Vector Compass
AvL Technologies
| Proprietary – Content is Subject to Change without Notice
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3.2 Target Configuration Items
No Target configuration items exist for this module.
3.3 Signal Configuration Items
No Signal configuration items exist for this module.
3.4 Feed Configuration Items
No Feed configuration items exist for this module.
4.
Operation
4.1 Functional Overview
A GPS based Vector Compass system is used as an alternative way to determine heading as
opposed to using a magnetic device. As the GPS antenna is moved through space, its receiver
periodically records position information. By using a second GPS unit at a measured distance
from the first and comparing data between the two, positional errors can be mathematically
eliminated. The heading information gleaned by this process avoids most of the interference and
magnetic errors seen in traditional compass systems.
The AvL Vector Compass is used to compute a heading as well as DGPS (Differential Global
Positioning System) position and time using L1 GPS, GLONASS & Galileo information. The AvL
Vector Compass system allows for considerable signal degradation for up to 40 minutes without
significantly affecting positional accuracy. The AvL Vector Compass sends the resulting
differential NEMA 0183 data to the AAQ, allowing the antenna system to point with a high level
of accuracy.
