SYNERGY SYSTEMS SynPaQ/E RS-232 User manual

Revision J - 16 July 2019
© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
USER’S GUIDE
SynPaQ/E RS-232 and USB Version
SynPaQ/E shown with optional Mounting Plate
Receivers Suitable for selection:
Synergy SSR-6Tf 16 channel GPS precision timing receiver
Synergy SSR-M8T 72 channel Multi-GNSS precision timing receiver
Synergy SSR-M8U 72 channel Multi-GNSS navigation receiver with Dead-Reckoning
Synergy SSR-M8P 72 channel Multi-GNSS receiver with RTK Precise Point Positioning
iLotus M12M 12 channel GPS timing receiver
Note: Contact Synergy for backward compatibility with Motorola’s Legacy 6 and 8
channel VP and 8 channel GT+, UT+ Oncore receivers (Synergy SSR-VP, SSR-GT+,
SSR-UT+ and SSR-M12+ receivers (on Adaptor Boards). This choice is for upgrading
the receiver board only in older SynPaQ/E products.
Other manufacturers quoted on request (minimum order and other conditions may apply).
The above listed GPS and Multi-GNSS receivers that are optimized for fixed timing
applications, also offer excellent performance in mobile timing, positioning and navigation
applications.
This document outlines attributes of the SynPaQ/E hosting platform; not the individual GPS or
Multi-GNSS receivers that are customer selected from the above list. For receiver specification
and performance details, please refer to the manufacturer’s receiver documentation.
1

© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
RECEIVER PERFORMANCE
GPS and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers embedded in the SynPaQ/E
rely on signals made available and controlled by different countries. The U.S. Department of
Defense makes the NavStar Global Positioning System (GPS) available for civilian use solely
at its discretion and the GPS is subject to degradation of position and velocity accuracies by
the Department of Defense. Similar cautions apply for GNSS systems that are controlled by
other countries: GLONASS by Russia; Galileo by the EU; BeiDou by China and QZSS by
Japan. Neither Synergy Systems, LLC nor the various suppliers of the GNSS modules used in
SynPaQ/E products warrant or control GNSS availability or performance.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The SynPaQ/E is a self-contained OEM GPS Sensor comprising an embedded, user specified
GPS or Multi-GNSS receiver. Support electronics are enclosed in a robust, IP68 rated
extruded Aluminum housing. The support electronics include ESD tolerant RS-232 or USB
compatible communications links, input power regulation, filtering and front panel mounted
Power and Data display LED indicators.
The GPS or Multi-GNSS receiver can be selected from several types depending on the user’s
requirements. This document does not discuss the differences in the available receivers; it is
only intended as a User Guide for the SynPaQ/E host product regardless of receiver installed.
The standard SynPaQ/E includes a water resistant, circular connector for power and all I/O
functions. The circular connector is an IP68 rated SwitchCraft EN3. A DB-9 connector is
optional (replacing the EN3) and meets IP65 when the connector is mated. An optional USB
connector is IP60 rated when mated.
An RS-232 version of the SynPaQ/E incorporates the non-standard DB-9 electrical interface
design of the original Motorola “XT” OncoreTM and Synergy’s “XTS/II” OEM GPS Sensors. The
special DB-9 I/O wiring has been retained for backward compatibility for Motorola Land Mobile
Products Sector (LMPS) and many other customers who have required the convenience of a
single connector for data I/O and power (standard Serial Port version quoted on request). The
term “XTS” will be used in this document as a reference to the non-standard DB-9 wiring.
The SynPaQ/E uses a standard bayonet style BNC connector for the GPS antenna connection
(TNC optional). With the increased convenience of using a DB-9 connector, there is a resultant
drop in water resistance to IP65. Care should be taken when deciding where to mount the unit.
The “USB” version provides for a connection to external devices where a DB-9 RS-232 UART
does not exist. In this version, the 1PPS output is provided by a front panel mounted SMA
connector. This IP60 version is also NOT as water resistant as the standard version so care
should be taken when deciding where to mount the unit.
2

© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Size: Less connectors and mounting plate
3.22” W x 5.21” L x 1.26”H - 82mm x 132mm x 32mm
Weight: 12 oz. (0.28 kg) with Mounting Plate
Housing: Black Powder-Coated Aluminum
ELECTRICAL INTERFACE (Standard)
Power/Data: SwitchCraft EN3P8M - 8 Pin
Mating Conn: SwitchCraft EN3C8F - 8 Pin
GPS Antenna: BNC Jack (TNC optional)
ELECTRICAL INTERFACE (XTS)
Power/Data: DB-9M
Mating Conn: DB-9F
GPS Antenna: BNC Jack (TNC optional)
ELECTRICAL INTERFACE (USB)
Power/Data: USB
Mating Conn: USB
1PPS SMA
GPS Antenna: BNC Jack (TNC optional)
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Operating Temp: w/o Batt -40oC to +85oC
Storage Temp: w/o Batt -40oC to +85oC
Operating Temp: w/Batt -20oC to +60oC
Storage Temp: w/Batt -20oC to +60oC
Relative Humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing
POWER REQUIREMENTS
+9 to +32 VDC (200 mA max)
Constant 1.6W max
POWER
Standard EN3 Version: Power is supplied through Pins 8 (+) and 6 (-) of the SwitchCraft EN3
Data/Power connector. Allowable input voltage range is 9-32VDC. Regulation of the input DC
power is not required as voltage regulation, reverse voltage, over-current and over-voltage
protection circuitry is provided by the SynPaQ/E internal electronics. Optionally, a regulated
+5V may be supplied to pin 7. 3

© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
Maximum power consumption of the SynPaQ/E is approximately 1.6W (0.7W with M12M
receiver). Note: Only one power source may be connected at a time - Don’t use port isolators).
XTS Version: This product accepts an unregulated 9-32 Vdc through pin 8 or a regulated 5
VDC through pin 6 of the DB-9. Power/Data common is on pin 7. All other characteristics are
identical to those of the standard EN3 version.
USB Version: This product is powered by the USB-VCC. All other characteristics are identical
to those of the standard EN3 version.
Resettable fuses are incorporated in all SynPaQ/E assemblies. Since a resettable fuse is a
thermally activated device, if it opens due to application of excessive input voltage, the unit
should be allowed to cool for several minutes before power wiring is checked and re-applied.
Repeated opening of this device under conditions of proper input power indicate a probable
internal problem, and the SynPaQ/E should be returned to Synergy Systems for analysis.
FRONT PANEL INDICATORS
The front panel of the SynPaQ/E contains four LEDs for status display. Details are:
PWR—This LED should always be GREEN when power is applied to the SynPaQ/E.
TxD—The TxD indicator provides the user with visual feedback concerning data output from
the receiver. The TxD LED will momentarily flash RED whenever the SynPaQ/E is sending
GPS data to the host.
RxD—The RxD indicator will flash RED whenever commands are received from the host
computer or control device.
1PPS—The 1PPS indicator will flash RED whenever a 1PPS pulse is output from the GPS or
Multi-GNSS receiver. There are 2 Modes of operation for the 1PPS LED indicator.
In Mode-1, the default mode, the 1PPS indicator will start to flash whether satellites are being
actively tracked and the receiver has developed a position fix or not.
In Mode-2 the 1PPS will only flash if satellites are being actively tracked and the receiver has
developed a position fix. See Timing Pulse control in Motorola M12+ and iLotus M12M User’s
Guides available here:http://www.synergy-gps.com/ or LEA-6 and LEA-M8 Protocol
Specifications here:https://www.u-blox.com/en.4

© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
The 1PPS Mode is determined by the type of Receiver selected at time of purchase. This LED
indicator also serves as a “heart-beat” giving the user visual feedback that the receiver’s
processor is powered up and accomplishing normal housekeeping routines, unless the user
has previously disabled the 1PPS output through software control of the receiver.
REAR PANEL CONNECTORS
Standard Interface
The rear panel of the Standard SynPaQ/E contains both a BNC connector (TNC optional) for
antenna connection and an 8 pin combination Power/Data connector. Pin functions are as
follows:
PIN FUNCTION
1 1PPS Out, TTL levels
2 Data Out - RS-232 levels
3 Commands In - RS-232 levels
4 RTCM Corrections In - RS-232 levels (Option)
5 Common (Data)
6 Common (Power)
7 Power In (+5V regulated)
8 Power In (9-30 VDC)
Note: Only one power source may be connected at a time
“XTS” Interface
the original Motorola XT OncoreTM and Synergy XTS/II Pin-Out configuration
The “XTS” version of the SynPaQ/E uses a standard DB-9M Male connector that includes
conductors for data and power. This is NOT a standard DB-9 serial interface. 5

© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
XTS DB-9 Pin functions are as follows:
PIN FUNCTION
1 RTCM In - RS-232 levels
2 Commands In - RS-232 levels
3 Data Out - RS-232 levels
4 N/C
5 Common (1PPS)
6 Power In (+5V regulated)
7 Common (power and data)
8 Power In (9-30 VDC)
9 1PPS Out (TTL levels)
Note: Only one power source may be connected at a time
USB Interface
The “USB” version of the SynPaQ/E uses a standard USB Type B connector for data and
power. Pin functions are as follows:
PIN FUNCTION
1 Red: +5V / Voltage + / VCC
2 White: D - / Data - / USB -
3 Green: D + / Data + / USB +
4 Black: GND / Voltage - / Ground
ANTENNA INSTALLATION
Standard SynPaQ/E RS-232, USB and Optional SynPaQ/E RS-422 products connect to a
GPS or Multi-GNSS antenna through the panel mounted BNC jack (TNC optional).
Synergy provides several types of GPS and GNSS antennas optimized for fixed position timing
and position and navigation applications. Synergy also provides various cable types with
different lengths and connectors also based on application requirements. See:
http://www.synergy-gps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=10&Itemid=114
6

© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
SYNPAQ/E OPERATION
With power applied, the SynPaQ/E is ready for immediate operation. Communications with
receivers is generally accomplished with Windows based GPS or Multi-GNSS software
applications, although Unix, Linux and custom user applications may also be used.
To control and observe fundamental receiver performance for Motorola and iLotus navigation
and precision timing receivers, use WinOncore or SiRF Oncore software. These are free and
available at Synergy’s web site: http://www.synergy-gps.com (Click on Support >Software
and scroll down to those applications).
As an alternate, down load Synergy’s SynTAC test and diagnostic software from the same
location or use Tac32 from http://www.cnssys.com. These test and diagnostic applications are
not free, but they automatically initialize and configure M12+, M12M many SSR Series OEM
GPS receivers and are fully functional during a 30 day evaluation period.
Setup parameters for Motorola M12+ and iLotus M12M receivers, such as message output
rate, antenna mask angle, etc. are saved in battery backed RAM. The motherboard needs to
be powered on for 24 hours to charge the on-board backup battery. A full charge will keep the
internal Real-Time Clock (RTC) running and receiver setup data saved in RAM for 60+ days
depending on battery condition, temperature, number of charge cycles, etc.
For u-Blox based SSR-6 Series GPS and SSR-M8 Series Multi-GNSS receivers, setup data is
stored in Flash Memory and the on-board battery runs the RTC when main power is removed.
For controlling Synergy’s line of SSR Series of OEM navigation and precision timing receivers
in u-Blox mode, download u-Center from http://www.u-Blox.com. Use SynTAC or Tac32 to
switch back and forth between Motorola mode and u-Blox mode and to make simple message
selections. Use u-Center to fully configure and control all available functions. See Synergy’s
Pass-Through App-Note or SSR Integration Guide for additional details.
The actual performance parameters and supported commands for each OEM receiver board
embedded in the SynPaQ/E are totally dependent upon the GPS or Multi-GNSS receiver
installed. Please refer to the Manufacturer’s GPS or Multi-GNSS Receiver User’s Guide to
determine which commands and functions are supported by each receiver.
RECEIVER OPTIONS
The SynPaQ/E is designed to incorporate a variety of GPS and Multi-GNSS receiver boards to
optimize evaluation and testing for various user applications. User selectable GPS and GNSS
receivers are as follows:
7

© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
RECEIVER BOARD OPTIONS – GPS ONLY
• iLotus M12M OEM Precision Timing Receiver – Outputs high accuracy 1PPS,
Motorola 12 channel binary and NMEA messages and is form-fit-function
compatible with the legacy Motorola M12+ Oncore precision timing receiver.
• iLotus M12M OEM Navigation Receiver - Outputs Motorola 12 channel binary
and NMEA messages and is form-fit-function compatible with the legacy
Motorola M12+ navigation receivers.
• Synergy SSR-6Tf OEM 16 Channel Precision Timing Receiver – Embeds the SBAS
Enabled u-Blox LEA-6T module. Outputs u-Blox binary and NMEA and emulated 12
channel Motorola binary messages.
Note: 1. All Legacy Motorola M12+ and VP, GT+, UT+ Oncore receivers in existing SynPaQ/E
products may be replaced with Synergy’s SSR Series clone receivers (shipped on
Synergy’s Adaptor Boards).
2. For command details, refer to the LEA-6 Series “Receiver Description
and Protocol Specification” located at: http://www.u-Blox.com.
3. When the above receivers include popular timing messages in Motorola
6, 8 and 12 channel binary emulation protocol, use SynTAC, SiRF Oncore,
or WinOncore12 software applications located at http://www.synergy-gps.com
or TAC32 at http://www.cnssys.com.
MULTI-GNSS RECEIVER OPTIONS
The Multi-GNSS receivers listed below use SynTAC, Tac/32 and u-Blox u-Center
software. Refer to LEA-8 Series “Receiver Description and Protocol Specification” for
commands which are located at: http://www.u-Blox.com.
Synergy’s SSR Series Multi-GNSS models that include Motorola binary messages
require the use of SynTAC, TAC32, WinOncore12, SiRF Oncore software or user
supplied custom software. u-Center is required for full operation in u-Blox mode.
• Synergy SSR-6N Navigation Receiver - Embeds the SBAS enabled u-Blox LEA-6N
GPS\GLONASS module. Outputs u-Blox binary and NMEA and emulated
Motorola binary messages. (Note: End of Life (EOL) due to introduction of SSR-8
Series Multi-GNSS OEM boards).
• Synergy SSR-M8T Multi-GNSS Receiver – Embeds the u-Blox SBAS enabled
LEA-M8T precision timing Module with UBX binary and NMEA messages plus
Motorola Binary emulation messages. Includes GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS
and Galileo. Operates simultaneously in GPS/GLONASS, GPS/BeiDou and other
combination GNSS modes.
8

© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
• Synergy SSR-M8F Multi-GNSS Receiver – Embeds the u-Blox LEA-M8F Timing
and Frequency Module with u-Blox binary and NMEA and emulated Motorola binary
messages. Includes GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and Galileo. Operates
simultaneously in GPS/GLONASS, GPS/BeiDou and other combination of GNSS
modes.
Note: The u-Blox GPS and Multi-GNSS based products listed above are optimized for
fixed position Precision timing applications but, with proper setting of “Dynamic Mode,”
they also provide superb performance in both high and low speed mobile timing and
navigation applications.
• Synergy SSR-M8U Multi-GNSS Tetherless Dead-Reckoning Receiver - Embeds the u-Blox
LEA-M8U Module with u-Blox binary and NMEA messages. Includes GPS,
GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and Galileo. u-Blox binary and NMEA messages only.
• Synergy SSR-M8P Multi-GNSS Precise Point Positioning Receiver – Embeds the u-Blox
LEA-M8P RTK Module with u-Blox binary and NMEA messages. Includes GPS,
GLONASS, BeiDou and QZSS. u-Blox binary and NMEA messages only.
Note: Synergy’s SSR Series GPS and Multi-GNSS OEM receivers are also available
with backward compatible 6, 8 and 12 channel Motorola binary emulation messages.
Email legacy requirements to [e-mail].
9

© Synergy Systems, LLC 2008 - 2019 All rights reserved.
SynPaQ® and Time Proven Products and Support® are registered trademarks of Synergy Systems, LLC
Web: http://www.synergy-gps.com - Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone] -Fax [phone]
Oncore was a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
SUPPORT
For installation suggestions and product support, contact Synergy’s technical support
team at the e-mail address or phone\fax numbers below.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Synergy Systems, LLC offers a limited warranty for SynPaQ/E products, and
associated Antenna and Interconnecting Cables, if any, against defects in material and
workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of one year from the
product’s original ship date. For full Synergy Systems Terms and Conditions statement,
visit: http://www.synergy-gps.com
Contact Synergy first for Tech-Support as required to aid in operation, or trouble
shooting problems prior to returning products.
After confirmation from Synergy that a return is needed, a Material Return Authorization
(MRA) number is assigned based on the customer’s completed MRA form available at
Synergy’s web site “Customer Support” section at: http://www.synergy-gps.com.
Products should be shipped to Synergy via prepaid freight. On receipt at Synergy, the
unit is diagnosed, refurbished or replaced and shipped back at no charge via pre-paid
freight. Ship to:
Attn: MRA number __________
Synergy Systems, LLC
9950 Scripps Lake Drive, Suite 106
San Diego, CA 92131 USA
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Non-Warranty repairs are quoted on request
Document 10001531 Rev. J10