Novatel GNSS-501, GNSS-502 User Manual

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GNSS 501 & GNSS-502

Antennas

GM-14915144 Rev 2 March 2016

USER GUIDE

The GNSS-501 and GNSS-502 are active antennas designed to receive signals from GPS, GLONASS,
BeiDou and Galileo satellites as well as L-Band signals.

The GNSS-501 antenna is designed to operate in GPS L1, GLONASS L1 and L-Band frequencies. The
GNSS-501 also supports Galileo E1 frequency and the BeiDou B1 frequency.

The GNSS-502 antenna is designed to operate in GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2 and L-Band frequencies.
The GNSS-502 also supports the Galileo E1 and E5b frequencies as well as BeiDou B1 and B2
frequencies.

This guide provides the basic information you need to install and begin using your new antenna.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

The following equipment is required to set up the GNSS-501 or GNSS-502 antenna:

• Coaxial cable with a male TNC connector

• A device with an antenna input port that both receives the RF signal and provides 3.3 - 18.0 VDC to the
antenna (all NovAtel GNSS receivers provide the necessary power through their antenna RF
connectors)

SITE SELECTION GUIDELINES

Before installing the antenna, select a site that as closely as possible meets the following conditions for
optimal performance:

• An unobstructed line-of-sight from horizon to horizon and at all bearings and elevation angles

• As far as possible from reflective objects, especially those that are above the antenna and any water
bodies, which can be a strong source of multipath reflections

• If obstructions and reflective surfaces are within 30 m, ensure the site is as high as possible. Otherwise,
mount the antenna as close as possible to a reference ground plane, i.e., rooftop, earth, etc., if one
exists.

To avoid potential adverse effects, do not locate antennas near any high
sources of heat.

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INSTALLING THE ANTENNA

After a site has been selected, install the antenna as follows:

1. Mount the antenna on a secure, stable structure using the provided magnetic mounts. A surface

mounting plate (NovAtel P/N 01018317) is also available for mounting on non-magnetic surfaces.

2. Attach the TNC connector of the coaxial cable to the antenna’s TNC connector. Attach the other end of

the coaxial cable to the antenna input port of the receiving device, which must provide power as
detailed in the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide. All NovAtel GNSS receivers provide the
necessary power through their antenna RF connectors.

MECHANICAL DRAWING

TNC connector

Dimensions are in millimeters.

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MOUNTING PLATE (NOVATEL P/N 01018317)

ANTENNA CARE

The GNSS-501 and GNSS-502 are designed to withstand the elements, including rain, snow, and dust.
However, to ensure your antenna performs optimally, keep the radome (the top surface of the antenna)
clean and brush off any ice and snow.

The optimal screw penetration into the mounting holes is 6 mm (±1 mm) deep. When selecting
screws for mounting, ensure the screw penetration does not exceed this specification. Using
excessively long screws can damage the antenna enclosure.

Two magnetic mounts also available on
the bottom of the antennas.

Dimensions are in inches.