Novatel GNSS-501 User Manual

1

GNSS 501 & GNSS-502 

Antennas

GM-14915144

 Rev 2

March 2016

USER GUIDE

The GNSS-501 and GNSS-502 are active antennas designed to receive signals from GPS, GLONASS, 

BeiDou and Galileo satellites as well as L-Band signals. 

The GNSS-501 antenna is designed to operate in GPS L1, GLONASS L1 and L-Band frequencies. The 

GNSS-501 also supports Galileo E1 frequency and the BeiDou B1 frequency.

The GNSS-502 antenna is designed to operate in GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2 and L-Band frequencies. 

The GNSS-502 also supports the Galileo E1 and E5b frequencies as well as BeiDou B1 and B2 

frequencies.

This guide provides the basic information you need to install and begin using your new antenna.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

The following equipment is required to set up the GNSS-501 or GNSS-502 antenna:

• Coaxial cable with a male TNC connector

• A device with an antenna input port that both receives the RF signal and provides 3.3 - 18.0 VDC to the 

antenna (all NovAtel GNSS receivers provide the necessary power through their antenna RF 

connectors)

SITE SELECTION GUIDELINES

Before installing the antenna, select a site that as closely as possible meets the following conditions for 

optimal performance:

• An unobstructed line-of-sight from horizon to horizon and at all bearings and elevation angles

• As far as possible from reflective objects, especially those that are above the antenna and any water 

bodies, which can be a strong source of multipath reflections

• If obstructions and reflective surfaces are within 30 m, ensure the site is as high as possible. Otherwise, 

mount the antenna as close as possible to a reference ground plane, i.e., rooftop, earth, etc., if one 

exists.

To avoid potential adverse effects, do not locate antennas near any high 

sources of heat.