MX521B GPS/DGPS

Smart Antenna
Installation Manual
ENGLISH

www.navico.com/commercial
Preface
Disclaimer
As Navico is continuously improving this product, we retain the
right to make changes to the product at any time which may not be
reflected in this version of the manual. Please contact your nearest
distributor if you require any further assistance.
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the equipment
in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal injury or
property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for
observing safe boating practices.
NAVICO HOLDING AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, BRANCHES AND
AFFILIATES DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT
IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY
VIOLATE THE LAW.
Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals,
user guides and other information relating to the product
(Documentation) may be translated to, or has been translated from,
another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between
any Translation of the Documentation, the English language
version of the Documentation will be the official version of the
Documentation.
This manual represents the product as at the time of printing.
Navico Holding AS and its subsidiaries, branches and affiliates
reserve the right to make changes to specifications without notice.

Compliance
Navico declares under our sole responsibility that the MX521B
GPS/DGPS smart antenna conforms with the requirements of the
European Council Directive 2014/90/EU on Marine Equipment
modified by Commission Implementing Regulation MED (EU)
2018/773 - Wheelmark.

All compliance documents are available on the product’s section on

the following website: www.navico.com/commercial

Copyright
Copyright © 2019 Navico Holding AS.

Preface | MX521B Installation Manual |3

 Warranty
The warranty card is supplied as a separate document.
In case of any queries, refer to our website:
www.navico.com/commercial

About this manual

This manual describes the operation and installation of the
MX521B antenna sensor. The latest available manual version can be
downloaded from our web sites.
Important text that requires special attention from the reader is
emphasized as follows:

¼¼ Note: Used to draw the reader’s attention to a comment or some

important information.

Warning: Used when it is necessary to warn personnel that

they should proceed carefully to prevent risk of injury and/or
damage to equipment/personnel.

Important notice
¼¼ Note: The MX521B GPS/DGPS sensor is an aid to navigation only.
Its accuracy can be affected by many factors such as equipment
defects, environmental conditions, or improper operation. The
user is responsible for safe navigation of the vessel. This includes
exercising common prudence and navigational judgement at all
times.

4| Preface | MX521B Installation Manual

Contents
3 Preface

6 General
6 Supplied equipment
7 List of abbreviations

8 Installation
8 Antenna mounting guidelines
9 Antenna mounting
11 Wiring

16 Technical specifications

18 Dimensional drawings

Contents | MX521B Installation Manual |5

 1
General
The MX521B smart antenna is available in two versions, with or
without beacon differential receiver, and is designed to work with
compatible Control and Display Units (CDU) or as a stand-alone
positioning device for other applications.
The MX521B smart DGPS antennas can achieve better than 2-meter
DGPS accuracy in areas with good beacon differential coverage and
autonomous GPS accuracy better than 5 meters.
When connected to a compatible CDU the antenna can be
controlled to function in several modes:
• GPS and GPS + GLONASS
• Differential correction search mode in Auto, Database or Manual
• WAAS* (Wide Area Augmentation System-US system)
• EGNOS* (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System)
• RAIM (Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring)

*Not yet recognized by IMO as official differential correction system.

Before installing the MX521B smart antenna, please read this manual
carefully to ensure proper installation and operation of the unit.

Supplied equipment
Description Part Number
MX521B GPS smart antenna with GLONASS 000-11641-001
or,
MX521B DGPS smart antenna with GLONASS 000-11640-001
and beacon differential receiver

The antenna cable assembly is not included and must be ordered

separately. Please specify the cable length required. Below are
available cable lengths:
20 meters 3508 102 70170
40 meters 3508 102 70180
60 meters 3508 102 70640
80 meters 3508 102 70185

6| General | MX521B Installation Manual

The MX521B GPS and DGPS are combined GPS/DGPS/GLONASS
smart antenna sensors. They are fully automatic and do not require
initialization or user intervention. They will automatically search
for available satellites and make a position fix shortly after power is
applied.
The internal 2-channel beacon receiver, in the DGPS version, initiates
an Automatic Beacon Search (ABS) at power on. The primary
channel will lock-on to the nearest beacon station, while the second
channel searches for other available beacon signals. Should it find
a superior signal, it will automatically switch the primary channel to
the new station.
The beacon receiver can be controlled by a compatible Control
and Display Unit (CDU) to operate in Automatic Beacon Search,
Manual Tune or Database modes. The Database mode allows the
beacon receiver to store the almanac of 10 stations that are closest
to its present position. This feature complies with the IEC 61108-4
specifications. The combined performance of the high-precision
GPS and GPS/GLONASS receivers and 2-channel smart beacon
receiver provides a more accurate position fix, usually within 1 meter
or less.

List of abbreviations
CDU Control and Display Unit
DGPS Differential Global Positioning System
FDMA Frequency Deviation Multiple Access
GLONASS Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positioning System
HDOP Horizontal Dilution of Precision
IMO International Maritime Organization
NMEA National Marine Electronic Association
PDOP Positional Dilution of Precision
RAIM Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
RTCM Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services
SBAS Satellite Based Augmentation System
VDOP Vertical Dilution of Precision

General | MX521B Installation Manual |7

 2
Installation
Antenna mounting guidelines
The MX521B antenna housing is weather-resistant and must be
located outside where it will have a good view of the sky around it.
Use a standard 1”-14 TPI bracket or tube for mounting.
• Install the antenna where it has a clear view of the sky around it.
• Locate the antenna for easy access and maintenance.
• Stay away from high-power energy sources such as radar, SSB,
INMARSAT and other transmitting radio antennas by 5 meters or
more.
• Locate the antenna at least 10 meters away from, and out of the
transmitting beam of radar, INMARSAT and other high-power
transmitters.
• Mount the antenna low to avoid excessive position and speed errors
while underway.
• Mount the antenna as far away as possible from large metal
structures.
• Mount the antenna at least 1 meter away from the compass and
other GPS antennas.

¼¼ Note: If you are not sure if the chosen location is appropriate, you
can mount the antenna temporarily and check signal reception from
your CDU. Monitor the operation of the antenna while you turn on
other on-board electronic equipment. Move the antenna around
until the antenna operates satisfactorily then mount it permanently.

¼¼ Note: Powerful Xenon-Arc search lights emit electromagnetic

radiation, which may interfere with communication and navigation
systems on board. The preferred location for the GPS antenna is at
least 3 meters above the light.

8| Installation | MX521B Installation Manual

 RADAR ANT.

INMARSAT

10 m (m in.)
ANT.

MAIN
MAST
VHF OR MF .)
(min
ANT. eter
10 m
MX ANT.

10 m
3m 1m

MOUNT THE MX521 10 m (min.) FORWARD OF MAIN MAST

Antenna mounting
Bracket mount
The MX521B mounting thread is an industry standard fitting for VHF
antenna mounting (1inch, 14 TPI). This enables the antenna to be
mounted on a wide range of mounting brackets, including swivel
joints, commonly used for angled surface. Refer to the figure below
for bracket mounting illustration.

¼¼ Note: Hand-tighten the antenna onto the bracket until snug. Do not
overtighten.
A 10-pin (male) plastic connector is located at the underside of the
antenna for power and data connection.

1” Diameter/14 TPI
Metal mounting bracket Secure cable
with plastic
(not supplied) tie-wraps
(not supplied)
Mounting surface
Drill 1/2” diameter hole
for cable access
Installation | MX521B Installation Manual |9
 Surface mount
The antenna can also be surface-mounted. Make sure there
is at least 5-inch clearance underneath the mounting surface
to accommodate the lower section of the antenna housing,
connector and cable. Refer to the figure below for surface mounting
considerations. Cut a 133.35 mm (5 1/4 inch) diameter hole on a
horizontal mounting surface and drill the four mounting screw
holes as shown.
Fasten the antenna by using 4-40 UCN size stainless steel screws (4
places). Use a marine grade caulking compound to seal between
the mounting surface and the bottom of the antenna housing.
Choose a location for the antenna that has a clear view of the
sky. Make sure there are no major obstructions or metal fixtures in
the immediate proximity to the antenna. The GPS antenna relies
on direct ‘line-of-sight’ signal reception. If you are unsure if the
chosen location is suitable, it is advisable to mount the antenna in a
temporary manner to verify correct operation.

182.0 mm
(7.17”)

102.0 mm
(4.02”)
127.0 mm

4-40 UCN
(5.0”)

mounting screws
(4 places)

133.35 mm
(5.25”)
133.35 mm
(5.25”)

1 10
2 9
3 8
4 7
5 6

4-40 UCN mounting screws

10 | Installation | MX521B Installation Manual

 Antenna cable selection
The antenna cable assembly for the MX521B antenna is not
included in the kit and must be ordered separately. Several cable
lengths are available in stock. To assist you in ordering the correct
cable length, please refer to the antenna cable list below for cable
description and part number.
Antenna cable with one 10-Pin Connector
20 meters 3508 102 70170
40 meters 3508 102 70180
60 meters 3508 102 70640
80 meters 3508 102 70185

Wiring
Power requirement
External power supplied to the MX521B must be within 10.5-32 V
DC. Negative grounding is required. The MX521B draws less than
300 mA at 12 V DC. An in-line fuse or circuit breaker rated at 2 A is
recommended for overload protection.
The red wire connects to the (+) DC power, while the black wire is
the negative return. Although the antenna has a reverse polarity
protection, it is prudent to make sure that proper polarity is
observed before making the connection.

¼¼ Note: Reverse polarity connection may damage the unit.

Installation | MX521B Installation Manual | 11

 Antenna cable assembly
Below is a diagram showing the pins and wire color-coding of the
antenna cable assembly.

10-Pin Female connector

Antenna cable Assy.

Pin# Wire Signal

10 Grey Ext. RTCM IN -
9 Purple Ext. RTCM IN +
8 White Beacon Status Out +, Secondary output
7 Yellow Beacon Status Out -, Secondary output
6 Green GPS Out +, Primary output
5 Orange GPS Out -, Primary output
4 Brown MPM In +, Control input
3 Blue MPM In -, Control input
2 Red 10.5 to 32 V DC
1 Black Negative GND

Pins 1 & 2: Power input.

Pins 3 & 4: MX proprietary message (MPM) input port.
Pins 5 & 6: GPS output to NMEA 0183 compatible devices.
Pins 7 & 8: Beacon monitoring signal output. Sends the SNR,
Signal and Frequency to the CDU.
Pins 9 & 10: External RTCM Correction (Input).

12 | Installation | MX521B Installation Manual

Wiring example

10 Ext. RTCM IN -
9 Ext. RTCM IN +
To antenna 8 Beacon Status Out +
7 Beacon Status Out -
6 GPS Out +, Primary output
5 GPS Out -, Primary output
4 MPM In +, Control input
3 MPM In -, Control input
2
1
2 A fuse

12 / 24 V DC

Pin Wire DGPS GPS

color Antenna Antenna
1 BLK Negative Ground
2 RED 10.5 to 32 V DC
3 BLU MX Proprietary Message (MPM In (-))
Control input
4 BRN MX Proprietary Message (MPM In (+))
Control input
5 ORG GPS Out (-)
Primary output
6 GRN GPS Out (+)
Primary output
7 YEL Beacon Status Out (-)
Secondary output
8 WHT Beacon Status Out (+)
Secondary output
9 PRPL Ext. RTCM IN (+)
10 GRY Ext. RTCM IN (-)

Installation | MX521B Installation Manual | 13

 Data interface to PC or other navigation systems
The figure below shows the power and data output connections
to the serial port of a PC or other navigation systems using a dB9
connector and a terminal strip (user supplied items).

BRN (MPM In +)
BLU (MPM In -)
GRN (GPS Out +)
ORG (GPS Out -)
RED (+12/24 V DC)
BLK (GND)
123456789
9 dB PC Connector

+ -
12 / 24 V DC

14 | Installation | MX521B Installation Manual

MX521B Programming cable
The programming cable is used for upgrading the software of the
GPS and Beacon PCBs inside the MX521B smart antenna. The figure
below shows the programming cable diagram and equipment
setup. Please note that external 12/24 volt DC is required to power
up the antenna. The RS422-RS232 converter may be powered from
the PC serial port or from an external 12 volt power supply.

RED 12/24 V DC
BLK NEG
To MX521B

10-pin Male Connector

ORG
GRN
BRN
BLU

RS422

RS232
To PC
RD(A)
TD(A)

RD(B)
TD(B)

+12V
GND

B&B Electronics
RS422-RS232 Converter
Model 422LP9TB

Installation | MX521B Installation Manual | 15

 3
Technical specifications
GNSS receiver
Type L1, C/A Code (SPS) with carrier
phase smoothing
Frequency 1575.42 MHz
Channels 12 Channels, parallel tracking (10
channels when tracking SBAS)
Update rate 1 Hz
Signals received GPS and GLONASS
Fix calculation GPS or GPS + GLONASS
SBAS tracking 2 channel parallel tracking
RTCM Input RTCM SC-104 format
Antenna type Ceramic patch
Dynamic range 90 dB
Time to first fix
Cold start (no almanac or 60 second (typical)
RTCM)
Reacquisition < 10 second (typical)
Position accuracy
With differential corrections < 1 m (2D-RMS) typical
from Beacon stations depending on distance from
differential base station
Without differential < 3 m (2D-RMS) (with S/A off )
corrections
Serial ports 2 duplex NMEA 0183 ports
Baud rates 4800 (default), 9600, 19200
Data I/O Protocol NMEA 0183 V3.0
Correction I/O Protocol RTCM SC-104
Datum WGS84
NMEA messages GGA, GRS, GSA, GSV, GST, RMC,
VTG, ZDA & PMVXG,GBS (MX
Marine proprietary)

16 | Technical specifications | MX521B Installation Manual

Beacon receiver (DGPS model only)
Frequency 283.5 to 325.0 kHz. 2-channel
Auto or Manual selection (500 Hz
steps)
Sensitivity 2.5 uV/m for 6 dB SNR @ 200 bps
Operating modes Automatic, Manual or Database
Dynamic Range 100 dB
Adjacent Channel Rejection 61 dB @ f + 400 Hz
Channel spacing 500 Hz
Frequency offset tolerance + 5 Hz
Antenna type H-Field
MSK rates 50, 100 and 200 bps
Environmental
Operating temperature -30 to +70 °C
Storage Temperature -40 to +85 °C
Humidity “Exposed Category” (IEC 60945)
Electrical
Operating voltage range 10.5 to 32 V DC
Operating current < 230 mA at 12.0 VDC
Power consumption < 3 Watts
Mechanical
Height 102 mm (4.0”)
Diameter 182 mm (7.2”)
Weight (MX521B DGPS) 820 g
Weight (MX521B GPS) 600 g
Mounting 1”14 pole mount or surface
mounting

Technical specifications | MX521B Installation Manual | 17

 4
Dimensional drawings
182.0 mm
(7.17”)

102.0 mm
(4.02”)
127.0 mm
4-40 UCN

(5.0”)
mounting screws
(4 places)

133.35 mm
(5.25”)
133.35 mm
(5.25”)

1 10
2 9
3 8
4 7
5 6

4-40 UCN mounting screws

18 | Dimensional drawings | MX521B Installation Manual

*988-12425-001*