ComNav Vector G2/G2B Installation & Operation Operation
Document PN 29010078 V2.0 - 39 -
DRAFT #3 – 29 May 2009
Operation
The Vector G2 GPS Compass provides accurate, reliable, high-precision position and
heading data. It is intended to be used with a wide variety of marine Navigation
equipment.
The G2 is a very good example of a classic “Black Box”:
• There are no switches or indicators on the case … not even a power light …
• It begins to operate as soon as it is powered on …
• But … there is NO way to tell if it is working!!
As mentioned in the Overview chapter, the factory-default configuration settings are
meant to allo
w most u
sers, in typical marine applications, to install and use the G2, with
no changes needed … Plug and Play, in other words!
So, in that sense, there’s really no need for an “Operating the Vector G2” chapter in this
manual.
On the other hand, since the G2 really is a “Black Box” (despite the case being white …),
there is no way to tell if it is working properly, or to control it, if it is not connected to at
least one suitable external device … such as a GPS Compass Display, or a PC running a
suitable program.
And so, the information in this chapter is meant to show how to monitor the operation &
status of the G2, and to control it and/or re-configure it, when necessary.
The first part of this chapter will help you gain some understanding of how the G2 works.
The second part describes monitoring & controlling & configuring the G2, and other
performance & setup information.
Understanding How the G2 Works
The first thing to do, in order to “operate” a Vector G2, is to turn it on …
Power should always be applied to the G2 by means of a power switch (in series with a
suitable fuse or circuit breaker, see page 27).
Automatic & Continuous Operation
When first powered up, the G2 performs a “cold start” – which involves determining which
GPS & SBAS satellites are in view, and then acquiring signals from all that are in view.
The DGPS data source is also automatically acquired, if the G2 has been set to use
DGPS data.
Once sufficient GPS signals are acquired, the G2 begins to generate navigational data,
which is then sent out on the G2’s two serial ports, according to what it has been
configured to output.
While the G2 remains powered, its GPS receivers & processors are always operating.
Acquisition Time
Although initial GPS signal lock may be reached in as little as 30 seconds, it may also
take as several minutes, depending on the current positions of the visible GPS satellites
and their relative signal strength. During this acquisition time, the position, heading, and
other data output may be transmitted on an intermittent basis, causing an “Invalid
heading” or similar alarms on navigation devices (such as autopilots and radar displays).
Thus, it is best to turn on the Vector G2 and run it for a few minutes, before turning on
your other equipment.
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