GPS initialized but no satellite signal (RaceCapture Apex)
Posted: Tue Aug 06, 2019 4:21 am
Hello,
I picked up the Apex model last fall during a sale and was able to finally get time to install it several weeks ago to try it out at an upcoming hill climb race. I initially installed it via the OBDII Legacy adapter, which was wired for power, ground, and the OBDII CAN signals. I hooked up the supplied GPS antenna and drove it around for an hour or so. During that time, GPS shows Initialized in the status menu, but no satellites. I never seem to get a signal.
Troubleshooting so far:
1) I updated the firmware to the latest version, paying special attention to use the Apex specific firmware. Tried GPS again and still shows Initialized, but never gets a signal. I read in one forum post that bumping to an older major version and then back to a newer version can help things so I tried that (2.17.3 down to 2.15.2 then back to 2.17.3). This did not help GPS signal after further testing. Also tried doing Factory Settings reset.
2) Not knowing if I tightened the GPS connector to the RaceCapture tight enough (was only doing finger tight), I put a wrench on it and gave it a tad bit more of a turn. Still same results.
3) I thought maybe the OBDII power wasn’t strong enough so I hardwired from the battery to a switch, then connected to RaceCapture with a 5 amp fuse right before. I left the car in the driveway with the GPS antenna having clear view to the sky (and powered on via new switch). Still showed GPS initialized, but no signal gets acquired.
As far as the indicator lights on the RaceCapture Apex, I’m not sure what is normal. I couldn’t find in the wiki a write up explaining all the light indications. Currently after the unit is turned on, the Logging/GPS/Error lights each flicker green in-sync every 1 second or so. This never changes. I pulled the log file and tried to look for any errors, but don’t see any.
I believe that’s all I’ve tried so far. I’m usually only having it powered on for 30-60min at a time when I test for signal. Not sure if I need to leave it sit powered to open sky longer? Would have thought I’d have at least seen some satellite response within 30min. I’m also testing this in the Albuquerque, NM area so our skies are usually pretty clear of clouds and other things that might hinder GPS.
Open to other ideas in case I’m just missing something obvious. Thanks in advance!
I picked up the Apex model last fall during a sale and was able to finally get time to install it several weeks ago to try it out at an upcoming hill climb race. I initially installed it via the OBDII Legacy adapter, which was wired for power, ground, and the OBDII CAN signals. I hooked up the supplied GPS antenna and drove it around for an hour or so. During that time, GPS shows Initialized in the status menu, but no satellites. I never seem to get a signal.
Troubleshooting so far:
1) I updated the firmware to the latest version, paying special attention to use the Apex specific firmware. Tried GPS again and still shows Initialized, but never gets a signal. I read in one forum post that bumping to an older major version and then back to a newer version can help things so I tried that (2.17.3 down to 2.15.2 then back to 2.17.3). This did not help GPS signal after further testing. Also tried doing Factory Settings reset.
2) Not knowing if I tightened the GPS connector to the RaceCapture tight enough (was only doing finger tight), I put a wrench on it and gave it a tad bit more of a turn. Still same results.
3) I thought maybe the OBDII power wasn’t strong enough so I hardwired from the battery to a switch, then connected to RaceCapture with a 5 amp fuse right before. I left the car in the driveway with the GPS antenna having clear view to the sky (and powered on via new switch). Still showed GPS initialized, but no signal gets acquired.
As far as the indicator lights on the RaceCapture Apex, I’m not sure what is normal. I couldn’t find in the wiki a write up explaining all the light indications. Currently after the unit is turned on, the Logging/GPS/Error lights each flicker green in-sync every 1 second or so. This never changes. I pulled the log file and tried to look for any errors, but don’t see any.
I believe that’s all I’ve tried so far. I’m usually only having it powered on for 30-60min at a time when I test for signal. Not sure if I need to leave it sit powered to open sky longer? Would have thought I’d have at least seen some satellite response within 30min. I’m also testing this in the Albuquerque, NM area so our skies are usually pretty clear of clouds and other things that might hinder GPS.
Open to other ideas in case I’m just missing something obvious. Thanks in advance!