SXBlue GPS Reference Manual
32
6.4 Power, Communication, and Configuration
Q - My SXBlue GPS system doesn’t appear to be communicating, what do I do?
A - This could be one of a few issues:
1. Examine the SXBlue GPS cables and connectors for signs of damage.
2. Ensure that you are properly powering the system with the correct voltage.
3. If using the power cable, since you’re required to terminate the power input with
your choice of connector, ensure that you have made a good connection to the
power supply.
4. Check the documentation of the receiving device, if not a PC computer, to ensure
that the transmit line from the SXBlue GPS is connected to the receive line of the
other device. Also ensure that the signal grounds are connected.
5. If the SXBlue GPS is connected to a custom or special device, ensure that the
serial connection to it does not have any incompatible signal lines present that
may not allow either to communicate properly. Try using the Serial port for
communication as only pins 2, 3, and 5, which are the only pins required for
communication, are connected.
6. Make sure that the baud rate of the SXBlue GPS matches the other device. The
other device must also support an 8 data bit, 1 stop bit, and no parity port
configuration (8-N-1). Some devices support different settings that may be user-
configurable. Ensure that the settings match.
7. Consult the troubleshooting section of the other devices reference manual to
determine if there may be a problem with that equipment.
Q - Am I able to configure the serial ports with different baud rates?
A - Yes, the serial and Bluetooth ports are independent. However, the Bluetooth port
must be set to 9600 baud for proper operation.
Q - Am I able to have the SXBlue GPS output different NMEA messages through the two
ports?
A - Yes, you may have different NMEA messages turned on for the two serial ports.
Further, these NMEA messages may also be at different update rates.
Q - How can I determine the current configuration of the SXBlue GPS?
A - The $JSHOW<CR><LF> command will request the configuration information from
the SXBlue GPS. The response will be similar to the following output and is described in
detail in the chapter 8.
$>JSHOW,BAUD,19200
$>JSHOW,BIN,1,5.0
$>JSHOW,BAUD,9600,OTHER