Tag: NovAtel

Launchpad: Bike GPS, digital twins and anti-jammers

A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the August 2021 issue of GPS World magazine.

OEM

GNSS board

Photo: Javad GNSS

With GLONASS dynamic calibration

The TRE-3S GNSS board measures 100 x 80 mm, weighs 87 g and tracks 874 channels with all-in-view satellite tracking. It includes numerous features to protect against interference and improve signal output: spectrum data output, spoofing detection, advanced multipath reduction, in-band interference rejection, GLONASS 0.2-mm dynamic calibration, heading determination, attitude determination and fast acquisition channels. The TRE-3S receives GPS L1/L2/L2C/L5; Galileo E1/E5A/E5B/AltBoc/E6; GLONASS L1/L2/L3; BeiDou B1/B1C/B2/B3; QZSS L1/L2/L5/L6 (L61/L62); and SBAS L1/L5. It has a 20-Hz update and real-time kinematic (RTK) rate for real-time positioning and raw data (code and carrier). Optional features include tracking QZSS L6 (LEX) and IRNSS L5/S-band, and a data update rate and RTK rate of 100 Hz.

Javad GNSS, javad.com

Multi-frequency antenna

For high-precision applications with L-band corrections

Photo: Maxtena

The M9HCT-A-SMA is a patented helix antenna for GNSS plus L-band corrections services, suitable for high-precision and autonomous multi-frequency applications. It provides simultaneous GNSS reception in a rugged, compact form factor. The M9HCT-A-SMA is suitable for high-precision applications such as the UAV market, where high performance and low weight are driving features in antenna selection. The active helix design features Maxtena’s patented compact and lightweight Helicore technology, which provides excellent pattern control, polarization purity and high efficiency in a compact form factor.

Maxtena, maxtena.com

GNSS antennas

Series now provides extended filtering

The TW3967-XF antenna. (Photo: Tallysman)

New eXtended Filtering (XF) is now employed in the TW3900 series of Accuntena precision antennas. The XF feature mitigates interference from all near-band signals and ensures the antenna provides the purest possible GNSS signals. The custom XF filtering has been tested to mitigate new (in Europe and Japan) and existing LTE signals, enabling the XF antennas to produce clean and pure GNSS radio frequency data. The XF models are TW3972XF, TW3972EXF, TW3972LGXF, TW3967XF and TW3967LGXF. All are triple-band antennas that support GPS/QZSS (L1/L2/L5), GLONASS (G1/G2/G3), Galileo (E1/E5ab), BeiDou (B1/B2/B2a), NavIC L5 and L-band correction services.

Tallysman Wireless, www.tallysman.com

Cycling computer

Provides 72 hours of continuous tracking

Photo: iGPSPORT

The iGS320 cycling computer builds on the u-blox M10 positioning platform, leveraging the M10’s ultra-low power consumption, compact size, and ability to track all four GNSS to offer endurance athletes a superior user experience. Adopting the M10 in its iGS320 cycling computer brought iGPSPORT an 80 percent increase in the power autonomy to deliver 72 hours of continuous tracking, up from 40 hours in their previous device. Concurrent reception of up to four GNSS constellations increases coverage and accuracy in otherwise challenging signal environments.

iGPSPORT, igpsport.com; u-blox, www.u-blox.com

SURVEYING & MAPPING

Digital twin solution

For facility management and construction projects

Photo: 3i

The Beamo 3D mapping platform enables surveyors to scan a project site and immediately collaborate with teams in the field without lengthy delays or cumbersome equipment. The digital twin created in the platform provides a single and secure source of truth for teams without requiring highly technical knowledge. With a 360-degree camera, surveyor teams can create detailed digital environments that remote teams can use to track progress, collaborate with coworkers, and take accurate measurements without having to physically visit the site.

3i, www.3i.ai

GNSS receiver

Multi-constellation for surveyors and geodesists

Photo: Javad GNSS

The Triumph-3 receiver tracks efficiently even in difficult conditions. It can track all current signals and is ready for future satellites. The Triumph-3 can operate as a base together with Triumph-LS and Triumph-LS Plus to efficiently accomplish any geodetic job. Its RTK system communicates via integrated UHF, 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth channels, and eliminates the need to subscribe to a real-time network for corrections. A powerful and reliable receiver for high-precision navigation systems, the Triumph-3 is based on the Javad GNSS 874-channel chip. It is equipped with an internal 4G/LTE/3G card and secure and accessible microSD and microSIM cards. It also supports Javad’s lift-and-tilt technology.

Javad GNSS, javad.com

Device bridge

Enables connectivity for legacy equipment

Photo: Eos Positioning

Eos Bridge enables almost any instrument to become iOS Bluetooth compatible. The pocket-sized device connects to instruments via Bluetooth Classic or serial port, and then transmits data to any Apple iOS device, such as iPhone or iPad, Android device or Windows mobile device. Instruments equipped with non-iOS Bluetooth can connect to Apple iOS devices using the Eos Bridge, including laser rangefinders and utility-locating instruments. Instruments whose only connectivity option is a serial port also can connect, such as any instrument or sensor with an RS-232 serial port. The Eos Bridge is lightweight, at approximately 150 grams (about 5.3 ounces). It can be worn clipped to a belt, stored in a pocket, or mounted to an instrument or sensor. The battery lasts 48 to 72 hours.

Eos Positioning Systems, www.eos-gnss.com

Web-based tool

Provides analyses of ‘ocean neighborhoods’

Screenshot: NOAA

The OceanReports web tool provides users with specialized “ocean neighborhood analyses,” including maps and graphics, by analyzing more than 100 ocean datasets instantaneously. Reporting data includes information about habitats and species, industries in the area, potential hazards (such as undersea cables or shipwrecks), the economic value of ocean commerce, and other detailed oceanographic information. The web-based interactive tool for ocean mapping and planning, created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, provides professional users and the general public with opportunities to explore the ocean from their own computer.

NOAA, https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/ort.html

TRANSPORTATION

Management system

Improves city transport operations

Screenshot: Hexagon AB

HxGN Mass Transit is a geospatial transportation infrastructure management system with 3D and AI capabilities for visualizing and analyzing transit and rail assets and operations. Built on Hexagon’s M.App Enterprise, HxGN Mass Transit provides an advanced digital twin of a city’s entire public transportation network — including tracks, stops, switches, construction sites, ticket machines, benches and garbage cans. It integrates asset and spatial data so operators can visualize and analyze an entire network with accurate and up-to-date information.

Hexagon Geospatial, hexagongeospatial.com

Marine anti-jammer

Counters interference in marine environments

The GAJT-410MS provides anti-jamming to marine vessels. (Image: NovAtel)

The GAJT-410MS provides NovAtel’s GPS Anti-Jam Technology (GAJT) for the commercial and defense marine markets. The low SWaP variant protects civil and military operations from interference and jamming, with jammer direction-finding capabilities for enhanced situational awareness in the marine environment. The GAJT-410MS provides dynamic protection on both GPS L1 and L2 bands, as well as Galileo E1, QZSS L1 and L2, and SBAS L1 to combat intentional and unintentional interference.

Hexagon | NovAtel, novatel.com

Distress beacon

Indicates position in emergencies

Photo: ACR Electronics

The ACR 2830 GlobalFix V4 EPIRB marine distress beacon has multiple built-in redundancies to increase chances of survival in an emergency situation. The internal GPS receiver pinpoints the user’s location, which is then transmitted on the 406-MHz distress signal. In the absence of GPS-derived coordinates, the signal can be used to triangulate the position. The beacon’s 121.5 MHz homing signal will bring local search-and-rescue forces directly to the position; an LED strobe light allows them to see the position in low light. A Category 1 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), the GlobalFix V4 is a float-free device that will automatically activate when submerged in water. Two self-tests monitor transmission, power and battery performance as well as GPS acquisition.

ACR Electronics, acrartex.com

Passenger service

Connected portal being deployed on Spanish trains

Photo: OUIGO Spain

A new connected platform for rail passengers with Wi-Fi, information and entertainment content is being installed on OUIGO Spain trains through the OUIFUN portal. Passengers can connect via smartphones, tablets or PCs, access the internet on board to check email or browse the web, and enjoy entertainment content. Passengers also will be able to get travel status information in real time via an interactive map, access tourist guides or consult a menu for on-board catering. The service, provided by Moment, launched on May 10 on OUIGO’s first high-speed line in Spain connecting Madrid to Barcelona, and will gradually be extended to the whole high-speed OUIGO network.

Ouigo Spain, www.ouigo.com/es/; Moment, www.moment.tech

UAV

4G-connected drone

Provides strong data link to operator

Photo: Parrot

The ANAFI Ai UAV uses 4G as its main data link between the drone and the operator. The 4G link improves data transmission and enables precise control at any distance. For BVLOS flights, it stays connected even behind obstacles. The 4G link between the drone and the user’s phone is encrypted, with a secure element protecting both software integrity and data privacy. A software development kit enables creation of custom code for flights and gives access to all sensors, including obstacle-avoidance sensors, occupancy grid and internet access.

Parrot, parrot.com

Professional drone

Can be equipped with alpha mirrorless camera

Photo: Sony Electronics

An introductory model in Sony’s new Airpeak line, the small S1 drone can be equipped with the company’s full-size mirrorless interchangeable-lens Alpha camera. Its proprietary motor, propeller, control system and sensing technology allow it to fly at high speed (a maximum speed of 55 mph) with stable wind resistance. Propulsion technology using a combination of devices developed by Sony provides wind resistance in strong wind speeds up to 44.7 mph. The Airpeak S1 includes obstacle detection, automatic flight control via sensing, and increased safety via cloud management of the aircraft.

Sony Electronics, electronics.sony.com

Autopilot

For unmanned aircraft systems

Photo: uAvionix

At 80 grams, George is a low SWaP certifiable solution for enterprise operations and those wishing to type certify their UAS. Built around the open-source autopilot Cube from CubePilot, George combines Cube with Design Assurance Level C (DAL-C) hardware and safety and sensor monitoring, enabling customers to meet the type certification and safety case requirements for BVLOS operations. Its triple-redundant IMU includes three accelerometers, three gyroscopes, three magnetometers and three barometers. The hardware platform is designed and built to RTCA DO-254 DAL-C and meets rigorous DO-160G and MIL-810H power and environmental qualifications.

UAvionix, uavionix.com

August 17, 2021
New GAJT-410MS provides anti-jamming in marine environments

The GAJT-410MS provides anti-jamming to marine vessels. (Image: NovAtel)

Hexagon | NovAtel has released the GAJT-410MS in response to the increase of interference and jamming in marine environments worldwide. The GAJT-410MS is the company’s latest addition to its proven GPS Anti-Jam Technology (GAJT) for the commercial and defense marine markets.

The low size, weight and power (SWaP) variant protects civil and military operations from interference and jamming, with jammer direction-finding capabilities for enhanced situational awareness in the marine environment.

The GAJT-410MS provides dynamic protection on both GPS L1 and L2 bands, as well as Galileo E1, QZSS L1 and L2 and SBAS L1 to combat intentional and unintentional interference. If a vessel experiences jamming, the device’s direction-finding capabilities provide improved situation awareness of their RF environment to identify and locate the source of the jamming signals.

The commercial off-the-shelf, non-ITAR solution is easy to install or retrofit onto existing fleets, enabling assured PNT for continuous operations, cybersecurity and safe navigation at sea, NovAtel said.

Interference, both benign and malicious, is a challenge facing civilian and military operations. Commercial marine applications like shipping, tankers and bulk carriers are under threat from interference targeting their navigation and cybersecurity. Without assured positioning, these vessels can drift off-course and place the vessel, crew and cargo at risk.

Nearshore marine applications like survey, construction and piloting also require reliable positioning for uninterrupted operations in crowded waterways and RF environments. Interference mitigation and jammer direction-finding for advanced situation awareness ensure users acquire assured positioning, navigating and timing (PNT) while identifying and limiting risk from interference sources.

“Assured navigation and cybersecurity defenses are growing priorities for marine users as global threats from interference and jamming increase,” said David Russell, marine segment portfolio manager for Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division. “The GAJT-410MS is an anti-jam solution protecting vessels from interference and jamming disruptions to ensure continuous operations wherever your application takes you. With GAJT, your position, navigation and timing are protected and assured.”

The GAJT-410MS is the latest iteration of proven, high-performance anti-jam products from NovAtel. It includes flexible mounting options, jammer presence and direction-finding capabilities for advanced situation awareness.

May 12, 2021
British Army Light Dragoons demo anti-jam technology

NATO forces are deployed in some of the world’s most aggressive electronic-warfare (EW) environments. Intentional interference comes both from “personal protection” devices and large, high-powered EW assets.

To navigate despite EW, armed forces need reliable and resilient GNSS/GPS positioning with anti-jam technology. The Light Dragoons — a light cavalry regiment of the British Army — are in a perfect position to test anti-jam technology for assured positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT).

The Light Dragoons were deployed as the United Kingdom’s Light Cavalry contribution to “Battlegroup Poland,” part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence. On the front line, the Light Cavalry engage in reconnaissance, mark targets for indirect fires, and prepare routes for the rest of the force. In this role, being prepared for EW is essential.

To test A-PNT technologies, the Light Cavalry took part in Project Thundercat, a light cavalry capability investigation run by the Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU). A Hexagon | NovAtel GPS anti-jam technology (GAJT) antenna, the GAJT-410ML, was fitted to a Jackal high-mobility transporter and integrated with its onboard positioning system.

GAJT successfully defeats jamming on GPS L1 and L2 and Galileo E1 frequencies. When interference is detected, GAJT recognizes the unwanted interference and reduces reception in that direction. The result is a more resilient GNSS solution, protected measurements and A-PNT.

The Light Dragoons found that GAJT successfully protected their positioning system despite experiencing interference. The GAJT-410ML antenna was easy to install in a simple plug-in-and-go process.

In upcoming experiments, the British Army will use NovAtel technology to gain electronic situational-awareness data to characterize the radio frequency environment.

GAJT systems are offered by NovAtel with customized offerings for land, marine and air applications.

The Light Dragoons test NovAtel GAJT anti-jamming antennas in Project Thundercat. (Photo: Photo: British Army)

May 3, 2021
Hexagon | NovAtel introduces new marine-certified GNSS receiver for nearshore applications

Photo: Hexagon | NovAtel

Hexagon | NovAtel is offering a new marine-certified GNSS receiver specially designed for nearshore applications. The MarinePak7 multi-constellation, multi-frequency receiver has been specifically engineered to receive Oceanix Correction Service from NovAtel, providing horizontal accuracy up to three centimeters (95%) in a marine environment.

With SPAN GNSS+INS technology capabilities, the MarinePak7 deeply couples GNSS and inertial measurement units (IMUs) for a 3D understanding of your position.

Delivering exceptional positioning, heading, attitude, velocity and heave measurements, the MarinePak7 is optimized to succeed in the demanding marine environment for nearshore applications.

An intuitive user interface reduces training and setup time, making it an ideal solution for use in demanding marine applications, including dredging, hydrographic survey, marine construction and nearshore renewable energy operations.

“The MarinePak7 is NovAtel’s first receiver designed specifically for a marine environment. It provides accurate and reliable positioning for nearshore marine operations using our GNSS technology and Oceanix Correction Service,” explained Hexagon | NovAtel marine segment portfolio manager David Russell. “This receiver was developed by a team of experienced marine engineers and incorporated feedback from existing NovAtel users to deliver a high-quality, all-in-one positioning solution for the nearshore marine market.”

Several optional features are available with the MarinePak7, including GNSS heading, interference mitigation and a UHF radio used to receive RTK corrections.

March 22, 2021
Antenna innovator Q&As spotlight advancements
Photo: Trimble

Antenna development, going all the way back to the first antennas, has been one of continuous innovation,” Richard Langley wrote in our September issue. Even after more than 30 years of GNSS technology development, he pointed out, GNSS antenna development continues.

His statement is borne out by the responses submitted by manufacturers of GNSS antennas to four questions we posed to them:
- What specific challenges are your antennas designed to address?
- Over the past three years and the next three years, what have been/will be your key innovations?
- How are advances in real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP) changing requirements for GNSS antennas?
- What technical challenges or industry trends do you find most interesting or noteworthy?
The responses display a wide range of antenna designs for a wide range of applications. They show how manufacturers must constantly balance requirements for positioning accuracy, form factor, interference management and cost. For the GNSS user segment, antennas are the first link in the processing chain and the first line of defense against jamming, spoofing, multipath and, increasingly, adjacent band interference. Antenna designers are also challenged by the growing adoption and sophistication of RTK, PPP and similar technologies. All these variables, challenges and scenarios are reasons for the constant evolution of GNSS antennas.

Finally, it is not always obvious whether a device should be classified as a receiver or an antenna. For example, what Harxon calls a “smart antenna” others might call a receiver.

NOVATEL HARXON TALLYSMAN WIRELESS

TAOGLAS TOPCON TRIMBLE

NovAtel

With Sandy Kennedy, VP of Innovation

Specific challenges
NovAtel antennas enable exceptional tracking for multi-constellation precision and are packaged for practical use in the field. Our antennas are designed to be the first link in the processing chain to deliver centimeter-level precision in harsh operating environments and applications, including contested or crowded RF environments through our CRPA antennas.

Key innovations
Over the past three years, we have focused on multi-frequency support and simultaneous L-band reception (seen in the NovAtel GNSS-850) to provide exceptional positioning solutions and support future technology like RTK From the Sky. Optimized to work with OEM7 receivers, NovAtel antennas leverage patented multi-point feeding networks to providΩe symmetric radiation patterns across all frequencies for excellent multipath rejection and minimal phase-center variation and offset. In the next three years, we expect to further reduce the size of antennas needed in a resilient high-precision solution. At the same time, we are continuing to improve robustness to adjacent band interference. We work to optimize the full GNSS ecosystem, from the signal in space reaching the antenna, to the final position, velocity and time (PVT) solution exiting the receiver.

Anechoic chamber testing. (Photo: NovAtel)

Advances in RTK and PPP
Advances in corrections expose measurements from low-quality antennas. You need an antenna with sub-millimeter phase-center variation (PCV) accuracy and stability on par with the algorithms delivering centimeter-level solutions. When the processing chain eliminates errors down to the centimeter level (or less), you must avoid adding errors from unstable phase centers, for example.

Technical challenges and industry trends
A difficult challenge facing the antenna industry is the commercial demand to reduce the size and weight of antennas while maintaining functionality and performance. The industry will need to continue balancing between size and performance while producing innovative GNSS antenna solutions integrated with other technologies, for example with anti-jam capabilities.

Harxon

With Leo Wang, Product Technical Director

Specific challenges
The design of Harxon’s GNSS antennas aims to achieve a perfect balance between easy integration with RTK solutions and the ultimate product performance by meticulously dealing with wideband, positioning accuracy, form factor, and interference management.

Key innovations
Over the past three years, our signature antenna innovation is our 4-in-1 X-Survey HX-CSX100A multifunctional GNSS antenna, which integrates a GNSS antenna, 4G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in one compact enclosure. This multifunctional antenna simplifies receiver integration into an RTK solution and facilitates industry development. In the next three years, Harxon looks forward to more breakthroughs in positioning technology and delivering pragmatic innovations.

Photo: Harxon

Advances in RTK and PPP
The development and maturity of these technologies require a higher standard for more delicate GNSS antenna structure design that takes product form factor into consideration while upgrading performance via wideband, high gain and positioning accuracy.

Technical challenges and industry trends
The 5G era has arrived, and the application of 5G technology for the internet of things (IoT) is extensive. China has also proposed the integration of 5G technology and BeiDou. We believe that, in the next few decades, GNSS positioning and 5G technology will be widely applied in the IoT industry and create huge benefits.

Tallysman Wireless

With Gyles Panther, President and CTO

Specific challenges
The challenge faced by Tallysman was manufacturing a full-band GNSS and L-band correction antenna, with high efficiency, tight PCV, low-gain roll-off and low axial ratio down to the horizon, and minimized multipath. Plus, a narrowly filtered low noise amplifier (LNA) to mitigate interference, all in the smallest possible package.

Key innovations
Over the past three years, Tallysman has released the VeraChoke, helical and VeroStar lines. The VeraChoke serves the geodetic and survey reference station markets with PCV and full-band GNSS coverage.

Our helical GNSS and Iridium antennas are lightweight, compact and robust. They provide a precise phase center and radically reduced dependence on a ground plane because of their differential mode of operation. Their exceptional low weight makes them an excellent choice for copter-style UAVs.

Photo: Tallysman

The patented VeroStar element combines full coverage of the upper and lower GNSS bands, plus L-band corrections service, with reception of L-band downlink Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) signals and exceptional low elevation angle reception. It is rugged, compact and lightweight — ideal for land and marine rover applications. It also provides minimal and symmetric PCV with outstanding all-around performance.

Advances in RTK and PPP
Both correction systems require rover receivers to phase-lock on low-amplitude GNSS satellite signal carriers, and both are hugely dependent upon the GNSS antenna. The corrections are critical for precision agriculture and land survey applications. Our precision antennas are specifically designed to minimize phase-lock loop (PLL) cycle slips.

Technical challenges and industry trends
Interference, accidental or intentional, is a major challenge and threat to GNSS, particularly from encroaching L-band 5G cellular systems. Tallysman offers tightly filtered LNAs and single-band omnidirectional anti-jam antennas with a deep null at low elevations. We plan to introduce a new multiband omnidirectional antijam antenna in the second quarter of 2021.

Taoglas

With Dave Ghilarducci, VP of Worldwide Engineering

Specific challenges
Our antennas are designed for key internet of things (IoT) verticals. Our high-precision, multi-band GNSS antennas offer centimeter-level positioning and timing accuracy for applications where small size and high performance are required. We address the industry’s most compact form factors with out-of-band rejection for operation near transmitters.

Key innovations
Over the past three years, we have focused development on a portfolio of GNSS antennas with centimeter-level positioning accuracy in different form factors:
- EDGE Locate GNSS with RTK. (Photo: Taoglas)
  
  lighter, more robust antennas through our patent-pending Terrablast-based products (the GGBTP.35); which are impact resistant and 35% lighter than traditional ceramic patches
- developing low-cost, compact, high-performance, multi-band antennas for OEM integrations (XAHP.50, AA.200, GPDF5012).
- high-rejection internal patch modules for rejection for OEM integrations (AGGBP.SL and AGGBP.SLS series)
- surface-mount active patch antennas with embedded active circuitry for easier integration (ASGGB Simplicity series)
- off-the-shelf module with an integrated multi-band RTK antenna, electronics and receiver technology for ease of integration.
Over the next three years, we expect to expand our portfolio and support additional bands like E6, L6 and the L-band correction band. Plus, we are working with the European Space Agency to design IoT devices with integrated high-precision RTK and GNSS technologies.

Advances in RTK and PPP
Expansion of RTK, PPP and similar technologies into new domains has demanded better performance from mainline and OEM antennas. These correction technologies stress antenna gain and polarization purity to maximize signal strength. We address these issues in our integrated designs to mitigate multipath errors and maximize ease of integration.

Technical challenges and industry trends
The release of lower-cost multi-band receivers and modules could be the most significant shift the GNSS industry has seen in the last decade. This innovation is already expanding applications and challenging suppliers to provide better performance for size, weight and cost.

Topcon

With Alok Srivastava, Senior Director, Product Management, Topcon Positioning Group

Specific challenges
Topcon is a proven provider of GNSS antennas for innovative products. Our GNSS product portfolio offers antennas with excellent multipath mitigation, near-band interference rejection, and quality signal tracking from zenith to the horizon. We strive to provide affordable solutions for our geodetic, machine control and agricultural customers.

Key innovations
Topcon antenna technology is applied within standalone antennas along with integrated GNSS receivers. Antennas inside our integrated receivers, such as the HiPer HR, are distinctive in supporting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in a common antenna stack without sacrificing GNSS tracking and positioning performance. These offerings also support compact designs of integrated receivers.

As the number of GNSS constellations expands and new communication methods become available, potential inference from neighboring signals grows with congestion of the RF spectrum. Our standalone antennas, PN-A5 and CR-G5 with cavity filter option, uniquely address these challenges.

Topcon’s PN-A5 semi-hemispherical ground plane GNSS antenna. (Photo: Topcon)

In the coming years, antenna technology will need to stay strongly focused on interference rejection and mitigation, lower cost and smaller size. These demands challenge antenna providers to make technical advancements while investing in cost-sensitive manufacturing along with higher testing standards. In this regard, our new antenna test facility in Concordia sulla Secchia, Italy, will soon be offering robotic calibration services.

Advances in RTK and PPP
With increased demand and services available for PPP, Topcon antennas support both GNSS and L-band frequencies, such as in the HiPer VR/HR receivers, and standalone antennas (PG-F1, G5-A1, PN-A5 and CR-G5). As data communications continue to expand beyond L-band and RTK/network RTK, Topcon systems will support them without compromising positioning performance.

Technical challenges and industry trends
As GNSS antennas are one of the integral items within the GNSS system, the significance of delivering a cost-effective and miniaturized solution that provides robust positioning is critical to meeting needs in ever-growing precise positioning markets and applications. Topcon will continue to emphasize innovative antenna products through our research.

Trimble

With Stuart Riley, Vice President of GNSS Technology

Specific challenges

Each application has different requirements. For applications that require the highest position accuracy, the stability of the phase center, multipath mitigation, and the unit-to-unit production consistency are critical.

Some markets require high performance, and often in challenging environments such as high vibration experienced on construction equipment. Other customers require smaller, lower cost antennas and can tolerate a slight accuracy reduction.

The antenna is typically a combination of a passive antenna element with an active low-noise amplifier (LNA). The LNA needs to be carefully designed to remain linear in the presence of in-band jamming while rejecting out-of-band signals.

Key Innovations
For high-precision applications, Trimble first released the Zephyr series of antennas in the late 1990s. This antenna provides excellent phase center stability and unit-to-unit production repeatability; the antenna has exceptional multipath mitigation performance, which is enhanced in the geodetic version.

Since the Zephyr was first introduced, we have added support for additional GNSS systems and RF bands (L1/E1, L2, L5/E5 and L6/E6), transitioned to a RoHS-compliant manufacturing process, improved the LNA performance, developed rugged versions for construction vehicle mounting, and produced a smaller version used in the Trimble R10, R12 and SPS986 GNSS receivers.

More recently, we developed a lower cost high-performance antenna for the Trimble Catalyst software-defined GNSS receiver for Android phones and tablets. We also introduced an antenna in the Nav-900 guidance controller for agriculture that implements a meta-material design.

Looking forward, we will continue to innovate by providing antennas optimized to meet the needs of the markets, including cost, performance and morphology. Enhancements will include novel antenna architectures, production technique improvements, and careful material selection.

Advances in RTK and PPP
Applications for GNSS are expanding to include more non-technical users, and the markets are calling for small, light and low-cost antennas — especially for technologies like PPP and positioning products such as Catalyst. These requirements extend across all arenas, especially in applications served by RTX. The needs must be balanced against increased technical demands stemming from the expansion in GNSS bands supporting new frequencies and signals, including PPP correction data.

Technical challenges and industry trends
The challenges come in balancing seemingly conflicting needs for performance, size, weight and cost for the various applications.

Because Trimble focuses on specific user segments, we can provide antenna solutions that are the best fit for the various applications. For example, an antenna in a handheld device must be small and lightweight; however, on a construction machine, durability takes precedence over size and weight.
January 28, 2021
Harxon introduces TS112 family for agricultural machine autosteering

Harxon TS112 smart antenna family. (Photo: Harxon)

Harxon has introduced its TS112 family of smart antennas for demanding applications such as agricultural machine autosteering systems that require high positioning-accuracy. Harxon made the introduction in a virtual meeting on Jan. 13 from Shenzhen.

The TS112 family features Harxon’s latest GNSS positioning technology and offers scalable positioning solutions with increased GNSS availability, reliability and accuracy.

Each of the three models embed Harxon X-Survey four-in-one technology. The high-gain and wide beamwidth multi-constellation GNSS antenna integrates 4G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in one compact unit. They feature multi-point feeding technology, ensuring high phase-center stability and real-time kinematic (RTK) centimeter-level positioning accuracy.

TS112 Smart Antenna Family Specifications. (Chart: Harxon)

The TS112SE, as the most affordable solution of the three, provides flexible positioning solutions via standalone positioning or dual-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) with accuracy from sub-meter to centimeter level while using Sapcorda’s SAPA (Safe and Precise Augmentation Service). Its comprehensive support and L-band augmentation service ensure solid satellite tracking without signal outage even in difficult terrains or problematic environmental conditions.

SAPA works as a reliable alternative economical positioning option with wide service coverage in the application environment that has poor LTE network coverage.

The TS112 integrates a high-precision GNSS module with multi-band GNSS receiver and Harxon’s four-in-one multifunctional GNSS antenna in a compact housing. It supports dual-frequency multi-constellations for consistent and robust satellite signal tracking and delivers RTK-level positioning accuracy for precision agriculture equipment and machine control. It offers a 4G and UHF radio modem for flexible correction transmission as well as wireless Bluetooth technology for easy connectivity in the field.

The TS112 PRO employs a future-ready Hexagon OEM GNSS module, offering precise positioning and advanced interference mitigation for space constrained applications and challenging environments.

With centimeter-level positioning utilizing TerraStar satellite-delivered correction services, Harxon’s TS112 PRO ensures globally available, high performance positioning without the need for network infrastructure. Harxon’s TS112 PRO also support NTRIP service, so in application environments where using a base station is not feasible, the NTRIP differential corrections could be transmitted to a rover using 4G networks and enable users reaching ultimate centimeter level positioning accuracy.

The TS112 PRO also features Hexagon’s Glide smooth positioning that offers superior pass-to-pass accuracy down to 20 centimeters for applications where relative positioning is critical.

All models in the TS112 family support Harxon Slide technology to provide smooth positioning and exceptional linear accuracy so that the guiding system can continue to guide during satellite signal outages or in challenging environments.

The newly released family also support Harxon terrain compensation algorithm that is capable of correcting deviations that caused by vehicle’s roll and pitch while working on uneven grounds or slopes. It helps users increase operational efficiency and saving cost in the field.

Adopting ruggedized and IP67 standard housing, the TS112 family equip NMEA0183 and NMEA2000 CAN ports, RS-232 serial ports for easy connectivity.

January 25, 2021
NovAtel ships GPS anti-jam GAJTs worldwide

NovAtel’s GPS Anti-Jam Technology (GAJT) product lines achieved a milestone of thousands of units shipped worldwide in 2020. Despite COVID-19, 2020 has proven to be one of NovAtel’s most successful years in protecting positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) from cyber electromagnetic activities (CEMA) for military and civil organizations, the company stated in a press release.

Jamming and interference are growing threats, from a crowded RF spectrum to malicious jamming attempts. However, the GNSS market is responding with anti-jam technologies. Across the world — on land, in the air and at sea — NovAtel customers use GAJT to protect their GNSS navigation and precise timing receivers from intentional jamming and unintentional interference.

The GAJT portfolio includes commercial off-the-shelf solutions with short order lead times for rapid deployment. The range of products can be readily integrated into new platforms or retrofitted into legacy fleets.

Photo: Hexagon | NovAtel

The GAJT-710, its smaller counterpart GAJT-410 and the GAJT-AE variants are used worldwide to protect PNT against jamming and interference no matter the environment.

Beyond defense, GAJT enables users to be proactive against cyber electromagnetic activities using situation awareness technology to indicate the presence and direction of jamming signals.

“Jamming and interference are growing threats worldwide. GAJT protects our customers no matter where they operate,” said Steve Duncombe, executive VP of Aerospace and Defense at NovAtel. “We’re proud to achieve this milestone during a challenging 2020 and will continue delivering assured positioning in our customers’ critical applications with extremely short delivery times.”

January 12, 2021
Hexagon’s ‘RTK from the Sky’ brings instant GNSS accuracy worldwide

New service provides PPP convergence for centimeter-level accuracy on land, air and marine applications around the world

Research from Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division has resulted in breakthrough innovations in precise point positioning (PPP) that enable nearly instant global centimeter-level accuracy. These developments pave the way to bring “RTK from the Sky” performance to worldwide users through correction service products and GNSS receivers from Hexagon.

RTK from the Sky technology provides the quick accuracy of an RTK solution with the high accessibility and availability of PPP. Users will no longer have geographic or regional infrastructure restrictions — they will be free to operate anywhere around the world with the same premium level of positioning performance.

RTK from the Sky technology removes the traditional PPP barrier of long convergence times as well as internet and radio communication limitations, delivering instantaneous convergence anywhere in the world. This breakthrough establishes the foundation for assured positioning with no downtime in marine, agriculture, and autonomous applications.

To achieve these results, there must be masterful attention to detail throughout the entire positioning ecosystem: no errors conveniently cancelled and no errors ignored. All errors are carefully estimated and removed from the final GNSS position faster and more reliably than ever before.

This end-to-end fine-tuning of measurement quality and error mitigation establishes the foundation for RTK from the Sky performance. No matter the location or application, users will be able to rely upon the highest availability and accuracy of corrections anywhere in the world, without the convergence time, Hexagon said.

“In 2020, PPP has become RTK — without the mobility limitations,” said Sandy Kennedy, VP of Innovation at Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division. “RTK from the Sky has been a very satisfying development. To see this kind of positioning performance available anywhere in the world is the realization of the next step of innovation for GNSS.”

RTK from the Sky technology will be the foundation for future correction service products and applications from Hexagon built for diverse applications.

See a white paper on RTK from the Sky.

Feature photo: Nikada/E+/Getty Images

November 19, 2020
Four decades of leadership

Miguel Amor, chief marketing officer, Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning Division

GPS World celebrates its 30th anniversary, and together we’ve seen huge leaps of innovation over the years. Reflecting on these developments, I wanted to share some of the contributions Hexagon | NovAtel made to support the evolution of the GNSS industry.

We began in 1978 in Alberta, Canada, in the telecommunications industry. In the 1990s, we shifted our focus to satellite receivers, choosing to forge ahead in GPS/GNSS technology. This decision would see NovAtel become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-precision GNSS components and systems developing multiple new patents and innovative solutions.

Our engineers have seen first-hand the growth of GPS and other satellite positioning systems worldwide, GNSS adoption across industries from aerospace to agriculture, and the present-day developments of precise positioning in autonomous applications. A rising tide raises all boats, and we helped foster the evolution of the industry through our goals of assured autonomy and positioning.

GAJT-710ML anti-jam antenna. (Photo: Hexagon)

Assured positioning means a reliable and robust solution you can trust. Technologies we’ve contributed to the broader industry include our GPS Anti-Jam Technology (GAJT) protecting users’ positioning, time and navigation, and SPAN technology, which expertly combines GNSS and inertial navigation systems (INS) measurements for seamless motion observations and a robust positioning solution. The capabilities of these technologies have been major contributors to the evolution of the GNSS industry.

Hexagon acquired NovAtel in 2007, and we’ve continued to grow and develop exciting new opportunities around the world where GNSS can grow, strengthen and improve applications in agriculture, automotive, defense, marine and many other industries. Our mission of assured autonomy and positioning encourages us to continue providing assured positioning in the most demanding environments and begin bringing autonomy to these markets.

GPS World has been a key player in covering these technological advancements for the past three decades. Together as an industry, we’ll continue innovating positioning and autonomy, and I’m excited to see how the industry will evolve over the next 30 years.

September 30, 2020
Hexagon launches autonomy kits for agriculture with demo tractor

Hexagon’s Autonomy and Positioning division has launched its first autonomy positioning and sensing kits for the agriculture market and validated these solutions in its new autonomous research and development tractor.

Through collaboration between NovAtel and AutonomouStuff, both part of Hexagon, the autonomous positioning and sensing kits were developed as part of Hexagon’s Smart Autonomous Mobility solutions portfolio launched at CES in early 2020. NovAtel and AutonomouStuff created the solutions with agriculture machinery OEMs and robotic machinery manufacturers in mind.

As a demonstrator vehicle for Smart Autonomous Mobility, the autonomous tractor features object detection and classification, simultaneous relative localization and mapping, absolute positioning through GNSS technology, and localization sensor fusing. Built to illustrate the viability of new positioning and sensing kits, the tractor incorporates safety-critical learnings with situational and environmental awareness, and manual remote control when needed. This platform validates how these solutions and capabilities accelerate autonomous development.

Hexagon’s autonomous research and development tractor validated the new kit. (Photo: Hexagon)

The positioning and sensing kits are optimized for autonomous agriculture applications, including products like the Smart7 antenna and autonomous robotic capabilities through the NovAtel OEM7 driver powered by the Robot Operating System (ROS). The kits also feature TerraStar GNSS Correction Services, ALIGN heading and relative positioning firmware, and SPAN GNSS+INS technology. Though designed for agriculture, the kits integrate seamlessly into other off-road autonomy applications.

“These positioning and sensing kits provide developers with technology bringing assured positioning to autonomy in agriculture,” explained Michael Martinez, agriculture segment manager at Hexagon | NovAtel. “Robotic-machinery manufacturers or those experienced in autonomy may be unfamiliar with the unique challenges facing agriculture applications. Conversely, those experienced with agriculture may not have the expertise to integrate positioning and sensing products within autonomous solutions. We can help in both cases through these positioning and sensor kits, as demonstrated by our autonomous tractor.”

The new autonomous positioning and sensing kit. (Photo: Hexagon)

“We’re excited to use this tractor as a platform to validate the human identification, obstacle detection and enhanced environmental awareness that our sensing kits add to our assured positioning solutions in agriculture,” said John Buszek, VP of products and services at Hexagon | AutonomouStuff. “The sensing and positioning technologies we’ve integrated on this demonstration platform showcase the Smart Autonomous Mobility portfolio, which enables and accelerates the development of autonomy in agriculture applications from prototyping to production.”

For more than 30 years, NovAtel has delivered GNSS positioning solutions as a trusted provider for top precision agriculture companies. Combined with AutonomouStuff’s decade of expertise in autonomy and sensor fusion, they significantly reduce the barrier of entry into autonomy to accelerate the time to market for autonomous solutions in agriculture, construction, mining and other off-road applications.

Learn more about their agriculture autonomy capabilities by taking a virtual tractor tour via their 3D interactive app or online at novatel.com/ag-autonomy.

September 9, 2020
Random recollections of GPS/GNSS

2000: An Allstar OEM receiver. (Photo: NovAtel)

GPS had been around for about five years before first launch in February 1978 and Full Operational Capability (FOC) was eventually declared in April 1995. It takes time to develop, field and prove something as complex as the world’s first satellite navigation system. But we’re now well into a third generation of the venerable GPS, with GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and IRNSS/NavIC and QZSS around the world and in geographic locales. So, putting aside Transit or anything else, this would make GPS about 47 years old — heading into middle age.

Therefore, it would seem that Glen Gibbons waited until “this GPS thingy” looked like it might actually work — circa 1990 — to launch GPS World, since the magazine is now 30 years old and is also into its third-generation of editor-custodians! Alan Cameron bravely carried the flag after Glen and nurtured the magazine for a good number of years and brought me into the fold as a contributor. We shared ION GNSS conventions and GPS World Leadership dinners and he was able to cajole monthly articles out of me for many years. Now Marty Whitford has his hand firmly on the tiller as publisher, with Tracy Cozzens as senior editor.

So what went down during these decades of technological advancement and for many of the people in the satnav industry? It would be impossible to answer within my word-limit, so I’ll take on an extremely small subset and recount a few things I can still remember.

µGPS. I got into GPS around 1990 in an OEM board-level product spin-off program from a certified GPS airborne receiver at CMC in Montreal — we initally called that L1 receiver µGPS because then it was a small GPS board. Later it became known as the AllStar receiver. We found pretty neat applications for the early ’90s — golf-course systems, vehicle tracking, airport vehicle tracking, the start of vehicle nav systems and such.

At NovAtel in Calgary in the early ’90s, we watched things develop through L1/L2 dual frequency, began RTK market applications in survey, geographic information systems (GIS), agriculture, mining and all multitudes of attempts to get new companies off the ground.

2013: NovAtel’s WAAS G-II reference receiver. (Photo: NovAtel)

WAAS. Eventually the U.S. Wide-Area Augmentation System (WAAS) program came and swallowed us up through three different prime contractors. Once that Federal Aviation Administration program was running well, we were into programs in Europe, Japan, India and China, and that led into Galileo ground reference receivers. The software qualification work we did on Galileo positioned us to take on mil-spec receiver work, and even anti-jam products.

Then CMC bought NovAtel, and we also joined with CMC to develop a certified airborne receiver. In 2003, NovAtel bought the AllStar OEM product line from CMC — funny how things work out! The joint certified receiver program eventually resulted in a new generation of high-accuracy airborne sensors. We again changed hands in 2007 when Hexagon bought us, and then NovAtel began working closely with Hexagon subsidiary Leica on survey applications. Many new and interesting developments are still going on there.

Nowadays, my interests lie with assisted GNSS and with Rx Networks in Vancouver, which I support and advise. Assisted GNSS comes in many forms, has many avenues in the marketplace, and presents its own unique challenges.

As GPS has evolved into GNSS and into so many, many applications, companies have come and gone but the core of people who drive the industry has grown and acquired new and specialized skills, developing ever more capable technology and products. Even after 47 years of the industry and 30 years of GPS World, we aren’t anywhere close to done.

September 9, 2020
Taking GNSS receiver testing to new heights
Photo: NovAtel

An applications engineer and his sky-jumping bud don wingsuits to test a NovAtel GNSS receiver integrated with an Epson IMU.

In September 2019, a specialized team assembled at an airstrip outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Their mission: Put the Hexagon | NovAtel PwrPak7D-E2 enclosed receiver through tricky test procedures that involved jumping out of an airplane at 10,000 feet.

Taking the NovAtel SPAN receiver to the skies was the brainchild of Andrew Levson, who is both a NovAtel engineer and a skydiving aficionado. He proposed using a wingsuit to test the receiver’s positioning accuracy.

The first wingsuit dive took place in 2011, with NovAtel’s OEM615 receiver and ALIGN heading technology.

This time, the engineers aimed to test both NovAtel’s GNSS receiver featuring SPAN tightly coupled GNSS+INS functionality and its new companion, the Epson G370 inertial measurement unit (IMU). Both are packed in the PwrPak7D-E2 to provide uninterrupted positioning even in GNSS-denied environments.

Wingsuit jumpers Andrew Levson (right) and Blair Egan suit up for the NovAtel tests. (Photo: NovAtel)

“We chose to revive the project, given that equipment has evolved with more comprehensive capabilities,” said Patrick Casiano, manager of Product Management and Applied Technology, NovAtel. “Between 2011 and 2019, we could significantly reduce the payload while increasing value in the data.” In 2011, NovAtel was only able to monitor Levson’s heading. In 2019, the team captured heading, azimuth, pitch and roll measurements.

“We wanted to prove that our equipment can work in a high-dynamic environment, which isn’t necessarily ideal conditions for collecting positioning data,” explained Kiera Fulton, associate product manager, Enclosures and Post-Processing Software, NovAtel. “By proving our products work in a less-than-ideal environment, we exemplify how robust our solutions are.”

Photo: NovAtel

Test Preparation

For the 2019 test, the team chose to gather attitude data. The team also asked Levson to perform specific skydiving maneuvers to rigorously test the positioning solution. “Rather than performing just a simple flight to the ground, we wanted to challenge the solution to reveal more,” Casiano said.

The test was not easy to implement. A lot of behind-the-scenes planning and preparation went into the project. Plus, unforeseen factors made the test more challenging, Fulton said, such as logistics and weather.

“The skydivers require specific weather conditions in order to jump safely,” Fulton said. “Considering how quickly the weather can change here in Alberta, the time windows in which the skydivers could safely jump were few and far between. We pulled through regardless of these adversities.”

When the day of the jump came, the skydivers jumped five times — as many jumps as the weather would permit. “Theoretically, one jump is enough,” Casiano explained. “But as engineers, we always want to have more data to work with.”

2011 wingsuit jump setup. (Image: NovAtel)

Wingsuit Jumps Compared: Because of the PwrPak7D-E2’s small size yet strong processing power, Levson required fewer devices in 2019 than in 2011, when he was equipped with two receivers, two antennas, a laptop and a battery. The amount of positioning data also increased. (Image: NovAtel)

High-Flying Maneuvers

The skydivers executed four maneuvers during their jumps.

DART: This simple jump established a baseline for more complex maneuvers to follow. (Photo: NovAtel)

Dart. The skydivers first performed a straight jump, which the team called the Dart. The data from this jump provided a baseline for analyzing the positioning and attitude data.

“This was more important for the attitude analysis, as we have never collected inertial data in a skydiving jump before,” Fulton said.

S-Turn: One of three completed maneuvers. (Image: NovAtel)

S-Turn. Next came the S-Turn. In this maneuver, Levson weaved from side-to-side to test how the equipment handles agile movements.

For the S-Turn, the engineers anticipated seeing the biggest changes in roll. “We were pleasantly surprised to see that the S-Turn is detectable in the azimuth data as well, indicating high correlation between roll and azimuth in a skydiver’s movements,” Fulton said.

The maneuver revealed that when Levson rolls, his body is using less surface area for wind resistance. As a result, he was falling to the ground faster, which then meant the dataset is shorter.

“This became another challenge during data processing, as the free-fall portion of the datasets were now becoming less than 3 minutes in duration,” Fulton said.
Data from the S-Turn also revealed the effect of crosswinds, which is detectable in the data.

Reverse Immelmann: How the intricate maneuver works. (Image: NovAtel)

Reverse Immelmann. The third maneuver was the Reverse Immelmann. Levson flipped onto his back, began a downward turn until perpendicular to the ground, then leveled off, traveling in the opposite direction from where he began.

This complicated exercise provided data for all aspects of an attitude solution — roll, pitch and azimuth. By comparing the expected and real data, the team found several places where the maneuver wasn’t performed perfectly.

“There are many challenges once in the air that would have caused Levson to deviate from the trends in the data that we expected,” explained Fulton. “This is where we realized that our solution was working much more to evaluate the skydiver, rather than using the wingsuit to evaluate our product.”

Casiano agreed. “As a whole, the PwrPak7D-E2 was telling a story about Andrew’s flight,” he said.

The team also wanted to have the skydivers try a Cobra — a maneuver from aerobatics where an airplane momentarily lifts it nose and stalls — but time constraints prohibited it.
“If we had gotten this [a Cobra] recorded, it would have been detectable in the pitch and horizontal velocity data,” Fulton said. “Who knows what other findings we would have come across in this data!”

Measurement matrix: The asterisks (*) denote data values that can only be measured with an IMU. (Chart: NovAtel)

Applications

All these tests, of course, are designed to apply to real-world applications where the PwrPak7D-E2’s capabilities are used in dynamic environments.

For instance, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) needs a feedback mechanism that tells the user whether it is moving or hovering. “In the wingsuit project, we proved that crosswind can be detected,” said Casiano. “This is an important finding for UAV applications, since a feedback loop from the PwrPak7 and the SPAN system can help rectify movement from external forces with counter propulsion to stay still. The PwrPak7D-E2 enclosures allow a data rate of up to 200 Hz, meaning you can capture motion with more detail.”

The PwrPak7D-E2 also works well for any black-box application where users want to record with the push of a button.

Inside the PwrPak7D-E2

Photo: NovAtel

The PwrPak7D-E2 is an all-in-one product. Its components are designed to work together seamlessly to provide positioning data, housed in NovAtel’s OEM7 firmware.
- GNSS receiver card used to capture positioning data
- Dual-antenna capability to provide accurate heading
- Epson IMU to record attitude and motion
- On-board logging to eliminate the need for constant monitoring on a PC
Post-Processing

Preparation enabled the team to process the data on site. The on-board logging feature on the PwrPak7D-E2 eliminated the need for constant monitoring during data collection. The unit is pre-configured so that at the time of the jump, Levson only needed to push a button for the unit to start collecting data.

Once the pair of skydivers landed, the ground team offloaded the data for processing, similar to using a memory stick, and moved it to a laptop computer.

“We pulled raw measurement data from the receiver and processed those measurements into position and attitude information,” Fulton said.

It took about 30 minutes to determine whether the dataset was viable. Later processing back in the office generated the charts such as those below.

Expectation: For both the S-Turn and Reverse Immelman maneuvers, a simulated plot was generated at the office to better understand the inertial data produced from the actual wingsuit jumps. (Chart: NovAtel)

Reality: This chart shows the actual data. (Chart: NovAatel)

Dynamic Environments

Photo: NovAtel

The PwrPak7 series can be used in many environments in the automotive, agriculture, marine, defense and UAV fields.

“We are constantly trying to find ways to apply this product to other applications and industries,” Fulton said. “With more testing, we keep finding that the PwrPak7 can be used to solve more challenges.

“We want to push the boundaries of our products. True innovation comes from challenging yourself and hovering outside your comfort zone,” Fulton said. “For this project, we are more than satisfied with the results we found. In order to further challenge ourselves and this product, we look forward to applying the PwrPak7 in more scenarios.”

“The PwrPak7 is a robust unit that sets us up for more exploration,” Casiano said. “We are always looking for more challenges to put this unit through to see how the PwrPak7 can further help solve our customer’s problems.

But will there be more skydiving for NovAtel in Levson’s future?

“We could always revisit the skydiving project in another nine years,” Casiano said. “But who knows how the technology will evolve by then?”

Post flight: Blair Egan (right) and Andrew Levson back on Earth. (Photo: NovAtel)

What it feels like to take the plunge

For those of us who have never jumped out of a plane, engineer and skydiver Andrew Levson provides insight.

“It’s not as scary as people think. Because the plane is moving fast, it’s mostly just windy and loud. You don’t get that roller coaster type feeling; in fact you don’t feel like you are even falling — freefall feels more like floating than falling. You definitely wouldn’t know you are flying at speeds over 100 mph.

“When you are climbing out of a plane, there is nothing else on your mind aside from the jump you are about to do. It is pure freedom, and there is often no stress, just a sense of peace and an intense focus on your plan for the jump. Once you get out of the aircraft, you get to fly your body in the way that you want to — most people only know of the position of falling with your body arched and belly toward the ground, but there are many different ways you can orient your body. Some of the lesser known ways to fly your body include your arms and legs spread out while flying a wingsuit (with your belly or back toward the earth) or flying with your head pointing straight at the ground.

“When you skydive, you get to explore the sky with your friends, which is an amazing and unique experience. During a skydive, it is common to experience an ultra-focus during the jump — time slows down a bit and you can see and feel things that are seemingly beyond your typical capability.Many people are amazed at how much skydivers are able to do in the short period of time that a single skydive lasts — about a minute for regular skydives and about two or three minutes when flying a wingsuit.”
August 24, 2020