MicroStrain 3DM-GX5-45 User manual

MicroStrain Quick Start Guide: 3DM-GX5-45 GNSS/INS
The 3DM-GX5-45 communicates through a serial
connection and is monitored by a host computer. Sensor
measurements and computed outputs can be viewed and
recorded with SensorConnect software, available as a free
download from the LORD Sensing website. Alternatively,
users can write custom software with the open source data
communication protocol, also available on the site. Data is
time-aligned and available by either polling or continuous
stream.
Step 1:
Download and install the latest SensorConnect™ software:
http://updates.microstrain.com/SensorConnect_12.3.0_x64.msi
The sensor and connectivity kit are purchased separately.
There are two variations of the kit, USB cable (p/n 6212-
3004) and RS232 communications and global power
(p/n 6212-3001). This guide assumes that you have a
connectivity kit and will download the latest version of
SensorConnect™ software.
Step 2:
Unpack the sensor and connectivity kit.
Step 3:
Attach the interface cable to the sensor. If you are using the
RS232 version, you must also plug the power supply into the
power jack on the RS232 DB9 connector, and then plug it into
AC power.
Step 4:
Plug the interface cable into the appropriate computer input.
The green LED on the sensor should rst blink, then pulse
slowly to indicate it is in the idle mode. Sensors are factory-
set to idle mode.
Step 5:
Start SensorConnect. The first thing you must do is create
a repository file to which you will store settings and data.
Click ‘home’ to bring up this screen:
The 3DM-GX5-45 Global Navitation Satellite
System Inertial Navigation System is the
smallest and lightest industrial GNSS/INS with an Adaptive
Extended Kalman Filter available. The GX5-45 is an all-in-
one navigation solution, with multi-constellation receiver.
Congratulations on your purchase.
Let’s get started:
Step 6:
If you are using a USB interface, the sensor will initiate
communications with SensorConnect automatically. This is
indicated by a green dot just right of the sensor name. You
will also notice that the green LED on the sensor is blinking
rapidly, indicating active communications.
Click on ‘devices’ to see this on screen:

MicroStrain Quick Start Guide: 3DM-GX5-45 GNSS/INS
Select serial, and identify your serial port. Clicking the
port select arrow should identify available comm’s ports.
Sensors are factory set to 115200 baud. Click Add Device,
and Done:
Step 8:
Close that window, and click on your device to see settings:
Step 9:
Click on sampling, + add channel eld, and Attitude
(Euler RPY). Set data rate to 10Hz or higher.
Then click “apply” and “start”
Step 10:
Click on Data, and +Add Widget.
Step 7:
If you are using RS232, click on Devices, and ‘+ Add Device’.
Step 11:
Click on 3D Model.

MicroStrain Quick Start Guide: 3DM-GX5-45 GNSS/INS
Step 12:
Your screen will look like this:
Step 13:
Now let’s get data into the model. Under Channels, click on
local data, and click on your device. There will be a green dot
alongside the sensor name, indicating that it’s connected.
Clicking on your sensor will bring up a selection of data
channels. Click on Roll, Pitch and Yaw:
Step 14:
Test the linkage to the widget aircraft...pick up the
sensor, and move it in 3 axes. The plane should
respond.
Now you know that your sensor is working, and you’re
in command. Let’s add some other widgets. Click on
+ Add Widget, and select Linear Gauge. Click on the
Gauge icon, and select the Roll data channel, in the local
data list:
The X icon will close this gauge. The page icon to its left
will make duplicates.
Click on the duplicate icon twice, and place two more
linear gauges. Click on each of them, and select pitch
and yaw data. You’ll see the gauge displays move, as you
manipulate the sensor.

Customer Support Center (in United States & Canada)
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
For a listing of our worldwide locations, visit LORD.com
LORD Sensing MicroStrain
459 Hurricane Lane Suite 102
Williston, VT 05495 • USA
www.microstrain.com
©2019 LORD Corporation Document 8501-0112 Rev -. Subject to change without notice.
MicroStrain Quick Start Guide: 3DM-GX5-45 GNSS/INS
Step 15:
There is one last step to consider, before exploring
SensorConnect further, or in corporating the sensor into your
own data handling system.
Click on Devices, and select Monitor Bytes. You can see
streaming data:
Step 16:
When you’re done exploring SensorConnect, click on Home,
and select a data repository to save your setup and data.
Now, you’re ready to put your sensor to work in your
application. For sensor pinout and other details, refer to the
user manual, which is found on the MicroStrain website:
https://www.microstrain.com/inertial/3dm-cx5-45
Additional information about MicroStrain data
communications software and related information will be
found by scrolling down to DOCUMENTATION.
Details about other MicroStrain software can be found
here: https://www.microstrain.com/software#web