CLS ARGOS GONIO 2 User manual
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 1
GONIO 2
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 2
Table of contents
1. Highlights ........................................................................................................ 3
2. Product overview ............................................................................................... 4
2.1. List of supplies ............................................................................................. 4
2.2. General view of the receiver............................................................................. 5
2.3. Turn on/off and main screens ........................................................................... 6
3. Antenna installation procedures .............................................................................. 7
3.1. Goniometer antenna ...................................................................................... 7
3.2. BNC antenna ................................................................................................ 9
4. Quick start guide...............................................................................................10
4.1. Mount the antenna .......................................................................................10
4.2. Power ON the equipment ................................................................................10
4.3. Setup the configuration..................................................................................11
4.4. Compass feature ..........................................................................................13
4.5. Compass calibration feature (new feature) ...........................................................13
4.6. Select your ARGOS platform as a favorite.............................................................14
4.7. Choose among the favorite platforms .................................................................15
4.8. RECEPTION screen ........................................................................................15
4.9. The Argos platform recovery can start ................................................................16
5. Details of the screens .........................................................................................17
5.1. RECEPTION screen ........................................................................................17
5.2. FAVORITE screen ..........................................................................................18
5.3. RECEIVING PLATFORMS screen ..........................................................................19
5.4. OPTION Menu ..............................................................................................20
5.4.1. SETUP menu ..........................................................................................21
5.4.2. GPS INFO menu.......................................................................................24
5.4.3. FFT menu .............................................................................................25
5.4.4. USB menu .............................................................................................25
6. PC connexion (USB Communication mode) .................................................................26
6.1. Installation of the USB Communication software ....................................................28
6.2. USB connection............................................................................................29
6.3. Updating the Goniometer firmware ....................................................................30
6.4. Configuring the Goniometer.............................................................................31
6.5. Receiving platforms ......................................................................................32
6.6. Favorite platforms ........................................................................................33
6.7. Template information for direct reception ...........................................................34
6.8. Viewing and Exporting data .............................................................................34
6.9. HyperTerminal mode and log file ......................................................................36
7. Technical characteristics .....................................................................................39
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 3
1. Highlights
The CLS Goniometer is a very highly sensitive direction finder that provides the direction as well as an
indication of the signal power of an Argos transmitter for field recovery. It is fully compatible with :
A2 : Argos-2 low data rate transmitters
A3/ZE : Argos-3 and Argos-3-ZE low data rate transmitters
VLD-A4 : Argos-4 very low data rate transmitters
It can be used with two types of antenna:
•the Goniometer antenna
•a BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) antenna
Mounted with the Goniometer antenna, the RXG-234 can be used as a direction finder as well as direct
receiver. Depending on the Goniometer antenna altitude, the Argos platform transmission power and
the environmental conditions, the Argos signal can be received by the RXG-234 from a few meters up
to more than 100 km.
With a BNC antenna, the RXG-234 can only be used as a direct receiver. In this configuration, the Argos
signal can be received by the RXG-234 from a few meters up to a few dozen km, depending on the
transmission power.
In direct reception mode, GPS positions of the platform can be displayed directly on the Goniometer if
the two conditions below are satisfied:
•the Argos platform is equipped with a GPS receiver,
•the message is not encrypted, and the latitude and longitude are coded simply
In this case, received Argos demodulated messages and Argos platform transmitter terminal (PTT)
reception angle are displayed on the screen and available on the serial port.
An embedded GPS provides local positioning information. The CLS Goniometer is an autonomous
device with up to 50 hours of operation.
GONIOMETER ANTENNA RECOMMENDATIONS
•Install the Argos Goniometer antenna as high as possible
•Don’t hold the antenna with your hands, only with a support
•Keep the antenna vertical during bearings searches
•Place the antenna pointer in your movement direction
•Wait for at least 3 collected signals before using a direction
•Be careful of incorrect measurements in noisy environments: multi path effects
•Don’t go directly in the bearings direction
PRECAUTION OF USE
•Store the Gonio in a dry place with temperature from -20°C and +50°C
•When charging the battery through USB, ensure that room temperature is from 0°C to 45°C
•Do not open or dismount the Gonio: doing so will cancel the warranty
•Use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen: ensure the Gonio is off. Do not use alcohol or
detergent
•In case of salt water spray, clean with a microfiber cloth
•The battery should be fully charged before using the Gonio
•Do not bend the Goniometer antenna cable < 5cm radius, as it will add perturbation to the
measurements
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 4
2. Product overview
Please ensure that all items listed in this section are in the case and have not been damaged during
shipping.
2.1. List of supplies
Your Goniometer is delivered in a hard case with this user manual and :
Gonio hard case
Gonio receiving antenna with 5 meter cables
Gonio receiver
Universal main power converter
USB Cable
Antenna mount
BNC antenna
In addition, an USB key is also provided with the following documents and software :
•ReadMe.txt
•CLS-DT-MEMO-14-045 - Recommendations for using the RXG234 goniometer ENG.pdf
•GONIO RXG 234 Installation and User Manual vvv.pdf (vvv : version number)
•Xerius_Driver.cat (for Windows 10)
•Xerius_Driver.inf (for Windows 10)
•RXG234 Communication Software xxx.exe (xxx : version number)
2
1
3
4
5
6
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 5
2.2. General view of the receiver
Front view (RXG-134 or RXG-234)
Top view
GPS antenna
Connector for USB
and charger cable
Receiving antenna
connectors
GPS antenna
Navigation button
Circular control
pad
Validation button
Display screen
ON/OFF - Navigation button
ON/OFF Indicator
Arrow buttons
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 6
2.3. Turn on/off and main screens
To turn ON/OFF the GONIO, press the right Navigation button close to the "ON/OFF" indicator until
you hear a beep.
There are 4 main screens. They are given below in order of appearance after turning ON:
-RECEPTION screen (default screen at turn ON)
-FAVORITES menu
-RECEIVING PTT menu
-OPTION menu
RECEPTION screen FAVORITE menu
RECEIVING PTT menu OPTIONS menu
To go from one screen to another, press the Navigation button under the "NEXT" or "PREV" labels on
the screen. Same for the "INFO" label on the RECEPTION screen.
You can navigate through the items in a menu by pressing the Arrow buttons (left, right, up and down).
To select an item in a menu, press the Validation button in the middle of the control pad.
Details of the screens are given in chapter 5.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 7
3. Antenna installation procedures
3.1. Goniometer antenna
1. Insert one of the two cables into the opening in the antenna mount.
2. Then insert the second cable.
3. Screw the mount into the antenna.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 8
You may also pass the cables through the hole on the side of the antenna mount.
4. Connect both cables to the receiver.
Note: The white pointer on the receiving antenna corresponds to the reference azimuth (0°) for the
bearings received.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 9
Important: keep the antenna vertical and avoid touching it with your hands to prevent interference
when the GONIO is receiving.
3.2. BNC antenna
Connect your BNC Argos antenna as shown in the figure below.
Gonio RXG-234 with BNC antenna
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 10
4. Quick start guide
Here is a quick start procedure to setup and get signals from an Argos platform through your Argos
Goniometer in:
•Goniometer mode
•Direct reception mode
Information on both modes will be given in the procedure below.
The procedure is:
1. mount the antenna
2. power ON the GONIO RXG
3. setup the configuration
4. select your ARGOS platform as a favorite
5. choose your platform from the favorite platforms list
6. check results displayed in the RECEPTION screen
7. platform recovery
4.1. Mount the antenna
Mount and connect the Goniometer antenna or the BNC antenna according to section 3.1 or 3.2.
4.2. Power ON the equipment
Power ON your Goniometer by pressing the Navigation button close to the ON/OFF indicator (red circle
on the picture below) until you hear a beep. After the initialization process, the RECEPTION screen will
appear.
Note:When the GONIO is switched on for the first time, no information is displayed on the RECEPTION
screen, in the FAVORITES PLATFORMS menu or in the RECEIVING PLATFORMS menu.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 11
4.3. Setup the configuration
Configure the GONIO RXG with the parameters given in the table below, according to the
measurements mode.
Parameter\Mode
(antenna type)
Goniometer
(Goniometer antenna)
Direct Reception
(Goniometer or BNC antenna)
GPS
ON (can be OFF)
ON
Direction mode
Gonio
GPS
Antenna mode
Gonio
Direct reception
Go to the OPTIONS menu by pressing the Navigation button under the NEXT label on the RECEPTION
screen, the FAVORITE PLATFORMS menu and the RECEIVING PLATFORMS menu.
RECEPTION screen FAVORITE PLATFORMS menu
RECEIVING PLATFORMS menu OPTIONS menu
Enter the SETUP screens by selecting the SETUP option, using the Arrow buttons and the Validation
button.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 12
On the first screen of the SETUP menu, turn the Goniometer GPS ON by using the ARROW buttons and
the Validation button.
Go to the second screen of the SETUP menu by pressing the Navigation button under the "NEXT" label.
Configure the direction and antenna mode parameters.
Configure the Argos Band where your beacons(s) is/are transmitting.
The Selected Band is always displayed on the top left corner in all screens
Validate the setting by pressing the PREV button and save the parameters by pressing the
Navigation button under the "YES" label. You will be taken back to the Screen 1 of the SETUP menu.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 13
4.4. Compass feature
It is possible to have a compass activated and thus to have the magnetic north displayed on the
reception screen.
The activation is performed in the page 2 of the setup menu through the "Direction indicator" option
by choosing Auto (compass/GPS) or Compass. The option "Fixed" means the Compass will not
activated.
4.5. Compass calibration feature (new feature)
If too close from a magnetized surface or piece, you should use the “Compass Calibration” feature on
the SETUP 1/2
Then follow the instructions. The procedure to calibrate the goniometer is intuitive and well described
in the screens below.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 14
4.6. Select your ARGOS platform as a favorite
The RECEIVING PTT screen displays all Argos transmitters whose signals have been received, in real
time. Select your Argos platform in the list by using the arrows and the validation button. (Note: Only
hexadecimal Argos IDs are displayed; you may get the hexadecimal ID of your Argos platform from your
userservices@clsamerica.com).
The detected modulation is indicated for each ID : A2 / A3 / ZE
Note : If a beacon is transmitting two modulation , two lines will be displayed and they are considered
as two different platforms.
Once your Argos platform is selected you may access the FAVORITES PLATFORMS screen setup:
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 15
We advise to setup the Label as the Argos decimal ID.
Repeat period: is not mandatory, the Gonio will take this information if specified. If not specified, the
Gonio will calculate the repetition period of the beacon with the delta time of the received messages.
Frequency Band : The band where was detected the Message/Plaform
Frequency Mode:
-Wide (default) –all the defined band will be listened by the Gonio
-Narrow –the Gonio listen only the close to the detected frequency (specified bellow when
selected) . To be used in environment with noise/many transmitter and focusing on only one
specific platform.
Once your favorite Argos platform details are setup, click on VALID to save.
4.7. Choose among the favorite platforms
Go to the FAVORITE screen, select your Argos platform in the list and click on PREV to access the
RECEPTION screen.
For each Favorite, the detected modulation and frequency band is displayed.
Favorite that are not in the currently selected band are “transparent” (meaning that they cannot be
received). if you select it, the Gonio will ask to switch band.
4.8. RECEPTION screen
Platform information can be displayed on the RECEPTION screen in two different ways:
Goniometer mode and direct reception mode (direction mode in screen 2 of SETUP menu).
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 16
Gonio mode display
Direction is provided relative to the Antenna White pointer
Direct reception mode display
(Direction is provided relative to the North and based on lat/long received)
4.9. The Argos platform recovery can start
Goniometer Mode
A. Place the white pointer of the receiving antenna toward your reference azimuth (0°). For
terrestrial searches we suggest to place the white pointer toward the North, or for recovery at
sea, place the white pointer on the bow axis.
B. Wait for at least 5 received signals before you start to move in a direction.
C. After 5 signals, you get an average bearing direction and signal strength.
D. Move forward with an angle from 30° to 60° with the average bearing direction.
E. When the signal strength gets higher, stop moving and wait for at least 3 received bearings.
Then repeat actions from C. to E. until you recover your Argos platform.
Direct reception Mode
In the case of a GPS decoded platform, the distance and direction to the platform from the Gonio are
displayed directly on the screen. Do not forget that the direction is given relative to the North.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 17
5. Details of the screens
The screens are described in the following sections, in the order of appearance after turn ON.
5.1. RECEPTION screen
To turn ON the GONIO, press the ON/OFF button until you hear a beep. When initialization is complete,
the RECEPTION screen is displayed:
Reception screen (direction finder display)
This screen allows you to monitor the selected platform. The information displayed on the screen is as
follows:
(1)
Battery level
(2)
Gonio GPS activation
(3)
Platform hexadecimal ID
(4)
Estimated time to next reception (negative time means the reception is overdue)
(5)
Received signal strength
(6)
Reference azimuth (red/white pointer at the bottom of the antenna)
(7)
Direction from the azimuth reference: 37° instantaneous direction, Ø 37° averaged direction
(8)
Date Time of the last received message
Press INFO (left navigation button) to display more details on the last received message.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 18
Argos message information screen
This screen provides details of the most recent message received:
-Date: Date and time the message was received
-Freq: Frequency of the received signal, in Hertz
-Length: Message length in bits, after Argos preamble (FFFE2F not included)
-Level: Level of the received power (Signal strength)
-Data: Useful data (raw message) contained in the Argos message
Pressing the RETURN button (left navigation button) takes you back to the RECEPTION screen.
5.2. FAVORITE screen
The screen below shows three platforms that have been saved as favorites. They can be selected using
the up and down arrows on the control pad. Pressing the validation button takes you to the favorites
configuration screen.
Favorite Platforms management screen 1
Press the PREV navigation button to begin searching for the platform.
The Edit screen of the FAVORITE PLATFORMS is obtained after selecting a platform in the RECEIVING
platform screen.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 19
Favorite Platforms management Edit screen
This screen provides the following options:
-ID Type: Choose the ID type: 20 or 28 bits
-ID Hex: ID in hexadecimal format
-Label: Set a name for the Argos platform or use the Decimal Argos ID as the label
-GPS Indications : NO if no template has been set for this platform.
YES + Format Name if the GNSS info as been defined (for direction reception
mode). The setting of the platform is performed via the PC through the USB
connection (see section 6.8).
-Repeat period: Configure the repetition period, if known, otherwise it will be calculated on
reception
To edit a field, select it using the arrow buttons then press the validation button. Modify the field using
the up and down arrows, then press the validation button to confirm the changes.
Once all the desired changes have been made, press the validation button to return to the Favorites
screen.
5.3. RECEIVING PLATFORMS screen
Press the PREV navigation button from the OPTIONS screen to go to the RECEIVING PLATFORMS
screen, which displays, in real time, all transmitters whose signals have been received.
V 1.0 –12/03/2020 –CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106 20
Received Platforms screen
For each transmitter signal received, this menu displays the date and time the message was received
(columns 1 and 2) its hexadecimal ID number (column 3) and the Modulation detected (column 4)
Select the desired platform using the arrows, and then press the validation button. This platform is
now added to your favorites and can be customized.
5.4. OPTION Menu
In the main menu you will find the OPTION menu.
1. Select a menu using the arrows on the control pad, then press the validation button.
2. To return to the previous screen (OPTIONS), press the PREV navigation button.
The different menus displayed on the screen are:
OPTIONS menu
(1)
USB menu: to activate the USB connection (only available when connected to a PC)
(2)
FFT menu: to display the Argos band signals received (spectral analysis mode)
(3)
Setup menu: to configure the Goniometer’s operating parameters
This manual suits for next models
1
Table of contents
