RV-M7 GX GPS Transponder Quick-Start Guide

3. Operation

The M7 GX operates in a number of different “GPS Modes”, each mode specific to the application it is being used in.  The mode of operation is set with one simple command, the GPS x command.  The different modes change the operation of the M7 GX in a number of ways.  The serial-port data rate is set, the types of NMEA formatted messages it will send out or accept is set, as will as how the internal UHF radio is used. The table below summarizes this.

GPS Mode Common Usage Default Serial Port Baudrate Output Message Description
GPS 1 Transponder

Simple tracking, AVL, security.

 4800 RMC, GLL Transmit only in this mode. The receiver is off and GPS is turned off between transmissions.  This is the lowest-power consuming mode. No RX.
GPS 2 PC / Base Station

Proprietary interface for PC applications that monitor M7 Transponders.

 38400 PRAVE Connect the M7 GX to a PC computer running RavTrack PC (or a custom application),  The PRAVE message is in NMEA format, and provides location and status information for every transponder it receives.
GPS 3 Marine Radar

Displaying the location of M7 transponders on a ship RADAR screen.

 38400 TLL Connect the M7 GX to a marine RADAR display or plotter with a serial port, and waypoints will appear on the GPS screen at the location of all M7 GXtransponders within radio range.  The display must support the NMEA 0183 TLL message.
GPS 4 GPS Display

Lowrance and Garmin GPS displays. Mobile displays.

 4800 WPL Connect the M7 GX to a mobile or hand-held GPS with a serial port, and waypoints will appear on the GPS screen at the location of all M7 GXtransponders within radio range.
GPS 5 -LX  No GPS module

Lowrance and Garmin GPS displays. Radar displays. Mobile displays.

 38400 PRAVE Connect the M7 GX to a PC running RavTrack PC, or change the message to WPL and use with a GPS display.  No internal GPS, so no positions/status transmissions.

4. Electrical Inputs and Outputs

Inputs and Outputs

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The front panel of the M7 GX modem has these features:

    1. RF connector
    2. Power LED
    3. Status LED (Receive data = green,  TX = red)
    4. 9-Pin Serial I/O connector
    5. DC Power Jack
    1. LEDs

The status LED visually show the current status of the radio.

Status LED (TX) This LED blinks red when the transmitter keys and is putting out RF power.  It blinks green upon the reception of data or RF carrier. 

Power LED (PWR)   This LED does a short blink, once every two seconds, indicating to the user that the power to the modem is ON and the modem is working.  When the modem is in the command mode, this LED will blink on and off, once per second.

When the GPS is trying to acquire satellite lock, the Status and Power LEDs will alternately blink back and forth.  This usually takes 10-20 seconds upon power-up or loss of satellite signal.

    1. DC Power

DC power for the modem is connected to the 2-pin DC power input jack labeled DC IN.  Use the supplied cable to connect the DC power. The red wire is positive (+) and the black wire is negative. Raveon recommends at least 18 AWG wire be used.

 

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