Overview

This article addresses an issue where Getac laptops or tablets experience a loss of GPS signal output specifically when connected to a docking station. It helps users identify if the issue is related to external antenna compatibility and provides steps to resolve or work around the problem.

Symptoms

• The Getac laptop or tablet outputs GPS sentences normally when it is undocked.
• The GPS sentences stop outputting completely as soon as the unit is placed on the docking station.

Possible Causes

• An incompatible external antenna, such as an active antenna instead of a passive antenna, is connected to the docking station.

Diagnostic Steps

1. Disconnect the external antenna from the docking station.
2. Observe if the GPS sentences resume outputting while the unit remains docked.

Resolution Steps

If disconnecting the external antenna restores the GPS signal, use one of the following methods to resolve the issue.

Method 1: Replace the Antenna

1. Contact your reseller to obtain a recommendation on which compatible antenna to purchase.
2. If the antenna was purchased from the reseller who sold the Getac units, contact Getac support with the specific model of the antenna so they can investigate the recommendation.

Method 2: Use the Internal GPS Antenna While Docked

1. Remove the incompatible external antenna from the docking station.
2. Open G-Manager and change the miscellaneous setting to use the internal GPS while docked.
3. Restart the unit and enter the BIOS.
4. Navigate to Advanced, then Device Configuration, then Docking USB.
5. Change the setting to 2.0.
6. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Notes/Important Information

• Changing the BIOS Docking USB setting to 2.0 reduces the noise that USB 3.0 creates, which can otherwise interrupt the GPS signal when no external antenna is connected.
• Getac Support Phone: 866-394-3822
• Getac Support Email: [email protected]