Technical data

Connecting System Hardware 17
3
Connecting System Hardware
At this point, you should have an understanding of the function of each hardware
component of a GPS survey system and how the components relate to each
other. In order for the different components to function as a system, they must
communicate. This requires that the components be connected for both
communication and power. Here we will examine the connectivity of the GPS
system hardware components.
Below is presented a list of all connections required to make the GPS survey
system function.
GPS Receiver – GPS Antenna
The GPS receiver requires an antenna in order to observe the data being
transmitted by the satellites. Therefore, the GPS antenna must be connected to
the GPS receiver. This connection is made through a coaxial cable ranging in
length from 3 to 30 meters. This cable serves two purposes, it supplies power to
the GPS antenna from the receiver, and it sends the satellite signals observed by
the antenna to the receiver. Figure 3.1 shows a typical GPS antenna cable with a
TNC connector on each end.
630045.book Page 17 Sunday, February 11, 2001 11:38 AM