Expert GPS CLOCK

General Information

Congratulations on purchasing the Expert GPS CLOCK, a high-quality product from Gude Analog- & Digitalsysteme GmbH. The Expert GPS CLOCK is a receiver module for satellite signals from the worldwide navigation and positioning system GPS (Global Positioning System).

The Expert GPS CLOCK receives time and position data transmitted by GPS satellites orbiting the Earth. The included software synchronizes your computer's internal system time with the received time (UTC) upon request. It also provides GPS position data, which can be used for navigation applications.

The module is supplied with either a serial (RS232) adapter or a USB adapter, allowing direct connection to a PC's serial or USB port. Power is supplied via the USB port in both cases.

Important: Reliable reception of satellite signals requires an unobstructed view to the sky.

*Note on UTC/GMT: The Greenwich meridian, established in 1884, serves as the prime meridian. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) became the global standard. Local time is derived by adding or subtracting up to 12 hours from GMT based on time zones. GMT does not observe daylight saving time, remaining constant year-round. In 1986, GMT was replaced by Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) as the global standard.

Package Contents

The package for the Expert GPS CLOCK includes the following components:

• 1 GPS module
• 1 serial adapter with a serial plug and a USB plug (for power supply) on one side, and a PS/2 port for module connection on the other side
• 1 USB adapter with a USB plug and a PS/2 port for module connection
• 1 CD-ROM with driver software for Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000/XP
• 1 manual

Please check that all listed components are present upon unpacking. If any parts are missing, contact your supplier immediately.

Important Notes

• Protect the GPS module's connection cable from mechanical stress, especially when used near open windows. Avoid pinching the cable, for example, by a closing window. Secure open windows or use a suitable cable kink protection.
• Connect the serial cable only when the computer is turned off (unplug the power adapter if necessary). Connecting or disconnecting cables while the computer is on can cause damage due to voltage spikes.
• The Expert GPS CLOCK is splash-water protected and suitable for continuous outdoor use. It is not waterproof for underwater operation.
• Do not open the module under any circumstances, as this will damage the seal and render it unsuitable for outdoor use.
• The plastic housing is designed for normal environmental conditions. Avoid exposure to corrosive chemicals or other unusual environments.
• When used outdoors, protect the module from hail and lightning.
• Gude is not liable for any damages resulting from improper handling.

System Requirements

To use the Expert GPS CLOCK, the following system requirements must be met:

• A PC running Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT/XP
• A free serial port (SUB-D, 9-pin) and/or a free USB port
• Unobstructed view to the sky (e.g., through a window near the PC)
• At least 3 MB of free hard disk space and 2 MB of free RAM

Information about GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide navigation and positioning system developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). It comprises 24 satellites orbiting the Earth on six different paths at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km. Each satellite completes an orbit in 12 hours. With a clear view of the sky, at least five satellites should be visible from any location on Earth at any time.

Each satellite continuously transmits a signal at a carrier frequency of 1575.42 MHz (L1-band). This carrier frequency is modulated with a lower-frequency data signal containing the satellite's orbital information and precise time data from its internal atomic clock. By receiving signals from at least three satellites simultaneously, a GPS receiver can determine its exact position (longitude and latitude) based on the time differences in the signals. A fourth satellite is needed to calculate altitude.

The system also provides precise time information (UTC) from the satellites' atomic clocks.

Installation

Hardware Installation

The GPS module is supplied with either a serial adapter (with two cables) or a USB adapter.

Connecting to COM Port (Serial)

The module connects via a PS/2 plug. The serial interface is used for data transmission to the PC, and the USB plug is for power supply.

Figure 1: Connectors of the GPS Module shows the PS/2 plug, the 9-pin SUB-D socket (serial COM port), and the USB plug.

Important: Turn off the computer before connecting or disconnecting the serial cable to prevent damage from voltage spikes.

Connect the 9-pin SUB-D plug (female) of the GPS module to a free serial interface (COM port) on your PC. Then, connect the USB plug to a free USB port.

After connecting the cables, turn on your PC. The LED on the Expert GPS CLOCK will start blinking red. Once the LED glows solid red, the Expert GPS CLOCK has acquired a correct time.

Connecting to USB

If you are using the USB adapter, first install the USB driver from the supplied CD-ROM. Then, connect the Expert GPS CLOCK to a free USB port on your PC. The LED on the Expert GPS CLOCK will start blinking red and then turn solid red once a correct time is acquired.

USB Driver Installation

If the Expert GPS CLOCK with USB adapter has already been connected, unplug it. Insert the CD-ROM into your drive and run the file PL-2303DriverInstaller.exe. This setup program will install the USB driver. After reconnecting the Expert GPS CLOCK, Windows will recognize the device and install a virtual COM port for communication.

Software Installation

Insert the supplied CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive and start the installation program ExpGPSClock.exe. The program will install the software in your chosen directory. Launch the software by double-clicking the ExpGPS.exe icon.

Initially, you must configure the COM port used by the GPS receiver via the menu: Options | COM-Schnittstelle (or Options | COM Port). After selecting the COM port, the program should display "receiving NMEA-messages" in the GPS Data | State menu. If you see "no receive!", either the wrong COM port is selected, or the Expert GPS CLOCK is not connected correctly. Adjust the COM port setting or check the cabling.

After successful installation, optimize the receiver's orientation. Refer to the next chapter for details.

Adjusting the Receiver

Proper orientation of the GPS module is crucial for successful operation. GPS satellite signals are weak and require a clear view of the sky for reliable reception. The receiver must be installed near a window.

Satellite Types

• Visible Satellites: The GPS module receives signals, but they may not be valid. These satellites are considered "visible but not active." All visible satellites are displayed in the GPS Signal Quality menu, represented by blue bars indicating a value from 0 to 99. Higher values are better; 25-40 is typically normal and sufficient.
• Active Satellites: The GPS module receives valid signals. These satellites are considered "visible and active." The number of active satellites is shown in the GPS Data and GPS Signal Quality tabs.

Requirement: At least three active satellites are necessary for time synchronization.

Reception quality improves with a higher number of active satellites.

Place the GPS module in one of the following recommended positions, leave it stationary for several minutes, and check the number of active satellites.

Placement Options

• Attaching to the Inside of a Windowpane: The antenna is located under the front side with the product label. Attach the module from the inside of the windowpane, with the front side facing the window. Do not cover the front side with tape. You can secure it by applying a strip of tape over the back of the module, extending to the windowpane.
• Indoors on the Windowsill: Place the module on the windowsill with its backside downwards. Reception may be less optimal due to potential obstructions.
• Outdoors on the Windowsill: The module is splash-water protected and suitable for outdoor use. Place it on the windowsill with the backside downwards. A magnet is located underneath the flat back side.

Important: Ensure the operating temperature range (Minimum: -40°C, Maximum: 85°C) is respected.

The best signal reception is achieved by placing the Expert GPS CLOCK outdoors on a windowsill or any other location with an unobstructed view of the sky.

Software Description

The software is organized into four tabs:

3.1 GPS Data

• GPS time information: Displays current PC time and received UTC time.
• GPS position data: Shows latitude and longitude (if available).
• GPS module state: Indicates the selected COM port, current module status, and IDs of active satellites.

3.2 GPS Signal Quality

This tab lists visible satellites by their ID and displays the quality of received signals using blue graphs. It also shows the active satellites.

3.3 NMEA Monitor

All NMEA messages received by the GPS module are displayed in the message window. The "Save" button allows saving these messages as a log file.

3.4 Options

The following options can be configured:

• COM Port: Select the COM port to which the GPS module is connected. A baud rate of 4800 is usually sufficient. For higher baud rates, you must adjust the module's baud rate using SetGPS.exe (see Section 3.5).
• Synchronisation frequency: Set how often the PC time should be synchronized with UTC.
• Language: Choose between German and English.

Changing the Module's Baud Rate

Follow these steps to change the module's baud rate:

• Close the Expert GPS CLOCK Software (ExpGPS.exe).
• Start Set GPS from the Start Menu (Start > Programs > Expert GPS CLOCK > Set GPS).
• In the program window, select the current baud rate and the COM port.
• Click "Start" and observe the NMEA messages appearing in the text field.
• Choose a new baud rate and at least one message type from the NMEA Messages group (e.g., RMC).
• Click "Reset" and observe the command being sent to change the baud rate, and the NMEA messages reappearing.
• Click "Stop" and close Set GPS.

The module will now send data at the new baud rate. You can then adjust the COM port setting in ExpGPS.exe to this new baud rate, as described in Chapter 3.4.

Technical Support

If you encounter any issues during installation or operation of the Expert GPS CLOCK, please contact the support team:

Gude Analog- und Digitalsysteme GmbH
Eintrachtstrasse 113
D-50668 Cologne
Germany

Phone: +49-221-912 90 97
Fax: +49-221-912 90 98
E-Mail: info@gude.info
Internet: http://www.gude.info

Quick Start

1. Read the "Important Notes" on page 21 to prevent damage from improper use.
2. Serial Adapter: Connect the module's PS/2 plug to the adapter's PS/2 port, the serial connector to your PC's serial port, and the USB plug to a USB port.
3. USB Adapter: Install the USB driver (see Chapter 2.2). Connect the module's PS/2 connector to the adapter's PS/2 socket, and the USB plug to a USB port.
4. Place the receiver near a window with an unobstructed view to the sky (e.g., attached from inside to the windowpane with the labeled front side facing the window, or placed on the windowsill with the backside downwards).
5. Install the software using the setup routine (see Chapter 2.3) and start the driver ExpGPS.exe.
6. In the Options | Serial connection menu, select the COM port or the virtual COM port for the USB adapter, respectively.
7. On the GPS Data tab, the current system time and received GPS time are displayed. In Options | Synchronise PC time every x minutes/hours, you can configure how often the PC time is synchronized to GPS time.
8. For more information on installation and program handling, refer to this manual or the online help.

EC Declaration of Conformity

EC Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer: Gude Analog- und Digitalsysteme GmbH, Eintrachtstr. 113, 50668 Köln (Germany)

Hereby declares that the following products comply with the specified European directives:

• Product Name: Expert GPS Clock 0508, Expert GPS Clock 0509
• Description: GPS Funkzeitempfänger / GPS radio clock receiver
• Directives: 2004/108/EG (Electromagnetic Compatibility - EMC), 2011/65/EU (Restriction of Hazardous Substances - RoHS)

And comply with the following harmonised European standards:

• EN 55022:2010/AC:2011 (Information technology equipment - Radio disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement)
• EN 55024:2010 (Information technology equipment - Immunity characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement)

Cologne, 09.02.2015

Dr. Michael Gude, General Manager, CEO