Novatel ProPak6 User manual

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ProPak6™
GM-14915125 Rev 3 August 2014
QUICK START GUIDE
ProPak6 - Front
This guide provides the basic information needed to set up and use a NovAtel®ProPak6.
USER MANUALS
For detailed information on the installation and operation of the NovAtel receiver, download the ProPak6
User Manual (OM-20000148).
For detailed information on the logs and commands used to configure the NovAtel receiver, download the
OEM6 Family Firmware Reference Manual (OM-20000129).
BOX CONTENTS
The following is provided with the ProPak6 (NovAtel part number):
• ProPak6 receiver with built in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, USB 2.0 and 4 GB of onboard memory
• 12 VDC power adapter (CLA) with slow blow fuse (01017663)
• Null modem serial cable (01017658)
• DB9 male extension cable (01018520)
• I/O DB9 male interface cable (01018519)
• Mounting bracket and screws (70023096, quantity 2 and 28523058, quantity 4)
Additional Equipment Required
The additional equipment listed below is required for a typical setup (refer to ProPak6 User Manual (OM-
20000148) for further details).
• A standard 12 VDC power outlet or 9-36 VDC power supply capable of at least 14 W
• A Windows computer with a RS-232 DB-9, Ethernet or USB port
• A quality GNSS antenna, such as NovAtel’s 700 or ANT series
• An antenna cable with a TNC male connector at the receiver end
such as NovAtel’s GPS-C016 model
• A cellular antenna and SIM card (model dependant)

If a SPAN®GNSS+INS capable ProPak6 was purchased, download the SPAN on
OEM6 Quick Start Guide (GM-14915112). To purchase SPAN firmware, contact
[email protected] to obtain SPAN software functionality for your receiver.
ProPak6 - Back

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PROPAK6 MOUNTING
Use brackets and screws provided with the ProPak6 to facilitate mounting the receiver to a surface. Prior
to connecting any cables and installing the ProPak6 in a fixed position, attach the supplied mounting
brackets to the ProPak6.
Figure 1: Mounting Bracket Installation

High Vibration ProPak6 Mounting
For high vibration installations, mount the ProPak6 directly using 1/4” 20-UNC threaded
screws (4 locations). Vibration dampeners or isolators for additional vibration reduction
may also be used (user supplied).
Align the included mounting
brackets (2) over the
mounting holes of
the ProPak6
Thread the included mounting
screws (4) through the bracket holes and
into the ProPak6 mounting hole
Flip the ProPak6
upside down
Use a screw driver
to securely
tighten screws (4)
60.0
6.8
18.20
6 mounting features sized for 1/4” or M6 hardware.
Accommodates 5/8” or 16 mm diameter washer.
(Ø6.8)
Typical
200.0
If mounting a ProPak6 to a fixed location without
using the provided backets, the total length of the
mounting screw must have a range of T+0.25”
minimum by T+0.375” maximum. Use 1/4”-20
screws to secure the receiver, torqued to
2 foot-pound (24 inches-pounds).
Thickness of Mounting plate (T)
[T + 0.25”] min - [T + 0.375”] max
Total length of screw

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GETTING TO KNOW THE PROPAK6
Refer to ProPak6 User Manual (OM-20000148) for details on all ProPak6 connectors, labelling and LEDs
as well as detailed installation and operation instructions. Refer to the OEM6 Firmware Reference Manual
- OM-20000129 for details regarding any ProPak6 logs or commands.
Table 1: ProPak6 - Back Connector Definitions
Connector Type Connector Label Description
GNSS Antenna
External Oscillator
ANT 1
ANT 2
or
ANT1
OSC
GNSS GPS1 and GPS2 antennas (TNC) (model dependant)
or
GNSS GPS1 antenna (TNC) and external oscillator (BNC) (model
dependant)
Power PWR
4-pin LEMO power connector
Expansion
EXP. 9-pin LEMO expansion port for CAN1 and CAN2
USB DEVICE USB Device (Type micro B) connector (high speed only) 480 Mbps
Ethernet
Ethernet RJ45 connector
I/O
I/O 4 Event Input/3 Event Output (DB9 female connector)
I/O port is configurable
Serial Communication
Ports
COM1
COM2
COM3/IMU
COM1, COM2, COM3/IMU DB9 male communications port
RS-232 (RS-422 selectable via software)

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Table 2: ProPak6 - Front Label Definitions
Button/
Connector/LED
Type
Label LED States Description
Power
N/A Off
Solid red = Valid power
Solid green = Operational mode
Power button and status LED
Press and hold the power button a
minimum of 3 s and maximum of 10 s
to power down the ProPak6
Logging
N/A Off
Solid green = >40% memory available
Solid amber = 20-40%
Solid red = <20%
Alternate green/amber = busy
Logging button with user configurable
status LED
Tracking
Off = 0 satellites
Solid red = 1-3 satellites
Solid amber = 4-5 satellites
Solid green = 6+ satellites
Indicates number of satellites being
tracked by the corresponding receiver
Position
Off = no fix
Blink amber = single point
Solid amber = converging accuracy
Solid green = converged accuracy
Blink green = PSR/PDP corrections
Indicates satellite position status for
the corresponding receiver
INS
ALN
INS
Off
Solid red = active
Blink red = error
Alternate red/amber = orientation or initial
position
Alternate green/amber = solution free
Solid amber = aligning
Blink amber = high variance
Green solid = solution good
Blink green = alignment complete
ALN
Off = no dual card/<4 satellites
Solid amber = FLOAT solution
Solid Green = fixed solution
INS status indication (SPAN
configuration only)
ALIGN heading status indication (Dual
antenna configuration only)
HOST Off
Solid red = idle
Blink red = active
USB Host (Type A) connector -
ProPak6 built in USB Host with status
LED

INS ALN

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SETTING UP A PROPAK6
Complete the following steps to connect and power the ProPak6. Be sure to mount the antenna to a
secure, stable structure with an unobstructed view of the sky.
1. Connect GNSS antennas to the ANT1 port and ANT2 port (if equipped) found on the back of the
ProPak6 and connect an external oscillator (if equipped) to the adjacent OSC port. Refer to the
ProPak6 User Manual (OM-20000148) for detailed instructions.
2. Connect the COM1 or USB port on the receiver to the USB or serial port on a computer. If using a USB
connection, install the USB drivers (available www.novatel.com/support/firmware-software-and-
manuals/firmware-software-updates/novatel-connect/).
3. Connect the power cable connector to the PWR port on the back of the ProPak6.
4. Connect a cellular antenna to the CELL port on the front of the ProPak6 (if equipped).
5. Configure and/or enable ports, radios and receiver settings as required (refer to ProPak6 User Manual
(OM-20000148) for details).
COM 1, 2
and 3
Off
Blink green = Tx RS-232
Blink red = Rx RS-232
Solid green = RS-422
Transmit/Receive indication (COM 1, 2
and/or 3)
Wi-Fi
Off
Solid blue = ready state
Wi-Fi radio status LED
Bluetooth
Off
Solid blue = ready state
Bluetooth radio status LED
CELLULAR - OPTIONAL
CELL Off
Solid red = no signal
Blink red = error
Solid amber = cell network available-IP not
available
Blink green = IP activity (Tx/Rx)
Solid green = IP available/idle
Fully integrated TNC cellular modem
antenna connector (GPRS/HSPA) and
status LED
Mini-SIM only
(25 mm x 15 mm)
SIM Push-push style SIM card holder
Remove SIM card holder cover to insert card; replace cover to avoid damaging card.
Table 2: ProPak6 - Front Label Definitions
Button/
Connector/LED
Type
Label LED States Description
Open Covered

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NOVATEL CONNECT™
Once installed, NovAtel Connect provides a graphical interface to establish communication, control and
monitor the operation of your NovAtel receiver.
Establishing a New Receiver Connection
The first time a serial port is opened to communicate with the receiver, complete the following:
1. Launch Connect from the Start menu folder specified during the installation process. The default
location is Start | All Programs | NovAtel Connect.
2. Select New Connection from the Welcome window.
In the New Connection window:
3. Enter a name for the connection.
4. Select a Device Type to use to communicate from the drop list:
• Serial - choose a COM port
• USB - choose a COM port
• Network - choose a receiver and define network settings
5. Click the OK button to save the new connection.

Go to www.novatel.com/support/firmware-software-and-manuals/firmware-software-updates/
novatel-connect/ to access and download the latest version of NovAtel Connect PC Utilities.

Detailed instructions for using NovAtel Connect are available from within the utility Help.
Default baud rate of 115200 is preferred if a higher is not available. No handshaking.

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Tracking Satellites Indicator
Once a connection is established, the number and type of satellites being tracked display in the upper left
corner of Connect’s Constellation window.
Entering Commands
Commands can be sent to the receiver using the NovAtel Connect Console window (found under View
menu if not displayed by default). Enter commands in the text box at the bottom of the Console window.
Note the following when entering commands:
• Logs can be requested in three formats: ASCII (e.g., log BESTPOSA), Abbreviated ASCII (e.g., log
BESTPOS) and Binary (e.g., log BESTPOSB). Abbreviated ASCII is the best format to use when
working directly with the receiver. For data collection, use ASCII or Binary.
• Press ENTER to send the command string to the receiver. Commands are not case sensitive.
POST PROCESSING
Post-mission data processing refers to cases where GNSS data collected by the receiver is processed
after the entire data collection session is complete.
ProPak6 output is compatible with post-processing software from NovAtel’s Waypoint®Products Group.
For details, see www.novatel.com/Products/Waypoint Software.

The Solution Status is also indicated as computed in the Position window.

Refer to the OEM6 Family Firmware Reference Manual (OM-20000129) for
the list of available commands and logs and the parameters to use.

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DATA LOGGING
An extensive set of logs are available to capture data (refer to the OEM6 Family Firmware Reference
Manual-OM20000129). Logs can be directed to any of the ProPak6 communication ports and can be
automatically generated when new or changed data becomes available or at regular intervals. Data can be
collected through NovAtel Connect using the Logging Control Window.
Different logging profiles can also be created to facilitate different logging requirements. Refer to the
NovAtel Connect help and/or the ProPak6 User Manual (OM-20000148) for details on logging.
ONBOARD MEMORY
The ProPak6 contains 4 GB of memory for onboard data storage. Data can be logged to internal memory
and downloaded for post-processing. The ProPak6 onboard memory can be accessed using FTP. Refer to
the ProPak6 User Manual (OM-20000148) for details.
ETHERNET CONNECTION
The ProPak6 is equipped with a 10/100 baseT Ethernet port that supports IPv4 Internet layer, TCP/IP
transport, ping and connections from the Telnet client. The port can be used to perform remote debugging,
receive MRTCA (modified RTCA) data and download firmware. The ProPak6 is also equipped with NTRIP
Version 2.0 client and server capability.
Instructions on configuring Ethernet and NTRIP are in application note APN-057 at www.novatel.com/
support/search/items/Application%20Note. Also refer to the ProPak6 User Manual (OM-20000148) and
the OEM6 Family Firmware Reference Manual-OM20000129.
BLUETOOTH CONFIGURATION
By default, the Bluetooth radio is turned off.
1. Connect the ProPak6 to a computer using one of the communication ports and turn power on.
2. Issue the BLUETOOTHCONFIG POWER ON command to turn on the Bluetooth radio. The Bluetooth
LED on the front of the ProPak6 lights blue .
3. Log BLUETOOTHSTATUS ONCHANGED to display the Bluetooth radio status.
4. Issue the SAVECONFIG command to save the configuration to Non-Volatile Memory (NVM).

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Pairing
5. Issue the BLUETOOTHDISCOVERABILITY ON command to allow Bluetooth devices to locate and pair
with the ProPak6.
6. If prompted, enter the PIN confirmation (ProPak6 default pin number 0000). Accept or log
BLUETOOTHSTATUS to verify pass code.
7. Issue the BLUETOOTHDISCOVERABILITY OFF command to turn off Bluetooth discovery.
Connecting
8. Determine the serial port assigned to Bluetooth for the connected computer (COM port X) and connect
to the device over this port.
WI-FI CONFIGURATION
When the ProPak6 Wi-Fi radio is enabled, it can be configured to act as a Access Point (AP) or Client.
Wi-Fi AP (default)
1. Connect the ProPak6 to a computer using one of the communication ports and turn power on.
2. Log WIFIAPSTATUS ONCHANGED to view connection status.
3. Once powered, the radio is automatically enabled and the LED on the front of the ProPak6 lights blue
(it may take up to 10 seconds for the AP to become available).

Once a device is paired with the ProPak6, it is automatically detected and a connection
established once in range if Bluetooth is enabled. Refer to the OEM6 Family Firmware
Reference Manual-OM20000129 for any log and command details.

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4. Configure the ICOM ports using the ICOMCONFIG command.
5. If required, configure port security using the IPSERVICE command.
6. If using, configure NTRIP.
7. Issue the SAVECONFIG command to save the configuration to Non-Volatile Memory (NVM).
8. On a Wi-Fi Client, scan for a ProPak6 and connect to it. When prompted, enter a password and press
OK:
The default password is the Product Serial Number (PSN) located on the bottom of the ProPak6.
9. Configure network properties on the connected Client computer to use a static IP address.

Refer to the ProPak6 User Manual (OM-20000148) for detailed installation
and configuration instructions.
Refer to the OEM6 Family Firmware Reference Manual-OM20000129 for log
and command details.

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Wi-Fi Client
1. Connect the ProPak6 to a computer using one of the communication ports and turn power on.
Scanning
2. Log WIFICLISCANRESULTS ONCHANGED to display a list of the scan results.
3. Log WIFICLISTATUS ONCHANGED to monitor the connection status.
4. Issue the following commands:
WIFICONFIG MODE CLIENT defines receivers as Client
WIFICONFIG STATE ENABLED enables Client receiver
WIFICLICONTROL SCAN initiates scanning for AP
5. Review the WIFICLISCANRESULTS log for any detected APs.
Connecting
6. Issue WIFICLICONFIG 1 SSID XXXX, where XXXX is the open AP to connect to.
7. Issue the following commands:
WIFICLICONFIG 1 ENABLED TRUE
WIFICLICONTROL APPLYCONFIG
Once Wi-Fi is connected, the ProPak6 Client is accessible on the LAN.
8. If Internet access is required over this interface, issue the SETPREFERREDNETIF WIFI command.
9. Issue the SAVECONFIG command to save the configuration to Non-Volatile Memory (NVM).

Refer to the WIFICLICONFIG command in the OEM6 Family Firmware
Reference Manual-OM20000129 for instructions on connecting to WPA
personal and WPA2 personal as well as additional log and command details.

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CELLULAR NETWORK CONFIGURATION
1. Obtain an active account and SIM card providing GSM/GPRS/HSDPA data services (recommended
data plans for Network RTK are 5GB/Month Rate Plans). The Service Provider may require the follow-
ing information to setup an active account.
a. Product Name: ProPak6 GSM/GPRS/HSDPA
b. Modem Serial Number (IMEI): Modem serial number from ProPak6 product label
3. Remove the SIM card cover, insert the SIM card and replace the cover.
4. Ensure a cellular antenna is connected to the ProPak6 and turn the ProPak6 power on.
5. Log CELLULARSTATUS ONCHANGED to display the modem and cellular connection status.

The cellular provider may require additional activation steps. Refer to any
instructions provided with the SIM card.

Once the SIM card is correctly installed, secure the SIM cover to the base using a
screwdriver. Screws should be torqued to 4-6 inch-pound. Failure to properly secure
SIM cover will violate ProPak6 IP67 ingress rating.
Example:

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6. Log CELLULARINFO ONCE to display modem and network information.
7. The CELLULARCONFIG command is issued to configure cellular parameters. The following commands
are issued:
CELLULARCONFIG POWER ON enables the radio
CELLULARCONFIG APN <APN> sets AP name1
CELLULARCONFIG USERNAME <USERNAME> sets user name1
CELLULARCONFIG PASSWORD <PASSWORD> sets APN password1
CELLULARCONFIG DATA ON enables/disables data connectivity on the configured APN
CELLULARCONFIG DATAROAM ON enables/disables data connectivity when roaming
8. If internet access is required over this interface, issue the SETPREFERREDNETIF CELL command.
9. Issue the SAVECONFIG command to save the configuration to Non-Volatile Memory (NVM).
AIRPLANE MODE
Enabling Airplane Mode turns off any Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular radios in the ProPak6. Airplane Mode is
disabled by default (radio on). If Airplane mode is enabled and then disabled, all radios automatically
return to their last state (on or off) however, any connections made before airplane mode was enabled are
not restored.
• Issue the following commands:
AIRPLANEMODE ENABLE
AIRPLANEMODE DISABLE
• Log AIRPLANEMODE to view the status of Airplane mode.
ENABLING SBAS
The ProPak6 is capable of SBAS positioning. This positioning mode is enabled using the SBASCONTROL
command, as follows:
SBASCONTROL ENABLE AUTO
Once enabled, the Solution type field shown in the Position window of NovAtel Connect should change
from Single to SBAS.SBAS satellites display in the Constellation window. The ProPak6 tracks available
SBAS satellites, including WAAS, EGNOS and other SBAS systems.
1.Optional—consult the cellular data provider to determine if required.

Cellular data consumption and service charges are dependent on the
configuration of the ProPak6 receiver and data logging rates.

Refer to the OEM6 Family Firmware Reference Manual-OM20000129 for log
and command details.

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ENABLING L-BAND
L-Band equipped receivers can achieve sub-metre position accuracy using correction data received from
geostationary satellites. To use the L-Band corrections, an L-Band-capable receiver model and antenna
are required (refer to our web site www.novatel.com/products/gnss-antennas for information on NovAtel L-
Band-capable antennas) along with a subscription service.
Available CORRECT™ with PPP can use the following correction subscriptions:
• NovAtel CORRECT with TerraStar™
• Veripos Apex and Apex2
For more information on L-Band positioning:
• Refer to a NovAtel Application Note: APN-061 NovAtel CORRECT with TerraStar, APN-
062 NovAtel CORRECT with Veripos or APN-051 Positioning Modes of Operation (service
dependent) available from www.novatel.com/support/search/items/Application%20Note
• Refer to the OEM6 Family Installation and Operation User Manual (OM-20000128) and/or
the ProPak6 User Manual (OM-20000148)
•Refer to the OEM6 Family Firmware Reference Manual (OM-20000129) for log and
command details
• Visit www.novatel.com/support and speak with a Customer Service representative
• Visit www.novatel.com/products/novatel-correct

Receivers must be powered and tracking an L-Band satellite prior to
activating a subscription service.

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LOG REAL-TIME KINEMATIC (RTK) POSITIONING
Corrections can be transmitted from a base station to a rover station to improve position accuracy to
centimetre level. The base station is the GNSS receiver that is acting as the stationary reference. It has a
known position and transmits correction messages to the rover station. The rover station is the GNSS
receiver that does not know its exact position but which can receive correction messages from a base
station to calculate differential GNSS positions.
In most cases, a data link between the base station and rover station (two NovAtel receivers) is required in
order to receive corrections. It is also possible to receive and use RTK corrections from established
networks. SBAS and L-Band corrections can be acquired with one receiver and are exceptions to the
base/rover concept, although neither are considered RTK positioning. Generally a link capable of data
throughput at a rate of 19200 bits per second, and less than 4.0 s latency, is recommended.
Once the base and rover are set up, configure them for RTCA, RTCM, RTCMV3, CMR+, CMR or
NOVATELX corrections. Below is a NOVATELX example (replace the latitude, longitude and height
coordinates shown with those of the base):
Base
serialconfig com2 115200 n 8 1 n on
fix position [latitude] [longitude] [height] (enter your own lat, long and hgt values)
generatertkcorrections novatelx com2
Rover
serialconfig com2 115200 n 8 1 n on
interfacemode com2 novatelx none off
NovAtel CORRECT with RTK (RT-2®), are real-time kinematic software products developed by NovAtel.
Optimal RTK performance is achieved when both the base and rovers are NovAtel products; however,
NovAtel CORRECT with RTK will operate with equipment from other manufacturers when using RTCM,
RTCMV3 and CMR messaging.
Refer to ProPak6 User Manual (OM-20000148) for additional information.
SECURITY
By default, minimal network/port security is set. It is the responsibility of the user to assess security
requirements and configure the ProPak6 as necessary. Refer to the security section of the ProPak6 User
Manual (OM-20000148) for security settings.
Additional Functionality
Refer to the ProPak6 User Manual (OM-20000148) for set up and installation instructions for CAN,
External Oscillator and other functionality.

For more base/rover configurations, search the key words “rover base” at
www.novatel.com/support/search/.

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CONTACT SALES
For product information, contact:
novatel.com
[email protected]
1-800-NOVATEL (U.S. and Canada)
or 403-295-4900
China 0086-21-54452990-8011
Europe 44-1993-848-736
SE Asia and Australia 61-400-883-601
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
For questions or comments regarding the ProPak6, please contact NovAtel using one of these methods:
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.novatel.com
Phone: 1-800-NOVATEL (U.S. and Canada)
[phone] (International)
Fax: [phone]
OEM6, Waypoint, NovAtel and RT-2 are registered trademarks of NovAtel Inc.
ProPak6, NovAtel Connect and NovAtel CORRECT are trademarks of NovAtel Inc.
All other brand names are trademarks of their respective holders.
© Copyright 2014 NovAtel Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in Canada on recycled paper. Recyclable.
Unpublished rights reserved under international copyright laws.
Quick Start Guide - ProPak6