Figure 4 Antenna/Tripod Mounting

Non-Standard Platform Mounting
In some cases it will be necessary to custom fabricate your own
mounting platform. The base of the GPSAntenna has provisions for
four mounting screws (#6-32 UNC) for mounting onto a flat surface
platform and six screws for mounting onto a ground plane. Refer to
the enclosed GPSAntenna template for exact screw hole locations.
The template is drawn on a 1:1 scale.
Antenna Cable
The GPSAntenna has been designed for use with the NovAtel Standard
5–meter coaxial cable. This high quality cable has been selected to
meet the GPSAntenna performance requirements. If greater lengths of
cable are required for longer installation runs, NovAtel offers 15-meter
and 30-meter options.
Mounting Plate
Radome
TNC Connector

Figure 2 GPSAntenna Model 501

Antenna Assembly
The antenna assembly is environmentally protected within the radome
and the mounting plate. The only external connection is the TNC
connector which links the antenna assembly to the GPSCard™. The
GPSAntenna assembly consists of the following major components:
• Radiator Element
• LNA Assembly
• Mounting Plate
• Radome
Radiator Element
The Radiator Element is a unique metalized molded part with
enhanced performance relative to typical microstrip antennas.
Excellent polarization characteristics are obtained at all angles of
incidence due to its unique shape. This allows tracking of satellites to
near the horizon while rejecting the cross polarized signals from
unwanted reflections.
The Model 501 GPSAntenna has a precise phase center (5 mm RMS),
making it ideal for surveying applications. Additionally, its design
provides enhanced multipath interference rejection.
The active GPSAntenna consists of an L1 frequency antenna element
integrated with an internal interference rejection filter and Low Noise
Amplifier (LNA). The element is enclosed within a radome with an
attached mounting base. A single TNC connector carries both the GPS
signal to the receiver and the 4.5 volt power to the LNA.
The GPSAntenna is 11.4 cm in diameter and 5.9 cm high, and weighs
only 300 grams. Several mounting options are provided for installing
the antenna. These features minimize the work required for antenna
installation. Figure 2 shows the physical appearance of the
GPSAntenna Model 501.
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