Support Notice: Capturing NMEA GPS Data Using Windows Hyperterminal

NOTICE: N20070530A

ISSUE DATE: 25 May, 2007

APPLIES TO: All EFBs connecting to NMEA GPS Sources

COMPLIANCE: Optional

ISSUE: In Certain Cases, the GPS or ARINC 429 Converter may be outputting what appears to be valid NMEA data, but applications such as FliteDeck or WxWorx may still not display aircraft position or may give an "invalid position information" warning.

RESOLUTION: The following method allows users to capture raw NMEA GPS Data using Windows Hyperterminal, which is commonly installed on most EFBs and Windows PCs. This resolution requires the user to first connect to a valid NMEA GPS source using the instructions found in Paperless Cockpit Support Notice N20070525A: VERIFYING NMEA GPS USING WINDOWS HYPERTERMINAL.

Hyperterminal GPS Capture- NMEA Format

  1. Using the instruction in Paperless Cockpit Support Notice N20070525A: VERIFYING NMEA GPS USING WINDOWS HYPERTERMINAL, connect to a valid NMEA GPS source.
  2. You're successfully connected to your GPS unit! Good GPS data will resemble the following:

    $GPRMC,201502,A,4251.2939,N,07054.4254,W,000.0,000.0,291002,016.3,W*7C
    $GPGGA,201502,4251.2939,N,07054.4254,W,1,07,1.7,55.6,M,-32.7,M,,*4A
    $GPGSA,A,3,01,02,03,08,13,,,,27,31,,,3.1,1.7,2.7*3E
    $GPGSV,3,1,10,01,38,207,41,02,58,058,44,03,71,103,35,08,06,305,38*70
    $GPGSV,3,2,10,13,47,261,48,15,16,058,34,17,09,040,,25,03,128,*7C
    $GPGSV,3,3,10,27,31,306,48,31,52,193,43,,,,,,,,*7F

     The data you see scrolling by indicates your current position (among other things).
  3. In Hyperterminal, go to TRANSFER>CAPTURE TEXT.
  4. When the "CAPTURE TEXT" window opens, click the "Browse..." button, navigate to the Windows Desktop, and set the file name to "GPSCAPTURE.txt", click the "Save" button.
  5. In the "CAPTURE TEXT" window, click the "Start" button.
  6. Verify that NMEA data is still streaming across the screen, and wait for five minutes to gather sufficient NMEA data.
  7. After five minutes, in Hyperterminal, goto TRANSFER> CAPTURE TEXT>STOP.
  8. Disconnect from the GPS source and exit Hyperterminal.
  9. Navigate to your EFB's Windows Desktop, and open the "GPSCAPTURE.txt" file.
  10. Verify that the file contains NMEA data, and close the file.
  11. Using whatever method is appropriate for your EFB, copy the "GPSCAPTURE.txt" file to a computer with Email access, and email a copy of "GPSCAPTURE.txt" as an attachment to support@paperlesscockpit.com.
    NOTE: You must have an active Paperless Cockpit Trouble Ticket in order for your data to be reviewed. Include the Trouble Ticket Number in the Subject of your Email. If you do not have an active Paperless Cockpit Support Plan, additional support charges may apply.