GPS3260/3261 Smart GPS Sensor

ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS

Q.	What is the primary electrical difference between the Navman 3260 and 3261 GPS receivers?
A.	The Navman 3260 GPS receiver has a RS-232 communications interface and the Navman 3261 GPS receiver has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface.
Q.	How is the operating voltage supplied to these units?
A.	The Navman 3260 GPS receiver requires a five (5) volt power source (4.75 to 5.25 volts) from an external power source. The Navman 3261 GPS receiver obtains its operating voltage from the USB interface, no other power source is required. Maximum operating voltage is 6.0 volts for the 3261 model.
Q.	Are software drivers required for operation of the Navman 3260 and 3261 GPS receivers?
A.	Yes, the Navman 3261 USB interface version requires a software driver. This driver can be downloaded form the Navman web site. The Navman 3260, RS-232 version, does not require a software driver. The 3260 will communicate with any serial data interface designed for the default condition of 9600 bps, N, 8, 1.
Q.	Can the NMEA default protocol be changed to SiRF binary as default?
A.	Yes. The firmware inside the GPS receiver has a “write-to-flash” feature which permits making this modification where it will default to the binary protocol.
Q.	Is the Navman 3261 USB 1.0 or USB 2.0?
A.	The 3261 is USB 1.0 but will work in systems where other USB 2.0 devices are being used.
Q.	What is the GPS receiver chip-set used in the Navman 3260/3261 Products?
A.	The Navman 3260/3261 GPS receiver uses a SiRFstarIII single chip, GSC3f/LP.
Q.	Does the Navman 3260 or 3261 contain a back-up battery?
A.	Yes, these units have a rechargeable Seiko Micro Battery, part number MS614 rated for 1000 charge/discharge cycles at 80% discharge and with a complete discharge down to two volts or less, the battery is rated for 200 charge/discharge cycles.
Q.	How long does it take for a full discharge of the battery?
A.	A full discharge of the battery requires 72 hours or longer without any power being applied to the GPS receiver. Note: the 3260/3261 battery, without power applied, does not completely discharge in 72 hours (under normal conditions) and the receiver may be able to do a warm start with-in that time, but the battery specifications state that anytime the battery voltage is 2.0 or less, this is considered the same as a full discharge.
Q.	How long does it take for the back-up battery to be fully charged once it has been completely discharged?
A.	72 hours or less.
Q.	What function does the battery serve?
A.	The back-up battery provides for hot or warm starts every time the power is applied to the unit. The real-time clock and memory circuits are connected to the battery through a diode isolation circuit. If the battery were to fail, for whatever reason, the diodes prevent the battery from shorting the clock and memory. In case of battery failure, worst case, the 3260 or 3261 will do a cold start.
Q.	The low temperature spec. is -30 º C or -22 º F. Will the unit be permanently damaged if the temperature is lower than this?
A.	Most likely not, however, the crystal and other circuits may not function properly at temps lower than this.

MECHNANICAL QUESTIONS

Q.	What is the best way/place to install the Navman 3260 or 3261 GPS receiver?
A.	Normally, the GPS receiver with the magnetic mount, is attached to a metal surface on the outside of the vehicle. The recommended installation for best performance would be with the receiver mounted horizontally and away from all other antennas and metallic objects. Try to install the unit where it will have an unobstructed view of the sky.
Q.	Will the 3260/3261 operate properly when installed on the dash-board inside the vehicle?
A.	Yes, there will be some attenuation of GPS signals due to lack of full view of the sky and no ground plane underneath the unit. Be aware that other electronic apparatus inside the vehicle may also contribute to degraded performance. Best performance will usually be obtained with installation on the outside of the vehicle.
Q.	How do I know if my windshield is athermic and what effect will this have?
A.	Some car manufacturers use athermic heat reflecting windshields which also reflect the GPS signal, blocking it from entering the car. To find out the effect this has on the GPS receiver, take the GPS sensor out of the car and place it on the outside of the windscreen. Check the CNo/dB-Hz levels using Navman's GPSFox Utility. Then place the GPS sensor into the car at the desired position and close all doors with their windows up. Check the CNo/dB-Hz and compare. If a difference in CNo/dB-Hz received is 5 or more then external mounting of the GPS sensor may be necessary for reliable operation. The GPS3260/GPS3261 has a magnetic base for this purpose to affix onto a metal surface.
Q.	Are the Navman 3260 and 3261 GPS receivers weather-proof?
A.	These products are designed to meet the water-tightness specification IPX7 which basically says the unit can withstand accidental immersion in water up to one meter depth for up to 30 minutes.
Q.	Can the 3260 or 3261 be disassembled for maintenance purposes?
A.	No, the plastic case is ultrasonically welded in order to meet the water-tightness provisions of IPX7.
Q.	Will the Navman 3260 and 3261 GPS receivers operate properly when covered with snow and/or ice?
A.	No, snow and ice will cause detuning of the GPS patch antenna. If snow or ice is present on top of the plastic, carefully remove the snow or ice before using for best performance of the GPS receiver.
Q.	Where can I obtain an adaptor to convert from the RJ11 connector used on the 3260 model to a DB-9 connector for test or other purposes?
A.	See www.blackbox.com, part number FA067 and FA068.
Q.	Can the cable lengths on the 3260 3 meter cable or 3261 2 meter cable be extended?
A.	It is not recommended for either, especially the 3261 with the USB interface. Cable losses plus the necessary in-line connectors will add resistance which may cause poor functioning of the GPS receiver.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q.	Other than the software driver, what software is available to evaluate the Navman 3260 and 3261 GPS receiver?
A.	See the Navman web site for a software program that can be used for this purpose as long as NMEA protocol (factory default) is used. There are programs such as SiRFDemo required for the SiRF native or binary protocol.
Q.	Can the blinking LED be disabled for night-time or covert operations?
A.	Generally, the blinking LED is a good visual indication of when the GPS receiver is receiving signals and has a navigation solution. But, no, the blinking LED can not be disabled without a special version of software.
Q.	What if I want a special hardware or software feature on the Navman 3260 or 3261 GPS receiver?
A.	Some special hardware features can be accommodated. However, the purchase quantity must be 100K units minimum purchased per order. Special software modifications may be available as well. Software modifications generally require more time and engineering services to implement. The purchase quantity requirement for special software may be much higher than for a special hardware version.

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