GPS World

Author: Tracy Cozzens

  • GNSS Smart Target Base Station simplifies map production from UAVs

    Trimble has released the Trimble GNSS Smart Target Base Station for high-accuracy mapping from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

    The announcement was made at Intergeo 2017, the world’s largest conference on geodesy, geoinformatics and land management.

    Comprised of a survey grade, multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS reference station complete with a foam Ground Control Target with integrated carrying case, the Smart Target Base Station logs the raw GNSS observables required to perform centimeter level post-processed Differential GNSS positioning of UAVs, and acts as a photo-identifiable Ground Control Point (GCP) for quality control.

    Cost effective, simple to operate, and supported by both the Applanix POSPac UAV GNSS-inertial post-processing software for direct georeferencing on UAVs and Trimble UASMaster photogrammetric software, the Smart Target Base Station makes aerial mapping from UAVs easier, according to Trimble.

    Users can place the foam target with its receiver in the project area and stake it down. With the included smartphone app or web user interface, users can remotely begin logging the raw GNSS observables data collected by the target that is required for post processing.

    At the end of the mission, the user retrieves the target and downloads the raw GNSS data along with the data collected from the Trimble APX UAV GNSS-inertial system installed in the UAV.

    Global coordinates of the reference station are computed automatically using the Trimble Centerpoint RTX post-processing service in POSPac UAV or, if local coordinates are desired, the foam target can be centered over an existing reference point.

    “Efficient mapping from UAVs using cameras, lidar and other sensors requires the right solutions that need to be simple and easy to use,” said Joe Hutton, director of inertial technology and airborne products at Applanix, a Trimble Company. “The Smart Target Base Station is a result of listening to our customers’ needs for a GNSS reference station to support direct georeferencing on UAVs that is cost-effective, easy to deploy in all terrains, and does not require special knowledge to operate. Aerial surveyors can quickly realize greater value and significant cost savings with this system, while obtaining high accuracy.”

    The Trimble GNSS Smart Target Base Station operates autonomously for up to four hours with its embedded lithium ion battery. Extended operation can be achieved with a user-supplied external USB battery.

  • Father of consumer car navigation addresses ION GNSS+

    In-car navigation before GPS satellites — that’s just one of the legacies of Stan Honey, who discussed his life and career during his keynote speech at the ION GNSS+ 2017 plenary.

    The ION GNSS+ trade show and conference is being held Sept. 26-29 in Portland, Oregon.

    The Etak company was founded in 1983 (and eventually acquired by TomTom.) The Etak navigation system debuted in 1985. Honey described how he was working at SRI International when he went yacht-sailing with Nolan Bushnell (Honey isn’t just an engineer — he uses practical navigation skills in world-class yacht races.) Bushnell founded the Atari company, and created the game Pong (which this writer remembers playing almost as much as Tank.)

    Honey explained that Bushnell was impressed by his yacht navigating and his electronics know-how, and wondered if he had other ideas. Bushnell ended up providing seed money for a new firm named after a Polynesian term for navigation: Etak.

    The Etak navigation device used dead-reckoning sensors and digital mapping databases stored on tapes to create a device that provided 50-meter accuracy and displayed position as a vector image. Its development resulted in more than one patent, including one for map-matching.

    Honey sold Etak to News Corp, and began working for them as a chief technical officer. He create his own R&D department within News Corp, which in 1994 developed a way to track hockey pucks visually for National Hockey League (NHL) games. Long-time fans hated it, but those new to hockey, or casual viewers, appreciated being able to see the tiny puck on pre-high-definition TVs. The puck itself had a tracker inside. Honey was concerned that it might come apart at some point, with only half of it going into the net and causing a scoring controversy. It never happened.

    More popular than the NHL puck tracker was the yellow line for the National Football League (NFL). The yellow line indicating first down was the first product of Sportvision, a company Honey founded in 1998. The 1st & Ten computer system has since become standard in college and professional football broadcasts.

    The 1st and Ten line displays the yard line needed for a first down during an ESPN Sunday Night Football broadcast.

    While it might look straightforward to add a yellow line to a broadcast, it took creating digital elevation models of the fields, which aren’t flat, but gently curved to provide drainage. That means the white yard lines aren’t straight, so the yellow line has to conform to them. A chromakey keeps the line from overlapping players. the cameras broadcasting the games are attached to bleachers, which vibrate when fans get rowdy, so each camera now compensates with a fiber-optic gyro on a tripod, calibrated by Sportvision.

    Major League Baseball came next. Baseball officials wanted no part of the K Zone technology, which tracks the baseball — until they discovered it was verifying their calls. In three weeks, the umps became the system’s biggest advocates, insisting it be installed in all ball parks.

    Another popular Sportvision product appears in broadcasts of NASCAR races. RACEf/x creates virtual flags above the cars to make them easier to follow. Beginnng in 2001, a Sportvision-developed electronics package has been installed in every race car. A NovAtel RTK receiver and Honeywell sensors tell viewers which car is which. As Honey said, the system “takes something hard to see and makes it easy to see.”

    For the Olympics, the company provided a new yellow line, this one marking the record-winning speed or finish. It also dressed things up, such as placing national flags in the lanes of speed skaters. The flags look like they’re under the ice.

    Sportvision has won several Emmy Awards for its innovations in sports broadcasts.

    Meanwhile, Honey also pursued his yachting ambitions, winning the Jules Verne Trophy in 2010 for the fastest circumnavigation of the world with a yacht. The 2010 America’s Cup winner, Larry Ellison of Oracle, encouraged the creation of LiveLine, a graphics system for yacht racing. A grid of 100-meter lines makes the previously indecipherable course look like a football field, making it much clearer which craft is nearing the finish line.

    The LiveLine System overlays geo-positioned lines and data streams at an accuracy of within an inch on live racecourse video shots taken from helicopter and water-based craft. (Image: Sportvision)

    LiveLine was first used for the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco Bay in 2013. It uses a NovAtel SPAN-CPT GNSS/INS receiver and a KVH CNS 5000 inertial navigation system.

    Honey will be attending the conference, and invites anyone with questions to talk to him.

  • High-end GNSS simulator generates realistic test scenarios

    High-end GNSS simulator generates realistic test scenarios

    The SMW200A GNSS simulator adds a high-end solution to the Rohde & Schwarz portfolio of satellite navigation system simulators. It can be extended to up to four RF outputs and allows GNSS signals to be simulated simultaneously in multiple frequency bands for multiple antennas.

    The SMW200A can internally simulate a complex interference environment in parallel with GNSS signals.

    The instrument was unveiled at ION GNSS+ 2017, which took place Sept. 25-29 in Portland, Oregon:

    An increasing number of GNSS receivers are able to process signals from diverse navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo or BeiDou in several frequency bands — and in some cases, with several antennas in parallel — to improve positioning accuracy.

    Accuracy can be further improved with differential GNSS (DGNSS) techniques. These techniques are used in applications such as autonomous driving, and they are indispensable for precise and reliable positioning of aircraft during landing approaches. The GNSS receivers used in these applications must undergo extensive tests before deployment in vehicles or aircraft.

    The new R&S SMW200A GNSS simulator now offers an innovative test solution for easy generation of complex and highly realistic test scenarios for a wide variety of GNSS applications. To test multi-frequency and multi-antenna systems, users now have access to 72 GNSS channels that can be assigned to up to four RF outputs.

    The R&S SMW200A can generate QZSS and SBAS signals as well as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou signals. This solution enables users to quickly and easily verify the position accuracy of their receivers under realistic conditions.

    The R&S SMW200A also has an internal noise generator and can generate complex interference scenarios with multiple interferers. All signals (GNSS, noise and interference) are generated directly in the instrument. Additional signal sources for external generation of interference signals are not necessary, considerably simplifying test setups.

    No external computer is needed to configure and operate the R&S SMW200A. The integrated, intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to generate GNSS scenarios quickly and easily. Thanks to the multitude of instrument options, the solution can be optimally adapted to individual user requirements.

    The R&S SMW200A is an extensible, future-proof platform ready to implement future test requirements such as testing new GNSS signals.

    The R&S SMW200A with the new GNSS options is now available from Rohde & Schwarz.

  • Septentrio unveils Altus NR3 at Intergeo 2017

    At Intergeo 2017, Septentrio debuted the Altus NR3: a multi-frequency, quad-constellation (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo) RTK receiver for survey and GIS applications.

    The Altus NR3 features Septentrio’s AIM+ interference mitigation and monitoring system, allowing continued operation in the presence of both intentional and non-intentional interference. According to the company, it combines advanced GNSS features with a robust communications suite in a compact, low-power and easy-to-use unit.

    The Altus NR3 is configurable as either a rover or a base station. It offers one-touch logging and Septentrio’s on-board web interface so users can monitor and configure the unit as well as collect data using any Wi-Fi-capable device.

    Data collection is done using either SurvCE or Septentrio’s PinPoint Data Collector with data updating to the cloud. Septentrio’s open interface and fully documented data formats are widely supported, making the Altus NR3 easy to integrate into any existing workflow, the company said.

    “We’ve built on the flexibility, reliability and ease-of-use that our Altus line is famous for, and we’ve added all-in-view RTK and the most the most advanced interference mitigation system on the market today,” said Gustavo Lopez, product manager at Septentrio. “Locations with bad visibility or at risk of interference that were previously off limits can now benefit from high-precision GNSS positioning, saving both time and cost.”

  • Hemisphere debuts next-generation S321+ and C321+ GNSS smart antennas

    At Intergeo 2017, Hemisphere GNSS released its next-generation multi-frequency, multi-GNSS S321+ and C321+ GNSS smart antennas.

    The S321+ and C321+ are upgrades to the previous versions S321 and C321 and offer added benefits, according to the company. Powered by the Eclipse P326 OEM board, the smart antennas support 394 channels and can simultaneously track all satellite signals including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS, making them robust and reliable.

    S321+ and C321+ come standard with two long-life lithium batteries providing up to 12 hours of operation. The batteries are hot-swappable, so users can change them without stopping work, maximizing efficiency and return on investment.

    The S321+ and C321+ GNSS smart antennas are being featured at the Hemisphere GNSS booth in Hall 2.1/stand C2.008 at Intergeo 2017 in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 26-28.

    The S321+ and C321+ combine Hemisphere’s Athena GNSS engine and Atlas L-band correction technologies with a new webUI, offering an unparalleled level of customer-friendly performance. The ruggedized antennas are designed for challenging environments; both meet IP67-standard requirements.

    The S321+ and C321+ come in two versions, with 4G LTE optimized for either North American or international locations.

    Powered by Athena GNSS engine, the S321+ and C321+ provide best-in-class, centimeter-level RTK. Athena excels in virtually every environment where high-accuracy GNSS receivers can be used. Tested and proven, Athena’s performs with long baselines in open-sky environments under heavy canopy, and in geographic locations experiencing significant scintillation.

    “The S321+ and C321+ represent the advanced technology, durability, and ease of use that our customers have come to expect,” said Miles Ware, director of marketing at Hemisphere GNSS. “By upgrading these systems with increased functionality and management capabilities, we are offering unbeatable value to the industry.”

    Atlas GNSS Global Corrections.     The S321+ and C321+ ship pre-configured to test-drive corrections from Hemisphere’s Atlas L-band correction service. The bundled solution provides users worldwide with an easy way to utilize Atlas, including Hemisphere’s Atlas H10 service offering 8 cm 95 percent accuracy (4 cm RMS). They also use Hemisphere’s aRTK technology, powered by Atlas, which allows the receivers to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail. If the S321+ and C321+ are Atlas-subscribed, they will continue to operate at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored.

    The S321+ is designed for use in applications such as land or marine survey, GIS, mapping, and construction. Together with SureFix, Hemisphere’s advanced processor, the S321+ delivers high-fidelity RTK quality information that results in guaranteed precision with virtually 100% reliability.

    The C321+ was designed specifically for construction environments, adding another system component that empowers heavy equipment manufacturers to deliver their own machine control and guidance solutions to their customers. The C321+ can also be paired with Hemisphere’s recently announced SiteMetrix site management software platform that helps manage all of your construction jobsite activities, including grade and volume checking.

  • Microsemi’s BlueSky GPS Firewall protects critical infrastructure

    Microsemi’s BlueSky GPS Firewall protects critical infrastructure

    Microsemi Corporation, a provider of semiconductor solutions, today announced its new approach to protecting critical infrastructure against GPS spoofing and jamming threats.

    The BlueSky GPS Firewall is designed to provide security protection for GPS-delivered position, navigation and timing (PNT) data. It can be deployed in-line between any standard GPS antenna and stationary GPS receiver to provide protection against GPS signal incidents, both intentional or accidental, before they enter a GPS receiver system.

    Microsemi is making BlueSky GPS Firewall Evaluation kits available in advance of its full production release, both in response to the growing number of GPS incidents and their potential threat to critical infrastructure, and to assist customers in rapid adoption.

    BlueSky GPS Firewall filters the GPS signal in real time, removing anomalies before the signal is consumed by the downstream GPS receiver. This creates an intelligent and secure barrier against jamming and spoofing, and prevents the GPS receiver from being impacted by such incidents.

    Deployment of the BlueSky GPS Firewall does not require any new cabling or alteration of the pre-existing antenna installation and is interoperable with standard GPS receivers. Additionally, the BlueSky GPS Firewall incorporates an Ethernet interface for remote management and monitoring and includes a secure web interface that any browser can use for configuration and set-up of the device.

    The BlueSky GPS Firewall includes a broad range of data validation rules based on real, live-sky GPS threats, both intentional and unintentional. Similar to network security threats, new GPS vulnerabilities are on the rise and Microsemi is continuously tracking GPS signal manipulation including spoofing threats, jamming attacks, multipath signal interference, atmospheric activity and many other issues that can create GPS signal anomalies, disruptions and outages.

    These advancements are incorporated into the software platform of the BlueSky GPS Firewall, which can be updated remotely using Microsemi’s TimePictra management system.

    GPS Dependency

    The dependency on PNT is increasingly important to critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications, energy, transportation, emergency services, financial services and enterprise infrastructure, and is mainly provided through GPS.

    “Worldwide critical infrastructure dependency on unprotected GPS receivers is a serious security risk. These receivers are susceptible to jamming and spoofing incidents and the industry recognizes this as an increasing threat,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and business unit manager of Microsemi’s Frequency and Time division. “The vast number of GPS systems already in operation means a significant investment would be required if every system was to be replaced. Microsemi’s BlueSky GPS Firewall is a cost-effective and easy-to-deploy solution to protect GPS without requiring replacement of deployed GPS systems.”

    Published best-practice documents by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) describe steps that can be taken to mitigate outages and disruptions with GPS reception. In alignment with these documents, Microsemi’s new BlueSky GPS Firewall provides critical infrastructure sectors with a first line of defense against GPS threats to help build out a secure, robust and resilient PNT platform for their infrastructures.

    According to the 2017 GNSS Market Report, Issue 5, by the European GNSS Agency, professional market segments such as maritime, rail, telecom/utility/enterprise, surveying, aviation, agriculture and drones which use GNSS devices to operate their infrastructures, enable billions of people globally to benefit from them on a day-to-day basis—whether by enjoying the produce of sustainable and cost-effective agriculture, by using efficiently coordinated transport networks, or by leveraging on GNSS-synchronized telecommunications networks. The total installed base of GNSS devices in these professional segments was estimated at 14.4 million units in 2015 and is expected to grow to 97.8 million units by 2025.

  • Launchpad: Survey, UAV, Transportation

    Launchpad: Survey, UAV, Transportation

    Survey & Mapping

    GNSS RTK System

    High performance and stable signal reception

    The NeoRTK System is a high-performing GNSS RTK system. It includes a multi-constellation and multi-frequency GNSS engine and various communication protocols. With a high-end GNSS antenna inside, NeoRTK can speed the time to first fix (TTFF) and improve the capability of anti-jamming. The 16G internal storage and up to 32G external SD card, along with the built-in large-capacity battery for 10-hour field work, improves surveyors’ productivity, while the radio module makes long distance operation more convenient. A smart personal digital assistant offers high readability and fast access to essential functions and modes. The NeoRTK system also has an adjustable measurement rod with automatic tilt compensation.

    Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

    GNSS Receiver

    Real-time professional-grade positioning information

    The SXblue Platinum is a high-accuracy GNSS receiver compatible with iOS, Windows and Android Bluetooth. Powered by 394 channels, the SXblue Platinum uses all constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) with triple frequency, and provides the ability to use global or local coverage for corrections (SBAS, L-band and RTK). With the scalable SXblue Platinum Basic, users can activate any frequency or constellation at any time following initial purchase. The receiver is also field-upgradable, which means that these options can be remotely activated when convenient. It also has an L-band signal correction via Hemisphere’s Atlas service. With its new Tracer technology, the receiver can sustain its level of accuracy when the Atlas signal is interrupted.

    Geneq, www.sxbluegps.com

    Smartphone antenna, location service

    Turns Android devices into data-collection systems

    Trimble Catalyst DA1 antenna attaches to a smartphone running a Catalyst-enabled app.

    The Catalyst software-defined GNSS receiver for Android devices is now available through Trimble’s global distribution network. Through Catalyst and a special antenna, customers can access positioning-as-a-service to collect geolocation data with Trimble or third-party apps on smartphones, tablets and mobile handhelds. When combined with a plug-and-play digital antenna and subscription to the Catalyst service, the receiver provides on-demand GNSS positioning capabilities to turn consumer Android devices into centimeter-accurate data-collection systems. Catalyst requires a Catalyst-enabled location app for Android; a Catalyst subscription, with accuracy options ranging from 1 meter to centimeter level, and the small, lightweight DA1 antenna, which plugs directly into Android smartphones and tablets. A range of Catalyst-enabled applications have been developed for geographic information system (GIS) data acquisition, cadastral land management, topographic mapping and ground control for unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs).

    Trimble, catalyst.trimble.com

    Desktop GIS

    Updated with improved workflows and innovative features

    ArcGIS Pro 2.0 is Esri’s next-generation desktop geographic information system (GIS). It is tightly integrated with the rest of the ArcGIS platform, so that users can complete more of their workflows solely in ArcGIS Pro, such as map creation and data management. Getting started with new projects has vastly improved with Favorites. In ArcGIS Pro, users can modify topology properties directly. An enhanced traverse tool improves COGO workflows. Highly requested context menu options for importing and exporting data included in the Catalog pane. 3D navigation controls enable exploration of 3D landscapes, and views of 3D and 2D maps can be synced. Layouts are more useful and powerful with embeddable dynamic interactive charts. Improvements to 3D drawing including feature drawing by camera distance. Enhanced lighting of 3D objects make 3D visualizations even better. Analytics improvements include fill-missing-values tools and enhanced spacetime cubes.

    Esri, www.esri.com

    Transportation

    Flight management

    For pilots to use GPS as primary means of navigation

    The GPS-4000S sensor provides GPS-based navigation and enables GPS-based approaches for aircraft equipped with flight management systems. The sensor’s Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) capabilities enable use of GPS as the primary means of navigation in areas of SBAS coverage. The GPS-4000S uses up to 10 GPS satellites and two geostationary SBAS satellites. However, users can calculate navigation with a minimum of four GPS satellites with acceptable geometry or three satellites plus calibrated barometric altitude. With additional satellites, the system’s Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) detects and isolates defective satellites while improving navigation accuracy. Predictive RAIM capability determines if the future satellite geometry at the destination airport will support planned arrival procedures.

    Rockwell Collins, www.rockwellcollins.com

    Smart ADAS camera

    Efficient image recognition engine and functional safety

    Renasas autonomy is an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) and automated driving platform. The first rollout under the new platform is the R-Car V3M high-performance image recognition system-on-chip (SoC), optimized for use in smart camera applications, surround view systems and lidars. For smart camera applications, the R-Car V3M focuses on enabling NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) features. It is equipped with an integrated ISP and delivers high performance for computer vision, while supporting low power consumption and a high level of functional safety. The R-Car V3M SoC complies with the ISO26262 safety standard, delivers low-power hardware acceleration for vision processing and is equipped with a built-in image signal processor, freeing up board space and reducing system manufacturers’ costs.

    Renesas Electronics, www.renesas.com

    Aircraft navigation

    Touchscreen GPS/Nav/Comm for pilots

    GTN 650 is a fully integrated solution in a small package ready and approved for installation in hundreds of makes and models of aircraft, including helicopters, by the U.S. FAA, Europe EASA, Canada TCCA and Brazil ANAC. It combines GPS, communication and navigation functions with powerful multifunction display capabilities such as high-resolution terrain mapping, graphical flight planning, advanced navigation, multiple weather options, connectivity and traffic display. The SBAS/WAAS-certified, 15-channel GPS receiver generates five position updates per second, letting pilots fly GPS-guided localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) glidepath instrument approaches down to as low as 200 feet. The system includes a complete package of very high frequency (VHF) navigation capabilities, with a 200-channel VHF omni-directional radio range (VOR)/instrument landing system (ILS) with localizer and glideslope.

    Garmin, www.garmin.com

    Truck-specific navigation

    Device includes critical driving and business tools

    The OverDryve 7 Pro is part of Rand McNally’s OverDryve OS Connected Vehicle platform. It is E-Log ready and has a high-resolution 7-inch screen. Designed for truck drivers, the OverDryve 7 Pro has truck-specific navigation and routing with points of interest, advanced lane guidance, toll costs, warnings and fuel logs. Other features include hands-free calling and texting, voice assistance and in-cab entertainment. The powered magnetic mount includes a commercial-grade GPS boost. The unit comes pre-loaded with the Rand McNally DriverConnect2 logbook app, which can be paired with a compatible Rand McNally electronic logging device (ELD) to provide a fully compliant electronic logging solution.

    Rand McNally, randmcnally.com

    UAV

    Drone navigation kit

    Open-Source kit integrates GNSS module

    The Here+ RTK GNSS kit, is built around the u‑blox NEO‑M8P high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS module. HEX offers an open-source drone autopilot, the Ardupilot, which the kit supports. The kit consists of a round rover designed to be mounted on the drone. It is connected to the flight controller using the supplied 8‑pin CLIK-Mate connector (for the autopilot Pixhawk2) or an optional 4 pin + 6 pin DF13 connector (for the Pixhawk1). The base station with its smaller GNSS receiver and an external antenna complete the equipment. HEX’s goal is to promote open source drone technology to a larger community and assist drone companies with affordable accessories for a wealth of applications, such as agricultural drone, powerline inspection, precision farming, logistics or 3D mapping.

    HEX Technology Limited, www.hex.aero;
    u-blox, www.u‑blox.com

    Long-endurance UAV

    Hybrid electric propulsion provides longer operating time

    The Hercules is a long-endurance multi-rotor UAS with a hybrid electric propulsion system and patent-pending aerodynamic design improvements. These two technologies enable the aircraft to fly up to 3.5 hours or carry a 4-pound payload for 2 hours. The aircraft has a 36-pound gross weight and is intended for FAA Part 107 operations. Hercules is useful for applications that benefit from long endurance such as precision agriculture, mapping, first responders and infrastructure inspection. The increased flight time enables up to 45% reduction in cost per acre for the operator to acquire data, while the increased payload capacity avoids repeat overflights with swapped out payloads.Three gallons of fuel is enough energy to fly the aircraft for the whole day. The battery contains enough energy to fly the aircraft for an additional 2 minutes following failure of the combustion engine, enabling the aircraft to make a safe landing.

    Advanced Aircraft Company, www.AdvancedAircraftCompany.com

    GNSS kit

    Survey-level accuracy for small unmanned aerial systems

    The Loki GNSS positioning system allows users of DJI Phantom 4 Pros and Inspire 2 drones, as well as most drones using higher end cameras, to achieve survey-level accuracy with minimum ground control. For positioning accuracy, Loki uses the Septentrio AsteRx-m2 GNSS engine with 448 hardware channels. A patent-pending method by GeoCue detects camera events from the UAV and synchronizes them to GNSS positioning. Loki is a self-contained kit that provides the hardware and software needed to equip a drone with a post-processed kinematic (PPK) multi-frequency, multi-constellation, differential, carrier-phase GNSS. The adapter cable is splug and play. Using a local base station (not included), Loki provides centimeter-level positioning with minimal, and in some cases, no ground-control points (though GCPs are always recommended for quality assurance).

    GeoCue Group, www.geocuellc.com

    Large-area lidar

    For advanced mapping, law enforcement

    The Phoenix Ranger RL1-UAV produces photorealistic 3D point-cloud data collected efficiently over extensive regions. For law enforcement, the data can provide greater context, awareness and tactical accuracy. Agencies typically use ground-based lidar as a forensic crime-scene mapping technology. Aerial lidar is efficient for larger, outdoor scenes because line-of-sight issues can restrict ground lidar scans from capturing the entire area. Benefits for law enforcement include exposing unmapped trails hidden in remote backwoods; determining width, elevation and length of roads; detecting micro topography hidden by vegetation; and gathering ground-surface information affected by human activities. The Phoenix Ranger RL1-UAV provides survey-grade (cm-level) accuracy with 920-meter laser range and outstanding intensity calibration. Options include IMU and dual-GPS upgrade for increased accuracy.

    Phoenix Lidar Systems, www.phoenixlidar.com

  • Launchpad: OEM simulators, receivers

    Launchpad: OEM simulators, receivers

    OEM

    Time & Frequency Reference

    GNSS master clock and NTP/PTP time server

    VersaSync is a high-performance GPS master clock and network time server that delivers accurate, software configurable time and frequency signals under all circumstances, including GNSS-denied environments. Its compact size and high level of ruggedization make VersaSync suitable for mobile applications in harsh environments. Its small footprint allows for easy integration of the time and frequency functionality into systems architecture.

    VersaSync accommodates an OCXO, a high-performance OCXO or a CSAC oscillator, allowing it to maintain frequency and time accuracy for long periods of GPS/GNSS outage. It can be re-synchronized by an external reference. VersaSync is available with a C/A L1 GPS receiver or with an L1/L2 SAASM receiver. An extension slot accommodates additional timing interfaces.

    VersaSync physical inputs and outputs are software configurable and can adapt to various application requirements. I/O pins can be configured as TTL, 10 V pulse, RS232, RS485. This allows VersaSync to provide a high number of outputs of the same type, while still fitting into a small form factor. If the combination of software configurable outputs is not enough, VersaSync can accommodate an option board (within the same form factor), designed to customer requirements.

    Because of its high level of ruggedization, VersaSync provides exceptional intrinsic reliability. Strong status monitoring capability, either locally or remotely, allows quick fault diagnoses. An internal, exportable log can be accessed.

    Verasync Attributes

    • Low size, weight and power
    • Ruggedized (MIL-STD-810G)
    • High versatility with software configurable inputs/outputs
    • Design can be efficiently customized to match specific customer requirements
    • Easy integration due to small footprint and low power consumption
    • NTP/PTP precise time transfer over Ethernet, including security protocols that prevent network vulnerabilities
    • Low phase noise 10-MHz frequency distribution
    • Configurable pulse signals, including IRIG or HaveQuick timecodes
    • Serial link Time Of Day (ToD) messages

    Spectracom, spectracom.com

    GNSS Simulator

    for advanced research and development

    The Simceiver by IP Solutions now features Beidou as a simulated signal with access to full parameters rather than the record and playback function used previously.

    The Simceiver is part of the Replicator system, a multi-frequency, multi-system GNSS simulator for advanced research and development, equipment testing and education. It can also function as a recording, playback and signal analysis instrument.

    The Replicator is the result of a collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

    Besides the Simceiver hardware unit, components include the ReGen control software for real-time simulation, Streamer control software for recording and playback and ARAMIS software receiver for signal analysis.

    The 24-channel Replicator provides real-time generation of GNSS signals, recording and playback of dual-frequency GNSS RF signals, and GNSS RF signal analysis with JAXA COSMODE ionospheric scintillation monitor.

    The Replicator offers real-time simulation of dual-frequency GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou or GPS+GLONASS, GPS+BeiDou, GPS+Galileo signals. Comprehensive simulation models include atmosphere, multipath, and more. Also available is signal analysis based on JAXA COSMODE ionospheric scintillation monitor.

    Two or more units can be used to simulate, record and playback more signals at the same time. Simulated and recorded signals can be stored in digitized format, analyzed by a MATLAB software receiver and played back as RF at any time.

    Replicator Advantages

    • User defined models with ANSI C API
    • Real-time simulation
    • Record and playback
    • GNSS signal analysis
    • Upgradable to more features , signals and frequencies for the difference in price.

    IP-Solutions, www.ip-solutions.jp

    Multi-System RF Front-Ends

    4- and 7-channel boards for software GNSS receivers

    The NT1065_USB3 and NT1065/66_USB3 multi-channel GNSS RF front-end boards are based on NTLab’s RF ICs: NT1065 (4 channels for GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/Beidou/IRNSS/QZSS, L1/L2/L3/L5 bands) and new NT1066 (2 channels for GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/Beidou/IRNSS/QZSS, L1/L2/L3/L5 bands and 1 channel for IRNSS S-band). Both boards support USB3 connection, thus allowing users to process captured satellite signals on a PC or DSP platform.

    NT1065_USB3 BOARD

    Multi-system multi-band 4-channel GNSS RF front end based on NT1065.

    Features

    • IF bandwidth up to 32MHz for each channel
    • Acquisition of wideband signals up to 64-MHz (such as Galileo E5) with 2 coherent channels
    • Built-in 2-bit ADC
    • USB3 interface (up to 800-Mbit/s)
    • Ability to connect 4x CRPA

    NT1065/66_USB3 BOARD

    Multi-system multi-band 7-channel GNSS RF front end based on NT1065 plus new NT1066.

    Features

    All NT1065_USB3 features, plus:

    • 2 additional L1/L2 GNSS channels
    • IRNSS S-band channel

    Product Support

    Both boards are accompanied by comprehensive software and manuals:

    • GUI for NT1065/66 registers access and USB3 data capture (Windows 7/8/8.1/10 and Linux Ubuntu 16.04 compatible)
    • Complete NT1065 and NT1066 datasheets
    • Configuration examples
    • PCBs reference design

    NTLab, www.ntlab.com

    Multi-Constellation Simulator

    Designed to test receivers against current and future signals

    Constellator features top-end processing performance and RF quality and offers flexibility in simulation control. It performs fair-weather tests, but also is designed to subject receivers to suboptimal conditions, extreme situations and combinations of errors difficult to access in real-world tests — all of it finely controlled and indefinitely repeatable.

    At constellator’s core is software, ensuring that all future constellations, satellites and codes can be handled. Most functional upgrades will then be software-only.

    Constellator is used in aerospace and defense (among others) for multi-antenna receiver testing for spacecraft launchers, satellite onboard receiver testing (telecom and observation) and defense UAV receiver testing.

    Constellator includes four spatial reference frames and trajectory editors for ground, marine, aerial and spatial motion and import facility. With hardware-in-the-loop, it receives position updates from test rigs in real time and generates corresponding GNSS signals and messages.

    Propagation issues can be simulated at individual signal level with different models provided for ionosphere and troposphere.

    Satellite error modeling options include orbital errors, onboard clock errors, satellite electronics (front-end) defects, satellite dysfunctions and signal fade, disappearance and “evil waveform” incidents.

    Constellator Features

    • 128 channels (extensible) delivering high-quality satellite signals on six distinct frequencies (L and S band)
    • Hardware-in-the-loop testing at 10- to 100-Hz refresh rates
    • Extensive simulation options:
    • Full-time and location control
    • Receiver trajectories with extreme dynamics
    • Background noise, interference and jamming/spoofing (two units)
    • Atmospheric propagation errors
    • Satellite errors
    • Multipath and obscuration
    • On-the-fly scenario modifications
    • Receiver attitude control
    • Very accurate spaceborne trajectories

    Syntony GNSS, www.syntony-gnss.com

    GNSS+INS Technology

    Delivers NovAtel SPAN GNSS inertial navigation

    The PwrPak7-E1 contains an Epson G320N micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) to deliver NovAtel SPAN technology in an integrated, single-box solution. It has a powerful OEM7 GNSS engine, integrated MEMS IMU, built in Wi-Fi, onboard NTRIP client and server support and onboard internal storage. The PwrPak7-E1 also has enhanced connection options including serial, USB, CAN and Ethernet.

    SPAN Technology

    Synchronous Position, Attitude and Navigation (SPAN) technology brings together two different but complementary technologies: GNSS positioning and inertial navigation. The absolute accuracy of GNSS positioning and the stability of IMU gyro and accelerometer measurements are tightly coupled to provide an exceptional 3D navigation solution that is stable and continuously available, even through periods when satellite signals are blocked.

    PwrPak7-E1 Features

    • SPAN-enabled enclosure featuring NovAtel’s tightly coupled GNSS+INS engine
    • 555 channel, all-constellation, multi-frequency positioning solution
    • Multi-channel L-Band supports TerraStar correction services
    • Commercially exportable IMU
    • Multiple communication interfaces for easy integration and installation
    • Built-in Wi-Fi support
    • Onboard internal storage
    • Can be paired with an external receiver to support ALIGN GNSS azimuth aiding for low dynamic applications

    NovAtel, www.novatel.com

    GPS Wavefront Generator

    CRPA and Attitude Determination Receiver Testing

    The CAST-5000 produces a single coherent wavefront of GPS RF signals to provide repeatable testing in the laboratory environment or anechoic chamber. The system generates up to seven independent, coherent simulations that reference a single point.With an intercard carrier-phase error of less than one centimeter, the CAST-5000 is extremely accurate.

    The system generates a wavefront of GPS when its GPS RF generator cards are operated in a ganged configuration. Each generator card provides a set of GPS satellites coherent with the overall configuration. Several RF generator cards may be utilized together, ensuring phase coherence among the bank of signal generator cards.

    The CAST-5000 is the only Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) tester that allows a full end-to-end test of the antenna system. The CRPA antenna, antenna electronics and the GPS receiver can be tested as a unit with or without radiating signals.

    CAST-5000 Features

    • Generates single coherent wavefront of GPS
    • 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) motion generation capability
    • Complete SV constellation editing
    • Post-mission processing via ICD-GPS-150/153
    • Differential/relative navigation
    • Antenna pattern modeling
    • Waypoint navigation
    • RAIM events
    • Multipath modeling
    • Spoofer simulation
    • Satellite clock errors
    • External trajectory input
    • External ephemeris and almanac
    • Several iono and tropo models
    • Modifiable navigation messag
    • Modeled selective availability
    • Time-tagged satellite events
    • Selectable host vehicle parameters

    CAST Navigation, www.castnav.com

    GNSS Receiver

    A next-generation high-precision module for robots, drones

    The UM482 is an all-system multi- frequency high-precision heading module with a small footprint. It supports the satellite signals GPS L1/L2, BDS B1/ B2, GLONASS L1/L2, GALI LEO E1/ E5b and SBAS. It is designed for applications such as robot, drone, intelligent drive and mechanical control.

    The UM482 GNSS RTK module adopts Unicore’s new-generation Nebulas II chip and UGypsophila real-time kinematic (RTK) algorithm. Based on high-performance data-sharing technology and super-simplified operation system of the Nebulas II chip, the UGypsophila RTK algorithm dramatically optimizes matrix processing. It can involve all satellites from GPS, BDS, GLONASS and Galileo in RTK and heading processing, shorten RTK and heading initialization time to 5 seconds and significantly improve the reliability and accuracy of RTK and heading.

    Furthermore, the UM482 integrates the onboard micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) chip and U-Fusion integrated navigation algorithm, resulting in optimized continuity and reliability of accurate heading and positioning output in tough environments such as city canyons, tunnels and overpasses. Inputs of odometer and external higher performance inertial components are supported.

    UM482 Features

    • 30 × 40-millimeter all-system multi-frequency high-precision heading module (SMD packaging)
    • Supports GPS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2, GLONASS L1/ L2, Galileo E1/E5b
    • 1-cm RTK positioning accuracy and 0.2-degree heading accuracy with 1-m baseline
    • Dual-antenna input with support of antenna signal detection
    • Supporting simultaneous output of heading and RTK positioning, 20-Hz data output rate
    • Adaptive recognition of RTCM input data format
    • Onboard MEMS integrated navigation

    Unicore Communications Inc., www.unicorecomm.com

    Inertial Measurement Unit

    Non-ITAR micro-electro-mechanical system IMU

    The HG4930 is a very high-performance micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) based inertial measurement unit (IMU) designed to meet the needs of applications across various markets including agriculture, industrial equipment, robotics, survey/mapping, stabilized platforms, transportation, UAVs and UGVs.

    With industry-standard communication interfaces, the HG4930 is easily integrated into a variety of architectures. The extremely small size, light weight and low power make the HG4930 ideal for most applications.

    The HG4930 includes MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers. It employs an internal environmental isolation system to attenuate unwanted inputs commonly encountered in real-world applications.

    The internal isolation and other proprietary design features ensure the HG4930 is rugged enough to meet the needs of demanding users.

    The HG4930 is not ITAR controlled. Its Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is 7A994.

    Example Applications

    • Aiding a camera pod to track a desired object: For example, a television viewing enhancement systems used in sports broadcasting.
    • Integration with GPS/GNSS to navigate an object from point A to point B: IMU performance is key; errors grow quickly without GPS/GNSS (such as in forested areas, underwater, dense urban).
    • Dynamic antenna platform stabilization: IMU measures small perturbations of a platform under motion (including vibration and shock) and feeds those measurements into a control system that then corrects and stabilizes the platform; without an IMU, communication can be degraded or lost.
    • Robots: Enables robots to navigate indoors with other aiding sources (such as radar or lidar); similar concept to GPS/GNSS aiding.

    Honeywell, aerospace.honeywell.com​​

    GNSS RF Simulator

    Supports restricted and classified signals from GPS, Galileo

    The Spirent GSS9000 multi-frequency, multi-GNSS RF constellation simulator can simulate signals from all GNSS and regional navigation. The GSS9000 offers a four-fold increase in RF signal iteration rate (SIR) over Spirent’s GSS8000 simulator. The GSS9000 SIR is 1000 Hz (1ms), enabling higher dynamic simulations with more accuracy and fidelity. It includes support for restricted and classified signals from the GPS and Galileo systems as well as advanced capabilities for ultra-high dynamics. It can evaluate resilience of navigation systems to interference and spoofing attacks, and has the flexibility to reconfigure constellations, channels and frequencies between test runs or test cases.

    Spirent Federal Systems, www.spirentfederal.com

    GNSS Simulator

    Captures and replays GNSS signals at high resolution

    The LabSat 3 Wideband record-and replay-device is small and battery-powered with a removable solid-state disk. It allows users to gather detailed, real-world satellite data and replay the signals on the bench.

    Its recording bandwidth of 56 MHz allows for the capture of a wide range of live-sky satellite signals. Depending on the desired bandwidth, recording resolution can be set to 2, 4 or 6 bit. The GNSS frequency guide on the LabSat website shows exactly which signals can be recorded and at which resolution. It also has spare capacity for future planned signals.

    Even with this increased capacity over the original LabSat 3, the new simulator remains easy to use: one-touch recording, no connection to PC required, battery powered for up to two hours, and with a removable 1-TB solid-state hard drive that can be replaced in no time, the LabSat 3 Wideband is convenient to use. It measures a compact 167 x 128 x 46 millimeters and weighs 1.2 kilograms.

    Live-sky Signals Captured

    LabSat 3 Wideband can record and replay the following signals:

    • GPS: L1 / L2 / L5
    • GLONASS: L1 / L2 / L3
    • BeiDou: B1 / B2 / B3
    • QZSS: L1 / L2 / L5
    • Galileo: E1 / E1a / E5a / E5b / E6
    • IRNSS: L5
    • SBAS: WAAS / EGNOS / GAGAN / MSAS / SDCM

    Racelogic, www.labsat.co.uk

    Rubidium Frequency Standard

    For any application requiring precision frequency

    Stanford Research Systems (SRS) rubidium frequency standards have excellent aging characteristics, extremely low phase noise and outstanding reliability.

    The FS725 benchtop instrument is designed for calibration and research and development (R&D) laboratories, or any application requiring a precision frequency standard, such as metrology laboratories.

    The FS725 unit integrates a rubidium oscillator (SRS model PRS10), a low-noise universal AC power supply, and distribution amplifiers in a compact half-width 2U chassis. It provides stable and reliable performance, with an estimated 20-year aging of less than 5 x 10-9 and a demonstrated rubidium oscillator MTBF (mean time between failures) of more than 200,000 hours.

    It has two 10-MHz outputs and one 5-MHz output with exceptionally low phase noise (–130 dBc/Hz at 10-Hz offset) and 1 second Allan Variance (<2 x 10-11). The FS725 can be phase-locked to an external 1-pps reference (like GPS) providing Stratum 1 performance. A 1-pps output is also provided that has less than 1 nanosecond of jitter, and can be set with 1-nanosecond resolution.

    FS725 Features

    • 10-MHz and 5-MHz outputs
    • 20-year aging less than 0.005 ppm
    • Ultra-low phase noise (<–130 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz)
    • Built-in distribution amplifiers
    • 1 pps input and output
    • RS-232 computer interface

    Stanford Research Systems, www.thinkSRS.com

  • Comtech contracted by U.S. Army to sustain Blue Force Tracking

    Comtech contracted by U.S. Army to sustain Blue Force Tracking

    Comtech Telecommunications Corp.‘s Command & Control Technologies group — part of Comtech’s Government Solutions segment — has been awarded contract modifications totaling $4.2 million.

    The contract modifications are part of a five-year sustainment support contract for the U.S. Army’s Project Manager Mission Command (PM MC) Blue Force Tracking (BFT-1) program.

    BFT-1 is a battle command, real-time situational awareness and control system. Under the five-year BFT-1 sustainment contract, Comtech performs engineering services, satellite network operations and program management.

    A U.S. soldier preparing his Blue Force Tracker before departing Camp Victory, Iraq in 2005.
    (Photo: Petty Officer 1st Class Brien Aho, U.S. Navy)

    Comtech continues to perform engineering services, satellite network operations and program management through a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract with Time & Materials (T&M) and Cost Reimbursement elements. The base performance period began April 15, 2017 and ends April 14, 2018, and the contract provides for four twelve-month option periods exercisable by GSA.

    Of this amount, $3 million was received during its fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 and $1.2 million was received during its first quarter of fiscal 2018. This additional funding applies to the original award in April 2017, which today totals $7.7 million of the total potential value of the base year. These modifications fulfilled the government’s obligation to fund the Firm Fixed Price (FFP) portion of the contract.

    “We are pleased that our Army customer recognizes the value of Comtech’s services,” said Fred Kornberg, president and CEO of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. “Comtech is committed to providing the Army and its soldiers with the highest level of support to enable them to complete their missions.”

    Blue Force Tracking systems consist of a computer, used to display location information, a satellite terminal and satellite antenna, used to transmit location and other military data, a GPS receiver (to determine its own position), command-and-control software (to send and receive orders, and many other battlefield support functions) and mapping software, usually in the form of a geographic information system (GIS) that plots the BFT device on a map.

    The system displays the location of the host vehicle on the computer’s terrain-map display, along with the locations of other platforms (friendly in blue, and enemy in red) in their respective locations.

    BFT can also be used to send and receive text and imagery messages, and Blue Force Tracking has a mechanism for reporting the locations of enemy forces and other battlefield conditions (for example, the location of mine fields, battlefield obstacles or bridges that are damaged.)

    The Command & Control Technologies group is a provider of mission-critical, highly-mobile C4ISR solutions. Comtech Telecommunications Corp. designs, develops, produces and markets innovative products, systems and services for advanced communications solutions. The Company sells products to a diverse customer base in the global commercial and government communications markets.

  • TerraGo showcases mobile geospatial solutions at Intergeo 2017

    TerraGo is exhibiting at Intergeo 2017, which is taking place Sept 26-28 in Berlin, Germany.

    “Intergeo brings together the global leaders of the industry and creates an exceptional forum for interpersonal collaboration and the opportunity to show the industry’s only zero-code platform to visitors from nearly 100 countries,” said Stuart Miller, international sales manager at TerraGo. “The event gives us a chance to dialogue and understand our visitors’ goals before we demonstrate our technology. Then by understanding their specific objectives, we can show them how to customize geospatial apps for their unique requirements.”

    TerraGo’s GeoPDF products enable free, lightweight GIS applications and have evolved into a de facto standard around the globe, helping organizations get more value — for more users — from their current investments in GIS and imagery platforms, the company said.

    Also, TerraGo Magic enables end users without development skills to build custom apps that enable high-accuracy, survey-grade GNSS with advanced GIS and mapping features on Android and iOS devices.

    TerraGo’s exhibition will be located at the UK Pavilion, Hall 1.1, Booth D1.016. Click this link to schedule a time for a live demonstration.

  • LNA upgrades enable expanded GNSS reception

    LNA upgrades enable expanded GNSS reception

    Tallysman, a manufacturer of high-performance GNSS antennas, has released a family of high-performing economical wideband low noise amplifiers (LNAs) for choke-ring antennas.

    Tallysman offers four models of the LNA with options of 35-dB and 50-dB gain. The capabilities of the models are shown in the table below. The LNAs are designed for upgrading existing choke-ring antennas with Dorne Margolin/EDO elements to receive new and expanding GNSS signals.

    The LNAs provide consistent gain across the full bandwidth and include filters for suppression of out-of-band interfering signals, such as cellular LTE and Iridium signals, while maintaining a low noise figure, high third-order intercept point, small group delay and low power consumption, the company said.

    The enclosure is designed to fit a wide variety of currently deployed choke-ring antennas.

  • Carlson offers Atlas GNSS Correction Service through SurvCE

    Carlson Software is now offering Atlas GNSS global correction service in the latest release of its data-collection software SurvCE.

    Using approximately 200 reference stations worldwide, Atlas produces its correction signals via L-Band satellites distributing coverage from 75° N to 75° S, ensuring Earth’s landmass is covered. Such ability makes it the most flexible service on the market to date, Carlson Software said.

    “Atlas equals or excels beyond the performance standards of other services and interfaces seamlessly with Carlson SurvCE to boot,” said Karl Nicholas, special projects director at Carlson Software.

    Atlas supports multiple RTK-capable GNSS receivers including the current Carlson BRx6. Through Carlson SurvCE’s library of compatible drivers, any third-party GNSS receiver using the Athena engine can also use Atlas.

    Capabilities

    • Positioning Accuracy: Atlas provides positioning accuracies down to 2 cm RMS in certain applications
    • Positioning Sustainability: Cutting-edge position quality maintenance in the absence of correction signals
    • Convergence Time: Industry-leading convergence times of 10 – 40 minutes

    Scalable Service Levels

    • H100: 100 cm 95 percent (50 cm RMS)
    • H30: 30 cm 95 percent (15 cm RMS)
    • H10: 8 cm 95 percent (4 cm RMS)

    Subscriptions to Atlas can be added to the Carlson BRx6 or other supported GNSS receiver when using SurvCE version 5.06 or later through a certified Carlson dealer or at carlsonsw.com/atlas.