1996 ACURA RL KA9 navigation system

Navigation System

System Description (cont'd)

Overview

The Acura Navigation System is a highly-sophisticated, hybrid locating system that uses satellites and a map database to

show you where you are and to help guide you to a desired destination.

The navigation system receives signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS), a network of 24 satellites in orbit

around the earth. By receiving signals from serveral of these satellites, the navigation system can determine the latitude,

longitude, and elevation of the vehicle. In addition, signals from the system's yaw rate sensor and the PCM (vehicle

speed pulse) enable the system to keep track of the vehicle's direction and speed of travel.

This hybrid system has advantages over a system that is either entirely self-contained or one that relies totally on the

GPS. For example, the self-contained portion of the system can keep track of vehicle position even when satellite signals

cannot be received. When the navigation system is on, the GPS can keep track of the vehicle position even when the vehi-

cle is transported by ferry.

The navigation system applies all this location, direction, and speed information to the maps and calculates a route to the

destination entered. As you drive to that destination, the system provides both visual and audio guidance.

This navigation system also has voice recognition that allows voice control of most of the navigation functions. The TALK

and BACK buttons on the steering wheel activate the voice control.

The illumination signal is used for two purposes. The display unit uses the signal to light up the hard buttons surrounding

the display. In addition the signal is used by the navigation unit to automatically switch from the "Day" to "Night" display

mode when the headlights are on. This automatic switching occurs only if the "Display" setting in setup screen 1 is set to

"AUTO". If the headlights are on and the customer has the dash light brightness control to "full bright," then this overrides

the "Night" mode.

The use of the audio speakers follows a hierarchy. The highest priority is the OnStar voice, followed by the navigation voice,

and finally the radio/CD. The audio unit enforces this hierarchy. The GA-Net bus is used to pass commands to mute the speak-

ers, and to disable the voice control system. Prior systems used dedicated wires to accomplish this function.

• If On-Star is in use, the audio unit passes a command on the GA-Net bus to the navigation unit to disable the voice control

system. The navigation unit then ignores the voice control switch, and temporarily ceases voice route guidance prompts.

• When the navigation system issues route guidance, the navigation unit uses the GA-Net bus to tell the audio unit to mute just

the front speakers. When the voice control system is being used (the TALK/BACK buttons), the navigation unit uses the GA-

Net bus to tell the audio unit to mute all speakers.ProCarManuals.com

System Description (cont'd)

Navigation Function

The navigation system is composed of the navigation unit, the PCM (vehicle speed signal), the GPS antenna, microphone,

steering buttons, audio unit and the display unit.
Navigation SystemProCarManuals.com

System Description (cont'd)

Global Positioning System (GPS)

The Global Positioning System (GPS) enables the navigation system to determine the current position of the vehicle by

utilizing the signals transmitted from the satellites in orbit around the earth. The satellites transmit the satellite identifica-

tion signal, orbit information, transmission time signal, and other information. When the GPS receiver receives a signal

from three or more satellites simultaneously, it calculates the current position of the vehicle based on the distance to each

satellite and the satellite positions on their respective orbits.

Position detection Image with GPS satellite
Navigation System

Precision of GPS

The precision of the GPS varies according to the number of satellites from which electric waves are received and the con-

trol condition. The precision is indicated by the color of the GPS icon shown on the upper right of the display.

GPS Antenna

The GPS antenna amplifies and transmits the signals received from the satellites to the GPS receiver.

GPS Receiver

The GPS receiver is built in the navigation unit. It calculates the vehicle position by receiving the signal from the GPS

antenna. The vehicle position and signal reception condition is transmitted from the GPS receiver to the navigation control

unit to adjust vehicle position.ProCarManuals.com

Navigation Unit

The navigation unit calculates the vehicle position and guides you to the destination. The unit performs map matching

correction, GPS correction, and distance tuning. It also controls the menu functions and the DVD-ROM drive, and inter-

prets voice commands. With control of all these items, the navigation unit makes the navigation picture signal, then it

transmits the signal to the display unit and audio driving instructions to the audio unit.

Calculation of Vehicle Position

The navigation unit calculates the vehicle position (the driving direction and the current position) by receiving the direc-

tional change signals from the yaw rate sensor and the travel distance signals from the vehicle speed pulse (VSP) sensor.

Map Matching Tuning

The map matching tuning is accomplished by indicating the vehicle position on the roads on the map. The map data

transmitted from the DVD-ROM is checked against the vehicle position data, and the vehicle position is indicated on the

nearest road. Map matching tuning does not occur when the vehicle travels on a road not shown on the map, or when the

vehicle position is far away from a road on the map.

GPS Tuning

The GPS tuning is accomplished by indicating the vehicle position as the GPS's vehicle position. The navigation unit com-

pares its calculated vehicle position data with the GPS vehicle position data. If there is a large difference between the two,

the indicated vehicle position is adjusted to the GPS vehicle position.

Distance Tuning

The distance tuning reduces the difference between the travel distance signal from the VSP and the distance data on the

map. The navigation unit compares its calculated vehicle position data with the GPS vehicle position data. The navigation

unit then decreases the tuning value when the vehicle position is always ahead of the GPS vehicle position, and it increas-

es the tuning value when the vehicle position is always behind the GPS vehicle position.

Route Guidance

The navigation unit can calculate different routes to a selected destination. You have five options:

• Direct Route - Calculate a route that is the most direct and will take the least tome.

• Easy Route - Calcute a route that minimizes the number of turns needed.

• Minimize Freeways - Calculate a route that avoids freeway travel. If that is not possible, keep the amount of freeway

travel to a minimum.

• Minimize Toll Roads - Calculate a route that avoids, or minimizes travel on toll roads.

• Maximize Freeways - Calculate a route that uses freeways as much as possible.

Audio Guidance

The navigation unit transmits audio driving instructions before entering an intersection or passing a junction.

The audio instructions come through the audio unit and the front speakers.

The front speakers are muted whenever the navigation system is giving guidance commands, and all of the speakers

when the voice control system is being used. When using OnStar, both the audio system and the navigation system are

muted, and the voice control switch (TALK and BACK buttons) is disabled.

DVD-ROM

The map data (including all scale rates) is stored in the DVD-ROM. The map date includes:

• Road distances, road widths, speed limits, traffic regulations, passing time at junction, distances to junctions, and the

driving instructions for audio guidance.

• Latitude and longitude GPS.ProCarManuals.com

Navigation System

System Description (cont'd)

Audio Unit

The audio unit receives the audio driving instructions from the navigation unit and transmits the instructions through the

front speakers even when the audio system is in use.

Display Unit

The display unit uses liquid crystal display (LCD). The LCD is a 7-inch-diagonal, thin film transistor (TFT), stripe type with

280,800 picture elements. The color film and fluorescent light are laid out on the back of the liquid crystal film. The touch

sensor on the front of the LCD is an infrared type with 20 vertical and 9 horizontal infrared rays to produce 180 sensing

points. The display unit transmits the signal from each operation key and the touch switches to the navigation unit.

Infrared rays

Microphone (Mic)

Receives voice commands and transmits them to the navigation unit for interpretation.

Talk Button (Voice Control Switch)

Activates the voice control system in the navigation unit to accept voice commands.

Back Button (Voice Control Switch)

Returns the display to the previous screen.ProCarManuals.com

Glossary

The following is a glossary of terms pertaining to the Voice Recognition Navigation System.

Item

Breadcrumbs

CPU

Database

DCA

DTC

Dead Reckoning

Digitized Road

Disclaimer Screen

DVD or DVD-ROM

ECM

FAQ

GA-Net bus

GPS

HDS

H/U

Initialization

LCD

Map Matching

Mic
Definition

Off road tracking dots that can be followed on the map to retrace your route back to a

mapped (digitized) road. This function can be turned on/off in Setup screen 1.

Central Processing Unit. The main device within the navigation unit that coordinates the

rest of the electronic functions.

This consists of the Map data, and the POI (Points Of Interest) data stored on the DVD.

Detailed Coverage Area. Main metropolitan areas in the Lower 48 states, and Canada are

mapped to this level. See the Navigation Owner's manual for a list of these areas.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Use the HDS tablet to obtain, and troubleshoot the cause of

these codes.

The use of the speed signal, and yaw rate sensor to position the vehicle on the map even

when the GPS signal is obscured by tall buildings, or while driving in a tunnel.

A road that appears on the navigation screen. The road name will appear at the bottom of

the navigation screen. If the user drives "off road" the navigation system will display

"Not on a digitized road", and if 1/2 mile, then "breadcrumbs" will appear.

Screen containing cautionary information. It is meant to read carefully and acknowledged

by the customer when using the navigation system.

Digital Versatile Disk. The navigation program and database resides on this disk. See the

Navigation Owner's Manual for information on how to order a replacement or update

DVD.

Engine Control Module. Typically referred to as the PCM

Frequency Asked Question. See the Navigation Owner's Manual for a list of the customer

FAQs, and troubleshooting information

Proprietary communication bus. This serial bus connects the audio unit, navigation unit,

display unit, and XM receiver. Signals passed on this bus include audio muting requests,

navigation and display unit buttons, control commands, and XM control sequences.

Global Positioning System. A network of 24 satellites in orbit around the earth. The navi-

gation system can simultaneously receive signals from up to 12 satellites to accurately

positioning the vehicle on the map.

Honda Diagnostic System. A hand held tablet PC for use in diagnosing vehicle problems.

This device can be used to obtain DTC codes for diagnosis of navigation system CAN

related problems.

Head Unit. The navigation system display unit assembly in the dash.

This refers to the period needed to re-acquire the GPS satellite orbital information when-

ever the navigation system power has been disconnected. This can take from 10 to 45

minutes.

Liquid Crystal Display (the navigation screen)

The received GPS information allows the navigation system to position the vehicle on the

map. Map matching has occurred if the map screen is displaying the current street name

in the bottom-shaded area.

Abbreviation for the microphone used for receiving voice commands. It is located near

the map light in the ceiling

(cont'd)ProCarManuals.com

Navigation Syste m
System Descriptio n (cont'd )
Item
MW
Nav i
Off Rout e
Outlyin g Area s
PC Car d Slo t
PCM
PCMCI A
PIN
PO I
Polygo n
QWERT Y
SCS connecto r
Security Cod e
Touc h Switche s o r Touc h
Senso r
Tuning
Unverifie d Street s
On-Sta r
Satellite Radi o (X M Radio )
Definitio n
Maneuve r Window . Whil e on-rout e to a destination , thi s windo w display s informatio n
about th e nex t maneuver .
Abbreviatio n fo r th e Navigatio n Syste m
This occur s whe n th e use r leave s mappe d roads . Of f roa d trackin g dot s ("breadcrumbs" )
are displaye d if th e optio n is enable d in Setup . Th e use r ca n us e the m to retur n t o a
mappe d road . Th e botto m o f th e navigatio n scree n wil l sa y "No t o n a digitize d road "
These ar e rura l area s tha t typicall y hav e onl y their main road s mapped . Al l othe r road s
are show n in ligh t brow n fo r referenc e only , sinc e the y hav e no t bee n verified .
The P C Car d (PCMCIA , typ e II ) slo t i s fo r factor y us e only . Mak e sur e tha t th e slidin g doo r
is close d a t al l items , i f opened , a n erro r messag e is displaye d o n th e screen .
Powertrai n Contro l Module . Thi s uni t supplie s th e navigatio n syste m spee d signal .
An compute r industr y define d ter m referrin g t o th e P C Car d slo t standard .
Personal Identificatio n Number , a rando m 4 digi t numbe r create d b y th e custome r t o pro -
tect persona l informatio n
Point O f Interest . Thes e ar e th e businesses , school s etc . foun d unde r th e "places " optio n
on th e mai n men u
Colore d area s o n th e ma p scree n denotin g parks , school s etc . Se e th e Navigatio n
Owner's Manua l "Travelin g t o You r Destination " fo r a lis t o f th e assigne d colors .
Keyboar d layou t resemblin g th e typewrite r keys . Th e keyboar d layou t ca n b e change d t o
a n alphabetica l layou t i n th e Setu p mode .
The 2-pi n connecto r use d t o pu t th e navigatio n syste m int o th e diagnosti c mod e
Code neede d to activat e th e navigatio n system . Th e securit y cod e ca n b e obtaine d fro m
the "IN " b y enterin g th e navigatio n syste m contro l seria l number . Th e seria l numbe r ca n
be foun d fro m th e diagnosti c screen s (Uni t Check , Nav i ECU) , o r fro m th e unde r sid e o f
the contro l unit .
The side s o f th e navigatio n scree n hav e 9 vertica l an d 2 0 horizonta l infrare d beam s tha t
are interrupte d b y th e user' s finge r t o selec t th e desire d function .
A continua l updat e o f interna l navigatio n syste m scalin g factors . Se e th e individua l sen -
sor tunin g discussion s unde r eithe r "Syste m Description" , o r "Syste m Diagnosi s Mode "
(see pag e 23-40 ) i n thi s manual .
These street s hav e no t bee n verifie d fo r tur n restrictions , one-way , etc . The y ar e show n i n
ligh t brow n o n th e map . Yo u ca n ente r addres s destination s i n thes e areas , bu t voic e
guidanc e end s a t th e las t verifie d stree t closes t t o you r destination .
This uni t provide s emergency , an d othe r specialt y service s ove r a cellula r link . Ther e is a
monthl y charg e associate d wit h thi s feature . Th e uni t ha s it' s ow n GP S antenna , an d cel -
lula r phon e antenna . Whe n in use , th e navigatio n guidanc e is muted , an d voic e contro l
system is disabled .
XM Radi o fo r thi s model . Thi s provide s additiona l channel s o f audi o entertainmen t fo r a
fee . Th e X M radi o receive r i s locate d in th e trunk , an d ha s it s ow n independen t satellite ,
and terrestria l antenna s (fo r receivin g th e broadcast s whe n satellit e signal s ar e temporari -
ly blocked) .
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Navigation Syste m
Sympto m Troubleshootin g (cont'd )
Display uni t button s d o no t wor k
NOTE :
• Alway s chec k th e connector s fo r poo r connection s o r
loos e terminals .
• Befor e troubleshooting , ge t th e navigatio n syste m
anti-thef t codes .
• Afte r troubleshooting , ente r th e navigatio n syste m
anti-thef t codes .
1. Tur n th e ignitio n switc h to AC C (I) .
2. G o int o th e Diagnosti c mod e an d us e "Touc h Panel "
diagnosti c unde r Monito r Chec k (se e pag e 23-41 )
and, i f necessary , "Display " diagnosti c unde r Uni t
Chec k (se e pag e 23-43 ).
Do the buttons work properly?
YES—System is OK .
NO—G o t o ste p 3 .
3. Measur e th e voltag e betwee n bod y groun d an d dis -
play uni t connecto r B (20P ) termina l No . 1 an d No . 2
individually .
DISPLAY UNI T CONNECTO R B (20P )
+B(WHT/YEL ) AC C (WHT/YEL )
Wire sid e o f femal e terminal s
Is there battery voltage?
YES—G o to ste p 4 .
NO—I f th e + B wir e doe s no t hav e voltage , repai r th e
ope n in th e wir e betwee n th e under-hoo d fuse/rela y
box an d th e displa y unit . I f th e AC C wir e doe s no t
hav e voltage , repai r th e ope n in th e wir e betwee n th e
under-das h fuse/rela y bo x an d th e displa y unit .
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