Most receivers provide decoded information

A GPS antenna is utilised to receive and amplify the GPS radio signals. While a GPS receiver decodes the information Wholesale Stud Bolts Suppliers and presents it in a computer readable format. Many antennas are available with integrated receivers but these have the drawback of only providing a few meters of cabling to the host NTP time server or computer system. Rugged GPS marine antennas screw down on to a rigid threaded pole mount able to withstand the worst of the weather. These antennas provide the best solution for static timing applications.The GPS receiver is generally embedded into the NTP time server or encapsulated within an enclosure. GPS receivers are small modules that have a connection to the GPS antenna to receive amplified GPS signals. The receiver decodes these signal and provides a computer readable output usually via a RS232 or USB interface.

Most receivers provide decoded information such as: position, visible satellites, precise time and an accurate pulse output timing reference.Coaxial cable is utilised to provide a connection between the GPS antenna and receiver. The cable distance can be critical. Any GPS antenna has to amplify received signals enough to overcome cable losses over the intended cable run. Better quality antennas generally provide more amplification (gain) additionally higher quality coax cables can be used with much smaller signal losses per meter allowing for relatively long cable runs between a antenna and receiver. For longer cable runs, an amplifier can be used to further amplify GPS signals to overcome cable losses. Typically, a GPS amplifier sits in-line on the coax cable and is powered from the receiver. Multiple amplifiers can be used for extremely long cable runs.

A roof mounted GPS antenna can be prone to lightning strikes and voltage surges. It is recommended that surge suppressors are utilised to protect expensive NTP time server and timing systems from potential damage. A surge suppressor is essentially a barrier that sits in-line on the coax cable between the antenna and receiver that protects the receiver from any potential damage due to voltage surges.To summarise, the GPS system provides a highly precise timing reference for NTP time servers and other computer timing equipment. It is a reliable free to air service that can be used anywhere in the world. Additionally, with the boom in vehicle navigation systems the technology required to receive GPS broadcasts is continually falling in price.