Hemisphere GPS VS101 - User Manual

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VS101 and VS111 GPS Compass

Quick Reference Guide

Part Number: 875-0254-000 Rev A1

Display

Note: The power toggle switch and connectors on

located on the back of the unit (not shown).

GPS Status

Each bar represents a distinct satellite and its associated

signal quality: the higher the bar, the better the signal.

Note: If using autonomous or external correction mode,

the DGPS signal indicator will not appear in the display.

Differential signal status has no affect on the heading

output.

Selection

buttons:

Up/

Enter/

Down/

Forward

Back

Select

Heading

Differential

Signal

Secondary

GPS

Primary

GPS

Power

GPS Signal DGPS or Beacon

Indicator Signal Indicator

Installation Considerations

Proper antenna placement is important to obtain a

high-precision GPS reading. Place the antennas:

• With a clear view of the horizon

• Away from other electronics and antennas

• Along the vessel’s centerline

You must install the primary antenna

along the vessel’s centerline; you cannot adjust the

position readings if the primary antenna is installed

off the centerline. Positions are computed for the

primary antenna.

• On a level plane

• At 2.0 m maximum separation, default is 0.5 m

• Away from radio frequencies

• As high as possible

For the best results, orient the antennas so the antennas’

connectors face the same direction.

Note: In the VS111 kit, install the A30 antenna as the

primary antenna as it is used for positioning.

Mounting Orientation

Getting Started

1. Power on the unit.

2. Select Config Wizard > Use Previous to use an

existing configuration or select Config Wizard >

Proceed Wizard to create a new configuration.

3. Select the appropriate differential source and

communication port settings for new configurations.

4. Change defaults to the aiding features, time

constants, and bias only if you are customizing the

mounting installation including:

• Unable to mount the antennas and/or the

receiver on a level plane

• Unable to mount the antennas at a 0º heading or

on a level plane

• Need accurate heading while remaining

stationary for long time periods

5. Enter the antenna separation if the antennas were

not installed 0.5 m apart. The separation distance

must be measured to the nearest centimeter.

6. Enter the desired attitude output (Pitch or Roll).

7. S e l e c t Save to Location and then select an

available location.

8. Select Config Wizard > Use Previous to enable

the custom settings.

Forward

motion

Antenna

separation

Receiver

(display

must face

primary

antenna)

(0.5 m default,

2.0 m maximum)

Parallel

Perpendicular

Orientation

Antenna

separation

(0.5 m default,

2.0 m maximum)

Forward

motion

Receiver

(display must

face primary

antenna)

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Need help?

Do you have a question about the Hemisphere GPS VS101 and is the answer not in the manual?

The Hemisphere VS101 and VS111 GPS Compass is a device designed for high-precision GPS positioning and heading determination. It is primarily used in applications where accurate position and orientation are critical, such as marine navigation or other dynamic environments.

Function Description

The core function of the device is to provide precise GPS position, heading, and attitude (pitch or roll) information. It achieves this by utilizing a primary and a secondary antenna, processing their signals to calculate not only location but also the orientation of the vessel or platform on which it is mounted. The device supports various differential correction sources, including DGPS (Differential GPS) and SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation System), to enhance accuracy. The GPS Signal Indicator on the display provides visual feedback on the quality of satellite signals, with each bar representing a distinct satellite and its associated signal quality. A separate indicator is present for DGPS or Beacon signals, although this will not appear if using autonomous or external correction modes. The heading output remains unaffected by differential signal status.

Usage Features

The device offers a user-friendly interface accessible through a display and selection buttons (Up/Forward, Enter/Select, Down/Back).

Getting Started:
- Powering on the unit initiates the system.
- Users can choose to use an existing configuration via "Config Wizard > Use Previous" or create a new one with "Config Wizard > Proceed Wizard."
- For new configurations, appropriate differential source and communication port settings must be selected.
- Default aiding features, time constants, and bias can be adjusted based on specific mounting installations. This includes scenarios where antennas or the receiver cannot be mounted on a level plane, or at a 0° heading, or when accurate heading is needed during long stationary periods.
- Antenna separation, if not 0.5 m, must be entered, measured to the nearest centimeter.
- The desired attitude output (Pitch or Roll) can be selected.
- Configurations can be saved to an available location using "Save to Location."
- "Config Wizard > Use Previous" can be selected to enable custom settings.
Display and Navigation:
- The main display shows critical information such as Heading, Differential Signal status, Secondary GPS, Primary GPS, and Power status.
- The menu system is organized hierarchically, allowing users to navigate through various settings and information.
- Vector Menu: This menu allows viewing and configuring Vector settings, which vary depending on whether Pitch or Roll is selected. Options include Aiding Features, Time Constants, Bias, Neg, Tilt, Antenna Separation, and Pitch/Roll.
- DGPS Menu: The options in this menu depend on the current differential source. It allows viewing signal status, satellite information, and differential source settings (SBAS, Beacon, External RTCM). Users can configure RTCM port settings, including baud rate.
- GPS Menu: This menu provides access to GPS settings, such as Position Status, Satellite information, and configuration options for data port outputs, positioning parameters, UTC time offset, and satellite visibility.
- System Setup Menu: This comprehensive menu allows quick viewing and editing of current system settings. It includes options for Display Apps, Display Format, Baud Rates, Display Logs, Software Display, Contrast, Animation, Subscription, Flip Display (for vertical display orientation), and Language settings.
- Configuration Wizard Menu: This menu facilitates creating new configurations, saving current ones, deleting saved ones, or using previous configurations. When creating a new configuration, users can enter a name, select differential source (SBAS), configure data ports (A and B), set elevation mask, maximum DGPS age, baud rates for ports, aiding features, time constants, bias, antenna separation, and pitch/roll output, before saving to a location.
Mounting Orientation:
- The device supports both Parallel and Perpendicular mounting orientations for the antennas relative to the receiver.
- In both orientations, the receiver's display must face the primary antenna.
- Antenna separation (default 0.5 m, maximum 2.0 m) is a critical parameter for accurate calculations.
- The diagrams illustrate the relative positions of the receiver and antennas, indicating positive and negative directions for Pitch (+P/-P), Roll (+R/-R), and Heading (+H/-H).

Maintenance Features

While the manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features, the configuration and setup options imply a degree of user control over the device's operational parameters, which can be considered part of its ongoing management.

Configuration Management: The "Config Wizard" allows users to create, save, delete, and recall different configurations. This is crucial for adapting the device to various operational scenarios or for restoring known good settings.
System Monitoring: The "Display Logs" option within the "System Setup Menu" suggests that the device records operational data, which can be useful for troubleshooting or performance analysis.
Software Display: The "Software Disp" option in the "System Setup Menu" likely provides information about the device's firmware, which can be important for updates or compatibility checks.
Antenna Placement: Proper antenna placement is emphasized for obtaining high-precision GPS readings. This includes ensuring a clear view of the horizon, avoiding interference from other electronics and antennas, and aligning them along the vessel's centerline. The primary antenna must always be on the centerline for accurate position computations. Antennas should be on a level plane, at a specified maximum separation, and away from radio frequencies, and as high as possible. For best results, antenna connectors should face the same direction. In the VS111 kit, the A30 antenna is designated as the primary antenna for positioning.

The device is designed for robust performance in demanding environments, with its configuration flexibility allowing it to be tailored to specific application needs.

Hemisphere GPS VS101 Specifications

General

Type	GPS Compass
Update Rate	10 Hz
Input Voltage	9 - 36 VDC
Operating Temperature	-30°C to +70°C
Ingress Protection	IP67
Operating Voltage	9 - 36 VDC
Interface	RS-232, RS-422
GNSS Signals Tracked	GPS
Position Accuracy	1.5m CEP (SBAS)
Data I/O	RS-232, RS-422
Protocols	NMEA 0183
Power Consumption	2.5W