TeeJet RX 400p User Manual
RX 400p
User Guide
Midwest Technologies Illinois, LLC
2733 E. Ash St.
Springfield, IL 62703
Telephone number: 217-753-8424
Fax number: 217-753-8426
E-mail address: custserve@mid-tech.com
Web Site: www.mid-tech.com
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Copyright Notice
Copyright 2001 Midwest Technologies Illinois, LLC. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced
by any means, including, but not limited to photocopy, photograph, digitizing, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission from MID-TECH Inc.
Trademarks
MID-TECH and the MID-TECH logo are registered trademarks of Midwest
Technologies Illinois, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
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MID-TECH Limited Warranty
MIDWEST TECHNOLOGIES ILLINOIS, LLC (herein called MID-TECH)
warrants to the original purchaser that the product purchased shall be free of defect in
material or workmanship. If the product proves to be defective within the warranty
period the purchaser must return, freight prepaid, said product to MID-TECH within
thirty (30) days after such defect is discovered. Upon inspection and examination by
MID-TECH, and at its option, MID-TECH shall repair or replace, with a new or
comparable product. No product will be considered defective if it substantially
fulfills the performance specifications. Purchaser shall be responsible for all required
maintenance service in accordance with procedures outlined in MID-TECH’s product
operator manual or service bulletins.
All product(s) replaced or repaired under warranty shall carry the remainder of the
warranty left on the original purchase. All out of warranty product(s) serviced for fee
or goodwill will have ninety (90) days of warranty. The ninety (90) days shall begin
on the date serviced by MID-TECH.
Warranty periods for MID-TECH products shall be:
MID-TECH Legacy Consoles – 2 ½ years
MID-TECH TASC Consoles – 2 ½ years
MID-TECH ARC Consoles – 2 ½ years
MID-TECH AgLogix Consoles – 2 ½ years
MID-TECH Switch boxes – 2 ½ years (3, 5, 9 boom)
All other MID-TECH products – 12 months (unless otherwise noted)
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WARRANTY LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
MID-TECH will have no warranty obligation hereunder if the product is subjected to
abuse, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, acts of God, faulty installation, improper
maintenance as outlined in MID-TECH’s product operator manual or service
bulletins. Consumable items (items that are used during normal operation) such as
light bulbs, batteries, etc., and expendable items (items which wear out in normal
use) such as injection pump tubes, flow meter bearings, etc., will not be covered by
warranty. For products that come in direct contact with chemical, the specific
recommendations contained in MID-TECH product bulletins must be adhered to, or
this warranty is void. Any repairs or alterations, other than those provided by MIDTECH and/or its authorized representatives, will void the warranty. MID-TECH
neither assumes nor authorizes anyone to assume for it any other obligation or
liability in connection with said product.
DISCLAIMER OF UNSTATED WARRANTY
The warranty printed above is the only warranty applicable to this purchase. MIDTECH’s warranty cannot be modified by any person or entity, including without
limitation, any distributor or retailer of MID-TECH. All other warranties, express or
implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose, are disclaimed.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
It is understood and agreed that MID-TECH’s liability, whether in contract, in tort,
under any warranty, in negligence or otherwise, shall not exceed the return of the
amount of the purchase price paid by purchaser and under no circumstances shall
MID-TECH be liable for special, indirect or consequential damages. In particular,
MID-TECH shall not be liable for damage to crops as the result of misuse or
negligence in the application of chemicals or operation of MID-TECH products. The
price stated for the equipment is a consideration in limiting MID-TECH’s liability.
No action, regardless of form, arising out of the transactions under this agreement
may be brought by purchaser more than one year after the cause of action has
occurred.
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MID-TECH does not warrant or guarantee the precision or accuracy of positions
obtained when using MID-TECH products. Product accuracy as stated in MIDTECH literature and/or product specifications serves to provide only an estimate of
achievable accuracy based on:
Specifications provided by the US Department of Defense (US DoD) for
GPS Positioning,
GPS OEM Receiver specifications of the appropriate manufacturer (if
applicable),
DGPS service provider performance specifications
MID-TECH reserves the right to modify MID-TECH products without any obligation
to notify, supply or install any improvements or alterations to existing products.
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Table of Contents
List of Figures............................................................................................................. xi
List of Tables .............................................................................................................xii
Preface.......................................................................................................................xiii
Organization ......................................................................................................xiv
Customer Service................................................................................................xv
World Wide Web Site .......................................................................................xvi
Document Conventions ....................................................................................xvii
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings ........................................................................xvii
Installation .......................................................................................................1-1
1
1.1 System Parts List......................................................................................1-1
1.2 Receiver Layout and Connections............................................................1-1
1.3 Installing the RX 400p Receiver ..............................................................1-2
1.3.1 Receiver Placement......................................................................1-2
1.3.2 Environmental Considerations.....................................................1-3
1.3.3 Power Considerations ..................................................................1-3
1.3.4 Turning the RX 400p On .............................................................1-4
1.3.5 Grounding the RX 400p ..............................................................1-4
1.3.6 Connecting the RX 400p To External Devices............................1-4
1.4 Installing the CDA-2B Antenna...............................................................1-7
1.4.1 Antenna Placement To Optimize Beacon Reception ...................1-7
1.4.2 Antenna Installation – 1-14-UNS Threaded Mount ....................1-8
1.4.3 Antenna Installation – Surface Mount .........................................1-8
1.4.4 Routing and Securing the Antenna Cable....................................1-9
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Connecting the CDA-2B Antenna .............................................. 1-9
1.4.5
1.5 Mounting Accessories ........................................................................... 1-11
1.5.1 Magnetic Mount........................................................................ 1-11
1.5.2 Survey Adapter ......................................................................... 1-11
2 RX 400p Overview.......................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 GPS Operation......................................................................................... 2-1
2.1.1 Automatic Tracking .................................................................... 2-1
2.1.2 Receiver Performance................................................................. 2-1
2.2 WAAS Operation .................................................................................... 2-2
2.2.1 Automatic Tracking .................................................................... 2-2
2.2.2 Receiver Performance................................................................. 2-2
2.3 OmniSTAR Operation............................................................................. 2-3
2.3.1 Automatic Tracking .................................................................... 2-3
2.3.2 Receiver Performance ................................................................. 2-3
2.4 Beacon Operation.................................................................................... 2-4
2.4.1 Tune Modes ................................................................................ 2-4
2.4.2 Receiver Performance ................................................................. 2-6
2.5 Factory Default Parameters ..................................................................... 2-7
3 RX 400p Architecture .................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Hardware ................................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Firmware ................................................................................................. 3-1
3.3 Applications ............................................................................................ 3-2
4 Operation......................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Front Display and Keypad....................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Navigating the Menu System .................................................................. 4-2
4.3 Menu Access Icon ................................................................................... 4-2
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Receiver Status Icons ...............................................................................4-2
4.4
4.4.1 Position Fix Status Icon ...............................................................4-3
4.4.2 WAAS Lock Icon ........................................................................4-3
4.4.3 OmniSTAR Lock Icon.................................................................4-4
4.4.4 Beacon Lock Icon ........................................................................4-5
4.4.5 External DGPS Correction Source Icon ......................................4-5
4.4.6 Autonomous Mode Icon ..............................................................4-6
4.5 RX 400p Menu System Overview ...........................................................4-6
4.6 Start-Up Sequence..................................................................................4-11
4.7 Signal Tracking Bar Chart......................................................................4-11
4.7.1 WAAS Mode Bar Chart.............................................................4-12
4.7.2 OmniSTAR Mode Bar Chart .....................................................4-12
4.7.3 Beacon Mode Bar Chart ............................................................4-13
4.7.4 External RTCM Input Bar Chart ...............................................4-13
4.7.5 Autonomous Mode Bar Chart....................................................4-14
4.8 Main Menu.............................................................................................4-14
4.9 GPS Menu ..............................................................................................4-15
4.9.1 GPS Position Status Menu .........................................................4-17
4.9.2 GPS Satellites Menu ..................................................................4-31
4.9.3 GPS Configure Menu ................................................................4-33
4.10 WAAS Menu..........................................................................................4-39
4.10.1 WAAS Signal Status Menu .......................................................4-40
4.10.2 WAAS Configure Menu ............................................................4-44
4.11 OmniSTAR Menu ..................................................................................4-44
4.11.1 OmniSTAR Signal Status Menu................................................4-45
4.11.2 OmniSTAR Configure Menu.....................................................4-51
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4.12
Beacon Menu......................................................................................... 4-54
4.12.1 Beacon Signal Status Menu ...................................................... 4-56
4.12.2 Beacon Configure Menu........................................................... 4-59
4.13 External RTCM Menu........................................................................... 4-61
4.14 Autonomous Menu................................................................................ 4-63
4.15 System Setup Menu............................................................................... 4-64
4.15.1 Display Applications Menu ...................................................... 4-66
4.15.2 Display Format Menu ............................................................... 4-66
4.15.3 Baud Rates Menu...................................................................... 4-68
4.15.4 Software Display Menu ............................................................ 4-69
4.16 Configuring the Receiver ...................................................................... 4-70
4.16.1 Changing the Source of DGPS Corrections.............................. 4-71
4.16.2 Changing the Output Data Messages ........................................ 4-71
4.16.3 Changing the Baud Rates.......................................................... 4-71
4.16.4 Monitoring the OmniSTAR Subscription Status ...................... 4-72
4.16.5 Tuning the Internal Beacon Sensor........................................... 4-72
4.17 Firmware Updates ................................................................................. 4-74
5 Configuration Wizard .................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Start-up Sequence.................................................................................... 5-3
5.2 Using the Configuration Wizard After Start-up ...................................... 5-3
5.3 Selecting a Previously Saved Configuration ........................................... 5-3
5.4 Bypassing a Configuration Step .............................................................. 5-4
5.5 Completing the Step-by-Step Process ..................................................... 5-4
5.6 Saving a Configuration............................................................................ 5-4
6 NMEA 0183 Messages .................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 Description of NMEA 0183 .................................................................... 6-1
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NMEA Message Elements .......................................................................6-1
6.2
6.3 RX 400p Serial Port Configuration..........................................................6-2
6.4 SLXMon...................................................................................................6-2
6.5 GPS NMEA Data Messages.....................................................................6-3
6.5.1 GGA Data Message .....................................................................6-3
6.5.2 GLL Data Message ......................................................................6-4
6.5.3 GSA Data Message......................................................................6-5
6.5.4 GST Data Message ......................................................................6-6
6.5.5 GSV Data Message ......................................................................6-6
6.5.6 RMC Data Message .....................................................................6-7
6.5.7 RRE Data Message ......................................................................6-8
6.5.8 VTG Data Message......................................................................6-9
6.5.9 ZDA Data Message......................................................................6-9
7 Troubleshooting...............................................................................................7-1
8 Appendix A - Specifications............................................................................8-1
9 Appendix B - Interface....................................................................................9-1
9.1 GPS NMEA Output..................................................................................9-1
9.2 RTCM Data Output..................................................................................9-2
9.3 External Correction Input.........................................................................9-3
10
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Appendix C - Activating the OmniSTAR DGPS Service.................10-1
10.1 L-band Receiver Unit Number...............................................................10-1
10.2 OmniSTAR Service Activation..............................................................10-2
10.2.1 OmniSTAR License Agreement................................................10-2
10.2.2 Contacting OmniSTAR..............................................................10-2
10.3 Over-Air Subscription Activation ..........................................................10-4
10.4 Subscription Confirmation.....................................................................10-4
RX 400p
11
12
Appendix D - Beacon Information..................................................... 11-1
Index ..................................................................................................... 12-1
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List of Figures
Figure 2-1 Cable Interface ......................................................................................1-2
Figure 2-2 RX 400P Socket Connector Pin Numbering .......................................1-6
Figure 2-3 RX 400P Interface .................................................................................1-6
Figure 5-1 RX 400P Display and Keypad ..............................................................4-1
Figure 5-2 Menu Access Icon ..................................................................................4-2
Figure 5-3 GPS Position Fix Icon ...........................................................................4-3
Figure 5-4 WAAS Lock Icon...................................................................................4-4
Figure 5-5 L-band Lock Icon ..................................................................................4-4
Figure 5-6 Beacon Lock Icon ..................................................................................4-5
Figure 5-7 External DGPS Source Icon .................................................................4-5
Figure 5-8 Autonomous Mode Icon........................................................................4-6
Figure 5-9 GPS Menu ..............................................................................................4-7
Figure 5-10 WAAS Menu ........................................................................................4-8
Figure 5-11 OmniSTAR Menu................................................................................4-8
Figure 5-12 Beacon Menu........................................................................................4-9
Figure 5-13 External RTCM Input Menu .............................................................4-9
Figure 5-14 Autonomous Menu ............................................................................4-10
Figure 5-15 Setup Menu ........................................................................................4-10
Figure 6-1 Configuration Wizard Menu ................................................................5-2
Figure B-1 GPS Data Interface...............................................................................9-2
Figure B-2 RTCM Data Interface. .........................................................................9-3
Figure B-3 External Correction Source Interface.................................................9-4
Figure C-1 OmniSTAR Coverage Map................................................................10-3
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List of Tables
Table 2-1 Power Requirements of the RX 400P ................................................... 1-3
Table 2-2 MAIN Port Pin-out, RS-232C Interface Level .................................... 1-5
Table 2-3 AUX Port Pin-out, RS-232C Interface Level....................................... 1-5
Table 3-1 Beacon Receiver Performance - SNR Reading.................................... 2-7
Table 3-2 Preset DGPS Mode................................................................................. 2-8
Table 3-3 Preset Port Settings ................................................................................ 2-8
Table 3-4 Preset GPS NMEA Message Output .................................................... 2-8
Table 5-1 Beacon Health Status Values............................................................... 4-59
Table 7-1 NMEA Message Elements ..................................................................... 6-2
Table 7-2 GPS NMEA Messages............................................................................ 6-3
Table 7-3 GGA Data Message Defined.................................................................. 6-4
Table 7-4 GLL Data Message Defined .................................................................. 6-5
Table 7-5 GSA Data Message Defined................................................................... 6-5
Table 7-6 GSA Data Message Defined................................................................... 6-6
Table 7-7 GSV Data Message Defined................................................................... 6-7
Table 7-8 RMC Data Message Defined ................................................................. 6-8
Table 7-9 RMC Data Message Defined ................................................................. 6-8
Table 7-10 VTG Data Message Defined ................................................................ 6-9
Table 7-11 ZDA Data Message Defined .............................................................. 6-10
Table 6-1 Troubleshooting...................................................................................... 7-1
Table A-1 RX 400P Receiver Specifications ......................................................... 8-1
Table A-2 CDA-2B Specifications.......................................................................... 8-2
Table C-1 OmniSTAR Contact Information ...................................................... 10-3
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Preface
Welcome to the RX 400p User Guide and congratulations on purchasing this highperformance positioning tool. This is the third generation all-in-one receiver, which
incorporates a number of improvements over the previous generation including
support of the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and other Space Based
Augmentation Systems (SBAS), and an improved menu system. The purpose of this
manual is to familiarize you with the proper installation, configuration, and operation
of your new receiver.
The RX 400p is a complete DGPS receiver, possessing two separate, internal
receivers that provide the versatility of this system. Within the RX 400p, MIDTECH has integrated the MID-TECH SLX receiver, a tri-purpose GPS / WAAS / Lband receiver, and the MID-TECH SBX, a high performance DGPS beacon receiver.
You may use any of the three internal differential correction services, depending
which service is available. The beacon receiver obtains free DGPS beacon signals
where available, the WAAS demodulator decodes correction data from the Wide
Area Augmentation System, and the L-band satellite differential receiver obtains
corrections from the OmniSTAR Worldwide DGPS service.
In addition to real-time DGPS, the RX 400p also supports post-processing. You may
configure the RX 400p for output of binary measurement data for logging with the
use of an external device. A conversion utility is available from MID-TECH for
translation from the proprietary binary format into the Receiver Independent
Exchange format (RINEX). Consult Appendix E for information on post processing
and RINEX.
MID-TECH has designed this GPS product to function in a wide array of
applications and environments. Compact, lightweight, yet rugged, the RX 400p will
provide you with years of reliable operation.
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Organization
This manual contains the following chapters:
Chapter 1:
and provides a foundation for interfacing the RX 400p with an external data logging
or monitoring device.
Chapter 2:
modes of the internal sensors of the RX 400p.
Chapter 3:
RX 400p.
Chapter 4:
receiver using the keypad-driven menu system. This Chapter also provides a detailed
listing of the default parameters.
Chapter 5:
and describes how it may be used to simplify configuration of the RX 400p receiver.
Chapter 6:
commands and queries used to communicate with the GPS features of the two
internal RX 400p sensors.
Chapter 7:
determining a source of difficulty for a particular installation.
Installation - describes how to install the RX 400p receiver and antenna,
RX 400p Overview - provides details on the fundamental operating
RX 400p Architecture - provides a description of the integration of the
Operation - describes how to configure and operate the RX 400p
Configuration Wizard - introduces the Configuration Wizard feature
NMEA 0183 Messages - describes the subset of NMEA 0183
Troubleshooting - provides you with diagnostic information to aid in
Appendix A:
receiver and CDA-2B antenna.
Appendix B:
with external devices.
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Specifications - details the technical characteristics of the RX 400p
RX 400p Interface - provides instructions to interface the RX 400p
RX 400p
Appendix C:
information on how to enable an OmniSTAR subscription within your
receiver.
Appendix D:
beacon transmitter sites and general information.
Appendix E:
as a post-processing DGPS tool.
The
Further Reading
information.
Index
The
Activating OmniSTAR DGPS Service - provides you with
Beacon Information - provides a reference for DGPS
Post-Processing - describes how the RX 400p may be used
section provides a listing of GPS/DGPS sources for further
provides a listing of the locations of various subjects within this manual.
Customer Service
If you encounter problems during the installation or operation of this product, or
cannot find the information you need, please contact your dealer, or MID-TECH
Customer Service. The contact numbers and e-mail address for MID-TECH
Customer Service are:
Telephone number: 217-753-8424
Fax number: 217-753-8426
E-mail address: custserv@mid-tech.com
Technical Support is available from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday to
Friday.
To expedite the support process, please have the product model and serial number
available when contacting MID-TECH Customer Service.
In the event that your equipment requires service, we recommend that you contact
your dealer directly. However, if this is not possible, you must contact MID-TECH
Customer Service to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
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before returning any product to MID-TECH. If you are returning a product for
repair, you must also provide a fault description before MID-TECH will issue an
RMA number.
When providing the RMA number, MID-TECH will provide you with shipping
instructions to assist you in returning the equipment.
World Wide Web Site
MID-TECH maintains a World Wide Web home page at the following address:
www.mid-tech.com
A corporate profile and product information are available at this site.
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Document Conventions
Bold is used to emphasize certain points.
This font
This icon indicates that you should press the up arrow button of the receiver
keypad.
This icon indicates that you should press the Enter button of the receiver keypad.
This icon indicates that you should press the down arrow button of the receiver
keypad.
indicates information presented on the display of the receiver.
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings stress important information regarding the
installation, configuration, and operation of the RX 400p combination GPS/Lband/Beacon receiver.
Note - Notes outline important information of a general nature.
Cautions - Cautions inform of possible sources of difficulty or situations that
may cause damage to the product.
Warning - Warnings inform of situations that may cause harm to you.
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1 Installation
This chapter contains instructions and recommendations for the installation of the RX
400p receiver and CDA-2B antenna.
1.1 System Parts List
The following list of standard equipment is included with the RX 400p Receiver
system:
RX 400p
CDA-2B Antenna
Power Cable
Antenna Cable
Data Cable
Magnetic Mount Kit
User Guide
1.2 Receiver Layout and Connections
The RX 400p receiver is easily installed requiring only power, data, antenna, and
ground connections. Figure 2-1 illustrates the cable connections required for the RX
400p receiver.
Caution - The RX 400p receiver provides 5 VDC across the antenna port.
Connection to incompatible devices may result in damage to equipment.
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Figure 1-1 Cable Interface
1.3 Installing the RX 400p Receiver
To ensure optimum receiver performance and ease of operation, follow the guidelines
presented in the following sections.
1.3.1 Receiver Placement
The flange mounting bracket supplied with the RX 400p is used to secure the
receiver to the selected mounting surface. You may install this bracket on the top or
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the bottom of the RX 400p. Use the mounting brackets as a template when planning
and drilling mounting holes.
When selecting a location to install the receiver, you should ensure that:
The receiver is within reach of power, data, and antenna cable connections.
Sufficient room is available at the back of the receiver to connect and disconnect the
power, data, antenna, and ground cables.
Once you have installed the receiver, cables will not be bent excessively or pinched.
You have a clear view and access to the receiver’s front panel, to monitor the
receiver status.
1.3.2 Environmental Considerations
The RX 400p is designed to operate in an enclosed environment in which the
temperature remains between -32 °C and +74 °C and relative humidity is less than
95% (non-condensing). The receiver may be stored between -40 °C and +85 °C.
The CDA-2B Antenna is designed to operate in an open environment in which the
temperature remains between -40 °C and +85 °C and relative humidity is as high as
100%. The antenna may be stored at temperatures between -40 °C and +85 °C.
1.3.3 Power Considerations
The RX 400p uses a 2-conductor, positive locking, circular connector for application
of power. The RX 400p accepts an input voltage between 9.2 and 48 VDC. For best
performance, the supplied power should be continuous and clean. Table 1-1 details
the power specifications of the RX 400p receiver.
The back-lit LCD display of the RX 400p remains illuminated while power is applied
to the receiver.
Table 1-1 Power Requirements
Model Input Voltage Input Current
RX 400p (with CDA-2B) 9 to 48 VDC <550 mA @ 12 VDC <6.5 W Nominal
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Input Power
RX 400p
1.3.4 Turning the RX 400p On
When connected to a suitable power source, the RX 400p may be turned on and off
using the On/Off switch located on the rear panel.
To turn the RX 400p on:
Connect the red wire of the supplied power cable to DC positive (+).
Connect the black wire of the supplied power cable to DC negative (-).
Connect the keyed, two-conductor socket connector of the power cable to the RX
400p.
Turn the RX 400p on, by pressing the ON/OFF switch located on the rear panel
You may press the On/Off switch one more time to turn the receiver off. This will
save you from having to disconnect the power cable from the receiver.
The RX 400p receiver incorporates reverse polarity protection to prevent damage if
the power leads are accidentally reversed.
A 1.5 A slow-blow fuse (or 2.5 A standard blow), situated in-line of the power cable
protects the RX 400p receiver from power surges. The fuse container should remain
accessible after installation.
Caution - Do not operate the RX 400p with the fuse bypassed. Such a
modification will void the product warranty.
1.3.5 Grounding the RX 400p
For best performance, connect the ground screw, labeled ‘GND’, on the back of the
RX 400p to a counterpoise ground (artificial ground). This ground point in most
instances will be the chassis of a vehicle. Other grounds may provide acceptable
performance. You should minimize the overall length of the ground wire for best
performance.
1.3.6 Connecting the RX 400p To External Devices
The RX 400p operates at the RS-232C interface level to communicate with external
data loggers, navigation systems, and other devices. It features two data connectors
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on the rear panel, labeled ‘MAIN’ and ‘AUX’ to transmit and receive data (refer to
Appendix B Interface Information).
MAIN is the primary interface port for differentially corrected GPS data. The AUX
port is a secondary port designed for input of external RTCM correction data. In the
case that an external differential source is required, you may configure the RX 400p
using the menu system to accept the external correction data through the AUX port.
Both data ports are located at the back panel of the RX 400p and are a DB9 socket
connector. Table 1-2 and Table 1-3 provide pin-assignment information for the RX
400p MAIN and AUX serial ports respectively.
Table 1-2 MAIN Pin-out, RS-232C Interface Level
Pin # Signal Description
2 TXD RX 400p NMEA 0183 and binary output
3 RXD RX 400p NMEA 0183 and binary input
5 Sig. Ground Signal return
9 1 PPS 1 Pulse per second timing output (HCMOS, rising edge
synch, 10 kΩ, 10 pF load)
Table 1-3 AUX Port Pin-out, RS-232C Interface Level
Pin # Signal Description
3 RXD RTCM Input (Extrnl RTCM mode only)
5 Sig. Ground Signal Return
6 Event Marker
9 1 PPS
Figure 1-2 displays the numbering scheme for a DB9 socket connector (female), as
located on the rear panel of the RX 400p receiver. The associated numbering for the
plug connector (male) is a mirror reflection of scheme showed in this figure.
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HCMOS, active low, falling edge sync, 10 kΩ, 10 pF load
1 Pulse per second timing output (HCMOS, rising edge synch, 10 kΩ, 10 pF
load)
RX 400p
1
3
7
2
6
4
958
Figure 1-2 RX 400p Socket Connector Pin Numbering
Figure 1-3 illustrates the standard interface for the RX 400p when interfaced to an
external device:
MAIN
External Device
5 GND GND
NMEA/Binary
3 RX
NMEA/Binary
2 TX
Refer to Appendix B for further interface information when operating in the RX 400p
with various correction sources.
For successful communications, the baud rate of the RX 400p serial ports must be set
to match that of the devices to which they are connected. Refer to Section 4.15.3 and
Section 4.16.3 for instructions related to setting the RX 400p baud rates.
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TX
RX
Figure 1-3 RX 400p Interface
RX 400p
1.4 Installing the CDA-2B Antenna
The location chosen for installation of the CDA-2B antenna will influence the overall
performance of the RX 400p receiver. When installing the antenna:
Choose a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. This is important for
GPS, WAAS, and OmniSTAR signal reception.
Choose a location that is at least three feet away from all forms of transmitting
antennas, communications, and electronic equipment. This will reduce the amount
of noise present at the antenna, improving beacon receiver performance.
The position calculated by the RX 400p is measured to the center of the CDA-2B
antenna. Install the antenna in the best location for your application, such as the
centerline of your vehicle or vessel.
Do not locate the antenna where environmental conditions exceed those specified in
Section 1.3.2.
1.4.1 Antenna Placement To Optimize Beacon Reception
When using the internal beacon receiver as the correction source, selecting an
appropriate location for installation of the antenna will influence the performance of
the internal beacon receiver of the RX 400p. The following list provides some
general guidelines for deciding upon an antenna location:
Ensure that the antenna is as far as possible from all other equipment that emits
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), including DC motors, alternators, solenoids,
radios, power cables, display units, and other electronic devices.
If you are installing the antenna on a vessel (using DGPS beacon corrections), mount
the antenna as high as possible, considering maintenance and accessibility. In
addition, ensure that the antenna is lower than the highest metal object on the vessel.
If a radar system is present, mount the antenna outside the path of the radar beam.
Your beacon receiver calculates a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), measured in dB
(Decibels) that indicates the receiver’s performance. The SNR is height of the signal
above the noise floor. The higher the SNR, the better your beacon receiver is
demodulating the signal. The optimum antenna location will be a position where
your average SNR is highest. You should turn on all accessories that you intend to
use during normal operation when locating the best position for the antenna.
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1.4.2 Antenna Installation – 1-14-UNS Threaded Mount
The CDA-2B uses a 1-14-UNS-2B thread for mounting, which is not compatible with
¾ NPT or pipe threads. A magnetic mount accompanies the standard RX 400p
system. An adapter to convert the 1-14-UNS thread to a 5/8
th
inch survey-style
thread is available from MID-TECH, discussed in Section 1.5.3.
Thread the CDA-2B Antenna onto the mount, tightening by hand only. Do not use
any tools for tightening, and do not over-tighten.
Caution - A ¾ NPT or pipe thread is not compatible with the thread of the CDA2B. Use only a 1-14-UNS threaded mount to prevent damage to the antenna
enclosure. This type of damage is not covered under warranty.
Caution - Install the antenna only hand-tight. Damage resulting from overtightening the antenna is not covered by warranty.
1.4.3 Antenna Installation – Surface Mount
The CDA-2B antenna comes with a PVC base pre-installed for mounting on a 1-14UNS threaded mount installed. This base may be removed for surface mounting the
CDA-2B, if desired.
To mount the CDA-2B in this fashion, you must use four 4-40 screws in order to
secure the antenna to the mounting surface. Their length will be dependant upon the
thickness of the mounting surface used. To determine the location of the screw
holes, use the PVC base as a template.
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Note - The screw holes are not symmetric so that the PVC base cannot be
improperly installed on the antenna. As such, you will have to place the base on
the bottom face of the mounting surface when marking the screw holes, before
drilling. Do not place the base upside down on the top face of the mounting
surface, as the resulting screw holes will not line up correctly.
1.4.4 Routing and Securing the Antenna Cable
The CDA-2B requires a 50 Ω impedance antenna extension cable such as RG-58U
(up to a maximum of 10 m (33 ft) in length) for proper operation. For more
information on cable length or low-loss cable, please contact your MID-TECH dealer
or MID-TECH Customer Service.
When choosing a route for the antenna extension cable:
Avoid running cables in areas of excessive heat.
Keep antenna cables away from corrosive chemicals.
Do not run the extension cable through door or window jams.
Keep the antenna cable away from rotating machinery.
Do not bend excessively or crimp the antenna extension cable.
Avoid placing tension on the cable.
Remove unwanted slack from the antenna extension cable at the receiver end.
Secure along the cable route using plastic tie wraps.
Caution - The RX 400p receiver provides 5 VDC across the antenna port.
Connection to incompatible devices may result in damage to equipment.
Warning - Improperly installed cables near machinery can be dangerous
1.4.5 Connecting the CDA-2B Antenna
The CDA-2B Antenna connects to the RX 400p receiver using the supplied TNCmale to TNC-male antenna cable. To connect the CDA-2B Antenna to the RX 400p:
Thread one end of the TNC to TNC antenna extension cable onto the TNC socket
present on the CDA-2B
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Thread the other end of the antenna extension cable to the TNC socket connector on
the rear panel of the RX 400p, labeled CDA-2B.
Caution - Be sure to always connect the antenna to the RX 400p before you turn
the receiver on.
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