Difference between revisions of "GeoLink Mounting"

Revision as of 11:54, 28 May 2018

Correct mounting is the most important for achieving optimal operating condition. If done improperly GeoLink will be unable to work with great precision or in the worst case some functionality could be even not usable.

Please take special care in order to perform the following steps thoroughly.

1 Mounting on your helicopter

As of now, module must be mounted always horizontally so that GeoLink logo is at the top. You can select from two positions:

• Horizontal (0°) - connector is pointing to main rotor
• Horizontal (180°) - connector is pointing to tail rotor

GeoLink module should be mounted ideally at the TAIL BOOM. This is usually the best position for achieving optimal performance. Optimal position should meet the following:

• It is at least 5cm far from a rigid conductive parts such as carbon frame
• It is at least 5cm far from any electronics (especially servos)
• It is at least 8cm far from an electric motor
• It has clear sky visibility
• It is perfectly horizontally aligned

Module attachment is normally performed by provided Double Sided tape. Provided tape has extremely good bonding properties so that it can hold more than better even when only two rails of the tape is used.

Some helicopters are equipped with a fuselage instead of boom. In that case there is chance you will have to spend more time to achieve flat mounting surface.

Optionally you can use a third party mounting support designed for GPS modules.

Never mount GeoLink directly on a thick metallic parts, near a motor or any servo.

Each circuit containing antennas is very carefully designed to achieve correct impedance. Impedance is changing immediately by placing any parts close to the circuit, especially near antenna. Because PCB is acting as a part of GPS antenna any change to the PCB, including screws has noticeable impact.

2 Wiring

Wiring is done through one JST to JST cable with length of 22cm which is supplied with GeoLink. Longer cable is possible and will be available. For GPS itself a shorter cable is better, because any additional cables attached to the module and Spirit unit could distort the signal.

GeoLink cable is compatible with Spektrum satellite cables.

3 Alignment

Since it is uneasy to visually align the module perfectly, the GeoLink has built-in digital level in the Spirit Settings. There you can see how to align the module and perform a necessary adjustments.

3.1 Alignment procedure

Alignment can be done prior the mounting or even later, as needed.

1. Connect GeoLink and Spirit unit with provided cable (while GeoLink being not mounted yet).
2. Power up the Spirit unit.
3. After initialization start the Spirit Settings software.
4. Open General tab - GeoLink module settings.
5. Move to the Module tab there.
6. Place GeoLink at a flat, aligned horizontal surface anywhere on your model in order to get a precise reference. (for example the Spirit unit)
7. Click Set as zero (temporarily) button to reset the angle.
8. Move GeoLink to a desired mounting position.
9. Mount it with provided double sided tape.