FAQs
Videos
The 3DM-GX3 USB and RS-232 communication interfaces are built to satisfy the standard USB-IF and EIA specifications. LORD MicroStrain® provides 6 foot cables as standard. Many techniques can be used to extend the length of the communication interfaces including powered USB hubs, USB boosters, RS-232 extenders, etc.
The 3DM-GX3 standard enclosure has been designed with precision alignment holes on the ‘ears’ of the enclosure to allow the user to install the unit with precise alignment to the rest of the components in the user’s application.
The 3DM-GX3 is calibrated at the factory. The user is also provided with Hard and Soft Iron Calibration software to field calibrate the GX3 in situ. This video further describes the function: http://www.microstrain.com/video/hard-soft-iron-calibration
Important note: Hard and soft iron calibration is not required for the 3DM-GX3-15 and the 3DM-GX315 OEM. These units do not contain magnetometers.
From time to time the 3DM-GX3 may need recalibration. For example, as a result of coming in contact with magnetic influences (magnets, motors, etc.), residual magnetism may be picked up by the on-board components which will alter the calibration. Another example: the 3DM-GX3 receives a severe shock, slightly altering the position of the circuit boards in relation to the enclosure, again altering the calibration. In these cases the unit should be returned to the factory for recalibration.
Yes. Any number of units can be operated by a host at the same time. Several considerations surround this implementation (primarily computing power) and we suggest that you discuss your requirements with LORD MicroStrain® sales or a support engineer.
For the standard units, here is a link to a detailed technical note: http://files.microstrain.com/TN-I0023_Inertia-Link_3DM-GX2_3DM-GX3_Pin-Outs.pdf
For the OEM units, here is a link to a detailed technical note: http://files.microstrain.com/3DM-GX3-25_OEM_Footprint_and_Connector.pdf
Yes, there are no limitations. However, if a user requires a ‘zeroing’ of the axes, this must be done in the user’s external application. Good practice dictates that the orientation matrix be used to calculate such zeroing. Please also be aware of the mathematical singularity in Euler angles.
The user should be aware that the Euler angle formulation in general contains a mathematical singularity at Pitch = +90 or –90 degrees. In practice, poor numerical results will be present if the Pitch angle exceeds +/-70 degrees. In applications where the Pitch angle cannot be guaranteed to exceed these values, it is recommended that the orientation matrix output be utilized instead.
Yes. The sampling rates are user adjustable.
For the -15 and -25, the user may set the sampling rate at up to 1000 Hz depending on the data quantity.
For the -35, the user may set the AHRS sampling rate up to 1000 Hz depending on the data quantity and the GPS sampling rate up to 4 Hz.
For the -45, the user may set the Navigation sampling rate up to 100 Hz.
The baud rate is user adjustable and may be set to 9600, 19200, 115200 (default), 230400, 460800, and 921600.
Yes. The presence of strong magnetic fields or large magnetic materials will distort Earth’s weak local magnetic field and this will influence the on-board magnetometers. A hard and soft iron calibration software utility is provided to field calibrate the 3DM-GX3-25, 3DM-GX3-25 OEM, 3DM-GX3-35 and 3DM-GX3-45.
The 3DM-GX3-15 and 3DM-GX3-15 OEM do not contain magnetometers and are not affected by hard and/or soft iron interference.
