2 – Hardware Configuration
6
GPStation™ User Manual
ANTENNA CABLE CONSIDERATIONS
The RF cable that you require will depend on the specific antenna selected for use in your system and the distance
between the antenna and the GPStation. NovAtel offers high-quality coaxial cable in the following lengths: 5 m (Model
C005), 15 m (Model C015), and 30 m (Model C030); these come with a TNC male connector at each end. Should your
application require the use of cable longer than 30 m, contact your NovAtel GPS Customer Service representative and
request Application Note APN-003, “Extended-Length Antenna Cable Runs” before you proceed.
The GPSAntenna Model 501 can compensate for up to 23 dB of cable loss; if this limit is exceeded, excessive signal
degradation will occur and the GPStation may not be able to meet its performance specifications.
While there may be other coaxial cables on the market which might also serve the purpose, please note that the
performance specifications of the GPStation are guaranteed only when it is used with NovAtel-supplied RF cables.
NOTE:
The coaxial cable should be connected to the antenna and GPStation before system power is turned on. If the
antenna cable becomes disconnected from the antenna or GPStation, remove power from the GPStation before
reconnecting the cable; this will prevent the GPStation’s antenna current-limiting circuit from unnecessarily activating.
POWER SUPPLY CONSIDERATIONS
The GPStation incorporates a DC-to-DC power converter providing filtering, automatic reset circuit protection, and
voltage regulation. It accepts a single input voltage between the range of +10 to +36 V DC. The power input is reverse
polarity protected. Refer to the Power Requirements section of Appendix A for further information.
The DC output of the autoranging AC/DC converter will meet the GPStation’s requirements for an input of 110 - 220 V
AC.
NOTE:
Operating the GPStation outside the specified input voltage range may result in damage to the GPStation,
and/or unreliable data.
INPUT POWER CABLES
As shown in Figure 5, there are three power cables supplied with the GPStation:
1. 4-pin LEMO socket connector to 2-pole plug connector (NovAtel p/n 01016380)
2. 2-pole socket connector to cigarette-lighter plug with built-in 2 amp fuse (NovAtel p/n 01016446)
3. 2-pole socket connector to AC/DC converter, and AC power cord (NovAtel p/n 01016447)
These cables allow you to power the GPStation from either an AC source or an automotive DC source. For field
replacement of either the LEMO connector or the 2-pole connectors, please consult Appendix B for a list of the
manufacturers’ part numbers.
