MPC Setup Considerations Chapter 3
MPC User Manual Rev 0D 23
3.2.5 RF Port & Cables
The GPS Antenna In connector is bi-directional in that it accepts RF signals from the antenna, and it
supplies DC power to the low-noise amplifier (LNA) of an active antenna. It has a TNC female
connector. Power to this port can be disabled via the ANTENNAPOWER command, refer to Volume 2
of the OEM4 Users’ Guide.
The receiver obtains a partially filtered and amplified GPS signal from the antenna via the coaxial
cable. The RF section performs the translation from the incoming RF signal to an IF signal usable by
the Euro4’s digital section. It also supplies power to the active antenna’s LNA through the coaxial
cable while maintaining isolation between the DC and RF paths.
The RF section can reject a high level of potential interference (e.g., MSAT, Inmarsat, cellular phone,
and TV sub-harmonic signals). For further information on the signals or connector type for the GPS
Antenna In connector, please see Appendix A, Input/Output Connectors on Page 77.
While there may be other coaxial cables on the market that might also serve the purpose, please note
that the performance specifications of the MPC are guaranteed only when it is used with NovAtel-
supplied RF cables.
3.3 Front Panel Functionality
As shown in Figure 5, the MPC's front panel has a VFD display with a keypad including an ENTER
and ESC button, see Chapter 5, VFD Menus on Page 40, and a power (PWR) button, see Section
3.2.4, Power on Page 22.
Figure 5: MPC Front Panel
There are three color indicators above the VFD screen:
Power This LED glows red while power is applied
Status This diagnostic LED glows green to indicate satellite tracking and computed solution. If the
indicator is not illuminated, the receiver is not tracking satellites properly. The GPS row in
the MPC System Status screen of the VFD menus provides status information, see Page 42
Oscillator This LED glows blue when the internal OCXO is powered on
