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GPS Trainer

Unit DTR-6

Operating Manual

Hamelacha St. Afeq Industrial Park,


Rosh Ha'ayin 48091, ISRAEL
Ph: +972 3 900 2323
E-mail: info@degem.com
Web: http://www.degem.com
Unit DTR-6

GPS Trainer
Unit DTR - 6
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Experiments to be performed :
• Experiment 1 5
Understanding the principle of GPS Technology
• Experiment 2 12
Understanding the principle of GPS Satellite
Understanding the generation of L1 carrier frequency.
Understanding the operation of GPS Receiver.
Establishing the link between the GPS Satellite and GPS Trainer.
• Experiment 3 15
Understanding the shape of Earth.
Measurement of latitude, longitude.
• Experiment 4 17
Understanding the principle of PRN code in GPS.
Understanding the principal of autocorrelation in GPS.
• Experiment 5 20
Understanding the principle of Geometry of the Satellite.
Understanding the importance of PDOP, HDOP, and VDOP.
• Experiment 6 23
Understanding the principle of NMEA 0183 protocol.
Analysis of NMEA 0183 protocols
• Experiment 7 27
Study of other NMEA Sentence
• Experiment 8 46
To study the complete GPS Environment.
3. GPS Quiz 48
4. GPS Glossary 51
5. GPS Acronyms 62
6. Warranty
7. List of service centres
8. List of Accessories

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Introduction
Have you ever been lost and wished there was an easy way you needed to go?
Ever find that perfect fishing or hunting spot and not been able to remember how to
get back to it easily?
How about finding yourself out hiking and not knowing which direction you should
go to get back to your camp or car?
Ever been flying along and needed to locate the nearest airspace you were in?
Maybe you've been faced with the fact that it's time to pull over and ask someone for
directions.
Global Positioning System technology is rapidly changing how people find their way
around the earth. Whether it is for fun, saving lives, getting there faster, or whatever
uses you can dream up, GPS navigation is becoming more common everyday.

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Experiment 1
Objective :
Understanding the principle of GPS Technology
Theory :
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is and earth orbiting-satellite based navigation
system. GPS is an operational system, providing users worldwide with twenty-four
hour a day precise position in three dimensions and precise time traceable to global
time standards. GPS is operated by the United States Air Force under the direction of
the Department of Defense (DoD) and was designed for, and remains under the
control of, the United States military. While there are now many thousands of
commercial and recreational civil user’s worldwide, DoD control still impacts many
aspects of GPS planning, operation, and use. Primarily designed as a land, marine,
and aviation navigation system, GPS applications have expanded to include
surveying, space navigation, automatic vehicle monitoring, emergency services
dispatching, mapping, and geographic information system georeferencing. Because
the dissemination of precise time is an integral part of GPS, a large community of
precise time, time interval, and frequency standard users has come to depend on GPS
as a primary source of control traceable through the United States Naval Observatory
to global time and frequency standards.
History of GPS :
Developed in the 1960s, the Navy Transit satellite navigation system still provides
some service as a two-dimensional (horizontal) positioning system. Good (200 meter)
Transit positioning requires knowledge of the user altitude as well as a model of user
dynamics during the fix, a process of integrating satellite signal Doppler shifts (the
change in received signal frequency caused by the changing range) during the fly-over
of the satellite. Another Navy system, based on the Timation satellites carried stable
clocks (quartz, rubidium, and cesium) over the course of the program in the 1960s and
70s and was the precursor to the precise time capabilities of GPS (Easton 1978). GPS
began in 1973 as a test program using ground-based transmitters at the U. S. Army
Proving Ground at Yuma, Arizona, later augmented with early versions of GPS
satellites first launched in 1978. During the 1980s, GPS, although not yet fully
operational and requiring careful planning for missions during times of satellite
availability, was increasingly used by both military and civilian agencies. Land, air,
and sea navigation, precise positioning, carrier phase survey techniques, and precise
time and frequency dissemination were all accomplished to a limited extent during the
initial phases of GPS deployment (Klepczynski 1983). By 1989 ten development
satellites, termed Block I satellites, had been successfully launched. By 1990, 43
laboratories requiring precise time were using GPS to synchronize their atomic clocks
(Clements 1990). By 1994, 24 Block II and IIA operational GPS space vehicles
(SVs) had been launched. The Block IIA SVs can store up to 14 days of uploaded
data in case contact is lost with ground stations and can operate for 180 days with
degraded navigation receiver performance. The next generation of space vehicles, the
Block IIR SV s will incorporate changes to include the capability of maintaining

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precise time keeping without Control Segment uploads for periods of up to 210 days
by exchanging data between GPS SV s (Rawicz, Epstein, and Rajan 1992).
In December of 1993, GPS reached Initial Operational Capability, with a minimum of
24 satellites in orbit. On July 17, 1995 the Air Force announced that GPS had met all
requirements for Full Operational Capability with 24 Block II SVs in orbit. With over
50 companies supplying a selection of over 275 GPS receivers to a global market, the
well established user community of navigators, surveyors, geologists, geodesists, time
and frequency users, and many thousands of recreational user has come to accept GPS
as a viable military and civilian system.
Civil and Military GPS :
While controlled and maintained by the DoD, the GPS user community has a large
civil component. In the 1977 National Plan for Navigation, published by the U. S.
Department of Transportation (DoT), the NAVSTAR GPS user community was
planned to include 27,000 military receivers. While the potential for a civil-sector user
base was recognized, the document did not include plans for a civil GPS service
(U.S. DoT 19773-14; 3-15). A decade later the Federal Radio navigation Plan (FRP)
(U.S. DoD and DoT 1986) stated that GPS would be available to civil users,
worldwide, on a continuous basis but with accuracy limited to 100 meters (95
percent).
In these radio navigation documents position accuracy is usually specified as a two
standard deviation (95 percent) radial error or 2drms (2 distance root mean squared)
uncertainty estimate. For GPS the 95 percent probability and 2drms accuracy are
equivalent (DoD and DoT 1995, A-2). The 1985 Comprehensive Global Positioning
System User Policy defined both a military, encrypted, Precise Positioning Service
and a "lower level of accuracy" Standard Positioning Service (U.S. DoD and DoT
1986, B-32).
Standard Positioning Service :
The Standard Positioning Service (SPS) is defined in the most recent FRP as: the
standard specified level of positioning and timing accuracy that is available, without
restrictions, to any user on a continuous worldwide basis. The accuracy of this service
will be established by the DOD and DOT based on U. S. security interests. SPS
provides a predictable positioning accuracy of 100 meters (95 percent) horizontally
and 156 meters (95 percent) vertically and time transfer accuracy to UTC within 340
nanoseconds (95 percent).
Precise Positioning Service :
The FRP defines the Precise Positioning Service (PPS) as: the most accurate direct
positioning, velocity, and timing information continuously available, worldwide, from
the basic GPS. This service is limited to users specifically authorized by the U.S.
P(Y)-code capable military user equipment provides a predictable positioning
accuracy of at least 22 meters (95 percent) horizontally and 27.7 meters (95 percent)
vertically and time transfer accuracy to UTC within 200 nanoseconds (95 percent)
(DoD and DoT 1995, A-36). By the time the 1992 FRP was published, the projected

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1995 estimate of 53,000 civil users of GPS exceeded the projected number of military
users estimated at 19,000 (U.S. DoD and DoT 1993, 3-41). Civil users now constitute
the majority of GPS users. The 1994 FRP estimates the current total number of GPS
users at over 500,000 in the United States alone (U. S. DoD and DoT 1995, 3-7).
GPS Segments :
The Global positioning System (GPS) comprises three segments :
The space segment (all function satellites)
The Control segment (all ground station involved in the monitoring of the system:
master control station, monitoring stations & ground control)
The user segment (all civil and military GPS users)

Fig.1
Space Segment :
The Space Segment is designed to consist of 24 satellites orbiting the earth at
approximately 20200Km every 12 hours. At time of writing there are 26 operational
satellites orbiting the earth. The space segment is so designed that there will be a
minimum of 2 to 3 satellite visible above a 15deg cut off angle at any point of the
earth's surface at anyone time. Each GPS satellite has several very accurate atomic
clocks on board. The clocks operate at a fundamental frequency of 10.23MHz. This is
used to generate the signals that are broadcast from the satellite.

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Fig.2

Position of the 28 GPS satellites at 12.00 hrs UTC on 14th April 2001
Fig.3
Control Segment :
The Control Segment consists of one master control station, 5 monitor stations and 4
ground antennas distributed among 5 locations roughly on the earth equator. The
Control Segment tracks the GPS satellites, updates their orbiting position and
calibrates and synchronizes their clocks.
A further important function is to determine the orbit of each satellite and predict its
path for the following 24 hours. This information is uploaded to each satellite and
subsequently broadcast from it. This enables the GPS receiver to know where each
satellite can be expected to be found. The satellite signals are read at Ascension,
Diego, Garcia & Kwajalein. The measurements are then sent to the master control
station in Colorado Springs where they are processed to determine any errors in each

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satellite. The information is then sent back to the four monitoring stations equipped
with ground antennas and uploaded to the satellites.

Fig.4
User Segment :
The User Segment comprises of anyone using a GPS receiver to receive the GPS
signal and determine their position and / or time. Typical applications within the user
segment are land navigation for hikers, vehicle location, surveying, marine,
navigation, aerial navigation, machine control etc.

Fig.5

Fig.6 a

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Fig.6 b
Information Transmitted by the satellites?
The following is the key information transmitted by the satellites constellation on
either a continuous or periodical basis.
1. Satellite Health
2. Ephemeredes
3. Constellation Almanac
4. Time
5. Ranging Signals
6. Atmospheric Correctional Data
The Ephemeredes describe the detailed orbital characteristics of the satellite from
which it is transmitted. Simply this is the satellite's mechanism for describing where it
is.
The satellites Almanac describe the course orbital data for all satellites in the
constellation. Simply this data describes where all the satellites are, roughly, allowing
the receiver to know where to look, roughly, for a satellite.
This data is broadcast to the User Segment so that it can be stored and employed for
initial satellite acquisition and for visibility prediction.
Satellites are identified by :
1. Space Vehicle Number (SVN), and
2. Pseudo Random Noise number (PRN)
The Space Vehic1e number indicates the chronological order in which the satellites
were launched. Most GPS Receivers employ the PRN to identify which satellite they
are observing.
How does it Work?
Some Principles to Acknowledge
There are 24 operational satellites
They orbit the earth approximately every 12 hours
They are positioned in six (6) orbital planes
Therefore there will usually be something in the order of 6 to 8 satellites visible above
the horizon at any point in the world and at any time of the day.

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1. Each satellite emits information relating to its position, relative to the earth and
timing information. This timing information is derived from extremely accurate
atomic clocks (cesium or rubidium) that are synchronized to all other satellite
clocks and to the ground control stations.
2. GPS Receivers are equipped with quartz clocks that are synchronized to GPS
time via the data transmitted from the constellation.
3. Timing is the basis of location computation.
4. The satellite radiates coded signals that are received by the user’s GPS receiver.
5. The computation in it simplest form is triangulation. Space Based Triangulation.
Producing Locations :
The determination of position is a simple as the following :
1. A signal is transmitted from a satellite containing the Time of Departure of the
signal.
2. The signal is received by the GPS Receiver and the Time of Arrival is
registered.
3. We know that Radio waves (the signal) travel at the Speed of Light.
4. We know where the satellite is from the information radiated from the satellite.
Therefore, we can determine the distance from our receiver to a particular satellite.
This allows the construction of a hemisphere, whose centre is the satellite and whose
radius is the calculated distance from a particular satellite to our receiver.
When this process is repeated for another satellite that is in view, then the two
hemispheres with cut through each other. Repeating this process again with a third
satellite and the intersection of the three hemispheres will form a point, which is
where your receiver is located.
This all seems a bit top heavy, but remember that the satellites are constantly
transmitting information and the receiver is usually capable of producing a location
result up to 10 times every second.
The accepted rule for most receivers is that the receiver must continuously track a
minimum of four (4) satellites to produce a location that contains a latitude, longitude
and altitude.
Of course most receivers available today will track many more satellites than four (4).
This is important, as mentioned previously, the constellation operates on 12 hour
orbits, therefore the constellation that is visible (being used by the receiver) is always
changing, and hence the receiver needs to be looking for new satellites as the current
in use satellites begin to disappear from view.
Conclusion :

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Experiment 2
Objectives :
1. Understanding the principle of GPS Satellite.
2. Understanding the generation of L1 carrier frequency.
3. Understanding the operation of GPS Receiver.
4. Establishing the link between the GPS Satellite and GPS Trainer.
Theory :
GPS Satellite Block diagram :
On board the Satellite have four atomic clocks. The following time pulses and
frequencies required for day-to-day operation are derived from the resonant frequency
of one of the atomic clocks shown in Fig.:
1. The 50Hz data pulse.
2. The C/A code pulse (Coarse/Acquisition code, PRN-Code, coarse reception
code at a frequency of 1023 MHz), which modulates the data using an exclusive
or operation (this spreads the data over a 1 MHz bandwidth).
3. The frequency of the civil L1 carrier (1575.42MHz)
The data modulated by the C/A code modulates the L1 carrier in turn by using
Bi-Phase-Shift-Keying (BPSK). With every change in the modulated data there is a
180 deg change in the L1 carrier phase.

Fig.7

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Fig.8
Receiver Block diagram :

Fig.9
This is the simplest technique employed by GPS receivers to instantaneously give a
position and height and / or accurate time to a user. The accuracy obtained is a better
than 100m (usually around the 30-50m mark) for civilian users and 5-15m for military
users.
Procedure of the Experiment :
Procedure :
Following steps has to be perform while doing the experiments.
Step 1 : Please go through the manual before performing any practical.
Step 2 : Install the software from the CD i.e. Run Setup.exe.
Step 3 : Connect mains cord to the trainer UNIT DTR-6. Don’t switch on the system
now.
Step 4 : Connect serial cable to the port which is available on the trainer connect
another end of the cable to PC serial port (COM 1, COM 2, COM3 etc.).

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Step 5 : Connect the patch, antenna to SMA (subminiature) connector of the UNIT
DTR-6 trainer.
Step 6 : Place the antenna in the open space
Step 7 : Switch on the trainer UNIT DTR-6.
Step 8 : Precaution, don't touch the antenna during the on condition.
Step 9 : Open software. Select COM Port on which you have connected trainer, select
the Comport from combo box >> Click ‘Open Port’. As soon as you click; software
will start displaying ‘Please Wait’ until it receives some signal. ‘Locate’ Button is
given to locate position of the antenna, it requires internet connection on your system.
As it is using ‘Google Earth Server’ for images.

Fig.10
Step 10 : Here in the above software window we have not mention any reading,
actually this experiment is only to study the GPS SV, L1 and GPS receiver. But in
your case you will get some readings but don't take at present just see. In the next
experiments you have to analysis all this reading.
Conclusion :

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Experiment 3
Objective :
1. Understanding the shape of Earth.
2. Measurement of latitude, longitude.
Theory :
Earth Shape :
A significant problem when using the GPS system is that there are very many co-
ordinate systems worldwide. As a result, the position measured an calculated by the
GPS system does not always coincide with one's supposed position.
In order to understand how the GPS system functions, it is necessary to take a look at
the basics of the science that deals with the surveying and mapping of the Earth
surface, geodesy. Without this basic knowledge, it is difficult to understand why with
a good portable GPS receiver the right combination has to be selected from more than
100 different map reference systems. If an incorrect choice is made, a position can be
out by several hundred meters.
Different Earth Shapes like :
1. Geoids
2. Spheroid
3. Worldwide reference ellipsoid WGS-84
Format of latitudes and longitudes :
Where a numeric latitude or longitude is given, the two digits immediately to the left
of the decimal point are whole minutes, to the right are decimals of minutes, and the
remaining digits to the left of the whole minutes are whole degrees.
Eg. 4533.35 is 45 degrees and 33.35 minutes. ".35" of a minute is exactly 21 seconds.
Eg. 16708.033 is 167 degrees and 8.033 minutes. “.033” of a minute is about 2
seconds.
Procedure :
Following steps has to be perform while doing the experiments.
Step 1 : Please go through the manual before performing any practical.
Step 2 : Install the software from the CD ie. Open WinZip from the CD and run the
setup file. If you don't have WinZip then please install WinZip from the CD itself.
Step 3 : Connect mains cord to the trainer UNIT DTR-6. Don't switch on the system
now.
Step 4 : Connect serial cable to the port which is available on the trainer. Connect
another end of the cable to PC serial port (COM1, COM2, COM3 etc.).
Step 5 : Connect the patch antenna to SMA (subminiature) connector of the UNIT
DTR-6 trainer.

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Step 6 : Place the antenna in the open space ie. Place the antenna outside the window.
Step 7 : Switch on the trainer UNIT DTR-6.
Step 8 : Precaution, don't touch the
Step 9 : Open software. Select COM Port on which you have connected trainer, select
the Comport from combo box >> Click ‘Open Port’. As soon as you click; software
will start displaying ‘Please Wait’ until it receives some signal. ‘Locate’ Button is
given to locate position of the antenna, it requires internet connection on your system,
as it is using ‘Google Earth Server’ for images.
Step 10 : Take at least four reading by placing the antenna at four different locations.
But switch off the power during placing the antenna on different location.
Sample observation taken during testing :
Latitude Longitude City State Country

Observation :
Latitude Longitude City State Country

Result & Conclusion :

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Experiment 4
Objective :
1. Understanding the principle of PRN code in GPS.
2. Understanding the principal of autocorrelation in GPS.
Theory :
PRN codes :
This section describes the principle of the PRN code that is used and its use for GPS.
PRN stands for Pseudo Random Noise. In normal language it means consists of a long
series of bits (0’s and 1’s). At first sight there doesn’t seem to be a regular pattern in
the bits. But there is! The codes-patterns used for GPS repeat themselves after the
1023rd bit. These codes can be easily made with very few digital elements. For the
1023 bit pattern 10 shifting registers and some digital adders are needed. In general
with n shifting registers a series of 2n -1 bits can be generated. For n = 10 this will
become 1024 (= 210) - 1 = 1023 bits. The codes are generated with a speed of 1.023
MHz (or 1023000 bits per second). An example with four shifting elements is given
in the picture below.
The GPS satellites broadcast the PRN codes mixed (see picture below) with the other
GPS information, like orbital (also called ephemeris) and clock-parameters, but also
parameters concerning the other satellites. By mixing the PRN-code with the 50 Hz
data the total signal is spread out over a broad part of the spectrum. This technique is
called spread spectrum. This section won't go very deep in this complex matter, but
the result is that the signal power is very low, even beneath the noise floor. In other
words: it has become very hard to distinguish the signal from noise (that is always
present on signals).

Fig.11

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Fig.12
When the GPS signals are received by the user of GPS, the PRN-code and GPS data
have to be separated. This is done by again mixing the received signal with a locally
generated PRN-code. This must be the same PRN-code which has been generated in
the satellite. It is important that equal parts of the code are mixed with each other.
Therefore the code generated in the receiver must be shifted in time until the two
codes are exactly synchronous. In this special case when the receiver ‘locks’ (also
referred as full correlation) the two codes can block .each other out and the GPS-data
remains and can be further processed. This method is called dispreading.

Fig.13
Every satellite has its own unique PRN-code so that the GPS receiver can distinguish
the signals from various satellites. GPS receiver is able to generate 32 PRN-codes.
Until now so many satellites have not been launched.
When the GPS receiver has to start up it doesn't know which GPS signal is from
which satellite. Therefore it tries to lock with the 32 known PRN-codes one by one. If
one code locks then the information of one satellite can be decoded. This information
also contains data about other satellites and the rest can soon be received too.
The main reason for using PRN codes in the GPS system is that the PRN code
enlarges the unambiguous measurement range. One must keep in mind that after 1023

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bits the code is repeated. It is case that GPS-receiver is aware it is ‘looking’ at the
right code and not at its predecessor or successor. Looking at the wrong code gives a
navigation error of 300 km (corresponding to the code length of 1 millisecond).
Autocorrelation :
The ideal GPS receiver would have an infinitely wide receiver BW which would
allow the receiver to capture 100% of the GPS spread spectrum signal. The
normalized autocorrelation function for an infinitely wide BW is generally illustrated
as shown in Fig. below.

Theoretical Normalized Auto-correlation Function


Fig.14
The auto-correlation peak is maintained by continually adjusting the locally generated
code for peak correlator output. The unlimited BW provides a sharp correlation peak
and steep early/later slope which facilitates accurate error correction for the code-
lock-loop (also called Delay Lock Loop).
In reality, a GPS receiver would need a brick wall band pass filter with a BW of at
least ten times the code C/A code chipping rate to be capable of capturing> 99% of
the GPS spread spectrum signal. For most GPS receiver this is generally not practical
to achieve.
Conclusion :

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Experiment 5
Objective :
1. Understanding the principle of Geometry of the Satellite.
2. Understanding the importance of PDOP, HDOP, and VDOP.
Theory :
DOP (Dilution of Precision) :
The accuracy with which a position can be determined using GPS in navigation mode
depends, on the one hand, on the accuracy of the individual pseudo-range
measurements and on the other, on the geometrical configuration of the satellites
used. This is expressed in a quality, which in navigation literature is termed DOP
(Dilution of Precision).
There are several DOP designations in current use :
GDOP : Geometrical DOP (position in 3-D space, incl. time deviation in the
solution).
PDOP : Position DOP (position in 3-D).
HDOP : Horizontal DOP (position on a plane).
VDOP : Vertical DOP (height only).
The accuracy of any measurement is proportionately dependent on the DOP value.
This means that if the DOP value doubles the error in determining a position increases
by a factor of two.

Fig.15
Satellite Geometry and PDOP :
PDOP can be interpreted as a reciprocal value of the volume of a tetrahedron, formed
by the positions of the satellites and user, as shown in Fig. The best geometrical
situation occurs when the volume is at a maximum and PDOP at minimum.
PDOP played an important part in the planning of measurement projects during the
early year of GPS, as the limited deployment of satellites frequently produced phases
when satellite constellations were geometrically very unfavorable. Satellite
deployment today is so good that PDOP and GDOP values rarely exceed 3.

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It is therefore unnecessary to plan measurements based on PDOP values, or to


evaluate the degree of accuracy attainable as a result, particularly as different PDOP
values can arise over the course of a few minutes. In the case of kinematic
applications and rapid recording processes, unfavorable geometrical situation that are
short lived in nature can occur in isolated case.
The relevant PDOP values should therefore be included as evaluation criteria when
assessing critical results. PDOP values can be shown with all planning and evaluation
programmes supplied by us in Fig. below.

HDOP = 1, 2 DOP = 1, 3 PDOP = 1, 8 HDOP = 2, 2 DOP = 6, 4 PDOP = 6, 8


Fig.16
Procedure :
Following steps has to be perform while doing the experiments.
Step 1 : Please go through the manual before performing any practical.
Step 2 : Install the software from the CD i.e. Open WinZip from the CD and run the
setup file. If you don't have WinZip then please install WinZip from the CD itself.
Step 3 : Connect mains cord to the trainer UNIT DTR-6. Don't switch on the system
now.
Step 4 : Connect serial cable to the port which is available on the trainer connect
another end of the cable to PC serial port (COM1, COM2, COM3 etc.).
Step 5 : Connect the patch antenna to SMA (subminiature) connector of the UNIT
DTR-6 trainer.
Step 6 : Place the antenna in the open space i.e. Place the antenna outside the
window.
Step 7 : Switch on the trainer UNIT DTR-6
Step 8 : Precaution, don’t touch the antenna during the on condition.
Step 9 : Open software. Select COM Port on which you have connected trainer, select
the Comport from combo box >> Click ‘Open Port’. As soon as you click; software
will start displaying ‘Please Wait’ until it receives some signal. ‘Locate’ Button is

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given to locate position of the antenna, it requires internet connection on your system,
as it is using ‘Google Earth Server’ for images.
Step 10 : Take at least four reading by placing the antenna at four different locations.
But switch off the power during placing the antenna on different location.

Fig.17
Sample observation taken during testing :
PDOP HDOP VDOP

Observation :
PDOP HDOP VDOP

Result & Conclusion :

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Experiment 6
Objective :
1. Understanding the principle of NMEA 0183 protocol
2. Analysis of NMEA 0183 protocols
Theory :
Common NMEA Sentence :
NMEA stands for National Marine Electronic Association. NMEA is a standard
protocol; use By GPS receivers to transmit data. NMEA output is EIA-422A but for
most purposes you can consider it RS-232 compatible. Use 4800 bps, 8 bits, no parity
and one stop bit (8N1). NMEA 0183 sentences are all ASCII. Each sentence begins
with a dollarsign ($) and ends with a carriage return linefeed (<CR><LF>). Data is
comma delimited. All commas must be included as they act as markers. Some GPS do
not send some of the fields. A checksum is optionally added (in a few cases it is
minatory). Following the $ is the address field aaccc. aa is the device id. GP is used to
identify GPS data. Transmission of the device ID is usually optional ccc is the
sentence formatter, otherwise known as the sentence name.
RMC
$GPRMC, hhmmss.ss,A,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,x.x,x.x,ddmmyy,x.x,a*hh
RMC = Recommended Minimum Specific GPS/TRANSIT Data
1 = UTC of position fix
2 = Data status (V = navigation receiver warning)
3 = Latitude of fix
4 = N or S
5 = Longitude of fix
6 = E or W
7 = Speed over ground in knots
8 = Track made good in degrees True
9 = UT date
10 = Magnetic variation degrees (Easterly var, subtracts from true course)
11 = E or W
12 = Checksum
GGA
$GPGGA,hhmmss.ss,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,x,xx,x.x,x.x,M,x.x,M,x.x,xxxx*hh
GGA = Global Positioning System Fix Data

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1 = UTC of Position
2 = Latitude
3 = N or S
4 = Longitude
5 = E or W
6 = GPS quality indicator (0 = invalid; 1 = GPS fix; 2 = Diff. GPS fix)
7 = Number of satellites in use [not those in view]
8 = Horizontal dilution of position
9 = Antenna altitude above/below mean sea level (geoid)
10 = Meters (Antenna height unit)
11 = Geoidal separation (Diff. between WGS-84 earth ellipsoid and mean sea level. =
geoid is below WGS-84 ellipsoid)
12 = Meters (Units of geoidal separation)
13 = Age in seconds since last update from diff. reference station
14 = Diff. reference station ID#
15 = Checksum
VTG
$GPVTG, t,T,,, s.ss, N, s.ss, K*hh
VTG = Actual track made good and speed over ground
1 = Track made good
2 = Fixed text 'T' indicates that track made good is relative to true north
3 = not used
4 = not used
5 = Speed over ground in knots
6 = Fixed text 'N' indicates that speed over ground in knots
7 = Speed over ground in kilometers/hour
8 = Fixed text 'K' indicates that speed over ground is in kilometers/hour
9 = Checksum
GSA
$GPGSA,A,3,19,28,14,18,27,22,31,39,,,,,,1.7,1.0,1.3 *35
GSA = GPS receiver operating mode, SVs used for navigation, and DOP values.
1 = Mode :

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Unit DTR-6

M = Manual, forced to operate in 2D or 3D


A = Automatic, 3D/2D
2 = Mode :
1 = Fix not available
2 = 2D
3 = 3D
3-14 = IDs of SVs used in position fix (null for unused fields)
15 = PDOP
16 = HDOP
17 = VDOP
GSV
$GPGSV,4,1,13,02,02,213,,03,3,000,,11,00,121,,14,13,172,05*67
GSV = Number of SVs in view, PRN numbers, elevation, azimuth & SNR values.
1 = Total number of messages of this type in this cycle
2 = Message number
3 = Total number of SV s in view
4 = SV PRN number
5 = Elevation in degrees, 90 maximum
6 = Azimuth, degrees from true north, 000 to 359
7 = SNR, 00-99 dB (null when not tracking)
8-11 = Information about second SV, same as field 4-7
12-15= Information about third SV, same as field 4-7
16-19= Information about fourth SV, same as field 4-7
Procedure :
Following steps has to be perform while doing the experiments.
Step 1 : Please go through the manual before performing any practical.
Step 2 : Install the software from the CD ie. Open WinZip from the CD and run the
setup file. If you don't have WinZip then please install WinZip from the CD itself.
Step 3 : Connect mains cord to the trainer UNIT DTR-6. Don't switch on the system
now.
Step 4 : Connect serial cable to the port which is available on the trainer. Connect
another end of the cable to PC serial port (COM1, COM2, COM3 etc.).

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Unit DTR-6

Step 5 : Connect the patch antenna to SMA (subminiature) connector of the UNIT
DTR-6 trainer.
Step 6 : Place the antenna in the open space ie. Place the antenna outside the window.
Step 7 : Switch on the trainer UNIT DTR-6.
Step 8 : Precaution, don't touch the antenna during the on condition.
Step 9 : Open software. Select COM Port on which you have connected trainer, select
the Comport from combo box >> Click ‘Open Port’. As soon as you click; software
will start displaying ‘Please Wait’ until it receives some signal. ‘Locate’ Button is
given to locate position of the antenna, it requires internet connection on your system,
as it is using ‘Google Earth Server’ for images.
Sample Observation taken during testing :

Fig.18
Note :
This is the sample observation, in your case you have a map received data reading
with the above theory, it’s very interesting.
Observation :
$GPVTG
$GPGGA
$GPGLL
$GPGSA
$GPGSV
$GPRMC
$GPVTG
Result & Conclusion :

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Unit DTR-6

Experiment 7
Objective :
Study of other NMEA Sentence
Theory :
GPS - NMEA sentence information
All $GPxxx sentence codes and short descriptions.
$GPAAM - Waypoint Arrival Alarm
$GPALM – GPS Almanac Data
$GPAPA – Autopilot format “A”
$GPAPB – Autopilot format “B”
$GPASD – Autopilot System Data
$GPBEC - Bearing Distance to Waypoint, Dead Reckoning
$GPBOD - Bearing, Origin to Destination
$GPBWC - Bearing & Distance to Waypoint, Great Circle
$GPBWR - Bearing & Distance to Waypoint, Rhumb Line
$GPBWW - Bearing, Waypoint to Waypoint
$GPDBT - Depth Below Transduce
$GPDCN - Decca Position
$GPDPT - Depth
$GPFSI - Frequency Set Information
$GPGGA - Global Positioning System Fix Data
$GPGLC - Geographic Position, Loran-C
$GPGLL - Geographic Position, Latitude/Longitude
$GPGRS - GPS Range Residuals
$GPGSA - GPS DOP and Active Satellites
$GPGST - GPS Pseudorange Noise Statistics
$GPGSV - GPS Satellites in View
$GPGXA - TRANSIT Position
$GPHDG - Heading, Deviation & Variation
$GPHDT - Heading, True
$GPHSC - Heading Steering Command

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Unit DTR-6

$GPLCD - Loran-C Signal Data


$GPMSK - Control for a Beacon Receiver
$GPMSS - Beacon Receiver Status
$GPMTA - Air Temperature (to be phased out)
$GPMTW – Water Temperature
$GPMWD Wind Direction
$GPMWV – Wind Speed and Angle
$GPOLN – Omega Lane Numbers
$GPOSD - Own Ship Data
$GPR00 - Waypoint active route (not standard)
$GPRMA - Recommended Minimum Specific Loran-C Data
$GPRMB - Recommended Minimum Navigation Information
$GPRMC - Recommended Minimum Specific GPS/TRANSIT Da
$GPROT - Rate of Turn
$GPRPM - Revolutions
$GPRSA - Rudder Sensor Angle
$GPRSD - RADAR System Data
$GPRTE - Routes
$GPSFI - Scanning Frequency Information
$GPSTN - Multiple Data I
$GPTRF - Transit Fix Data
$GPTTM - Tracked Target Message
$GPVBW - Dual Ground/Water Speed
$GPVDR - Set and Drift
$GPVHW - Water Speed and Heading
$GPVLW - Distance Traveled through the water
$GPVPW- Speed, Measured Parallel to Wind
$GPVTG - Track Made Good and Ground Speed
$GPWCW - Waypoint Closure Velocity
$GPWNC - Distance, Waypoint to Waypoint
$GPWPL - Waypoint Location
$GPXDR - Transducer Measurement

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Unit DTR-6

$GPXTE - Cross-Track Error, Measured


$GPXTR - Cross-Track Error, Dead Reckoning
$GPZDA - UTC Date / Time and Local Time Zone Offset
$GPZFO - UTC & Time from Origin Waypoint
$GPZTG - UTC & Time to Destination Waypoint
26 interpreted sentences transmitted by GPS unit :
$GPAAM - Waypoint Arrival Alarm
$GPALM - GPS Almanac Data (Can also be received by GPS unit)
$GPAPB - Autopilot format "B"
$GPBOD - Bearing, origin to destination
$GPBWC - Bearing and distance to waypoint, great circle
$GPGGA - Global Positioning System Fix Data
$GPGLL - Geographic position, latitude /longitude
$GPGRS - GPS Range Residuals
$GPGSA - GPS DOP and active satellites
$GPGST - GPS Pseudorange Noise Statistics
$GPGSV - GPS Satellites in view
$GPHDT - Heading, True
$GPMSK - Control for a Beacon Receiver
$GPMSS - Beacon Receiver Status
$GPR00 - List of waypoints in currently active route
$GPRMA - Recommended minimum specific Loarn-C data
$GPRMA - Recommended minimum navigation info
$GPRMC - Recommended minimum specific GPS/Transit data
$GPRTE - Routes
$GPTRF - Transit Fix Data
$GPSTN - Multiple Data ID
$GPVBW - Dual Ground / Water Speed
$GPVTG - Track made good and ground speed
$GPWPL - Waypoint location
$GPXTE - Cross-track error, measured
$GPZDA - UTC Date / Time and Local Time Zone Offset

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Unit DTR-6

$GPAAM :
Waypoint Arrival Alarm
This sentence is generated by some units to indicate the Status of arrival (entering the
arrival circle, or passing the perpendicular of the course line) at the destination
waypoint.
$GPAAM, A, A, 0.10, N, WPTNME*43
Where:
AAM Arrival Alarm
A Arrival circle entered
A Perpendicular passed
0.10 Circle radius
N Nautical miles
WPTNME Waypoint name
*43 Checksum data
$GPALM :
GPS Almanac Data
A set of sentences transmitted by some Garmin units in response to a received
$PGRMO, GPALM, 1 sentence. It can also be received by some GPS units (eg.
Garmin GPS 16 and GPS 17) to initialize the stored almanac information in the unit.
Example 1: $GPALM,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,*CC
1 = Total number of sentences in set
2 = Sentence sequence number in set
3 = Satellite number
4 = GPS week number
5 = Bits 17 to 24 of almanac page indicating SV health
6 = Eccentricity
7 = Reference time of almanac
8 = Inclination angle
9 = Right ascension rate
10 = Semi major axis route
11 = Argument of perigee (omega)
12 = Ascension node longitude

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Unit DTR-6

13 = Mean anomaly
14 = af0 clock parameter
15 = af1 clock parameter
Example :
$GPALM,1,1,15,1159,00,441d,4e,16be,fd5e,a10c9f,4a2da4,686e81,58cbe1,0a4,001
*5B
Field Example Comments
Sentence ID $GPALM
Number of messages 1 Total number of message in sequence
Sequence number 1 This is first message in sequence
Satellite PRN 15 Unique ID (PRN) of satellite message
relates to
GPS week number 1159
SV health 00 Bits 17-24 of almanac page
Eccentricity 441d
Reference time 4e Almanac reference time
Inclination angle 16be
Rate of right ascension Fd5e
Roor of semi-major axis a10c9f
Argument of perigee 4a2da4
Longitude of ascension 686e81
node
Mean anomaly 58 cbe 1
F0 clock parameter
F1 clock parameter
Checksum *5B
$GPAPB :
Autopilot format "B"
This sentence is sent by some GPS receivers to allow them to be used to control an
autopilot unit. This sentence is commonly used by autopilots and contains navigation
receiver warning flag status, cross-track-error, waypoint arrival status, initial bearing
from origin waypoint to the destination, continuous bearing from present position to
destination and recommended heading-to-steer to destination waypoint for the active
navigation leg of the Journey.
Note : Some autopilots, Robertson in particular, misinterpret "bearing from origin to
destination" as "bearing from present position to destination". This is likely due to the
difference between the APB sentence and the APA sentence, for the APA sentence

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Unit DTR-6

this would be the correct thing to do for the data in the same field. AP A only differs
from APB in this one field and APA leaves off the last two fields where this
distinction is clearly spelled out. This will result in poor performance if the boat is
sufficiently off-course that the two bearings are different.
$GPAPB, A, A, 0.10, R, N, V, V, 011, M, DEST, 011, M, 011, M*82
where :
APB Autopilot format B
A Loran-C blink/SNR warning, general
warning
A Loran-C cycle warning
0.10 cross-track error distance
R steer Right to correct (or L for Left)
N cross-track error units - nautical
Miles (K for kilometers)
V arrival alarm - circle
V arrival alarm - perpendicular
011, M magnetic bearing, origin to destination
DEST destination waypoint ID
011, M magnetic bearing, present position to destination
011, M magnetic heading to steer (bearings could True as 033, T)
$GPBOD :
Bearing Origin to Destination
Eg. BOD, 045. T, 023. M, DEST, START
045., T bearing 045 degrees True from "START" to "DEST"
023., M beraing 023 degrees Magnetic from “START” to “DEST”
"DEST" destination waypoint ID
START origin waypoint ID
Example 1: $GPBOD, 099.3, T, 105.6, M, POINTB,*01
Waypoint ID: "POINTB" Bearing 99.3 True, 105.6 Magnetic. This sentence is
transmitted in the GOTO mode, without an active route on your GPS.
WARNING : this is the bearing from the moment you press enter in the GOTO page
to the destination waypoint and is NOT updated dynamically! To update the
information, (current bearing to waypoint), you will have to press enter in the GOTO
page again.
Example 2 : $GPBOD,097.0,T,103.2,M,POINTB,POINTA*52

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Unit DTR-6

This sentence is transmitted when a route is active. It contains the active leg
information: origin waypoint "POINTA" and destination waypoint "POINTB",
bearing between the two points 97.0 True, 103.2 Magnetic. It does NOT display the
bearing from current location to destination waypoint! WARNING Again this
information does not change until you are on the next leg of the route. (The bearing
from POINTA to POINTB does not change during the time you are on this leg.)
$GPBWC :
Bearing and distance to waypoint, great circle
Eg 1. $GPBWC, 081837,,,,,, T,,M,,N,*13
BWC, 225444,4917.24,N,12309.57,W, 051.9,T,031.6,M,001.3,N,004*29
225444 UTC time of fix 22:54:44
4917.24, N Latitude of waypoint
12309.57, W Longitude of way point
051.9, T Bearing to waypoint, degrees true
031.6, M Bearing to waypoint, degrees magnetic
001.3, N Distance to waypoint, Nautical miles
004 Way point ID
Eg 2. $GPBWC, 220516,5130.02, N,00046.34,W,213.8,T,218.0,M,0004.6,N,EGL
M*11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1. 220516 timestamp
2. 5130.02 Latitude of next waypoint
3. N North/South
4. 00046.34 Longitude of next waypoint
5. W East/West
6. 213.0 True track to waypoint
7. T True Track
8. 218.0 Magnetic track to waypoint
9. M Magnetic.
10. 0004.6 range to waypoint
11. N unit of range to waypoint, N = Nautical miles
12. EGLM Waypoint name
13. 11 checksum
$GPGGA :

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Unit DTR-6

Global Positioning System Fix Data


Eg l., $GPGGA, 170834, 4124.8963,N,08151.6838,W,1,05,1.5,280.2,M 34.0,M,,, *75
Name Example Data Description
Sentence Identifier $GPGGA Global Positioning System Fix Data
Time 170834 17:08:34 UTC
Latitude 4124.8963N 41d24.8963’N or 41d 24’54” N
Longitude 08151.6838,W 81d 51.6838’ W or 81d 51’41” W
Fix Quality : -0 = 1 Data is from a GPS fix
Invaild – 1 = GPs fix -
2 = DGPS fix
Number of Satellites 05 5 Satellites are in view
Horizontal Dilution of 1.5 Relative accuracy of horizontal
precision (HDOP) position
Altitude 280.2,M 280.2 meters above mean sea level
Height of geoid above -34.0 M -34.0 meters
WGS84 ellipsoid
Time since last DGPS Blank No last update
update
DGPS reference Blank No station id
station id
Checksum *75 Used by program to check for
transmission errors
Global Positioning System Fix Data. Time, position and fix related data for a GPS
receiver.
Eg2.$PGGA,hhmmss.ss,ddmm.mmm,a,dddmm.mmm,b,q,xx,p.p,a.b,M,c.d,M,x.x,
nnnn
hhmmss.ss = UTC of position
ddmm.mmm = latitude of position
a = N or S, latitutde hemisphere
dddmm.mmm = longitude of position
b = E or W, longitude hemisphere
q = GPS Quality indicator (0 = No fix, 1 = Non-differential GPS fix,
2 = Differential GPS fix, 6 = Estimated fix)
xx = number of satellites in use
p.p = horizontal dilution of precision
a.b = Antenna altitude above mean-sea-level

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Unit DTR-6

M = units of antenna altitude, meters


c.d = Geoidal height
M = units of geoidal height, meters
x.x = Age of Differential GPS data (seconds since last valid RTCM transmission)
nnnn = Differential reference station ID, 0000 to 1023
$GPGLL :
Geographic Position, Latitude / Longitude and time.
eg1. $GPGLL, 3751.65, S, 14507.36, E*77
eg2. $GPGLL, 4916.45, N, 12311.12, W, 225444, A
4916.46, N Latitude 49 deg. 16.45 min. North
12311.12, W Longitude 123 deg. 11.12 min. West
225444 Fix taken at 22:54:44 UTC
A Data Valid
Eg 3. $GPGLL, 5133.81, N, 00042.25, W*75
12345
1. 5133.81 Current latitude
2. N North/South
3. 00042.25 Current longitude
4. W East/West
5. *75 checksum
$--GLL,lll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,hhmmss.ss,A llll.ll = Latitude of position
a = N or S
yyyyy.yy = Longitude of position
a = E or W
hhmmss.ss = UTC of position
A = status : A = valid data
$GPGRS :
GPS Range Residuals
Example : $GPGRS, 024603.00, 1,-1.8, -2.7, 0.3,,,,,,*6C

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Unit DTR-6

Field Example Comment


Sentence ID $GPGRS
UTC Time 024603.00 UTC time of associated GGA fix
Mode 1 0 = Residuals used in GGA, 1 = residuals calculated
after GGA
Sat 1 residual - 1.8 Residual (meters) of satellite 1 in solution
Sat 2 residual - 2.7 The order matches the PRN numbers in the GSA
sentence
Sat 3 residual 0.3
Sat 4 residual Unused entries are blank
Sat 5 residual
Sat 6 residual
Sat 7 residual
Sat 8 residual
Sat 9 residual
Sat 10 residual
Sat 11 residual
Sat 12 residual
Checksum *6C
$GPGSA :
GPS DOP and active satellites
Eg 1. $GPGSA, A, 3, 16, 18, 24, 3.6, 2.1, 2.2*3C
Eg2. $GPGSA, A, 3, 19, 28,14,18,27, 22, 31, 39, 1.7, 1.0, 1.3*34
1 = Mode :
M = Manual, forced to operate in 2D or 3D
A=Automatic, 3D/2D
2= Mode :
1 = Fix not available
2 = 2D
3 = 3D
3 - 14 = PRN's of Satellite Vehicles (SV's) used in position fix (null for unused fields)
15 = Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP)
16 = Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP)
17 = Vertical Dilution of Precision (VDOP)

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Unit DTR-6

$GPGST :
GPS Pseudorange Noise Statistics
Example: $GPGST, 024603.00, 3.2, 6.6, 4.7, 47, 3, 5.8, 5.6, 22.0*58
Field Example Comments<TH<TR>
Sentence ID $GPGST
UTC Time 024603.00 UTC time of associated GGA fix
RMS Deviation 3.2 Total RMS standard deviation of ranges inputs
to the navigation solution
Semi-major 6.6 Standard deviation of ranges inputs to the
deviation navigation solution.
Semi-minor 4.7 Standard deviation (meters) of semi-major
deviation axis of error ellipse
Semi-major 47.3 Orientation of semi-major axis of error ellipse
orientation (true north degrees)
Latitude error 5.8 Standard deviation (meters) of latitude error
Deviation
Longitude error 5.6 Standard deviation (meters) of longitude error
deviation
Altitude error 22.0 Standard deviation (meters) of latitude error
deviation
Checksum *58
$GPGSV :
GPS Satellites in view
Eg. $GPGSV, 3, 1,11,03,03,111,00,04,15, 270, 00, 06, 01, 010, 00, 13, 06, 292,
00*74
$GPGSV,3,2,11,14, 25,170,00,16,57,208,39,18,67,296,40,19,40,246,99*74
$GPGSV, 3, 3,11,22,42, 067, 42, 24, 14, 311 43, 27, 05, 244, 00,,,,*4D
$GPGSV,1,1,13,02,02,213,03,-3,000,11,00,121,14,13,172,05*62
1 = Total number of messages of this type in this cycle
2 = Message number
3 = Total number of SVs in view
4 = SV PRN number
5 = Elevation in degrees, 90 maximum
6 = Azimuth, degrees from true north, 000 to 359
7 = SNR, 00-99 dB (null when not tracking)
8-11 = Information about second SV, same as field 4-7
12-15= Information about third SV, same as field 4-7
16-19= Information about fourth SV, same as field 4-7

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Unit DTR-6

$GPHDT :
Heading, True.
Actual vessel heading in degrees true produced by any device or system producing
true heading.
$--HDT, x.x,T
x.x = Heading, degrees True
$GPMSK :
Control for a Beacon Receiver
$GPMSK, 318.0, A, 100, M, 2*45
where :
318.0 A Frequency to use
A Frequency mode, A = auto, M = manual
100 Beacon bit rate
M Bitrate, A=auto, M=manual
2 frequency for MSS message status (null for no status)
*45 checksum
$ GPMSS :
Beacon Receiver Status
Example 1: $GPMSS, 55, 27,318.0, 100,*66
Where :
55 signal strength in dB
27 signal to noise ratio in dB
318.0 Beacon Frequency in KHz
100 Beacon bitrate in bps
*66 checksum
Example 2 : $GPMSS,0.0,0.0,0.0, 25,2*6D
Field Example Comments
Sentence ID $GPMSS
Signal strength 0.0 Signal strength (dB 1uV)
SNR 0.0 Signal to noise ratio (dB)
Frequency 0.0 Beacon frequency (KHz)
Data rate 25 Beacon frequency (BPS)
Unknown field 2 Unknown field sent by GPS receiver
used for test
Checksum *6D

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Unit DTR-6

$GPR00 :
List of waypoint IDs in currently active route
Egl. $GPR00, EGLL, EGLM, EGTB, EGUB, EGTK, MBOT, EGTB""",* 58
Eg2.$GPR00,MINST,CHATN,CHAT1,CHATW,CHATM,CHATE,003,004,005,006,
007,,*05
List of waypoints. This alternates with $GPWPL cycle
Which itself cycles waypoints.
$GPRMA :
Recommended minimum specific Loran-C data
Eg. $GPRMA,A,lll,N,lll,W,x,y,ss.s,ccc, vv.v,W*hh
A = Data status
lll = Latitude
N = N/S
lll = longitude
S =W/E
x = not used
y = not used
ss.s = Speed over ground in knots
ccc = Course over ground
vv.v = Variation
W = Direction of variation E/W
hh = Checksum
$GPRMB :
Recommended minimum navigation information (sent by nav. receiver when a
destination waypoint is active)
eg 1.
$GPRMB,A,0.66,L,003,004,4917.24, N, 12309.57, W,001.3,052.5,000.5,V*0B
A Data status A = OK, V = warning
0.66, L Cross-track error (nautical miles, 9.9 max.), Steer Left to correct (or R = right)
003 Origin waypoint ID
004 Destination waypoint ID
4917.24, N Destination waypoint latitude 49 deg. 17.24 min. N
12309.57, W Destination waypoint longitude 123 deg. 09.57 min.W

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Unit DTR-6

001.3 Range to destination, nautical miles


052.5 True bearing to destination
000.5 Velocity towards destination, knots
V Arrival alarm A = arrived,
V = not arrived
*0B = mandatory checksum
eg 2.
$GPRMB,A,4.08,L,EGLL,EGLM, 5130.02,N,00046.34, W,004.6, 213.9,122.9,A*3D
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1. A validity
2. 4.08 off track
3. L Steer Left (L/R)
4. EGLL last waypoint
5. EGLM next waypoint
6. 5130.02 Latitude of Next waypoint
7. N North/South
8. 00046.34 Longitude of next waypoint
9. W East/West
10. 004.6 Range
11. 213.9 bearing to wept.
12. 122.9 closing velocity
13. A validly
14. *3D checksum
eg3. $GPRMB,A,x.x,a,c--c,d--d,llll.ll,e,yyyyy.yy,f,g.g,h.h,i.i,j *kk
1.= Data Status (V= navigation receiver warning)
2.= Cross track error in nautical miles
3.= Direction to steer (L or R) to correct error
4.= Origin waypoint ID#
5.= Destination waypoint ID#
6.= Destination waypoint latitude
7.= N or S
8.= Destination waypoint longitude

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Unit DTR-6

9.= E or W
10 = Range to destination in nautical miles
11 = Bearing to destination, degrees True
12 = Destination closing velocity in knots
13 = Arrival status; (A = entered or perpendicular passed)
14 = Checksum
Recommended minimum specific GPS/Transit data :
Eg. 1. $GPRMC,081836,A,3751.65,S,14507.36,E,000.0,360.0,130998,011.3,E*62
Eg. 2. $GPRMC,225446,A,4916.45,N,12311.12,W,000.5,054.7,191194,020.3,E*6 8
225446 Time of fix 22:54:46 UTC
A Navigation receiver warning A = Valid position, V = Warning
4916.45, N Latitude 49 deg, 16.45 min. North
12311.12, W Longitude 123 deg. 11.12. min. West
000.5 Speed over ground, Knots
054.7 Course made good, degrees true
191194 UTC Date of fix, 19 November 1994
020.3, E Magnetic variation, 20.3 deg. East
*68 mandatory checksum
Eg.3.$GPRMC,220516,A,5133.82,N,00042.24,W,173.8,231.8,130694,004.2,
W*7 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1.= 220516 Time Stamp
2.= A validity - A-ok, V-invalid
3.= 5133.82 current Latitude
4.= N North/South
5.= 00042.24 current Longitude
6.= W East/West
7.= 173.8 Speed in knots
8.= 231.8 True course
9.= 130694 Date stamp
10 = 004.2 Variation
11 = W East/West

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Unit DTR-6

12 = *70 checksum
Eg. 4. For NMEA 0183 version 3.00 active the Mode indicator field is added
$GPRMC, hhmmss.ss,A,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy ,a,x.x,x.x,ddmmyy,x.x,a,m *hh
Field #
1.= UTC time of fix
2.= Data status (A Valid position, V=navigation receiver warning)
3.= Latitude of fix
4.= N or S of longitude
5.= Longitude of fix
6.= E or W of longitude
7.= Speed over ground in knots
8.= Track made good in degrees True
9.= UTC date of fix
10 = Magnetic variation degrees (Easterly var. subtracts from true course)
11 = E or W of magnetic variation
12 = Mode indicator, (A Autonomous, D=Differential, E Estimated, N Data no valid)
13 = Checksum
$GPRTE :
Routes
Eg. $GPRTE,2,1,c,0,PBRCPK,PBRTO,PTELGR,PPLAND,PY AMBU,PPF AIR,
PWARRN, PMORTL, PLISMR *73
$GPRTE,2,2,c,0,PCRESY,GRYRIE,GCORIO,GWERR,GWESTG,7FED*3 4
1 2 3 4 5...
1.= Number of sentences in sequence
2.= Sentence number
3.= 'c' = Current active route, 'w' = waypoint list starts with destination waypoint
4.= Name or number of the active route
5.= onwards, Names ofwaypoints in Route
$GPTRF :
Transit Fix Data
Time, date, position, and information related to a TRANSIT Fix.
$--TRF, hhmmss.ss,xxxxxx,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,.x,x.x,x.x,x.x,xxx

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hhmmss.ss = UTC of position fix


xxxxxx = Date: dd/mm/yy
llll.ll,a = Latitude of position fix, N/S
yyyyy.yy,a = Longitude of position fix, E/W
x.x = Elevation angle
x.x = Number of iterations
x.x = Number of Doppler intervals
x.x = Update distance, nautical miles
x.x = Satellite ID
$GPSTN :
Multiple Data ID :
This sentence is transmitted before each individual sentence where there is a need for
the Listener to determine the exact source of data in the system. Examples might
include dual-frequency depthsounding equipment or equipment that integrates data
from a number of sources and produces a single output.
$--STN,xx
xx = Talker ID number, 00 to 99
$GPVBW :
Dual Ground/Water Speed
Water referenced and ground referenced speed data.
$-- VBW, x.x, x.x, A, x.x, x.x, A
x.x = Longitudinal water speed, knots
x.x = Transverse water speed, knots
A = Status: Water speed, A = Data valid
x.x = Longitudinal ground speed, knots
x.x = Transverse ground speed, knots
A = Status : Ground speed, A = Data valid
$GPVTG :
Track Made Good and Ground Speed.
Eg, l. $GPVTG, 360.0, T, 348.7, M, 000.0, N, 000.0, K*43
Eg 2. $GPVTG, 054. 7, T, 034.4, M, 005.5, N, 01 0.2, K*41
054.7, T True course made good over ground, degrees
034.4, M Magnetic course made good over ground, degrees

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005.5, N Ground speed, N = Knots


010.2, K Ground speed, K = Kilometers per hour
Eg3. For NMEA 0183 version 3.00 active the Mode indicator field is added at the end
$GPVTG, 054.7, T, 034.4, M, 005.5, N, 010.2, K, A*53
A Mode indicator (A Autonomous, D Differential, E Estimated, N Data not valid)
$GPWPL :
Waypoint location
Eg 1. $GPWPL, 4917.16, N, 12310.64, W, 003*65
4917.16, N Latitude of waypoint
12310.64, W Longitude of waypoint
003 Way point ID
When a route is active, this sentence is sent once for each waypoint in the route, in
sequence. When all waypoints have been reported, GPR00 is sent in the next data set.
In any group of sentences, only one WPL sentence, or an R00 sentence, will be sent.
Eg 2. $GPWPL, 5128.62, N, 00027.58, W, EGLL*59
123456
1. 5128.62 Latitude of nth waypoint on list
2. N North/South
3. 00027.58 Longitude of nth waypoint
4. W East/West
5. EGLL Ident of nth waypoint
6. *59 checksum
$GPXTE :
Cross Track Error, Measured
Eg.1 $ GPXTE, A, A, 0.67, L, N
A General warning flag V = warning
(Loran-C Blink or SNR warning)
A Not used for GPS (Loarn-C cycle lock flag)
0.67 Cross track error distance
L Steer left to correct error (or R for right)
N Distance units – Nautical miles
Eg 2. $ GPXTE, A, A, 4.07, L, N*6D
123456

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1. A validity
2. A cycle lock
3. 4.07distance off track
4. L steer left (L/R)
5. N distance units
6. *6D checksum
$GPZDA :
UTC Date/Time and Local Time Zone offset
Example 1: $GPZDA,hhmmss.ss,xx,xx,xxxx,xx,xx
hhmmss.ss = UTC
xx = Day, 01 to 31
xx = Month, 01 to 12
xxxx = Year
xx = Local zone description, 00 to +/- 13 hours
xx = Local zone minutes description (same sign as hours)
Example 2: $GPZDA, 024611.08, 25, 03, 2002, 00, 00*6A
Field Example Comments
Sentence ID $GPZDA
UTC Time 024611.08 UTC time
UTC Day 25 UTC day (01 to 31)
UTC Month 03 UTC month (01 to 12)
UTC Year 2002 UTC year (4digit format)
Local zone hours 00 Offset to local time zone in hours (+/-
00 to +/-59)
Local zone minutes 00 Offset to local time zone in minutes
(00 to 59)
Checksum *6A
Conclusion :

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Experiment 8
Objective :
To study the complete GPS Environment.
Theory :
Now no more theory. Up to experiment no. 7 you have studied all the basics of GPS.
Now in this experiment we are analyzing the entire GPS system. You have to take all
the readings not only the lab but also in the campus, if possible in the city or state or
country or in the entire world.
Procedure :
Following steps has to be perform while doing the experiments.
Step 1 : Please go through the manual before performing any practical.
Step 2 : Install the software from the CD ie. Open WinZip from the CD and run the
setup file. If you don't have WinZip then please install WinZip from the CD itself.
Step 3 : Connect mains cord to the trainer UNIT DTR-6. Don't switch on the system
now.
Step 4 : Connect serial cable to the port which is available on the trainer. Connect
another end of the cable to PC serial port (COM1, COM2, COM3 etc.).
Step 5 : Connect the patch antenna to SMA (subminiature) connector of the UNIT
DTR-6 trainer.
Step 6 : Place the antenna in the open space ie. Place the antenna outside the window.
Step 7 : Switch on the trainer UNIT DTR-6.
Step 8 : Precaution, don't touch the antenna during the on condition.
Step 9 : Open software. Select COM Port on which you have connected trainer, select
the Comport from combo box >> Click ‘Open Port’. As soon as you click; software
will start displaying ‘Please Wait’ until it receives some signal. ‘Locate’ Button is
given to locate position of the antenna, it requires internet connection on your system,
as it is using ‘Google Earth Server’ for images.
Step 10 : Take at least four reading by placing the antenna at four different locations.
But switch off the power during placing the antenna on different different location.

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Fig.19
Observation :
In this observation table you have to take readings like UTC Time, UTC Date, Sats
Used, Latitude, Longitude, Speed, Altitude, Quality, PDOP, HDOP, VDOP, PRN,
Elev, Az, SNR, Used?, & also readings from the received data.
At least you have to take three to four readings on different different places. Please
use blank sheet for the observation and make at least four columns for four different
places.
Result & Conclusion :

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GPS Quiz
1. The relativistic effect in a GPS satellite clock which is compensated by a
deliberate clock offset is about :
a. 4.5 parts in a million
b. 4.5 parts in 100 million
c. 4.5 parts in 10 billion
d. 4.5 parts in a trillion
2. The following component of the ephemeris error contributes the most to the
range error :
a. along-track error
b. cross-track error
c. both along-track and cross-track error
d. radial error
3. The peak electron density in the ionosphere occurs in a height range of
a. 50-100 km
b. 250-400 km
c. 500-700 km
d. 800-1000 km
e. The refractive index of the gaseous mass in the troposphere is
f. slightly higher than unity
g. slightly lower than unity
h. unity
i. zero
4. Rank VDOP, HDOP and PDOP from best to worst (normal conditions):
a. VDOP, HDOP, PDOP
b. VDOP, PDOP, HDOP
c. HDOP, VDOP, PDOP
d. PDOP, HDOP, VDOP
5. If DGPS corrections to the range measurements are made using the data from a
reference station situated at about 100-200 miles, and the resulting position is
found to be significantly biased, that means
a. no ionospheric or tropospheric corrections were applied to the
measurements at the reference receiver and remote receiver

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b. ionospheric and tropospheric corrections were applied to the


measurements at both the reference receiver and remote receiver
c. the observations are wrong as there should not be any bias for whether or
not ionospheric and tropospheric corrections are applied to the reference
and remote receivers
d. None of the above
6. The UTC time and the GPS time are offset by an integer number of seconds
(e.g., 13 seconds as of January 1, 2001), as well as a fraction of a second. The
fractional part is about :
a. 0.1 – 0.5 sec
b. 1-2 ms
c. 100-200 ns
d. 10-20 ns
7. The differences between pseudorange and carrier phase observations are :
a. Integer ambiguity, multipath errors and receiver noise.
b. Satellite clock, integer ambiguity, multipath errors and receiver noise.
c. Integer ambiguity, ionospheric errors, multipath errors and receiver noise.
d. Satellite clock, integer ambiguity, ionospheric errors, multipath errors and
receiver noise
8. If the range measurements for two simultaneously tracking satellites in a
receiver are differenced, then the differenced measurement will be free of :
a. receiver clock error only
b. satellite clock error and orbital error only
c. ionospheric delay error and tropospheric delay error only
d. ionospheric delay error, tropospheric delay error, satellite clock error and
orbital error only
9. Zero baseline test (code) can be performed to estimate :
a. receiver noise and multipath
b. receiver noise
c. receiver noise, multipath and atmospheric delay errors
d. none of the above
10. The NMEA message $GPGLL has fields for
a. latitude-longitude position
b. speed and heading
c. satellite elevation-azimuth-signal strength

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d. all of the above


11. GPS week number started incrementing from zero at
a. midnight of Jan 5-6, 1980
b. midnight of Jan 5-6, 1995
c. midnight of Dec 31-Jan 1, 1994-1995
d. midnight of Dec 31-Jan 1, 1999-2000
12. The complete set of satellite ephemeris data comes once in every.
a. 6 seconds
b. 30 seconds
c. 12.5 minutes
d. 12 seconds
13. For high accuracy of the carrier phase measurements the most suitable carrier
tracking loop will be :
a. PLL with low loop bandwidth
b. FLL with low loop bandwidth
c. PLL with high loop bandwidth
d. FLL with high loop bandwidth
14. Which of the following statements is NOT true to reduce the receiver noise
(code) :
a. reduce the loop bandwidth
b. decrease the predetection integration time
c. space the early-late correlators closer
d. increase the signal strength
Answers :
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (b) 11. (a) 12. (a) 13. (b)
14. (a) 15. (b)
Grade your performance :
Excellent (13-15), Very good (11-12), Good (8-10)

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GPS Glossary
Glossary of terms :
Accuracy :
The degree of conformance between the estimated or measured position, time, and/or
velocity of a GPS receiver and its true time, position, and/or velocity as compared
with a constant standard. Radio navigation system accuracy is usually presented as a
statistical measure of system error and is characterized as follows:
1. Predictable : The accuracy of a radio navigation system’s position solution with
respect to the charted solution. Both the position solution and the chart must be
based upon the same geodetic datum.
2. Repeatable : The accuracy with which a user can return to a position whose co-
ordinates have been measured at a previous time with the same navigation
system.
3. Relative : The accuracy with which a user can measure position relative to that
of another user of the same navigation system at the same time.
Analog :
A type of transmission characterized by variable waveforms representing information,
contrasted with digital. A standard clock with moving hands is an analog device,
whereas a clock with displayed and changing numbers is a digital device. The human
voice and audible sounds are analog. Modem computers are invariably digital, but
when they communicate over telephone lines, their signals must be converted to
analog using a modem (a modulator/demodulator). The analog signal is converted
back into a digital form before delivering it to a destination computer.
Application software :
These programs accomplish the specialized tasks of the user, while operating system
software allows the computer to work. A computer-aided dispatch system is
application software, as is each word processing program.
Automatic Vehicle Location – AVL :
A type of system using any sort of technology to track or locate a vehicle.
Availability :
The percentage of time that the services of a navigation system can be used within a
particular coverage area. Signal availability is the percentage of time that navigational
signals transmitted from external sources are available for use. Availability is a
function of both the physical characteristics of the operational environment and the
technical capabilities of the transmitter facilities.
Bandwidth :
The range of frequencies in a signal.

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Block I, II, IIR, IIF satellites :


The various generations of GPS satellites: Block I were prototype satellites that began
being launched in 1978; 24 Block II satellites made up the fully operational GPS
constellation declared in 1995; Block IIR are replenishment satellites; and Block IIF
refers to the follow-on generation.
C/A code :
The coarse/acquisition or clear/acquisition code modulated onto the GPS L1 signal.
This code is a sequence of 1023 pseudorandom binary biphase modulations on the
GPS carrier at a chipping rate of 1.023 MHz, thus having a code repetition period of 1
millisecond. The code was selected to provide good acquisition properties. Also
known as the "civilian code."
Carrier :
A radio wave having at least one characteristic, such as frequency, amplitude or
phase, that may be varied from a known reference value by modulation.
Carrier-aided tracking :
A signal processing strategy that uses the GPS carrier signal to achieve an exact lock
on the pseudorandom code.
Carrier frequency :
The frequency of the unmodulated fundamental output of a radio transmitter. The
GPS L1 carrier frequency is 1575.42 MHz.
Carrier phase :
GPS measurements based on the L1 or L2 carrier signal.
CDMA :
see code division multiple access
Channel :
A channel of a GPS receiver consists of the circuitry necessary to receive the signal
from a single GPS satellite.
Chip :
The length of time to transmit either a "0" or a "1" in a binary pulse code. Also, an
integrated circuit.
Chip rate :
Number of chips per second. For example, C/A code = 1.023 MHz.
Circular error probable (CEP) :
In a circular normal distribution, the radius of the circle containing 50 percent of the
individual measurements being made, or the radius of the circle within which there is
a 50 percent probability of being located.

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Civilian code :
See C/ A code.
Clock bias :
The difference between the clock’s indicated time and true universal time.
Clock offset:
Constant difference in the time reading between two clocks.
Code division multiple access (CDMA) :
A method of frequency reuse whereby many radios use the same frequency but each
one has a unique code. GPS uses CDMA techniques with Gold's codes for their
unique cross-correlation properties.
Code phase GPS :
GPS measurements based on the C/A code.
Computer-aided dispatch :
An automated system for processing dispatch business and automating many of the
tasks typically performed by a dispatcher. Abbreviated CAD (not to be confused with
computer-aided design which is also known as CAD) is application software with
numerous features and functions. A basic CAD system provides the integrated
capability to process calls for service, fleet management and geographical referencing.
Control segment :
A world-wide network of GPS monitor and control stations that ensure the accuracy
of satellite positions and their clocks.
Cycle slip :
A discontinuity in the measured carrier beat phase resulting from a temporary loss-of
lock in the carrier tracking loop of a GPS receiver
Data message :
A message included in the GPS signal which reports the satellite's location, lock
corrections and health. Included is rough information about the other satellites in the
constellation.
DGPS - see differential positioning?
Differential positioning - DGPSA technique used to improve positioning or
navigation accuracy by determining the positioning error at a known location and
subsequently incorporating a corrective factor (by real-time transmission of
corrections or by post processing) into the position calculations of another receiver
operating in the same area and simultaneously tracking the same satellites.

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Digital :
Generally, information is expressed, stored and transmitted by either analog or digital
means. In a digital form, this information is seen in a binary state as a one or a zero, a
plus or a minus. The computer uses digital technology for most actions.
Dilution of Precision – DOP :
A description of the purely geometrical contribution to the uncertainty in a position
fix. Standard terms for the GPS application are : GDOP : Geometric (3 position
coordinates plus clock offset in the solution) PDOP: Position (3 coordinates) HDOP :
Horizontal (2 horizontal coordinates) VDOP: Vertical (height only) TDOP : Time
(clock offset only) RDOR Relative (normalized to 60 seconds)
Distance root mean square (drms) :
The root-mean-square value of the distances from the true location point of the
position fixes in a collection of measurements. As typically used in GPS positioning,
2 drms is the radius of a circle that contains at least 95 percent of all possible fixes
that can be obtained with a system at any one place.
Dithering :
The introduction of digital noise. This is the process the DoD used to add inaccuracy
to GPS signals to induce Selective Availability.
DOP :
See dilution of precision
Doppler-aiding :
A signal processing strategy that uses a measured doppler shift to help the receiver
smoothly track the GPS signal. Allows more precise velocity and position
measurement.
Doppler shift :
The apparent change in the frequency of a signal caused by the relative motion of the
transmitter and receiver.
Earth-centered earth-fixed – ECEF :
Cartesian coordinate system where the X direction is the intersection of the prime
meridian (Greenwich) with the equator. The vectors rotate with the earth. Z is the
direction of the spin axis.
ECEF :
see earth-centered earth-fixed
Elevation :
Height above mean sea level. Vertical distance above the geoid.

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Elevation mask angle :


That angle below satellites should not be tracked. Normally set to 15 degrees to avoid
interference problems caused by buildings and trees and multipath errors.
Ellipsoid :
In geodesy, a mathematical Fig. formed by revolving an ellipse about its minor axis. It
is often used interchangeably with spheroid. Two quantities define an ellipsoid, the
length of the semimajor axis, a, and the flattening, f = (a - b)/a, where b is the length
of the semiminor axis. Prolate and triaxial ellipsoids are always described as such.
Ellipsoid height :
The measure of vertical distance above the ellipsoid. Not the same as elevation above
sea level. GPS receivers output position fix height in the WGS-84 datum.
Ephemeris :
A list of accurate positions or locations of a celestial Object as a function of time.
Available as "broadcast ephemeris" or as postprocessed "precise ephemeris."
Epoch :
Measurement interval or data frequency, as in making observation every 15 seconds.
“Loading data using 30-second epochs” means loading every other measurement.
Fast-multiplexing channel :
See Fast-switching channel
Fast-switching channel :
A single channel which rapidly samples a number of satellite ranges. "Fast" means
that the switching time is sufficiently fast (2 to 5 milliseconds) to recover the data
message.
Frequency band :
A particular range of frequencies.
Frequency spectrum :
The distribution of signal amplitudes as a function of frequency.
Geodesy :
The science related to the determination of the size and shape of the Earth (geoid) by
direct measurements.
Geodetic datum :
A mathematical model designed to best fit part or all of the geoid. It is defined by an
ellipsoid and the relationship between the ellipsoid and a point on the topographic
surface established as the origin of datum.

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Geoid :
The particular equipotential surface that coincides with mean sea level and that may
be imagined to extend through the continents. This surface is everywhere
perpendicular to the force of gravity.
Geoid height :
The height above the geoid is often called elevation above mean sea level.
Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP) :
See Dilution of Precision
GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System :
Organizing concept of a European system that would incorporate GPS, GLONASS,
and other space-based and ground-based segments to support all forms of navigation.
GPS :
The U.S. Department of Defense Global Positioning System: A constellation of 24
satellites orbiting the earth at a very high altitude. GPS satellites transmit signals that
allow one to determine, with great accuracy, the locations of GPS receivers. The
receivers can be fixed on the Earth, in moving vehicles, aircraft, or in low-Earth
orbiting satellites. GPS is used in air, land and sea navigation, mapping, surveying
and other applications where precise positioning is necessary.
GPS ICD-200 :
The GPS Interface Control Document is a government document that contains the full
technical description of the interface between the satellites and the user.
Handover word :
The word in the GPS message that contains synchronization information for the
transfer of tracking from the C/A to the P-code.
Hardware :
The physical components of a computer system. Reference is often made to
“hardware” and “software”; in that context, “hardware” consists of the computer,
input and output devices and other peripheral equipment.
Integrity :
The ability of a system to provide timely warnings to users when the system should
not be used for navigation as a result of errors or failures in the system.
Interface :
A shared boundary between various systems or programs. An interface is also the
equipment or device that makes it possible to interoperate two systems. For example,
it is common to interface the 911 telephone system with a computer-aided dispatch
(CAD) system. Both hardware and software are needed to provide that interface.

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Ionosphere :
The band of charged particles 80 to 120 miles above the earth's surface, which
represent a nonhomogeneous and dispersive medium for radio signals.
Ionospheric delay :
A wave propagating through the ionosphere experiences delay. Phase delay depends
on electron content and affects carrier signals. Group delay depends on dispersion in
the ionosphere as well and affects signal modulation (codes). The phase and group
delay are of the magnitude but opposite sign.
Ionospheric refraction :
The change in the propagation speed of a signal as it passes through the ionosphere.
Kalman filter :
A numerical method used to track a time-varying signal in the presence of noise.
L-band :
The group of radio frequencies extending from 390 MHz to 1550 MHz. The GPS
carrier frequencies (1227.6 MHz and 1575.42 MHz) are in the L-band.
L1 signal :
The primary L-band signal transmitted by each GPS satellite at 1572.42 MHz. The L1
broadcast is modulated with the C/A and P-codes and with the navigation message.
L2 signal :
The second L-band signal is centered at 1227.60 MHz and carries the P-code and
navigation message.
MDT - Mobile Data Terminal :
A device, typically installed in a vehicle, that consists of a small screen, a keyboard or
other operator interface, and various amounts of memory and processing capabilities.
Monitor stations : One of the worldwide group of stations used in the GPS control
segment to track satellite clock and orbital parameters. Data collected at monitor
stations are linked to a master control station at which corrections are calculated and
from which correction data is uploaded to the satellites as needed.
Multichannel receiver :
A receiver containing multiple independent channels, each of which tracks one
satellite continuously, so that position solutions are derived from simultaneous
calculations of pseudoranges.
Multipath :
Interference caused by reflected GPS signals arriving at the receiver, typically as a
result of nearby structures or other reflective surfaces. Signals traveling longer paths
produce higher (erroneous) pseudorange estimates and, consequently, positioning
errors.

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Multiplexing channel :
A receiver channel through which a series of signals from different satellites can be
sequenced.
Modem :
A modulator/demodulator. When two computers communicate over telephone lines
and similar media, digital signals must be converted to analog during transmission,
then back again to digital at the destination. Modems are always used in pairs, one at
each end. They are rated according to the speed, typically in "bits per second," at
which the information can pass through the transmission medium.
NAD-83 :
North American Datum, 1983
Nanosecond :
One billionth of a second.
Nav message :
The 1500-bit navigation message broadcast by each GPS satellite at 50 bps on the L1
and/or L2 signals. This message contains system time, clock correction parameters,
ionospheric delay model parameters, and the vehicle's ephemeris and health. The
information is used to process GPS signals to give user time, position, and velocity.
Observation :
The period of time over which GPS data is collected simultaneously by two or more
receivers.
P-code :
The precise or precision code of the GPS signal, typically used alone by U.S. and
allied military receivers. A very long sequence of pseudo-random binary biphase
modulations on the GPS carrier at a chip rate of 10.23 MHz which repeats about every
267 days. Each one-week segment of this code is unique to one GPS satellite and is
reset each week.
PDOP - Position dilution of precision :
A unitless Fig. of the merit expressing the relationship between the error in user
position and the error in satellite position, which is a function of the configuration of
satellites from which signals are derived in positioning (see DOP). Geometrically,
PDOP is proportional to 1 divided by the volume of the pyramid formed by lines
running from the receiver to four observed satellites. Small PDOP is associated with
widely separated satellites.
Phase lock :
The technique whereby the phase of an oscillator signal is made to follow exactly the
phase of a reference signal. The receiver first compares the phase of the two signals,
then uses the resulting phase difference signal to adjust the reference oscillator
frequency. This eliminates phase difference when the two signals are next compared.

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Point Positioning :
A geographic position produced from one receiver in a standalone mode.
Precise Positioning Service (PPS) :
The highest level of military dynamic positioning accuracy provided by GPS, using
the dual-frequency P-code.
Pseudolite (shortened form of pseudo-satellite) :
A ground-based differential GPS receiver that simulates the signal of a GPS satellite
and can be used for ranging. The data portion of the signal may also contain
differential corrections that can be used by receivers to correct for GPS errors.
PRN - Pseudorandom noise :
A sequence of digital 1’s and 0’s that appear to be randomly distributed like noise but
that can be reproduced exactly. Their most important property is a low autocorrelation
value for all delays or lags except when they coincide exactly. Each GPS satellite has
unique C/A and P pseudorandom-noise codes.
Pseudorange :
A distance measurement; based on the correlation of a satellite-transmitted code and
the local receiver's reference code, that has not been corrected for errors in
synchronization between the transmitter's clock and the receiver's clock.
Radionavigation :
The determination of position, or the obtaining of information relative to position, for
the purpose of navigation by means of the propagation properties of radio waves. GPS
is a method of radionavigation.
Range rate :
The rate of change between the satellite and receiver. The range to a satellite changes
due to satellite and observer motions. Range rate is determined by measuring the
Doppler shift of the satellite beacon carrier.
Relative navigation :
A technique similar to relative positioning, except that one or both of the points may
be moving. A data link is used to relay error terms to the moving vessel or aircraft to
improve real-time navigation.
Relative positioning :
The process of determining the relative difference in position between two locations,
in the case of GPS, by placing a receiver over each site and making simultaneous
measurements observing the same set of satellites at the same time. This technique
allows the receiver to cancel errors that are common to both receivers, such as
satellite clock and ephemeris errors, propagation delays, and so forth.

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Reliability :
The probability of performing a specified function without failure under given
conditions for a specified period of time.
RINEX :
Receiver Independent Exchange format A set of standard definitions and formats that
permits interchangeable use of GPS data from dissimilar GPS receiver models or
postprocessing software. The format includes definitions for time, phase, and range.
SA :
See selective availability
Satellite constellation :
The arrangement in space of a set of satellites. In the case of GPS, the fully
operational constellation is composed of six orbital planes, each containing four
satellites. GLONASS has three orbital planes containing eight satellites each.
Selective availability – SA :
A DoD program that controls the accuracy of pseudorange measurements, degrading
the signal available to nonqualified receivers by dithering the time and phemeredes
data provided in the navigation message.
Space segment :
The portion of the GPS system that is located in space, that is, the GPS satellites and
any ancillary spacecraft that provide GPS augmentation information (i.e. differential
corrections, integrity messages, etc.)
Spread spectrum :
The received GPS signal is wide-bandwidth and low-power (-160 dBW). The L-band
signal is modulated with a PRN code to spread the signal energy over a much wider
bandwidth than the signal information bandwidth. This provides the ability to receive
all satellites unambiguously and to give some resistance to noise and multipath.
Spherical Error Probable (SEP) :
The radius of a sphere within which there is a 50 percent probability of locating a
point or being located. SEP is the three-dimensional analogue of CEP.
SPS :
See standard positioning service
Squaring-type channel :
A GPS receiver channel that multiplies the received signal by itself to obtain a second
harmonic of the carriers that does not contain the code modulation. Used in
“Codeless” receiver channels.

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Standard deviation (Sigma) :


A measure of the dispersion of random errors about the mean value. If a large number
of measurements or observations of the same quantity are made, the standard
deviation is the square root of the sum of the squares of deviations from the mean
value divided by the number of observations less one.
Standard Positioning Service (SPS) :
The normal civilian positioning accuracy obtained by using the single frequency C/A
code. Under selective availability conditions, guaranteed to be no worse than 100
meters 95 percent of the time (2 drms).
Static positioning :
Location determination accomplished with a stationery receiver. This allows the use
of various averaging or differential techniques.
SV :
Satellite vehicle or space vehicle
Universal time coordinated (UTC) :
An international, highly accurate and stable uniform atomic time system kept very
close, by offsets, to the universal time corrected for seasonal variations in the earth's
rotation rate. Maintained by the U.S. Naval Observatory. GPS time is directly
relatable to UTC: UTC-GPS = seconds. (The changing constant = 5 seconds in 1988.)
URA :
See user range accuracy
User Interface :
The hardware and operating software by which a receiver operator executes
procedures on equipment (such as a GPS receiver) and the means by which the
equipment conveys information to the person using it: the controls and displays.
User Range Accuracy-URA :
The contribution to the range-measurement error from an individual error source
(apparent clock and ephemeris prediction accuracies). This is converted into range
units, assuming that the error source is uncorrelated with all other error sources.
Values < 10 are preferred.
User segment :
The part of the whole GPS system that includes the receivers of GPS signals.
UTC :
See universal time coordinated
World geodetic system :
A consistent set of parameters describing the size and shape of the earth, the positions
of a network of points with respect to the center of mass of the Earth, transformations

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from major geodetic datums, and the potential of the Earth (usually in terms of
harmonic coefficients).
WGS-84 (World Geodetic System 1984) :
The mathematical ellipsoid used by GPS since January, 1987.
Y code :
The encrypted version of the P-code.

GPS Acronyms
BIPM : Bureau des Poids et Measures
C/A : Code Coarse Acquisition Code
CC : Composite Clock
CDMA : Code Division Multiple Access
DGPS : Differential GPS
DoD : Department of Defense
DOP : Dilution of Precision
DoT : Department of Transportation
FRP : Federal Radionavigation Plan
GDOP : Geometric Dilution of Precision
GPS : Global Positioning System
HDOP : Horizontal DOP
ICD : Interface Control Document
IRIG : Inter-Range Instrumentation Group
L1 : 1575.42 MHz GPS signal
L2 : 1227.6 MHz GPS signal
MC : Master Control
NAD-27 : North American Datum 1927
NANU : Notice Advisory to NAVSTAR Users
NTP : Network Time Protocol
P-code : Precise-code
PDOP : Position DOP
PPS : Precise Positioning Service
PRC : Primary Reference Clock
PRN : Pseudo Random Noise

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SDOP : Spherical DOP


SPS : Standard Positioning Service
SV : Space Vehicle
TDOP : Time DOP
USNO : U.S. Naval Observatory
UTC : Universal Time Coordinated
VDOP : Vertical DOP
WGS-84 : World Geodetic System 1984
Y-code : Encrypted P-code

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List of Accessories
1. Power Cable ...........................................................................................1 No.
2. RS 232 Cable..........................................................................................1 No.
3. GPS Antenna .........................................................................................1 No.
4. CD-ROM S/W ........................................................................................1 No.
5. CD-BOX ................................................................................................1 No.
6. Op. Manual.............................................................................................1 No.

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