Intuicom Navigator II User manual

Intuicom, Inc.
1880 S Flatiron Court
Boulder, CO 80301
[phone]
www.intuicom.com
Intuicom®
Navigator IITM
Multifunctional Wireless Data Transceiver
User Guide

Navigator II User Guide
Revision 1.0f i © 2006 Intuicom Inc.
This manual is for use by purchasers and other authorized users of the IntuicomProducts. No
part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, or for any purpose without the express written permission of Intuicom Inc.
© 2000 - 2006 Intuicom Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Intuicom reserves the right to make changes to this manual without notice. Unless otherwise
agreed to in writing, Intuicom assumes no responsibility or liability for the use of this manual or
for the infringement of any copyright or other proprietary right and Intuicom shall deem nothing
contained in this manual a warranty or guarantee.
Intuicom, WiGate, Nav-Link, TargeTracker, Intuicom Communicator, Intuicom SmartGPS
Tracker/Surveyor, Intuicom SmartGPS Navigator, Intuicom Navigator II and Intuicom
Communicator II are trade names of Intuicom, Inc.
Other product names mentioned in this manual may be copyrights, trademarks, or registered
trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

Navigator II User Guide
Revision 1.0f ii © 2006 Intuicom Inc.
This product is licensed by The United States.
Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited.
Shipment or re-export of this product outside of The
United States may require authorization by the U.S.
Bureau of Export Administration. Please contact
Intuicom, Inc. for assistance and further information.

Navigator II User Guide
Revision 1.0f iii © 2006 Intuicom Inc.
Table of Contents
1Product Overview................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 General Description........................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Features and Benefits ..................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Common Applications..................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Example Network Architecture....................................................................................... 4
2Configuration ........................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Accessing the Navigator II Setup Menu.......................................................................... 8
2.2 Serial Port Configuration............................................................................................... 9
2.3 GPS Configuration........................................................................................................ 11
2.3.1 Connect To GPS ................................................................................................... 12
2.3.2 Set GPS to Current Baud Rate (xxxx), Binary ..................................................... 12
2.3.3 Set GPS to Current Baud Rate (xxxx), NMEA..................................................... 13
2.3.4 Configure NMEA Output ..................................................................................... 13
2.3.5 Enable/Disable RTCM.......................................................................................... 14
2.3.6 Enable/Disable WAAS ......................................................................................... 14
2.3.7 Configure GPS Parsing/Compression................................................................... 14
2.4 Radio Configuration (Wireless Data Transceiver)....................................................... 16
2.4.1 Operation Mode.................................................................................................... 16
2.4.2 Set Baud Rate........................................................................................................ 17
2.4.3 Edit Call Book....................................................................................................... 17
2.4.4 Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics.............................................................. 17
2.4.5 Show Radio Statistics ........................................................................................... 25
2.4.6 Edit Multipoint Parameters................................................................................... 28
2.4.7 TDMA Menu ........................................................................................................ 34
2.4.8 Chg Password........................................................................................................ 34
2.5 Navigator Configuration............................................................................................... 36
2.5.1 Operation Mode (Slave/Master/Direct)................................................................ 36
2.5.2 Data Routing Options ........................................................................................... 38
2.5.3 Adaptive Multipoint Options (On/Off)................................................................. 39
2.5.4 Data Packet Configuration.................................................................................... 41
2.5.5 Administration ...................................................................................................... 43
2.5.6 Diagnostics............................................................................................................ 45
2.5.7 Discrete Options.................................................................................................... 46
2.5.8 Default Configuration Profiles.............................................................................. 47
2.6 Key steps for Configuration as Network Slave............................................................. 50
2.7 Key steps for Configuration as Network Master........................................................... 50
2.8 Specific steps for Configuration in Direct Mode.......................................................... 51
3Operation............................................................................................................................. 52
3.1 Physical Setup............................................................................................................... 52
3.2 Front Panel LEDs......................................................................................................... 54
3.3 End-to-End Data Integration using Nav-Link .............................................................. 55

Navigator II User Guide
Revision 1.0f iv © 2006 Intuicom Inc.
4Navigator II Setup Menu Tree........................................................................................... 56
5Navigator II Specifications................................................................................................. 57
5.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 57
5.2 Wireless Data Transceiver............................................................................................ 58
5.3 GPS Receiver Options................................................................................................... 59
6Navigator II Mechanical Drawing..................................................................................... 60
7Cable Pinouts, Jumper Settings......................................................................................... 61
7.1 Pinout Serial Ports A and B (DB9 Female).................................................................. 61
7.2 Pinout Serial Port C/Discrete (DB9 Male)................................................................... 61
7.3 Jumper settings ............................................................................................................. 61
8Antennas and Accessories.................................................................................................. 62
9FCC Notification................................................................................................................. 63
10 Warranty ......................................................................................................................... 64

Navigator II User Guide
Revision 1.0f v © 2006 Intuicom Inc.
Table of Figures
Figure 1-1: Intuicom Navigator II Front Panel............................................................................... 1
Figure 1-2: Navigator II Block Diagram ........................................................................................ 1
Figure 1-3: Example Intuicom Navigator II Network .................................................................... 4
Figure 2-1: Navigator II Configuration Process Flowchart............................................................ 7
Figure 2-2: Setup Button and Setup Serial Port.............................................................................. 8
Figure 2-3: Navigator II Main Setup Menu.................................................................................... 9
Figure 2-4: Serial Port Configuration Menu................................................................................. 10
Figure 2-5: Serial Port A Configuration Menu............................................................................. 11
Figure 2-6: GPS Configuration Menu........................................................................................... 12
Figure 2-7: GPS NMEA Configuration Menu.............................................................................. 13
Figure 2-8: $PMIN1 NMEA String Data Format......................................................................... 14
Figure 2-9: GPS Parsing and Compression Configuration Menu................................................. 15
Figure 2-10: Wireless Data Transceiver Configuration Menu ..................................................... 16
Figure 2-11: Radio Transmission Parameters............................................................................... 18
Figure 2-12: Hop Table Parameters.............................................................................................. 19
Figure 2-13: Frequency Key and Hop Table Options 2.4 Ghz..................................................... 21
Figure 2-14: Radio Statistics Menu .............................................................................................. 25
Figure 2-15: Multipoint Parameters.............................................................................................. 29
Figure 2-16: Multipoint Subnet Diagram ..................................................................................... 33
Figure 2-17: Navigator II Configuration Menu............................................................................ 36
Figure 2-18: Navigator Configuration Data Routing Options...................................................... 39
Figure 2-19: Navigator Configuration Menu Adaptive Multipoint Options ................................ 40
Figure 2-20: Navigator Configuration Menu Data Prioritization................................................. 42
Figure 2-21: Navigator Configuration Menu Administrative Options......................................... 44
Figure 2-22: Navigator II Installed Firmware Options................................................................. 45
Figure 2-23: Navigator Configuration Menu Diagnostics............................................................ 46
Figure 2-24: Navigator Configuration Discrete Options.............................................................. 47
Figure 2-25: Default Configuration Profiles Menu ...................................................................... 48
Figure 2-26: Two Navigator II units operating in Direct Mode ................................................... 51
Figure 3-1: Navigator II Antenna and Power Connectors............................................................ 52
Figure 3-2: Example End-to-End network with Nav-Link........................................................... 55
Figure 4-1: Navigator II Setup Menu Tree................................................................................... 56

Section 1: Product Overview
Revision 1.0f 1 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
1 Product Overview
1.1 General Description
The Intuicom Navigator II wireless data transceiver enables wireless connectivity for up to
three RS232 devices. An optional internal GPS receiver enables position and time to be
included in the wireless data stream as well as be utilized locally. Discrete inputs and
outputs enable remote sensing of states or switch closures as well as remote control.
A Navigator II can play many roles in a wireless network including a remote slave, a
slave/repeater or a network master transceiver. Typical applications employ many Navigator
II transceivers as slaves wirelessly transmitting data to and from connected RS232 devices
back to a central location where the data is made available via IP sockets.
SETUP
GPS RADIO
PORT A PORT B DISCRETE/C CD
NAVIGATOR II
TX CTS -+
Figure 1-1: Intuicom Navigator II Front Panel
Serial
Port A Serial Port B Serial Port C Discrete
I/O
Lines
Wireless Data Transceiver/Modem
GPS Navigator II
Microprocessor
External Data I/O
Figure 1-2: Navigator II Block Diagram

Section 1: Product Overview
Revision 1.0f 2 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
1.2 Features and Benefits
•Choice of license-free wireless bands. Intuicom Navigator II wireless data
transceivers operate in the 900 Mhz and 2.4 Ghz ISM bands and do not require a FCC
license (other special purpose/military bands including 225-400 Mhz available –
contact Intuicom for more information regarding available bands).
•Exceptional wireless performance, range and bandwidth.
•Connectivity for up to three RS232 devices supporting interface baud rates from 1200
to 115,200 baud.
•Optional integrated GPS receiver for location-based applications. GPS PPS signal
optionally available on Pin 1 of all ports.
•Discrete inputs and outputs for remote sensing and control (up to four inputs and
three outputs with RS232 signal levels).
•Highly flexible and configurable features including: data buffering, I/O routing, data
bursting (Intuicom Adaptive Multipoint), data port prioritization, remote diagnostics
and configuration, and GPS data compression.
•Easy integration for remote devices with third party applications using Intuicom Nav-
Link server software and standard IP sockets. Bi-directional wireless communication
with remote serial devices attached to Navigator II units is made available on
dedicated IP sockets at a central location.
•Ability to operate in different modes (roles) in a network including slave,
slave/repeater, repeater, or master. Additionally DIRECT mode allows for two
Navigator IIs to operate as peers and create a 3 port serial mux or a 2-port serial mux
with the ability to receive a GPS data stream from the remote unit, or a 2-port serial
mux with discrete inputs and outputs.
•Compact and ruggedized enclosure offering easy portability and mounting
(waterproof enclosed units available).
•Ability to operate using different wireless (over the air) protocols to tailor
performance to suit your specific application.

Section 1: Product Overview
Revision 1.0f 3 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
1.3 Common Applications
The Intuicom Navigator II can provide the key communications component to a wide variety
of customer applications including:
•Seismic monitoring – Simultaneously returning real-time data from multiple
seismometers in the field.
•Weather network data collection – Returning real-time weather data from multiple
weather stations and data collectors in the field.
•Structural monitoring – Returning strain gauge and GPS data from structures such
as bridges, dams and buildings.
•Subsidence monitoring – Streaming GPS data in real time to monitor the ground
motion of a given geographic area.
•Marine towed buoy array – Buoy to ship communications returning GPS or other
sensor information.
•Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and Messaging – Real-time location
information from vehicles as well as bi-directional messaging to mobile data
terminals.
•Device remote control – Remote control of power switching as well as remote state
(discrete) monitoring.
•SCADA – Wireless communication with remotely located MTUs.
•Wireless Serial Multiplexing – Using a single radio link to create multiple,
multiplexed serial-to-serial links.

Section 1: Product Overview
Revision 1.0f 4 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
1.4 Example Network Architecture
Figure 1-3 depicts one example of an Intuicom Navigator II network. In this application
three Navigator II units are operating as slaves, each with two attached serial devices. An
Intuicom Communicator II is operating as a repeater, and another Communicator II is
operating as the network Master transceiver. Intuicom Nav-Link server software is installed
on a PC attached to the Master transceiver and acts as the gateway between IP sockets and
individual remote serial ports.
Note: While Navigator II units can play any role in a Navigator II based wireless network,
Intuicom Communicator II basic transceivers can only operate as repeaters or as the Master.
Often times it is easier to have a single model of unit that can play any role in a network and
thus be a potential spare for any network role.
Figure 1-3: Example Intuicom Navigator II Network

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 5 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
2 Configuration
The Intuicom Navigator II is highly flexible and requires some degree configuration before use.
Because the Navigator II can be configured for different roles in a wireless network, this section
covers all configuration options in detail and highlights key configuration steps for specific
network roles.
The Navigator II can operate in any of the following roles:
•As the Network Master – There must be one and only one Master transceiver in an
Intuicom wireless network. The Network Master, along with Intuicom Nav-Link
gateway software controls the wireless network and serves as the central gateway
between the wired and wireless. When the Navigator II is operating as the Network
master, Port A is dedicated for wireless diagnostics, Port B is dedicated for data, and Port
C can output data from the optional integrated GPS receiver. An Intuicom
Communicator II transceiver can also serve the role of the Network Master.
•As a Network Slave – A Network Slave is the most common role for a Navigator II.
When operating as a Network Slave, the Navigator II can transfer data to and from
devices attached to its serial port as well as to and from its integrated GPS receiver is one
is installed.
•As a Network Repeater – When operating as a Network Repeater, the Navigator II is
only utilizing its integrated wireless data transceiver to repeat signals from other
slaves/repeaters/master, etc. An Intuicom Communicator II transceiver can also serve the
role a Network Repeater.
•As a Network Slave/Repeater – A Navigator II has the ability to operate as a Network
Slave and a Network Repeater simultaneously – both transferring data to and from locally
attached serial devices as well as repeating signals for other units in a given network.
•In Direct Mode – Direct mode is a special mode allowing two Navigator II transceivers
to communicate as peers, essentially creating a multiplexed wireless serial link mapping
Port A of one of the Navigators to Port A of the other, and the same with Ports B and C.
In addition, the state of the input discretes can be reflected via the discrete outputs of the
other unit.
Commonly a network consists of one Network Master and many Network Slave Navigator II
transceivers.

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 6 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
To make initial configuration easy and quick the Navigator II has a number of Default
Configuration Profiles available that can be activated to automatically configure a majority of
its settings and get the units to a known operational state. Intuicom suggests that one of the
default configuration profiles be used as an initial step, and then the configuration of a unit be
customized with individual configuration settings from that point.
The default configuration profiles can be used to configure the Navigator II as a Network
Master, a Network Slave or a Network Slave employing Intuicom Adaptive Multipoint. A
network can have only one Master. See Section 2.5.8 for details of how to invoke a default
configuration profile.
Note: The Default Configuration Profiles use default values for key configuration parameters
that are used to separate wireless networks from one another. Intuicom suggests changing
parameters such as Network ID (Section 2.4.6) and Frequency Key (Section 2.4.4) from the
default values on all transceivers within a network to create a unique wireless network.
Figure 2-1 depicts a suggested process for configuring a Navigator II. This process is repeated
for each Navigator II in a network.

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 7 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
Done
Configure
External Serial Ports
(Navigator II Ports A, B and C)
Configure
Integrated GPS Receiver
(if present)
Configure
Integrated
Wireless Data Transceiver
(for specific wireless role)
Configure
Data Prioritization, routing,
performance options, and
network role (Master/Slave)
Connect Serial Devices,
power up Navigators
and Test
More Navigator IIs to
Configure?
No
Yes
Default
Configuration
Profiles
automatically
perform these steps
Figure 2-1: Navigator II Configuration Process Flowchart

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 8 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
2.1 Accessing the Navigator II Setup Menu
The Navigator II is configured via a serial connection using a terminal emulation program
such as Windows HyperTerminal or Symantec ProComm. Interacting with the Setup menu
is not platform specific; a terminal emulator on Unix/Linux, PalmOS, Pocket PC, etc. have
been tested and work. Configure the terminal emulation application for:
Parameter Setting
Baud Rate 19200
Data Bits 8
Parity None
Stop Bits 1
Flow control None
Table 2-1: Serial Settings to Access Setup Menu
The Navigator II Setup Menu is accessed by connecting a straight through serial cable (non-
null) between the PC and Port B then pressing and holding the Setup Button for
approximately three seconds or until the menu appears Figure 2-3. All three status LEDs
will turn green once the setup menu has been activated.
SETUP
GPS RADIO
PORT A PORT B DISCRETE/C CD
NAVIGATOR II
TX CTS -+
Setup Button
Connect to Port B to
access Setup Menu
Figure 2-2: Setup Button and Setup Serial Port

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 9 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
To exit the Navigator II Setup Menu, press the ESC key (send and ESC sequence). Pressing the
ESC key will always exit the current menu and return to the previous menu. It is recommended
that when configuration is complete the ESC key be pressed a number of extra times to ensure
that Setup Mode is fully exited. The unit returns to Run Mode when not in Setup Mode.
Figure 2-3: Navigator II Main Setup Menu
2.2 Serial Port Configuration
Option (1) from the Main Menu displays the Serial Port/Interface Configuration Menu shown
in Figure 2-4. From this menu, select the interface to configure. Serial Ports A, B and C are
available on the front panel of the unit. The baud rates for Ports A, B and C are not
automatically configured when using Default Configuration Profiles.
Port C is a special port. If an optional integrated GPS receiver is present, Port C may be
internally connected to the GPS secondary port for the purpose of transmitting DGPS
corrections. When connected internally to the GPS, the configured baud rate must match that
of the GPS secondary port. If communication with the internal GPS on its secondary port is
not required, Serial Port C can be connected to the front panel using internal jumpers. If Port
C is connected to the front panel it is configured and behaves like any other port.

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 10 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
Note: When Port C is connected to the front panel, two input and two output discrete I/O
lines are disabled (as they are used for the serial interface). See Section 7for internal jumper
settings required for Serial Port C redirection.
Note: When using DIRECT mode, Port C hardware flow-control should never be enabled.
Figure 2-4: Serial Port Configuration Menu
Interface Configuration Menu Option (4) refers to the baud rate for the primary internal GPS
interface, and is factory configured to match the GPS. If the internal GPS’s primary port
baud rate is changed (see Section 2.3.2), this baud rate must match. Note that the A12 GPS
option does not support 38400 bps. If a Default Configuration Profile is selected, the GPS
baud rate will be automatically configured.
Option (5) refers to the baud rate between the Navigator Microprocessor and the integrated
Wireless Data Transceiver. The default baud rate for this interface is 115,200 bps with
hardware flow control disabled. This baud rate must match the configured baud rate of the
internal Wireless Data Transceiver (see Section 2.4.2). It is suggested that this baud rate
never be changed, hardware flow control is automatically disabled when operating in
Adaptive Multipoint Mode (see Section 2.5.3) for more information about Adaptive
Multipoint). If a Default Configuration Profile is used, the baud rate and flow control
settings will automatically be configured.

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 11 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
Figure 2-5 shows the configuration menu for an individual serial port. The current
configuration is shown at the top of the menu with options below for changing baud rate and
flow control.
Figure 2-5: Serial Port A Configuration Menu
2.3 GPS Configuration
Main Menu Option (2) allows for configuration of the internal GPS receiver if one is
installed. The type of installed GPS receiver is shown at the top of the menu. Configuration
commands are specific to the type of receiver installed. The type of receiver installed is set
at the factory - see Section 2.5.5.
The options for the type of internal GPS receiver include:
•Thales Navigation (Ashtech) A12
•CMC Superstar II
•Other (this option is intended for OEM users integrating another type of GPS
receiver)

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 12 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
Figure 2-6: GPS Configuration Menu
2.3.1 Connect To GPS
This option connects the terminal session directly to the internal GPS allowing the user to
directly see the current GPS output, and to send commands to the GPS. This option is
useful when it is necessary to issue specific configuration commands to the GPS that are
not provided in the setup menu and to verify correct GPS operation. Note that while the
currently configured baud rate of the primary GPS interface may be different that the
fixed setup baud rate (19,200 N81), communication is still possible. For example, the
Navigator Microprocessor may be communicating with the GPS at 9600 baud while
translating this baud rate to the setup session at 19,200. It is important to note that if a
command is issued to change the GPS baud rate, the new baud rate will have to be
matched in the Navigator II configuration (see Section 2.2).
2.3.2 Set GPS to Current Baud Rate (xxxx), Binary
This command forces the GPS to be set to the currently configured GPS Interface baud
rate, and enables binary mode communications (if available). The currently configured
GPS Interface baud rate is displayed in the option title (in Figure 2-6 it is shown as 9600
Baud).

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 13 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
2.3.3 Set GPS to Current Baud Rate (xxxx), NMEA
This command forces the GPS to be set to the currently configured GPS Interface baud
rate, and enables NMEA mode communications. The currently configured GPS Interface
baud rate is displayed in the option title (in Figure 2-6 it is shown as 9600 Baud).
2.3.4 Configure NMEA Output
This option allows the user to configure the NMEA output of the internal GPS receiver.
A menu listing the available NMEA strings is shown. When a user selects a string the
user is prompted for an update rate in seconds. If the string number is selected again, that
string will be turned off, and if that string is selected again, no action will be taken
regarding that NMEA string when the configuration is committed to the GPS. Configure
any number and combination of strings and then select menu option (9) to commit the
configuration changes to the GPS receiver.
Note the Period refers to the update rate for the selected NMEA string in seconds, i.e. a
setting of 5 would instruct the GPS receiver to output that string every 5 seconds. Not all
periods are supported.
Figure 2-7: GPS NMEA Configuration Menu
After configuring the NMEA output, return to the GPS Configuration Menu and select
“Connect to GPS” to confirm the correct output.

Section 2: Configuration
Revision 1.0f 14 © 2006 Intuicom, Inc.
The $PMIN1 is a proprietary Intuicom NMEA string that combines the unique data from
the $GPRMC and $GPGGA messages into a single string to save bandwidth by
eliminating redundant data. The $PMIN1 string has the following format:
$PMIN1,9069800,231524.00,4001.1856,N,10512.9904,W,0.1,164.2,1604.1,170602,,*03
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | DDMMYY
| | | | | | | | Altitude(m)
| | | | | | | Heading(degrees)
| | | | | | Speed(knots)
| | | | | E/W – East or West
| | | | Longitude
| | | N/S – North or South
| | Latitude
| hhmmss.ss
Unit ID
Figure 2-8: $PMIN1 NMEA String Data Format
2.3.5 Enable/Disable RTCM
This command enables of disables the acceptance of RTCM DGPS corrections for the
GPS receiver. Note that in addition to enabling corrections, Port C must be configured to
connect to the internal secondary GPS interface (see Section 7.3 for internal jumper
settings), and the baud rate must match that of the secondary GPS interface.
2.3.6 Enable/Disable WAAS
This command enables or disables the use of WAAS GPS corrections if supported on the
internal GPS receiver. Note that only the A12 GPS option support WAAS corrections.
2.3.7 Configure GPS Parsing/Compression
The Configure GPS Parsing and Compression Configuration Menu allows the user to
enable the parsing of NMEA data from the internal GPS receiver (thus verifying
checksums) or any GPS receiver that may be attached to one of the external serial ports.
NMEA parsing is a requirement to enable proprietary NMEA string such as $PMIN1.
Enabling the GPS parser only allows whole strings to be transmitted over the wireless
link, thus any packet wirelessly transmitted will contain a complete NMEA string if it
contains any GPS data at all.
Enabling GPS Data Compression saves wireless network bandwidth. Enabling GPS data
compression on the internal GPS Interface will cause the Navigator II microprocessor to