User's Manual

Operation Chapter 3
SMART-MR10 User Manual Rev 0B 33
CAUTION!: Although the receiver can operate at data transfer rates as low as 300 bps,
this is not desirable. For example, if several data logs are active (that is, a
significant amount of information needs to be transmitted every second)
but the bit rate is set too low, data will overflow the serial port buffers,
cause an error condition in the receiver status and result in lost data.
3.1.2 Communicating Using a Remote Terminal
One method of communicating with the receiver is through a remote terminal. The receiver has been
pre-wired to allow proper RS-232 interface with your data terminal. To communicate with the
terminal, the receiver only requires the RX, TX, and GND lines to be used. Request to Send (RTS)/
Clear to Send (CTS) hardware handshaking is not available. Ensure the terminal’s communications
set-up matches the receiver’s RS-232 protocol.
3.1.3 Communicating Using a Personal Computer
A PC/laptop can be set up to emulate a remote terminal as well as provide the added flexibility of
creating multiple-command batch files and data logging storage files. Any standard communications
software package that emulates a terminal can be used to establish bidirectional communications with
the receiver, for example, HyperTerminal or our own graphic user interface (GUI) program, CDU. All
data is sent as raw 8-bit binary or ASCII characters.
3.2 Getting Started
Included with your receiver are NovAtel’s CDU and Convert programs. CDU is a Windows-based
GUI which allows you to access the receiver's many features without the need for communications
protocol or to write special software. The Convert utility is a Windows-based utility that allows you to
convert between file formats, and strips unwanted records for data file compilation. See also 2.1.2,
Installing the PC Utilities on page 23.
3.2.1 Starting the Receiver
When first powered, the SMART-MR10 undergoes a complete self-test. If an error condition is
detected during a self-test, the self-test status word changes. This self-test status word can be viewed
in the header of any data output log. Refer to the chapter on Messages in the OEMV Family Firmware
Reference Manual for header information. If a persistent error develops, please contact your local
NovAtel dealer first. If the problem is still unresolved, please contact NovAtel directly through any of
the methods listed in the Customer Service section at the beginning of this manual on page 15.