Leica MX420 User manual

Table of Contents Table ofContents
Operator's Manual
About GPSNavigation ,1
Special Notes ,.." .., , , ", .. ", ,.,.. ,."",.2
GPS ,2
OGPS " , 2
Charts and Navigati0n.al Aids 2
Functional Description , , , 3
MX420 Configurations .' ', , , , ,', ,', , 3
MX42012 GPS 3
MX42012 OGPS 3
MX420lSGPS 3
MX420lS OGPS 3
MX420IBR 4
MX420lBRIM (Dual Control Integrity Monitor) 4
..... MX420lAIS Basic (Automatic Identification System-Basic) 5
MX420lAIS (AIS &Navigation System) 5
OGPS Beacon System 6
Keypad &Display Description 7
Differential GPS Traffic Light Operation: 8
Red Flashing S
Red/Yellow
Solid 8
Red Solid S
Yellow/Green
Solid 8
Yellow Solid 9
Green Solid . . 9
GPSTraffic Light Operation: 9
Red Flashing .9
~&~~w~~.................................................... 9
RedSolid .9
Yellow Solid .. . 70
Green Solid .. ". ... 70
The Display: 70
Version 7.5

Operator's Manual
Table of Contents
o The Softkeys: 77
The Function Keys: 77
@Mark Position 17
@ GOTO..................................... 72
@ LIGHT 72
® POWER ON/OFF 72
@MAN OVER BOARD (MOB) 73
oE (EDIT) 74
8C (CLEAR) 74
o CURSOR............................................................... 74
~ FUNCTION 74
/'-9-'
: A1S) Automatic Identification System (AIS) . 76
, -f!./
Navigate 77
Dead Reckoning 78
(It A. VI - The Pnnnrama Screen................. . .. 78
NAV2 -Basic Steering Information.. 21
NAV 3 - Expancfcd Navigation Information.... 22
NAV4 -Sensor Input Navigation................. .. 23
ROLJte 27
(rmting iI Route Usinq the (;' no Key
rnE7 - The Acl/l/c; Route ...................................... 28
. .... 29
??
,; .::

Table of Contents Operator's
Manual
Creating aMulti-WaypointActive Route 33
InsertBy Number 34
Choose in Bank 34
InsertNew Waypoint 36
Insert Route 37
Maneuvering Within the Route :: 38
. . .-
Scrolling : : : 38
Skipping andUnpassing Waypoints ..: : 38
Inserting Waypoints or Routes into an ExistingRoute 39
Reversing the Active Route :;..: , 41
ETA Setup ~ :· 43
SOGBased on Arrival Date &Time: 44
ETA Basedon Speed: : 44
RTE2 - The Route Bank 44
Waypoint 47
CreatingandEditing Waypoints 48
Waypoint Lock/Unlock 53
Removing Waypoints :55
Moving waypoints 57
Downloading Waypoints & Routes to OtherDevices 58
Rnn -Routes: 59
RTE-Active Route: 59
WPL -Waypoint Location -NMEA 0183Standard: 60
WPL -Waypoint
with Symbols &Description -NMEA 0183
Expanded: 61
Downloading Waypoints toa PersonalComputer 67
Uploading Waypoints from OtherDevices 63
Uploading Waypoints from a PersonalComputer 64
Version 1.5
11/

@Mark or Event 66
'.;
Operator'sManual
Table of Contents
S GOTO 67
Plot 70
PLOT 1- Relative to Boat 72
ModifyingtheActive Route Using thePlotScreen 72
Customizing theDisplay 74
PLOT 2 - Relative to Marker 77
PLOT3 77
Plot Screen Use Examples 78
Station Keeping 78
GridSearch 79
@Man Over Board 80
Remote MOB 81
Tide 82
TlOE1 -Current Tide Display 82
TlOE2 - Tide Table Port List 83
Adding aPort 85
Auxiliary 87
AUX1 -Alarm Log : 87
AUX2 - Speed Graph 88
AUX3 -Not Used 88
AUX4 - Sun Almanac 88
AUX5 -Moon Phases 89
AUX6 -Batteries 89
AUXI -Unitinformation 90
IV Version 1.5

Table of Contents Operator's
Manual
Position " 97
POSl -Position Display (Large) 91
Loran-C 92
UTM 92
POS2 -Position, Altitude, Magnetic Variation, & Time 93
POS3 -Position &Log 93
GPS ., , 95
GPSl - GPS StatusScreen 95
GPS6 - DGPS STA TUS 96
GPS7 - DGPS Messages 98
Configuration ,99
AIS Static 99
AIS Voyage 99
""'
e- Alarms , ,99
•
Anchor -Anchor Watch Alarm 100
COG SOG- Course &SpeedFilterSettings &Setup 100
Compass -External Compass Input&Magnetic Variation
Table 101
Datum -CurrentPosition Calculation 102
Depth - NMEA InputControl 103
DGPS - DGPS Configuration 104
DR -DeadReckoning 106
Dual Contr. -DualStation Control 106
GPS -Elevation Mask Control 107
Init Pos -Initial Position Entry 107
Language - Language Configuration 108
Version 75 v

Operator's Manual Table of Contents.
Lighting -Display/Keyboard Light &Contrast Control 109
Log -Speed Log Input (Pulse or NMEA 0183) 109
Log Pulses - GPS SOG Log Pulse Output 111
MX480 - MX480 PC Chart Interface Control 711
Navigation - Neviqetion Method &Waypoint Pass Criterion
Control 712
NMEA Out 1 through n* - NMEA 0183 Output Data Control 115
Other Special Cases Affecting NMEA 0183 Records: 720
Operation - General Setup and ControlSettings 721
Organizer -Automated Message Reminders 722
Position -Positioning Reference, Mode, &AlarmControl. 723
Printout 2 - Printer Output Control 725
ROT (Rate of Turn) 728
Security 728
Serial 110 729
Time -Mode and Format Control 729
Wind 730
Wpt &Rte Input- Uploading Waypoints into the Receiver. 731
Appendix A -Automatic Identification System (AIS) 733
Introduction 733
AIS System Setup 742
Configuring the AISStaticSetup 742
Configuring the AIS Voyage 747
AIS Function Key 750
AIS 7- OWN SHIP DATA 750
AIS 2 - Remote Ship List 752
AIS 3 - RECEIVED (RX) SAFETY MESSAGES 754
AIS 4 - TRANSMIT (TX) SAFETY MESSAGE 755
/',/55 - T:-.' Safety List........................................... . 757
VI Vers:
~ .') 7. 5

Table of Contents Operator's Manual
AIS 6 - REGIONAL AREAS 758
AIS 7- LONG RANGE (LR) DISPLAY ~ 767
AIS8 -AIS DATA LINK STATUS 763
AIS 9 - AIS STATUS 764
AIS 70 -AISPassword 765
PLOT 3- AISPlotScreen 167
AppendixB- Datum List 168
Appendix,C -BeaconList.. 169
Appendix D- Engineering Mode 183
AUX7 -UnitInformation &Self Test 783
CDU ColdStart-Clearing Memoryto Factory Default 785
GPS - GPS CDU Troubleshooting 786
GPS3 - Visible Satellite Information 786
" GPS4 - GPS Position Uncertainty 787
GPS5 - GPS Debug Screen 787
MX427 Reset 790
"
Appendix E-DualControl Head Mode 191
AppendixF-Demonstration Mode 195
Glossary 197
Version 7.5
VII

Scope OfThis Manual
This manual reflects the software capabilities in version 1.5 software.
We have attempted to take care and develop manuals which provide
in-depth information. Where possible, we have attempted not only to
describe what you
see on the screen, but how to understand and use
it as well. Obviously,
we can't teach you how to navigate, but we can
help make your work,more thorough and enjoyable. Throughout the
manual, you will find helpful hints about the interaction
of various
functions. In a piece
of equipment that has the many capabilities of
this receiver, importantdetails can sometimes become obscured in one
Or two lines of text. In our effortto ensure you get the most out ofthis
documentation, and to protectagainstimportantdetails becoming lost,
don't be surprised if you see the sameor similarinformation more than
once.
This manual is organized by describing first the various MX420 mod-
els covered in this book. Then:the special front panel features includ-
ing the traffic light indicator. The sections that follow detail each pri-
mary functionasitis presentedon the front panel(i.e. NAV, RTE, WPT,
PLOT, ...CFG).The appedixes describe important details about special
functions.
Appendix-A is a special section describing the AlS displays and set-
ups
of the MX420/AIS model.
We hope you find the manual enjoyable and informative reading. As
always, we welcome your comments on improving our products or
manuals. We wouldn't mind
if you wrote to tell us that we did the job
right the first time either. You can find a Reader Comment Card at the
back
of the manual.
Related Documents
MX 420 Installation&Service Manual (PIN 3508 10270060)
MX 420 QuickReference Guide (PIN 3508
102 70050)
MX420lAIS Reference Card (PIN 725626) (for AlS models only)

How To Contact Us
For Installation, Service and Technical Support:
Contact your local
Leica (MX-Marine) dealer
ForSales
of Accessories:
Contact your local
Leica (MX-Marine) dealer
For Hardware and
Software Upgrades:
Contact your local
Leica (MX-Marine) dealer
Unlike many other
consumer electronics industries that only sell con-
sumer electronic devices, your marine dealer is often
your best advi-
sorfor installationand service
of yournewGPS receiver. Leicastrongly
encourages you to
utilize the knowledge andexperience of yoursales
and service dealer.
Should you need to contact us directly, we can be reached at the fol-
lowing for new sales,
upgrades, repair service, or technical support:
International:
Leica Geosysterr.s,
Inc.
MX-Marine
23868 Hawthome BIvd., Suite 200
Torrance,California 90505
USA
+01-310-791-8213 Telephone (International)
+01-310-791-6108 Fax
[email protected]
,.,."" .... Y.r.1X -marme. corn
In Europe:
Leica Geosystems
A/S
MX-Marine
Hok<erl2A
DK-2730 Herlev
Denmark
[phone]Telephone
[phone] Sales Fax

MX420 Navigation System
MX42012GPS
MX42012 DGPS
MX42018 GPS
MX42018 DGPS
MX420lBR
MX420lBRIM
MX420lAIS Basic (MKD)
MX420lAIS DGPS
Product Information
The model and serial number of your instrument are given on
the instrument.
Enter the model and serial number in the
spaces provided below. Always refer to this information when
you contact your dealer.
MX420 CDU Serial No.: _
MX421 GPS
Antenna SIN: _
i! CopyrightOctober, 2002
Doe. PIN3508 102 70040

Symbols UsedIn This Manual
.Danger
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, ifnot avoided,
will result indeath
or serious injury.
Warning
Indicates apotentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result indeath or serious injury.
Caution
Indicates apotentiallyhazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury and/or appreciable material, finan-
cial andenvironmentaldamage.This symbol isalsoused to alertagainst
unsafe practices.
Important paragraphs which must be adhered to in practice, as they
•
enable the product to be used in a technically correct and efficient
manner,
This manual contains important safety directions as well as instruc-
tions for setting up the instrument and operating it. Read carefully
through the Operator's Manual, Options Manual, and Installation
&Service Manual before you switch on the instrument.

About GPSNavigation
About GPSNavigation
Operator's Manual
Version
7.5
This GPS receiver is a precision navigation instrument utilizing the
latest technology available today to provide optimum performance
. from the GPS satellite and Beacon land signals received. As with all
other forms
of radio signals, the ultimate navigation result is depen-
dent upon the quality
of these signals. Radio signals may, on occa-
sion;be distorted, jammed,
or otherwise incorrect. As a result, your
positionaccuracy may occasionally be less than that which can nor-
mally be expected. -
The NavstarGlobal Positioning System, commonly referred to as GPS,
is a satellite navigation system developed by the V.S. Department of
Defense to provide both military and civilian users with highly accu-
rate, worldwide, three dimensional navigation and time. By receiving
signals from orbiting GPS satellites, authorized users are able to con-
tinuously navigate with an accuracy on the order
of 16meters or bet-
ter, while civilian users are limited to accuracy's
of approximately 30
meters 2D RMS.
A technique referred to as Differential GPS (DGPS), allows users to
obtain maximumaccuracy from the GPS system. DGPS requires the use
of two GPSreceivers. Onereceiver, known as theRe/erenceStation,is
placed at a surveyed location, the coordinates of which are precisely
known. The purpose
ofthe differential GPS system is to use the refer-
ence station to measure the errors in the GPS signals and to compute
corrections to remove the errors. The corrections are then communi-
cated in real-time to the navigators, where they are combined with the
satellite signals received by the navigators, thereby improving their
navigation or positioning. The geographic validity
of these correc-
tions decreases with distance from the reference station, but the cor-
rections are valid for navigators hundreds
of kilometers fromthe refer-
ence station.
Marine radio beacons operating in the 283.5 to 325.0 KHz frequency
range are in widespread use for direction finding in coastal navigation.
Because the beacon system has been in place and widely used for
many years, it provides an effective means for the transmission
of
DGPS signals. Depending on their local environment and power out-
put, their signals may be usable to several hundred miles. Marine bea-
cons provide an economical means of obtaining DGPS accuracy for
coastal navigators. GPS receivers with built-in beacon receivers are
designed to provide low cost reception
of DGPS corrections broad-
cast (normally free
of charge) by coastal authorities.
7

operator's Manual
Special Notes
GPS
About GPS Navigation
Neverrely solely on anysingle navigational aid. Alwaysuse whatever
information is available, and cross-check information when possible.
GPS expected position accuracy is better than
30 meters (95% of the
time) but maybe
up to 100meters occasionally. The derived speedand
course readings
may be hampered accordingly. The GPS system was
declared operational in 1994; however, the
system's availability and
accuracy are subjectto change atthe discretion
of the USDepartment
of Defense.
OGPS
This GPSreceiver'spositionaccuracy is improved to 5metersorbetter
for 95%
of the time, subjectto theavailability, accuracy,andcontrolOf
the DGPS correction transmission from the
Beacon Station, or other
reference station connected at the time
of usage.
The differential
GPS positionisthat ofthe navigatorGPS antenna, and
not that
of the beacon antenna, if aseparate beacon antenna is in use.
In addition, the
beacon radio signal which carries the DGPS correc-
tions may be
hampered by weather conditions such as heavy rain,
snow, and thunder storms. The beacon radio signal may also be inter-
rupted by powerful radio transmitters operating in long wavelength
bands.
Charts and Navigational Aids
Positions obtained from charts are not always as accurate as your
navigator (due to environmental changes, the
dates of charts, and
datum offsets
if the datum differs from the one in use by the naviga-
tor). The position
of a floating aid can differ due to tide. set and drift.
zVersion
7.5

. -.
About GPSNavigation
..'
Functional Description
MX420 Configurations
Operator's Manual
The MX420 Navigation System is available in several configurations.
Pleasereferto the Auxiliary Unit Information section
of the manual to
view sample screens to identify your particular model. Described be-
low are the various MX420 configurations and their differences.
MX42012GPS
This isabasic MX420Control and DisplayUnit(CDU) model with two
(2) bidirectional user1\'MEAports. This mode! is supplied with aMX42 I
GPS only smart antenna. The MX421antenna
can achieve autono-
mous GPS accuracy better than 3meters.
MX421
Smart
GPs.~~~~
Antenna -
MX420CDU
~
.
, "', .
.. :' ::~-' .
••• •
.: ••• "'." !I.
Basic MX420/2 and MX420/B GPS &DGPS Configuration
MX42012 DGPS
This is a basic MX420/2 CDU supplied with acombined GPS and
Beaconsmartantenna (MX421B). The MX421B DGPS unitcan achieve
sub-meter accuracy in areas with good beacon differential coverage.
MX420lBGPS
This isan enhanced MX420 CDUequipped witheight(8) bidirectional
user NMEA ports. This model can be configured to outputan optional
1Pulse Per Second (PPS) timing output.
It is suppliedwith a GPS only
smart antenna model MX421.
MX420lB DGPS
This is a basic MX420/8 CDU supplied with asmart DGPS antenna
model
MX421 B.
Version 7.5
3

Operator's Manual Functional Description
MX420lBR
This is a dual-head CDU system where a MX420/8 (operating as a
master) and a MX42012 (operating as a slave) aresupplied, A smart
DGPS antenna
(MX42IB) is supplied as a standard equipment. The
antenna unit is connected only to the MX420/8 masterunit.
2.::"~
MX420 CXIU -j MX420 axJ
~ i.::
:1
~
..
fEtl
-.;~'~·f
'.
~
.~ ~. ~!'?
.........
~ .' ...•...
. ..
MX420 BR Beacon and Remote Configuration
MX420lBRIM (Dua/ Contro/lntegrity Monitor)
This is an enhanced Dual-Control configuration whereintwo MX420/
8 CDUs and two MX421B smart DGPSantennas are supplied. These
two MX420/8 units are connected in dual-control configuration but
they operate as independentnavigator units with dedicatedMX42lB
antennas. TheIntegrity Monitor (IM)feature is a softwareoptionthat
works only inthe MX420/8 CDUhardware.
This configuration allows data to be shared between two remotely
separated stations (i.e. navigator's station
and helmsman's station),
with independentaccess to various information fields. Thepurpose
of
this configuration is to enable each CDUtocalculate its own position,
then check the operational status
of the other GPS receiver. The GPS
receiver with the
best overall operational status then provides the
system position. This provides a fully redundant system, with self-
recovery capabilities. The Integrity Monitor function can be set to
Automatic switch over, forced to the Master unit, or forced to the
Slave unit for position and navigation functions.
MX421B ~
SmartDGPS
Antenna
MX42018 CDU
tiol r1J~:'
.... -I••••l fg'
.•.•.•.•. :.. .'.'.'.'. ~.
MX42'e :;-'
Smart OGPS
Antenna
MX42018 COU
Unit 1
unn2
MX420lBRIM System Configuration
4 Version 1.5

DGPS
Operator's Manual
..
MX420lAIS Basic (Automatic Identification System-Basic)
An entry level MX420lAlS CDU model supplied with the MX423 an
IMO-compliantAIS vessel transponderunit. All AIS transponderset-
ups and controls are done in the MX420.
It also gathers the ship's
sensor data and organizes the information for transmission via AlS.
High-speed serial data ports are provided for output to the ECDIS
chartplotter, ARPA radar
and other shipboard systems.
It also collects and decodes AlS reports from other stations and pro-
vides a readout from all AlS-equipped ships and shore stations. This
model does not have full navigation functions.
MX423
AIS Transponder
GPS
nt. ~F
ML
MX420/AlS
(c.:JJI
1
MX420lAIS Basic Configuration
MX420lAIS (AIS &Navigation System)
An enhanced MX4201AlS Basicunit supplied with the Leica MX421B
smartDGPS antenna. This modelhas full navigationand
AlS features.
MX423
A1S Transponder
MX421B
SmcrlOGPS
Art81na
MX420/A1S
rI····
~I.I._I. ...
.........: ..
t
MX420lAIS Navigation System Configuration
The Installation &Service Manual has more details on the parts
supplied with each configuration, and their associated part numbers.
Note: In general, this manual will refer to all versions of thisproductline simplyas
the MX420
CDU, MX420lAIS, CDU or navigator. Where distinction between
models is necessary. the particular model type will be indicated.
Version
7.5
5

Operator's Manual
DGPS Beacon System
Keypad &Display Description
As Maritime Safety Administrations, Navy, and Coast Guard Organi-
zations realize the limitations
of standard GPS positioning, many have
begun installing DGPS Beacon Stations. While an understanding
of
this system is not necessary for operating receivers with internal bea-
con receivers,
you may wantto read on to have a betterunderstanding
of how your receiver is capable of achieving the high levels of accu-
racy made possible by this network
of transmitters.
The DGPS Beacon System is comprised
of three segments: the refer-
ence station, Integrity Monitor (IM) equipment located at the beacon
site, and the Navigatorequipment located on board the
user's boat or
vehicle. The DGPS beacon system design is illustrated below.
~!~." ......
•
iJ
r---------
--
1
Navigator Si1e -',
I
(I
I
:~
000.
I
I• ' >,
-.:;'\.'
oooe
I
OO~D
""" "I
1_ ... · ,.,
000.
\
II I
11 I
O..f
I
I/
"-
_/
...
--~
-------
/-
.....
\1
...
- '-3: .. '-"
---,
--
~ ; ..
D
•
-.•
... . -
~ofessionall Commercial I
Personal
Craft Users
5271-01C.SJO
Because of the limited range of the beacon transmitters, typically 150
to 400 km, the corrections generated by the reference station are al-
ways valid for users who can receive the correction signals and main-
tain a 5 meter or better accuracv fieure.
6Version
1.5

Keypad &Dis pl ay Description
I< eypad &Display Description Operator'sManual
•
o
o
o
62B!HllA AOO
Display Fun
ct ion Keys
B8e@)
eGGS
8 8 8@
0 G G) @)
®
So ftkey s
Cursor Key
Refer to the illustration above. The Traffic Lights on the left side of .
the display will tell you
how your navigator is operating.
Note: You needtotake care in reading the tr affi c
light indications, as th
er e ar e overl apping
possibilities b
etw een the GPS and OGPS
modes.Ifyouare unsure of the curr entop-
erating mode, select the
erG function key
and scroll d
own to the DGPS selection. If
the OGP S m od e is selected to a nythi ng
other than Off, then fo llow the Dif ferential
GPS Traffic Light Operation. If the OGPS
modeisselec ted to Off, thenfollow the GPS
Traffic Light Operatio n.
/ersion 1.5 7

Operator's Manual
Differential GPS Traffic Light Operation:
Red Flashing
Keypad &Display Description
Not tracking satellites (no position update). This is normal for the
first 2minutes or so
when turning the unit on. The very first time you
turn the
unit on, or if the memory is reset or lost, this condition is also
normal,
Allow the receiver to run for at least 30 minutes under these
circumstances.
If it still does not change to Red Solid, refer to the
troubleshooting section of the Installation &Service Manual. An
icon
similar to the one at left will be displayed in the upper left corner
of screen.
Red/Yellow Solid
Red Solid
Dead Reckoning. When normal GPS or OGPS operation is not avail-
able, this
LED sequence is providedto quickly identify the OR naviga-
tion mode. A DR indicator is also
displayed on all screens.
-'
Tracking one or more satellites (no position update). This is also
normal for the first 2 minutes or so
when turning the unit on. The very
first time
you turn the unit on, allow the receiver to run for at least 20
minutes
after changing to Red Solid to collect an almanac from the
satellites, regardless
of whether a position update has been calculated
or not.
This is also a normal indication if the HOOP is greater than 10,
if the receiver is tracking too few satellites, or for otherreasons as well.
Read the
GPS and DGPS function screens for more information.
•
Yellow/Green Solid
GPS position update; DGPS corrections are not beingreceived. You
may see this from time to time during normal operation. It usually
occurs
when the beaconsignal is not available (eitherit is beingblocked
by terrain
or alocal object or you are out of range of the transmitter)
and/or you are tracking 3, 4, or 5satellites, and the satellites have poor
geometry relative to your position. The condition will normally go
back to green solid, when it picks up another beacon station. The e
factory default level for dropping OGPS corrections is 60 seconds.
During this period,
your positioning information is less than optimal,
and
position accuracy may be off by as much as 3 to 5meters. Press
the
GPS function key and refer to the DGPS section in this manual for
guidance if this light condition occurs.
8versio: .5