Fix internal GPS on Archer 2 or Allegro 2

11 Dec 2020

If the integrated GNSS (GPS) receiver in the Archer 2 or Allegro 2 is not functioning, some of the most common steps to resolve issues are as follows.

1. Tap on Start (bottom-left Windows logo button) > Settings > System > GNSS > Hardware tab to verify it is still set to the default COM8 at 115200.
2. If needed, tap on the Programs tab to verify it is still set to the default COM2 as well as under the Access tab verify the checkbox is checked. Sometimes these have been intentionally disabled such as to free COM2 for some other use.
3. Tap on the NMEA Sentences tab to verify that all needed strings are enabled. Most apps need at least the GGA string. As we recommend, the default enabled sentences are RMC, GSA, GBS, VTG, GSV, ZDA, GGA, GLL, and GST with compatibility mode unchecked.
4. Tap on the GNSS System tab to verify at least GPS is enabled at 1 Hz Update Rate. As we recommend, the default is to have GPS, SBAS, GLONASS, Update Rate - 1 Hz, Static Hold - 30, Baud Rate - 115200, Mode - Pedestrian, and Always On - unchecked.
5. Tap OK to save settings, then check if GPS is now functioning.

If those steps have not resolved the issue, some other potential solutions are as follows.

• Open Task Manager (using Blue + ESC keys on Allegro 2, or bottom-left Shift (up arrow) + top-right Menu (four stacked horizontal bars) buttons on Archer 2) to verify that no app is still running in the background that may be using GPS. End Task on any such app. In the future, always fully Exit an app before switching to another app. Just tapping on the X usually only minimizes an app in Windows Mobile.
• Press and hold the hardware Power button for 30 seconds (even as the screen flashes off then on repeatedly, and even through the blue screen with sliders). You may then again need to hold the Power button for 2-3 seconds to power on and boot the unit.
• Tap on Start > Settings > Connections > Bluetooth (> COM Ports) or Bluetooth COM to verify that no port assignments conflict with the internal GPS COM port(s).
• Older units (before 2017) with NVS receiver may have a "Restart GNSS" button under Start > Settings > System > GNSS > GNSS System tab.
• Some apps such as the Effigis OnPOZ software may change the GPS hardware port on COM8 to output raw binary data instead of the standard NMEA data, so other apps (including JSNav or Geode Connect) will no longer work with the GPS until the receiver is reset to default output. It is recommended for such software to use the alternative COM4 hardware port instead for raw binary data output so COM8 remains available for NMEA.