Scribd
Upload
392 views2 pages

GPS Antenna Installation - Quick Guide - AB-V-MD-00563

This document provides guidelines for properly installing a GPS antenna to ensure an accurate position fix. The antenna needs a clear view of the sky all around and down to the horizon to receive signals from multiple satellites. It should be installed in an ideal location away from obstructions and potential sources of interference. The cable connecting the antenna should be of good quality and not exceed the maximum recommended length to avoid signal degradation. Nearby transmitting antennas and radar could potentially interfere with GPS reception.

Uploaded by

Gleison Prateado
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
Download as pdf or txt
392 views2 pages

GPS Antenna Installation - Quick Guide - AB-V-MD-00563

This document provides guidelines for properly installing a GPS antenna to ensure an accurate position fix. The antenna needs a clear view of the sky all around and down to the horizon to receive signals from multiple satellites. It should be installed in an ideal location away from obstructions and potential sources of interference. The cable connecting the antenna should be of good quality and not exceed the maximum recommended length to avoid signal degradation. Nearby transmitting antennas and radar could potentially interfere with GPS reception.

Uploaded by

Gleison Prateado
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1/ 2

GPS Antenna Location and Installation (2015)

GPS
ANTENNA
EXAMPLES GA-530 combined
V460 AD491 GPS L1/L2
GPS / GLO L1 / L2 and GPS / GLO L1 / L2 and L-band & Marine
L-band antenna L-band antenna beacon (IALA)
antenna

Antenna needs a clear view of the sky all round and down to the horizon.
We need to track satellites down to a few degrees above the horizon.
At least four or five satellites are needed for a good position fix. At times when only five
or six satellites are in view above the horizon every one is important.
GOOD
ANTENNA
LOCATION
REQUIRED

IDEAL ANTENNA LOCATION - CLEAR VIEW OF THE SKY

POOR
ANTENNA TOO CLOSE TO A MAST
ANTENNA OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION
LOCATION
EXAMPLES

LOWER COMMUNICATION DOME WITH


POTENTIAL TO TRANSMIT TOWARDS GPS
ANTENNA AND CAUSE INTERFERENCE

ANTENNA TOO CLOSE TO ANOTHER, HIGHER


ANTENNA
Note: The GPS 'L1' frequency is approximately 1575 MHz, GPS L2 is approximately
1227 MHz. Signals are totally blocked by any metal object in the signal path.

GPS antenna location and installation 2015 Ref: AB-V-MD-


00563 A3
Date: 10 July 2015 Pages: 2

1
GPS Antenna Location and Installation
AVOID REFLECTED GPS SIGNALS
Usually called 'multipath' signals
Path length from the GPS satellite is increased which increases the computed range from the satellite.
May cause an error or instability in the position calculation.
Effect can vary rapidly as satellite elevation and azimuth change.

GPS ANTENNA CABLES


Use only good quality coaxial cable with properly fitted coaxial connectors
Avoid sharp bends in the cable
Avoid cuts in the cable casing
Secure the cable so that there is no weight on the antenna connector
Tape external connections with self-amalgamating tape to keep out water

APPROXIMATE MAXIMUM CABLE LENGTHS FOR OPTIMAL Single frequency Dual frequency
RESULTS (without the use of a GPS in-line amplifier) (L1 only) GPS (L1/L2) GPS
Note: GPS L2 signals are transmitted at a lower power level than the L1 signals. Required cable loss Required cable loss
Therefore a lower loss cable is required with dual frequency receiver systems. <12dB at L1 <8dB at L2
RG58 " coax 60 feet 45 feet
RG213 " coax 125 feet 110 feet
LMR400 3/8" coax (inner aluminium screen, special connectors) 235 feet 175 feet
LMR600 " coax (inner aluminium screen, special connectors) 350 feet 300 feet
LDF4-50 " semi-rigid coax (uses special connectors) 425 feet 360 feet
Note: maximum cable length will partly depend on the electrical environment in which the cable runs. As
far as possible keep antenna cables separate from other cables which may cause interference. Power
cables, radio transmitter cables, Inmarsat and Vsat cables, are examples.

POSSIBLE SOURCES OF GPS SIGNAL INTERFERENCE


Communications domes, as shown above
Television antenna amplifiers
Satellite television domes
From onboard
Any transmitting antenna closer than a few inches
vessel
A faulty GPS antenna within a few inches. They can radiate. Keep GPS
antennas at least three feet apart if possible
Radar scanner at the same height and close
Television transmitters
From onshore or
High power radar
near platforms
Microwave data links

GPS antenna location and installation 2015 Ref: AB-V-MD-


00563 A3
Date: 10 July 2015 Pages: 2

You might also like