DJ-X100E GPS, Position Display, AIS & Messages

Summary: How to use the DJ-X100E’s built-in GPS, the position and GPS displays, AIS ship position display, ACARS and message reception.

GPS/GNSS

The receiver has a built-in antenna at the top (an external GPS antenna can’t be connected), so use it with the top facing the sky. It uses GPS, QZSS, GLONASS and Galileo. Set mode, Position/Distance, Position System: OFF, GPS (default) or FIX (a fixed position you enter). GPS uses battery, so on battery consider turning it off or using FIX.

• GPS icon lit: capturing your position. Blinking: can’t capture. FIX lit: a fixed position is registered; FIX blinking: FIX chosen but no position registered.
• It normally locks in tens of seconds but can take several minutes. It may not work indoors, underground, in tunnels or among tall buildings, and rain can make it harder. To test it, use an open place such as a park.
• Positioning accuracy can degrade, satellite signals can change without notice, and altitude needs at least four satellites and can take minutes to settle.

Fixed Position

Set mode, Position/Distance, Fixed: enter the latitude and longitude (decimal degrees, N/S and E/W), or use From GPS to capture the current position.

GPS Display

Set mode, Display Mode, GPS Display shows latitude and longitude (DEG, or DMS with FUNC lit), altitude, GPS time, heading (true north 0 degrees), the number of satellites, satellite status and strength, and a sky map (centre = overhead, inner circle 45 degrees, outer circle the horizon). With FUNC lit, turn the dial to choose the satellites shown: ALL, GPS (with QZSS), GLO or GAL. Return with Basic Display.

Time Zone

Set mode, Position/Distance, Time zone: whole hours from UTC (-12 to +12). UK: 0 in winter and +1 in summer, and you must change it yourself for summer time. 15/30/45-minute zones aren’t supported.

Position Display and AIS

When a decodable signal carries position data, the receiver shows its position relative to yours (GPS or FIX). AIS is the easiest way to try it: AIS channel 1 (161.975 MHz) is stored in Quick Recall 5 (hold [5]), and AIS channel 2 is 162.025 MHz.

1. Tune 161.975 or 162.025 MHz in VFO mode.
2. [MODE], Data, AIS.
3. Set, Display Mode, Position Display.
4. Make sure Position System is GPS or FIX.
5. When AIS arrives, icons for moving (with direction), fixed or base stations appear, with direction and distance shown for 10 seconds.

Map keys (on the position display): 1 clear the screen, 2/4/6/8 move the map by half a grid, 3 smaller grid and 9 larger (10 m to 500 km, default 5 km), 5 re-centre on your position, 7 north-up or heading-up. The display isn’t saved after power off. Turn Battery Save off for AIS and message reception.

Position Dist (Set mode) shows distance and azimuth to stations with position data, and Memory Dist shows the distance to a memory channel’s stored position.

Messages and ACARS

Text carried by digital or data modes (names, callsigns and so on) is shown automatically on the reception screen; turn the dial to scroll. It disappears after 10 seconds (Message Display: No display, Hold, or 1-120 seconds). The last three messages are kept in Set mode, Message Log until power off.

To try ACARS, go outdoors or use an external VHF antenna while aircraft are flying, tune your local ACARS frequency in VFO mode, and choose MODE, Data, ACARS: a burst noise means ACARS and characters appear automatically. The manual lists Europe 131.75 MHz, plus 131.55 (international), 130.425 (US) and 131.45 (Japan), with more sub-channels. The receiver can’t decode VDL and doesn’t support third-party ACARS position software. You don’t need to open the squelch for AIS or ACARS.