SMART6 User Manual Rev 3
21
Chapter 3
Operation
Before operating the SMART6 for the first time, ensure the installation instructions in
were followed
.
It is assumed that a computer is used during initial operation and testing for greater
ease and versatility.
3.1
Communications with the Receiver
Communication with the receiver typically consists of issuing commands through the communication ports
from an external serial communications device. This could be either a terminal or computer connected
directly to the receiver serial port using a DB-9 connector on the SMART6 communication/power cable. If
using a radio, connect it to another DB-9 connector on the same communication/power cable by means of
the radio serial cable supplied with the radio. It is recommended that you become thoroughly familiar with the
commands and logs detailed in the
OEM6 Family Firmware Reference Manual
to ensure maximum utilization
of the receiver’s capabilities.
3.1.1
Serial Port Default Settings
The receiver communicates with the computer or terminal via an RS-232 serial port. For communication to
occur, both the receiver and the operator interface have to be configured properly. The receiver’s COM1 and
COM2 default port settings are:
•
9600 bps, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no handshaking, echo off
The receiver’s AUX default port settings are:
•
9600 bps, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no handshaking, echo off
To change the default settings, use the
SERIALCONFIG
command. See
SERIALCONFIG Configures serial port settings
for details.
The data transfer rate chosen determines how fast information is transmitted. For example, outputting a log
whose message byte count is 96. The default port settings allows 10 bits/byte (8 data bits + 1 stop bit + 1
framing bit). It therefore takes 960 bits per message. To get 10 messages per second, 9600 bps is required.
Also remember that even if the bps is set to 9600, the actual data transfer rate is lower and depends on the
number of satellites being tracked, data filters in use and idle time. It is suggested a margin is set when
choosing a data rate (115200 is recommended for most applications).
3.1.2
Communicating Using a Remote Terminal
One method of communicating with the receiver is through a remote terminal. The receiver is pre-wired to
allow proper RS-232 interface with the data terminal. To communicate with the terminal, the receiver only
requires the RX, TX and GND lines to be used. Request to Send (RTS)/Clear to Send (CTS) hardware
handshaking is not available. Ensure the terminal’s communications set up matches the receiver’s RS-232
protocol.
3.1.3
Communicating Using a Computer
A computer 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 bidirectional communications with the receiver.
For example, HyperTerminal or NovAtel’s Graphical User Interface (GUI) program NovAtel Connect
™
. All
data is sent as raw 8-bit binary or ASCII characters.
Although the receiver can operate at data transfer rates as low as 300 bps, this is not desirable.
For example, if several data logs are active (that is, 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, causing a warning in the receiver status and loss of data.