AvL Technologies Vector Compass Manual instruction

AvL Vector Compass
Setup & Operation Guide
Revision R11.9.0
This document describes the configuration, concepts, and operation of the
AvL Vector Compass system.
AvL Technologies
900-159-021
Appendix V

Vector Compass
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Revision History
Date
Revision
Revision By
Comments
6/28/16
Rev. X11.7.0
WL
Initial Release
11/9/16
Rev R11.8.0
IH
Updates for R11.8.0
4/20/17
Rev R11.9.0
WL/IH
Updates for R11.9.0 and new template, updated
introduction
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
2. Setup Guide..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
2.1 Hardware ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
2.2 Software......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
2.3 Hardware Connection...........................................................................................................................................................................................................3
2.3.1 Serial Communication Connection.........................................................................................................................................................................3
2.3.2 Ethernet Communication Connection ..................................................................................................................................................................3
3. Configuration ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
3.1 Core Configuration Items....................................................................................................................................................................................................3
3.2 Target Configuration Items................................................................................................................................................................................................6
3.3 Signal Configuration Items.................................................................................................................................................................................................6
3.4 Feed Configuration Items....................................................................................................................................................................................................6
4. Operation......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
4.1 Functional Overview.............................................................................................................................................................................................................6
4.2 Sensor Outputs ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
4.3 Module Windows....................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
4.3.1 Device Window ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................9
4.3.2 Device Control Window ..............................................................................................................................................................................................9
5. Issues and Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

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Figures
Figure 1 - Version Info. .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Figure 2 –Core Configuration, keyword “Vector”................................................................................................................................................................4
Figure 3 –Core Configuration, keyword “Heading; Source”............................................................................................................................................4
Figure 4 –AAQ GUI Main Page, Heading Source ...................................................................................................................................................................7
Figure 5 –Sensor Outputs...............................................................................................................................................................................................................8
1. Introduction
This document describes the concepts required to use the AvL Vector Compass system and provides
a detailed explanation of the associated configuration items that are accessible through the AAQ
GUI as part of the AvL AAQ Controller. The Vector Compass system uses GPS satellite information
to produce an accurate heading without the need for an internal compass or manual compass
setting. This negates any heading inconsistencies that would be introduced by magnetic
interference in traditional compass components.
2. Setup Guide
2.1 Hardware
The following hardware is required for the operation of this module;
AvL antenna system with AAQ controller
Vector Compass assembly
2.2 Software
Be sure that the ROM is at or above the version shown below:

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Figure 1 - Version Info.
2.3 Hardware Connection
2.3.1 Serial Communication Connection
The Serial connection is prepared at the factory for connection of the Vector Compass to the Antenna
connection bulkhead. Alternate connections are not an option for the hardware associated with this module.
2.3.2 Ethernet Communication Connection
Ethernet connection is not an option for the hardware associated with this module.
3. Configuration
3.1 Core Configuration Items
Path
Main Window → View Configuration Core
Level 4
The AVL Vector Compass uses configuration items to allow the user to tailor the module's operation and
interaction with the AAQ controller. These items are found in the configuration Core section by
searching for “Vector”, “Source”, and “Heading”.

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Figure 2 –Core Configuration, keyword “Vector”
Figure 3 –Core Configuration, keyword “Heading; Source”

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Long Name
Level
Type
Value Range
Documentation
Vector Compass Enable
1
Integer
0 or 1
This flag indicates that the compass
should be used and powered. This is set
at the factory and should not be changed
by the user.
Vector Compass Reset
1
Integer
0 or 1
This flag resets the power supplied to the
Vector Compass when set to “1”. This is set
at the factory and should not be changed by
the user.
Vector Compass Com Port
4
String
-
This is the Com Port used by the Vector
Compass to communicate with the
controller. This is set at the factory and
should not be changed by the user.
Vector Compass Com Port
Settings
4
String
-
The communications parameters for the
comm port in the form of BuadRate DataBits
StopBits Parity (ie 9600 8 1 0) where parity
values are 0 for none and 1 for even. This is
set at the factory and should not be changed
by the user.
Vector Compass Heading
Offset
4
Float
-180.0 to 180.0
The offset in degrees of the vector compass
device. This is set at the factory and should
not be changed by the user
Vector Compass Separation
4
Float
0.0001 to 10.0
Separation parameter used to initialize the
vector compass. This is set at the factory
and should not be changed by the user.
Vector Compass Scan Width
1
Float
0.0 to 400.0
Scan width to use during an Acquisition with
the Vector Compass as the Heading Source.
GPS Source
1
Choice
Manual GPS, NAV
RIOM GPS, Vector
Compass GPS
The device to use as the source of the GPS
location. Needs to be set to “Vector
Compass”
Heading Averaged
4
Choice
Yes, No
Flag indicating the heading should be
averaged during the dwell time.
Primary Heading Source
1
Choice
No Compass, GPS,
Compass, Manual,
SatTant, Vector
Compass, AvL GPS
The device to use as the primary source of
the heading. Needs to be set to “Vector
Compass”
Secondary Heading Source
1
Choice
No Compass, GPS,
Compass, Manual,
SatTant, Vector
Compass, AvL GPS
The device to use as the heading source if
the primary source fails
Time Source
1
Choice
None, NTP, Vector
CompassGPS,
XML, NAV RIOM
GPS, Manual Time
Time source used by the controller for time
synchronization Needs to be set to “Vector
Compass”

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3.2 Target Configuration Items
No Target configuration items exist for this module.
3.3 Signal Configuration Items
No Signal configuration items exist for this module.
3.4 Feed Configuration Items
No Feed configuration items exist for this module.
4. Operation
4.1 Functional Overview
A GPS based Vector Compass system is used as an alternative way to determine heading as
opposed to using a magnetic device. As the GPS antenna is moved through space, its receiver
periodically records position information. By using a second GPS unit at a measured distance
from the first and comparing data between the two, positional errors can be mathematically
eliminated. The heading information gleaned by this process avoids most of the interference and
magnetic errors seen in traditional compass systems.
The AvL Vector Compass is used to compute a heading as well as DGPS (Differential Global
Positioning System) position and time using L1 GPS, GLONASS & Galileo information. The AvL
Vector Compass system allows for considerable signal degradation for up to 40 minutes without
significantly affecting positional accuracy. The AvL Vector Compass sends the resulting
differential NEMA 0183 data to the AAQ, allowing the antenna system to point with a high level
of accuracy.

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Figure 4 –AAQ GUI Main Page, Heading Source
The AVL Vector Compass is configured to be used with the AAQ controller through the “Heading Source”
section of the GUI main page. Primary and Secondary sources are offered for fallback in the event of a failure.
Unless a secondary source is chosen, the default selection is the same as the primary.
See the AAQ Controller Manual section for additional information on available heading sources. It is important
to note that when the Vector Compass option is fitted, the standard compass as part of the NAV RIOM is
generally omitted.
Once the Vector Compass is selected, the system is ready to be used.
The vector compass information will be read by the controller during the antenna Home
process and produce a Heading value in the AAQ. If it is necessary to update the compass
heading simply select the Home button in the AAQ GUI. The Home command will automatically
be run as part of the Acquire command if the antenna system does not already have a heading.

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4.2 Sensor Outputs
Path
Main Window → View → Sensor Outputs
Level 4
Figure 5 –Sensor Outputs
Item
Description
Vector Compass
Altitude
The System altitude as read from the compass data
Vector Compass
Horizontal Dilution
The error of precision in the horizontal dimension based on the satellites
used. A high value could result in poor resolution.
Vector Compass
Latitude
The System Latitude as read from the compass data
Vector Compass
Longitude
The System Longitude as read from the compass data.

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Vector Compass
Magnetic Variation
The Vector Compass calculated offset from true in degrees.
Vector Compass
Message Count
The number of complete polling messages as read from the AAQ.
Vector Compass
Status
Message from the Vector Compass receiver indicating its “ready state”.
Vector Compass
Vertical Dilution
The error of precision in the vertical dimension based on the satellites used. A
high value could result in poor resolution.
Vector Compass
Heading
Indication of corrected compass heading including any applied offsets.
Vector Compass Raw
Heading
Indication of compass heading from the raw NEMA string value.
4.3 Module Windows
4.3.1 Device Window
A Device Window is not needed for monitoring operation and is not included in the software.
4.3.2 Device Control Window
A Device Control Window is not needed for monitoring operation and is not included in the software.

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5. Issues and Troubleshooting
Issue
Description
Corrective Action
Heading on Remote GUI
reads zero
Vector Compass not
communicating with controller
Check Connections to device
Check the configuration items for
communication to the Vector
Compass
Check that Vector compass is selected
as heading source
Perform Home command; check that
sensor output variable “Vector
Compass Message Count” is counting.
Inconsistent/Incorrect
Heading
Heading is not
consistent/incorrect after
performing compass read
Check connections at GPS pucks, set
“Heading Averaged” to “No” in Core
Configuration.
Check for correct “Vector Compass
Heading Offset” in Core Configuration.
Check for overhead obstructions of
Vector Compass GPS device, check for
correct/ accurate “Time Source”.
Check that GPS Pucks and their
mounting bracket are not damaged or
loose.