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SPAN-CPT User Manual Rev 8 37
Chapter 4 SPAN-CPT Dual-Antenna
NovAtel's ALIGN
®
heading technology generates distance and bearing information between a “master”
and one or more “rover” receivers. This feature is ideal for those wanting relative directional heading,
separation heading between two objects or heading information with moving base and pointing
applications. Heading applications can be applied over various markets, including machine control,
unmanned vehicles, marine and agricultural markets.
SPAN-CPT dual-antenna provides the hardware necessary to run an ALIGN baseline with a SPAN-CPT
and a second receiver. From any of the SPAN-CPT COM ports, the ALIGN baseline solution can be
logged along with the standard OEM6 logs.
With the SPAN-CPT, the ALIGN GNSS baseline can be used to assist the initial alignment of the SPAN
solution. In addition, the ALIGN baseline solution aids the heading solution from the SPAN-CPT if the
heading drifts due to slow or constant dynamics.
ALIGN is capable of a 10 Hz heading output rate when integrated with SPAN-CPT.
4.1 Installation
The hardware for SPAN-CPT is installed in a manner similar to other SPAN systems. Some points to
consider during installation are:
1. Install the SPAN-CPT and the two antennas in the vehicle such that the relative distance between
them is fixed.
2. The antennas should be mounted where the view of the satellites are not obstructed by any part of
the vehicle. As heading accuracy is dependent on baseline length, mount the antennas as far apart
as possible. A minimum separation distance of 1 metre is recommended.
3. The lever arms or distance from the SPAN-CPT to the antennas needs to be fixed and accurately
measured using the coordinate axes defined on the outside of the SPAN-CPT. The baseline between
the two antennas does NOT need to be aligned with the vehicle axes or with the axes of the
SPAN-CPT.
4. Both receivers need to be powered and connected to each other via COM2 before sending any
configuration commands. It does not matter which receiver is powered on first or how long they are
both powered before sending commands.
The SPAN-CPT and the FlexPak6 need to be set up as shown in the example in Figure 11, SPAN-CPT -
Dual Antenna Installation on page 38.
SPAN-CPT dual-antenna operation requires the dedicated use of the COM2 port for
communication between receivers.