Operation
Chapter 3
ProPak6 Installation and Operation User Manual Rev 4
43
3.1.16 Antenna LNA Port
NovAtel antennas and coaxial cables meet receiver RF input gain requirements. NovAtel antennas are
equipped with built-in LNAs that provide 26 dB of gain to the satellite signal received. The power to the
antenna LNA is provided through the receiver’s RF port center conductor. To achieve the required input
gain to the receiver, NovAtel coaxial cables are designed to introduce no more than 10 dB loss. Antenna
supply over current protection limits the LNA power. The ProPak6 pr5 VDC ±5% at a maximum
of 200 mA to the antenna connected to the ANT1 connector. If the ProPak6 is equipped with an ANT2
connector, the second antenna is provided with 5 VDC ±5% at a maximum current of 100 mA.
3.1.17 External Oscillator Port (model dependent)
For applications requiring greater precision than what is possible using the on-board Voltage Controlled,
Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (VCTCXO), the ProPak6 may be connected to an external,
high stability oscillator, at 5 MHz or 10 MHz.
Connect a cable from the external oscillator to the receiver’s external oscillator input connector (OSC).
The receiver does not have to be powered down during this operation. The input impedance is 50 ohms.
When using the external oscillator, use the
EXTERNALCLOCK
command (refer to the
-OM-20000129 for details) to set the clock type (e.g: cesium, rubidium or
ovenized crystal) and frequency.
3.2
Getting Started
3.2.1
Applying Power to the Receiver
Connect the power supply to the power
port. Once valid power is detected, the ProPak6 power LED
briefly flashes red and then turns green as the ProPak6 enters Operational mode. Press the Power
button or issue the
SOFTPOWER
command to power down the ProPak6.
Figure 14: Power Button
CAN Bus functionality is controlled through NovAtel’s optional API software. The API
header file includes documentation on using the CAN bus.
An external oscillator is not available for systems with the Heading functionality. On
systems with the Heading feature, the port is used for the second GNSS antenna.
LED State
Description
Mode
Off (not lit)
No power connected
Red (solid)
Power connected
brief pre-Operational mode
Green (solid)
Power on
Operational
The ProPak6 also automatically enters Operational mode if valid power is connected or
if activity is detected on COM1, COM2 or COM3.
Status LED
Button
