 channel with built-in beacon (operating as a slave
unit) and one 12 channel with built-in beacon (operating as a master
unit) with two GPS and Loop (H-Field) combined Discus style
antennas. It is capable of receiving DGPS corrections in the RTCM
SC-104 version 2 format via one of the four input data ports, or via
its internal marine beacon DGPS receiver. This configuration
allows data to be shared between two remotely separated stations
(i.e. navigator’s station and helmsman’s station), with independent
access to various information fields. The purpose of this configuration is for each receiver to calculate its own position, then to check
the operational status of the other GPS receiver. The GPS receiver
with the best overall operational status then provides the system
position. This provides a fully redundant system, with self-recovery
capabilities. The Integrity Monitor function can be set to Automatic
switchover, forced to the Master unit, or forced to the Slave unit for
position and navigation functions.
The Installation & Service Manual has more details on the parts
supplied with each configuration, and their associated part numbers.
Beyond the physical differences between these models, the operating software is exactly the same, except where the hardware
differences mentioned above come into play. Expect to find these
Version 3.3 7
Functional Description Operator’s Manual
differences detailed in the GPS, DGPS, & CFG sections of the
manual.
Note: In general, this manual will refer to all versions
of this product line simply as the receiver,
navigator, or GPS. Where distinction between
models is necessary, the particular model type
will be called out.
8 Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual Functional Description
DGPS Beacon System
As Maritime Safety Administrations, Navy, and Coast Guard
Organizations realize the limitations of standard GPS positioning,
many have begun installing DGPS Beacon Stations. While an
understanding of this system is not necessary for operating receivers with internal beacon receivers, you may want to read on to have
a better understanding of how your receiver is capable of achieving
the high levels of accuracy made possible by this network of
transmitters.
The DGPS Beacon System is comprised of three segments; the
reference station, Integrity Monitor (IM) equipment located at the
beacon site and the Navigator equipment located on board the
user’s boat or vehicle. The DGPS beacon system design is illustrated below.
5271-01C.500
Navigator Site
NAV
PL OT
PO S
E
TI DE
GP S
CF G
RTE
AU X
DGP S
C
WP T
MX 400 Professional DGPS Navigator
MX 50M
DGPS B eaco n Mo dula tor
MX 940 0R
DGPS R eference
Reference Station Site
MX 9400 N
DGPS Navig ator
MX 51R
Integrity Monitor Site
Surveyors / Commercial
Users
Professional / Commercial /
Personal Craft Users
Version 3.3 9
Keypad & Display Description Operator’s Manual
Because of the limited range of the beacon transmitters, typically
150 to 400km, the corrections generated by the reference station are
always valid for users who can receive the correction signals and
maintain a 5 meter or better accuracy figure. Just like the satellite
segment which maintains in-orbit spare satellites, most beacon
stations operate two live running GPS reference stations. One
reference station normally broadcasts into the air for you to receive,
the other GPS receiver normally broadcasts into a dummy load,
through a secondary transmitter. That means there is always a backup or standby beacon transmitter and reference station ready to
transmit should the primary fail. Each reference station is normally
assigned a unique ID number (i.e. Pt. Loma, San Diego operates
IDs 262 and 263), so you can always tell if you are on the primary
or back-up system. In addition to the standby back-up system,
virtually all beacon stations are connected to an integrity monitor
receiver and computer. The integrity monitor is normally placed at
a remote location from the transmitter site to monitor the signal
strength of the transmitter, as well as the accuracy of the corrections
being transmitted. If the accuracy of the corrections falls outside a
predetermined radius (usually 5 meters), the computer automatically generates a warning message. The warning message is then
sent to the reference station, either by radio or landline, and the
warning message is broadcast to the user community. Some
agencies have opted to install the integrity monitor at the same
location as the transmitter. Some agencies have also created central
monitoring systems which monitor multiple beacon transmitter
stations to ensure network integrity. Operators maintaining the
beacon station equipment may also create their own unique messages to broadcast planned outages or other important information.
When a message is received, you will be notified with an alarm
indication. You can then view the received message in the DGPS3
screen.
10 Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual Keypad & Display Description
Keypad & Display Description
NA V
PLO T
PO S
E
TI DE
GP S
CFG
RT E
AUX
DGPS
C
WPT
6289-01A.400
Traffic
Lights
Function KeysDisplay
Softkeys Cursor Key
Refer to the illustration above. The Traffic Lights on the left side
of the display will tell you how your navigator is operating.
Note: You need to take care in reading the traffic light
indications, as there are overlapping possibilities between the GPS and DGPS modes. If you
are unsure of the current operating mode,
select the CFG function key and scroll down to
the DGPS selection. If the DGPS mode is
selected to anything other than Off, then follow
the Differential GPS Traffic Light Operation. If
the DGPS mode is selected to Off, then follow
the GPS Traffic Light Operation.
Differential GPS Traffic Light Operation:
Version 3.3 11
Keypad & Display Description Operator’s Manual
Red Flashing
not tracking satellites (no position update). This is normally for the
first 2 minutes or so when turning the unit on. The very first time
you turn the unit on, or if the memory is reset or lost, this condition
is also normal. Allow the receiver to run for at least 30 minutes
under these circumstances. If it still does not change to Red Solid,
refer to the troubleshooting section of the Installation & Service
Manual. An icon similar to the one at left will be displayed in the
upper left corner of screen.
Red/Yellow Solid
Dead Reckoning . When normal GPS or DGPS operation is not
available, this LED sequence is provided to quickly identify the DR
navigation mode. A DR indicator is also displayed on all screens.
Red Solid
tracking one or more satellites (no position update). This is also
normal for the first 2 minutes or so when turning the unit on. The
very first time you turn the unit on, allow the receiver to run for at
least 20 minutes after changing to Red Solid to collect an almanac
from the satellites, regardless of whether a position update has been
calculated or not. This is also a normal indication if the HDOP is
greater than 10, if the receiver is tracking too few satellites, or other
reasons as well. Read the GPS and DGPS function screens for
more information.
Yellow/Green Solid
GPS position update; DGPS corrections are not being received.
You may see this from time to time during normal operation. It
usually occurs when the beacon signal is not available (either it is
being blocked by terrain or a local object or you are out of range of
the transmitter) and/or you are tracking 3, 4, or 5 satellites, and the
satellites have poor geometry relative to your position. If you are
patient, the condition will normally go back to Green Solid, when
you pick up another beacon station. The factory default level for
dropping DGPS corrections is 60 seconds. During this period, your
positioning information is less than optimal, and position accuracy
may be off by as much as 75 to 300 meters. Press the DGPS
function key and refer to the DGPS section in this manual for
guidance if this light condition occurs.
Yellow Solid
DGPS position update with poor HDOP value. You may see this
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12 Version 3.3
Operator’s Manual Keypad & Display Description
from time to time during normal operation. It usually occurs when
you are tracking 3, 4, or 5 satellites, and the satellites have poor
geometry relative to your position. If you are patient, the condition
will normally go back to Green Solid, when you pick up another
satellite, or the geometry of the existing satellites improves. The
factory default level for this indication is with an HDOP of 4 to 10.
During this period, your positioning information is less than
optimal, and position accuracy may be off by as much as 10 to 50
meters. You can press the GPS function key and refer to the GPS
section in this manual for guidance if this light condition occurs.
Green Solid
DGPS position update with HDOP value less than 4. This is the
normal operating condition. Position accuracy is normally better
than 5 meters. Keep in mind that position accuracy is always only
as good as the corrections received, their age, your distance from
the reference station, and the geometry of the satellites. This is the
normal operating condition and no icon will be displayed.
Note: If you or a crew member changes the
DGPS mode to Off in the CFG1 DGPS
screen, you will also not have an icon and
the LED will be green.
GPS Traffic Light Operation:
Red Flashing
not tracking satellites (no position update). This is normally for the
first 2 minutes or so when turning the unit on. The very first time
you turn the unit on, or if the memory is reset or lost, this condition
is also normal. Allow the receiver to run for at least 30 minutes
under these circumstances. If it still does not change to Red Solid,
refer to the troubleshooting section of the Installation And Service
Manual.An icon similar to the one at left will be displayed in the
upper left corner of screen.
Red/Yellow Solid
Dead Reckoning . When normal GPS or DGPS operation is not
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Keypad & Display Description Operator’s Manual
available, this LED sequence is provided to quickly identify the DR
navigation mode. A DR indicator is also displayed on all screens in
the upper left hand corner of the display
Red Solid
tracking one or more satellites (no position update). This is also
normal for the first 2 minutes or so when turning the unit on. The
very first time you turn the unit on, allow the receiver to run for at
least 20 minutes after changing to Red Solid to collect an almanac
from the satellites, regardless of whether a position update has been
calculated or not. This is also a normal indication if the HDOP is
greater than 10. The HDOP value can be read in the GPS function
screens.
Yellow Solid
GPS position update has a poor HDOP value. You may see this
from time to time during normal operation. It usually occurs when
you are tracking 3, 4, or 5 satellites, and the satellites have poor
geometry relative to your position. If you are patient, the condition
will normally go back to Green Solid, when you pick up another
satellite, or the geometry of the existing satellites improves. The
factory default level for this indication is with an HDOP of 4 to 10.
During this period, your positioning information is less than
optimal, and position accuracy may be off by as much as 75 to 300
meters. You can press the GPS function key and refer to the GPS
section in this manual for guidance if this light condition occurs.
Green Solid
GPS position update with HDOP value less than 4. This is the
normal operating condition. Position accuracy is normally between
40 to 75 meters, but can be out as much as 100 meters. Keep in
mind that position accuracy is always only as good as the geometry
of the satellites and the navigation information provided by the
satellites.This is the normal operating condition and no icon will be
displayed.
Note: If you or a crew member changes the
DGPS mode to Off in the CFG1 DGPS
screen, will also have a LED which is
green.
The Display:
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Operator’s Manual Keypad & Display Description
The receiver uses a Transflective LCD display screen. It provides
optimum viewing in virtually all lighting conditions. To change the
display contrast or backlight condition, select the CFG function key
and scroll down to the Lighting menu choice. Refer to the CFG
section of the manual for a complete description of menu options.
The function key ( ) just above the Power On/Off key allows you
to quickly change between day-time and night-time screen settings.
Information displayed on the screen is normally divided into
windows, similar to what you might see on a normal computer.
Each screen has a page number in the upper left hand corner
. These page numbers are there to help you quickly find the
information you need, and to help us guide you on the rare occasion
that you might request our assistance.
With the exception of a portion of the PLOT and MOB screens
which use two softkeys to change the view scale, all of the screens
require that you press the E (Edit Mode) function key before you
are allowed to change data on the screen. You can use the cursor
key (the big key with the arrows pointing in four directions) to
move between edit fields or menu choices on most screens when in
the edit mode. When you are not in the edit mode, you can use the
cursor to scroll between screens (i.e. NAV1, NAV2, NAV3, ...) or
to move up and down on screens (like the menu bar in the CFG
screen).
The Softkeys:
The five softkeys under the display are so named because their
purpose changes from one menu or screen to the next. With the
exception of a portion of the PLOT screens and the MOB screens,
all of the screens require that you press the E (Edit Mode) function
key before the softkeys can be accessed. Don’t forget to press the E
function key when you are finished editing a screen.
The Function Keys:
The Function Keys are the keys to the right of the display. There are
18 function keys in all. Eleven of the function keys access various
screen and editing displays. Three of these keys are used for editing
or moving within the screens. One key is used to mark your present
position, another is used strictly for Man Over Board alarms. One
switches between two display lighting options, and finally there is
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Keypad & Display Description Operator’s Manual
the power on/off key.
The ten function keys with alpha abbreviations on them are
described in the ensuing chapters. The eight function keys with
symbols are described below.
The function keys are also used in the edit mode to enter alphanumeric information into screen data fields.
Mark Position
This function key stores your present position, date and time at the
next available waypoint location in the Waypoint Bank. A window
pops up on the screen to confirm your key depression, and to tell
you where the mark position is being stored. You can go into the
WPT menu and edit the coordinates or description later. The
receiver is also capable of performing this function from a remote
contact closure input via pins 6 and 11 on the 31 pin connector.
Refer to the Installation & Service Manual for interface instructions.
GOTOO
This function key allows you to quickly create a route from your
present position to one other waypoint. This single waypoint route
can use an existing waypoint from the Waypoint Bank, or you can
quickly create one by either defining the appropriate coordinates or
specifying a range and bearing. This is a great asset when you are
trying to render aid to someone in distress and you don’t have time
to manipulate complicated menu structures.
Be careful when you use this selection, as it will erase your current
active route when it creates the new one. Read through the ROUTE
and PLOT sections of this manual to find other ways to use this key
within an active route.
LIGHT
This function key allows you to quickly switch between two
predetermined display lighting conditions. You can have two
daytime settings, two night time settings, or a daytime/night time
setting. Select the CFG function key and scroll down to the
Lighting menu choice to make the desired adjustments. Refer to the
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Operator’s Manual Keypad & Display Description
Configuration section of the manual for a complete description of
the Lighting menu options.
POWER ON/OFF
This function key turns the unit on and off. When depressed while
the unit is on, you will be prompted to select a YES or NO softkey
to confirm your action. This is known as a software power off.
If the operating program should hang up for any reason, you can
also perform a hardware power off by continuing to depress the
power on/off function key for about 5 seconds. When the GPS is
turned off using this technique, you can not reapply power for 10
seconds.
Note: There may come a time when you need to reset the
memory back to the factory default values. Doing
this will cause the receiver to lose all of your defined
settings, as well as all 2000 of your waypoints and
routes. If you hold down the fifth (right most) softkey
when power is applied (either by the front panel or
from the circuit breaker box) and hold it for about two
seconds, until you hear a key click, then the memory
will be reset.
MAN OVER BOARD (MOB)
This stand-alone function key is located at the bottom right hand
corner of the front panel. When depressed for a few seconds, it
activates a number of automatic functions:
Ø Most obviously, it brings up a MOB 1 (plot) screen. This
is an automatic scaling screen which selects the best zoom level
to display your present position and the MOB position. In
addition, the MOB position is displayed in the upper left
corner, so that you can quickly read the coordinates to others
who may be available to render assistance. This plot screen
also provides the vital bearing and distance back to the MOB
position, as well as your present course over ground.
Ø The MOB position, date and time are stored in the Waypoint
Bank for future reference (i.e. log book entries).
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Keypad & Display Description Operator’s Manual
Ø Navigation data output on the NMEA ports (i.e. BWC and
BWR), are changed to reflect the current crisis situation. This
way, other interfaced equipment can also help guide you back
to the MOB position. When the MOB condition is canceled via
a MOB screen softkey, the NMEA sentences will automatically
revert to the active route information. Don’t forget to cancel
the MOB so your interfaced equipment will read the correct
data!
Ø The MOB function key and remote MOB input are disabled
from subsequent activation, until MOB Cancel is selected from
the MOB screen softkeys.
Ø Other functions such as Position and Navigate can still be
accessed; however, the screen will revert to the MOB Plot
screen after 30 seconds. Bearing and distance information in
these other screens relate to the MOB position, not the next
waypoint in the active route, until MOB is canceled.
To cancel a MOB condition, make sure you are in the MOB Plot
screen. Press the E function key, then select the Cancel MOB
softkey.
This GPS receiver is also capable of performing the MOB function
from a remote contact closure input via pins 6 and 11 on the 31 pin
connector, shared with the Mark input. If the contact closure is
made for less than 2 seconds, the input is registered as a Mark
Position. If the contact closure is made for more than 2 seconds, the
input is registered as a MOB Position. Refer to the Installation &
Service Manual for interface instructions.
E
E (EDIT)
This function key activates and deactivates the softkeys and edit
fields within any screen where editing is appropriate. You will
quickly learn that this is an important operating feature in the unit.
Most people have no problem remembering to press the E key
when they want to edit a screen; however, it seems to take some
effort to remember to press the E key when you are finished
editing. If after editing you press a function key and nothing seems
to happen, check to make sure you didn’t accidentally alter your
information and press the E key to end editing. By the way, most
edit screens will provide you with an Escape softkey. If you decide
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