Z3805A no GPS antenna detection? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 03:29:56 pm
content: Hi I have bought a Z3805A GPS frequency standard that looks like it works, turns on without any errors and provide 4.97V to the antenna.Still do only the power on LED light. The antenna is new or at least the head was packaged into plastic.So all looks fine except that there are no sign of the unit getting any signal or even know that the antenna is connected.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 05:11:34 pm
content: If you are looking for help, where is the antenna mounted?

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 08:06:56 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 28, 2019, 05:11:34 pmNot sure what you exactly mean, but I'll try to answer.The antenna is mounted in the back of the unit where it is the only spot I can mount it, and right now do the antenna lie inside my home but I have tried to pot it in the window, and no I have not yet tried the most logical, outside. And "why not", is a logical question because I have no mean to to place the antenna outside without opening a window in the middle of the winter.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 08:34:58 pm
content: I wanted to keep the my antenna inside but there is no way my setup would have ever worked with the antenna inside my lab. I can't use a window where I live as there is just too much blocking the signals to make it work. I tried placing it inside of the plastic peek vent of the house. This is the highest part of the house and there is very little to block the signals. It's been running 24/7 this way for about 15 years except when the power has gone out and can easily keep a lock.Do you have software for it? If not, you may want to see what is available.Sounds like its time to freeze.

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 09:05:04 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 28, 2019, 08:34:58 pmI can't drill trough my walls or sealing since I live for rent. I may have to get some sort of external transmitter to internal receiver?Should the unit not light up when the antenna is in and just not indicate locked?Until now it's not to cold but It will be:-)

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 09:19:18 pm
content: If you power the antenna by itself, does it draw any current? Maybe in the range of 10 - 50 ma at 5V? Could be more or less depending on the model.

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 09:22:09 pm
content: Quote from: edpalmer42 on November 28, 2019, 09:19:18 pmI do not have the mean to power the antenna by it self.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 09:58:43 pm
content: Yes you do. All you need is a DMM set to ma connected in series with a 5V supply. Then, best case - a collection of RF adapters that end up with clip leads, or worst case - a steady hand. Connect the center conductor in the N male connector to +5 and the shield to negative. Measure the current. Be careful not to reverse the connections or you'll probably blow the amp in the antenna.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 10:10:22 pm
content: Quote from: FriedMule on November 28, 2019, 09:05:04 pmWith mine, the power lamp will come on is all.Again, do you have software for it? If so, and you connect to a PC, are there any errors being displayed? You could also use a dumb terminal program to talk to it.That's tough one if you can't properly locate the antenna as it's going to need a clear path.

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 10:10:50 pm
content: Quote from: edpalmer42 on November 28, 2019, 09:58:43 pmYes you are right, didn't think, I'll try that later when I can do it:-)

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 10:12:21 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on November 28, 2019, 10:10:22 pm

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 02:24:55 am
content: Quote from: FriedMule on November 28, 2019, 10:12:21 pmYou may want to get the serial port working so you can setup some of the parameters like the antenna delay compensation and location. You can also check fault codes and view the status.

author: PTR_1275
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 02:34:50 am
content: I changed the jumpers in mine to enable rs232 then made a adapter from the 25(?) pin connector to a 9 pin serial lead.Speaking of software, what software are people running? I’ve heard mixed success with lady heather, but that was a while ago and I don’t know if support has been added since then.I too am in a rental, but there’s a satellite TV coax point in the office that isn’t used. I’m eventually going to run the antenna at the other end and mount it near the dish, then plug into the point inside. Hopefully the coax isn’t too lossy

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 06:18:37 am
content: Absolutely get Ladyheather connected, the beta version works great.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2019, 05:15:16 pm
content: I used HP SatStat and then bought a copy of GPSCon which is what I still use today. Looking, the version I have is 1.035 from Oct 2003. Today, I would just write my own in Labview but the GPSCon has been solid all these years.http://www.realhamradio.com/gpscon.htm