Instructions for Installing the eDAQ Serial GPS Module

September 15, 2009

Note - The following must be performed whenever the eDAQ system firmware is updated. For the eDAQ v3.13.C release, proceed as follows.

  1. If applicable, update the eDAQ system firmware. The procedure for this is detailed in the Installation Instructions provided with each eDAQ release.
  2. Using a web browser, bring up the start page of your eDAQs web interface. In the Location (URL) bar of your browser, type "http://" followed by the IP number of your eDAQ. For example, an eDAQ with SoMat default settings could be reached at "http://192.168.100.100".
  3. On the eDAQ home page, click on the "Custom" item in the eDAQ menu list.
  4. In the Custom menu option, select the "Install New Module" option. Use the "Browse" button to locate the correct version of the file based on the type of eDAQ.
  5. Click on the "Install Custom Module" button and the eDAQ will proceed to install the module. Click on OK and there will be a new list item associated with this module. The initial status of the module is disabled. To use the module, click on the Enable option in the Action column.
  6. Next, go to the System menu and select the option "Reset eDAQ". The eDAQ will reset. Wait for the LEDs to indicate that the reset is complete (i.e., red and green on, amber off).
  7. To test out the installation, start up TCE, go to the Hardware Setup window and click on the Query button. A list of the hardware modules will be presented. Double click on the line for the MPB Serial Bus card type. TCE will present a dialog window for setup of the MPB Serial Hardware Interface. If the Serial GPS module was correctly installed, there will be a "SerialGPS" entry in the Hardware Interface combo box, and a "GPS_NMEA" entry in the Data Base list box. Click on the OK button to enable GPS channels to be defined and used in TCE.
  8. The GPS device must be configured to output NMEA format data at 4800 baud through its RS-232 serial port (DB9 connector). Following is an example setup of the hardware setup required for a Garmin GPS III Plus.
    1. Power on the GPS (Light bulb button)
    2. Menu button
    3. Menu button (main menu)
    4. Select "Setup"
    5. Enter
    6. Go to "Interface"
    7. Format: "NMEA"
    8. Baud Rate: "4800"

Note on cables: Connect the GPS unit serial cable to a DB9 Male - DB9 Male gender changer. Connect the gender changer to a DB9 Null Modem adapter. Connect the Null Modem adapter to the eDAQ serial cable.