Novatel OM-20000149 User Manual
AG-STAR
User Manual
OM-20000149 Rev 2 December 2013
AG-STAR User Manual
Publication Number: OM-20000149
Revision Level: 2
Revision Date: December 2013
Warranty
NovAtel Inc. warrants that its GNSS products are free from defects in materials and workmanship, subject to
the conditions set forth on our web site: www.novatel.com/products/warranty/
periods:
AG-STAR Receiver One (1) Year
Cables and Accessories Ninety (90) Days
Software Warranty One (1) Year
and for the following time
Return Instructions
To return products, refer to the instructions found under the Return Policy Tab on the Warranty page:
www.novatel.com/products/warranty/
.
Proprietary Notice
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the
part of NovAtel Inc. The software described in this document is furnished under a licence agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the
agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the
license or non-disclosure agreement.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written permission of
a duly authorized representative of NovAtel Inc.
The information contained within this manual is believed to be true and correct at the time of publication.
AdVance, NovAtel, Narrow Correlator tracking technology, OEMStar and RT-2 are registered trademarks of
NovAtel Inc.
PAC, GLIDE and AG-STAR are trademarks of NovAtel Inc.
The Bluetooth
such marks by NovAtel Inc. is under license. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective
holders.
Manufactured and protected under U.S. Patent:
#5,101,416* #5,734,674 #6,243,409 B1
#5,390,207* #5,736,961 #6,608,988 B1
#5,414,729* #5,809,064 #6,664,923 B1
#5,495,499* #6,184,822 B1 #6,728,637 B2
word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of
© Copyright 2013 NovAtel Inc. All rights reserved. Unpublished rights reserved under International copyright
laws.
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 2
Table of Contents
Notice 7
Customer Support 9
1 Introduction 10
1.1 Models and Features........................................................................................................................................10
1.2 Scope ...............................................................................................................................................................11
1.3 Conventions .....................................................................................................................................................11
2 Installation and Setup 12
2.1 Additional Equipment Required .......................................................................................................................12
2.1.1 AG-STAR Setup .....................................................................................................................................12
2.1.2 Power Supply Requirements..................................................................................................................13
2.1.3 Mounting Plate .......................................................................................................................................14
2.1.4 Mounting the AG-STAR .........................................................................................................................16
2.1.5 Connecting Data Communications Equipment......................................................................................16
2.2 Additional Features and Information ................................................................................................................17
2.2.1 Status Indicators ....................................................................................................................................17
2.2.2 MKI and PPS Strobes ............................................................................................................................18
2.2.3 Emulated Radar (ER)..............................................................................................................................18
2.2.4 Controller Area Network (CAN) ..............................................................................................................18
3 Operation 19
3.1 Communications with the Receiver..................................................................................................................19
3.1.1 Serial Port Default Settings ....................................................................................................................19
3.1.2 Communicating Using a Remote Terminal ............................................................................................19
3.1.3 Communicating Using a Computer........................................................................................................20
3.2 Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................20
3.2.1 Starting the Receiver..............................................................................................................................20
3.2.2 Communicating with the Receiver Using NovAtel Connect...................................................................20
3.3 Channel Configuration......................................................................................................................................21
3.4 Transmitting and Receiving Corrections ..........................................................................................................21
3.4.1 Base Station Configuration ....................................................................................................................23
3.4.2 Rover Station Configuration...................................................................................................................24
3.4.3 GPS + GLONASS Base and Rover Configuration .................................................................................24
3.4.4 Configuration Notes ...............................................................................................................................25
3.5 GLIDE ...............................................................................................................................................................25
3.6 Emulated Radar (ER) ........................................................................................................................................26
3.7 Recommended Configuration ..........................................................................................................................26
4 Bluetooth Configuration 27
4.1 Bluetooth Wireless Technology on the AG-STAR receiver ..............................................................................27
4.2 Pairing with a new AG-STAR............................................................................................................................27
4.3 Determining the Bluetooth Serial Port..............................................................................................................30
4.4 Communicate with the AG-STAR Using Bluetooth Wireless Technology........................................................33
5 NovAtel Firmware and Software 34
5.1 Firmware Updates and Model Upgrades .........................................................................................................34
5.1.1 Firmware Updates..................................................................................................................................34
5.1.2 Model Upgrades.....................................................................................................................................35
5.2 Authorization Code...........................................................................................................................................35
5.3 Updating or Upgrading Using the WinLoad Utility ...........................................................................................36
5.3.1 Transferring Firmware Files....................................................................................................................36
5.3.2 Using the WinLoad Utility.......................................................................................................................37
5.4 Updating using SoftLoad Commands..............................................................................................................39
5.4.1 Working with S-Records ........................................................................................................................40
5.5 Upgrading Using the AUTH Command............................................................................................................40
5.5.1 Upgrade Procedure................................................................................................................................40
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 3
Table of Contents
A Technical Specifications 42
A.1 AG-STAR Receiver Performance.....................................................................................................................42
A.2 AG-STAR Specifications..................................................................................................................................43
A.2.1 Dimensions ............................................................................................................................................45
A.2.2 AG-STAR Communications/Power Cable (01018256) ..........................................................................46
A.2.3 AG-STAR Connector and Cable Requirements.....................................................................................48
B Commands 49
B.1 Syntax Conventions.........................................................................................................................................49
B.2 COM Configure COM Port ............................................................................................................................50
B.3 FRESET Clear Selected Data from NVM and Reset .....................................................................................52
B.4 LOG Request Logs from the Receiver ..........................................................................................................53
B.5 RADARCFG Configure the ER Output ..........................................................................................................56
B.6 SELECTCHANCONFIG Set channel configuration..........................................................................................57
B.7 SETCANNAME Sets the CAN name fields....................................................................................................59
C Logs 60
C.1 Position Logs ...................................................................................................................................................60
C.1.1 NMEA Logs............................................................................................................................................60
C.1.2 NovAtel Position Logs ...........................................................................................................................61
C.2 Other Logs .......................................................................................................................................................61
C.2.1 RADARSIGNAL ER Signal and Position Information ..........................................................................62
C.2.2 VERSION Hardware and Software Versions and Serial Numbers ......................................................64
D Replacement Parts 65
D.1 AG-STAR .........................................................................................................................................................65
D.2 User Manuals...................................................................................................................................................65
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 4
Figures
1 AG-STAR Receiver .........................................................................................................................................10
2 AG-STAR Connector ......................................................................................................................................12
3 Simplified AG-STAR Setup ............................................................................................................................13
4 AG-STAR Surface Mounting Plate (01018317) ..............................................................................................14
5 AG-STAR Pole Mounting Plate (01019142) ...................................................................................................15
6 AG-STAR Orientation .....................................................................................................................................16
7 Open Configuration Window ..........................................................................................................................20
8 Basic Differential Setup ..................................................................................................................................22
9 Bluetooth Icon ................................................................................................................................................27
10 Bluetooth Devices Window ............................................................................................................................28
11 Add a device window .....................................................................................................................................28
12 Add a device - Select a pairing option ...........................................................................................................29
13 Add a device - Enter pairing code .................................................................................................................29
14 Bluetooth Link Serial Port ..............................................................................................................................30
15 Add a device - Successful .............................................................................................................................30
16 Bluetooth Icon ................................................................................................................................................30
17 Bluetooth Devices Window ............................................................................................................................31
18 Bluetooth Devices Window - Device Menu ....................................................................................................32
19 Bluetooth Devices Window - Properties ........................................................................................................32
20 Properties - Services Tab ...............................................................................................................................33
21 WinLoad’s Open Window ..............................................................................................................................37
22 Open File in WinLoad .....................................................................................................................................37
23 COM Port Setup .............................................................................................................................................38
24 Searching for Card .........................................................................................................................................38
25 Authorization Code Window ..........................................................................................................................38
26 Upgrade Process Complete ...........................................................................................................................38
27 AG-STAR Dimensions ....................................................................................................................................45
28 AG-STAR Communication/Power Cable .......................................................................................................46
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 5
Tab l e s
1 AG-STAR Models............................................................................................................................................10
2 AG-STAR Connector Pin-Out .........................................................................................................................12
3 AG-STAR LED Status Indicators.....................................................................................................................17
4 Available CAN Signals on the AG-STAR.........................................................................................................18
5 AG-STAR Strobes ...........................................................................................................................................44
6 AG-STAR Input/Output Electrical Specifications............................................................................................44
7 AG-STAR Communication/Power Cable Pinouts ...........................................................................................47
8 AG-STAR Mating Connectors.........................................................................................................................48
9 Recommended Fuse and Fuse Holders..........................................................................................................48
10 AG-STAR Commands in Alphabetical Order ..................................................................................................49
11 FRESET Target................................................................................................................................................52
12 Detailed Serial Port Identifiers.........................................................................................................................55
13 Response Modes ............................................................................................................................................56
14 AG-STAR Channel Configuration Sets............................................................................................................58
15 OEMStar Channel Configurations...................................................................................................................58
16 AG-STAR Logs in Alphabetical Order.............................................................................................................61
17 Position or Velocity Type.................................................................................................................................62
18 Solution Status................................................................................................................................................63
19 Component Type ............................................................................................................................................64
20 AG-STAR Product ...........................................................................................................................................65
21 Reference User Manuals.................................................................................................................................65
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 6
Notice
The following notices apply to the AG-STAR.
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by NovAtel Inc. could result
in violation of FCC, Industry Canada and CE Marking rules and void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.
FCC Notices
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
AG-STAR has been tested and found to comply with the emission limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. The Class B limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Re-orient or relocate the AG-STAR
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the AG-STAR
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the AG-STAR is
connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
In order to maintain compliance as a Class “B” digital device, shielded cables should be used
for the RS-232 serial data ports (Belden 1036A or equivalent) and twisted pair cable should be
used for the CAN port (shielded twisted pair will improve CAN performance in electrically harsh
environments). I/O signals should be referred to signal ground (connector pin 5) and not power
ground (connector pin 9). If I/O signals route to different areas of the vehicle, dedicated signal
grounds for I/O should be spliced into a common connection to connector pin 5 at a point close
to the AG-STAR.
Industry Canada
AG-STAR Class B digital apparatuses comply with Canadian ICES-003.
AG-STAR appareils numérique de la classe B sont conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de
licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de
brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 7
Notice
CE
The enclosures carry the CE mark.
"Hereby, NovAtel Inc. declares that this AG-STAR is in compliance with the essential requirements and other
relevant provisions of the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC, EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and the RoHS Recast
Directive 2011/65/EU."
WEEE
If you purchased your AG-STAR in Europe, please return it to your dealer or supplier at the end of its life. The
objectives of the European Community's environment policy are, in particular, to preserve, protect and
improve the quality of the environment, protect human health and utilise natural resources prudently and
rationally. Sustainable development advocates the reduction of wasteful consumption of natural resources
and the prevention of pollution. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a regulated area.
Where the generation of waste cannot be avoided, it should be reused or recovered for its material or energy.
WEEE products may be recognized by their wheeled bin label ( ).
1
REACH
NovAtel strives to comply with the EU Directive EC 1907/2006 on chemicals and their safe use as per the
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) for its products,
including the AG-STAR product. Since REACH SVHC lists are updated occasionally, please contact NovAtel
Customer Support if you require further information.
Cables may contain DEHP (CAS Number 117-81-7) in concentrations above 0.1% w/w.
1. Visit the NovAtel Web site at www.novatel.com/products/weee-and-rohs/ for more information on WEEE.
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 8
Customer Support
NovAtel Knowledge Base
If you have a technical issue, browse to the NovAtel Web site at www.novatel.com then select Support |
Helpdesk and Solutions | Knowledge and Forums. Through this page, you can search for information about
SMART
installation and operation issues.
Before Contacting Customer Support
Before contacting NovAtel Customer Support about a software problem perform the following steps:
1. Issue the following logging commands to collect data to a file on your computer for 15 minutes:
®
antennas and other technologies, information about NovAtel hardware and software, and
LOG VERSIONA ONCE
LOG RXSTATUSA ONCE
LOG RXCONFIGA ONCE
LOG RAWEPHEMA ONNEW
LOG BESTPOSA ONTIME 1
LOG RANGEA ONTIME 1
LOG GLORAWEPHEMB ONCHANGED
1
2. Send the file containing the logs to NovAtel Customer Support, using either the NovAtel FTP site at ftp://
ftp.novatel.ca/outgoing/support/Software/ or through the support@novatel.com e-mail address.
3. You can also issue a FRESET command to the receiver to clear any unknown settings.
The FRESET command will erase all user settings. You should know your configuration and be
able to reconfigure the receiver before you send the FRESET command.
If you are having a hardware problem, send a list of the troubleshooting steps taken and results.
Contact Information
Use one of the following methods to contact NovAtel Customer Support:
Call the NovAtel Hotline at 1-800-NOVATEL (U.S. & Canada)
or +1-403-295-4500 (international)
Fax: +1-403-295-4501
E-mail: support@novatel.com
Web site: www.novatel.com
Write: NovAtel Inc.
Customer Support Department
1120 - 68 Avenue NE
Calgary, AB
Canada, T2E 8S5
1. For GLONASS channel configuration.
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 9
Chapter 1 Introduction
The AG-STAR is a high-performance GNSS receiver and antenna, capable of receiving and tracking different
combinations of GPS L1 and GLONASS L1 code and carrier signals on a maximum of 14 channels. SBAS
(Satellite Based Augmentation Systems) support, which includes WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS, is standard.
Refer to An Introduction to GNSS, available from our web site at www.novatel.com/an-introduction-to-gnss/
for an overview of each of the above signal types. The AG-STAR rear panel also features light emitting
diodes (LEDs) for status indication.
Once properly powered, the AG-STAR begins operating as a fully functional GNSS system. Figure 1,
AG-STAR Receiver shows the AG-STAR without connecting cables.
Figure 1: AG-STAR Receiver
1.1 Models and Features
The main features of the AG-STAR are:
• a high performance GPS+GLONASS L1 receiver
• a high performance GPS+GLONASS L1 antenna
• emulated radar output
• a CAN port
• two (2) RS-232 COM ports or
one (1) RS-232 COM port and Bluetooth
• three (3) LED status indicators
• a water and dust tight enclosure
• Bluetooth
The AG-STAR is available in several different firmware models whose configurations may include other
additional features. Some possible configurations can be seen in Table 1, AG-STAR Models.
Model Name NovAtel Part # Firmware Features
AG-STAR 01019131 GPS L1, GLONASS L1, SBAS and emulated radar output
AG-STAR with Bluetooth 01019129 GPS L1, GLONASS L1, SBAS, emulated radar output and Bluetooth
®
wireless technology (optional)
Tab le 1: A G -S TA R M o de ls
®
Refer also to the OEMStar Firmware Reference Manual (OM-20000127)
communications and operation.
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 10
for information on receiver
Introduction Chapter 1
1.2 Scope
This manual contains information about the installation and operation of the AG-STAR system. It is beyond
the scope of this manual to provide details on service or repair. Contact your local NovAtel dealer for any
customer-service related inquiries.
An AG-STAR system requires the addition of accessories and a power supply.
The AG-STAR utilizes a comprehensive user-interface command structure, which requires communications
through its communications ports. This manual describes the AG-STAR specific commands and logs, see
Appendix B, Commands on page 49 and Appendix C, Logs on page 60. For descriptions of other commands
and logs available for AG-STAR, refer to the OEMStar Firmware Reference Manual
NovAtel web site (www.novatel.com/support/manuals/
together for easy reference.
AG-STAR output is compatible with post-processing software from NovAtel's Waypoint
Visit our web site at www.novatel.com
for details.
). It is recommended that these documents be kept
available from the
®
Products Group.
1.3 Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual:
Information that supplements or clarifies text.
A caution that actions, operation or configuration may lead to incorrect or improper use of the
hardware.
A warning that actions, operation or configuration may result in regulatory noncompliance,
safety issues or equipment damage.
• The letter H in the Offset columns of the commands and logs tables represents the header length for
that command or log. Refer to the OEMStar Firmware Reference Manual
header details.
• The number following 0x is a hexadecimal number.
• Command descriptions’ brackets, [ ], indicate optional parameters.
• In tables where values are missing they are assumed to be reserved for future use.
• Status words are output as hexadecimal numbers and must be converted to binary format (and in
some cases then also to decimal). For an example of this type of conversion, refer to the RANGE log
in the OEMStar Firmware Reference Manual
• Conversions and their binary or decimal results are always read from right to left. For a complete list
of hexadecimal, binary and decimal equivalents, search our support materials for Unit Conversions
on the NovAtel web site.
.
for ASCII and binary
See also Syntax Conventions on page 49 for more syntax when entering commands.
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 11
Chapter 2 Installation and Setup
This chapter contains instructions and tips to set up your AG-STAR to create a GNSS receiver system.
2.1 Additional Equipment Required
In order for the receiver to perform optimally, the following additional equipment is required:
• A cable harness for powering and communicating with the AG-STAR.
You can use a NovAtel cable (such as part number 01018256) or a custom cable. See Appendix A,
Technical Specifications on page 42 for information about the AG-STAR connector pinout and
NovAtel cables.
• A fused power supply (user-supplied)
• A computer (user-supplied)
2.1.1 AG-STAR Setup
Complete the following steps to connect and power the AG-STAR.
1. Mount the AG-STAR on a secure, stable structure with an unobstructed view of the sky from horizon to
horizon. Refer to Section 2.1.4, Mounting the AG-STAR on page 16 for details.
2. Connect the NovAtel interface cable, or custom interface cable, to the COM and Power port on the back
of the AG-STAR, see Figure 2, AG-STAR Connector.
Figure 2: AG-STAR Connector
Table 2: AG-STAR Connector Pin-Out
Pin Use Pin Use
1 COM1 TxD 8 RESERVED (Do not connect)
2 COM1 RxD 9 Power Negative/Return
3
COM2 TxD
4
COM2 RxD
5 Signal Ground (COM/ER/MKI/PPS) 12 PPS (Pulse Per Second) Output
6 CAN+ 13 RESERVED (Do not connect)
a
a
10 Emulated Radar Output
11 MKI (Mark Input)
7 CAN- 14 Power Positive/Source
a. On Bluetooth models, COM2 is not available.
3. Connect the NovAtel or custom cable to a DB-9 serial port on a computer or other data storage device.
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 12
Installation and Setup Chapter 2
COM
COM
Emulated
Radar
MKI PPS
User supplied
5A fast blow fuse
CAN
4. Connect the NovAtel or custom cable to the power supply and turn on the power supply. The power LED
on the receiver glows red when the AG-STAR is properly powered.
Fuse/holder recommendations can be found in Table 9, Recommended Fuse and Fuse Holders
on page 48.
Figure 3: Simplified AG-STAR Setup
Minimum conductor size for all wiring is 0.5 mm / 20 AWG.
2.1.2 Power Supply Requirements
The AG-STAR requires +8 to +36 VDC for the input power to the receiver. See Section A.2, AG-STAR
Specifications on page 43 for additional power supply specifications.
The AG-STAR cable provides power in (labelled BATT+) and power ground (labelled BATT-) bare wires for
connections from the AG-STAR to a vehicular power system (or equivalent). For cable details see
Section A.2.3, AG-STAR Connector and Cable Requirements on page 48.
The AG-STAR power source must be protected by a 5A fast blow fuse (user supplied) or
damage to wiring may result (not covered by warranty).
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 13
Installation and Setup Chapter 2
All dimensions are in inches
2.1.3 Mounting Plate
Two mounting plates are available to facilitate mounting the receiver: a surface mounting plate and a pole
mounting plate.
Figure 4: AG-STAR Surface Mounting Plate (01018317)
To install the surface mounting plate provided with the AG-STAR Development Kit, use the
adhesive tape provided or the mounting holes at each corner of the plate.
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 14
Installation and Setup Chapter 2
All dimensions are in inches
Figure 5: AG-STAR Pole Mounting Plate (01019142)
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 15
To install the pole mounting plate:
1. Use four M4 screws to connect the mounting plate to the AG-STAR.
2. Screw the mounting plate onto a mount, such as a range pole, tribrach, or tripod, with a 1" x
14 thread.
A 5/8” to 1” bushing adaptor is available (part number 12023275).
Installation and Setup Chapter 2
Orient toward the front
of vehicle
Route cable toward
back of vehicle
2.1.4 Mounting the AG-STAR
Mount the AG-STAR on a secure, stable structure capable of safe operation in the specific environment.
• If installing on a vehicle, mount the AG-STAR on the vehicle roof, ideally close to the pivot point of the
vehicle. The AG-STAR must be mounted with the connector facing the rear of the vehicle (see Figure 6,
AG-STAR Orientation).
Figure 6: AG-STAR Orientation
The AG-STAR must be rigidly secured to the vehicle to avoid errors caused by vibration and
motion.
• If installing in a stationary location, mount the AG-STAR in a location that has a clear view of the sky so
that each satellite above the horizon can be tracked without obstruction. For more information, refer to An
Introduction to GNSS found at www.novatel.com/an-introduction-to-gnss/
.
2.1.5 Connecting Data Communications Equipment
To communicate with the receiver by sending commands and obtaining logs, a connection to data
communications equipment is required. See Table 7, AG-STAR Communication/Power Cable Pinouts on
page 47 for more information.
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 16
Installation and Setup Chapter 2
2.2 Additional Features and Information
This section contains information on the additional features of the AG-STAR, which may affect the overall
design of your receiver system.
2.2.1 Status Indicators
LED indicators on the AG-STAR provide the status of the receiver. Table 3, AG-STAR LED Status Indicators
shows the meaning of the LED states in the expected sequence after power is applied.
Table 3: AG-STAR LED Status Indicators
Red
Off Off Off Power is not available.
On Off Off Power is available but no satellites are being tracked yet
On Flashing Off Tracking at least one satellite but not a valid position.
On On Off Position valid in basic autonomous mode.
On On Flashing SBAS tracking, but not enough data for enhanced solution.
On On On Position valid in an enhanced accuracy mode
Troubleshooting:
• If the power is on but the yellow LED does not flash within one minute, then no satellites are being
tracked. There may be excessive blockage or the AG-STAR may be defective. Make sure the AG-STAR
has an unobstructed view of the sky. Try power cycling the AG-STAR.
• If the yellow LED is flashing but doesn’t progress to solid yellow within one minute, then insufficient
satellites are being tracked or the signal quality is poor and ephemeris data cannot be received.
Normally, four satellites are sufficient for a valid position as long as they are widely distributed in the sky.
If LED is stuck on blinking yellow, there may be excessive signal blockage or the AG-STAR may be
defective. Make sure the AG-STAR has an unobstructed view of the sky. Try power cycling the AG-STAR.
• If the yellow LED is on, but the green doesn’t turn on within five minutes than no SBAS or DGPS
positions are available. If you are using SBAS, make sure SBAS is available in your area and that the
AG-STAR is configured to enable SBAS positions (SBASCONTROL ENABLE and
SELECTCHANCONFIG). For DGPS, make sure the AG-STAR is configured with the correct serial port
parameters and to accept the DGPS protocol your area is using and that your data modem is connected
and working.
• The green LED blinks when SBAS is detected then it comes on solid when SBAS is enabled. The LED
will stay dark if SBAS is not detected.
Yellow
Flashing means that the LED is turning on and off at a 1 Hz rate - 0.5 seconds on and 0.5
seconds off.
Green
Condition
(WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS/DGPS).
AG-STAR User Manual Rev 2 17
Installation and Setup Chapter 2
2.2.2 MKI and PPS Strobes
The Mark Input (MKI) and Pulse Per Second (PPS) strobes provide status and synchronization signals. PPS
is a 3.3V CMOS output; MKI is a 5V logic tolerant input. For more information about the PPS and MKI
signals, see Section A.2, AG-STAR Specifications on page 43.
Pin-out information can be found in Table 7, AG-STAR Communication/Power Cable Pinouts on page 47.
2.2.3 Emulated Radar (ER)
The AG-STAR outputs an emulated RADAR signal via the bare wires labeled ER GND and ER_OUT on the
AG-STAR cable. See Table 7, AG-STAR Communication/Power Cable Pinouts on page 47 for the pin-out
details of this cable.
The ER outputs a logic high of supply voltage minus 0.5 V minimum and logic low of 0.5 V maximum with a
rise and fall time of less than 1 ms. The ER output references signal GND and provides logic low output until
the receiver’s speed is greater than 1 km/Hr. ER can be configured to operate at one of three distinct
frequencies (26.11, 28.12 or 36.11 Hz/km/Hr, with 26.11 Hz/km/Hr being the default value) and with an
effective range from 1 km/Hr to 55 km/Hr for near-horizontal applications. See Section B.5,
RADARCFG Configure the ER Output on page 56 for more information.
2.2.4 Controller Area Network (CAN)
NMEA 2000 is a CAN standard created by the National Marine Electronics Association and designed to
support networking in marine applications. It functions over a longer physical distance, and supports more
physical nodes than ISO 11783. The relationship between NMEA2000 and SAE J1939 is that J1939 is the
standard, while the NMEA 2000 group has added some new messages (called PGNs or Parameter Group
Numbers) and added a new, additional transport protocol called FastPacket. NMEA2000 compliant, for all
intents and purposes, means J1939 compliant plus support for new NMEA2000 messages. J1939 is
additionally “harmonized” with ISO 11783, a standard for the agriculture industry.
The CAN module is generally not user-interactive. It is activated when a SETCANNAME command (see
page 59) is entered, and after a SAVECONFIG, the CAN module is activated immediately on all subsequent
start-ups. The module supports the following NMEA2000 Parameter Group Message (PGN):
• PGN 129029 GNSSPositionData (1 Hz)
• PGN 129025 GNSSPositionRapidUpdate (10 Hz)
• PGN 129026 COGandSOGRapidUpdate (10 Hz)
Details about the PGN messages are found in the NMEA2000 specification which can be
purchased directly from the National Marine Electronics Association (www.nmea.org/).
Table 4: Available CAN Signals on the AG-STAR
CAN Pins
CAN+ Pin 6
CAN- Pin 7
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Chapter 3 Operation
Before operating the AG-STAR for the first time, ensure that you have followed the installation instructions in
Chapter 2, Installation and Setup on page 12. It is assumed that a computer is used during initial operation
and testing for greater ease and versatility.
3.1 Communications with the Receiver
Communication with the receiver typically consists of issuing commands through the communication ports
from an external serial communications device. This could be either a terminal or computer that is directly
connected to the receiver serial port using a DB-9 connector on the AG-STAR multi-cable. If you are using a
radio, it connects to another DB-9 connector on the same multi-cable by means of the radio serial cable
supplied with the radio. It is recommended that you become thoroughly familiar with the commands and logs
detailed in the OEMStar Firmware Reference Manual
capabilities.
When power is applied to the AG-STAR, the Power LED lights and the AG-STAR begins a self
test and the boot up process. After the self test and boot up have completed, the command
prompt becomes available on the serial port.
3.1.1 Serial Port Default Settings
The receiver communicates with your computer or terminal via an RS-232 serial port. For communication to
occur, both the receiver and the computer or terminal have to be configured properly. The receiver’s COM1
and COM2 default port settings are as follows:
to ensure maximum utilization of the receiver’s
• 9600 bps, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no handshaking, echo off
Changing the default settings requires using the COM command. See Section B.2, COM Configure COM
Port on page 50 for details.
The data transfer rate you choose determines how fast information is transmitted. For example, outputting a
log whose message byte count is 96. The default port settings allows 10 bits/byte (8 data bits + 1 stop bit + 1
framing bit). It therefore takes 960 bits per message. To get 10 messages per second then requires 9600 bps.
Also remember that even if you set the bps to 9600, the actual data transfer rate is lower and depends on the
number of satellites being tracked, data filters in use and idle time. It is suggested that you leave yourself a
margin when choosing a data rate (115200 is recommended for most applications).
Although the receiver can operate at data transfer rates as low as 300 bps, this is not desirable.
For example, if several data logs are active (that is, a significant amount of information needs to
be transmitted every second) but the bit rate is set too low, data will overflow the serial port
buffers, causing an error condition in the receiver status and loss of data.
3.1.2 Communicating Using a Remote Terminal
One method of communicating with the receiver is through a remote terminal. The receiver is pre-wired to
allow proper RS-232 interface with a data terminal. To communicate with the terminal, the receiver only
requires the RX, TX and GND lines to be used. Request to Send (RTS)/ Clear to Send (CTS) hardware
handshaking is not available. Ensure the terminal’s communications set-up matches the receiver’s RS-232
protocol.
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Operation Chapter 3
3.1.3 Communicating Using a Computer
A computer can be set up to emulate a remote terminal as well as provide the added flexibility of creating
multiple command batch files and data logging storage files. Any standard communications software package
that emulates a terminal can be used to establish bidirectional communications with the receiver. For
example, HyperTerminal or NovAtel’s Graphic User Interface (GUI) program NovAtel Connect. All data is
sent as raw 8-bit binary or ASCII characters.
3.2 Getting Started
3.2.1 Starting the Receiver
When first powered, the AG-STAR undergoes a complete self-test. The results of this test can be viewed by
connecting to the receiver and requesting the RXSTATUS log. Refer to the OEMStar Firmware Reference
Manual for more information.
If a persistent error develops, contact your local NovAtel dealer first. If the problem is still unresolved, contact
NovAtel directly through any of the methods listed in Customer Support on page 9.
3.2.2 Communicating with the Receiver Using NovAtel Connect
NovAtel Connect is a Windows-based GUI used to access the receiver's many features. The Convert utility is
a Windows-based utility that converts between file formats and strips unwanted records for data file
compilation. Both are included in the NovAtel Connect PC Utilities bundle available from: www.novatel.com/
support/search/items/PC%20Software.
Launch the NovAtel Connect program and select Device | Open from its main menu. The Open Configuration
window appears.
Figure 7: Open Configuration Window
Refer to the NovAtel Connect help file by selecting the Help | Contents menu or pressing F1 while the cursor
is in a NovAtel Connect window. Ensure the Console and ASCII Messages windows are open by selecting
them from the View menu.
When the receiver is first turned on, no data is transmitted from the COM ports except for the port prompt.
The console window displays a port name:
[COM1] if connected to COM1 port
or
[COM2] if connected to COM2 port or through Bluetooth
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