GPS & Location
The RC500 includes a built-in GNSS receiver for real-time location tracking and reporting.
GPS Hardware
Section titled “GPS Hardware”| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Receiver | Multi-constellation GNSS |
| Constellations | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo |
| Antenna | External SMA (active antenna supported) |
| Accuracy | < 2.5m CEP (open sky) |
| Cold start | < 35 seconds |
| Hot start | < 1 second |
Configuration
Section titled “Configuration”Navigate to Services → GPS Stream:
| Field | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Enable | GPS service on/off | Enabled |
| Protocol | Output format (NMEA or TAIP) | NMEA |
| System ID | Device identifier in GPS output | Device serial |
| Report Interval | Seconds between position reports (moving) | 30 |
| Stationary Interval | Seconds between reports (stationary) | 300 |
| Speed Threshold | km/h below which device is “stationary” | 3 |
Output Protocols
Section titled “Output Protocols”NMEA 0183
Section titled “NMEA 0183”Standard marine/GPS protocol. The RC500 outputs:
- GGA — Fix quality, position, altitude, satellite count
- RMC — Position, speed, course, date/time
- GSA — DOP and active satellites
- GSV — Satellites in view
TAIP (Trimble ASCII Interface Protocol)
Section titled “TAIP (Trimble ASCII Interface Protocol)”Compact format commonly used in fleet tracking:
- Position reports with heading, speed, age
- Configurable system ID for fleet identification
- Efficient bandwidth usage over cellular
MDM GPS Telemetry
Section titled “MDM GPS Telemetry”When connected to the MDM platform, GPS data is reported as part of device telemetry:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Latitude | Decimal degrees |
| Longitude | Decimal degrees |
| Speed | km/h |
| Heading | Degrees (0-360) |
| Altitude | Meters above sea level |
| Satellites | Number of satellites used in fix |
| HDOP | Horizontal dilution of precision |
| Fix Quality | 2D fix, 3D fix, or no fix |
Reporting Behavior
Section titled “Reporting Behavior”- Moving: Reports at the configured interval (default 30s)
- Stationary: Reports at the stationary interval (default 300s)
- No fix: Reports last known position with age indicator
- Fix lost/acquired: Triggers immediate status report
GPS on the Dashboard
Section titled “GPS on the Dashboard”The MDM platform displays GPS data in multiple views:
- Fleet map — All devices on a real-time map
- Device detail — Current position with track history
- Track playback — Historical route animation with timeline
- Geofence monitoring — Entry/exit alerts for defined zones
Antenna Placement
Section titled “Antenna Placement”For best GPS performance:
- Mount the external GPS antenna with clear sky view
- Avoid placement under metal roofs or near sources of RF interference
- Use the provided SMA antenna cable to position away from the device if needed
- Magnetic-mount antennas work well on vehicle rooftops
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No fix | Antenna not connected | Check SMA connector |
| No fix | Indoor/obstructed | Move antenna to sky view |
| Poor accuracy | Low satellite count | Improve antenna placement |
| Intermittent fix | Loose connector | Secure antenna cable |
| Old position data | GPS service disabled | Enable in web UI or MDM |