Novatel RELAY7 User manual

OM-20000182 v3 October 2019
RELAY7
Installation and Operation
User Manual

RELAY7 Installation and Operation User Manual
RELAY7 User Manual v3 2
RELAY7 User Manual
Publication Number: OM-20000182
Revision Level: v3
Revision Date: October 2019
Warranty
NovAtel®Inc. warrants that its GNSS products are free from defects in materials and work-
manship, subject to the conditions set forth on our web site:
www.novatel.com/products/warranty.
RELAY7 Module One (1) Year
Cables and Accessories Ninety (90) Days
Return Instructions
To return products, refer to the instructions found at: www.novatel.com/warranty-return.
Proprietary Notice
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a com-
mitment on the part of NovAtel Inc. The software described in this document is furnished under
a licence agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of the agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any
medium except as specifically allowed in the license or non-disclosure agreement.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, elec-
tronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express
written permission of a duly authorized representative of NovAtel Inc.
The information contained within this manual is believed to be true and correct at the time of
publication.
NovAtel, ALIGN, GLIDE, GrafNav/GrafNet, Inertial Explorer, NovAtel CORRECT, OEM7, PwrPak7,
RELAY, SPAN, STEADYLINE, VEXXIS and Waypoint are registered trademarks of NovAtel Inc.
NovAtel Connect, OEM719, OEM729, OEM7500, OEM7600, OEM7700, OEM7720, SMART7,
SMART2, RELAY7 and RTK ASSIST are trademarks of NovAtel Inc.
All other brand names are trademarks of their respective holders.
© Copyright 2019 NovAtel Inc. All rights reserved. Unpublished rights reserved under Inter-
national copyright laws.

RELAY7 Installation and Operation User Manual
RELAY7 User Manual v3 3
Table of Contents
RELAY7 Installation and Operation User Manual
Figures
Tables
RELAY7 Notices
Customer Support
Chapter 1 RELAY7 Overview
1.1 Features 12
1.2 Available Hardware Models 13
1.3 RELAY7 Related Documents and Information 13
1.4 RELAY7 Connector Overview 13
1.4.1 RELAY7 RTKRadio Mount 14
1.5 RELAY7 LED 14
1.6 RELAY7 RTK Radio Protocol Compatibility 14
1.6.1 400 MHz Model 14
1.6.2 900 MHz Model 14
Chapter 2 RELAY7 Installation
2.1 RELAY7 Cable Routing to SMART7 15
2.2 Attach and Connect RELAY7 to SMART7 17
2.3 Connect the RELAY7 to the Radio Antenna Mount 19
2.4 Mounting the SMART7 and RELAY7 19
2.4.1 SMART7 and RELAY7 Mounting Hole Locations 20
2.5 Power Up the RELAY7 21
Chapter 3 RELAY7 Configuration
3.1 Configure the SMART7 to Use RELAY7 23
3.2 Detect the RELAY7 Radio 23
3.2.1 Detect the Radio Manually 24
3.2.2 Auto Detect the Radio 24
3.3 Configure the RELAY7 Radio 24
3.3.1 Determine the Type of Radio 25
3.3.2 Query the Radio Settings – 400 MHz 25
3.3.3 Query the Radio Settings – 900 MHz 25
3.3.4 Configure the Radio Settings – 400 MHz 25
3.3.5 Configure the Radio Settings – 900 MHz 25
3.3.6 Check the Radio Status 26

RELAY7 Installation and Operation User Manual
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Chapter 4 RELAY7 Troubleshooting
4.1 Error Responses to Commands 27
4.2 Power Cycle the Radio Module 28
4.3 Factory Reset the Radio Module 29
4.4 SATELSTATUS Log Reports TIMEOUT 29
4.5 SATELSTATUS Log Reports COMMAND FAILED 30
4.5.1 Unexpected radio response 30
4.5.2 Wrong Command for Radio Type 30
4.5.3 Invalid Radio Operation 31
4.6 SATELSTATUS reports READY, but RTK corrections are not received 31
APPENDIX A RELAY7 Technical Specifications
A.1 RELAY7 Radio Specifications 35
A.2 RELAY7 Mechanical Specifications 36
A.3 RELAY7 Environmental and Electrical Specifications 37
A.4 RELAY7 Connector 38
A.5 Ethernet Cable for SMART7-I (01020095) 39
A.6 SMARTAntenna Interface Cable (Optional Accessory) 40
A.6.1 SMARTAntenna Custom Cable Recommendation 41

Figures
RELAY7 User Manual v3 5
Figures
Figure 1: RELAY7 Back Interface 12
Figure 2: RELAY7 Back and Front View 13
Figure 3: RELAY7 Interface Connector 13
Figure 4: RELAY7 to SMART7 Cable Routing 16
Figure 5: Attach RELAY7 to SMART7 18
Figure 6: RELAY7 Antenna Mounting 19
Figure 7: SMART7 and RELAY7 Orientation 20
Figure 8: SMART7 and RELAY7 Mounting Hole Locations 21
Figure 9: Power the RELAY7 and Check Status 22
Figure 10: RELAY7 Dimensions 36
Figure 11: SMART7-I for RELAY7 Ethernet Cable 39
Figure 12: SMARTAntenna Interface Cable 40

Tables
RELAY7 User Manual v3 6
Tables
Table 1: RELAY7 Status LED 14
Table 2: RELAY7 Physical Description 35
Table 3: RELAY7 400 MHz Radio Model Description 35
Table 4: RELAY7 900 MHz Radio Model Description 35
Table 5: RELAY7 Mounting Description 37
Table 6: RELAY7 Environmental Specifications 37
Table 7: RELAY7 Electrical Description 37
Table 8: RELAY7 Connector Description 38
Table 9: Ports Passed Through from SMART7 38
Table 10: RELAY7 Connector Pin Outs 38
Table 11: Ethernet Connector Pin Outs 39
Table 12: SMARTAntenna Interface Cable Connector Pin Out 41
Table 13: 14-Pin Interface Connector 41
Table 14: I/O Connector 42

RELAY7 Notices
RELAY7 User Manual v3 7
RELAY7 Notices
The following notices apply to the RELAY7 device.
Changes or modifications to this equipment, not expressly approved by NovAtel Inc.,
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
FCC
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two con-
ditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
RELAY7 has been tested and found to comply with the radiated and conducted emission limits for
a Class B digital device. The Class B limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation.
The equipment listed generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
lRe-orient or relocate the RELAY7
lIncrease the separation between the equipment and the RELAY7
lConnect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the RELAY7 is con-
nected
lConsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada
RELAY7 Class B digital device complies with Canadian ICES-003.
RELAY7 appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
European Union (EU)
NovAtel Inc. declares that the RELAY7 is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU (Radio Equip-
ment).
The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity may be obtained from the NovAtel web site at:
www.novatel.com/products/compliance/eu-declaration-of-conformity
Radio Information
Description of Service: 400 MHz receiver or 900 MHz receiver
Operational Frequency: 403-470 MHz UHF Licensed band or 902-928 MHz UHF Unlicensed band
WEEE Notice
If you purchased your RELAY7 product in Europe, please return it to your dealer or supplier at
the end of its life. The objectives of the European Community's environment policy are, in par-
ticular, to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment, protect human health

RELAY7 Notices
RELAY7 User Manual v3 8
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 RELAY7 is in conformity with Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of the use of certain substances in electrical and elec-
tronic equipment, including Directive (EU) 2015/863 on phthalates.
REACH
The RELAY7 is compliant with Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and the
Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restric-
tion of Chemicals (REACH). The candidate list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) pub-
lished by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) is available at:
https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table
Ethernet Port
The Ethernet port is a safety extra-low voltage (SELV) circuit only and is suitable for con-
nection to another SELV circuit. Do not connect to Telecommunications Network Voltage
(TNV) circuits.

RELAY7 Notices
RELAY7 User Manual v3 9
RELAY7 International Type Approval
Australia and New Zealand
Moldova
024

Customer Support
RELAY7 User Manual v3 10
Customer Support
NovAtel Knowledge Base
If you have a technical issue, visit the NovAtel Support page at www.novatel.com/support.
Through the Support page, you can contact Customer Support, find papers and tutorials or down-
load current manuals and the latest firmware.
Before Contacting Customer Support
Ensure the RELAY7 is connected to the SMART7.
Before contacting NovAtel Customer Support about a software problem, perform the following
steps:
If logging data over an RS-232 serial cable, ensure that the configured baud rate can sup-
port the data bandwidth (see SERIALCONFIG command). NovAtel recommends a min-
imum suggested baud rate of 230400 bps.
1. Log the following data to a file on your computer for 15 minutes:
LOG RXSTATUSB onchanged
LOG ALMANACB onchanged
LOG RAWEPHEMB onchanged
LOG GLORAWEPHEMB onchanged
LOG TRACKSTATB ontime 1
LOG SATVIS2B ontime 60
LOG BESTPOSB ontime 1
LOG RANGEB ontime 1
LOG RXCONFIGA once
LOG ITDETECTSTATUSB onchanged
LOG VERSIONA once
LOG SATELSTATUSB onchanged
LOG INTERFACEMODEB onchanged
LOG SERIALCONFIGB onchanged
LOG PORTSTATSB ontime 10
For issues with tracking L-Band or TerraStar (PPP) convergence, add the following logs to
the above list in the file created on your computer:
LOG IONUTCB onchanged
LOG GLOCLOCKB onchanged
LOG PPPPOSB ontime 1
LOG PPPSATSB ontime 1
LOG LBANDTRACKSTATB ontime 1
LOG TERRASTARINFOA onchanged
LOG TERRASTARSTATUSA onchanged
LOG LBANDBEAMTABLEA onchanged
2. Send the data file to NovAtel Customer Support: [e-mail]
3. You can also issue a FRESET command to the receiver to clear any unknown settings.

Customer Support
RELAY7 User Manual v3 11
The FRESET command will erase all user settings. You should know your configuration
(by requesting the RXCONFIGA log) and be able to reconfigure the receiver before you
send the FRESET command.
If you are having a hardware problem, send a list of the troubleshooting steps taken and the res-
ults.
Contact Information
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:
[e-mail]
Telephone:
U.S. and Canada:1-800-NOVATEL (1-800-668-2835)
International:[phone]

RELAY7 User Manual v3 12
Chapter 1 RELAY7 Overview
The RELAY7 is an RTKrover radio module for NovAtel's SMART7 antennas. The RELAY7 module
attaches to the SMART7 to create a single unit for easy system integration. The RELAY7 provides
the SMART7 with radio connectivity to support RTK corrections.
When the RELAY7 and SMART7 are connected, the optional SMART7 interface cable can be con-
nected to the RELAY7 to deliver pass-through power, RS-232 ports, CANBus and ground speed
output from the SMART7. Refer to SMARTAntenna Interface Cable (Optional Accessory) on
page40 for cable details.
The SMART7 COM3 RS-232 port is not available when the RELAY7 is connected.
1.1 Features
The main features of the RELAY7 are:
lSatel UHF 400 MHz or 900 MHz radio receiver options to support RTK corrections
lSMART7/RELAY7 combination can be mounted to a vehicle using integrated magnets
lWater and dust tight enclosure
lIntegrated NMO radio antenna mount
lCompatible with many RTK Radio Protocols
Figure 1: RELAY7 Back Interface
The TNC to NMO cable is installed in the factory. It can be removed to install an optional
external antenna. Refer to Connect the RELAY7 to the Radio Antenna Mount on page19
for information about disconnecting or reconnecting the TNC to NMO cable.

Chapter 1 RELAY7 Overview
RELAY7 User Manual v3 13
Figure 2: RELAY7 Back and Front View
Refer to RELAY7 Connector Overview below for information on the Ampseal interface connector.
Refer to RELAY7 LED on the next page for LED Status information.
1.2 Available Hardware Models
lRELAY7-400
lRELAY7-900
1.3 RELAY7 Related Documents and Information
After the RELAY7 is set up, the Agriculture Commands and Logs Reference Manual becomes the
primary source for command and log information. Also refer to the SMART7 Installation and
Operation User Manual for SMART7 functionality.
Refer to our website docs.novatel.com/OEM7 for the latest OEM7 documentation.
This manual does not cover service and repair. Contact a local NovAtel dealer for service or
repair inquiries (refer to Customer Support on page10 for contact details).
1.4 RELAY7 Connector Overview
The RELAY7 uses the same cable for power and communication as the SMART7. Use the Ampseal
connector at the front of RELAY7 to connect to the SMART7. Refer to Table 10: RELAY7 Con-
nector Pin Outs on page38 for cable pin outs.
Figure 3: RELAY7 Interface Connector

Chapter 1 RELAY7 Overview
RELAY7 User Manual v3 14
1.4.1 RELAY7 RTKRadio Mount
The RELAY7 internal 400 MHz or 900 MHz radio can be used to receive RTK corrections from a
compatible base station. An external antenna must be connected to the back of the RELAY7.
Refer to Connect the RELAY7 to the Radio Antenna Mount on page19 for connection instructions.
1.5 RELAY7 LED
The RELAY7 has a single LED to indicate the radio status. The LED is located above the radio icon
( ) on the back of the RELAY7.
Description LEDStatus
Power On - Ready - No data transmitting to SMART7 Solid Green
Data is being transmitted between RELAY7 and SMART7 Flashing Green
The radio has encountered an error Solid Red
Table 1: RELAY7 Status LED
Refer to Figure 1: RELAY7 Back Interface on page12 for LED location.
1.6 RELAY7 RTK Radio Protocol Compatibility
The RELAY7 RTKradio is compatible with the following protocols:
1.6.1 400 MHz Model
lSATEL 3AS
lPacCrest – 4FSK
lPacCrest – GMSK
lPacCrest – FST
lTrimTalk 450s (P)
lTrimTalk 450s (T)
1.6.2 900 MHz Model
lFreewave MM2-T (900 MHz) point to multipoint

RELAY7 User Manual v3 15
Chapter 2 RELAY7 Installation
Use the following steps to first route the cables, connect the RELAY7 to the SMART7 and power
up.
2.1 RELAY7 Cable Routing to SMART7
If using the optional Ethernet cable (SMART7-I NovAtel 01020095), the cable must be inserted
through the RELAY7 and then connected to the SMART7 before physically attaching the RELAY7 to
the SMART7-I. After the cables are inserted and cables connected, the cable can be routed on
the underside of the RELAY7.
The Ampseal interface connector is permanently attached to the RELAY7 and must be connected
to the SMART7 by pushing firmly onto the SMART7 Ampseal connector.
Refer to Ethernet Cable for SMART7-I (01020095) on page39 for cable details.

Chapter 2 RELAY7 Installation
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Figure 4: RELAY7 to SMART7 Cable Routing
The Ethernet cable is optional (SMART7-I only) and so a cable may not be required.
Refer to Ethernet Cable for SMART7-I (01020095) on page39 for cable details.

Chapter 2 RELAY7 Installation
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1. Insert the M12 Male end of the Ethernet cable down and through to the back of the RELAY7.
2. Connect the M12 Male end of Ethernet cable to the SMART7. TIP: Tilt the M12 male connector
slightly down and then up and forward to insert. NOTE: Cable is keyed so it must be properly
aligned to tighten. Ensure cable connection is fully tightened.
3. Connect the RELAY7 Ampseal interface cable to the SMART7. If not using the NovAtel inter-
face cable, connect the cabled attached to the vehicle's navigation system.
Refer to Attach and Connect RELAY7 to SMART7 below for instructions.
2.2 Attach and Connect RELAY7 to SMART7
NovAtel’s RELAY7 rover radio module attaches to the SMART7 to create a single unit for easy sys-
tem integration.
Before attaching the RELAY7 to the SMART7, make note of the SSID and password (pass-
key) found on the label on the "connector" back side of the SMART7.

Chapter 2 RELAY7 Installation
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Figure 5: Attach RELAY7 to SMART7
1. Ensure cable connections for the Ampseal interface and Ethernet (model dependent) cables
are complete. Refer to RELAY7 Cable Routing to SMART7 on page15.
2. Tilt the RELAY7 unit slightly up and slide onto the SMART7 unit in the locations marked by the
four arrows ( ).
3. Hand fasten the M4 screws (x4). Bit required: M2.5 Hex, torque = 10 to 12 in-lb. Failure to
properly install the four screws may cause damage.
4. If using the optional Ethernet cable (NovAtel 01020095), insert the M12 Female end down
and into the RELAY7 cable channel. Press cable firmly into the channel to lock in place.
Once complete, flip the combined SMART7/RELAY7 over. The optional NovAtel interface cable or the
vehicle's cable attached to the navigation system can be used to connect to the RELAY7 and power the
combined units. Refer to Connect the RELAY7 to the Radio Antenna Mount on the next page for instruc-
tions. Also refer to SMARTAntenna Interface Cable (Optional Accessory) on page40 for interface
cable details.
To prevent damage or cable fatigue, ensure any loose cables are secured.

Chapter 2 RELAY7 Installation
RELAY7 User Manual v3 19
2.3 Connect the RELAY7 to the Radio Antenna Mount
To receive UHF radio signals, the RELAY7 must be connected to a radio antenna.
The NMO to TNC Adapter cable comes factory installed. To use an optional external antenna, the
cable can be removed. Use the information below to disconnect or reconnect the cable if
required later.
Figure 6: RELAY7 Antenna Mounting
1. Separate the NMO to TNC Adapter cable.
2. From below, slide the now separated NMO end of adapter cable into the slot at the bottom of
the RELAY7.
3. Push the NMO end of the adapter cable up and through the hole in the RELAY7.
4. Ensure the white washer is in place before attaching the separated part of the NMO cable
onto the top of the protruding end of the adapter cable. Hand turn to tighten.
5. Connect the TNC end of the cable to the SMART7. Hand turn to tighten.
6. Attach UHF Radio 400 MHz or 900 MHz antenna as required.
2.4 Mounting the SMART7 and RELAY7
Mount the SMART7 and RELAY7 on a secure, stable structure capable of safe operation in the spe-
cific environment. Ensure the SMART7 has a clear view of the sky.

Chapter 2 RELAY7 Installation
RELAY7 User Manual v3 20
lIf installing on a vehicle, mount the SMART7 and RELAY7 on the vehicle roof, ideally close to
the pivot point of the vehicle. The SMART7 and RELAY7 must be mounted with the connector
facing the rear of the vehicle.
Figure 7: SMART7 and RELAY7 Orientation
The SMART7 and RELAY7 must be rigidly secured to the vehicle to avoid errors
caused by vibration and motion.
lIf installing in a stationary location, mount the SMART7 and RELAY7 in a location that has a
clear view of the sky so that each satellite above the horizon can be tracked without obstruc-
tion. For more information, refer to An Introduction to GNSS.
2.4.1 SMART7 and RELAY7 Mounting Hole Locations
The SMART7 and RELAY7 mounting hole locations are shown in the following diagram.