3 – Operation
GPStation™ User Manual
13
NOTE:
Although the GPStation can operate at bit rates as low as 300 bps, this may not always be desirable. For
example, if several data logs are active (i.e. a significant amount of information needs to be transmitted every second) but
the bit rate is set too low, data will overflow the serial port buffers and cause an error condition in the receiver status.
COMMUNICATING USING A REMOTE TERMINAL
One method of communicating with the GPStation is through a remote terminal. The GPStation has been pre-wired to
allow proper RS232C interface with a data terminal. To communicate with the terminal, the GPStation only requires the
RX, TX, and GND lines to be used; handshaking is not required, although it can optionally be used. Ensure that the
terminal’s communications set-up matches the GPStation RS232C protocol.
COMMUNICATING USING A PERSONAL COMPUTER
An IBM-compatible PC can be set up to emulate a remote terminal as well as provide the added flexibility of creating
multiple-command batch files and data logging storage files. Any standard communications software package that
emulates a terminal can be used to establish bi-directional communications with the GPStation.
One can create command batch files using any text editor; these can then be directed to the serial port that is connected to
the GPStation using a communications software package. This is discussed in greater detail later in this chapter.
GETTING STARTED
Included with your GPStation are NovAtel’s WinSat and Convert programs, together with a user manual for them.
WinSat is a Windows-based graphical user interface which allows one to interact with the GPStation without struggling
with communications protocol or writing special software. WinSat automatically recognizes the model of GPStation
being used and adjusts the displays accordingly. Figure 10 shows a sample WinSat screen. Convert is a Windows-based
utility that allows you to convert between file formats, and strips unwanted records for data file compilation.
Figure 10
Sample WinSat Screen
