Posted by Doug Weibel on January 13, 2010 at 11:39am
1 of my 2 Ublox modules has developed a problem. It refuses to get a fix. I am monitoring it with Ucenter and see that it is operating, it is tracking 7 or 8 satellited from inside my house, but it won't get a fix. I notice that it is getting the correct UTC time, but it cannot tell the date! I assume this is why it can't solve for a fix. I have reset the configuration and performed several cold starts. Not sure what else to try??? Any suggestions?
It was never mounted on the plane. The first time it fell from my hands...so i bough a new one. The New one just mysteriously died. I have shipped the old one back to you as you had recommended. I've included the mount with it, for your inspection.
Jordi,
How do I know if the antenna is too loose? Mine won't lock anymore and I've noticed the antenna wiggles a lot. But I don't know if it's a broken solder joint or what. how much does your antenna move on the base?
I tried everything under the sun. The antenna doesnt seem to be loose or broken...yet no satellites.
I've had 2 Ublox's and both lasted only a week, before mysteriously dying out. The first one just couldnt handle the vibration of a gas engine..and got decapitated..only in a test engine run up (was doing it to check for EMI)
and the second one didnt even make it on the plane. It just died on the ftdi cable. I had made a beautiful mount, which literally held it like a baby (special support on the 'neck') but oh wells it just wanted to die.
Well I solved the problem apparently. I had the ublox module hot glued to the adapter board and it had been happily working that way for a while and the pair seemed very secure. Perhaps the glue shrunk a bit more over time as it dried out or something, but in any case after taking the pair apart and reconnecting it is working. This is curious as I have another unit that has been hot glued for at least a month longer without problem.
Generally the Ublox receiver will bias the antenna (depending on chip set) When the op voltage is in the lower range there is insufficient voltage available to the antenna amp. If low voltage is a fact of life for long flights a work around may be using the JDGA SMPQV. This antenna is omnidirectional and passive with DC block. There is no amplifier to be powered. The newer Ublox chipsets have onboard amps which may offset the gain loss. Cost about $15.00 USD
Comments
How this happens, was weak all the time, or you crash your airplane?
How do I know if the antenna is too loose? Mine won't lock anymore and I've noticed the antenna wiggles a lot. But I don't know if it's a broken solder joint or what. how much does your antenna move on the base?
Yes the GPS was bought from you. How do i send it back? I actually lost the shipping address. Can you send me details?
I've had 2 Ublox's and both lasted only a week, before mysteriously dying out. The first one just couldnt handle the vibration of a gas engine..and got decapitated..only in a test engine run up (was doing it to check for EMI)
and the second one didnt even make it on the plane. It just died on the ftdi cable. I had made a beautiful mount, which literally held it like a baby (special support on the 'neck') but oh wells it just wanted to die.
Jordi, I will email you about this.
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