6
MAN #650519C
Installation and Overview
•
Do not connect the I/O port to anything other than a Dakota Digital control box or BIM.
•
Do not mount the module in the engine compartment; it should be mounted in the vehicle.
•
Do not connect into BIM port of any BIM-01-2 series module.
•
Make sure the module is securely mounted and not hanging loose.
o
The GPS-50-2 uses an internal acceleration sensor which cannot accurately track the vehicle
acceleration if the module is not well secured.
•
Optional Antenna
– mount on top of dash, close to window for best reception.
o
Mounting on glass
“can” work, but is not the preferred choice
o
Not designed for exterior use!
The
setup menu will aid in selecting an acceptable mounting location. This should be done in a clear,
outside area and not inside a building. Hold the switch beside the GPS-50-2 display while turning the key on.
The display will show the current revision code while this is held. Release the switch. Press and release the
switch until “
” is displayed. Press and hold the switch until “ - ” is displayed. Press and release the switch
until “
” is displayed. This will show the number of satellites being used. It should be tracking at least 6
satellites. If it is less than this wait a few minutes for it to pick up additional satellites. Press and release the
switch until “
” is displayed. The maximum signal strength will be displayed in real time. You should try
different locations to obtain a reading of
or higher. When using the optional antenna move the antenna to
different locations to obtain a reading of
or higher.
Initial setup
Once the module is mounted securely and wired, there are a few internal tasks the GPS module will complete
on its own.
First, the module needs time to acquire and track the satellites.
This typically won’t work inside a steel building,
so have the vehicle outside to speed up the process. There is a dot in the upper right of the display that will be
on steady or on and flashing any time the key is on. The dot in the top center of the display will be on steady
once it has gotten a GPS satellite fix.
The unit won’t operate until it gets a fix and this may take 1 – 15 minutes
depending on various things. This delay is only for the initial GPS fix. After this it will typically begin operating
within a few seconds of turning the key on.
The second step is to let the internal acceleration sensor learn how it is mounted in the vehicle. You can mount
it securely in any position you want. When you are sitting still it learns which way is up. In order to learn which
way is the front of the vehicle you need to accelerate or decelerate on a straight stretch of road. Accelerate or
decelerate for at least 2.5 seconds and make sure your speed changes by at least 10 mph. This procedure
only needs to be done initially and doesn’t need to be repeated unless you move the module to a different
mounting location.
If you move it to a new mounting location or a different vehicle, enter the setup menu and select the
option
to speed up learning the new mounting position.
Dakota Digital display data usage
The speed outputs can each be used in place of a separate transmission connection to the gauge control unit.
The clock is based on the accurate GPS time and only the hours need to be set to match it to your time zone.
The compass requires no setup or calibration for the vehicle and is accurate any time the vehicle is moving.
The altimeter is calculated from the GPS position data to give your current elevation.
Each of these will be displayed in the message center and can be individually turned on or off.