SBA-1 DGPS Beacon

no longer available

The CSI Wireless SBA-1 is a compact, combination beacon receiver and antenna in a single enclosure. It is used to receive free DGPS signals broadcast by the networks of Medium Frequency radiobeacons deployed worldwide. It augments a separate GPS receiver with accuracy-improving correction data, resulting in a positioning accuracy of one to five meters 95 per cent of the time, depending on the GPS receiver architecture and sophistication. Compatible with most Garmin GPS and most Magellan GPS units.
 

Similar to the ABX-3 and MBX-3S beacon receiver, the SBA-1 features automatic hands-free operation. The SBA-1 contains both the CSI Wireless SBX beacon module and an innovative electric field beacon antenna in a single enclosure, often referred to as a smart antenna. Featuring advanced digital signal processing techniques, the SBA-1 delivers reliable demodulation of DGPS data from the beacon broadcasts, even in noisy environments. The SBA-1 outputs the resulting data in the industry standard RTCM SC-104 format accepted by differential-ready GPS receivers. To configure and monitor receiver status, the SBA-1 also supports the NMEA 0183 protocol. Operation of the SBA-1 requires only power input (between 9 and16 VDC) and serial interface to an separate GPS product (RS-232 or RS-422 interface level).

Product Brochure is available here.

SBA-1 Specifications

 

Receiver Specifications

Channels:

2 independent channels

Frequency Range:

283.5 to 325.0 kHz

Channel Spacing:

500 Hz

MSK Bit Rates:

50, 100, 200 bps

Cold Start Time:

<1 minute

Warm Start Time:

<2 seconds

Sensitivity:

10 µV/m for 6dB SNR @ 200 BPS

Dynamic Range:

100 dB

Frequency Offset:

± 5 Hz

Adjascent Channel Rejection:

60 dB

Correction Output Protocol:

RTCM SC-104

Input / Status Protocol:

 

NMEA 018

 

Communications

Interface Level:

RS-232C

Baud Rates:

 

2400, 4800, 9600
(4800 default)

 

Environmental Specifications

Operating Temperature:

-30 C to +70 C

Storage Temperature:

-40 C to +80 C

Weatherproof:

EN 60945: Class X

EMC:

 

EN 60945
FCC: part 15, sub-part J, class B digital device

 

Power Specifications

Input Voltage:

9-16 VDC

Nominal Power:

<1.25 W

Mechanical Specifications

Dimensions:

128mm L x 128mm W x 84mm H
(5.1" L x 5.1" W x 3.3" H)

Weight:

0.36 kg (0.8 lbs.)

Power / Data Connector:

6 pin circular locking

Mounting Thread:

 

1-14-UNS-2B

 

NMEA 0183 I/O

bulletReceiver Automatic and Manual tune command
bulletReceiver performance and operating status queries
bulletBaud rate selection command (proprietary)
bulletCold start command (proprietary)

 

Accessories

Power / Data Cable:

10 metres - unterminated

Lock Nut:

1-14-UNS-2B lock nut

Tape:

8" self-amalgamating tape

Manual:

SBA-1 Reference Manual

CSI Beacon Command Center:

 

CSI beacon control software for MS Windows 95/98A$

 

Connectivity

SBA-1 Pin #

Wire Colour

Function

 

horizontal rule

1

Black

Pwr -

2

Red

Pwr +

3

Blue

Tx

4

Green

Rx

5

Braided Shield

Antenna Ground

6

White / Yellow

Signal Ground