5. Installing the Optional optical GPS interface cable
The beacon is fitted with an optical interface to connect with an external Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that will determine the latitude and longitude of its position.
The black lead wire with white stripes should be connected to the output of the external GPS receiver positive transmitter pin. The black wire should be connected to the negative pin.
If you have a Category I beacon and bracket, the connector is at the end of the black lead wire plugs into the beacon via the bezel on the top of the beacon. See the location of the GPS interface in previous figures (“Anatomy of your beacon”, page 7 and “Top View”, page 8). It is important to seat the connector completely in the bezel for an operational connection.
If you have a Category II beacon and bracket, your connector has two extensions on it that must be aligned with the two notches on the Category II beacon bezel. The connector is then gently inserted downward into place and turned 90° to lock the connector into the bezel.
If the external GPS receiver is operational and the connection has been correctly made to the optical interface, the green LED in the optical interface will start flashing at activation.
NOTE: The baud rate output for your GPS receiver NMEA 0183 should be 4800 bps. If you are not sure if your receiver is NMEA 0183 compliant, check the interface settings listed in your GPS manual. To optimize your GPS interface feature, be sure that your GPS receiver is equipped with a NMEA 0183 Version 1.5 or higher with GPGGA sentence enabled.
Consult your GPS receiver manual for the maximum cable length acceptable for an external GPS connection to the beacon. Also see Appendix A for information regarding the use and testing of your GPS system in conjunction with the beacon.
Using the optical interface is not necessary for the beacon to function properly; it will, however, enhance the beacon’s performance.
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