Fundamentals of GPS Installation

Agriculture/Heavy Equipment
By Raece Paulsen
 What is GPS? How Does it Work?

Global GPS Satellites

Broadcasts radio signals providing
Positioning location, status, and precise time

System
Cell Tower
Receives radio signals from Receives cellular signal
at least four satellites to be from GPS unit and sends
GPS satellites broadcast
able to determine exact radio signals providing their locations,
info status, and precise
out via internet time {t1 } from
location on-board atomic clocks. rd
3 Party Device
GPS Equipment Receive data via internet
and can be used to
monitor GPS information
Understanding the Customers Needs
We must be able to understand the basic functions and types
of GPS systems to be able to provide the proper installation
for the customer.

What is the customers goal? Is the

Where will the customer be working? E

Will they need special modifications?

Types of GPS Systems for Ag/Heavy Equipment
Asset Tracking:
Locate equipment, prevent theft, and
monitor fleet movements
Guidance/Auto Steer:
GPS used in conjunction with auto steer
system can precisely steer equipment
through the field
Navigation:
Can be used in association with maps to
accurately find a job site, or find and record
areas of field that have already been worked.
Guidance/Aux:
GPS used in conjunction with remote hydraulic
relays can accurately control components for a
desired purpose (construction).
 Installation Safety

Always practice safe work habits!

• Use PPE such as safety glasses and gloves

• Verify vehicle is on a clean dry surface

• Chock wheels to prevent unexpected vehicle

movement

• Components are electrical and may cause shock

• Component location may be out of reach and the use

of ladders may be needed
Components of GPS Installation
Basic Agriculture Navigation System
Monitor/Navigation
Controller
Receiver
Antenna

Radio Cellular
Antenna
Power/Data
Harness
 GPS Equipment Installation

Receiver Antenna
• Used to receive radio signals from
satellites and send information to
navigation controller
• Installed on top of equipment to
have clear access to satellite signals
• Can be single or multiple to
increase equipment location and
direction accuracy
 GPS Equipment Installation

Radio Cellular Antenna

• Radio antenna sends data out via cellular
signal
• Radio antenna may be integrated in
receiver or be external
• Installed on top of cab to send a clear
cellular signal
 GPS Equipment Installation

Monitor/Navigation Controller
• User interface, integrated
software
• Mounted inside cab to protect
from elements.
• Not all GPS units contain display
units. Some use applications on
3rd party devices such as
laptops/smart phones.
 GPS Equipment Installation

Power/Data Harness
• Harness is installed between
each component and secured.
• Power supply is fused for safety
of circuit from overloading.
• All wires are protected from
chaffing and sealed to prevent
corrosion.

Power/Data
Harness
Importance of Wire Protection

Corrosion due to water intrusion Rubbed through wire due to securement

 Harness Securement Devices

Zip Ties P-clamps

After Installation Testing and Setup

• Setup can range from simple to complex

• Measurements
• Parameters
• Test Drive
Questions?