# 5.5 | GPS Port Settings Tab

## GPS connection settings

![image.png](https://docs.t3rra.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-10/scaled-1680-/zjMimage.png)

<figure id="bkmrk-gps-settings-with-ra"><figcaption id="bkmrk-gps-settings-with-ra-1">*GPS settings with Raw GPS Data displayed*  
  
</figcaption></figure>**GPS** displays the COM port used to communicate with the GPS. Select the correct port from the drop down menu.<span id="bkmrk--2"></span>

**Baud (Rate)** sets the communication speed between the software and GPS. It should match the GPS baud rate.<span id="bkmrk--3"></span>

**Scan for GPS** checks available COM ports and usual baud rates for valid GPS data.<span id="bkmrk--4"></span>

<p class="callout info">**NOTE:** T3RRA software and iGrade™ must have identical Com port and Baud Rate settings in order to communicate.</p>

## Configuration and diagnostics

**Warning/Error Configuration** settings changed on this page remain in effect after the system is turned off.<span id="bkmrk--5"></span>

**Current** displays the most recent GPS information received in a table.<span id="bkmrk--6"></span>

**Raw GPS data** displays the most recent GPS data received. It is primarily used for diagnostics when support is required.<span id="bkmrk--7"></span>

**Output Data** displays the most recent outgoing communications. It is primarily used for diagnostics when support is required.<span id="bkmrk--8"></span>

**Recent GPS errors** lists the most recent GPS errors so that intermittent errors can be reviewed.<span id="bkmrk--9"></span>

**Open Device Manager** is used to investigate COM port issues when required.<span id="bkmrk--10"></span>

**Connect and Disconnect** manually start or stop communication with the app controller.

## Serial port parameters

**Com port**: The adapter assigns the Com port #. The drop-down box lists all available com ports. Select the serial port physically connected by cable to the iGrade™ Application Controller. Windows Device Manager provides diagnostics for the current serial ports; you can open it using the button at the bottom left of **Settings &gt; GPS**.

![Serial port parameters panel with Com port COM1 and Baud rate 38400 drop-downs and send/receive arrows.](https://docs.t3rra.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/scaled-1680-/PAhvfdrdmpoteveimu4p71tgyvjyoz51dnyva-png.png)

**Baud rate**: This is the speed of communication with iGrade™. It must match the iGrade™ settings, or T3RRA software cannot communicate with iGrade™. For iGrade v1, the recommended baud rate is 38400. For iGrade™ v2, the recommended baud rate is 115200, with **NMEA Message Type** set to “All”.

## Warning Thresholds

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**Idle timeout**: An error warning appears if no GPS messages are received within this time period.

![Warning/Error Configuration panel with Idle Timeout, RTK Timeout, Max VDOP and Min Satellite Count fields.](https://docs.t3rra.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/scaled-1680-/vdElc-g0gijblg1c-ep-b8l8ofkbkcwdy8f9g-png.png)

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**RTK Timeout**: This monitors the time since the last good RTK correction packet. It should not normally be set above 10-20sec.

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**Max VDOP**: Vertical Dilution of Precision measures altitude accuracy. Keep this value as low as possible for the most accurate implementation, but setting it lower than 2 may interrupt use of T3RRA software.

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**Min Satellite Count**: Sets how few satellites the GPS needs to see before a warning appears.

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## Input/Output

[![image.png](https://docs.t3rra.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-10/scaled-1680-/4fMimage.png)](https://docs.t3rra.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-10/4fMimage.png)

<table id="bkmrk-fieldmeaningcurrent-"><thead id="bkmrk-fieldmeaning"><tr id="bkmrk-fieldmeaning-1"><th id="bkmrk-field" scope="col">Field</th><th id="bkmrk-meaning" scope="col">Meaning</th></tr></thead><tbody id="bkmrk-gps-output-body"><tr id="bkmrk-current-%26-raw-gps-da"><th id="bkmrk-current-%26-raw-gps-da-2" scope="row">Current &amp; Raw GPS Data:</th><td id="bkmrk-current-shows-the-re">Current shows the receiver’s current position data. Raw GPS Data shows all incoming messages.<span id="bkmrk--24"></span></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Output Data:</th><td>Outgoing command messages </td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Recent GPS errors</th><td>Current GPS state and any errors </td></tr><tr id="bkmrk-lat-%26-lon%3A%C2%A0your-curr"><th id="bkmrk-lat-%26-lon%3A" scope="row">Lat &amp; Lon:</th><td id="bkmrk-your-current-locatio">Your current location coordinates (latitude and longitude).<span id="bkmrk--25"></span></td></tr><tr id="bkmrk-altitude%3A%C2%A0your-curre"><th id="bkmrk-altitude%3A" scope="row">Altitude:</th><td id="bkmrk-your-current-height-">Your current height above sea level, displayed in the chosen measurement format.<span id="bkmrk--26"></span></td></tr><tr id="bkmrk-num-sats%3A%C2%A0the-number"><th id="bkmrk-num-sats%3A" scope="row">Num Sats:</th><td id="bkmrk-the-number-of-satell">The number of satellites currently tracked by your GPS. It is linked to Min Satellite Count in Warning thresholds: an error appears if the count drops below that setting.<span id="bkmrk--27"></span></td></tr><tr id="bkmrk-fix%3A%C2%A0the-type-of-pos"><th id="bkmrk-fix%3A" scope="row">Fix:</th><td id="bkmrk-the-type-of-position">The type of position solution calculated.<span id="bkmrk--28"></span></td></tr><tr id="bkmrk-time%3A%C2%A0the-current-gp"><th id="bkmrk-time%3A" scope="row">Time:</th><td id="bkmrk-the-current-gps-time">The current GPS time.<span id="bkmrk--29"></span></td></tr><tr id="bkmrk-last-correction%3A-tim"><th id="bkmrk-last-correction%3A" scope="row"><span id="bkmrk--30"></span>Last Correction:</th><td id="bkmrk-the-time-since-the-l">The time since the last differential correction message from the base station. Keep it as low as possible for the most accurate readings. It is linked to RTK Timeout in Warning thresholds: an error appears if it exceeds that limit.<span id="bkmrk--31"></span></td></tr><tr id="bkmrk-vdop%3A%C2%A0vertical-dilut"><th id="bkmrk-vdop%3A" scope="row">VDOP:</th><td id="bkmrk-vertical-dilution-of">Vertical Dilution of Precision. An error appears if this number exceeds Max VDOP in warning thresholds.<span id="bkmrk--32"></span><span id="bkmrk--33"></span></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Speed:</th><td>Your current travel speed</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Heading: </th><td>Current heading out of 360 degrees</td></tr></tbody></table>