The next entry in the menu is
local time offset
. The user can
setup the MONITOR so
that it keeps local time by changing the variable Local Time Offset. To get EST, set the
local time offset to -5 hours.
When installing, it is recommended that the user wait until the GPS has valid time before
leaving the station. If the GPS does not acquire the time in ten minutes, the GPS should
be repositioned so that it has a better view of the sky.
Keep in mind that whenever the display is turned on, MONITOR will power up the GPS.
This helps with GPS positioning. As long as the display is on, the MONITOR will
provide power the GPS, allowing it to track satellites. When the display is off, the
MONITOR will power the GPS once an hour for up to 15 minutes.
GPS Positioning
If the MONITOR is reporting that the
GPS cannot get a time fix
, it means that the GPS
is unable to get a clear view of the sky. It could also be the case that the GPS is picking
up interference. The best solution is to reposition the GPS. The GPS needs to have a
clear view of the sky
in order to properly function.
Place the GPS antenna in the most open space possible. Do not place it directly under
anything nor directly beside something. Always attempt to achieve a "full sky" view
with the antenna.
Place the GPS antenna high up on a pedestal or in a protected location. Flat surfaces may
tend to cover with ice and snow more so than elevated locations. Keep away from areas
where birds may nest. Placement is very important and great care should be taken in
selecting the location.
GPS Operation
Once every hour, the MONITOR will wake up the GPS. Once the GPS has acquired a
time fix (should not take more than 40 seconds), the MONITOR will set its clock and put
the GPS in low power mode. Powering the GPS once an hour provides the optimal
power consumption.
In addition, whenever the display is turned on, MONITOR will power up the GPS. This
allows the user to see whether the GPS can acquire a time fix and helps in positioning the
antenna.
GPS Errors
If the GPS is either not communicating with the MONITOR or if the GPS cannot acquire
a time fix, the MONITOR will blink the red LED to indicate that there is a problem. In
addition, the MONITOR will show a message describing the problem on the front panel.
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