Geneq SXBlue User manual

SXBlue GPS
Reference Manual
Date: July 2004 (rev 1.1)

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual ii
Copyright Notice
Copyright 2004 Geneq inc. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be stored in a
retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced by any means, including, but not limited to
photocopy, photograph, digitizing, or otherwise, without the prior written permission from Geneq
inc.
Disclaimer
This manual has been reproduced and modified with approval from CSI Wireless Inc.
Trademarks
The Geneq logo, SXBlue GPS™ are trademarks of Geneq inc. COAST™, and e-Dif™ are
trademarks of CSI Wireless Inc. The Bluetooth™ trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc.,
USA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
FCC Notice
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Geneq inc.
8047, Jarry street East
Montreal, Quebec, Canada H1J 1H6
Telephone number: [phone]
Fax number: [phone]
E-mail address: [email protected]m
Web Site: www.geneq.com

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual iii
Geneq Limited Warranty
Geneq inc. hereby warrants solely to the end purchaser of the Products, subject to the
exclusions and procedures set forth herein below, that the Products sold to such end purchaser
shall be free, under normal use and maintenance, from defects in material and workmanship for
a period of 12 months from delivery to such end purchaser. Repairs and replacement
components are warranted, subject to the exclusions and procedures set forth below, to be free,
under normal use and maintenance, from defects in material and workmanship for 90 days from
performance or delivery, or for the balance of the original warranty period, whichever is greater.
Purchaser’s Exclusive Remedy
The end purchaser’s exclusive remedy under this warranty shall be limited to the repair or
replacement, at the option of Geneq, of any defective Products or components thereof. The end
user shall notify Geneq or a Geneq approved service center immediately of any claimed defect.
Repairs shall be made through a Geneq approved service center only.
Exclusions
Geneq does not warrant damage occurring in transit or due to misuse, abuse, improper
installation, neglect, lightning (or other electrical discharge) or fresh/salt water immersion of
Products. Repair, modification or service of Geneq Products by any party other than a Geneq
approved service center shall render this warranty null and void. Geneq does not warrant
claims asserted after the end of the warranty period. Geneq does not warrant or guarantee the
precision or accuracy of positions obtained when using Products. Products are not intended for
primary navigation or for use in safety of life applications. The potential accuracy of Products as
stated in Geneq literature and/or Product specifications serves to provide only an estimate of
achievable accuracy based on:
•Specifications provided by the US Department of Defense for GPS Positioning,
•GPS OEM Receiver specifications of the appropriate manufacturer (if applicable), and
•DGPS service provider performance specifications.
Geneq reserves the right to modify Products without any obligation to notify, supply or install
any improvements or alterations to existing Products.
No Other Warranties
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER
WRITTEN, ORAL, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY STATUTE, COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE
USAGE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE DESIGN, SALE, INSTALLATION, SERVICE OR USE
OF ANY PRODUCTS OR ANY COMPONENTS THEREOF, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual iv
Limitation of Liability
THE EXTENT OF GENEQ’S LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE TO THE END
PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT
AND WHETHER TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY SHALL IN NO CASE EXCEED, IN THE
AGGREGATE, THE COST OF CORRECTING THE DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT OR, AT
GENEQ’S OPTION, THE COST OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE ITEM. IN NO EVENT
WILL GENEQ BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PRODUCTION, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF
USE OR FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
CONTINGENT DAMAGES, EVEN IF GENEQ HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, GENEQ SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM INSTALLATION, USE, QUALITY,
PERFORMANCE OR ACCURACY OF ANY PRODUCTS.
Governing Legislation
To the greatest extent possible, this warranty shall be governed by the laws of the Province of
Quebec (Canada). In the event that any provision hereof is held to be invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be severed from this warranty and the remaining
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Obtaining Warranty Service
In order to obtain warranty service, the end purchaser must bring the Product to a Geneq
approved dealer, along with the end purchaser’s proof of purchase. For any questions
regarding warranty service or to obtain information regarding the location of any of Geneq’s
dealers, contact Geneq at the following address:
Geneq inc.
8047, Jarry Street East
Montreal, Quebec, H1J 1H6
Canada
Telephone number: [phone]
Fax number: [phone]
E-mail address: [email protected]m

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual v
Table of Contents
List of Figures..........................................................................................................................................x
List of Tables..........................................................................................................................................xi
Preface................................................................................................................................................. xiii
Organization................................................................................................................................. xiii
Customer Service.........................................................................................................................xiv
World Wide Web Site....................................................................................................................xv
Document Conventions.................................................................................................................xv
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings ....................................................................................................xv
1. Quick Start...................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Receiving Your Shipment.......................................................................................................1
1.2 Unpacking Your SXBlue GPS System....................................................................................1
1.3 Cable Connections..................................................................................................................1
1.4 Configuring the SXBlue GPS..................................................................................................2
1.5 NMEA 0183 Message Interface..............................................................................................2
1.6 Binary Message Interface.......................................................................................................3
1.7 PocketMAX.............................................................................................................................3
1.8 Default Parameters.................................................................................................................3
1.9 Pin-Outs..................................................................................................................................4
2. Introduction..................................................................................................................................5
2.1 GPS ........................................................................................................................................5
2.1.1 Satellite Tracking.........................................................................................................5
2.1.2 Positioning Accuracy...................................................................................................5
2.1.3 Update Rates...............................................................................................................6
2.2 SBAS ......................................................................................................................................6
2.2.1 Automatic Tracking......................................................................................................6
2.2.2 SBAS Performance.....................................................................................................6
2.3 COAST™ Technology ............................................................................................................7
2.4 e-Dif – Extended Differential Option.......................................................................................7
2.5 Post Processing......................................................................................................................8
2.6 Evaluating SXBlue GPS Performance....................................................................................9
3. Features.....................................................................................................................................11
3.1 System Parts List..................................................................................................................11
3.2 Cable Interface......................................................................................................................11

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual vi
3.3 Environmental Requirements ...............................................................................................12
3.4 Power Requirements ............................................................................................................12
3.5 Antenna Placement...............................................................................................................12
3.6 Powering the SXBlue GPS Receiver....................................................................................13
3.7 Serial Port Interface..............................................................................................................13
3.8 Bluetooth Interface................................................................................................................14
3.9 Factory Default Parameters..................................................................................................14
3.10 LED Indicators ......................................................................................................................15
4. Operation Basics .......................................................................................................................17
4.1 Powering SXBlue GPS .........................................................................................................17
4.2 Communicating with SXBlue GPS........................................................................................17
4.2.1 NMEA 0183 Interface................................................................................................17
4.2.2 Binary Interface .........................................................................................................18
4.2.3 RTCM SC-104 Protocol.............................................................................................18
4.3 Configuring SXBlue GPS......................................................................................................19
4.4 Firmware...............................................................................................................................19
4.5 e-Dif Operation......................................................................................................................20
4.5.1 Start-up......................................................................................................................20
4.5.2 Calibration .................................................................................................................20
4.5.3 e-Dif Performance .....................................................................................................20
4.6 Configuring Data Message Output .......................................................................................21
4.6.1 This Port and the Other Port .....................................................................................21
4.7 Saving SXBlue GPS Configuration.......................................................................................21
4.8 Using the Serial Port for RTCM Input...................................................................................22
5. NMEA 0183 Message Output....................................................................................................23
5.1 NMEA Message Elements....................................................................................................23
5.2 Data Messages.....................................................................................................................23
5.2.1 GGA Data Message ..................................................................................................24
5.2.2 GLL Data Message ...................................................................................................24
5.2.3 GSA Data Message...................................................................................................25
5.2.4 GST Data Message...................................................................................................25
5.2.5 GSV Data Message...................................................................................................26
5.2.6 RMC Data Message..................................................................................................26
5.2.7 RRE Data Message...................................................................................................27
5.2.8 VTG Data Message...................................................................................................27
5.2.9 ZDA Data Message...................................................................................................28

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual vii
5.2.10 RD1 Data Message...................................................................................................28
6. Frequently Asked Questions .....................................................................................................30
6.1 General.................................................................................................................................30
6.2 Support and Repairs.............................................................................................................31
6.3 Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................31
6.4 Power, Communication, and Configuration..........................................................................32
6.5 GPS Reception and Performance ........................................................................................33
6.6 SBAS Reception and Performance ......................................................................................34
6.7 e-Dif ......................................................................................................................................34
6.8 External Corrections .............................................................................................................35
6.9 Installation.............................................................................................................................35
7. Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................36
7.1 Troubleshooting Checklist ....................................................................................................36
7.2 Using the LEDs to Troubleshoot...........................................................................................36
8. Complete NMEA 0183 Interface................................................................................................38
8.1 NMEA Message Elements....................................................................................................38
8.2 General Commands..............................................................................................................38
8.2.1 $JASC,D1..................................................................................................................39
8.2.2 $JAIR.........................................................................................................................40
8.2.3 $JASC,VIRTUAL.......................................................................................................40
8.2.4 $JALT........................................................................................................................41
8.2.5 $JLIMIT......................................................................................................................41
8.2.6 $JAPP........................................................................................................................42
8.2.7 $JBAUD.....................................................................................................................43
8.2.8 $JCONN....................................................................................................................43
8.2.9 $JDIFF.......................................................................................................................43
8.2.10 $JK ............................................................................................................................44
8.2.11 $JPOS.......................................................................................................................44
8.2.12 $JQUERY,GUIDE......................................................................................................45
8.2.13 $JRESET...................................................................................................................45
8.2.14 $JSAVE.....................................................................................................................45
8.2.15 $JSHOW....................................................................................................................46
8.2.16 $JT.............................................................................................................................47
8.2.17 $JBIN.........................................................................................................................48
8.3 GPS Commands...................................................................................................................48
8.3.1 $JASC .......................................................................................................................49

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual viii
8.3.2 $JAGE,age................................................................................................................49
8.3.3 $JOFF........................................................................................................................50
8.3.4 $JMASK.....................................................................................................................50
8.3.5 $J4STRING...............................................................................................................50
8.4 SBAS Commands.................................................................................................................51
8.4.1 $JWAASPRN.............................................................................................................51
8.4.2 $JGEO.......................................................................................................................52
8.4.3 $JRD1........................................................................................................................53
8.4.4 $JASC,RTCM............................................................................................................53
8.5 e-Dif Commands...................................................................................................................54
8.5.1 $JRAD,1....................................................................................................................54
8.5.2 $JRAD,1,P.................................................................................................................55
8.5.3 $JRAD,1,lat,lon,alt.....................................................................................................55
8.5.4 $JRAD,2....................................................................................................................55
8.5.5 $JRAD,3....................................................................................................................56
8.6 Data Messages.....................................................................................................................56
8.6.1 GGA Data Message ..................................................................................................57
8.6.2 GLL Data Message ...................................................................................................58
8.6.3 GSA Data Message...................................................................................................58
8.6.4 GST Data Message...................................................................................................59
8.6.5 GSV Data Message...................................................................................................59
8.6.6 RMC Data Message..................................................................................................60
8.6.7 RRE Data Message...................................................................................................60
8.6.8 VTG Data Message...................................................................................................61
8.6.9 ZDA Data Message...................................................................................................61
8.6.10 RD1 Data Message...................................................................................................61
9. Binary Data................................................................................................................................64
9.1 Binary Message Structure ....................................................................................................64
9.1.1 Bin 1 ..........................................................................................................................65
9.1.2 Bin 2 ..........................................................................................................................66
9.1.3 Bin 80 ........................................................................................................................67
9.1.4 Bin 93 ........................................................................................................................67
9.1.5 Bin 94 ........................................................................................................................68
9.1.6 Bin 95 ........................................................................................................................69
9.1.7 Bin 96 ........................................................................................................................69
9.1.8 Bin 97 ........................................................................................................................70

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual ix
9.1.9 Bin 98 ........................................................................................................................71
9.1.10 Bin 99 ........................................................................................................................72
Appendix A - Specifications ..................................................................................................................74
Appendix B - Interface...........................................................................................................................75
Appendix C – Introduction to GPS, SBAS, e-Dif and Beacon ..............................................................78
Appendix D – Resources ......................................................................................................................93
Index ...................................................................................................................................................94

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual x
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Cable Interface ......................................................................................................................2
Figure 1-2 RS-232 Connector Pin-out ....................................................................................................4
Figure 1-3 PWR Connector Pin-out ........................................................................................................4
Figure 1-4 e-Dif Error Drift.......................................................................................................................8
Figure 3-1 Cable Interface ....................................................................................................................11
Figure 3-2 RS-232 Connector Pin-out ..................................................................................................14
Figure 3-3 SXBlue GPS Front Panel ....................................................................................................16
Figure B-1 Serial Interface....................................................................................................................75
Figure B-2 RTCM Data Output From Serial Port..................................................................................76
Figure B-3 RTCM Data Input to Serial Port ..........................................................................................77
Figure C-1 WAAS Coverage.................................................................................................................87
Figure C-2 EGNOS Coverage ..............................................................................................................88
Figure C-3 Broadcast WAAS Inonspheric Correction Map...................................................................89
Figure C-4 Extrapolated WAAS Inonspheric Correction Map...............................................................89
Figure C-5 Broadcast EGNOS Inonspheric Correction Map ................................................................90
Figure C-6 Extrapolated EGNOS Inonspheric Correction Map ............................................................90
Figure C-7 World DGPS Radiobeacon Coverage.................................................................................92

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual xi
List of Tables
Table 1-1 Default Applications................................................................................................................3
Table 1-2 Default Port Settings...............................................................................................................3
Table 1-3 Default GPS NMEA Message Output.....................................................................................3
Table 1-4 Default Parameters.................................................................................................................3
Table 1-5 Serial Port Pin-out, RS-232C Interface Level.........................................................................4
Table 2-1 Horizontal Accuracy Probability Statistics ..............................................................................9
Table 2-2 Horizontal Accuracy Statistic Conversions.............................................................................9
Table 3-1 Power Requirements ............................................................................................................12
Table 3-2 Serial Port Pin-out, RS-232C Interface Level.......................................................................13
Table 3-3 Firmware Applications ..........................................................................................................14
Table 3-4 Default Port Settings.............................................................................................................15
Table 3-5 Default GPS NMEA Message Output...................................................................................15
Table 3-6 Default Parameters...............................................................................................................15
Table 3-7 LED Indicator Definitions ......................................................................................................15
Table 5-1 NMEA Message Elements....................................................................................................23
Table 5-2 Data Messages.....................................................................................................................23
Table 5-3 GGA Data Message Defined ................................................................................................24
Table 5-4 GLL Data Message Defined .................................................................................................24
Table 5-5 GSA Data Message Defined.................................................................................................25
Table 5-6 GSA Data Message Defined.................................................................................................25
Table 5-7 GSV Data Message Defined.................................................................................................26
Table 5-8 RMC Data Message Defined................................................................................................26
Table 5-9 RRE Data Message Defined.................................................................................................27
Table 5-10 VTG Data Message Defined...............................................................................................27
Table 5-11 ZDA Data Message Defined...............................................................................................28
Table 5-12 RD1 Data Message Defined...............................................................................................28
Table 5-13 DSP Status .........................................................................................................................29
Table 5-14 ARM Status.........................................................................................................................29
Table 5-15 NavCondition ......................................................................................................................29
Table 7-1 Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................36
Table 7-2 LED Functions ......................................................................................................................37
Table 8-1 NMEA Message Elements....................................................................................................36
Table 8-2 General Commands..............................................................................................................36
Table 8-3 GPS Commands...................................................................................................................48

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual xii
Table 8-4 SBAS Commands.................................................................................................................51
Table 8-5 e0Dif Commands..................................................................................................................54
Table 8-6 Data Messages.....................................................................................................................36
Table 8-7 GGA Data Message Defined ................................................................................................57
Table 8-8 GLL Data Message Defined .................................................................................................58
Table 8-9 GSA Data Message Defined.................................................................................................58
Table 8-10 GST Data Message Defined...............................................................................................59
Table 8-11 GSV Data Message Defined...............................................................................................59
Table 8-12 RMC Data Message Defined..............................................................................................60
Table 8-13 RRE Data Message Defined...............................................................................................60
Table 8-14 VTG Data Message Defined...............................................................................................61
Table 8-15 ZDA Data Message Defined...............................................................................................61
Table 8-16 RD1 Data Message Defined...............................................................................................62
Table 8-17 DSP Status .........................................................................................................................62
Table 8-18 ARM Status.........................................................................................................................62
Table 8-19 NavCondition ......................................................................................................................63
Table 9-1 Binary Message Structure ....................................................................................................64
Table 9-2 Bin 1 Message......................................................................................................................65
Table 9-3 Bin 2 Message......................................................................................................................66
Table 9-4 Bin 2 Message......................................................................................................................67
Table 9-5 Bin 2 Message......................................................................................................................67
Table 9-6 Bin 2 Message......................................................................................................................68
Table 9-7 Bin 2 Message......................................................................................................................69
Table 9-8 Bin 2 Message......................................................................................................................69
Table 9-9 Bin 2 Message......................................................................................................................70
Table 9-10 Bin 2 Message....................................................................................................................71
Table 9-11 Bin 2 Message....................................................................................................................72
Table A-1 SXBlue GPS Receiver Specifications ..................................................................................74

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual xiii
Preface
Welcome to the SXBlue GPS Manual and congratulations on choosing to purchase this high-
performance GPS receiver.
The SXBlue GPS receiver provides a high level of performance, delivering sub-meter
positioning using either its built-in SBAS demodulator or external corrections, at up to 5 Hz
output. The SXBlue GPS features raw measurement output for post processing applications,
and delivers excellent phase measurement quality. It also features Bluetooth and serial
communications.
We have written this document to assist a customer in becoming familiar with the SXBlue GPS
functionality and system operation, but also with GPS, and DGPS.
The chapters that follow provide detailed information on the SXBlue GPS receiver, including the
hardware and software interface, in addition to various descriptions of technologies and features
that it supports.
Some notable features of the SXBlue GPS receiver follow:
•12-channel GPS engine (2 channels dedicated to SBAS tracking)
•Sub-meter horizontal accuracy 95%
•Raw measurement output (via documented binary messages)
•Position and raw measurement update rates of 5 Hz max
•COAST™ technology provides consistent performance with old correction data
•Optional e-Dif - A base station-free way of differentially positioning
•WAAS/EGNOS and external differential sources
•Quick times to first fix
•One full-duplex serial port, can be used to configure the product, or to output or receive RTCM
corrections
•One Bluetooth module for virtual serial port communication
•3 W power consumption
Organization
This manual contains the following chapters:
Chapter 1: Quick Start - provides information to help you get your system running quickly.
Chapter 2: Introduction - introduces you to the SXBlue GPS and some of its main features.
Chapter 3: Features - provides details on the fundamental operating modes of the SXBlue GPS
receiver and its associated default parameters.
Chapter 4: Operation Basics - describes how to configure and operate the SXBlue GPS
receiver.

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual xiv
Chapter 5: NMEA 0183 Messages - describes the subset of NMEA 0183 commands and
queries supported by the SXBlue GPS receiver.
Chapter 6: Frequently Asked Questions - This chapter provides answers to frequently asked
questions about the SXBlue GPS receiver.
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting - provides you with diagnostic information to aid in determining a
source of difficulty for a particular installation.
Chapter 8: Complete NMEA 0183 Interface - describes the subset of NMEA 0183 commands
and messages supported by the SXBlue GPS.
Chapter 9: Binary Data - describes the Binary messages supported by the SXBlue GPS.
Appendix A – Specifications - details the technical characteristics of the SXBlue GPS.
Appendix B – Interface - provides instructions to interface the SXBlue GPS with external
devices.
Appendix C – Introduction to GPS and SBAS - provides both general and specific
information relating to GPS and SBAS.
Appendix D – Resources - This appendix lists a number of different resources that may be
useful for the advanced user.
The Index provides a listing of the locations of various subjects within this manual.
Customer Service
If you encounter problems during the installation or operation of this product, or cannot find the
information you need, please contact your dealer, or Geneq Customer Service. The contact
numbers and e-mail address for Geneq Customer Service are:
Telephone number: [phone]
Fax number: [phone]
E-mail address: [email protected]m
Technical Support is available from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday to Friday.
To expedite the support process, please have the product model and serial number available
when contacting Geneq Customer Service.
In the event that your equipment requires service, we recommend that you contact your dealer
directly. However, if this is not possible, you must contact Geneq Customer Service to obtain a
Return Merchandise form before returning any product to Geneq. If you are returning a product
for repair, you must also provide a fault description.
Geneq will provide you with shipping instructions to assist you in returning the equipment.

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual xv
World Wide Web Site
Geneq maintains a World Wide Web home page at the following address:
www.geneq.com
A corporate profile and product information are available at this site under the Geomatics
section.
Document Conventions
Bold is used to emphasize certain points.
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings stress important information regarding the installation,
configuration, and operation of the SXBlue GPS receiver.
Note - Notes outline important information of a general nature.
Cautions - Cautions inform of possible sources of difficulty or situations that may cause
damage to the product.
Warning - Warnings inform of situations that may cause harm to you.

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual 1
1. Quick Start
The purpose of this chapter is to help you get your SXBlue GPS receiver running quickly.
This chapter is not intended to replace the balance of this reference manual and it assumes
that you have a reasonable amount of knowledge with installation and operation of GPS
navigation systems.
If you are new to GPS and SBAS, we recommend that you consult Appendix C for further
information on these services and technology.
The SXBlue GPS receiver system is composed of two main pieces: SXBlue GPS receiver,
and the GPS antenna.
1.1 Receiving Your Shipment
If you find that any of these items are damaged due to shipment, please contact the freight
carrier immediately for assistance.
1.2 Unpacking Your SXBlue GPS System
When you unpack your SXBlue GPS system, please ensure that it is complete by comparing
the parts received against the packing slip. Unless your system has been equipped
differently than a standard SXBlue GPS system, you should find the following parts in your
system:
•One SXBlue GPS Receiver
•One Low Profile or one Precision Antenna with BNC connectors
•One RS-232 cable
•Power option (Battery/Charger or Power Cable)
•Optional nylon carrying case
Note - If, for some reason, you find a discrepancy between your packing slip and the
contents of your shipment, please contact the sales person with which you placed
your order immediately.
1.3 Cable Connections
The connections required by the SXBlue GPS are very straightforward. All cables
necessary for complete operation are provided. The SXBlue GPS comes in three different
voltage configurations and needs to be connected to a power supply (4.5 to 9 VDC, 9 to 18
VDC or 18 to 36 VDC) and to the antenna. Refer to the label on the back of the receiver to
find out your SXBlue GPS voltage range.
The power connector on the SXBlue GPS is a miniature 2-pin, circular locking connector
and the RF connector is a female BNC. The power connector is labeled ‘PWR’ and the GPS
RF input connector is labeled ‘ANT’. There is no power switch to turn on the SXBlue GPS.
Once the proper voltage input is applied to the connector, the system will start up.

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual 2
To communicate with the SXBlue GPS, you have two options, one miniature 3-pin, circular
locking connector is available on the front panel, labeled ‘RS-232’, giving access to the RS-
232 serial port of the SXBlue GPS. The other option is Bluetooth communication (which is
wireless) using a Bluetooth-enabled PDA with a Bluetooth compatible software. If you have
a PDA or computer that does not support Bluetooth natively, you often can supplement your
computing device with a Bluetooth card (CF, PCMCIA, SD) or USB dongle. When
configuring your Bluetooth device for communication with the SXBlue GPs make sure that
pairing (or bonding) with password (or passkey) is not supported.
Caution – By default, the SXBlue GPS receiver offers 5.0 VDC across its RF connector
to power an active GPS antenna’s low noise amplifier (LNA). Connection to a GPS
antenna that doesn’t support a 5 VDC input could damage the antenna.
The following figure shows the various connections required for the SXBlue GPS.
Figure 1-1 Cable Interface
1.4 Configuring the SXBlue GPS
The SXBlue GPS has two primary communication ports referred to as Serial and Bluetooth.
The Serial and Bluetooth ports are fully independent and you may configure each port to
have different messages output at different rates. The Serial port may be configured for
external correction input or output binary message information or even RTCM corrections
from a SBAS demodulator.
Note – The serial port is available via the single 3-pin connector located on the front
panel labeled “RS-232”. The pin-out for this connector is provided in Table 1-5.
1.5 NMEA 0183 Message Interface
The SXBlue GPS uses a NMEA 0183 interface for interfacing, which allows you to easily
make configuration changes by sending text-type commands to the receiver.
Where appropriate, relevant commands for making the configuration changes are discussed
in the following chapters. Chapter 8 and 9 however are devoted to describing the NMEA
interface in detail.

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual 3
1.6 Binary Message Interface
In addition to the NMEA interface, the SXBlue GPS also supports a selection of binary
messages. There is a wider array of information available through the binary messages,
plus binary messages are inherently more efficient with data. If your application has a
requirement for raw measurement data, for instance, this information is available only in a
binary format. Consult Chapter 9 for more information on Binary messages.
1.7 PocketMAX
PocketMAX is a free utility to assist you with controlling and monitoring your SXBlue GPS
receiver. It requires a device that runs a Windows PocketPC 2000, 2002, or 2003 operating
system. The PocketMAX Manual provides detailed information on how to interact through
both serial and Bluetooth communications between your SXBlue GPS receiver and your
PDA based PocketMAX utility. This program allows you to graphically monitor the status
and function of the SXBlue GPS, in addition to providing an interface for its control. The
PocketMAX Manual is available from Geneq. We recommend that you gain your initial
experience with the SXBlue GPS using this utility and then, if you wish, migrate your work to
a dumb terminal.
1.8 Default Parameters
Although presented in the following chapters, this section provides tables that detail the
default parameters of the SXBlue GPS as delivered.
Table 1-1 Default Applications
Application
WAAS (SBAS) – Default,
e-Dif (if available)
Table 1-2 Default Port Settings
Port Baud Rate Data Bits Parity Stop Bit Interface Level
Serial
Bluetooth 9600 Fixed 9600 8 8 None
None 1
1 RS-232C Virtual serial port
Table 1-3 Default GPS NMEA Message Output
Port GPS NMEA Messages Update Rate
Serial GGA, GSA, GSV, VTG, ZDA 1 Hz
Bluetooth GGA, GSA, GSV, VTG, ZDA 1 Hz
Table 1-4 Default Parameters
Max DGPS Age Elevation Mask
3600 seconds 10°

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual 4
1.9 Pin-Outs
The following tables detail the pin-out of the serial port of the SXBlue GPS (mating
connector is a Conxall 16282-3SG-3XX) and the PWR port (mating connector is a Conxall
16282-2SG-3XX).
Table 1-5 Serial Port Pin-out, RS-232C Interface Level
Pin Signal Description
1 RXD – serial NMEA 0183, binary, and RTCM input
2 TXD – serial NMEA 0183, binary, and RTCM output
3 Sig. Ground Signal return
Figure 1-2 RS-232 Connector Pin-out
Figure 1-3 PWR Connector Pin-out
Pin 1. RXD from
External Device
Pin
3
.
Ground
Pin 2. Positive
(
+
)
Pin 1. Negative
(
-
)
Pin
2
.
T
XD
to
External Device

SXBlue GPS Reference Manual 5
2. Introduction
This chapter provides a brief introduction to the SXBlue GPS and some of its high-level
features. The remaining chapters provide more detailed information on the workings of the
product.
As mentioned in the previous chapter, if you are new to GPS and SBAS, we recommend
that you consult Appendix C for further information on these services and technology.
When powered for the first time, the SXBlue GPS will perform a ‘cold start’, which involves
acquiring the available GPS satellites in view and the SBAS differential service.
If SBAS is not available in your area, you may use an external source of RTCM SC-104
differential corrections. If you choose to use an external source of correction data, you will
need to ensure that the external source supports an eight data bit, no parity, and one stop
bit configuration (8-N-1) and a baud rate between 4800 and 38400 baud.
This chapter describes the various modes of operation and features of your SXBlue GPS
receiver.
2.1 GPS
The following sections describe the general operation of the SXBlue GPS receiver.
2.1.1 Satellite Tracking
The SXBlue GPS automatically searches for GPS satellites, acquires the signal, and
manages the associated navigation information required for positioning and tracking. This is
a hands-free mode of operation. Satellite acquisition quality is described as a signal to
noise ratio (SNR). A higher SNR is indicative of better quality signal reception.
Note – The GPS engine is always operating, regardless of the DGPS mode of
operation.
2.1.2 Positioning Accuracy
The SXBlue GPS is a sub-meter (horizontally), 95% accurate product under ideal conditions
(minimum error).
Keeping in mind that this horizontal performance specification is a real world but ideal
scenario test, obstruction of satellites, multipath signals from reflective objects, and
operating with poor corrections will detract from the receiver’s ability to provide accurate,
reliable positions. Differential performance can also be compromised if the SXBlue GPS is
used in a region without sufficient ionospheric map coverage. If external corrections are
used, the baseline separation between the remote and base station antennas can affect
performance.
Since the SXBlue GPS will be used in the real world, blockage of the line of sight to SBAS
satellites is often inevitable. The COAST technology provides solace from obstruction of
SBAS or other differential correction services for up to 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the