AQ Max AQ-300-U User manual

AQ-300-U
High Sensitivity
GPS Receiver
AQ Max Technology Inc.
6F-2, No.90, Sec. 1, Chung-Hwa East Road., Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

AQ-300 Operating Manual
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Contents
Quick Use
Turn on your machine............................................................................3
Check Connector………………………………………………….…...……3
Connect AQ-300 to your machine……………………………….…...……3
Turn on your machine……………………………………………………….3
Introduction
Overview……………………………………………………………………...4
Features………………………………………………………………………4
Technical Specifications…………………………………………………….5
Operational
Characteristics
Initialization………………………………………………………………...…6
Navigation…………………………………………………………..……......6
Hardware Interface
Dimension…………………………………………………………….…..…..7
Hardware Interface……………………………………………………..……7
Connector……………………………………………………………………..7
Accessories…………………………………………………………..………8
USB Driver
System Requirement…………………………………..…...………..…….10
Installation…………………………………………………………….…….10
Important…………………………………………………………….…….. 10
Waranty …………………………………………………………………………..……11
Appendix A
Software Inferface
NMEA Transmitted Sentences……………………………………….…...12
RTCM Received Data………………………………………………….…..15
Appendix B
Earth Datums and
Output Setting
Accessories…………………………………………………………………16
Product Combination………………………………………………………16
Appendix C
Products Information
Earth Datums……………………………………………………………….17
Setting……………………………………………………………………….17

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Quick Use
Check GPS Package
Standard Package
AQ-300 (GPS Receiver) + CD + Warranty Card + Quick Use
Optional Package
The shop may bundle different accessories for you as follows:
1. PC Cable
2. PDA Cable
3. PDA Holder
4. Software (Navigation Software + Digital Map)
5. Others
Check connector
a. C3000 RS-232 Serial Port Connector
b. C3001 USB Connector, please install USB driver first.
c. When you connect your PDA to GPS-6010, you need an optional cable.
Check the e mark (FCC) for safety and ensure the cigarette adapter
with correct model number to avoid damaging your PDA.
d. Various cables are ready for optional devices.
Connect AQ-300 to your machine.
Turn on your machine.
Your AQ-300 starts to provide you full GPS function.

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Introduction
Overview
The AQ-300 Smart Antenna is a total solution GPS receiver, designed
based on SiRF Star II Architecture. The AQ Max GPS technology is a low
power (32mA), cost effective and easy integration GPS system. This
positioning application meets strict needs such as car navigation,
mapping, surveying, security, agriculture and so on.
Only clear view of sky and certain power supply are necessary to the unit.
It communicates with other electronic utilities via compatible dual-channel
through RS-232 or TTL and saves critical satellite data by built–in backup
memory. With low power consumption, the AQ-300 tracks up to 12
satellites at a time, re-acquires satellite signals in 100 ms and updates
position data every second. The following sleeping mode will save power
consumption dramatically to allow critical low power applications.
Features
The AQ-300 provides a host of features that make it easy for integration
and use.
1. SiRF Star II chipset with embedded R3000 level, MIPS I class, 32-bit
RISC processor available for customized applications in firmware.
2. High performance receiver tracks up to 12 satellites while providing
first fast fix and low power consumption.
3. Differential capability utilizes real-time RTCM corrections producing
1-5 meter position accuracy.
4. Compact design ideal for applications with minimal space.
5. A rechargeable battery sustains internal clock and memory. It is
recharged during normal operation.
6. User initialization is not required.
7. Dual communication channels and user selectable baud rates allow
maximum interface capability and flexibility.
8. Optional communication levels, RS-232 and TTL meet ordinary
application and new fashions of connecting PDA with TTL or RS-232
output.
9. FLASH based program memory: New software revisions upgradeable
through serial interface.
10. LED display status: The LED provides users visible positioning status.
LED “ON” when power connected and “BLINKING” when GPS-6010
position identified. No more extra device is needed.
11. Built-in WAAS demodulator.
12. Built-in magnets for using on top of the car.
13. Waterproof (1 meter) design for all weather.

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Technology
specifications
Physical Dimension
Single construction integrated antenna/receiver.
Size: 59.8(W) x 47.6(D) x 21.4(H) (mm)
2.35"(W) x 1.87"(D) x 0.84"(H) (inch).
Environmental
Characteristics
Operating temperature: -40oC to +85oC (internal temperature).
Storage temperature: -55oC to +100oC.
Electrical
Characteristics
Input voltage: +4.75 ~ 5.5 VDC without accessories.
+6 ~ 30VDC with accessory C3004.
Backup power: 3V Rechargeable Lithium cell battery, up to 767 hours (31.9 days)
discharge.
Performance
Tracks up to 12
satellites.
Update rate: 1 second.
Acquisition time
Reacquisition
Hot start
Warm start
Cold start
0.1 sec., averaged
8 sec., averaged
38 sec., averaged
45 sec., averaged
Position accuracy:
Non DGPS
(Differential GPS)
Position
Velocity
Time
5-25 meter CEP with SA off
0.1 meters/second, with SA off
1 microsecond synchronized GPS time
DGPS
(Differential GPS)
Position
Velocity 1 to 5 meter, typical
0.05 meters/second, typical
Dynamic Conditions:
Altitude
Velocity
Acceleration
Jerk
18,000 meters (60,000 feet) max
515 meters / second (1000 knots) max
4G, max
20 meters/second, max
Interfaces
a. Dual channel RS-232 or TTL compatible level, with user selectable
baud rate (4800-Default, 9600, 19200, 38400).
b. NMEA 0183 Version 2.2 ASCII output (GPGGA, GPGLL, GPGSA,
GPGSV, GPRMC, GPVTG).
c. Real-time Differential Correction input (RTCM SC-104 message types
1, 5 and 9).
d. SiRF protocol.

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Operational
characteristics
Initialization
As soon as the initial self-test is complete, the AQ-300 begins the
process of satellite acquisition and tracking automatically. Under normal
circumstances, it takes approximately 45 seconds to achieve a position
fix, 38 seconds if ephemeris data is known. After a position fix has been
calculated, information about valid position, velocity and time is
transmitted over the output channel.
The AQ-300 utilizes initial data, such as last stored position, date, time
and satellite orbital data, to achieve maximum acquisition performance.
If significant inaccuracy exists in the initial data, or the orbital data is
obsolete, it may take more time to achieve a navigation solution. The
AQ-300 Auto-locate feature is capable of automatically determining a
navigation solution without intervention from the host system. However,
acquisition performance can be improved when the host system
initializes the AQ-300 in the following situation:
1) Moving further than 1,500 kilometers.
2) Failure of data storage due to the inactive internal memory battery.
Navigation
After the acquisition process is complete, the AQ-300 sends valid
navigation information over output channels. These data include:
1) Latitude/longitude/altitude
2) Velocity
3) Date/time
4) Error estimates
5) Satellite and receiver status
The AQ-300 sets the default of auto-searching for real-time differential
corrections in RTCM SC-104 standard format, with the message types 1,
5, or 9. It accomplishes the satellite data to generate a differential
(DGPS) solution. The host system, at its option, may also command the
AQ-300 to output a position whenever a differential solution is available.

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Hardware interface
Dimension
Size: 59.8(W) x 47.6(D) x 21.4(H) (mm)
2.35"(W) x 1.87"(D) x 0.84"(H) (inch)
Hardware Interface
The AQ-300 includes an antenna in a unique style waterproof gadget.
Simply connect PS-2 female connector to one of the optional accessories
and link to either your notebook PC, PDA or other devices. The one-piece
cigarette adapter allows you to connect AQ-300 to your PDAs. Optional
color, input voltage and output connector are listed and described below:
Connector
Standard cable: 2 meters with female PS-2 connector.
The AQ-300 is also equipped with optional customized connectors.
Function definition of standard PS-2 composite connector
Pin Signal
1 Tx (RS-232)
2 +5VDC
3 Tx (TTL)
4 Ground
5 Rx (TTL)
6 Rx (RS-232)

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Accessories
C3000 Mini Din
Female and PS-2
male connector:
Cable Length: To AQ-300: 1 meter
RS-232 to PS-2: 45 cm
Mini Din Female connector function definition:
Pin Signal Name
1 N.C
2 Tx
3 Rx
4 N.C
5 Ground
6 N.C
7 N.C
8 N.C
9 DGPS in
N.C = No connection
PS2 composite connector function definition (to PC):
Pin Signal Name
1 +5V
2 N.C
3 N.C
4 Ground
5 N.C
6 N.C
N.C = No connection
C3001 USB connector
The function definition of the A Type USB connector is as follows:
Pin Signal Name
1 +5V
2 D +
3 D -
4 Ground

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C3004 High power connector
C3002 Optional Cigarette Adapter
The optional cigarette adapter with 2-meter core cable is for using in a car or
boat. It must be used together with a C3000 or an old standard COM + PS-2
GPS receiver.
Input voltage: DC12V - 26V
CACigarette adapter and PDA connector:
Model-No. PDA/PC PDA/PC Model
CA-ACER Acer N10/N20/N20W/S10/S50/S60
CA-ASUSA600 ASUS A600
CA-ASUSA620 ASUS A620
CA-BESTA BESTA I-WINNA
CA-CASIO E115 Casio E115
CA-CASIO E125 Casio E125/EM500
CA-CASIO E200 Casio E200
CA-DELL-X3 DELL AXIM-X3
Color Signal
Black Ground
Red +6~30 VDC
Green Tx
White Rx
Orange DGPS IN

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USB Driver
System
Requirements
IBM, Pentium or above and other compatible PC; 16 MB and above
memory; Windows 98/Me/2000; VGA Graphic Adapter.
Installation
1. Copy entire <AQ-300 USB> folder from CD to hard disk.
2. Connect AQ-300 USB connector to computer. While the computer
automatically starts the installation program, please direct the driver to the
<AQ-300 USB> folder.
3. After the installation is complete, go to <Device Manager> and select
<Ports (COM & LPT)> to verify if a virtual COM port <USB to Serial Port>
was created.
Important
Verify the COM port # to start using your own navigating software.
1. Click <Start> menu, select <Settings>, then enter <Control Panel>.
2. After entering <Control Panel>, select <System>.
3. Select <Device Manager>.
4. Find the <Connect Port> and check the Virtual COM Port, which was
created by the USB driver. Please note that the Virtual COM Port number
might be different from every computer. Before using navigating
software, please confirm the COM Port numbers created by your
computer and provided by your navigation software. They must be the
same Com Port numbers. Otherwise, the navigating software won’t
receive the satellite signal for the un-match COM Port setting.

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Warranty
The limited warranty provided by AQ Max Technology Inc. is subject to the
terms set forth below:
1. AQ Max provides certain warranty service to AQ Max Product without
charge for two yearswarranty period from the purchase date.
2. The warranty for accessories is six months.
3. Repairs or replacement will be made within warranty period at no charge
to the customer either for parts or labor cost. The customer is, however,
responsible for any transportation.
4. Beyond warranty period, parts repair cost and labor cost will be charged.
5. This warranty does not cover any defect due to abuse, misuse, accident
or unauthorized alteration of repairs. AQ Max Technology Inc. assumes
no responsibility for special, incidental, punitive or consequential
damages, or loss of use.
Model number
Series number
Date of Purchase
Name
City, Zip code
State, Country
E-mail
Address
Distributor Stamp Here

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Appendix A
Software Interface
The AQ-300 interface protocol is based on the National Marine Electronics
Association's NMEA 0183 ASCⅡinterface specification, which is defined in
NMEA 0183, Version 2.2 and the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime
Services (RTCM Recommended Standards For Differential Navstar GPS
Service, Version 2.1, RTCM Special Committee No.104).
NMEA
Transmitted
Messages
The AQ-300 supported by SiRF Technology Inc. also outputs data in NMEA-0183
format as defined by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA),
Standard.
The default communication parameters for NMEA output are 4800 baud, 8 data bits,
stop bit, and no parity.
Table A-1 NMEA-0183 Output Messages
NMEA Sentence Description
GPGGA Global positioning system fixed data
GPGLL Geographic position latitude \ longitude
GPGSA GNSS DOP and active satellites
GPGSV GNSS satellites in view.
GPRMC Recommended minimum specific GNSS data
GPVTG Course over ground and ground speed
Global Positioning System Fix Data (GGA)
Table A-2 contains the values for the following example:
$GPGGA,161229.487,3723.2475,N,12158.3416,W,1,07,1.0,9.0,M, , , ,0000*18
TableA-2GGADataFormat
Name Example Units Description
Message ID $GPGGA GGA protocol header
UTC Time 161229.487 Hhmmss.sss
Latitude 3723.2475 ddmm.mmmm
N/S Indicator N N=north or S=south
Longitude 12158.3416 dddmm.mmmm
E/W Indicator W E=east or W=west
Position Fix Indicator 1 See Table 5-3
Satellites Used 07 Range 0 to 12
HDOP 1.0 Horizontal Dilution of Precision
MSL Altitude 9.0 Meters
Units M Meters
Geoid Separation Meters
Units M Meters
Age of Diff. Corr. second Null fields when DGPS is not used
Diff. Ref. Station ID 0000
Checksum *18
<CR> <LF> End of message termination
TableA-3PositionFixIndicator
Value Description
0 0 Fix not available or invalid
1 GPS SPS Mode, fix valid
2 Differential GPS, SPS Mode, fix valid
3 GPS PPS Mode, fix valid

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Geographic Position with Latitude/Longitude (GLL)
Table A-4 contains the values for the following example:
$GPGLL,3723.2475,N,12158.3416,W,161229.487,A*2C
Table A-4 GLL Data Format
Name Example Units Description
Message ID $GPGLL GLL protocol header
Latitude 3723.2475 ddmm.mmmm
N/S Indicator N N=north or S=south
Longitude 12158.3416 dddmm.mmmm
E/W Indicator W E=east or W=west
UTC Position 161229.487 hhmmss.sss
Status A A=data valid or V=data not valid
Checksum *2C
<CR> <LF> End of message termination
GNSS DOP and Active Satellites (GSA)
Table A-5 contains the values for the following example:
$GPGSA,A,3,07,02,26,27,09,04,15, , , , , ,1.8,1.0,1.5*33
TableA-5GSADataFormat
Name Example Units Description
Message ID $GPGSA GSA protocol header
Mode 1 A See Table 5-6
Mode 2 3 See Table 5-7
Satellite Used (1) 07 Sv on Channel 1
Satellite Used (1) 02 Sv on Channel 2
…… ….
Satellite Used Sv on Channel 12
PDOP 1.8 Position Dilution of Precision
HDOP 1.0 Horizontal Dilution of Precision
VDOP 1.5 Vertical Dilution of Precision
Checksum *33
<CR> <LF> End of message termination
(1) Satellite used in solution.
TableA-6Mode1
Value Description
M Manual—forced to operate in 2D or 3D mode
A2D Automatic—allowed to automatically switch 2D/3D
Table A-7 Mode 2
Value Description
1 Fix Not Available
2 2D
3 3D

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GNSS Satellites in View (GSV)
Table A-8 contains the values for the following example:
$GPGSV,2,1,07,07,79,048,42,02,51,062,43,26,36,256,42,27,27,138,42*71
$GPGSV,2,2,07,09,23,313,42,04,19,159,41,15,12,041,42*41
Table A-8 GSV Data Format
Name Example Units Description
Message ID $GPGSV GSV protocol header
Number of Messages 2 Range 1 to 3
Message Number 1 Range 1 to 3
Satellites in View 07 Range 1 to 12
Satellite ID 07 Channel 1 (Range 1 to 32)
Elevation 79 degrees Channel 1 (Maximum 90)
Azimuth 048 degrees Channel 1 (True, Range 0 to 359)
SNR (C/No) 42 dBHz Range 0 to 99, null when not tracking
.... ....
Satellite ID 27 Channel 4 (Range 1 to 32)
Elevation 27 degrees Channel 4 (Maximum 90)
Azimuth 138 degrees Channel 4 (True, Range 0 to 359)
SNR (C/No) 42 dBHz Range 0 to 99, null when not tracking
Checksum *71
<CR> <LF> End of message termination
NOTE: Items <4>,<5>,<6> and <7> repeat for each satellite in view to a maximum of
four (4) satellites per sentence. Additional satellites in view information must be sent
in subsequent sentences. These fields will be null if unused.
Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data (RMC)
Table A-9 contains the values for the following example:
$GPRMC,161229.487,A,3723.2475,N,12158.3416,W,0.13,309.62,120598, ,*10
TableA-9RMCDataFormat
Name Example Units Description
Message ID $GPRMC RMC protocol header
UTC Time 161229.487 hhmmss.sss
Status A A=data valid or V=data not valid
Latitude 3723.2475 ddmm.mmmm
N/S Indicator N N=north or S=south
Longitude 12158.3416 dddmm.mmmm
E/W Indicator W E=east or W=west
Speed Over Ground 0.13 Knots
Course Over Ground 309.62 Degrees True
Date 120598 ddmmyy
Magnetic Variation (1) Degrees E=east or W=west
Checksum *10
<CR> <LF> End of message termination
(1) SiRF Technology Inc. does not support magnetic declination. All “course over
ground” data are geodetic WGS84 directions.

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Course Over Ground and Ground Speed
Table A-10 contains the values for the following example:
$GPVTG,309.62,T, ,M,0.13,N,0.2,K*6E
Table A-10 VTG Data Format
Name Example Units Description
Message ID $GPVTG VTG protocol header
Course 309.62 Degrees Measured heading
Reference T True
Course Degrees Measured heading
Reference M Magnetic (1)
Speed 0.13 Knots Measured horizontal speed
Units N Knots
Speed 0.2 Km/hr Measured horizontal speed
Units K Kilometers per hour
Checksum *6E
<CR> <LF> End of message termination
(1) SiRF Technology Inc. does not support magnetic declination. All “course over
ground” data are geodetic WGS84 directions.
RTCM Received
Data
The default communication parameters for DGPS Input are 9600
baud, 8 data bits, stop bit, and no parity. Position accuracy of less than 5
meters can be achieved with the GPS-6010 by using Differential GPS
(DGPS) real-time pseudo-range correction data in RTCM SC-104 format,
with message types 1, 5, or 9. As using DGPS receiver with different
communication parameters, GPS-6010 may decode the data correctly to
generate accurate messages and save them in battery-back SRAM for
later computing.

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Appendix B
Ordering Information
Accessories
Cables
C3000 Com Port connector (For use with standard RS-232 port)
C3000-S Standard COM+PS-2 converting to PS-2 connector
(Enable standard old GPS receiver to use with PDA or PC)
C3001 USB connector (Use with standard AQ-300)
C3001-C RS-232 GPS convert to USB GPS (Enable standard old RS-232
GPS receiver to be uses as USB GPS)
C3002 Cigarette adapter must be used with C3000 or standard COM +
PS-2 GPS.
C3003 PDA connector with Cigarette Adapter
Seq. Part No. Appl. Model
1 CA-ACER ACER N10/N20/N20W/S10/S50/S60
2 CA-ASUSA600 ASUS A600
3 CA-ASUSA620 ACER A620
4 CA-Besta BESTA I-WINNA
5 CA-CASIO E115 Casio E-115
6 CA-CASIO E125 Casio E-125
7 CA-CASIO E200 Casio E-200
8 CA-DELL-X3
9 CA-DELL-X5
10 CA-Eten
11 CA-HandSpring Treo HandSpring Treo
12 CA-HandSpring Visor HandSpring Visor\Prism
13 CA-HandSpring Edge HandSpring Edge
14 CA-IPAQ36XX Compaq IPAQ H36XX
15 CA-IPAQ38XX
16 CA-JORNADA
17 CA-MIO528NEC
ViewSonic V35/V36
18 CA-NEC 300E
19 CA-Palm M5XX
20 CA-Palm Vx
21 CA-RS232
22 CA-Siemens LOOX
23 CA-Siemens SX
24 CA-SONY-N
25 CA-SONY-T

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Appendix C
Earth Datums &
Output Setting
Earth Datums
The AQ-300 is built in earth datum with WGS84.
Setting
Manufacturing Default
Datum: WGS84.
Baud Rate: 4800.
Output: GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC.
Baud Rate and Output
Sentences Setting
By SiRF demo
Program
1) Connect your AQ-300 to PC (either COM or USB)
2) Execute SiRFdemo.exe (Program is in the CD)
3) When “Data Source Setup” shows, select the port (COM 1, 2 or 3….)
you used, click “OK”.
4) Click “Action”, select “Open Data Source.” Then you will see lots of
sentences show. All the sentences start with $GPxxxx. This is NMEA
protocol. If you do not see these sentences, please click “View”, “Select
Message”, then click “Development”. The message will appear. If it still
shows nothing, then continue below steps.
5) There is a screen “Selection of Target Receiver Software” might appear,
please select “SiRF Star II”.
6) Click “Action.” Select “Switch to SiRF Protocol”. Then you will see SiRF
binary and the sentences start with #Time, shows every 4 lines and you
can not see the sentences start with $GP. These sentences are for
setting or viewing the GPS receiver’s performance. If your software is
using standard NMEA protocol, please do the following:
7) Click “Action.” Select “Switch to NMEA Protocol”. You will see GGA,
GSV, GSA and RMC in black and the Baud Rate is 4800. These are the
default we put inside the receiver. Please click “OK”. Then you can use it
as a standard GPS receiver. If your software uses different sentence,
please choose the sentences you need.
After above actions, the new setting will be kept in SRAM. If no power
supplied to AQ-300 for more than 30 days, user must re-set again when
power on.
By other SiRF based
demo program
There are a few companies or private websites providing some very good
demo software.