Septentrio’s mosaic-T is built specifically for resilient and precise time and frequency synchronization under challenging conditions. (Photo: Septentrio)
Septentrio has launched the mosaic-T GPS/GNSS receiver module, built specifically for resilient and precise time and frequency synchronization under challenging conditions.
According to the company, its multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS technology — together with AIM+ Advanced Interference Mitigation algorithms — allows mosaic-T to achieve maximal availability even in the presence of GNSS jamming or spoofing. This compact surface-mount module is designed for automated assembly and high-volume production.
“We are excited to expand our mosaic GNSS module family with mosaic-T, which will provide critical infrastructure and mission-critical PNT applications with accurate, reliable and resilient timing solutions,” said Francois Freulon, head of product management at Septentrio.
Septentrio mosaic-T delivers timing with nanosecond-level accuracy and has additional inputs for an external high-accuracy clock, the company added.
Septentrio, headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, designs and manufactures multi-frequency multi-constellation GPS/GNSS positioning technology for demanding applications.
ComNav Technology has released the new-generation data collector R550.
With its new industrial-level design and new hardware platform, the R550 is designed to ensure efficiency and productivity in the field.
The IP67 dust-and-waterproof rating protects the R550 from most harsh environments. Equipping it with 7,000 mA Li-ion battery allows more than 14 hours of continuous operation, while fast-charging technology means it only takes four hours to fully charge the collector via the type-C interface port.
The 5-inch-wide sunlight-readable, high-resolution screen provides a smooth experience for any operation. The integrated autofocusing camera helps enhance job documentation by taking photos on site and sharing job information with colleagues.
Survey Master field software available on the R550 controller ensures efficient surveys in the field, including topographic surveys, stakeouts, coordinate geometry (COGO) and more.
Powered by the Android 8.1 operating system and designed with 4G RAM, 64GB ROM and 4G/BT/Wi-Fi on board, users can run other third-party apps based on their specific requirements.
The R550 data collector now is available through ComNav Technology authorized local distributors or ComNav Technology directly.
Lidar series paired with professional drone provides multi-platform, high-accuracy 3D laser scanning for geospatial and mapping professionals
CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has launched the multi-rotor BB4 drone and AlphaUni 300/900/1300 lidar.
Photo: CHCNAV
The combination of the AlphaUni 300/900/1300 lidar and BB4 UAV solutions creates a comprehensive and versatile range for 3D mapping and geospatial data acquisition in land, air and marine applications.
“The purchase of a 3D mobile mapping system is too often constrained to a specific purpose, such as airborne or ground survey,” said George Zhao, CEO of CHCNAV. “A lot of our customers expressed the need to have a professional lidar solution that can be used in different scenarios, offering optimal adaptability to their current and future needs.
“With our AlphaUni series, we are now introducing an innovative response with a multi-platform lidar system that can be used with an aerial or marine drone, on a vehicle or carried as a backpack,” Zhao said. “In addition, the long flight autonomy of our new BB4 UAV allows missions over large areas in a single flight for exceptional productivity.”
AlphaUni lidar series
Photo: CHCNAV
The new AlphaUni series enhances CHCNAV’s Alpha Mobile Mapping family with a light, versatile long-range laser scanner systems available on the high-end market.
The series provides optimized data sets powered by advanced GNSS/inertial navigation system (INS) sensors and long-range Riegl scanners.
AlphaUni’s design adapts to a variety of applications and can be installed on a variety of platforms, including multi-rotor UAV, fixed-wing vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) UAV, vehicles, rail trolleys, backpacks, boats and more.
BB4 UAV
The BB4 UAV is a high-end multi-rotor drone optimized for the CHCNAV AlphaUni 300/900/1300 lidar series. Its modular design simplifies deployment in just a few minutes.
Its 7-kg payload breaks the capacity barrier, and more than 45 minutes of flight time increases the airborne lidar survey ability.
The redundant CHCNAV and DJI inertial measurement unit (IMU) and GNSS units provide reliable centimeter real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning, meeting the demand for high accuracy in the geospatial and mapping industry.
The Draganflyer Commander Ag-Pro Package. (Photo: Draganfly)
Draganfly has launched the Draganflyer Commander Ag-Pro Package, designed for the agricultural industry.
According to Draganfly, its Draganflyer Commander Ag-Pro Package includes everything needed to perform crop health assessment, irrigation monitoring and yield optimization.
The Ag-Pro Package, which combines the MicaSense RedEdge-MX multispectral sensor and the Draganflyer Commander UAV, is suitable for projects requiring long flight times, a high level of data resolution and accuracy and data security, the companies added.
The Draganflyer Commander is an electric multirotor UAV built on Draganfly’s patented carbon fiber folding airframe. Its dual-battery system powers 35-minute flight times, and its automated flight planning tool allows users to quickly create coverage areas and flight plans.
The MicaSense RedEdge-MX multispectral sensor features five narrowband imagers that capture high-quality images that can produce maps for a multitude of agricultural uses. In addition, the sensor boasts two calibration methods that produce accurate data that can be compared across time, allowing for temporal analysis throughout the season and from year to year.
“We’re excited about bringing this affordable new multispectral option to market,” said Cory Baker, production manager at Draganfly. “We have been working with the MicaSense lineup of cameras for several years and have been very pleased with their seamless integration support and high-quality data outputs. Our skilled engineers can incorporate any of the powerful sensors from the MicaSense portfolio onto our UAVs.”
The Draganflyer Commander Ag-Pro Package features a secure controller, as well as a lightweight yet durable air frame.
New GPS-synchronized Ninja Precision Timing Module provides a myriad of time and frequency outputs with high performance in a small, low-power platform.
Photo: EndRun
EndRun Technologies, a provider of precision time and frequency solutions, has released the high-performance Ninja Precision Timing Module (PTM). The third-generation Ninja — optimized for size, weight and power (SWaP) — can be easily integrated into 1U host systems or deployed as a cost-effective standalone solution.
The resilient GPS-synchronized Ninja is based on the core of EndRun’s Meridian II Precision TimeBase instrument. Up to nine optional, user configurable, time and frequency outputs are available with accuracy, stability and ultra-low phase noise. Ninja’s network interface includes a robust Network Time Protocol (NTP) server as well as secure management.
Three OCXO reference oscillators are available to meet price-performance requirements. Advanced users can optimize Ninja with EndRun’s innovative Real-Time Ionospheric Corrections (RTIC) to directly measure and compensate for ionospheric delay of received GPS signals in real-time.
“The Ninja Precision Timing Module is another breakthrough solution from EndRun that provides an abundance of outputs in a small form factor without compromising performance,” said Michael Korreng, senior R&D engineer, EndRun Technologies. “The high-level of integration and output versatility readily integrates into many mission critical applications including SATCOM, tactical communications, signal intelligence, security camera synchronization, digital broadcast, network synchronization, range timing, and many more.”
Key Ninja performance specifications with Ultra-Stable OCXO, Real-Time Ionospheric Corrections, and calibration are:
Time accuracy of <10 nanoseconds RMS to UTC(USNO)
Frequency accuracy better than 4×10-14 (100k second average)
ADVA has launched a ePRC optical cesium atomic clock solution to protect synchronization networks during GNSS disruptions. The OSA 3350 ePRC+ offers vital backup for mission-critical infrastructures that depend on satellite-based timing, such as mobile networks and power utilities.
The Oscilloquartz OSA 3350 ePRC+ provides high stability and long life, as well as built-in support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) . It also meets stringent performance demands as well as the cost points needed for mobile networks transitioning to 5G.
Featuring an all-digital design, the OSA 3350 ePRC+ leverages optical-pumping techniques. It greatly improves performance by providing an extremely stable frequency source.
When used with enhanced primary reference time clocks (ePRTCs), the OSA 3350 ePRC+ delivers holdover for 14 days with an accumulated error of up to 35 nanoseconds. This far exceeds the ITU-T ePRC G.811.1 standard that requires an accumulated error under 70 nanoseconds.
The OSA 3350 ePRC+ also delivers optimum stability for more than 10 years, much longer than the lifespan of high-performance magnetic cesium clocks.
With a fully modular design, the optical cesium solution features a wide range of telecom synchronization output interfaces and supports modern and secured management capabilities with SNMP. It is RoHS-compliant and is fully integrated into ADVA’s Ensemble management and control software suite for operational simplicity and ease of use.
Tersus GNSS Inc. has released the BX40C RTK board to support its series of GNSS boards and provide highly accurate and fast positioning services.
Powered by the company’s new ExtremeRTK GNSS technology, the BX40C board can support multi-constellation and multi-frequency all-in-view satellite tracking.
The Tersus BX40C is a compact GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) board with full constellation tracking for providing centimeter-level accuracy positioning. It can be integrated with autopilots and inertial navigation units to meet various developing requirements. It is suitable for high-precision positioning, navigation and mapping.
“Tersus has been proud of its BX-series RTK boards, and today we added a new member to the series by launching the new BX40C board,” said Xiaohua Wen, founder and CEO of Tersus GNSS. “The BX40C is with enhanced positioning accuracy and constellation tracking, even in harsh environments, the BX40C board can still control deviation within 3-centimeter in surveying and mapping applications. It supports 576 channels and can achieve centimeter-level position accuracy easily. We are excited to see how BX40C strengthens our product portfolio and technology competence to make a great effort in this industry.”
The BX40C board supports multiple constellations and frequencies to improve the continuity and reliability of the RTK solution — even in harsh environments. In-built 4GB memory makes data collection easy, the company said. It is compatible with other GNSS boards in the market via flexible interfaces, smart hardware design and commonly used log/command formats.
SLAM-based mobile mapping with integrated 360° color is a rugged, geo-enabled, high-density and versatile workhorse
Photo: Kaarta
Kaarta, an innovator of real-time mobile 3D reality capture, has announced beta testing on Stencil Pro, a versatile professional-grade mobile mapping platform with dimensional and visual fidelity.
According to a Kaarta press release, “Whether on the road or on a job site, in a warehouse or an office, an underground mine or in the woods, along a utility corridor or a railway, the multipurpose Stencil Pro mobile mapping system is ready to take on the most challenging environments with impressive speed, providing accurate and visually stunning results.”
An all-in-one system to scan, process and view captured data in real time, Stencil Pro offers panoramic high-definition 4K imagery and colorized point clouds. With robust surround-view perception in a wide range of light conditions, Stencil Pro is optimized for both indoor and outdoor performance.
Featuring a 32-line high-density, low-noise lidar with a range of 120 meters (nearly 400 feet) and a data rate of 600,000 points per second, Stencil Pro produces a highly accurate 3D model in minutes.
With an IP65 rating, Stencil Pro is safeguarded against adverse elements such as dirt, dust, fog and rain, making it the ideal tool for infrastructure mapping, mining, forestry, earthworks, construction and other harsh environments. Stencil Pro’s rugged and versatile design is adaptable to many environments, capturing data amidst poor weather, dusty work environments, and below-ground cavities or when mounted on vehicles, locomotives, ATVs and other platforms.
Like all Kaarta systems, Stencil Pro’s simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) capabilities means it operates in GNSS-denied areas such as indoor, underground, under canopy, or in urban canyons. However, it is also fully geo-enabled for the many applications such as street, corridor and rail mapping where the addition of a GNSS signal is highly beneficial.
Stencil Pro integrates the Trimble BD-990 receiver, AV-28 antenna and a range of other third-party GNSS antennas. It supports positioning accuracy enhancements through live RTK/NTRIP processing as well as PPK corrections based on data provided by the NOAA CORS network or a user-supplied base station.
GNSS positioning data is used to align and geo-register data, providing global accuracy and further enhancing the fidelity of large area scans and long, linear scan paths. With the ruggedized design, enhanced power capabilities, as well as the option of incorporating the industry-leading SLAM accuracy in addition to – or independent of – geopositioning, Stencil Pro has the scale of traditional mobile mappers for a fraction of the investment.
The onboard GNSS and color cameras are fully integrated into real-time capture, allowing for optimization of collected data as well as flexibility in output. The advantage of absolute positioning and accuracy coupled with 360 degree imaging technologies produces a true color, rich and robust point cloud when needed. If a colorized point cloud is not required, or GNSS is not available, reliance on other sensors is seamless.
“Billions of dollars of commercial real estate transactions, construction projects, infrastructure maintenance and natural resource management decisions rely on understanding existing conditions data,” said Kevin Dowling, Kaarta CEO. “Obtaining up-to-date data for these environments is laborious, time consuming and expensive with current methods. Even in the most challenging scenarios, Stencil Pro rapidly provides the answers needed for managers to make informed decisions.”
Stencil Pro is powered by either 100-240 VAC input (or 12V with an inverter) or using its two hot-swappable batteries which last for up to 3 hours of scanning. Stencil Pro’s intuitive user interface makes data capture and processing simple. The user experience includes one-button scanning, real-time scan monitoring and streamlined post-processing options for maximizing data clarity and usability. Remote operation with a touchscreen monitor allows for mounting Stencil Pro on a multitude of transports. When hand-carried, scan status can be started and stopped with the press of a button.
Stencil Pro is built on Kaarta Engine, Kaarta’s patent-pending approach to solving the SLAM problem. Kaarta’s unparalleled expertise in localization – a result of its deep robotics roots – delivers definitively lower drift error than alternative SLAM systems by an order of magnitude. Kaarta’s proven technology, quality, and accuracy is trusted by AEC, geospatial, natural resource management and autonomous mobile robot professionals worldwide.
Limited quantities of Stencil Pro will be available to ship in June. Those interested in being considered for early access to discuss a specific application, schedule a demonstration or review sample data sets can apply for the Stencil Pro Early Access Program.
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the June 2020 issue of GPS World magazine.
OEM
GPS Tester
Compact antenna testing for mobile deployments
Photo: Zonu
The ZonuSkyShot is designed for quick testing during the critical installation phase of an antenna at a new site build or small-cell integration. The compact tester is designed for integrating a Zeno GPS solution, but works as a neutral testing device. SkyShot is a compact GPS receiver that detects the presence of a GPS signal, indicated on the top-panel LED. The receiver can be accessed via the USB port on the base unit, allowing the user to see the available satellites by using the app provided with the system and available at the Optical Zonu website. The receiver can simultaneously track up to 16 satellites while searching for new ones. Because of this, a problem can be found and mitigated when a GPS antenna is installed, rather than when hardware is being integrated further down the line. Close-out of projects can be indicated with screenshots of satellite visibility via the micro-USB port to a laptop.
Seamless installation on leading 2020 police sport utility vehicles
Photo: PCTEL
The Trooper TRP-20INT antenna platform supports the high-speed requirements of complex RF communication systems used for critical communications in FirstNet public safety and intelligent transportation systems. The antennas feature two 5G elements compatible with cellular routers supporting 600-MHz to 6-GHz frequencies. PCTEL’s proprietary high-rejection multi-GNSS technology is included for high-precision tracking and asset management.
The QR-100 L1/L2 GPS anti-jamming unit mitigates RF interference or jamming signals using a spatial domain of an antenna array reception pattern. Three passive antennas of the customer’s choice can be connected to the QR-100 unit using built-in SMA connectors. The unit default configuration (no jamming signal present) has a 120-degree phase gradient between antenna elements to maximize the reception of GPS right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) signals. This feature allows the unit to be connected to either RHCP-type antennas or linearly polarized antennas. The default configuration of the unit is designed to connect to passive GPS antennas.
Inertial Labs’ TAG-200 two-axis and TAG-300 three-axis gyroscopes are developed for electro-optical systems, gimbals, line-of-sight, and pan-and-tilt platforms for stabilization and pointing applications. TAG-200 and TAG-300 use advanced-performance, tactical-grade MEMS sensitive elements to accomplish complex tasks requiring accurate stabilization of assorted platforms. The gyroscopes, designed for use in harsh environments, can withstand extreme shock and vibration in accordance with MIL-STD-810 ground mobile use. They are fully digitized, include built-in test functions and have no moving parts. The gyroscopes include low noise, low latency, wide bandwidth, high data rate, low bias drift, low VRE, high MTBF and are ITAR-free. They are factory calibrated over the operational temperature range and are quality assurance and quality compliance tested and supplied with individual calibration and acceptance test certificates.
Earthworks Grade Control Platform version 2.0 features improvements to enable faster return on investment, increase productivity and decrease training time for operators. Horizontal Steering Control for dozers automatically controls the machine to follow any horizontal alignment such as a back of a curb, breakline, roadway centerline or bottom of slope, without operator assistance. Augmented reality for excavators enables users to understand 3D models, cut/fill information, slope data and other bench points and reference points on the in-cab display in context, without the need to interpret complex 2D plans or stakes. A new mastless motor grader configuration gives operators an improved range of blade motion, allowing for machine control in applications where it previously was not possible. Integrated Trimble Loadrite Payload Management displays grade control and accurate payload data on one screen, increasing mass haul productivity and efficiency by preventing underloading, and improving safety by avoiding overloading. Trimble Earthworks is also now available for compact grading attachments with dual GNSS, single GNSS and total station guidance options. The Earthworks Assistant App provides access to Earthworks learning material and documentation, allowing for a shorter learning curve and less downtime for operators.
The addition of advanced tilt and rotation functionality allows Automatic Excavator operators to easily swivel or tilt the bucket with automatic boom control for faster and more efficient excavation. If excavator operators are in situations such as at the top of the slope, grading a long incline and not totally perpendicularly lined up, the added feature makes it easier to position the cutting edge of the bucket to the surface. Operators can excavate more quickly, moving the excavator fewer times with less wear and tear on the chassis. It is also beneficial when navigating around manholes, trenches and tight spaces.
The Horizon is a high-performance lidar sensor built for Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous driving. It has a long-distance detection range of up to 260 meters, high-density point clouds, and is so small it can be embedded easily into vehicles. The Tele-15 has achieved a reliable detection range of up to 500 meters, offering improved safety for high-speed autonomous vehicles. Both the Horizon and Tele-15 high-performance lidar sensors feature a new scanning method that offers improved sensing performance at a low cost.
The IMU383ZA is a high-accuracy, triple-redundant inertial measurement unit (IMU) for guidance and navigation solutions in autonomous machines and vehicles. It integrates triple-redundant, 3-axis micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer and gyroscope sensors. The IMU383ZA is pin-compatible with the IMU381ZA and offers high performance of 1.3 deg/hr, 0.08 deg/root-hr. The miniature module is factory-calibrated over the –40° C to +85° C industrial temperature range to provide consistent performance through extreme operating environments for a wide variety of applications.
Cost-effective, high-performance antenna designed for GNSS networks and monitoring applications
Photo: CHC Navigation
CHC Navigation has released the AT661 geodetic antenna for GNSS networks or monitoring applications. The AT GNSS antenna series is the result of years of expertise in GNSS technologies. The compact geodetic GNSS antenna offers performances rivaling those of high-cost and bulky conventional GNSS choke ring antennas, according to CHC Navigation.
The AT661’s supports all current and future GNSS signals, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, IRNSS, SBAS and L-band. The antenna features both high-gain LNA and wide beamwidth to provide excellent flexibility in applications requiring low-elevation satellite reception and high availability of GNSS signals, especially in obstructed situations.
“By further integrating the design and manufacture of GNSS antennas, CHC Navigation is broadening its presence as a global provider of GNSS solutions.” said George Zhao, CEO of CHC Navigation. “Mastering the entire GNSS positioning and navigation value chain allows us to deliver the performance our customers demand at the price they expect.”
The accuracy of the antenna’s phase center reaches the millimeter level with extremely high stability and repeatability to ensure perfect processing of GNSS data regardless of the length of the baselines.
Built to last, the AT661 withstands all types of weather, including high and low temperature fluctuations, and is protected by a waterproof radome.
Kolmostar’s ultra-low power, instant cold boot GNSS module JEDI-200 is now ready to sample. Specially designed for IoT applications such as pet and personal object tracking, livestock tracking, fixed and nomadic logistics, infrastructure tracking and shared economy, JEDI-200’s reduced level of power consumption and optimized efficiency with LPWAN solve IoT endpoint deployment’s pain-point of needing frequent recharges or a large battery.
JEDI-200 specification highlights include:
Industry lowest energy consumption of 25 mJ/position fix
Shortest cold-boot TTFF of one second
5.0 meter CEP positioning accuracy
Supports GPS and BeiDou constellations
50 Byte/12-hour compressed ephemeris (EPH) for speedy download, enabling A-GPS via LPWAN while significantly reducing EPH download power consumption overhead
High-performance cloud computing for minimum end device power consumption and seamless integration with customers’ backend data analytics platforms and dashboard applications
Integrated SAW filter, stand-alone LNA and TCXO
12mm x 16mm industry-proven standard form factor for easy wireless connectivity integration
Veripos has released the LD900, a quad-band GNSS receiver capable of tracking GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS constellations to provide reliable and accurate positioning. Access to multiple GNSS signals allow for better satellite availability and reduce the impact of satellite masking or blockage, which can affect positioning.
LD900 also receives L-band signals on multiple channels, providing access to the worldwide independent correction links and services provided by Veripos. With correction data available simultaneously from up to three correction satellites, the impact of satellite masking can be minimized to ensure reliable reception of correction data. Using the independent L-band RF input on the LD900 allows the connection of a dedicated L-band antenna ensuring optimal reception of correction services, especially at high latitudes, the company said.
Veripos provides accurate and reliable positioning for all marine applications via their redundant positioning and multi-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) Apex and Ultra services.
The Apex5 correction service utilizes all GNSS constellations delivering 5cm positioning accuracy for use in the most demanding offshore applications. Real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections can be utilized by the LD900 for applications where this service is required.
The intuitive color display and navigation menu makes setup, configuration and system status monitoring simple. The display also helps troubleshoot issues with the LD900 allowing faults to be quickly diagnosed and resolved. The LD900 can also be configured remotely through the Veripos Quantum software.
Features and Benefits
Supports decimeter-level multi-constellation positioning with Veripos Apex and Ultra PPP correction services
Multi-channel L-band allows simultaneous tracking of 3 Veripos correction service satellites
Independent L-band RF input
Easy-to-use, intuitive, color display for simple configuration and monitoring
Advanced signal filtering mitigates the effects of interference from other transmitters
Optional ALIGN GNSS heading solution
Optional MSK Beacon receives corrections from IALA marine radio beacon network
Automatic 72-hour rolling data log for incident support
