Novatel GPS-301 User manual

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GPS-301
GM-14915156 Rev 2 March 2018
USER GUIDE
The GPS-301 antenna is designed for airborne use, but it will operate in any mobile application.
The GPS-301 is an active GPS antenna, 89.6 mm (3.53”) in diameter, and designed to operate at the GPS
L1 frequency of 1575.42 MHz. Its mechanical configuration is a spherical radius molded radome which
provides enhanced protection against rain and ice. This antenna includes the following:
• internal 26 dB low noise amplifier
• bias voltage from 3.8 to 8.0 VDC for operation
• band pass filtering
• DC bias provided through the coaxial connector
NovAtel offers optional coaxial cables of various lengths and models for interconnecting between the
antenna and NovAtel GNSS receivers.
This guide provides the basic information you need to install and begin using your new antenna.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
• A device with an antenna input port that both receives the RF signal and provides 3.8 to 8.0 VDC to
the antenna is required to set up the GPS-301. (NovAtel GNSS receivers provide the necessary
power through their antenna RF connectors.)
• Coaxial cable with a male TNC connector
INSTALLING THE ANTENNA
Both the input DC power and the output RF signal flow over a single coaxial cable that is connected to the
antenna’s TNC female connector.
The antenna can be attached to a surface by means of a square, 4 bolt, 1.9 inch space mounting pattern
as shown in the Mechanical Drawings section of this guide.
The integrator of this antenna is responsible for ensuring antenna installation meets all the
overall integrated system requirements.
Refer to Section 307 of www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/
AC%2043.13-2B.pdf for information about antenna bonding in aircraft applications.

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Four screws pass through the housing of the antenna.
Install the antenna as follows:
1. The antenna is supplied with an o-ring. Place it in the o-ring groove of the antenna base. A user-sup-
plied o-ring grease can be used to hold the o-ring in the groove during installation.
2. Pre-drill and tap the mounting holes and drill the connector clearance hole on the surface, see the
Mechanical Drawings section of this guide for details on the mounting pattern.
3. Attach the antenna to the surface using the four mounting screws supplied (use of user-supplied
thread-locking material is recommended). The o-ring compresses and creates a seal between the
surface and the antenna.
Ref. # Description
1 Antenna
2 Countersink screws
3 Mounting surface
4 O-ring
5 Pre-drilled mounting holes
4. Remove the dust cap from the antenna’s TNC connector.
5. Attach the male TNC connector of the coaxial cable to the antenna’s TNC connector:
Ref. # Description
1 Antenna screwed into place
2 Surface
3 TNC connector
4 Coaxial cable

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6. Attach the other end of the coaxial cable to the antenna input port of the receiving device, which must
provide power as detailed in the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide. All NovAtel GNSS receivers
provide the necessary power through their antenna RF connectors.
The graphics above show examples of where the antenna may be placed on an aircraft or vehicle (not to
scale).
ANTENNA CARE
The GPS-301 is designed to withstand the elements, including rain, snow and dust. However, to ensure
your antenna performs optimally, keep the radome clean and brush off any ice and snow. In addition,
ensure the TNC connector remains clean and dry and replace the dust cap when a cable is not connected.

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SPECIFICATIONS
RF
Operational Band (typical) L1 (1575.42 ±10 MHz)
Antenna Gain (dBic) Free Space
16 inch
Ground Plane
4 foot
Ground Plane
90° zenith +5.4 +2.2 +4.6
10° elevation -1.3 -2.4 -1.0
20° elevation +0.4 -0.3 +1.4
30° elevation +1.8 +1.7 +1.5
60°–90° elevation >4.5 +4.6/+2.2 >2.7
LNA gain (typical) 26 dB
Polarization Right-hand circular
Noise figure (typical) 3.5 dB
Nominal impedance 50 
VSWR (typical) 1.5 : 1
POWER
Input voltage 3.8 – 8.0 VDC
Current (typical) 35 mA
PHYSICAL
Radome Diameter x Height 8.96 cm (3.53”) x 1.75 cm (0.690”)
Weight 184.3 g (6.5 oz.)
ENVIRONMENTAL
Maximum altitude 21336 m (70000 ft.)
Operating temperature -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
Storage temperature -55°C to +85°C (-67°F to +185°F)
Vibration >30 G
Designed to meet these
standards
DO-160D, MIL-C-5541, MIL-E-5400,
MIL-I-45208A and MIL-STD-810

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MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
Square Bolt
Dimensions are in inches
followed by [mm]

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WEEE
If you purchased a GPS-301 antenna in Europe, return it to your dealer or supplier at the end of its life. The
objectives of the European Community's environment policy are, in particular, to preserve, protect and
improve the quality of the environment, protect human health and utilise natural resources prudently and
rationally. Sustainable development advocates the reduction of wasteful consumption of natural resources
and the prevention of pollution. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a regulated area.
Where the generation of waste cannot be avoided, it should be reused or recovered for its material or
energy. WEEE products may be recognized by their wheeled bin label ( ).
See www.novatel.com/products/compliance/environmental-compliance/ for more information.
ROHS
The GPS-301 is compliant with the European Union (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
Directive 2011/65/EU.
WARRANTY POLICY
NovAtel Inc. warrants that its Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) products are free from defects in
materials and workmanship, subject to the conditions set forth on our web site:
www.novatel.com/products/warranty.
GNSS Antenna™ Modules: One (1) Year
Cables and Accessories: Ninety (90) Days
RETURN INSTRUCTIONS
To return products, refer to the instructions found under the Return Policy Tab on the warranty page:
www.novatel.com/products/warranty.

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QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
If you have any questions or comments, please log a support request with NovAtel Customer Support
using one of the following methods:
Log a Case and Search Knowledge:
Website: www.novatel.com/support
Log a Case, Search Knowledge and View Your Case History: (login access required)
Web Portal: https://novatelsupport.force.com/community/login
E-mail:
[email protected]
Telephone:
U.S. and Canada: 1-800-NOVATEL (1-800-668-2835)
International: [phone]

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Unpublished rights reserved under international copyright laws.