Development Kit, Setup and Operation

Appendix B

SMART ANTENNA Development Kit

B.1 Development Kit

The SMART ANTENNA Development Kit allows you to easily evaluate the SMART ANTENNA. The Development Kit implements the receiver’s operation and I/O functions using a PC, a serial/power cable with a 120 V AC to 12 V DC power adapter. The SUPERSTAR II is contained in the SMART ANTENNA unit, with an external serial/power connector.

StarView is a Windows application running on a PC that allows communication with the receiver. Commands and data requests can be sent through this application and received data is decoded and displayed in specific windows. A data logging facility is also provided within this tool. Details on the use of StarView is provided in the StarView User Manual (see Reference [5] on Page 12).

This section explains how to configure the Development Kit receiver, and how to interconnect the equipment.

See Page 37 for a list of SMART ANTENNA Development Kit contents and Table 4 and Table 5 starting on Page 38 for variations in SMART ANTENNA models.

B.1.1 Setup and Operation

The default data transfer rate is 9600 bps unless your receiver model has Carrier Phase Output (CP) capability with 19200 bps as the default.

Your receiver must be a BASE model to act as a base station.

A list of models may be found in Appendix A of the SUPERSTAR II Firmware Reference Manual, see Reference [6] on Page 12.

B.1.1.1 Normal Setup

See Figure 11 on Page 19 when following these instructions:

1.Connect the SMART ANTENNA to a PC using the multi-purpose cable if it is provided.

2.Connect the power supply to the SMART ANTENNA using the power connector on the multi- purpose cable.

3.Launch the StarView software application, see StarView Software Installation on Page 45. Refer also to the StarView User Manual, see Reference [5] on Page 12.

B.1.1.2 DGPS Setup with the SMART ANTENNA

Set up the equipment as in Figure 24 on Page 45, for differential messages. Differential operation requires that stations operate in pairs. Each pair consists of a base station and a rover station. For each receiver, the base and the rover, follow the set-up steps in Section B.1.1.1 on Page 44. Then also connect a RS-232 communications device to each SMART ANTENNA with a user-supplied connector on the multi-purpose cable’s open end. For example this might connect to a radio modem, for sending or receiving differential GPS messages.

A differential network can also be established when there is more than one rover station linked to a single base station.

The base SMART ANTENNA must be initialized to fix its position (latitude, longitude and height of its phase center).

The rover station must be tracking the same satellites as the base station in order for corrections to take effect. Only common satellite pseudoranges will use the differential corrections. When the rover is able to compute its positions based on pseudorange corrections from the base station, its position accuracies will approach that of

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SMART ANTENNA specifications

The Novatel SMART ANTENNA represents a significant advancement in positioning technology, designed to meet the growing demands of various applications, including surveying, agriculture, and autonomous vehicles. Its compact, all-in-one design integrates GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antennas, a GNSS receiver, and advanced signal processing capabilities into a single unit, thereby streamlining deployment and operation.

One of the standout features of the Novatel SMART ANTENNA is its multi-frequency capability, which allows it to utilize signals from various GNSS constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. This multi-constellation approach enhances reliability and accuracy, even in challenging environments where signal obstructions may occur. The ability to process signals across multiple frequencies significantly reduces the impact of multipath interference and improves positional precision.

The SMART ANTENNA employs sophisticated technologies, such as Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning, which provides centimeter-level accuracy. This makes it ideal for applications that require high precision, such as land surveying or precision agriculture, where slight positional errors can lead to significant discrepancies in output.

Another important characteristic of the Novatel SMART ANTENNA is its rugged, weather-resistant design, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor environments. It has been engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring operational reliability and longevity. This durability is crucial for industries that rely on continuous and accurate positioning data.

Moreover, the device features an easy-to-use interface, simplifying setup and operation for users of all experience levels. Its robust connectivity options, including Bluetooth and serial communications, enable seamless integration with various devices and systems, allowing for versatile usage across multiple platforms.

The Novatel SMART ANTENNA is also equipped with built-in monitoring and diagnostic tools, providing users with real-time feedback on performance metrics. This empowers users to maintain optimal operation and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

In summary, the Novatel SMART ANTENNA is a cutting-edge solution that combines advanced GNSS technology, accurate RTK positioning, and a rugged design. It is an unparalleled choice for industries that demand reliable and precise positioning data, driving efficiency and enhancing workflow across various applications.