SYNERGY SYSTEMS GSynQ User manual

USER’S GUIDE
RS-422 Version
9950 Scripps Lake Drive Suite #106
San Diego, CA 92196
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Internet: http://www.synergy-gps.com
E-Mail: [email protected]
GSynQ MK-IA Antenna

LIMITED WARRANTY
Synergy Systems, LLC warrants GSynQ Antenna and Evaluation Kit
Components against defects in material and workmanship, under normal
use and service, for a period of one year from the product’s ship date from
Synergy Systems.
The Motorola designed ILotus M12M Oncore GPS receiver contained in
the GSynQ Sensor is trademarked by SiRF and manufactured by i-Lotus
Corp of Singapore. GPS receivers from other manufacturers are available
for integration by Synergy on request.
Any returned product must be accompanied by a Material Return
Authorization (MRA) number issued by Synergy Systems. After obtaining
an MRA number, send the product transportation and insurance prepaid
to:
Synergy Systems, LLC
9950 Scripps Lake Drive, Suite 106
San Diego, CA 92131 USA
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
GPS PERFORMANCE
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated and supported by the
U.S. Department of Defense and is made available for civilian use solely
at its discretion. The GPS is subject to degradation of position and
velocity accuracies by the Department of Defense. Neither Synergy
Systems, SiRF or iLotus warrant or control GPS availability or
performance.
Copyright 2000-2011 Synergy Systems, LLC

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The GSynQ Smart Antenna comprises a Synergy Timing3000 GPS antenna, an
M12M Timing receiver, an Interface Electronics Board that provides power and RS-
422 level translation to the receiver, and a Binder M16-423 12 pin metal shell
connector mounted in the base. The Timing3000 antenna housing provides the
electronics with an environmentally sealed, UV tolerant package capable of being
mounted on top of a building or on an antenna mast, or the best location for full view
of the satellites.
The GSynQ Antenna has been designed specifically for high accuracy timing
applications requiring long cable runs that are not economically feasible with
expensive low-loss cable and/or inline amplifiers. Cable lengths up to 1KM can be
achieved with standard 24 AWG shielded twisted pair cable, providing the user a
cost effective solution to system installation.
General specifications are detailed below:
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Size: 4” D x 3”H (102mm x 76mm)
Weight: 14 oz (0.4 kg)
Housing: Cycolac Radome, aluminum base
ELECTRICAL INTERFACE
Antenna Connector: Binder M16-09-0131-00-12
Mating Connector: Binder M16-99-5630-15-12
Power: +9 - 30Vdc, 70 mA Max.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Operating Temp: -40oC to +75oC
Storage Temp: -40oC to +85oC
Relative Humidity: 85% non-condensing,
-30
oC to +60oC

POWER/DATA INTERFACE
The GSynQ has a 12 pin male Binder M16-423 metal shell connector mounted in
the base. Pin outs are detailed below:
Pin A Power 1
Pin B Ground 1
Pin C Ground 2
Pin D Power 2
Pin E GPS Data Out - RS422(+)
Pin F GPS Data Out - RS422(-)
Pin G Commands In - RS422(-)
Pin H Commands In - RS422(+)
Pin J 1PPS Out - RS422(+)
Pin K 1PPS Out - RS422(-)
Pin L Spare
Pin M Spare
Straight and Right Angle mating connectors are available from Binder-USA. See
Binder Miniature Connectors Series 423-M16 at http://www.binder-
usa.com/miniature-cylindrical-connectors/
Voltage input to the antenna may be in the range of +9 to +30 Vdc. For long cable
lengths the input voltage must be higher in order to guarantee that at least +9V is
available at the pins of the GSynQ connector, not at the voltage source on the
supply end. For example, a 12Vdc (unregulated) supply is sufficient to power the
antenna through up to approximately 75 meters of a single 24 AWG pair. If longer
cable lengths are utilized, both power pairs should be utilized and the power supply

voltage should be increased to allow for the extra IR drop in the cable.
The GSynQ utilizes a high efficiency switching regulator to keep self heating to a
minimum (important in high ambient temperature environments.) At +9Vdc input
voltage the GSynQ draws approximately 65mA, while at +30Vdc the current draw
drops to a little under 20mA.
In the event that the GSynQ is accidentally over-voltaged a self-resetting polymer
fuse in the antenna opens, protecting the GSynQ antenna from possible damage.
Once tripped, the fuse should be allowed to cool for several minutes before power is
reapplied.
OPERATION
Operation of the GSynQ antenna is straight forward. For operational details of the
M12M receiver contained in the GSynQ the user is referred to the M12M User’s
Guide available at www.synergy-gps.com (Tech Support-Users Guides-iLotus).
Basic setup details are as follows:
1 - Connect the antenna to the User System via user cable or Synergy System
cable. If the User System does not have an RS422 input then a Synergy
Systems Interface Unit can be used for interfacing to RS232 port or USB port.
2 - Apply power.
3 - Send the M12M receiver the desired initialization commands using SiRF
Oncore software, SynTAC, or other custom software.
Software— Windows based software to communicate with the GSynQ is available
on the Synergy Systems website-www.Synergy-gps.com.
The SiRF Oncore program is a free download that may be accessed from the home
page. An evaluation copy of Synergy’s SynTaC software is available from the
Technical Support page of the website. Please refer to the ILotus M12M GPS
Receiver User’s Guide for details on operation of the M12M contained in the GSynQ
antenna.
1PPS Offset - Unlike GPS systems with short cabling systems, the interface cable
and RS422 drivers can introduce an appreciable offset that should be compensated
for. The MAX3488 RS422 driver in the GSynQ antenna has a typical propagation
delay of approximately 900nS and twisted pair cables such as those used for the
interface cable typically have delays on the order of 170nS per 100 ft (~31m).

Both of these delays can be removed from the 1PPS by using the Motorola binary
@@Az command as detailed in the M12M User’s Guide.
ANTENNA INSTALLATION
The GSynQ is designed for simple installation.
Mounts include Right Angle pipe clamp, adaptors for threaded or smooth pipe and
gasket and nut for through-roof vehicle mount.
When using Synergy’s R/A mounting bracket P/N10001725, the mast may be made
from 1” schedule 40 pipe, or any tubing or conduit with an outside diameter of 1.5” or
less.
In order to mount the antenna on the end of a 3/4” NPT threaded pipe (or 1-14
Marine Thread) the user should order a Synergy P/N 10001511-1 mounting adapter.
This will provide a step-down between the 28mm thread on the antenna and the pipe
thread.
If the antenna is being mounted on a smooth 1” OD pipe or conduit the user should
order the Synergy P/N 10001511-2 adapter which allows the conduit to slide into the
adapter where it is secured by a ¼ inch diameter stainless steel set screw.

Both 10001511 adapters are made from anodized aluminum for excellent
performance in environmentally hostile installations.
Synergy Systems, LLC supplies Extension Cables for any length up to 1 kilometer.
Bulkhead connectors are also available. When requesting a quote, please indicate
whether the cable must be UV tolerant for outdoor use or fire retardant for indoor
cable runs.
For Long-term, watertight integrity the interface between the Binder connector at the
base of the GSynQ Antenna and that of the connector on the interface cable should
be protected with a length of dual-wall shrink tubing. The adhesive on the inside of
the tubing will provide a water-tight seal for the connector interface.
Most GSynQ installations require the antenna be co-located with a cellular base
station or other high power transmitter. A careful installation will place the GSynQ in
an area with minimum RF field strength. This can be accomplished by obtaining the
radiation patterns of the transmitting antennas and installing the GSynQ where
signal strength is at a minimum. The Antenna is designed to filter out unwanted
frequencies, however it is still prudent to install the GSynQ as far away as possible
from transmitting antennas. This will minimize the effects of possible harmonics that
may be within the pass-band of the M12M and Antenna modules.
Several industry standards exist for lightning protection which is not addressed in
this User’s guide. However, it is recommended that the GSynQ be installed in an
area so that it is not at the highest point, and so that any lightning rods are well
above the antenna itself. Although it is not possible for the GSynQ to survive a direct
strike, it is possible for the GSynQ to survive the secondary effects of lightning due
to the internal 600W transient suppressors on each of the interface wires.
Support
If you have any problems at all, please do not hesitate to contact Synergy’s technical
support team, either by the phone number on the front of this document, or by email
at: [email protected]
10001500D Jan 28 2011