ANT-538 Antenna
The ANT-538 antenna is designed
for a variety of mobile applications.
The ANT-538 is an active GPS
antenna, 88.9 mm (3.5
”
) in diameter
with a removable ground plane and
survey mount. It is designed to
operate at the GPS L1 frequency of
1575.42 MHz, the GLONASS L1
frequency between 1602 and 1616
MHz, as well as L-Band signals
between 1525 and 1560 MHz. Its mechanical configuration is a
spherical radius molded radome which provides enhanced
protection against rain and ice. This antenna includes the
following:
•
internal 33 dB low noise amplifier
•
bias voltage from 2.5-24 V DC for operation
•
band pass filtering
•
DC bias provided through the coaxial connector
NovAtel offers optional coaxial cables of various lengths and
models for interconnecting between the antenna and NovAtel
GNSS receivers.
This guide provides the basic information you need to install and
begin using your new antenna.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
• A device with an antenna input port that both receives the RF
signal and provides 2.5 to 24.0 V DC to the antenna is
required to set up the ANT-538. (NovAtel GNSS receivers
provide the necessary power through their antenna RF
connectors.)
• Coaxial cable with a male TNC connector
INSTALLING THE ANTENNA
Shown below are two methods of installing the ANT-538:
1.
The ANT-538 antenna can be attached to any 5/8
”
- 11
threaded mount.
WARNING:
Ensure there is no more than 0.6
”
(1.5 cm) of
travel when you attach the ANT-538 to a mount. If
the stock of the threaded mount impacts the
antenna, it can cause damage and void your
warranty.
Ref. #
Description
1
ANT-538 antenna
2
TNC connector
3
User-supplied antenna mount
4
Attach the male TNC connector of the coaxial cable to the
antenna’s TNC connector (go on to step
c
on the next panel)
2.
The mini ground plane and survey mount can be removed
by unscrewing the four mounting screws.
a.
The antenna can then be attached using the square 4-
bolt mounting pattern, shown in the
Mechanical
Drawings
section of this guide, and the four 10 - 32
mounting screws. You may provide your own screws if
you need longer length screws.
Ref.#
Description
1
ANT-538 antenna
2
Screws
3
Gasket
4
Mounting surface
5
Pre-drilled mounting
holes
6
Coaxial cable
b.
Attach the male
TNC connector of
the coaxial cable
to the antenna’s TNC connector.
For installation method 1 or 2, attach the other end of the coaxial
cable to the antenna input port of the receiving device, which
must provide power as detailed in the
SPECIFICATIONS
section
of this guide. NovAtel GNSS receivers provide the necessary
power through their antenna RF connectors.
The graphic below shows an example of where the 538 antenna
may be placed on a vehicle (not to scale).
ANTENNA CARE
The ANT-538 is designed to withstand the elements, including
rain, snow, and dust. However, to ensure your antenna performs
optimally, keep the radome clean and brush off any ice and
snow. In addition, ensure the TNC connector remains clean and
dry and replace the dust cap when a cable is not connected.
ELEVATION GAIN PATTERNS
USER GUIDE
1
4
3
2
0.6” (1.5 cm max.)
4 3
1
5
2
6
L1 GPS:
L1 GLONASS:
L-Band:
