Tag: product showcase

Launchpad: Reference clock, receivers, drones

OEM

Rakon RHT1490 series TCXO.

High-Frequency TCXOs

Ultra stable for low jitter and phase noise applications

The RHT1490 series of high-frequency and low-jitter ultra-stable TCXOs are available in frequencies from 50 MHz to 204.8 MHz. It delivers telecommunications-grade stability with a low real mean squared (rms) phase jitter of <200 fs (12 kHz–20 MHz). The platform’s frequency output enables lower system jitter, allowing communication system architects to optimize noise budget and performance. It can serve as a reference clock for SyncE and packet clock requirements (ITU-T G.826x and G.827x). It works with both discrete and integrated IEEE 1588 solutions, providing medium-term stability for low loop bandwidth applications. Its ultra-low noise floor performance, combined with system phase locked loop filtering, helps achieve very low system clock rms jitter numbers required by reference clocks of physical layer devices for high -speed interfaces (40 G and 100 G applications).

Rakon, www.rakon.com

Reference clock

Smiths Interconnect’s 50-channel 8835 GPS reference clock.

Compact and configurable

The 50-channel 8835 GPS reference clock serves satellite communications, defense and wireless applications. It has extreme power and interoperability options while maintaining GPS accuracy and reliability. Tracking GPS, the clock exhibits a frequency accuracy of <1 x 10-12 and a 1 PPS accuracy with <50 nanoseconds real mean squared. The proprietary oscillator steering discipline algorithm can enhance the rms accuracy of either the double-oven crystal oscillator or optional enhanced rubidium oscillator for greater depths of accuracy. It operates from –30° C to +60° C with a terminal node controller GPS receiver port.

Smiths Interconnect, www.trak.com

Survey

Windows tablet

Handheld Group’s Algiz 8X ultra-rugged tablet computer.

Rigorously tested for tough environments

The Algiz 8X ultra-rugged tablet computer is built for field workers who require a powerful, portable computer for mobile tasks. It offers communication features such as LTE and dual-band WLAN, along with an 8-inch projective capacitive touchscreen for outdoor use. Enabling glove mode or rain mode allows for operation in changing weather. The chemically strengthened glass survives an impact test in which a 64-gram steel ball is dropped on the screen 10 times from a height of 1.2 meters. The Algiz 8X has optional active capacitive stylus. Built-in features include Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB; u-blox GPS and GLONASS; WLAN a/b/g/n/ac; BT 4.2 LE; a rear-facing 8-MP camera with autofocus and LED flash; and 4G/LTE.

Handheld Group, www.handheldgroup.com

2D excavating system

Topcon X-52 entry-level machine control system.

Cost-effective grade control

The X-52 entry-level machine control system for excavation features the new intuitive MC-X1 controller, compatible with all brands and models of excavators. Its reliable and rugged TS-i3 tilt sensors detect the precise positioning of the boom, stick and bucket at all times. Later this year, the X-52 will be upgradeable to a full 3D system with GNSS. The X-52 not only allows operators to work faster and with better accuracy, but also promotes a safer work site by keeping grade checkers out of the trenches. The system is designed to pair with the GX-55 touchscreen control box to offer sunlight-readable indicate grade reference in any climate.

Topcon Positioning Group, www.topcon.com

GNSS RTK receiver

Tersus GNSS’ Precis-TX204 receiver.

Integrated display and keypad for configuration without controller

The Precis-TX204 receiver is a light-weight, rugged, all-in-one GNSS receiver with a built-in centimeter-accuracy RTK engine, onboard storage and versatile connectivity. The built-in battery can support up to 10 hours of continuous field work. Up to 16-GB SD card support makes field work easier, and the rugged enclosure enables the receiver to work in harsh environment. The receiver is designed for infrastructure applications such as providing differential data or logging observations; centimeter-level position and velocity information; precise tracking for internet of things; precise navigation for UAV and robotics. It supports GPS L1 and L2, and BDS B1 and B2.

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

Transportation

Aviation Receiver

Esterline’s CMA-6024 aviation GPS/SBAS/GBAS sensor.

High-performance GPS/SBAS/GBAS for all aircraft

The CMA-6024 aviation GPS/SBAS/GBAS sensor, featuring an embedded VHF data broadcast (VDB) receiver, is a complete, self-contained, fully certified, precision approach and navigation solution certified to Design Assurance Level A (DAL-A). Designed as an easy-to-integrate solution for all aircraft, the plug-and-play standalone unit requires no specialized installation or integration support. The new CMA-6024 provides a navigation solution that is fully compliant with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP). The CMA-6024 includes SBAS Localizer Performance/Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LP/LPV) and GBAS GNSS Landing System (GLS) GAST-C/D precision approach guidance for all aircraft. Built on the success of the CMA-5024, the CMA-6024 is the next step forward, adding a complete GBAS/GLS solution. All CMA-5024 receivers can be upgraded to a CMA-6024.

Esterline CMC Electronics, www.esterline.com

Electronic logging

GPS Insight’s Electronic Logging Device.

Alternative to paper logs streamlines fleet management

The GPS Insight Hours of Service solution has a feature set designed to streamline fleet management and ensure Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliance. Hours of Service bundles an Android tablet hardwired to a GPS tracking device. The ruggedized Electronic Logging Device (ELD) tablet features an intuitive user interface to ensure ease of use for all drivers. The management portal is web-based, secure and accessible via PC, tablet and smartphone. Features include messaging between drivers and dispatch; audible and visual directions using designated truck-specific routes; and e-logs combined with GPS monitoring, alerting and reporting. The GPS Insight Hours of Service Solution offers a simple alternative to paper logs and provides many benefits beyond compliance.

GPS Insight, www.gpsinsight.com

UAV

Professional drone

DJI’s Matrice 200 drone.

Rugged platform designed for aerial inspection, data collection

The Matrice 200 drone series (M200) is built for professional users to perform aerial inspections and collect data. The folding body is easy to carry and set up, with a weather- and water-resistant body for field operations. It offers DJI’s first upward-facing gimbal mount, for inspecting the undersides of bridges, towers and other structure. It is compatible with DJI’s X4S and X5S cameras, the high-powered Z30 zoom camera and the XT camera for thermal imaging. A forward-facing first-person-view camera allows a pilot and camera operator to monitor separate images on dual controllers. Obstacle avoidance sensors face forward and up and down, and it has an ADS-B receiver for advisory traffic information from nearby manned aircraft.

DJI, www.dji.com

UAV data analysis tool

PCI Geomatics’ STAX UAV image alignment and analysis tool.

Designed to ease image alignment

The STAX UAV image alignment and analysis tool provides automated tools for aligning and analyzing UAV imagery without a full photogrammetric software suite. STAX was built to address the challenges of collecting and aligning multiple UAV surveys of the same location over time. By automating the alignment process, UAV operators can reduce or eliminate the use of ground control points that are traditionally installed and measured in survey sites. Relative corrections can be applied by using one of the surveys in a stack as a reference. Alternately, a highly accurate reference image of similar resolution over the area of interest can be used to automate the image alignment process. Once multi-pass UAV surveys have been aligned, customers can accurately make comparisons between surveys to measure changes over time or perform feature extraction. STAX provides tools to calculate vegetation indices as well as visualization and basic cartographic capability. Stacked data sets
can be exported for deeper analysis.

PCI Geomatics, www.pcigeomatics.com

SATCOM terminal

Gilat’s BlackRay 72Ka.

Enables long-endurance missions for very small UAVs

The miniature, lightweight BlackRay 72Ka terminal enables long-endurance missions for very small UAVs. The ultra-compact airborne SATCOM terminal for unmanned aircraft systems delivers exceptional throughput for its size. Tactical, long-endurance unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are commonly used to gather and send intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to ground stations in real time. Reliable, high-performance satellite communications are crucial for ensuring uninterrupted broadband connectivity in beyond line-of-sight missions. Weighing less than 5 Kg, the BlackRay 72Ka combines high performance and throughput with minimal footprint.

Gilat Satellite Networks, www.gilat.com

Hydrogen drone

MMC’s HyDrone 1800.

Long endurance aircraft equipped for military applications

The carbon-fiber HyDrone 1800 is designed for use in tough conditions. The drone is wind-resistant, rain-resistant, cold-resistant and lightweight. Its hydrogen fuel-cell technology provides a flight endurance of 4 hours — 50+ hours when combined with MMC tethered technology. The HyDrone 1800 achieves extended flight time while maintaining altitude limits of 4,500 meters with a payload capacity of up to 5 kg. Constructed for safety and durability, an auxiliary lithium battery starts the fuel cell and provides a backup power source. Hydrogen drones can be flown in extreme temperatures from –10° C to 40° C. Payloads include a thermal imaging camera, low light camera, laser equipment or zoom camera, making the system suitable for many military applications such as intelligence gathering, border patrol, aerial fire support, laser designation or battle management services to tactical military operators. MMC also offers packaged solutions in target acquisition and reconnaissance technology (ISTAR).

MMC, www.mmcuav.com

April 25, 2017
Alt-PNT receivers emphasize low-power requirements

LORAD++ CORE, an alternative PNT source to combat GNSS denial: 60 x 30 x 8 millimeters

A new series of integrated eLoran/Chayka/GNSS receivers emphasize low-power requirements and small size for alternative positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) to reduce risks of GNSS denial.

Loradd++, from Netherlands-based firm Reelektronika, consists of a receiver board of 60 x 30 x 8 millimeters, consuming less than 500 milliwatts (3.3 volts) in continuous operation. The Loradd++ can be used with either E-field or H-field antennas, features dual serial interface for integrated systems, and is connectable to certain miniature GNSS receiver modules.

eLoran and Chayka are recognized as alternative PNT systems, but current receivers on the market are large in comparison to miniature GNSS devices. Chayka is a Russian terrestrial radio navigation system, similar to Loran-C. It operates on similar frequencies around 100 kHz, and uses the same techniques of comparing both the envelope and the signal phase to accurately determine location.

The first of a new series of receivers is Reelelektronika’s Loradd++/E, which is an integration of the Loradd++ with an E-field antenna housed in a small single radome that can be connected via a data cable (up to 150 meters) and a dongle to a USB port on a PC. The radome contains a u-blox M8T GNSS receiver with antenna and measures 135 millimeters in height and 85 millimeters in diameter. The Loradd++/E needs less than 700 milliwatts at 4-16 volts.

Reelektronika manufactures eLoran equipment for users, service providers and surveyors. The company developed the eDLoran system. eDLoran works with existing Loran transmitter stations and yields differential Loran position and navigation accuracies comparable to GPS; see the cover story of the July 2014 issue of GPS World. The system can thus be considered as a robust backup for GPS.

April 17, 2017
Tersus GNSS launches Precis-BX306 RTK board

The Tersus GNSS Precis-BX306.

Tersus GNSS Inc., a GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) manufacturing company, has launched its new GNSS RTK board, the Precis-BX306.

The launch of Precis-BX306 aims at facilitating the applications that need centimeter positioning accuracy and dynamic operation mode, enforcing effective observation data logging and management, and popularizing the adoption of high precision in aerial mapping and drone-related integration.

Compared with previous Precis GNSS RTK boards, Precis-BX306 further improves the reliability and continuity of positioning performance in challenging environments. It supports GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2 and Beidou B1/B2 with 192 tracking channels.

The Precis-BX306 can easily integrate into Pixhawk and other autopilots. The event mark and PPS features of the new board provide more possibilities for shutter synchronization.

April 10, 2017
Foxcom offers GPS/GNSS repeaters for Iridium, indoors
RF optical solutions maker Foxcom has introduced a range of products to serve the GPS/GNSS repeater market.

Foxcom launched an Iridium repeater in September 2016 and is now offering advanced GPS/GNSS repeater solutions globally.

The firm’s repeaters have been designed to cover a wide range of commercial and military applications, such as:
- aircraft hangars
- time distribution in data centers
- GPS distribution in tunnels
- police and fire stations
- manufacturing and test facilities
GPS L1 and GLONASS signals are passed through the repeater to the interior space. This means that satellite navigation devices will always receive a signal when indoors, eliminating any satellite acquisition delay when leaving the building.

Foxcom offers a choice of coax or optical solutions that have been optimized to meet the needs of customers worldwide, including.
- Optical GPS/GNSS Repeater. Foxcom’s GPS/GNSS optical repeater solution is for retransmitting GPS/GNSS signals indoors. The repeater system provides seamless coverage inside a hangar or a large facility enabling the testing of navigational systems.
- GPS/GNSS Distribution in Tunnels. Foxcom’s redundant GNSS Time Distribution System (TDS) ensures failsafe global satellite navigation signal transmission in tunnels.
- GPS/GNSS Distribution for Data Centers. Foxcom’s optical redundant GNSS Time Distribution System (TDS) ensures failsafe synchronization in data centers by transmitting fully redundant GPS/GNSS signals. By deploying Foxcom’s optical GPS/GNSS link, networks of data centers at multiple locations can be accurately synchronized.
- GPS Optical Link | GL7222. Foxcom’s Sat-Light/Gold L-Band Interfacility Link offers a high performance, alternative to conventional coaxial-cabled systems. The Gold GPS Link covers the frequency range of 1100 to 1600MHz and supporting both L1 and L2 GPS bands. The Gold Series GPS link is compatible with wide range of active GPS antenna and is equipped with voltage selectable GPS antenna powering.
- GPS Repeater Kit. Foxcom’s GPS repeater solution is for retransmitting GNSS and GLONASS signals indoors. The repeater system provides seamless coverage inside a hangar or a large facility enabling the testing of aircraft navigational systems. The kit consists of an active repeater, indoor/outdoor antennas and 3 x 30 foot coax cable.
Coax-based Iridium repeater. Iridium satellite telephones are used all over the world. They generally can’t operate indoors, because the structure of the building blocks the ingress and egress of the signal. When it isn’t practical or safe to leave the building to make a call, a repeater system overcomes this barrier.

Iridium repeaters are used in a wide range of situations, including underground civil defense/military bunkers, oil rigs/ships, large buildings and any other underground facilities.

Foxcom’s coax-based Iridium repeater can be used when the distance from outdoor to indoor antennas is short. For example, when used in an aircraft hangar the ODU and IDU may be just a few meters apart. The cost of the coax-based kit is significantly lower than that of the optical version.

The new coaxial repeater system merges the ODU and IDU into one combined unit removing the optical fiber interfaces. The single IP65 repeater unit is roof-mounted and comes as a kit with antenna set and the required cabling.
March 30, 2017
Tallysman introduces dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna

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

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

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

TW3892 (other radomes are available). Photo: Tallysman

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

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

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

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

March 29, 2017
Sokkia introduces GCX3 integrated receiver

Photo: Sokkia

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

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

Photo: Sokkia

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

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

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

March 28, 2017
SBG Systems rolls out new inertial nav series, Ekinox 2

SBG Systems has released a new generation of its advanced and compact inertial navigation systems. The Ekinox 2 series features new accelerometers and gyroscopes, enhancing attitude accuracy by a factor of two over the original Ekinox.

Photo: SBG

The Ekinox series is a line of tactical grade MEMS-based inertial navigation systems, first released in 2013. The latest improvements come from a complete redesign of the in-house inertial measurement unit (IMU), integrating cutting-edge gyroscopes and accelerometers.

With higher accuracy for the same form factor and price level, Ekinox 2 Series is designed for industrial-grade vehicle navigation, equipment motion compensation and data georeferencing. It provides a 0.02-degree roll and pitch, 0.05-degree heading and a centimeter-level position.

Applications for the Ekinox 2 include hydrography, mobile mapping and antenna tracking. With new accelerometers, this new generation has also significantly improved its resistance to vibration. Finally, the addition of the BeiDou constellation improves signal availability in Asia.

Compact and light-weight, the Ekinox Series has been designed to simplify installation operations. Configuration is made with an intuitive embedded web interface where all parameters can be displayed and adjusted. For example, users can choose a profile (vessel, plane, car, etc.), and the 3D view will provide a visualization of settings such as the sensor position, alignment and lever arms.

The Ekinox 2 Series is ITAR Free. The product line will be available during the second quarter of 2017.

March 20, 2017
Launchpad: Survey book, receivers, black box for cars

SURVEY & MAPPING

Handbook on GPS

Written for professional users of GPS systems and data

GNSS Survey & Engineering: Handbook for Surveyors and Survey Engineers, by Huibert-Jan Lekkerkerk, provides the professional GPS user with enough background to understand and correct the operation of satellite navigation equipment in general, and GPS in particular. The book is based on lectures the author has written for the Geomares Education Skilltrade course in hydrographic surveying as well as a series of articles on satellite navigation systems. ISBN/EAN: 978-90-825818-2-9, 236 pages.

Geomares Publishing, www.geomares.nl/store/

Modular receiver

Future-proof system tracks currentand planned constellations

Topcon MR-2 GNSS receiver.

The MR-2 modular GNSS receiver system combines all current and planned constellation tracking with a comprehensive set of communication interfaces to service any precision application requiring high-performance real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and heading determination. It can perform as a mobile RTK base station, marine navigation receiver, mobile mapping device and as a GNSS receiver for agricultural, industrial, military or construction applications. Using Topcon HD2 heading determination technology, the MR-2’s dual antennas compute high-performance heading and inclination determination alongside the RTK positioning engine for precise navigation and guidance applications. Communication interfaces include Ethernet, serial and CAN. It can operate without disturbances in high-vibration environments.

Topcon Positioning Group, www.topconpositioning.com

The Optech Galaxy T1000 reduces operating costs and improves performance

Terrain mapper

Designed to reduce operating cost,improve performance

The ALTM Galaxy T1000 combines a 1000-kHz effective ground measurement rate with Optech’s SwathTRAK technology to create a compact, efficient and versatile lidar sensor. A doubling of the laser pulse repetition frequency and an increase to its variable-terrain capability with SwathTRAK technology reduces the number of flightlines by up to 70 percent over traditional fixed field of view (FOV) sensors. SwathTRAK leverages the Galaxy’s programmable scanner by dynamically adjusting the scan FOV in real time during data acquisition, enabling constant-width data swaths and constant point density even in highly variable terrain and far fewer flightlines to collect and process.

Teledyne Optech, www.teledyneoptech.com

TRANSPORTATION

Auto navigator
Lifetime map updates, lane routing

TomTom VIA1625.

The TomTom VIA GPS devices are available in three models: VIA 1425, VIA 1525 and VIA 1625 — 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch touchscreens, respectively. They offer an enhanced address search that helps drivers define destinations from the search menu or by touching a point on the map. TomTom VIA devices also offer Advanced Lane Guidance, helping drivers prepare for exits and intersections by clearly highlighting the correct driving lane for a planned route. Drivers also have the ability to update maps for the device’s lifetime at no extra charge with Lifetime Maps.

TomTom, TomTom.com

Aftermarket telematics

Connected cars for dealerships

The Kahu connected car solution is designed for auto dealers, providing streamlined lot management while delivering a new finance and insurance (F&I) profit center by offering consumers a modern location tracking and stolen vehicle recovery service. Kahu provides accurate vehicle data for proactive maintenance reminders that can improve vehicle health and keep vehicles within warranty. Kahu includes an aftermarket GPS device and mobile apps for both dealers and their customers.

Spireon, www.spireon.com

Black box for cars

Dashboard camera helps in accidents

vPinPoint is a 3D “black box” technology for vehicles using a dashboard camera. In July 2016, Roke fitted the tech to an autonomous Toyota Prius and demonstrated how data captured via vision processing technology could be used to provide a precise 3D reconstruction following a road incident. The tech is expected to offer insurers, drivers and, in the case of autonomous vehicles, manufacturers independent evidence of what happened, leading to safer vehicles and helping build public trust in driverless vehicles. Unlike current dashcams, the technology uses computer vision algorithms to enable the precise position and orientation of any vehicle — car, bike, lorry or autonomous vehicle. This allows for near-perfect 3D reconstruction of any accident to be created even if the vehicle loses complete control.

Roke Manor Research, www.roke.co.uk

UAV

Module for UAV testing

Research and education platform offers Linux autopilot on Raspberry Pi

The Navio2 platform is being used in universities and research institutions worldwide. It has a u-blox M8N GLONASS/GPS/Beidou chip and two inertial measurement units (IMU): the InvenSense MPU9250 and an STMicroelectronics LSM9DS1 — both offering nine degrees of freedom. Other features include a barometer, servo control and a friendly programming environment. Open-source drivers and detailed tutorials are available in C++ and Python. All experimental data can be processed directly on Raspberry Pi, a tiny computer designed to teach programming. Navio2 runs Ardupilot flight stack and can operate in different flight modes including manual, stabilize, follow-me and auto.

Emlid, www.emlid.clom

Drone-based agricultural solution

Early identification and troubleshooting of crop issues

SenseFly’s eBee SQ long-range agricultural drone can now come paired with Agribotix’s FarmLens agricultural data-processing cloud-processing platform to make collecting and analyzing aerial data easier. The eBee SQ is built around Parrot’s Sequoia sensor, which features multispectral sensors that capture calibrated data across four distinct spectral bands and imagery in a single flight. The FarmLens Professional subscription bundled with the eBee SQ gives users the ability to perform the full crop-scouting workflow while working in the field. Users can fly large areas efficiently, capture ground-truthing images, make notes and share detailed information about trouble spots via the Agribotix Digital Scouting Report.

Agribotix, agribotix.com

sensefly, www.sensefly.com

March 13, 2017
Antenova reveals chip antennas for new NB-IoT standard

Antenova’s new NB-IoT antenna “Latona.”

Antenova Ltd., manufacturer of antennas and RF antenna modules for machine-to-machine and the Internet of Things (IoT), has developed a new antenna for the new narrow-band IoT (NB-IoT) standard that was ratified in 2016. The company showcased the antenna at Embedded World in Nuremberg in March.

The antenna is small, measuring 20 x 11 x 1.6 mm, and is built to a novel design that allows it to perform well within a device while being easy to integrate onto a small printed circuit board (PCB).

The new chip antenna in the company’s lamiiANT antenna family is named Latona (part no. SR4C033)

Narrow-band IoT is the latest mobile broadband standard. It uses the 3GPP licensed network spectrum, which is secure and free from interference, and offers the combined advantages of low power, long range and the ability to penetrate walls and metal barriers.

“Narrow Band IoT will be good for connecting devices in locations where the signal distance is in kilometers and for locations in basements and underground.” explains Antenova’s CEO, Colin Newman. “It could be the enabler for some of the IoT applications that are emerging that are not suited to the established telecoms networks, where the data throughput is quite low and infrequent. We see these antennas being used for smart metering, agricultural technologies, building automation and smart city applications with lighting, waste bins and parking spaces.”

As with all of Antenova’s embedded antennas, the NB-IoT antennas are designed for quick and easy integration onto a host PCB.

Samples of Latona areavailable to order. Antenova provides full design, testing and tuning services for customers who are adding wireless capabilities to their IoT devices and other electronic products.

March 10, 2017
Topcon’s new concrete paving system uses ‘millimeter GPS technology’

Topcon Positioning Group has launched a new system for automated concrete paving — the ZPS system — with the new Z-Robot and Z-Stack sensor.

Using enhanced Topcon “millimeter GPS technology,” the ZPS system is designed to bring unmatched accuracy to concrete paving with a fraction of the hardware required for a traditional local positioning system.

The new Z-Robot is an advanced robotic total station with integrated Z-beam laser technology. The Z-Robot is designed to provide a hybrid function of high-precision, optically based vertical accuracy control and the convenience of Z-beam laser positioning to maintain that accuracy across the paver.

“The ZPS system’s self-leveling Z-Robot cuts setup time in half compared with previous concrete paving methods,” said Murray Lodge, senior vice president and general manager of the Construction Business Unit. “With traditional systems, you need multiple, expensive robotic total stations to control the paver at any given time and at least another complete set of instruments for downrange transition. With the ZPS system, only one Z-Robot controls the paver — increasing productivity and profitability, and dramatically lowering the cost of the solution compared to LPS.”

On board the paver, the ZPS system uses the new Topcon Z-Stack modular-designed system that seamlessly integrates GPS, optical targeting, and Z-beam reception into one unit by interlocking the required sensing technologies in one rugged “stack.”

“The Z-Stack sensor is revolutionary,” said Lodge. “It combines time-proven Topcon positioning technologies into one multifunctional, consolidated and complete system that provides better accuracies and more efficient paving than ever before. The system requires no separate base station and only one cable needed for power and connectivity.

“The system also offers a wider working area, with a range of up to 150 more feet than with traditional methods — minimizing instrument transitions,” Lodge said.

March 9, 2017
Topcon offers Bentley reality modeling with UAS solutions

Topcon Positioning Group introduced Topcon ContextCapture, powered by Bentley Systems, a reality modeling software solution that will be offered with Topcon UAS (unmanned aerial systems).

Context Capture software by Topcon.

The system is designed for mapping, construction and surveying professionals to quickly turn simple photographs and or point-cloud data into true-to-life, highly detailed 3D models for use throughout a project lifecycle.

“The offering will include Topcon ContextCapture Standard and Topcon ContextCapture Advanced,” said Charles Rihner, vice president of the Topcon GeoPositioning Solutions Group. “The standard package will be bundled with Falcon 8 and Sirius Basic/Pro and allows operators to process data from these UAS into textured 3D reality meshes, point clouds and orthophotos. ContextCapture Advanced allows users to process data from any UAS. It also includes ContextCapture Editor, which enables operators to take advantage of all project data by integrating reality meshes and point clouds, into infrastructure workflows. The result is access to a wide variety of reality modeling tools to help increase productivity.”

The ContextCapture Advanced integration includes computer-aided design (CAD), inspection, GIS, civil engineering, and survey workflows on desktop and mobile devices, in multiple formats.

“This represents the next step in the Topcon and Bentley collaboration to advance the concept of constructioneering — allowing users to start from a reality-captured survey context and leverage and update their digital engineering models throughout the construction process, and finally deliver the as-built infrastructure in real time,” Rihner said.

“We are excited to bring to market this new joint offering that enables greater efficiency and productivity in the global construction market,” said Phil Christensen, Bentley vice president of reality modeling. “Our reality modeling solution for mapping, construction, and surveying professionals will enable them to quickly turn UAS imagery into engineering-ready 3D reality models that can be used immediately and updated throughout the construction lifecycle. Since we announced our constructioneering partnership last November, we see this as only one of many new integrations between Bentley and Topcon that will enable better project outcomes.”

March 9, 2017
New survey, mapping products

Deformation monitoring

Monitor, manage and evaluate monitoring data, optionally trigger alarms

The Delta Solutions deformation monitoring system uses several software and hardware components — Delta Link, Delta Log, Delta Watch, Delta Sat and the Topcon MS AXII total station — to provide accurate and reliable monitoring measurements and associated reporting for asset protection. Delta Watch delivers accurate and reliable data in a variety of reporting formats to fit a project’s needs. Data from the total station, GNSS receivers, leveling devices and sensors can be processed and analyzed individually or as a network-adjusted solution. Delta Watch’s optional Delta Sat GNSS processing module allows for stand-alone GNSS monitoring or combined GNSS and total-station network adjustments. Delta Link provides hardware support communication for autonomous operation in the field, managing each power source to maximize system availability, while Delta Log provides an intuitive interface to manage observations, target types and measurement scheduling.

Topcon Positioning, topconpositioning.com

Rugged handheld

GPS data collector for utilities, mining, forestry, agriculture

The SXPad 1000P is an affordable, rugged handheld GPS data collector specifically designed for mobile GIS users in applications such as water, electric and gas utilities, transportation, mining, agriculture and forestry. The high-performance 1000-MHz device is designed to give professionals the power needed to work with maps and large data sets in the field. It has an IP67 waterproof seal and can survive 5-foot (1.5-meter) drops to concrete. Its 3.7-inch color touchscreen (full VGA) is sharp and is sunlight readable. Standard features include a battery life of more than 10 hours on a charge, 8-GB internal storage, and slots for MicroSD cards and SIM cards as well as Windows Mobile 6.5. The SXPad 1000P also offers a 3.5G cellular modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, video capture and a 5-megapixel camera. It is optimized for GPS/GIS field data collection using its 1-to-3-meter accuracy internal GPS receiver or one of Geneq’s high-performance SXBlue GPS receivers for sub-meter and centimeter-level accuracy.

Geneq, www.geneq.com

Software analytics

Glean and share insight from big data, internet of things

Esri ArcGIS 10.5 offers next-generation analytics technology by helping organizations glean insight from enterprise data, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) and share that insight in intuitive ways. It includes improved capabilities for handling large-scale analytics and big data; a drag-and-drop interface that streamlines the creation of spatial analysis through maps, charts and graphs; and collaboration features to connect and analyze information across the enterprise. The new release is powered by Esri ArcGIS Enterprise, a significant evolution of the technology formerly known as ArcGIS for Server. ArcGIS Enterprise has been updated with improved power to process and analyze large, disparate datasets.

Esri, esri.com

Laser scanner

Entry-level device for construction, public safety

The Faro FocusM 70 is an entry-level laser scanner for construction building information modeling (BIM) and public safety forensics. Features include an IP54 rating for use in high particulate and wet weather, high-dynamic-range imaging, an acquisition speed of almost 500,000 points per second and extended temperature range. Data captured can be used with various third-party software packages. The Faro FocusM 70 is specifically designed for both indoor and outdoor applications that require scanning up to 70 meters and at an accuracy of +/– 3 millimeters.

Faro, www.faro.com

March 1, 2017