uhu NORTHSTAR User manual
March 2022
NORTHSTAR
GPS Health Monitor
User’s Guide
1201 Executive Drive West
Richardson, TX 75081
972.905.0437
March 2022
Table of Contents
1Getting to know the Northstar..........................................1
1.1 Welcome ..............................................................................1
1.2 Package Contents................................................................2
1.3 Physical Descriptions...........................................................2
1.4 Northstar Specifications .......................................................5
1.5 GPS Antenna Specifications................................................5
1.6 Positioning the GPS Antenna...............................................6
2Getting Started................................................................7
2.1 Wiring Diagram.....................................................................7
2.2 Power ON/OFF Procedures .................................................7
2.3 Obtaining an IP Address ......................................................8
2.3.1 Your Network has DHCP..............................................................8
2.3.2 Your Network requires manual IP configuration...........................8
2.4 Connect to the Web GUI......................................................9
2.5 First Time Login..................................................................10
2.6 First Time Setup.................................................................11
2.6.1 Setting the Password..................................................................11
2.6.2 Ethernet Setup............................................................................11
2.6.3 Email Setup.................................................................................12
2.6.4 Alerts Setup ................................................................................12
2.6.5 Alerts Setup ................................................................................12
2.6.6 Calibration Settings.....................................................................12
2.6.7 External I/O Setup ......................................................................12
2.7 Self-Calibration...................................................................13
2.8 Dashboard..........................................................................15
2.8.1 Sky View.....................................................................................15
2.8.2 Map View....................................................................................17
2.8.3 Chart View ..................................................................................18
2.8.4 Spectral View..............................................................................19
2.8.5 Time Machine .............................................................................20
2.8.6 Power Bar...................................................................................23
2.9 Recorder ............................................................................24
2.9.1 Protected Recordings .................................................................24
2.9.2 Recording Interface - Manual .....................................................25
2.9.3 Recording Interface - Events......................................................28
2.9.4 Recording Interface - Time Machine ..........................................30
2.9.5 I/Q File Format............................................................................33
3Settings.........................................................................34
March 2022
3.1 Alerts Setup........................................................................35
3.2 Calibration Setup................................................................35
3.3 Email Setup........................................................................35
3.4 Ethernet Setup ...................................................................35
3.5 External I/O ........................................................................35
3.6 Recorder Setup..................................................................35
3.7 Set Password.....................................................................35
3.8 SNMP Setup.......................................................................36
3.9 UDP Streaming Setup........................................................38
3.10 About Device......................................................................39
3.11 Advanced Options..............................................................39
3.12 Calibration Status...............................................................39
3.13 Debug Info..........................................................................39
3.14 Display Options..................................................................39
3.15 Reboot System...................................................................39
3.16 Update Firmware................................................................39
4Ordering Information..................................................... 40
4.1 Northstar GPS Health Monitor............................................40
4.2 Accessories........................................................................40
5Appendices................................................................... 41
5.1 External JSON Definitions..................................................41
5.1.1 Other considerations...................................................................44
5.2 Federal Communications Commission Statement..............45
5.3 FCC Radiation Exposure Statement ..................................45
5.4 Warranty and Disclaimers ..................................................45
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1Getting to know the Northstar
1.1 Welcome
The Northstar GPS Health Monitor adds unparalleled situational awareness and threat detection
capabilities to any facility that depends on GPS for position or time.
GPS Antenna
(4-element)
RF Frontend
RF Frontend
RF Frontend
RF Frontend
GPS
Spoofing
& Jamming
Detection
Algorithm
GPS
Disciplined
Oscillator
(optional)
Spoofing
Transmitter
Jamming
Transmitter
Authentic Satellites
• Simultaneously detects spoofers and jammers
• Calculates angle of arrival (AOA) to each received threat
• Alerts sent to network using industry standard protocols
• Management provided via secure web based interface
• RF disconnect optionally available for third party GPS receivers
• GPS disciplined 10 MHz, 1 PPS, and IRIG-B outputs optionally available
- Automatic timing holdover if spoofing or jamming is detected
- Higher accuracy (ovenized quartz, atomic) oscillator options available
NORTHSTAR GPS Detection System
Internet
or
Intranet
COTS GPS
Receiver
10 MHz
1 PPS
Alerts / Management
IRIG-B
UHU NORTHSTAR
RF Disconnect
Third party
GPS Receiver
Chapter
1
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1.2 Package Contents
•Northstar (1U rackmount unit)
•4-element GPS Antenna
•Network Cable (RJ-45)
•AC Power Cable (IEC 60320 C13)
•User’s Guide (this document)
•Antenna mounting kit (optionally included)
•Four Coaxial RF Cables (optionally included)
1.3 Physical Descriptions
The included 4-element GPS Antenna (left) and the optionally included antenna mounting kit (right) are
shown below:
B
A
C
D
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The Northstar’s back panel is shown below:
3 51 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16
17
2
86
47
1
Power (AC-IN) port
Insert the bundled AC power cable into this port.
2
Power Fuse Drawer
Please contact support before servicing the fuse drawer.
CAUTION: DOUBLE POLE/NEUTRAL FUSING
REPLACEMENT FUSE: 250VAC 12.5A Time-Lag (SCHURTER 0034.3128)
3
Power switch
Toggle this switch to power on or off the system. CAUTION: If equipped with I/Q
Recorder, do not power-off without following proper shutdown sequence in section 2.2.
4
Reserved
Reserved for factory use.
5
Ethernet RJ-45 (LAN) port
Connect a network cable into this port to establish a LAN connection.
6-8
Reserved
Reserved for factory use.
9-12
RF Antenna ports
Connect the bundled 4-element GPS Antenna to these SMA ports using the optionally
included RF cables. Ports provide +3.3V to power active antenna elements.
13
PPS-A in / out port
This port can be configured to output or to accept a Pulse Per Seconds (PPS) signal for
timing applications.
14
PPS-B in / out port
This port can be configured to output or to accept a Pulse Per Seconds (PPS) signal for
timing applications.
15
10 MHz Output
This port outputs a 10 MHz A/C coupled square wave at 0 dBm for timing applications.
16
10 MHz Input
This port accepts a 10 MHz reference at up to +6 dBm for timing applications.
17
Auxiliary port
This is a multi-use port that can be configured for any one of the following functions: remote
RF disconnect, NMEA output messages from the Northstar’s internal GPS receiver, or
unmodulated IRIG-B over RS232 (future software update).
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The Northstar’s front panel is shown below:
34 6
2 1 5
1
Heartbeat LED
The Heartbeat LED blinks green when the Northstar is functioning normally.
2
Spoofer LED
The Spoofer LED illuminates red when a spoofer alarm is active, green when in clear state,
and off when in an unknown state.
3
Jammer LED
The Jammer LED illuminates red when a jammer alarm is active, green when in clear state,
and off when in an unknown state.
4
Hardware LED
The Hardware LED illuminates red when a hardware alarm is active, green when in clear
state, and off when in an unknown state.
5
LCD Display
The display aids in networking setup and displays critical alarms.
6
Keypad
The keypad aids in networking setup.
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1.4 Northstar Specifications
Temperature
Operating: -40°C to +65°C *
Storage: -40°C to +85°C
Humidity
5% to 95% RH non-condensing
Altitude
5000 m (16,404 ft)
Shock
15g/0.53oz, 11ms half sine wave
Vibration
10-55 Hz/0.07g, 55-500 Hz/1.0g
Input Voltage
100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Input Current
Max: 1.6A
Power Consumption
Typical: 30 W, Max: 48 W
Weight
7.8 lbs. (3.54 kg)
Dimensions
1U
19” W x 1.75” H x 10.1” D
Safety
UL 60950-1
EMC
FCC Part 15 Class A
ICES-003, Issue 6:2016 Class A
Battery
Internal battery is not serviceable and is not needed for normal
operation. CAUTION: Risk of Explosion if Battery is replaced by
an Incorrect Type. Dispose of Used Batteries According to the
Instructions.
* Operating temperature reduced with certain ordering options. Please see ordering information section 4.
1.5 GPS Antenna Specifications
Temperature
Operating: -40°C to +70°C
Storage: -40°C to +85°C
Environmental
IP67
Altitude
5000 m (16,404 ft)
Shock
Vertical axis: 50 G, other axes: 30 G
Vibration
3 axis, sweep = 15 min, 10 to 200 Hz sweep: 3 G
Weight
5.4 lbs. (2.45 kg)
Salt Spray
MIL-STD-810 Section 509.4
Dimensions
14” Plate Diameter x 17”H
Pipe Diameter: 1.9” (1.5” Schedule 40)
Number of elements
4
Safety
UL 60950-1
EMC
FCC Part 15 Class A
ICES-003, Issue 6:2016 Class A
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1.6 Positioning the GPS Antenna
For the best performance, ensure that you:
•Select a location for the GPS Antenna that gives the best view of the entire sky.
•Place the GPS Antenna above any nearby structures that will create reflections in the signal.
•Use a bubble level or similar leveling device to ensure the GPS antenna is level (within ± 1°).
•Ensure that the GPS Antenna is mounted firmly to the structure and properly grounded at service
entrance per NEC.
•Follow all local codes and regulations.
•Follow industry best practices (such as MIL-HDBK-419) regarding lightning and grounding
procedures (a UL approved in-line gas discharge tubes mounted on a low impedance ground at
the interior/exterior bulkhead must be installed to maintain UL approval of the Northstar).
•Antenna is intended for installation in a restricted access location.
•RF coax guidelines:
oThe Northstar is designed to work with LMR-240-FR coax cable; please check with UHU
before using other types of coax. All coax should be of the same type.
oThe maximum RF cable loss between the GPS Antenna and the Northstar must not
exceed 12 dB (approximately 100 ft of LMR-240-FR).
oEnsure that RF cables are length matched to within 2 ft. The difference between longest
and shortest cable cannot exceed 2 ft.
oIf coax other than LMR-240-FR is used, ensure they are UL approved and specified in the
NEC/CEC.
oEnsure that all external terminations are rated to IP67.
oMinimize the distance between the cable chase and the antenna.
oEnsure that all exposed coax is run inside conduit.
•RF connectors are IP67; however, it is still recommended to add weatherproofing
oUse Blue Loctite on RF connector threads
oTorque N-Type RF connectors to specification (12 in-lbs)
oWrap junction with self-annealing silicone tape
•Use a compass to align the GPS antenna with true north (within ± 5°). Please see the figure below
for proper antenna orientation:
B
A
C
D
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2Getting Started
The getting started section will walk you through basic configuration of the
Northstar and ensure that the system is properly connected to the GPS Antennas.
2.1 Wiring Diagram
The diagram below shows a typical wiring diagram for the Northstar. After all connections have been
made, plug your Northstar into a power outlet (a UL approved uninterrupted power supply, or UPS, with
a LPS is recommended) with properly connected earth ground (integrity of the earth ground must be
ensured for proper protection of the GPS antenna).
E1 E2
Antenna A
BC
D
RF Disconnect (optional)
2.2 Power ON/OFF Procedures
Power the Northstar on by simply flipping the power switch identified in section 1.3 to the “I” position.
Before powering the Northstar off using the power switch, it is recommended to follow the following
shutdown procedure. This is particularly important if the system is equipped with the I/Q recording
capability. Although every effort has been made to eliminate chances of data corruption in the event of a
sudden power loss, it can’t be guaranteed. Using the LCD Display, navigate to “Shutdown” and press the
center button. Confirm shutdown by pressing the center button again. Once the LCD display goes blank,
remove power by flipping the power switch to the “O” position.
Chapter
2
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2.3 Obtaining an IP Address
Before you can connect to the Web GUI, you must first obtain the IP address of the Northstar. Proceed
to section 2.3.1 if your network is DHCP equipped; proceed to section 2.3.2 if your network requires
manual IP configuration.
2.3.1 Your Network has DHCP
•Press any key on the Keypad and the LCD will display the main menu.
•Using the Keypad, navigate to the “Show Network” menu and press the center button.
•The LCD Display will now display the current IP address assigned to the Northstar.
2.3.2 Your Network requires manual IP configuration
•Press any key on the Keypad and the LCD will display the main menu.
•Using the Keypad, navigate to the “Edit Network” menu and press the center button.
•Select “Static” and press the center button on the Keypad.
•Manually enter the Host Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway Address.
•Navigate to the “Save Edits” menu and press the center button on the Keypad.
•The new IP Address assignment will take effect immediately.
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2.4 Connect to the Web GUI
Using a web browser (Google Chrome shown below), type the IP address you determined in Section 0
into the address location and press enter. For example, if the IP is 172.16.100.234:
The Northstar encrypts all communication using a self-signed SSL certificate. Most Web browsers will
complain that the certificate is invalid with a message similar to:
For the Chrome browser, first click ADVANCED, and then click PROCEED. The interface for other
Web browsers may differ.
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2.5 First Time Login
Default username: admin
Default password: password
Type in the default username and password and click “LOG IN.”
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2.6 First Time Setup
The first-time setup process walks you through configuring your Northstar.
The following configuration will be covered during first-time setup:
2.6.1 Setting the Password
This page allows you to change the default password for the “admin” account. The password must be 8 to
20 characters long, have at least one number, and have at least one capitalized letter.
2.6.2 Ethernet Setup
This page contains all configuration items related to Ethernet/LAN/WAN settings.
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2.6.3 Email Setup
This page allows you to configure your email server settings. Email configuration is important, because
GPS spoofing and jamming alerts will be sent using these settings.
2.6.4 Alerts Setup
This page allows you to configure where to send specific alerts and specify their severity level.
2.6.5 Alerts Setup
This page allows you to configure where to send specific alerts and specify their severity level.
2.6.6 Calibration Settings
If the GPS Antenna has been relocated or if the RF cable configuration has changed, Self-Calibration
needs to be restarted. Click the “Restart Cal” button to clear the calibration and restart the process.
If a non-standard antenna is being utilized or if the Northstar is being tested by a wavefront simulator,
select the appropriate antenna calibration using the drop-down menu and click “Save.”
If the Northstar is being used in constantly denied or challenging GPS environment, this interface allows
the user to intervene and manually provide calibration information (baseline power, antenna position,
antenna attitude, cable delay, system time, and almanac). This is an advanced feature and should not
normally be used. Please contact support before proceeding.
2.6.7 External I/O Setup
This page allows you to configure the Northstar’s external I/O, including PPS settings, 10 MHz options,
and the function of the Auxiliary port. See external I/O definitions in section 1.3.
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2.7 Self-Calibration
The Northstar automatically starts self-calibration after it is powered on for this first time. Self-Calibration
is performed in four steps:
•Basic calibration
•Retrieve initial almanac
•Attitude calibration
•Manifold calibration
Self-Calibration generally takes a few hours to complete. Before it is completed, the system cannot survey
the GPS environment and accurately report spoofers or jammers. During this time, the system will report
an “unknown” state. Once self-calibration has completed, if the GPS Antenna is moved, or the cables are
changed, self-calibration will need to be restarted. See Section 3.
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2.8 Dashboard
The dashboard allows you to view your GPS environment in real-time. There are four built-in views:
2.8.1 Sky View
The Sky View, under clear conditions, displays the visible GPS satellites using a sky view plot. Zero
degrees azimuth is north. Ninety degrees azimuth is east. Elevation is shown with three concentric
circles. Zero degrees elevation (the horizon) is the outermost circle. Ninety degrees elevation (straight up)
is the center of the plot.
The blue icons represent the actual GPS satellite position in the sky. The green icons represent the
measured (using UHU’s proprietary interferometric algorithms) GPS satellite positions in the sky.
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When the Northstar is in an alarm state, the sky view is updated accordingly:
If a jammer and/or spoofer is detected in the environment, each threat will be displayed on the sky view
plot and will reflect the threat’s direction with respect to the Northstar’s antenna.
Jammer:
Spoofer:
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2.8.2 Map View
Map View is only supported if you have an active connection to the Internet (Map View is disabled by default).
Map View displays the Northstar’s current position on a map and displays lines of bearing to any active spoofers
or jammers.
Table of contents
