Galleon Workstation GPS Clock

• Overview
• Cabling Requirements
• Maximum Cable Distance
• Antenna Mounting Requirements
• Antenna Power Requirements
• Testing GPS Communications with the Host Computer
• Will the GPS antenna operate on a window ledge ?

Overview^ top

The Galleon Workstation GPS receiver is a complete GPS receiver and embedded antenna designed for time synchronisation solutions. The receiver can obtain accurate time and position information anywhere in the World.

The GPS receiver will track up to 12 satellites at a time while providing accurate time information to a host computer. The receiver is housed in a black, water resistant case and designed to withstand rugged operating conditions.

The Galleon GPS Clock receives time and positioning information from Global Positioning Satellites, which can be used to accurately synchronise the time on computers.

The Galleon GPS clock has a number of advantages over similar radio based products. It can be used at any location all around the world; radio broadcasts have a strictly limited range. The GPS clock is less susceptible to interference. Provided the GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky, it is less prone to environmental obstructions.

Cabling Requirements^ top

Five meters of cable is supplied between the receiver and the host PC. The cable from the GPS receiver plugs into a RS232 Com port on a computer via the 9 way 'D' type connector.

Maximum Cable Distance^ top

Five meters of cable is supplied between the receiver and the host PC. The antenna cable can be extended up to a maximum of twelve meters.

Antenna Mounting Requirements^ top

The GPS receiver must be mounted externally, using the supplied mounting plate, with a clear view of the sky.

It is therefore advisable that the host PC be sited as near as possible to a roof top location or external wall.

The cable must run from the host computer mounted internally, through a wall to the externally mounted GPS receiver.

Antenna Power Requirements^ top

The GPS receiver is powered from a 12 V power supply, supplied. On power up it may take a number of minutes for the receiver to obtain a satellite lock.

The supplied host software provides GPS status and Synchronisation information

Testing GPS Communications with the Host Computer^ top

If you are encountering communication problems with the GPS antenna, check that the unit is powered up and connected to the correct communications port on the host computer.

If problems persist, an easy way to test GPS antenna communications with the host PC is to use a terminal emulation program, such as hyper-terminal. Select the Com port that the GPS antenna is connected to and use the following settings: 4800 bits per second (baud), 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity and no flow control.

The GPS antenna continuously sends back time and position information in data packets, each beginning with a '$' symbol and terminating in CR. Time information is provided by the $GPSV data packet.

Will the GPS antenna operate in a window^ top

The GPS antenna requires a clear view of the sky for correct operation. A reduced view of the sky may not guarantee good signal reception. However, for most locations the GPS antenna will work correctly sited on a window ledge.