Vector Sensor Reference Manual 111
8. Frequently Asked Questions
8.1 Heading
Q – Do I need to increase the antenna separation?
A – The answer depends on the level of heading performance that your application requires. The
Vector Sensor, with its standard antenna mounting configuration provides a 0.5° heading accuracy
95%. If you require more performance, you will need to increase the antenna separation.
Q – How shall I mount the Antenna Array?
A – It depends on whether or not you’re looking for a permanent or temporary installation. If you
are installing the Vector Sensor system temporarily, you will likely want to use the magnetic
mounting option. If you are going to install the system permanently, you will likely want to pole or
rail mount the system. The Antenna Array uses a standard 1-14-UNS-2B mounting thread, so the
array should be fairly versatile for mounting.
Q – Should I turn on all the supplemental sensors?
A – We recommend as a very minimum that you leave the tilt sensor turned on. Remember that
any supplemental sensors that are turned on impose mounting limitations on the Vector Sensor
enclosure and its orientation with respect to the Antenna Array.
It’s best to test the system with and without the secondary sensors to see if you feel that the
performance suffers too much without them.
8.2 General
Q - Do you recommend beacon or SBAS differential services?
A - It partially depends on regulations regarding on the size of your vessel and if you’re going to use
the Vector Sensor for positioning in addition to heading. You may be required to use beacon
corrections when positioning if you plan to use the position output from the Vector Sensor. If
this is not the case, you will likely find that the beacon and SBAS are able to provide good levels of
performance. However, currently, the SBAS services are not currently transmitting under an
initial operational capability declaration. Some degree of caution should be used when positioning
with SBAS until these services achieve this level of compliance.
Q - Are the SBAS services reliable for differential operation?
A - These services have proven themselves for some time now and have shown excellent results.
As both WAAS and EGNOS are in test mode currently, they are not to be used as a sole means of
navigation. Additionally, as they are under test, there may be periods of outage or times when the
signal should not be used. We recommend that you refer to Appendix D - Resources of this
manual for Web sites that provide details regarding the broadcast schedule of WAAS and EGNOS.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
