Vector Sensor Reference Manual xiv
Preface
Welcome to the Vector Sensor Reference Manual and congratulations on purchasing this high-
performance GPS compass. This product is based upon the successful heritage of our SLX
engine-based GPS products that are renowned for performance and reliability.
The Vector Sensor system is a complete GPS compass and positioning system composed of a
Vector Sensor, a Vector Antenna Array, an MBL-3 beacon antenna, and required cables. The
Vector Sensor has been designed primarily for the Marine market, however it is also suitable for
other markets, such as Machine Control and Agricultural Guidance. This reference manual has
been written to address the primary use of the Vector Sensor system in the Marine industry,
however the information provided should be sufficiently broad to also satisfy the needs of Vector
Sensor use in other markets.
The Vector Sensor is a rugged, integrated receiver that houses two tightly coupled high-
performance receivers, a single-axis gyro, a magnetic compass, and a tilt sensor. The gyro,
magnetic compass, and tilt sensor are present to improve system performance and to provide
backup heading information in the event that a GPS heading is not available due to signal blockages.
The Vector Antenna Array is composed of two multipath-rejecting CDA-RTK antennas mounted
on a rigid bracket that provides a 0.5 m separation between antenna phase centers. Standard RF
coaxial cables connect the antennas to the Vector Sensor. You may configure the Vector Sensor
for larger antenna separations (up to 2.0 m maximum) in order to increase the heading
performance of the system. The separate MBL-3 antenna provides beacon RF signals to the
beacon demodulator within the Vector Sensor.
The Vector Sensor system provides industry standard $HEHDT and $HEROT NMEA heading
messages at rates of up to 10 Hz. It also delivers sub-meter positioning (95%) using corrections
from Space Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) or its internal SBX beacon demodulator at
position update rates of up to 5 Hz.
An additional feature offered by the Vector Sensor is our unique COAST™ technology that allows
the internal GPS to use old correction data for up to 30 to 40 minutes without dramatically
affecting the quality of your positioning. Using COAST, the Vector Sensor is less vulnerable to
differential signal outages, weak differential signal conditions, differential signal blockage or
interference.
The purpose of this manual is to familiarize you with the proper installation, configuration, and
operation of your new GPS compass. This document is a comprehensive resource rather than a
simple user’s guide in order to place a generous amount of information in one place. We hope this
saves you time by providing complete information in a single document and also increases your
knowledgebase beyond the basic operation of the Vector Sensor.
CSI Wireless has designed this GPS product to function in a wide array of applications and
environments for many years of reliable operation.
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