Global Sat BU-303 User manual

BU-303 User’s Guide v1.2 (Mac)
USB GPS Receiver

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© 2005 Globalsat Technology Corporation/USGlobalsat, Inc. All rights reserved. The Globalsat logo is a trademark
of Globalsat Corporation. Windows is a register trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Acrobat is a registered
trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are acknowledged
as the exclusive property of their respective owners.
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted, copied, or stored in any storage
medium, for any purpose, without prior written consent from Globalsat Technology Corporation or USGlobalsat, Inc.
Globalsat/USGlobalsat hereby grants the right to download one (1) copy of this manual onto a hard drive for
personal use. This manual is copyrighted and may contain proprietary information that is subject to change without
notice.

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Table of Contents
PACKAGE CONTENTS ....................................................................................................4
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................4
WELCOME.........................................................................................................................4
SAFETY AND LEGAL NOTICES......................................................................................4
1. GETTING STARTED WITH THE BU-303 ....................................................................5
2. INSTALLING THE USB DRIVER INTO YOUR LAPTOP ...........................................6
3. VERIFY THE BU-303 USB DRIVER INSTALLATION................................................9
4. UN-INSTALL THE USB DRIVER..................................................................................9
5. INITIALIZING YOUR GPS RECEIVER......................................................................10
6. USING THE BU-303 GPS RECEIVER......................................................................10
7. FAQ’s...........................................................................................................................10
8. CONTACT INFORMATION.........................................................................................12
9. LIMITED WARRANTY................................................................................................12
10. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR BU-303 GPS RECEIVER..........................14

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PACKAGE CONTENTS
- BU-303 GPS Receiver w/USB cable
- Driver CD-ROM with User’s Guide*
Mac Users please refer to the Mac directory on the included CD-ROM for installation instructions and
drivers x:\Mac\setup.htm (The letter “x” represents your CD-ROM drive).
NOTE: If your CD-ROM does not contain a Mac directory, you can download the Mac driver and
Installation Guide at: www.usglobalsat.com/mac
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The BU-303 USB GPS requires a Windows, or Macintosh laptop computer, with a CD-ROM*, USB
port, and NMEA compatible navigation software. The 3rd party mapping/navigation software may have
its own system requirements, please check with software vendor for details.
*CD-ROM is required for USB driver installation and access to the User’s Guide. If no CD-ROM drive is available,
files can be downloaded from the Internet at : www.usglobalsat.com/mac
WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing the Globalsat BU-303 receiver! The BU-303 is a USB compatible GPS
receiver for your laptop! The BU-303 allows for real-time street navigation by using your laptop for
graphical plotting and positioning of your route. Simply load the GPS driver, plug the GPS receiver into
your computer’s USB port and install your own personal mapping software to begin to view your
position in real-time in relation to the surrounding streets in your travel area.
You’ll find that almost any NMEA compliant mapping/charting software will be compatible with the
BU-303 USB GPS receiver.Visit our web-site for recommended mapping programs that you can use.
http://www.usglobalsat.com/faq_details/Mapchart.asp .
SAFETY AND LEGAL NOTICES
Please read this section carefully before using the GPS receiver
Globalsat Technology Corporation/USGlobalsat, Inc. will not accept any responsibility
whatsoever for accidents resulting from failure to observe common sense precautions. Your
personal judgement, traffic regulations, and common sense must always take precedence over
any directions produced by GPS receiver or the mapping software
WARNING: Make sure that the GPS receiver is secure and does not interfere with driving
visibility and safety.

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It is your responsibility as the vehicle operator to securely place the GPS unit and antenna so that they
will not interfere with driving and prevent operations of any safety device (such as the Airbag) in your
vehicle. Do not mount the devices in a place where the driver or passengers may receive injury during
vehicle operation or collision. For your safety, take care to route all cables away from shifters, pedals,
accessory controls and mechanisms.
WARNING: Drive safely and use common sense.
It is your responsibility as the vehicle operator to drive safely, observe all traffic rules and above all use
your own personal judgment while driving. If you feel that a route suggested by the navigation software
instructs you to perform an unsafe or illegal maneuver, places you in an unsafe situation, or routes you
into an area which you consider unsafe, do not follow the instructions.
WARNING: Keep your eyes on the road.
It is your responsibility as the vehicle operator to keep your eyes on the road and be an alert driver at all
times, especially when the vehicle is moving. The vehicle’s operator should not be distracted by the
navigation equipment or software. Should there be a distraction with the ability to drive responsibly,
please turn off the device. Should you want to look at the display for a prolonged time, park the car
safely, while following all traffic regulations before looking at the display.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture. Do not remove covers or open housings, there are no user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
1. GETTING STARTED WITH THE BU-303
These are only a few simple steps that you need to follow before using your BU-303 GPS receiver:
• Install the USB driver and onto your laptop from the included CD-ROM or download the files from
our web-site www.usglobalsat.com/mac
• Plug-in the GPS receiver into your laptop.
NOTE: From within your mapping, or navigation software (including the supplied GPS Information
utility), you will need to manually configure the selection of the COM port to what was assigned to the
GPS receiver so that proper communication between the GPS receiver and mapping program can
occur. Most all software requires that you manually configure the COM port setting for any GPS device
you use.
IMPORTANT:
1. You must change the default rate setting of your mapping software to 4800 if this is not the default
setting otherwise GPS data cannot be received.
2. Port: /dev/cu.usbserial
3. Set “Rate”: 4800

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2. INSTALLING THE USB DRIVER INTO YOUR LAPTOP
STEP 1.
Expand the archive file and then run the installation by double clicking on the
ProlificUSBSerialOSX1.0.8b4.pkg icon.
STEP 2.
Next, a series of installation steps and screens will be provided for completing the driver installation
process.

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When installation is complete, reboot your Mac and connect your USB GPS receiver at this stage for
device detection.

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NOTE: After completing driver installation under Mac OS 10.2.X, a warning may appear stating that
“Prolific USBSerial.kext” has encountered problems. This is due to driver being compiled under OS
10.1.X. Three options will be provided for you to select one; however selecting the “Fix and Use”
option will eliminate this conflict.
3. VERIFY THE BU-303 USB DRIVER INSTALLATION
To verify that your device is recognized by the Operating System you can open the System Profiler.
To access System Profiler perform the following.
First, place mouse pointer and select the blue apple icon on the top left hand side of the Apple menu.
Then, select the following “About This Mac”->”More Info…”-> Hardware->USB to display device’s
detection.
Under USB Device Tree, you will view “USB Device” this pertains to your GPS USB receiver. Driver
information can be found under USB Device window.
4. UN-INSTALL THE USB DRIVER
To uninstall the Prolific USB driver, follow these steps:
1. Open "Applications-> Utilities-> Terminal". You need to create ID & password first on NetInfo
Manager.
2. Login to root user and type "su" and enter password.
3. Type "cd /System/Library/Extensions" to go to the "Extensions" folder.

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4. Unload the driver (if it had been loaded) by typing "kextunload PL2303.kext" or "kextunload
ProlificUsbSerial.kext"
5. Remove the driver by typing "rm -r PL2303.kext" or "rm -r ProlificUsbSerial.kext".
See FAQ below for more on “root users”
5. INITIALIZING YOUR GPS RECEIVER
Before using your BU-303 GPS for navigation (especially for the first time), the receiver must obtain a
local GPS fix (coordinates) of the current position. To do this, take your laptop (with your USB driver
and the mapping software loaded and configured) to an open area that has a clear view to the sky
(such as a park or empty field). Start your software (or the included Mac_GPSutility program) and wait
for initialization of the GPS to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on various factors
such as the distance of the current coordinates from the last time the GPS receiver was activated, GPS
signal strength and surrounding terrain (tall trees and buildings can block the satellite signals). Once the
RAW GPS data is displayed onto the screen, if applicable for your software, a fix has been initialized
(red LED on the GPS will also start to flash). In some cases initialization can take up to several minutes
depending on the conditions mentioned above before complete GPS data will be displayed on the
screen.
Coordinates scrolling with zero’s means that the port connection is correct, but the satellite data is not
being received yet (possibly still initializing or in a bad area for satellite reception).
6. USING THE BU-303 GPS RECEIVER
Once the BU-303’s driver and your personal mapping software have been installed and configured
properly, you can begin to use Your navigation system by plugging the BU-303 into your laptop’s USB
port and launching your mapping software. If you don’t have a mapping, or navigation software to try
out your new GPS receiver, we’ve included a utility called “GPS Information” so that you can test the
function of your BU-303. This utility is located within the “GPS Test” directory on the CD-ROM or can
be download from our web-site.
Always select an area in the vehicle where the GPS unit will be secure and not obstruct normal driving,
visibility and safety, but still maintaining a “view to the sky” in order to receive satellite data.
7. FAQ’s
How Do I Enable a Root Account?
The "root" user (also known as the super user) is the most powerful UNIX account. The root account
can do anything to any file or folder, anywhere on the system. For that reason, Globalsat/USGlobalsat
cannot recommend, nor support users who attempt modifications of the ‘root user” as it's considered
quite dangerous, and only needs to be used (occasionally) by advanced users.
Because of the dangers of operating as root, Apple has chosen to hide the root account in OS X Final.
However, there are a number of ways to enable it. The easiest is to boot off the install CD, and look
under the Install menu for the "Password Reset" option. You can use this to change your own

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password if you forget it, and to enable the root account. This utility will not run if you copy it to your
hard drive! It only works when booting from the CD.
Read the rest if you'd like to know how to do this from within OS X, and skip the CD-based reboot.
The second easiest way to enable root is to start a terminal session, and type: sudo passwd root
You will be prompted for a new password to enable root access. Many find this easier than rebooting,
but since it involves the command line, newcomers may find it a bit more intimidating.
The hardest way to enable root is to use the NetInfo Manager application (in Applications/Utilities).
Here's what you do, courtesy of "anonymous":
1) Open NetInfo Manager
2) Select "Users" from the second list.
3) Select a user you created and know the password for!
4) Double-click on the value across from "passwd" and copy it. It is the encoded form of the password for that user.
5) Select "root" from the list of users. Find the "passwd" value (default is "*") and paste over it.
6) Exit NetInfo Manager.
7) Open the Terminal and type "su root".
8) Enter the password for the user chosen above.
Will the BU-303 work with other Street Mapping software?
The BU-303 USB GPS provides standard NMEA data for mapping software to use and convert to
coordinates and should work well with any NMEA compliant software on the market today.
How accurate is the GPS?
The BU-303 is not WAAS enabled, but still can achieve very good accuracy under the proper
conditions.
What is ideal GPS environment?
The GPS requires an open, clear view of the sky. Buildings, covered parking areas, tunnels and dense
foliage can cause the GPS receiver to be unable to get a location fix.
If you are parked in a covered parking lot or near a tall building, it is recommended that you drive away
until you have a clear view of the sky before using the BU-303. You may need to give the GPS a few
minutes to find or get a fix its location.
How do I know if the GPS is ON?
The BU-303 must be plugged into your laptop’s USB port to get power. If your PC is on and the COM
port was configured properly, the GPS receiver is on and receiving the streaming GPS data. This can
be verified by opening your mapping software program. In addition, the BU-303 has a built-in LED
indicator that works as follows:
LED OFF: GPS receiver is off (no power).
LED ON (solid): No fix, searching for GPS signals.
LED FLASHING: Position fix established and GPS signals are being received.
Why does the GPS not work near buildings and other tall objects?
The GPS uses satellites in the space to find out where it is. Therefore it needs a clear view of the sky.
Tall buildings and other objects that block the receiver’s view to the sky make it infeasible to determine
your location. Sometimes the satellites are not overhead but near the horizon. In these cases the GPS
must have a clear view of the horizon.
What driver is needed for Virtual PC?
For Macintosh Virtual PC applications, you do not need any additional drivers than those already being

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used for your Mac OS X applications. It is, however recommended that 1-Gigabyte of memory is
available to run Virtual PC applications efficiently.
Other Comments-
Please allow an adequate amount of time for the GPS receiver’s boot-up process to complete before
contacting Technical Support.
Driver updates can be found at Prolific ’s web-site:
http://tech.prolific.com.tw/visitor/v_welcome.asp (www.prolific.com.tw)
Use the Search feature and select FILE and then insert the keyword: PL-2303X
8. CONTACT INFORMATION
Globalsat Technology Corporation (Taiwan)
www.globalsat.com.tw
[email protected] (pre-sales GPS product questions only)
USGlobalsat, Inc.
www.usglobalsat.com
[email protected] (pre-sales GPS product questions only)
Technical Support
See our DOWNLOADS and FAQ section on our web-site for GPS solutions, driver literature updates.
http://www.usglobalsat.com/custom.asp?recid=7
Pre-registration is required before receiving any type of technical support. Support issues submitted via
phone, fax or e-mail (any means outside of the recognized “Trouble Ticket” generated from your own
USGlobalsat registered account) WILL NOT be answered.
Create your account and register your products at: www.usglobalsat.com/support/custadminlogin.asp
9. LIMITED WARRANTY
Globalsat/USGlobalsat warrants this product hardware against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship
under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase from an authorized dealer. Except as provided herein,
Globalsat/USGlobalsat makes no express warranties’, including but not limited to any warranties of merchantability
or fitness for particular use, or non-infringement. You acknowledge that your use of the product or service is at your
sole risk and you agree that the information provided are without warranty of any kind by Globalsat/USGlobalsat.
Under no circumstances, including negligence, will Globalsat/USGlobalsat or any of its affiliates, directors, officers
or employees, or any third party be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages that
results from your use, or your inability to use, or the performance of the product(s) with respect to any liability, loss,
or arising out of any breach of this warranty, including, but not limited to any damages resulting from inconvenience,
loss of time, data, property, revenue, or profit or any indirect, special incidental or consequential damages. You
acknowledge that this limitation applies to all content information or other services available from
Globalsat/USGlobalsat, and whether or not Globalsat/USGlobalsat has notice of the possibility of such damages,
and whether or not to circumstances giving rise to such damages may have been within the control of
Globalsat/USGlobalsat.
Some states do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties, so some of the above exclusions may not apply to
you. In those states, liability is limited to the fullest extent allowed by law By using the product(s), you agree to
indemnify Globalsat/USGlobalsat and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers and employees and hold them
harmless from any and all claims and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, asserted third party due to, or
arising out of your use of the service and the site.
In the event of a product defect during the first 30-days of the warranty period, return product and the sales receipt
as proof of purchase date to place of original purchase. Defect discovered after 30-days from date of purchase, you
must contact Globalsat/USGlobalsat’s Technical support for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number for
return to manufacturer.

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Globalsat/USGlobalsat will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law:
a.) Correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and labor;
b.) Replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or
Refund the purchase price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become
the property of Globalsat/USGlobalsat. New or reconditioned parts may be used in the performance of
warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original
warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of
the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover:
a.) Damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse, accident, misuse, improper or
abnormal usage, failure to follow the instructions, improper installation or maintenance, alteration, lighting
or other incidence of excess voltage or current;
b.) Any repairs other than those provided by Globalsat/USGlobalsat;
c.) Consumables such as fuses or batteries;
d.) Cosmetic damage;
e.) Transportation, shipping or insurance costs;
f.) Costs of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which may vary from state to
state.
Additional products bundled in this package not manufactured by Globalsat/USGlobalsat will hold separate
warranties as expressed by the individual manufacturer of that product(s). Product specifications, functions and
features are subject to change without notice.

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10. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR BU-303 GPS RECEIVER
Electrical Characteristics (Receiver)
GPS Chipset SiRF Star II e/LP
Frequency L1, 1575.42 MHZ
C/A Code 1.023 MHz chip rate
Channels 12
Sensitivity -170 dBW
Accuracy
Position Horizontal 15m 2-D RMS (SA off)
Velocity 0.1m/sec 95% (SA off),
Time 1 micro-second synchronized to GPS time
WAAS 5m 2d RMS (WAAS enabled manually by user - WIN only)
Datum
Datum WGS-84
Acquisition Rate
Hot start 8 sec., average (with ephemeris and almanac valid)
Warm start 38 sec., average (with almanac but not ephemeris)
Cold start 45 sec., average (neither almanac nor ephemeris)
Reacquisition 0.1 sec. average (interruption recovery time)
Protocol
GPS Protocol Default: NMEA 0183 (Secondary: SiRF binary)
GPS Output Data SiRF binary >> position, velocity, altitude, status and control
NMEA 0183 MEA0183 V2.2 protocol, and supports
command: GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC, VTG, GLL v2.2 (VTG
and GLL are optional)
GPS transfer rate Software command setting (Default : 4800,n,8,1 for NMEA )
Dynamic Condition
Acceleration Limit Less than 4g
Altitude Limit 18,000 meters (60,000 feet) max.
Velocity Limit 515 meters/sec. (1,000 knots) max.
Jerk Limit 20 m/sec**3
Temperature
Operating -30°~ 80°C
Storage -40°~ 85°C
Humidity Up to 95% non-condensing
Power
Voltage 5V ±5%
Current 90mA typical
Physical Characteristics
Dimension 2.32" x 1.65" x 0.82" (59mm x 47mm x 12mm)
USB Cable Length 60"
Low Noise Amp
Amplifier Gain w/out cable 27 dB Typical
Filtering -25dB (+100 MHz)
Output VSWR 2.0 Max.
Voltage DC 3 ~ 5.0V
Current 15mA max @ 5VDC
Due to continuous product improvements, all specifications are subject to change without notice.