GPS World

Category: Applications

  • Tallysman introduces dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna

    Tallysman introduces dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna

    Tallysman, manufacturer of economical high-performance GNSS antennas and related products, has introduced a through-hole mount dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna, the TW3892.

    The introduction of this antenna is a continuation of Tallysman’s expansion into broader band GNSS antennas.

    The TW3892 antenna employs Tallysman’s Accutenna technology and is capable of receiving GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1 plus L-band correction services (1213MHz to 1261MHz + 1525MHz to 1610MHz).

    TW3892 (other radomes are available).
    TW3892 (other radomes are available). Photo: Tallysman

    This TW3892 is a precisely tuned antenna with a tight pre-filter to protect against intermodulation and saturation caused by high-level cellular 700 MHz and other signals.

    The TW3892 antenna provides superior multipath signal rejection, a linear phase response, and a tight phase center variation (PCV) at an economical price point. It provides comparable or superior performance to higher priced dual-band GNSS antennas on the market.

    The TW3892 is designed for precision agriculture, autonomous vehicles, navigation, real-time kinematic, precise point positioning and other applications where precision matters. The ability of the TW3892 to access L-Band correction services extends its utility to a wider range of applications.

    The TW3892 is housed in a through-hole mount, weatherproof enclosure for permanent installations. For non-rooftop installations, L bracket or pipe mount (part numbers 23-0040-0, 23-0065-0 respectively) are available. A 100-mm ground plane is recommended for non-rooftop installations.

  • Swift, Carnegie Robotics partner on GNSS for robotics, autonomous driving

    Swift, Carnegie Robotics partner on GNSS for robotics, autonomous driving

    Swift Navigation is teaming up with Carnegie Robotics LLC to develop a line of navigation products for autonomous vehicles, outdoor robotics and machine control. The first navigation product will be announced May 8 at the AUVSI XPONENTIAL event in Dallas, Texas.

    Swift Navigation is a San Francisco-based startup building centimeter-accurate GPS technology for autonomous vehicles, and Carnegie Robotics LLC (CRL), the industry leader in reliable robotic components and systems.

    Swift Navigation solutions use real-time kinematics (RTK) technology, providing location solutions that are 100 times more accurate than traditional GPS. In 2016, Swift shipped the Piksi Multi, a multi-band, multi-constellation high-precision GNSS receiver, suitable for autonomous vehicles.

    The Piksi Multi.
    The Piksi Multi.

    The Piksi Multi offers advanced precision GNSS capabilities for the mass market. The robotics market, through this partnership with Carnegie Robotics, stands to benefit from Piksi Multi’s improved localization and control, the companies said.

    Carnegie Robotics supplies rugged, reliable robotic systems for real-world work. The team at Carnegie Robotics has decades of experience successfully transitioning state-of-the-art technologies from early design into commercial use in precision agriculture, machine control, autonomous vehicles and industrial and military robots. This process requires both a deep knowledge of robotics and best-in-class engineering, but it cannot succeed without also addressing the business case, the needs of the end-user, reliability, maintenance, safety, certifications and the dozens of other essential factors necessary for a product to succeed in the real world.

    “Swift’s technology is perfectly suited for the world of robotics, and we couldn’t do better than working with the renowned industry leaders at Carnegie Robotics,” said Timothy Harris, CEO of Swift Navigation. “From their robotics technology expertise to their inertial intellectual property, Carnegie is an ideal partner for Swift. We are looking forward to developing an exciting line of products and making more joint announcements in the near future.”

    “Thanks to its focus on high-accuracy and low-cost, Swift Navigation has established itself as a leader and innovator in the world of high-precision GNSS,” said Steve DiAntonio, CEO of Carnegie Robotics. “Swift is an ideal partner to work with us on rapid development of robots and autonomous systems. We’re designing our joint line of products specifically for outdoor robots and autonomous vehicles with the appropriate physical, electrical and software interfaces to enable rapid deployment of precision GNSS and other mission-critical sensors.”

    More information about the partnership and the unveiling of this duo’s first joint product will take place at AUVSI XPONENTIAL. Visit the joint Swift Navigation and Carnegie Robotics booth #506 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

  • What have you been up to in the world of PNT?

    microdrone-water-rescue-W
    Photo: Microdrones

    Do anything interesting today? Specifically, did you do something interesting involving positioning, navigation or timing (PNT)?

    GPS World is always on the look-out for case studies — stories of how you, our readers, used PNT or GNSS equipment, or applied related technologies, to solve a problem. Each month in our Market Watch and Updates sections, I try to include a few case studies. We always provide news about new products or company and industry announcements, but it’s the case studies that often “bring it home” to our readers.

    We’ve taken a look at thermal mapping at the South Pole and a one-man survey project on a remote tropical island, using both a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and a receiver on a pole. We also share how lifeguards can use UAVs to save people who are drowning. Previously, we discussed how avalanches were being mapped and how a state transportation department was making the move to tablets for 3D mapping. We showed how UAVs could speed cell-tower recovery after floods.

    So, tell us what you’re up to. We want to hear about it. With pictures. Email me at [email protected].

  • Harxon releases mini choke ring antenna

    Harxon releases mini choke ring antenna

    Harxon-Choke-ring-Antennas-W
    The mini choke ring antenna (right) with a traditionally sized antenna.

    Harxon, manufacturer of high-precision antennas in China, has released a new patented mini choke ring antenna, the HX-CSX610A. Weighing less than 2 kg, the tiny antenna could be considered the next generation of reference antenna trends, Harxon said.

    Harxon’s patent for the HX-CSX610A design includes its compact body, which offers flexible transportation and installation. Applications for the antenna include CORS stations, geodetic surveying and mapping, and other monitoring.

    The HX-CSX610A is armed with excellent phase center symmetry and multipath suppression across all GNSS constellations, Harxon said, including GPS L1/L2/L5, GLONASS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2/B3, Galileo E1/E2/E5ab/E6 and L band.

    For tracking performance, it can reach -0.5 dB at 20 degrees elevation.

    An anti-jamming improvement over previous antenna is a method of combining the choke-ring structure with spatial filtering multipath signal suppression.

    Hardware configurations meet IEC and GB standards. The antenna is water- and dust-proof.

    Harxon-choke-ring-chart-W

  • Sokkia introduces GCX3 integrated receiver

    Sokkia introduces GCX3 integrated receiver

    sokkia-gcx3_infield
    Photo: Sokkia

    Sokkia has introduced the latest addition to its GCX line of GNSS integrated receivers, the GCX3, which features advanced constellation tracking, open format software compatibility and longer range base-to-rover communication.

    “The GCX3 features the new second generation POST2 (precision orbital satellite technology) integrated antenna — adding BeiDou, Galileo, SBAS, QZSS, and GAGAN satellite tracking in addition to GPS and GLONASS to ensure the best positioning availability,” said Charles Rihner, vice president of the Topcon GeoPositioning Solutions Group. “Building on the success of its predecessor, the GCX2, the GCX3 offers all of the lightweight, compact and ergonomic benefits — along with centimeter-accurate positioning — now with expanded satellite tracking capabilities.”

    Sokkia-gcx3-W
    Photo: Sokkia

    The GCX3 is designed as an open-source technology receiver. “You are not locked into a specific software program for downloading and processing data with Sokkia open source technology,” said Rihner. “Whether operators use MAGNET Field, GeoPro Field, or their own custom solutions, a variety of software options are available depending on their preferences for the application.”

    The receiver features radio-free RTK (real-time kinematic) operation via multi-channel, long-range Bluetooth technology. When used as a base station, one GCX3 may support up to three concurrent rovers at a range of more than 300 meters. Each receiver may be used as a base or as a rover.

    “It also functions as an ideal precision network rover when combined with a cellular-enabled field controller,” Rihner said.

  • Trimble incorporates Galileo support in GNSS infrastructure management software

    Higher-Accuracy Positioning to Improve GNSS Network Performance and Reliability

    Trimble has introduced version 3.10 of its Pivot Platform software, a modular solution for real-time GNSS infrastructure management, ranging from a single-base GNSS continuously operating reference station (CORS) to a full real-time network (RTN), serving thousands of end-users worldwide.

    Version 3.10 provides improvements to network performance and office and field productivity. The new features and capabilities include:

    • Galileo support provides access to five GNSS constellations — GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and now Galileo — allowing end-users to expect improved positioning accuracy and fix performance from the 50 percent increase of accessible satellites;
    • GPS L5 support utilizes all available L5 third-frequency GPS observations to enable end users to further improve field productivity;
    • Code Bias Calibration client and server improvements  provide a higher availability of network-modeled RTK corrections to allow field users to reduce dependency on station biases;
    • Sparse Network supports Galileo and BeiDou. Sparse Network, a Trimble technology, enables RTN operators to achieve the benefits of a full network-processed GNSS constellation even if the network is not fully covered with multi-constellation CORS.
    • Dynamic Station Coordinates (DSC) module improvements minimize the impact of erroneous reference station coordinates to improve system performance.

    “Trimble continues to transform the way our customers manage their real-time GNSS infrastructure by making networks more robust and easier to manage,” said Mark Richter, director of marketing for Trimble’s Advanced Positioning Division. “Accessibility to the Galileo constellation and the addition of the L5 third-frequency observations in particular, makes Trimble’s Pivot Platform significantly more versatile to improve functionality and performance for end users in the field.”

    Trimble Pivot Platform version 3.10 is available now from Trimble’s Distribution Network and Trimble Sales Representatives. Customers with a valid software maintenance agreement receive the new version at no additional cost.

  • NOAA seeks new members for hydrographic advisory panel

    The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking new members for its Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a federal advisory committee that advises the NOAA administrator on the agency’s hydrographic programs, products and technology.

    “We depend on the perspectives of the people who rely on NOAA maritime products, especially for safety at sea or commercial efficiency, as we plan for improvements of our navigation data, services, and products,” said Russell Callender, Ph.D., assistant NOAA administrator for the National Ocean Service. “This panel is a vital part of our information gathering process to determine future priorities.”

    The panel advises NOAA on hydrographic surveying, nautical charts, tides and currents, geodetic and geospatial measurements, and coastal preparedness.

    shipping-portApplicants should have expertise in one or more of the following fields:

    • marine navigation and technology,
    • port administration,
    • marine shipping or other intermodal transportation industries,
    • cartography and geographic information systems,
    • geodesy,
    • physical oceanography,
    • coastal resource management, including coastal preparedness and emergency response,
    • other related scientific fields.

    Applications must be received by May 30; those received after the deadline will be kept on file and may be used for future panel vacancies. Members serve four-year terms, with meetings occurring at least twice a year.

    For more information on how to apply, see the Federal Register notice or visit the HSRP website.

  • GPSengine partners with Jointech for fleet tracking

    GPSengine, a hosted platform service provider in GNSS, telematics, IoT and tracking, named Jointech as an official Platform Connect partner.

    With support built into Platform Connect for Jointech’s tracking devices, customers can take advantage of the combined offerings for fleet tracking solutions.

    With a focus on personal tracking, vehicle and fleet tracking, combined with nine years of research, design and tracking device manufacture, Jointech has devices for many industry needs, including remote fuel management systems, container monitoring and fuel level sensors.

  • TRAK Microwave becomes Smiths Interconnect as part of brand transition

    Smiths Interconnect, a division of Smiths Group plc, is unifying its technology brands, including TRAK Microwave, maker of GPS clocks, GPS antennas and network time protocol (NTP) servers.

    Other brands pulled under the Smiths Interconnect umbrella include EMC Technology, Hypertac, IDI, Lorch, Millitech, RF Labs, Sabritec and TECOM.

    TRAK_SmithsAccording to Smiths Group, the brand transition supports a recent strategic reorganization focused on creating a more agile structure that can better anticipate and respond to customers’ evolving needs.

    Individually, the technology brands represent state-of-the-art solutions across the connectors, microwave components and microwave subsystems markets. Providing a strong umbrella brand that supports the breadth of these products and technologies will make Smiths Interconnect a more comprehensive solutions provider, improving the customer experience by streamlining access and interactions across multiple applications.

    “Over time, interactions among our brands have increased across many of our markets,” said Roland Carter, president of Smiths Interconnect. “Aligning all this activity under the Smiths Interconnect name will make us a more streamlined partner, enhancing our customers’ access to the combined strength of our products, expertise and application knowledge.”

    8835 GPS Clock by TRAK Microwave.
    8835 GPS Clock by TRAK Microwave.

    The individual technology brands will continue to be visible in association with the Smiths Interconnect brand during the transition period.

    Smiths Interconnect is a provider of technically differentiated electronic components, subsystems, microwave and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical applications in the commercial aviation, defense, space, medical, rail, semiconductor test, wireless telecommunications and industrial markets. It is part of Smiths Group, a global advanced technology company for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs 22,000 people in more than 50 countries.

  • Fleet Complete acquires compliance solutions provider

    Fleet-Complete-LogoFleet Complete, a global Internet of Things (IoT) provider of fleet telematics and mobile workforce technology, acquired BigRoad, an hours-of-service (HOS) and regulatory compliance solutions provider.

    BigRoad will continue to operate and sell directly to owner-operators and fleets, and the integrated Fleet Complete BigRoad platform will be offered through their North American partner channels, AT&T and Telus.

    According to Fleet Complete, BigRoad was founded to address the new HOS regulations imposed on the commercial motor vehicle industry. BigRoad released a mobile HOS application, BigRoad Mobile App, as well as DashLink, an engine-connected electronic logging device.

    This acquisition aligns with the company’s goal of expansion, Fleet Complete says. The company also expanded into Europe in 2015 and Australia in 2016.

    “BigRoad is an impressive organization that has had a laser focus on creating the industry’s leading product for ELD compliance,” said Tony Lourakis, CEO of Fleet Complete. “Outperforming the competition in usability and connectivity, BigRoad’s driver-friendly and feature-rich application will be a great complement to our integrated platform, giving Fleet Complete customers the most reliable top-of-the-line HOS solution.”

  • Spectracom, Satelles sync in multiple indoor locations

    Orolia has synchronized a Spectracom SecureSync high-precision time server with the new Iridium Satelles Satellite Time & Location (STL) time synchronization signal powered by Iridium satellites in several indoor environments in the field. Configured with an embedded STL receiver and a small patch antenna, the SecureSync synchronized with the STL signal in several challenging indoor locations. Indoor success can be attributed in part to use of a low-Earth orbit satellite-based signal 1,000 times stronger than GPS.

    The first successful synchronization was in the interior of a building in one of the most challenging urban canyons on Earth: downtown Manhattan on the 7th floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The second was in the interior of a conference center with multiple sources of potential signal interference during The Institute of Navigation event in Monterey, California. Additional successful indoor timing signal synchronization locations include MiFiD2 events near the Paris Stock Exchange, a multi-story building and inside Gibson Hall in downtown London.

    More GNSS challenged locations to come, the two companies promise.

    Other satellite signals — notably GNSS — have limitations indoors. The Satelles STL signal uses the narrow-band paging channels of Iridium, a one-way transmission from the satellite with a very high gain system. The STL signal is completely different from the wide band, lower gain two-way channel of the Iridium phone. The STL signal is 1,000 times stronger than GPS because it originates from the Iridium constellation of 66 satellites orbiting in a low earth orbit. It is also encrypted for high security, which greatly enhances the resilient PNT capabilities of the Spectracom product lines, specificallly the SecureSync precision time and frequency reference. SecureSync with integrated STL synchronization is available to order from the Spectracom website or by contacting a representative.

    “The new STL signal is the ideal solution for those needing increased security and reliability, applications such as high frequency securities trading, financial transaction time-stamping compliance and critical infrastructure timing,” said John Fischer, vice president of Orolia for advanced R&D. “It is not only an additional signal to back up traditional GNSS, it is also stronger and more secure, adding significantly to the resiliency of high performance systems and networks that must rely on precise time synchronization.”

    Having proven the ability to provide a strong and reliable alternative signal in various indoor field locations, the new globally accessible STL signal adds a significant safety net to any critical GNSS application. Adding to the mix of signals of opportunity the resiliency of positioning and timing for financial, defense and critical infrastructure is greatly enhanced.

    “Orolia is focused on providing Resilient PNT solutions, and by combining and layering technology in innovative ways we help our customers meet their mission goals,” said Rohit Braggs, vice president of Orolia’s PNT networks and sources. “This new satellite-based service provides a unique signal that augments Spectracom systems, enhancing our ability to effectively mitigate emerging GPS and GNSS threats.”

    Orolia is the parent company of Spectracom, McMurdo, Kannad, and Sarbe brands, focused on resilient positioning, navigation and timing (RPNT) solutions that improve the reliability, performance and safety of customers’ critical, remote or high-risk operations.

    Satelles has developed and deployed a real-time PNT service based on low-Earth orbit satellites, the Iridium constellation. Satellite Time and Location (STL) signals are highly secure, penetrate deep indoors, and are available anywhere on Earth.  Satelles partners with other companies to deliver secure time and location capabilities to government and commercial users worldwide.

  • Research: Assessment evaluates GNSS receivers’ tolerance of adjacent band

    By Stephen Mackey, Hadi Wassaf, Karen Van Dyke, Christopher Hegarty, Karl Shallberg, John Flake and Terence Johnson.

    OOBE Levels associated with LTE signal power used in testing.
    OOBE Levels associated with LTE signal power used in testing. Source: Stephen Mackey, Hadi Wassaf, Karen Van Dyke, Christopher Hegarty, Karl Shallberg, John Flake and Terence Johnson.

    The Adjacent Band Compatibility Assessment evaluated the adjacent radiofrequency band power levels that can be tolerated by GPS and GNSS receivers, to advance the U.S. Department of Transportation’s understanding of the extent to which such power levels impact devices used for transportation safety purposes, among other applications. The paper describes the testing approach and data analysis used to develop interference tolerance masks (ITMs) based on a 1-dB carrier-to-noise-ratio (CNR) degradation. DOT and other participants tested 80 GPS/GNSS receivers in an anechoic chamber. Four types of testing were conducted which involved a linearity test, 1-MHz Bandpass Noise, 10-MHz Long Term Evolution (LTE), and effects of third order intermodulation.

    This paper also presents the resulting ITMs and puts forward a recommendation for the bounding ITM for each GPS/GNSS receiver category. Given a particular use case scenario, the significance of these bounding ITMs is that they provide information that is necessary for the downstream analysis to determine the maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) that can be tolerated in the adjacent radiofrequency bands on a per category basis. The paper discusses acquisition results as they relate to the 1-dB CNR degradation limit, and a cross comparison for some of the receiver results between radiated and conducted tests incorporating the appropriate antenna characterization data.

    Presented at ION ITM, January 2017.