In this guide, you’ll learn how to check the GPS status, PPS (Pulse-Per-Second) signal, and satellite reception quality on RAK gateways running WisGateOS 2. Using the GPS Status Monitoring feature, you can verify whether the GPS module is properly connected, receiving satellite signals, and generating accurate timing pulses.
The GPS dashboard in WisGateOS 2 provides real-time indicators for GPS lock, PPS synchronization, and satellite count, allowing you to confirm proper antenna placement and stable GPS operation.
This feature is available only on gateway models equipped with a GPS module. If GPS is not supported, the GPS Status section will not appear in the user interface.
Key Concepts
Before checking the status, it helps to understand what each GPS indicator means:
GPS Lock: Shows whether the GPS has successfully acquired its position.
PPS (Pulse-Per-Second) Signal: Indicates whether the GPS is providing a precise timing pulse for synchronization.
NMEA Output: Displays whether the GPS is transmitting standard GPS data. If missing, the module may not be connected or functioning correctly.
Check the GPS Status in WisGateOS 2
Log in to the gateway's web user interface (UI).
- Navigate to Dashboard > Overview > GPS.
GPS Status Indicators
| STATUS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
GPS Locked, PPS Output | Confirms that GPS positioning and precise timing are functioning correctly. |
GPS Locked, No PPS Output | Indicates that GPS has a valid fix, but precise timing is unavailable. |
GPS Not Locked, No PPS Output | Shows that GPS has not acquired a fix, and no timing signal is present. |
No NMEA Output Detected | Indicates that no GPS data is detected, possibly due to a disconnection or hardware issue. |
Understanding Satellite Count
The satellite count shows how many GPS satellites the gateway is currently receiving signals from. This number directly reflects the quality of the GPS signal:
- 0 satellites: No satellites detected, or the signal is too weak to be usable. This typically indicates that the GPS antenna is disconnected, obstructed, or located in an area with poor reception (e.g., indoors).
- 1 to 3 satellites: Satellites detected, but insufficient for accurate positioning. This means the GPS cannot achieve a valid fix.
- 4 or more satellites: Enough satellites are available for valid 3D positioning (latitude, longitude, and altitude). Higher counts (typically 8–12 or more) generally provide stronger signals, faster fixes, and greater accuracy.
Monitoring the satellite count allows installers and operators to quickly assess whether the GPS antenna placement is optimal and if the gateway can maintain reliable synchronization.
Changelog
-
Version 1 - Check GPS Status and Signal Quality on RAK Gateways
- Date Published: 10/29/2025
Updated