Tag: product showcase

  • DroneShield counter-UAS products head to Australia, Brazil

    DroneShield counter-UAS products head to Australia, Brazil

    Counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) company DroneShield has sold its RfOne MKII long-range sensors to the Australian Army. The capability is being delivered immediately to allow the Australian Army to assess its future counter-drone requirements and options, the company said.

    “As an Australian company, DroneShield is immensely proud to support the Australian Army with its long-range counter-drone strategy, said DroneShield CEO Oleg Vornik.

    Deployment of the long-range sensors will highlight the flexibility, resilience and capabilities of DroneShield equipment in a dynamic field environment, while also assisting the Australian Army in establishing its counter-drone requirements and future capability options.

    The sale, announced July 19, was structured as a one-off sale to the Australian Army. Similar to the standard purchases from DroneShield’s other defence and law enforcement customers, comprises a small purchase of equipment.

    Australian counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) company DroneShield has sold several of its RfOne MKII long-range direction-finding sensors to the Australian Army. The deal, announced July 19. and will “allow the Australian Army to assess its future counter-[UAS] requirements and options”, DroneShield said in a statement, as well as equipping existing platforms with the sensors.

    Brazilian Sale

    DroneShield also has received formal approval from Anatel, the Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency responsible for issuing the concession of new radio frequencies. Following approval earlier this month, the company has sold a quantity of its DroneGun Tactical units to the Brazilian government.

    “Brazil is a large and sophisticated market for military and security equipment, and we are pleased to commence active presence in the country, deploying equipment to the customers,” Vornik said. “We look forward growing our presence in Brazil with the urgent counter-drone requirements mirroring what we are seeing in other countries.”

    New Kit

    Immediate Response Kit. (Photo: DroneShield)
    Immediate Response Kit. (Photo: DroneShield)

    DroneShield also released its Immediate Response Kit (IRK), a rapidly deployable C-UAS detection and defeat kit. The IRK consists of an RfPatrol portable (1.2 kg/2.6 lbs incl battery) detection device and a DroneGun MKIII (2.1 kg/4.7 lbs including battery) defeat device in a rugged carry case.

    Both RfPatrol and DroneGun MKIII are currently fielded by military and government customers globally.

  • Tallysman adds eXtended Filtering to TW3900 accutenna antennas

    Tallysman adds eXtended Filtering to TW3900 accutenna antennas

    The TW3967-XF antenna. (Photo: Tallysman)
    The TW3967-XF antenna. (Photo: Tallysman)

    Tallysman Wireless has added new eXtended Filtering (XF) features to the TW3900 series of Accuntena precision antennas. Tallysman designed the XF feature to mitigate interference from all near-band signals and ensure that the antenna provides the purest GNSS signals.

    Tallysman’s TW3972XF, TW3972EXF, TW3972LGXF, TW3967XF, and TW3967LGXF 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.

    Worldwide, the radio frequency spectrum has become congested as many new LTE bands have been activated, and their signals or harmonic frequencies can affect GNSS antennas and receivers. In North America, the planned Ligado service, which will broadcast in the frequency range of 1526 to 1536 MHz, can affect GNSS antennas that receive space-based L-band correction service signals (1539–1559 MHz).

    The TW3972-XF antenna. (Photo: Tallysman)
    The TW3972-XF antenna. (Photo: Tallysman)

    New LTE signals in Europe [Band 32 (1452–1496 MHz)] and Japan [Bands 11 and 21 (1476–1511 MHz)] have also affected GNSS signals. Lastly, the Inmarsat satellite communication uplink (1626.5–1660.5 MHz) commonly used on maritime vessels can also affect nearby GNSS antennas.

    Tallysman’s custom XF filtering has been tested to mitigate new (Europe and Japan) and existing LTE signals, enabling the XF antennas to produce clean and pure GNSS radio frequency data. The deep XF filter technology will be applied to all of Tallysman’s product lines.

  • Parrot’s new ANAFI Ai UAV drone is 4G connected

    Parrot’s new ANAFI Ai UAV drone is 4G connected

    Photo: Parrot
    Photo: Parrot

    Drone-maker Parrot has released a new drone for professionals. The ANAFI Ai UAV uses 4G as its main data link between the drone and the operator, so that users will no longer experience transmission limitations.

    The 4G also enables precise control at any distance. For beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights, it stays connected even behind obstacles.

    For the first time, ANAFI Ai embeds a secure element in the drone and in its Skycontroller 4. The 4G link between the drone and the user’s phone is encrypted. The secure element protects both the integrity of the software and the privacy of data transferred.

    Parrot’s piloting application is open source. Parrot offers developers a software development kit (SDK) to create custom code for the drone to execute during flight. The SDK gives access to all flight sensors, including obstacle-avoidance sensors, occupancy grid and internet access.

    ANAFI Ai’s obstacle-avoidance system detects obstacles in all directions, using stereo cameras to sense objects and automatically avoid them.

    ANAFI Ai incorporates a 48MP main camera and a powerfully stabilized 4K 60-fps/HDR 10 camera to capture finely detailed aerial images and smooth video footage.

    ANAFI Ai will be available in the second half of 2021 through Parrot Drone Enterprise Partners and Enterprise Drone Reseller Network.

  • U-blox releases explorer kits for high-precision indoor positioning

    U-blox releases explorer kits for high-precision indoor positioning

    Leveraging Bluetooth direction finding technology, the solutions demonstrate sub-meter level position accuracy for a variety of industrial and consumer applications

    Photo: U-blox
    Photo: U-blox

    U-blox has released two explorer kits for product developers to evaluate the potential of Bluetooth direction finding and high-precision indoor positioning. Designed for low power consumption, simple deployment, and low cost of ownership, the u-blox XPLR-AOA-1 and XPLR-AOA-2 explorer kits will test the technology’s capabilities to enable a variety of applications including access control, collision detection, smart appliances, indoor positioning and asset tracking.

    Recognizing the growing demand for more accurate indoor positioning solutions, the Bluetooth special interest group (SIG) released Bluetooth direction finding, offering a major improvement over previous receiver signal strength indicator (RSSI)-based solutions.

    Bluetooth direction finding makes it possible to determine the direction that radio signals travel from a mobile tag to one or several fixed anchor points. Using angle-of-arrival (AoA) technology, anchor points comprising antenna arrays connected to Bluetooth receivers can detect the direction, or angle, to the mobile tag, which transmits a Bluetooth signal. When a constellation of such multi-antenna anchors is deployed, AoA technology can be used to triangulate the precise location of a mobile device or tag.

    The u-blox XPLR-AOA-1 and XPLR-AOA-2 explorer kits showcase one of the first complete Bluetooth-based tracking solutions – from the tag to the cloud – to reliably offer sub-meter-level accuracy in indoor environments.

  • Juniper Systems launches Cedar rugged tablet with GNSS functionality

    Juniper Systems launches Cedar rugged tablet with GNSS functionality

    Photo: Juniper Systems
    Photo: Juniper Systems

    Juniper Systems is has launched its latest rugged tablet, the Cedar CT8X2. The new tablet offers increased processing power, RAM and storage, running on the Android 10 operating system. Despite these features, the CT8X2 retains the same powerful GNSS functionality of the previous Cedar generation for the same price.

    “The CT8X2 is our best Cedar tablet to date,” said Cody Draper, Cedar product manager. “It exceeds expectations in terms of price, performance and versatility. It is a perfect device for those looking for a mobile data-collection device that offers a much greater degree of ruggedness than a consumer product.”

    Powered by an octa-core Snapdragon CPU from Qualcomm, the CT8X2 allows for larger files compared to the previous Cedar. Greater onboard storage prevents users from needing to offload data frequently and provides sufficient space for applications. With GNSS accuracy of about one meter in open skies and five meters under tree canopy, the CT8X2 offers capable GNSS positioning that far exceeds the accuracy of typical consumer devices. The CT8X2 also has a high-resolution screen.

    “The performance increase of the CT8X2 gives users a very capable device in the field,” Draper said. “We were able to provide these advancements in performance and GNSS accuracy while maintaining our affordable price point.”

    The CT8X2 is now available for purchase.

  • Honeywell debuts MEMS sensor to help small sats navigate

    Honeywell debuts MEMS sensor to help small sats navigate

    The HG4934 Space Rate Sensor is compared in size to a typical smartphone. (Photo: Honeywell)
    The HG4934 Space Rate Sensor is compared in size to a typical smartphone. (Photo: Honeywell)

    New, smaller sensors provide high-performance navigation at a low cost with less power consumption, company said.

    Honeywell has unveiled a new rate sensor to help small satellites navigate increasingly crowded orbits above the Earth’s surface. The new micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based product provides low cost and power consumption in a smaller size than previous Honeywell offerings, while maintaining high performance levels. It is suitable for customers building smaller and lower-cost satellites, according to Honeywell.

    Honeywell’s HG4934 space rate sensor is roughly the same size and weight (145 grams) as a baseball. Compared to Honeywell’s previous rate sensors, it consumes only one-fifth the electric power, is more than 32 times lighter, and is 60 times smaller. It also is more tolerant of radiation, a key attribute in space.

    “With this new sensor, our customers can build smaller, lower cost satellites that are just as capable and reliable as their traditional predecessors, which will allow them to field new satellite technologies like 5G telecommunications or high-bandwidth global Internet,” said Mike Elias, vice president and general manager, Space, Honeywell Aerospace. “Furthermore, the number of satellites is only increasing, which leads to more crowded orbits. It’s critical that our customers have highly precise navigation solutions to help prevent accidents, which could knock functional satellites out of orbit.”

    A space rate sensor, also known as an inertial reference unit or IRU, is an inertial sensor composed of three gyroscopes that work together to sense rotation rates. They determine an aircraft or spacecraft’s change in rotational attitude over time and allow it to move from one location to another without using any external information. It can also serve as a backup solution to provide redundancy if other navigation systems fail.

    Celestial navigation options like star trackers are a popular method of obtaining pointing directions for satellites and spacecraft. This form of navigation uses angular measurements between objects in space (stars, planets, etc.) and the horizon to calculate location. However, sometimes these star trackers are blinded by the sun or affected by thruster gases. In this case, Honeywell’s HG4934 can act as a secondary method of attitude determination.

    Honeywell’s HG4934 Space Rate Sensor is available now for commercial, defense, and science applications. The first deliveries to customers began at the end of 2020.

  • Smart GEO Expo 2021 coming in July

    Smart GEO Expo 2021 coming in July

    Smart Geo 2021Smart GEO Expo 2021 takes place at the Coex Hall C3 and C4 in Seoul, South Korea, July 21-23. An online version will also be available.

    The Smart GEO Expo aims to promote spatial information industry development and support overseas expansion of domestic companies.

    The Smart GEO Expo has become an annual event since 2008, when separate events such as GIS Korea, Cadastral Innovation Expo and Measurement Day were integrated and expanded, owing to the reorganization of government departments related to spatial information.

    The expo includes an exhibition where host, organizers and many other geospatial information-related companies and agencies provide showcases. The event also includes the International Meeting for the Advancement of the Geospatial Information Cooperation for expansion of exchange and information sharing with foreign guests.

    Learn more on the expo website.

  • Launchpad: GNSS antennas and PC boards

    Launchpad: GNSS antennas and PC boards

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


    OEM

    Grandmaster Clock

    Multi-constellation receiver

    Photo: Microchip
    Photo: Microchip

    The upgraded TimeProvider 4100 2.2 is now more redundant and resilient. It provides secure, precise timing and synchronization for critical infrastructure such as 5G wireless networks, smart grids, data centers, cable and transportation services. The 4100 2.2 introduces a software-redundancy architecture for flexible deployment, and supports a new GNSS multi-band, multi-constellation receiver to protect against time delay from space weather, solar events and other disruptions. The 4100 2.2 offers options for software and hardware support.

    Microchip Technology, microchip.com

    External Antennas

    GNSS-ready multi-port models

    Photo: Maxtena
    Photo: Maxtena

    The NETZ 5-in-1 multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) solution combines two LTE antennas and two Wi-Fi antennas with a GNSS antenna for high data throughput and streaming, video, industrial and internet of things (IoT) applications. It offers a low-profile design with integrated SubMiniature version A (SMA) connectors and is designed with rugged PC+ABS plastic black housing for demanding environmental challenges.

    Maxtena, maxtena.com

    Mini-PCLe Adapter

    For industrial applications

    Photo: Gateworks
    Photo: Gateworks

    The GW16143 is a high-precision GNSS/GPS Mini-PCLe adapter card that provides precise positioning to applications using Gateworks single-board computers. Based on the U-blox ZED-F9P, the GW16143’s multi-band real-time kinematic (RTK) technology enhances convergence times and performance. The module receives GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou; supports L1 and L2/L5 bands; and provides GNSS positioning accuracy
    of <2 cm.

    Gateworks, gateworks.com

    Inertial unit

    Tactical grade for higher order integrated applications

    The IMU-NAV-100. (Photo: Inertial Labs)
    The IMU-NAV-100. (Photo: Inertial Labs)

    The IMU-NAV-100 is a fully integrated inertial solution that measures linear accelerations, angular rates, and pitch and roll with high accuracy utilizing three-axis high-grade micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers and three-axis tactical-grade MEMS gyroscopes. It features continuous built-in test, configurable communications protocols, electromagnetic interference protection, and flexible input power requirements that allow it to be easily integrated in a variety of higher order systems. The IMU-NAV-100-S offers high performance stabilization for line-of-sight systems, motion-control sensors, and platform orientation and stabilization systems. The IMU-NAV-100-A is for GPS-aided INS, AHRS and motion reference units.

    Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

    Mass Market Board

    Single-board computer with up to three receivers

    SimpleRTK2B-SBC. (Photo: ArduSimple)
    SimpleRTK2B-SBC. (Photo: ArduSimple)

    The SimpleRTK2B single-board computer is built around up to three u-blox ZED-F9P high-precision GNSS receivers to simplify development of centimeter-level positioning solutions supporting real-time kinematics (RTK). It was developed to make RTK technology as close to plug-and-play as possible, and make the technology accessible to broader audiences. In addition to working as a stand-alone solution, customers can program their own applications with the company’s microPython API. The SimpleRTK2B-SBC delivers mechanical integration with centimeter position on three axes (heading, pitch, roll), outputting on NMEA, RTCM, RS232 and CANBus interfaces via Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 2G/3G/4G communication.

    Ardusimple, ardusimple.com


    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Utility locator

    Software with GNSS receiver enables mapping

    Photo: ProStar
    Photo: ProStar

    PointMan software is now integrated into the Vivax Metrotech vLoc3 with a GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) receiver to create a utility-locate device. Using the RTK-Pro internal cellular module with 4G LTE capabilities, the operator can connect to the NTRIP RTK caster that provides RTCM 3 corrections. With the integration of PointMan with the vLoc3 RTK-Pro, critical buried infrastructure can be captured, recorded and displayed at survey-grade without additional external equipment or post-processing. The integration provides centimeter accuracy of the precise location of buried utilities in real time. Data collected includes the type of utility, the depth of cover and the utility’s precise location.

    ProStar Holdings, prostarcorp.com

    GIS platform

    Geospatial and location intelligence for smart cities

    Screenshot: Hexagon Geospatial
    Screenshot: Hexagon Geospatial

    M.App Enterprise 2021 is a significant update to the platform for creating geospatial and location intelligence applications. The latest release features new browser-based 3D capabilities and enhanced visual effects, plus the ability to create and configure custom applications more easily. It allows users to access LuciadRIA’s 3D features with support for panoramic imagery, shading, ambient occlusion and other visualization effects to build browser-based solutions. It also features a new browser app configurator that makes it easier to create spatio-temporal dashboards, or Smart M.Apps. Feature Analyzer now allows users to add and manage multiple datasets on the fly and set up workflows.

    Hexagon Geospatial, hexagongeospatial.com


    TRANSPORTATION

    Nearshore receiver

    Measures positioning, heading, attitude, velocity and heave

    Photo: Hexagon | NovAtel
    Photo: Hexagon | NovAtel

    The MarinePak7 marine-certified GNSS receiver is designed for nearshore applications. The multi-constellation, multi-frequency receiver was engineered to receive the Oceanix Correction Service from NovAtel, providing horizontal accuracy up to 3 cm (95%) in a marine environment. With SPAN GNSS+INS technology capabilities, the MarinePak7 couples GNSS and inertial measurement units (IMUs) for 3D positioning.

    Hexagon | NovAtel, NovAtel.com

    Expansion Card

    For lane-level positioning

    Photo: Antzertech
    Photo: Antzertech

    The ANNA-F9 high-precision GNSS Mini-PCIe card can achieve centimeter-level accuracy. It integrates the U-blox ZED-F9 receiver platform, providing multi-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS) and RTK positioning, and can be integrated with embedded systems. It provides high-accuracy positioning for applications including lane-level navigation and railway transportation. The ANNA-F9 series supports RTCM formatted corrections and centimeter-level positioning from local base stations or virtual reference stations in a network RTK setup.

    Antzertech, antzer-tech.com

    Marine Antennas

    Two added to VeroStar line

    Photo: Tallysman
    Photo: Tallysman

    Marine vessels often host both Iridium (1616–1626.5 MHz) and Inmarsat (uplink: 1626.5–1660.5 MHz) satellite communication antennas that transmit and receive signals. The VSP6037L-MAR and VSP6337L-MAR VeroStar marine antennas strongly attenuate interference from both signal sources, providing 75 dB to 85 dB of attenuation over Iridium and 85 dB to 95 dB over Inmarsat uplink, enabling clean GNSS signal reception and precise positioning. The VSP6037L-MAR supports the full GNSS spectrum; the VSP6337L-MAR supports GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a, and NavIC-L5 signals. Both antennas support L-band correction signals. Every VeroStar antenna features a robust pre-filter and a high-IP3 LNA architecture, minimizing desensing from high-level out-of-band signals, including 700 MHz LTE, while still providing a noise figure of 1.8 dB. They meet IEC 60945 and IEC 61108 marine certifications for challenging marine environments.

    Tallysman Wireless, tallysman.com

    Cargo Service

    For tracking high-value assets

    The managed internet of things (IoT) Acculink Cargo can track the location and condition of high-value and sensitive assets, providing real-time visibility, product-level tracking and exception-based monitoring as goods move through their supply chains. Tracking can be used to avoid delays, minimize dwell time, prevent theft and remediate environmental conditions that can cause asset damage.

    Sierra Wireless, sierrawireless.com

    Tracking Antenna

    Rugged external mount

    Photo: Laird Connectivity
    Photo: Laird Connectivity

    The GNS1559MPF or Mini GNSS is a rugged, high-performance and cost-effective solution for most GNSS or asset-tracking applications. The small form factor makes it easy to install on or in vehicles or buildings. It is IP67 rated to withstand impact as well as water and dust intrusion in demanding environments and operating conditions. The antenna can be configured with different cable types in varying lengths and with various connector types. Uses include public safety, in-building, fleet management, asset tracking, vehicle and personnel tracking.

    Laird Connectivity, lairdconnect.com


    UAV

    Long-Flight UAS

    Unmanned system for long-distance flights

    Photo: Zala Aero Group
    Photo: Zala Aero Group

    The Zala 421-16E5G long-flight UAS is a domestic unmanned aerial system with a hybrid power plant. The non-aerodrome-based system is capable of providing aerial monitoring covering distances of more than 150 kilometers and staying in the air for more than 12 hours. Its power plant charges a buffer battery for an hour, allowing the UAV to fly long distances. It is equipped with two thermal imagers and a 60x video camera. Alternatively, it can carry a payload of up to 10 kg.

    Zala Aero Group, zala-aero.com/en/

    Inertial navigation system

    Ready for drone surveys

    Photo: OxTS
    Photo: OxTS

    The xNAV650 inertial navigation system (INS) provides surveyors with absolute position, timing and inertial measurements (heading and pitch/roll) that they can integrate into their projects. When combined with data from other devices (such as lidar sensors and cameras), the INS measurements can greatly enhance the surveying process. The xNAV650 has the latest micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology and survey-grade GNSS receivers. At 77 x 63 x 24 mm and 130 grams, it is suitable for a wide range of UAV data-collection applications: surveys of bridges, buildings, forests and rail; coastal monitoring; map creation; and pipeline exploration. Data collected can be fused with data from almost any lidar sensor. OxTS NAVsuite software is included with all OxTS INS. Other optional software is available, including precision time protocol and GX/IX tight-coupling technology.

    Oxford Technical Solutions, oxts.com

    Lidar System

    With GNSS receiver and IMU

    Photo: CHCNAV
    Photo: CHCNAV

    The AlphaAir 450 (AA450) lidar system is a lightweight, compact all-in-one sensor. Featuring an inertial measurement unit (IMU), GNSS receiver and 3D scanner and camera, the AlphaAir 450 is suitable for power-line inspections, topographic mapping, emergency response, agricultural work and forestry surveys. The unit can be rapidly deployed in the field to collect geospatial data. It achieves absolute accuracy of 5 cm (vertical) and 10 cm (horizontal) for small survey areas. Adjustment algorithms applied in CHCNAV CoPre software further improve precision and accuracy. The AA450 weighs 1 kilogram for easy mounting on a UAV. It is IP64 rated against dust and water spray and operates at –20° C to +50° C.

    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Imaging systems

    Survey-grade with lidar

    Photo: Geocue
    Photo: Geocue

    The True View 635/640 3DIS is GeoCue’s second-generation lidar/camera-fusion platform designed to generate high-accuracy 3D colorized lidar point clouds using the Riegl miniVUX-3UAV. All 3DIS platforms include GeoCue’s data-processing software suite True View EVO, which integrates with the Applanix POSPac. With its 120° fused field of view, the True View 635/640 provides 3D mapping with excellent vegetation penetration and wire detection in a payload package of 3.2–3.6 kg. True View EVO supports the direct creation of ground classified point clouds, surface models, contours, digital elevation models, volumetric analysis, wire extraction and similar products, without the need for additional third-party software.

    GeoCue Group, geocue.com

  • Javad GNSS launches TRIUMPH-3 receiver

    Javad GNSS launches TRIUMPH-3 receiver

    Photo: Javad GNSS
    Photo: Javad GNSS

    Javad GNSS has launched the TRIUMPH-3 receiver for surveyors and geodesists. It is capable of efficient tracking even in difficult conditions. It can track all current signals and is ready for any future satellites.

    TRIUMPH-3 is designed to operate as a base together with TRIUMPH-LS and TRIUMPH-LS Plus to efficiently accomplish any geodetic job. Its real-time kinematic (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.

    The new powerful and reliable receiver for high-precision navigation systems 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 “lift & tilt” technology.

    The TRIUMPH-3 receiver can operate as a receiver for post-processing, as a continuously operating reference station (CORS) or portable base station for real-time kinematic (RTK) applications, and as a scientific station collecting information for individual studies, such as ionospheric monitoring.

    Features include:

    • UHF 1 W Transceiver
    • 4G/LTE module
    • Wi-Fi 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz (802.11 a, b, g, n, d, e, i)
    • Dual-mode Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE
    • Full-duplex 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port
    • High Speed USB 2.0 Host (480 Mbps)
    • High Speed USB 2.0 Device (480 Mbps)
    • High Capacity microSD Card (microSDHC) up to 128GB Class 1 O;
    • “Lift & Tilt”
    • J-Mobile interface

    Learn more at the Javad GNSS website.

  • uAvionix adds ping200XR with integrated GPS to transponder lineup

    uAvionix adds ping200XR with integrated GPS to transponder lineup

    Photo: uAvionix
    Photo: uAvionix

    uAvionix has added a new low-SWaP transponder to its line-up of unmanned aerial system (UAS) communications, navigation and surveillance solutions.

    The ping200XR integrates the capability of the ping200X TSO Certified Mode S ADS-B OUT transponder with the high-integrity truFYX TSO-certified GPS position source into a single enclosure. The single enclosure simplifies installation and allows the customer to choose between the existing installed GPS antenna or one provided with the ping200XR.

    The integrated GPS ensures maximum safety by providing Source Integrity Level (SIL) 3 RTCA DO-229D and TSO-C145e Class Beta 1 performance, a requirement for Mode S and ADS-B airspace access, and for reception and processing by certified avionics and Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) in other aircraft, as well as Air Traffic Control (ATC). SIL 3 performance is not available from non-aviation certified GPS, which are often used as an autopilot navigation source.

    The ping200XR can be integrated with popular onboard UAS autopilots for dynamic control from ground-control stations, including George — uAvionix’s enterprise autopilot solution. The ping200XR can also be pre-configured before flight and carried as a payload.

    Replicating the functionality of a cockpit transponder controller, the uAvionix mini-controller allows users to dial-in a squawk code before takeoff for even quicker integration and rapid deployment.

  • Topcon’s MAGNET7 construction and survey software out now

    Topcon’s MAGNET7 construction and survey software out now

    Survey and construction software suite MAGNET7 is now available from Topcon, using cloud-based connectivity to streamline workflows through GNSS receivers and other equipment.

    Photo: Topcon
    Photo: Topcon

    Survey and construction software suite MAGNET 7 is now available from Topcon Positioning Group.

    MAGNET7 uses cloud-based connectivity to streamline workflows through GNSS receivers, total stations and other positioning tools and instruments. It addresses common needs to increase productivity, efficiency and profitability levels across the job site.

    The software is also designed to improve accuracy while efficiently managing data and collaboration — in real time — with the project team.

    Enhancements in the MAGNET7 field version improve 3D model support, reporting and interactivity in working directly on a visual map. Also improved is data handling for large and complex 3D projects.

    Productivity features include an ability to connect to the newest version of the Sitelink3D job-site monitoring and management system. This enables office personnel to send machine models via the web portal directly to machines on site.

    The new connection also allows access to the Haul Truck app, which dramatically improves efficiency in the mass-haul environment by sending real-time data — including haul volumes and truck locations — directly to the master schedule.

    MAGNET7 provides new capability for calculating the International Roughness Index (IRI), a valuable indicator for resurfacing projects. The IRI data exports directly to ProVAL formats, commonly used in the paving industry, to report and validate road-surface smoothness against government guidelines.

    Also provided are enhanced terrain-modeling capabilities for surveyors and an overall increase in file-type capability.

    Addressing COVID-19

    COVID-19-related demands placed on construction and survey professionals underscore the need for comprehensive, integrated software solutions to meet those challenges head on, according to Alok Srivastava, senior director, product management.

    “The push to ramp up production levels and increase efficiency, while operating profitably, has never been greater,” Srivastava said. “Our suite — made up of field software, cloud services, tightly integrated office software and third-party integrations — is a key component of our digital ecosystem, all designed to enhance productivity in the field while helping the office efficiently manage the project dataset. It does so by tapping the power of integrated solutions to provide end-to-end workflows, superior data exchange and a far better level of collaboration.

    “We’ve long recognized that many of the basic needs and challenges of today’s survey and construction disciplines are similar. With that in mind, this solution provides compatible, comprehensive, connected answers to many of those shared issues.”

    “The need for digital connectivity, both on site and between the office and the job site, has never been greater,” Srivastava said. “With the continued push toward digitization in all facets of their jobs, today’s construction and survey professionals regularly risk loss of efficiency — and the financial costs associated with it — due to issues of incompatibility between equipment and systems. This upgrade of the MAGNET suite of productivity solutions takes connected field and office management to a new level, making the long sought-after ‘end-to-end workflow’ a reality while helping projects stay on schedule and under budget.”

  • Garmin announces GPS marine satellite compass

    Garmin announces GPS marine satellite compass

    Photo: Garmin
    Photo: Garmin

    GPS-based navigation tool with multi-band GNSS provides reliable, accurate heading and position information

    Garmin International Inc. has launched the MSC 10 marine satellite compass with multi-band GNSS and a fully integrated attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) for a smooth and accurate GPS-derived heading and position on the water.

    “Garmin was the first to deliver a marine positioning receiver and antenna utilizing multi-band GNSS support, and we’re pleased to continue to bring this innovative technology to our customers with the MSC 10 satellite compass,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “An advanced navigation tool, the GPS-based MSC 10 won’t be impacted by magnetic interference, so even in challenging situations, you’ll know exactly where you’re headed.”

    Utilizing both L1 and L5 GPS frequencies, along with multi-constellation support (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou), the MSC 10 provides precise positioning and heading accuracy within 2 degrees. Its 10-Hz position update rate delivers better, more detailed tracking information. By using satellite signals, it eliminates magnetic interference, which can degrade heading accuracy.

    The MSC 10 is easy to install and can be used as the primary position and heading sensor across multiple systems, including autopilots. Along with heading, the MSC 10 will also deliver reliable, precise pitch, roll and heave information — even in rough seas — to a compatible Garmin chartplotter via the NMEA 2000 network. In the rare case that satellite signal is lost, it will seamlessly transition from GPS-based to a backup magnetometer-based heading.

    NMEA 2000 certified, the MSC 10 is compatible with a wide range of Garmin chartplotters, including the GPSMAP 8400/8600 series, the new GPSMAP 7×3/9×3/12×3 series, and the keyed GPSMAP 10×2/12×2 series.

    The MSC 10 is expected to be available this month.