FTS G6-DB User manual
EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS. EXTREMELY SIMPLE.
G6-DB
Satellite Data Transmitter
Operator’s Manual
1.800.548.4264 | www.ftsinc.com
700-G6-DB-Man Rev112 Feb 2021
Contact Information
Canadian Headquarters:
1065 Henry Eng Place
Victoria, BC | V9B 6B2 | Canada
www.ftsinc.com
Toll-free: 1.800.548.4264
Local: 250.478.5561
Technical support portal: http://support.ftsinc.com
Email: service@ftsinc.com
Warranty Terms and Conditions
https://ftsinc.com/support/warranty/
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Contents
1.1 HANDLING ...................................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 SAFETY MEASURES AND GUIDELINES..................................................................................................................1
2.1 GOES SYSTEM..............................................................................................................................................................2
2.1.1 Orbit ....................................................................................................................................................................2
2.1.2 NESDIS and Transmit Window.....................................................................................................................2
2.1.3 Data Retrieval ...................................................................................................................................................3
2.1.4 Eligibility.............................................................................................................................................................3
2.1.5 Acquiring Permission.....................................................................................................................................4
4.1 FIELD SITE REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................................................................7
4.2 G6-DB FUNCTIONS ....................................................................................................................................................7
4.2.1 LED Function.....................................................................................................................................................8
4.2.2 Failsafe Function..............................................................................................................................................8
4.2.3 Reset Function..................................................................................................................................................9
4.2.4 GPS Synchronization......................................................................................................................................9
4.3 RF CONNECTORS..................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.1 Antenna Connector ..................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.2 GPS Connector .............................................................................................................................................. 10
4.3.3 POWER SUPPLY............................................................................................................................................. 10
4.4 TRANSMISSION ANTENNA.................................................................................................................................... 10
4.4.1 Directional Antenna..................................................................................................................................... 10
4.4.2 EON2 Omnidirectional Antenna .............................................................................................................. 11
5.1 COMMUNICATING WITH THE G6-DB................................................................................................................. 12
5.1.1 RS-232 Port..................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.2 USB Port .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.3 Serial interface............................................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Connecting the Equipment................................................................................................................................. 13
5.3 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS ......................................................................................................................... 14
5.4 COMMAND ACCESS LEVEL................................................................................................................................... 15
5.5 CONFIGURATION FORMAT................................................................................................................................... 16
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5.6 NOAA / EUMETSAT TRANSMIT PARAMETERS ................................................................................................. 16
5.7 ADDITIONAL TRANSMIT PARAMETERS............................................................................................................. 18
5.7.1 Message Centering...................................................................................................................................... 19
5.8 SET RF POWER LEVELS........................................................................................................................................... 20
5.9 CONFIRMING GPS SYNCHRONIZATION............................................................................................................ 22
5.10 CONFIRM TIMED TRANSMISSION STATUS....................................................................................................... 23
5.11 FAILED TRANSMISSION ......................................................................................................................................... 25
5.12 COMMON COMMANDS......................................................................................................................................... 26
5.12.1 Check the Status of the GPS...................................................................................................................... 26
5.12.2 Timed Transmission Data Buffer Loading Commands...................................................................... 26
5.12.3 Random Transmission Message Buffer Commands ........................................................................... 27
5.12.4 Transmitter Current Status ........................................................................................................................ 28
6.1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................................................................... 29
6.2 GENERAL CONFIGURATION COMMANDS........................................................................................................ 30
6.2.1 Serial Port Parameters Serial Port1.......................................................................................................... 30
6.2.2 Serial Port Parameters Serial Port2.......................................................................................................... 30
6.2.3 Set or Get the Current Time....................................................................................................................... 30
6.2.4 Set or Get Replacement Character.......................................................................................................... 30
6.2.5 Save Configuration ...................................................................................................................................... 31
6.2.6 Restore Configuration................................................................................................................................. 31
6.2.7 Restore Default Configuration.................................................................................................................. 31
6.2.8 Enable Transmissions.................................................................................................................................. 31
6.2.9 Disable Transmissions................................................................................................................................. 32
6.2.10 Read Configuration...................................................................................................................................... 32
6.2.11 Enable Technician Command Mode....................................................................................................... 32
6.2.12 Enable User Command Mode................................................................................................................... 32
6.2.13 Setting the GPS Fix Interval ....................................................................................................................... 33
6.3 GOES Transmission Configuration Commands.............................................................................................. 33
6.3.1 Set GOES DCP Platform ID ......................................................................................................................... 33
6.3.2 Set Self-timed Transmission Channel Number.................................................................................... 33
6.3.3 Set Self-timed Transmission Bit Rate ...................................................................................................... 34
6.3.4 Set Self-timed Transmission Interval ...................................................................................................... 34
6.3.5 Set Self-timed Transmission First Transmission Time........................................................................ 34
6.3.6 Set Self-timed Transmission Transmit Window Length.................................................................... 34
6.3.7 Enable or Disable Self-timed Transmission Message Centering..................................................... 35
6.3.8 Enable or Disable Self-timed Buffer Empty Message......................................................................... 35
6.3.9 Set Self-timed Transmission Data Format............................................................................................. 35
6.3.10 Set Random Transmission Channel Number........................................................................................ 35
6.3.11 Set Random Transmission Bitrate............................................................................................................ 36
6.3.12 Set Random Transmission Interval.......................................................................................................... 36
6.3.13 Set Random Transmission Randomizing Percentage........................................................................ 36
6.3.14 Set Random Transmission Repeat Count.............................................................................................. 36
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6.3.15 Set Random Message Format................................................................................................................... 37
6.3.16 Enable or Disable Random Transmission Message Counter............................................................ 37
6.4 DATA BUFFER LOADING COMMANDS.............................................................................................................. 37
6.4.1 Timed Transmission Message Buffer Read............................................................................................ 37
6.4.2 Load Timed Transmission Message Buffer............................................................................................ 38
6.4.3 Append to Self-timed Transmission Message Buffer (Ver 6.02 Firmware or Greater) .............. 38
6.4.4 Get the Length of the Message in the Timed Transmission Buffer................................................ 39
6.4.5 Get the Maximum Timed Message Length........................................................................................... 39
6.4.6 Clear the Timed Transmission Buffer...................................................................................................... 39
6.4.7 Random Transmission Message Buffer Read........................................................................................ 39
6.4.8 Load Random Transmission Message Buffer........................................................................................ 40
6.4.9 Append to Random Timed Transmission Message Buffer................................................................ 40
6.4.10 Get the Length of the Message in the Random Transmission Buffer............................................ 41
6.4.11 Get the Maximum Random Message Length....................................................................................... 41
6.4.12 Clear the Random Transmission Buffer.................................................................................................. 41
6.5 STATUS AND OTHER COMMANDS..................................................................................................................... 41
6.5.1 Clear Failsafe Function................................................................................................................................ 41
6.5.2 Trip Failsafe Function .................................................................................................................................. 42
6.5.3Get Version Information............................................................................................................................. 42
6.5.4 Get Transmission Status ............................................................................................................................. 42
6.5.5 Get Last Transmission Log......................................................................................................................... 43
6.5.6 Get Last Transmission Status .................................................................................................................... 43
6.5.7 Get GPS Status............................................................................................................................................... 44
6.5.8 Get Position.................................................................................................................................................... 44
6.5.9 Read Audit Log.............................................................................................................................................. 45
6.5.10 Clear Audit Log.............................................................................................................................................. 46
6.5.11 Read Forward Power ................................................................................................................................... 47
6.5.12 Read Reflected Power................................................................................................................................. 47
6.5.13 Read Power Supply...................................................................................................................................... 47
6.5.14 Read TCXO Temperature............................................................................................................................ 47
6.5.15 Read Measured Frequency........................................................................................................................ 47
6.6 CALIBRATION COMMANDS.................................................................................................................................. 48
6.6.1 Set RF Power Levels..................................................................................................................................... 48
6.6.2Set RF Power Levels..................................................................................................................................... 48
6.6.3 Save Calibration ............................................................................................................................................ 49
6.6.4 Restore Calibration....................................................................................................................................... 49
6.7 TEST COMMANDS................................................................................................................................................... 49
6.7.1 Stop Transmission........................................................................................................................................ 49
6.7.2 Turn the OCXO On ....................................................................................................................................... 49
6.7.3 Turn the OCXO Off ....................................................................................................................................... 50
6.7.4 Disable Automatic Calibration Task........................................................................................................ 50
6.7.5 Enable Automatic Calibration Task......................................................................................................... 50
6.7.6 Disable Automatic Calibration Task........................................................................................................ 50
6.7.7 Enable Automatic Calibration Task......................................................................................................... 51
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700-G6-DB-Man Rev. 1dft511 Feb 2021
HANDLING AND SAFETY
1.1 HANDLING
Although G6-DB is rugged, it should be handled as a precision instrument, that is, with caution and
attention.
Before powering up the transmitter, ensure the antenna is properly connected in accordance with
general guidance contained in Section 4.3 and connection instructions in Section 5.2.Failure to
properly connect or use the antenna cable can cause permanent damage to the transmitter circuits.
ATTENTION: This product is for professional use only. It must be operated by
qualified technicians and solely for the purpose for which it was designed.
1.2 SAFETY MEASURES AND GUIDELINES
Take all possible measures to ensure the safety of your work environment and avoid accidents.
Before undertaking any work confirm every safety and health procedures are in place and applied.
Be aware of all the instructions and information provided in the product manual. You are
responsible for applying national and local codes and regulations relevant to the type of work to be
performed.
The following are some basic guidelines:
• Prior to performing installation work, obtain required approvals and permits. It is your
obligation to comply with all requirements.
• Use only qualified personnel for installation, usage, and maintenance of the equipment.
• Read all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before
beginning work.
• Always wear protective equipment while working.
• Use appropriate tools for the service performed.
• Always perform preventive or corrective maintenance. Doing this can prevent accidents,
alleviate possible damages and avoid equipment failures.
• Have a plan of action to carry out, at minimum, all the guidelines described above.
Additional safety measures can be applied as necessary. Always keep a timetable of the
activities performed, in the installed equipment and in the workplace
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OVERVIEW
The G6-DB is a satellite data transmitter that operates with the GOES (Version 2.0 - CS2) and
METEOSAT networks. The transmitter has a global positioning system (GPS) that provides accurate
location and time synchronization information.
The G6-DB was designed to be used in Data Collection Platforms (DCPs), also called weather stations.
It operates with a transmission data rate of 100, 300 or 1200 bps at 401.7 to 402.4MHz frequency. Its
data transmission performance is excellent even in remote locations, is easy to integrate with
multiple data loggers and has low power consumption. It features easy equipment start-up
configuration, communication via RS-232, or USB serial port and front panel LEDs that indicate the
transmitter operational status. The G6-DB is certified by NESDIS1/NOAA2, EUMETSAT3and by
ANATEL4.
2.1 GOES SYSTEM
2.1.1 ORBIT
The G6-DB transmitter sends data via Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES).
GOES satellites have orbits that coincide with the Earth's rotation, allowing each satellite to remain
above a specific region. This allows the user to point the transmitter GOES antenna at a fixed
position in the sky.
There are two satellites, GOES East and GOES West. GOES East is located at 75° west longitude and
GOES West is located at 135° west longitude. Both satellites are located over the equator. In the
United States, odd-numbered channels are assigned to GOES East, and even- numbered channels
are assigned to GOES West. Channels used outside the United States are assigned to either satellite.
2.1.2 NESDIS AND TRANSMIT WINDOW
The National Environmental Satellite Data Information Service (NESDIS) manages GOES.NESDIS
assigns an ID to the platform and a designated transmission time-slot. The transmission can be self-
timed or executed on random transmission window. The transmission is received by a ground
station via satellite and can then be retrieved by the customer. Self-timed transmissions allow data
transmission only during a predetermined period (typically 10 seconds every hour). After each
transmission, short duration data is erased from the transmitter's buffer, but random data is not.
Some transmission windows are for critical applications (for example, flood reporting, landslides,
1National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service
2National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
3European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites
4Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações
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storms, etc) and allows transmissions almost immediately after a threshold has been exceeded, in
this case the transmission is repeated to ensure it is received.
2.1.3 DATA RETRIEVAL
Data retrieval is performed through the USER INTERFACE manual, provided by NESDIS; it describes
the process of retrieving the data directly from the NESDIS ground station via DOMSAT, LRGS, or
LRIT. The data is in ASCII format and can be converted. For more information about data retrieval
access: noaasis.noaa.gov/DCS
2.1.4 ELIGIBILITY
To use the GOES Data Collection Platform, users are required to receive formal permission from
NESDIS. Outside of the USA, the system can be used by state agencies, local government or users
sponsored by one of those agencies. The data transmission via GOES to a data collection platform
(DCP) is illustrated in Figure 1.
NOTE: It is only possible to use a GOES platform through approval and certification
of the transmitter by NESDIS.
Figure 1: GOES system / DCP equipped with G6-DB
Ground Receiving
Station
Equipped DCP with
GOES transmitter
Antenna
GOES Satellite
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2.1.5 ACQUIRING PERMISSION
You must submit a formal request to NOAA/NESDIS to obtain permission to transmit data via GOES.
This can take up to three weeks.
1. Go to: https://dcs1.noaa.gov/
2. Apply for a Login.
3. Once logged in select “Submit an Application for a GOES DCS SUA”.
4. Complete and submit the application.
More information about the GOES Data Collection System can be found on the NOAA site.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Power Supply
Supply voltage:
Inverse voltage protection:
Overvoltage protection:
10.8 to 16.0 Vdc
Yes, schottky diode
Yes, >20 Vdc, TVS diode
Current Draw:
Idle < 3 mA
Transmitting < 2.6 A
GPS on < 50 mA (default setting: once per day for 15 mins)
Connector:
Removable 2 pin screw terminal with 05 mm of pitch.
Satellite General
Supports timed and random transmissions. Supports
ASCII and binary message transmission.
Transmit RF out connector: Type N jack.
Satellite GOES
Satellite GOES Version 2.0 (CS2) – High Transmission Rate - NOAA / NESDIS Certificate
Baud Rates:
300 and 1200 bps
Transmit Power (default)
300 bps:
31.5 dBm
1200 bps:
37.5 dBm
Maximum:
38 dBm
Frequency Range:
401.701 a 402.0985 MHz
Initial frequency stability:
±20
Hz disciplined to GPS; After this process, a GPS fix
occurs after power up and once per day.
Channel Bandwidth
300 bps:
750 Hz
1200 bps:
1.5 KHz
Satellite METEOSAT
EUMETSAT METEOSAT SRD
Baud Rates:
100 bps
Power Transmit (default)
100 bps:
37.5 dBm
Maximum:
41.5 dBm
Frequency Range:
402.0355 a 402.4345 MHz
Initial frequency stability:
±20 Hz disciplined to GPS; After this process, a GPS fix
occurs after power up and once per day.
Channel Bandwidth
100 bps:
3 KHz
GPS Receiver
Type:
3.3 V active
Connector:
SMA jack
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Clock Accuracy:
Initial Accuracy:
± 100 µs synchronized to GPS
Drift:
± 10 ms per day without GPS (drift applicable while the
transmitter is operating within the temperature operating
range)
GPS Chronometer:
One fix at power up (in the first GPS
operation) and 1 fix per day afterwards.
Transmission Continuation
without GPS Fix: 28 days
Interface Connectors
USB:
Micro USB
RS-232:
DB9 F, DCE, RS-232 of 3 wires
RF antenna output:
Type N jack
GPS:
SMA jack
Power:
Removable 2 pins
Environmental
Operating Temperature:
-40 a 60 °C
Storage Temperature:
-55 a 70 °C
Relative Humidity:
0-95%
Transmitter Size
Maximum footprint including
connectors:
21.88 x 13.15 x 4.4 cm (8.61” x 5.17” x 1.7”)
Weight:
955 g
Interface command protocols
Binary command protocol:
Available on RS-232
ASCII command protocol:
Available on all ports
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INSTALLATION
4.1 FIELD SITE REQUIREMENTS
For proper operation of the G6-DB transmitter, the user must follow the following requirements:
•
Install the antenna so that it has a clear view of the sky (view of the satellite).
•
For directional antennas, the user must point it toward the satellite (Section 4.4.1).
•
Omnidirectional antennas only require a positioning with clear view of the sky (Section
4.4.2).
•
It must be installed in an enclosure that will protect it from any severe environment
conditions, including condensation.
•
The transmitter must be powered by a safe, noise-free power supply.
4.2 G6-DB FUNCTIONS
Figure 2 shows the main connector and transmitter indicators.
Figure 2: Connectors, LEDs and control indication of G6-DB
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4.2.1 LED FUNCTION
The G6-DB has four LEDs in the case front panel, used to indicate the transmitter operational state.
The LEDs may represent the following conditions:
• When the G6-DB is powered for the first time, the four LEDs quickly light up in a circular
motion representing an auto test sequence, and then the GPS LED will light up.
• If there is data in the buffer waiting for the next transmission, the DATA LED will light up.
• During transmissions, the TX LED will light up.
• The FAULT LED is an indicator of failed transmissions (Section 4.2.2).
• As soon as it is powered up, the GPS LED will light up during the synchronization period with
the GPS. The LED will turn off once the synchronization is complete.
NOTE: If the GPS antenna is not properly connected or the synchronization was not
completed, the GPS LED will light for two seconds and then it will turn off for 90
seconds. This cycle will continue until the transmitter detects an antenna or
completes the synchronization. Check the GPS antenna connectors.
NOTE: The GPS process of recognizing the antenna, synchronization and obtaining a
position and time reference, may take up to 20 minutes. Watch the GPS LED, for at
least two minutes to ensure that the transmitter has successfully completed the
synchronization.
4.2.2 FAILSAFE FUNCTION
The transmitter has a built-in failsafe processor that will disable satellite transmissions should one
of two events occur:
1) A transmission occurs too close in time to the previous transmission:
• GOES – 30 second interval
• METEOSAT – 30 second interval
2) A transmission continues for an excessive amount of time:
• GOES – Exceeds 105 seconds
• METEOSAT – Exceeds 90 seconds
The failsafe operation is independent of the main processor and cannot be disabled.
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The failsafe can be re-enabled by using the ASCII clear failsafe command (Section 6.5.1) or following
the next steps:
•
Press the FAILSAFE button and hold for 2 seconds, if:
o
If the LED FAULT blinks one time, the failsafe is cleared
o
If the LED FAULT blinks two times, the failsafe has been tripped; a failure occurred.
•
To restart, press the FAILSAFE button for 10 seconds.
NOTE: The FAILSAFE will not be reset by power cycling the transmitter using the reset
function (Section 4.2.3).
4.2.3 RESET FUNCTION
The RESET function is used to restart the transmitter. This function will start the transmitter the
same way as an initial power up or power reset. To do this, perform the following steps:
• Press the RESET button for at least 1 second.
Note that the failsafe will not be restarted if has been previously tripped. In case this happens,
follow the function procedures. After the RESET, the GPS may take up to 20 minutes to recognize the
antenna, finish the synchronization and obtain a position and time reference.
4.2.4 GPS SYNCHRONIZATION
After power is first applied to the transmitter and the initialization sequence is completed, the LED
GPS will illuminate indicating that the transmitter is acquiring a GPS fix and is trying to synchronize
its clock to UTC time. This can take as long as twenty minutes as a complete list of satellites needs to
be checked to ensure location and time synchronization. Once the transmitter is synchronized, it will
be able to transmit on the specified time schedule.
After initial time synchronization, the transmitter will attempt a single resynchronization to UTC time
every 24 hours to correct any potential time drifts in the clock. The transmitter is capable of
operating for 28 days without a time resynchronization. After 28 days, if a time resynchronization is
not achieved, the transmitter will disable transmissions. However, it will continue to attempt time
resynchronization and, if successful, will re-enable transmissions.
NOTE: If the transmitter cannot synchronize to UTC time during the first 20 minutes,
the transmitter will switch off the GPS module for one minute and then will restart
the synchronization cycle. This process continues until the transmitter successfully
synchronizes to UTC time.
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4.3 RF CONNECTORS
4.3.1 ANTENNA CONNECTOR
The G6-DB uses the type N female connector for RF power out. It must have a proper connection
before any transmission occurs. Failure to use a properly matched cable and connector may cause
permanent damage to the equipment. The nominal impedance is 50 ohms; the frequency range is
approximately 400 to 403 MHz. For GOES, at 300 bps transmission rates, the default transmit power
is 31.5 dBm. At 1200 bps, the default transmit power is 37.5 dBm. For METEOSAT the default
transmit power is 37.5 dBm
4.3.2 GPS CONNECTOR
The GPS connector is a type SMA input. Operation without an antenna connected will not cause
damage, but the transmitter will not transmit without a valid GPS position or if the time is not
synchronized. The transmitter uses the GPS to ensure data transmissions occur at the proper time.
4.3.3 POWER SUPPLY
The G6-DB comes with a removable two-pin power terminal block for connecting to a power source.
The two pins are ground and 12 V. The input power requirement is 10.8 to 16 Vdc. Because the
transmitter can use up to 3 A, the power should be connected directly to the battery. Make sure the
power supply that reaches the transmitter is within the specifications and that the power source is
reliable. The supply wires connected to the transmitter must be appropriately sized to minimize their
voltage drop when the DB-G6 is transmitting.
4.4 TRANSMISSION ANTENNA
NOTE: Ensure any antenna selected is certified for use in the region/country of
intended operation.
4.4.1 DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA
The recommended directional antenna is a Yagi with a Type N connector. The antenna is directional
and must be aimed at the specific satellite so requires a pole or mast for mounting The site’s
coordinates (latitude, longitude and elevation) must be determined prior to installation as well as
the satellite’s position in order to determine the correct azimuth and inclination for mounting the
antenna. A poorly positioned antenna will result in decreased signal strength and possibly failed
transmissions.
For more information on Yagi Directional Antenna and its technical specifications, please contact FTS
Support.
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Figure 3: Yagi directional Antenna
4.4.2 EON2 OMNIDIRECTIONAL ANTENNA
An omnidirectional antenna is noted for its ease of use, lightness and greater durability than a
directional antenna. It requires no assembly and no aiming in most locations. It just needs to be
mounted with a clear view of the sky., Additionally, the FTS EON2 antenna is dome-shaped for
shedding snow and ice, is completely sealed for use in harsh environments, and has the option of
an embedded GPS antenna.
For more information on the EON2 Omnidirectional Antenna and its technical specifications, please
contact FTS Support.
Figure 4: EON2 Omnidirectional antenna
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CONFIGURING
5.1 COMMUNICATING WITH THE G6-DB
A method to communicate with the G6-DB transmitter must be established. There are two ways to
communicate:
1) Connecting the transmitter to a PC (RS-232 or USB port) and run a terminal emulation
program such as Windows HyperTerminal.
2) Connecting the transmitter to a compatible data logger via RS-232 serial port. Note the
setting and limitation of the serial port data logger.
5.1.1 RS-232 PORT
Data entry, system setup, calibration and diagnostic functions are performed by the main micro-
controller using one of two possible serial interfaces, however the RS-232 port is the main port and
only supports firmware updates. This port supports both ASCII and binary commands.
The RS-232 port is available in a DB9 connector which only three pins are used (RxD, TxD, and GND).
5.1.2 USB PORT
The transmitter also has a micro-USB port for connecting to a personal computer. Many newer
computers only have these USB ports. The G6-DB can be configured via a terminal (for example:
HyperTerminal or Putty terminal) if connected to a computer via USB.
The USB serial port is the secondary port, therefore the RS-232 serial port ends up being the most
used. The USB serial port cannot be used to upgrade the firmware and only supports ASCII
commands.
5.1.3 SERIAL INTERFACE
The default G6-DB serial port settings to perform any interface communication are:
• Transmission rate: 9600 bps
• Data bits: 8Parity: None
• Stop bits: 1
• No flow control (in the terminal emulator
NOTE: A three-wire connection (TXD, RXD and GND) is all that is supported in the
transmitter serial port. An integrated control system permits each port a low power
mode when not in use for 60 seconds
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5.2 CONNECTING THE EQUIPMENT
Note that all required periphery equipment and cables are supplied by the customer. See Figure 5
for examples.
Before powering up, the antenna and communication cables must be connected.
1) GPS antenna;
2) Satellite antenna;
3) Power terminal block (wired to power source as per Section 4.4);
4) Communication cable:
a) USB cable (to connect to a PC via terminal); or
b) 9 pin R2S32 communication cable (to connect to a data logger with serial port or a PC)
Figure 5: Examples of cables and periphery equipment
Connect the cables as shown in Figure 6. Note that only one of either the USB cable or the
communication serial cable may be required depending on the equipment in use. However, both
can be used simultaneously.
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Figure 6: 6-DB with interface connections with USB cable (left) and RS-232 cable (right).
When power is first applied to the transmitter, it will boot up and then, the front panel LEDs will light
up in a circular form (Chapter 4.2.1) and the following dialogue will display if using a terminal
emulator: Self-Test Completed
NOTE: A startup message will only be displayed if using the RS-232 communication
port (main port). If using the USB port the message will not be displayed.
Start a text file capture via, for example, HyperTerminal, so that you have a record of the session.
Press Enter, then wait some seconds and then press Enter again to activate the transmitter. The G6-
DB should respond with a “>” prompt.
Details of communication protocols and configuration are in the following sections.
5.3 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS
The transmitter has a communication protocol with ASCII or binary command interface that allows
configuration via a terminal program, such as Windows HyperTerminal or Putty Terminal. This
interface is also suitable for connection to data loggers equipped with a serial port. It will
automatically detect if ASCII or binary protocols are used.
NOTE: Only the ASCII commands are described in this document as the binary
commands are difficult to use with standard terminal programs
IMPORTANT: Both serial ports can be used for ASCII command protocols, but for
binary protocol commands only the serial communication RS-232 port will work
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