Harxon has introduced an advanced, high-speed, Bluetooth-enabled wireless data link designed for GNSS/RTK (real-time kinematic) surveying and precise positioning.
The HX-DU1603D is a lightweight, ruggedized UHF receiver designed for digital radio communications between 410 and 470 MHz in either 12.5 or 25 kHz channels, which can be widely used in GNSS/RTK surveying and GNSS precise positioning systems.
ThevHX-DU1603D is equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver for cable-free communications with external devices. It features an internal, rechargeable battery for ease of use and portability that allows long operational hours.
The HX-DU1603D rover radio easy to operate and use. It is equipped with a display screen, and its buttons can be used to configuration all parameters, such as frequency, protocols, power display, serial port baud rate and air baud rate. By deploying the technology, users can instantly communicate with GNSS precise positioning receivers that share the same protocols throughout the world.
The rover radio HX-DU1603D joins the line of Harxon products that include 25W base radio HX-DU8602T with simplex and 35W base radio HX-DU8608D with Duplex.
Omata is introducing a new analog GPS speedometer that displays the information most essential to the activity in a classic form.
Starting with cycling, Omata introduces the Omata One speedometer, designed to complement and maintain the purity of the ride as well as look beautiful on the bike.
On the inside of the speedometer is a GPS computer that records with high precision so that cyclists can at download their activity data to their preferred training applications or sites.
On the outside Omata One has a legible and mechanical analog movement that shows riders the speed, distance, ascent and time. The company’s first product displays only these four, core pieces of information so the cyclist can focus on the ride.
“Everything about your bike should be as pure, inspiring and beautiful as the ride itself,” said the Omata team in a press release. “We are a team of ruthlessly dedicated and committed product makers who believe great design and meaningful products come more from what you leave out, rather than what you add in.”
The Omata One speedometer will launch on Kickstarter on April 5 with estimated delivery of the first product in February 2017. Omata One will subsequently be available through omata.com.
The VN-360 OEM GPS-Compass module provides an accurate, True North heading solution for systems integrators seeking a reliable alternative to magnetic-based sensors to improve the capabilities and performance of next-generation manned and unmanned systems. Unlike digital magnetometers that can be affected by ferrous materials, the VN-360 heading solution provides a cost-effective GPS-based alternative. With two onboard GNSS receivers, the VN-360 calculates the relative position between its two GNSS antennas to derive a heading solution an order of magnitude more accurate than a magnetic compass. It supports a variety of GNSS antennas that can be mounted on the host platform with a separation distance from a few centimeters to several meters. Applications include antenna pointing, multirotor UAVs and aerostats, automated agriculture, heavy machinery, ground robots, weapons training, warfare simulation and direct surveying.
The SDX software-defined GNSS simulator is now available in version 16.2. For real-time kinematic application, it is now possible to synchronize multiple simulators using a 10-MHz reference and pulse-per-second (PPS) signal. Users can modify pseudorange from the graphical user interface or the application program interface (API) in real time. Each satellite can be controlled individually or together. Trajectories can be imported from CSV files, and raw datalogging is improved. The navigation message can be changed in real time during the simulation. There is now an alternative to python API with the C++ open source API (other programming languages, such as C#, will be supported in the future.)
Designed for hydrographic tasks from shallow to deep water
The Apogee-M motion reference unit and the Apogee-U inertial navigation system (INS) are both made of titanium and have a depth rating of 200 meters. The Apogee Series is an accurate INS based on robust micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology with a high degree of precision — 0.008 degrees in roll and pitch in real time — while delivering a robust and accurate heading from the continuous fusion of GNSS and IMU data. Apogee-M and Apogee-U are designed to mount close to the sonar head for hydrographic tasks in shallow or deep water. They provide a real-time heave accurate to 5 centimeters, which automatically detects the wave frequency and constantly adjusts to it. When wave frequency is erratic or in case of long-period swell, the delayed heave feature can allow survey in rough conditions with a more extensive calculation, resulting in a heave accurate to 2 cm displayed in real-time with a short delay. Apogee sensors can be paired with any survey-grade GNSS receiver or with one offered by SBG Systems.
The Piksi is a high-performance GPS receiver with real-time kinematic (RTK) functionality for centimeter-level relative positioning accuracy. Designed for integration into autonomous vehicles and portable surveying equipment, it has a fast position-solution update rate and low-power consumption in a small form factor. An open-source architecture with a high-performance digital signal processor on board and a flexible correlation accelerator make it suitable for GNSS research. Features include centimeter-accurate relative positioning (carrier-phase RTK); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and SBAS signals; 50-Hz position/velocity/time solutions; and integrated patch antenna and external antenna input.
BYOD program offers a range of configurations for a variety of jobs
Anatum Field Solutions (AFS) has launched a nationwide Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) submeter GNSS and centimeter real-time kinematic (RTK ) GNSS receiver rental program. AFS rentals target high-accuracy users in GIS, UAV, environmental, engineering, surveying, agriculture, electric/gas/water utilities, pipeline, forestry, mining, transportation, construction, architecture and government markets. AFS offers all mobile GIS devices including Apple iOS, Android, Windows and Windows Mobile/EHH. It also stocks various GNSS receivers such as Eos Arrow (submeter and centimeter), SXBlue (submeter and centimeter), Trimble R1 (1 meter) and BadElf (1–3 meters) in a variety of configurations.
The FC-5000 field controller, with its 7-inch sunlight-readable display, is designed to provide operators a larger, more versatile and faster handheld computer for the modern construction site. The display has a capacitive touch interface — with finger, glove, small-tip stylus and water-capable options — that is optically bonded to increase visibility. With the press of a key, a user can change the orientation of the screen from portrait to landscape to increase visibility when viewing maps or drawings. The controller is compatible with all Topcon GNSS receivers and total stations, operating MAGNET Field, Site and Layout software. It has two built-in cameras: an 8-MP camera with autofocus and LED flash for field photography, and a 2-MP camera on the front for video meetings. Additional features include 64 GB of flash storage, an optional 4G LTE cellular modem, internal GPS navigation, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and a battery life of 10-plus hours.
Phantom 4 features obstacle avoidance, active tracking
The Phantom 4 quadcopter uses advanced computer vision and sensing technology to make professional aerial imaging easier. Its onboard intelligence makes piloting and shooting images easier through features such as its Obstacle Sensing System and ActiveTrack functionality. The Obstacle Sensing System features two forward-facing optical sensors that scan for obstacles and automatically direct the aircraft around impediments, reducing risk of collision, while ensuring flight direction remains constant. Obstacle avoidance also engages if the user triggers the drone’s “Return to Home” function to reduce the risk of collision when automatically flying back to its takeoff point. With ActiveTrack, the user can keep the camera centered on a subject. ActiveTrack allows users running the DJI Go app on iOS and Android devices to follow and keep the camera centered on the subject as it moves by tapping the subject on their smartphone or tablet.
The Pteryx UAV is a photomapping tool designed to help with photogrammetry, land property surveillance, environmental survey, search and rescue, precision agriculture, research, and in the energy sector. With a two-hour flight time, missions can be planned with the endurance reserve needed to overcome the large distances and worst-case changing weather conditions. Pteryx is designed to fly at speeds of about 50 km/h in light or medium wind speeds. The Pteryx can lift up to 1 kilogram of cargo: cameras, camcorders or other research equipment. The payload is housed in a roll-stabilized head on the front of the fuselage. The Pteryx can also accommodate a wide variety of sensors, which are installed in an easy to replace camera head. The Pteryx is delivered with a 16 MPx APS-C (crop sensor) daylight camera and wide lens, with other sensor options available.
The M2-D is a miniature stabilized gyro with electro optical (EO) and infrared imagers. The system is designed for mobile, marine and aerial unmanned applications. The M2-D is compact at 3 inches tall and 2 inches in diameter. The gimbal is fully gyro stabilized and packs sensor technologies previously only available in much larger payloads. The infrared FLIR brand pan-tilt-zoom thermal imaging camera has an optical telephoto zoom in a lightweight 160-gram payload. The high-resolution thermal imaging sensor with digital zoom integration lets users capture stable video in total darkness. For daytime operations, the gimbal has a full-color visual camera with optical 6x zoom to ~4 degrees. The optical zoom is then enhanced with digial zoom integration for stable long-range imaging.
Surveys large areas or objects to generate fast, precise data
Version 2 of the AibotX6 hexacopter features high-precision (HP) GNSS for surveyors. The system also can be installed in existing AibotX6 hexacopters. With Version 2, the precision and quality of surveying data is significantly improved with RTK technology based on the Leica Geosystems SmartNet correction data service. Post-processing is also possible. The new AibotX6 HP GNSS workflow guarantees precision of up to 2-centimeter position accuracy. Besides allowing the use of existing surveying hexacopters, continuing generation and processing of data can be done with the fully integrated software Aibotix AiProFlight. The Aibot X6 can carry a variety of sensors weighing up to 2 kilograms.
Integrates GNSS for challenging maritime positioning
The new DPS 432 combines full decimeter accuracy with high integrity and availability of GNSS data, supporting the safety and efficiency of offshore operations that rely on advanced dynamic positioning (DP) systems. It integrates signals from GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo, and regional correction signals including SBAS and G4 services from Fugro, to ensure high flexibility for DP operations globally. Suited to complex operations, the system increases satellite availability, improves integrity monitoring and enables more precision under challenging signal tracking conditions. The DPS 432 features a sophisticated engine that runs in a safe mode protected from unintended user operations.
The aera 660 features a 5-inch capacitive touchscreen display that has been optimized for cockpits and various types of flying. It has a built-in GPS/GLONASS receiver and rich, interactive maps that can be viewed in portrait or landscape modes. Cost-effective database options along with Wi-Fi database updating capabilities allow customers to access up-to-date data, including daily U.S. fuel prices. Bluetooth supports the display of ADS-B in traffic and weather from a variety of sources, including the GDL 39/GDL 39 3D, Flight Stream and the GTX 345 ADS-B transponder. The aera 660 withstands the harshest environments, meeting stringent temperature tests and helicopter vibration standards. Depending on settings and external connections, pilots can receive up to four hours of battery life on a single charge.
Leica Geosystems released its new generation of reference servers and monitoring receiver, optimized with multi-frequency 555-channel capabilities to connect with current and all anticipated GNSS signals.
The Leica Geosystems GM30 receiver.
The new Leica GR30 and GR50 reference servers and GM30 monitoring receiver are primed for the constantly changing requirements of GNSS technology, according to the company. The first equipped with 555 channels, the new reference stations and monitoring receivers support all global GNSS constellations, such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, as well as regional systems such as QZSS and SBAS.
The receivers seamlessly work with a multitude of signals so that monitoring professionals, geodetic research and engineering specialists can obtain high-quality data and continuous, uninterrupted accuracy.
These new reference servers and monitoring receiver are part of Leica Geosystems’ GNSS streamlined solution — with standard open interfaces, they can be seamlessly integrated with other existing systems. According to Leica, maximum benefit with minimum effort is achieved through automated firmware updates, plug-and-play connectivity, simultaneous and multiple communications interfaces, power supply and logging capabilities.
“When considering a GNSS reference station solution, superior quality and long product life is very important,” said Frank Pache, senior product manager of Leica Geosystems. “Our new reference servers fulfil this demand. In addition, users who have already invested in the previous generation Leica GR10 and GR25 Unlimited solutions can now benefit from the free upgrade to the new Leica GR30 and GR50 reference servers. They can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being equipped with today’s and tomorrow’s GNSS signals.”
Thanks to the comprehensive and user-friendly web interface, both GNSS network beginners and highly experienced professionals have complete and easy control. Leica Active Assist’s support team make sure your GNSS projects run smoothly by providing live and secure onboard assistance whenever needed.
Scientists, researchers and engineers are also provided with detailed information about movements of man-made and natural structures as well as real-time position solutions. Three different modes, specifically designed to work with reference station, structural and network real-time kinematic (RTK) service monitoring continuously provide specialists with real-time precision data.
The Leica GM30 monitoring receiver is also part of the GeoMoS solution, delivering timely and actionable information to respond quickly and minimize dangerous and costly damages.
The reference servers and receiver are also part of the Leica Spider family, a suite of software providing RTK services for tailor-made solutions.
iXBlue — a subsea navigation, positioning and imaging systems company — is offering two new positioning sensors.
Fifth-generation Octans
iXBlue is offering its customers the opportunity to upgrade their fourth-generation Octans positioning reference system to the fifth-generation system. The fourth-generation Octans was manufactured beginning in January 2014.
Built on iXBlue’s high-performance fiber-optic gyroscope technology, the Octans is an all-in-one gyro compass and motion sensor (attitude and heading reference system) with features such as IMO/IMO-HSC certification. The upgraded system provides extremely accurate real-time output for roll, pitch, heading and heave, as well as acceleration and rate of turns under challenging GNSS-denied environment.
Heading measurement accuracy has been doubled over the fourth-generation Octans: with still 0.1° Seclat in stand-alone, the system can now provide 0.05° Seclat with GNSS.
Moreover, the fifth-generation Octans now offers the ability to align on transit and the extended capability to deliver, in real time, accurate heave for swells up to 30 seconds.
The offer from iXBlue includes both the upgrade and calibration, backed by a five-year warranty.
Rovins Nano for remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs)
iXBlue has also launched a new inertial navigation system for the offshore industry, the Rovins Nano.
Based on iXBlue’s fiber-optic gyroscope technology, the Rovins Nano has been designed for ROV pilots performing maintenance and construction operations. It offers the stability and accuracy of the inertial position, outputting true north, roll, pitch and rotation rates.
“Rovins Nano is able to directly transmit the ROV’s position with extreme accuracy thanks to its integrated INS algorithm capable of collecting acoustic data,” said Paul Wysocki, iXBlue Rovins Nano product manager. “This is now possible regardless of the depth at which it is located: it is therefore not just an evolution, but rather a revolution for the middle water station keeping.”
Where the Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) has limitations, especially when operating in middle water, Rovins Nano is now there to guarantee optimal navigation safety.
“In the future, it will no longer be necessary to use a DVL,” Wysocki said. “Even in ‘sparse array’ LBL fields, with the presence of only one or two beacons, the combination between Rovins Nano and our Ramses acoustic system enables us to reach extremely accurate positioning data.”
A science ROV being retrieved by an oceanographic research vessel.
iXBlue provides more flexibility to its customers: by avoiding the use of DVL, operators reduce their operational and associated calibration costs.
Besides its high level of performance, Rovins Nano adapts itself to the user: the configuration, installation and product’s use have been considerably facilitated, while incorporating a system as complex as the inertial navigation system (INS). The ultimate goal is for the pilot to forget the existence of the product when maneuvering. Moreover, thanks to its compactness, lightness and open architecture with all third-party sensors, Rovins Nano is easy to integrate.
The French high technology company iXBlue is now offering an expanded range of subsea navigation systems, from ROV navigation to survey applications.
Chinese antenna maker Harxon has launched a new GNSS helix antenna for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and geospatial applications.
The HX-CH6601A receives GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2 and BeiDou B1/B2 signals. It offers exceptional pattern control, polarization purity and high efficiency in a very compact form factor.
The antenna is equipped with a high-quality, durable IP65 sealed radome housing and terminated with a SMA connector, which has high gain and wide beam width to ensure the signal receiving performance of satellites at a low elevation angle.
The 25-gram antenna is designed for applications across various markets, including aerial photographs, telemetry technology, disaster monitoring, traffic patrol and security monitoring.
HX-CH6601A offers a significant improvements compared to its predecessor HX-CH4601A GPS/GLONASS L1L2. The built-in low noise amplifier (LNA) and filtering offer up to 35-decibel gain with a single 50-Ohm SMA connector.
Hemisphere GNSS has released the S321, its next-generation multi-frequency, multi-GNSS survey smart antenna. The S321 — designed for land or marine survey — combines Hemisphere’s Athena and Atlas technologies with a new web user interface offering customer-friendly performance.
For professional marine applications — such as marine construction, hydrographic surveying or dredging — using the S321 with Athena RTK (real-time kinematic) enables users to achieve impeccable results and maintain peak up-time, the company said. The ruggedized antenna was designed for demanding and challenging environments and meets IP67 requirements.
The S321 smart antenna by Hemisphere GNSS.
“The S321 is another example of how much Hemisphere has changed,” said Chuck Joseph, president and CEO. “A fantastic survey smart antenna with industry-leading RTK, connectivity, and management capabilities, the S321 offers unbeatable performance and value to the industry.”
Athena RTK
Athena excels in environments where high-accuracy GNSS receivers can be used. Hemisphere’s customers have tested and proven Athena’s performance in long baseline, in open-sky environments, under heavy canopy, and in locations experiencing significant scintillation.
Initialization time – Reliably consistent initialization performance, while at the same time performing initializations in less than 15 seconds at better than 99.9 percent reliability.
Robustness in difficult operating environments – Extremely high productivity under aggressive geographic and landscape-oriented environments for GNSS.
Performance on long baselines – Position stability for long baseline applications.
Performance under scintillation – Sustained accuracy under ionospheric scintillation activities.
Atlas GNSS Global Corrections
The S321 ships preconfigured to test drive corrections from Hemisphere’s Atlas global corrections service. The bundled solution provides users worldwide with an easy way to use Atlas, including the worldwide H10 service offering 8-centimeter, 95-percent accuracy (4 cm RMS).
Network RTK Augmentation
BaseLink technology allows Atlas-capable receivers like the S321 to self-calibrate, self-survey, and automatically manage the transmission of RTK correction data to augment or extend established or new GNSS reference networks in areas of poor Internet connectivity.
The S321 introduces Hemisphere’s aRTK technology. Powered by Atlas, aRTK enables the S321 to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail. If the S321 is Atlas-subscribed, it will continue to operate at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored.
The S321 also introduces SureFix, Hemisphere’s new processor running in combination with Athena to provide high-fidelity RTK quality information that results in guaranteed precision with virtually 100 percent reliability.
Features:
Athena RTK engine
GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS
372 channels
Atlas corrections delivered via L-band and over the Internet
Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Powerful web user interface
Two versions (Each can be configured as Base or Rover):
UHF + GSM / WCDMA
GSM / WCDMA (Network Rover)
4 GB internal memory card and 64 GB-capable MicroSD card for data logging, download and upload.
The S321 can be ordered now and is available to ship before the end of the month.
The S321 is making its tradeshow debut at Oceanology International 2016 at ExCeL, London, UK, March 15-17, at booth G500.
For more information about the S321, Athena, Atlas, or its other advanced features, please call +1 (844) 217-2845 (within Canada / USA only) or +1 (480) 291-6766, or email [email protected].
7-inch display has visibility in any lighting condition
The Mesa 2 rugged tablet runs on Windows 10 and has a 7-inch display. The tablet provides users with access to a broad range of software options for data collection and is powerful enough to use in place of a desktop computer when in the office. It is designed to perform reliably in harsh environments, and is IP68-rated, providing protection against water and dust, maintaining a seal while its ports are in use. The IllumiView display provides visibility in any lighting conditions; the chemically-strengthened Dragontrail glass touchscreen provides durability, reducing haze from surface scratches and cracks normally caused by accidental impact. The battery provides users with 8–10 hours of runtime. Users can purchase an optional expansion battery that provides an additional 4–5 hours of runtime plus hot-swap capabilities.
Connects high-precision GNSS receivers to IOS devices
The NMEA-BT is a Bluetooth iOS adapter that enables any high-precision GNSS receiver with a serial port to connect to an iPad or iPhone. The small, weatherproof device solves the problem of connecting non-iOS GNSS receivers and other field sensors to iOS devices. It connects wirelessly using the native Bluetooth built into the iOS devices. By replacing the iOS device’s internal GPS location information with the location information from the intrinsically more accurate external GNSS devices used by mapping and survey professionals, NMEA-BT allows users to pair external GNSS devices to their location-enabled iPhone or iPad app, helping preserve the user’s investment in sub-meter and centimeter GNSS receivers and other sensors while users migrate their workforce to iOS devices. Users also can connect to laser rangefinders, resistographs, underground cable locators and commercial weigh scales that output NMEA-formatted data.
For the surveying, mapping and GIS professional using MAGNET
The SHC500 is a compact handheld with a 4.3-inch touchscreen, readable even in bright conditions. The SHC500 is designed for the professional operating MAGNET Field, Site and Layout software. It works with all Sokkia GNSS receivers and total stations, and meets or exceeds all field application requirements. Built rugged, it is MIL-STD 810G and IP68 certified. Options include a 5 MP digital camera with built-in LED flash, and 3.5G cellular modem. The modem allows operators to send and receive data through the MAGNET software suite. Additional features include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, 23 control buttons with numeric input and a capacitive-touch interface.
Links a GNSS receiver with the Esri ArcGIS platform
PinPoint-GIS enables data collection without expensive additional software, turning GNSS data collected by Septentrio receivers such as the Altus NR2, Altus GeoPod and the AsteRx-U into actionable GIS data. Height and other project parameters are available directly in the ArcGIS workflow without additional steps. Pinpoint GIS makes ArcGIS accessible through existing hardware — consumer commercial and ruggedized device, tablet or even smartphone — regardless of operating system, from a standard web browser or from an Android app. The Android app works with Esri’s Collector for ArcGIS and provides an accuracy widget that confirms horizontal and vertical accuracy in a highly visible way. Downloadable from Google Play or the Arc-GIS Marketplace.
The TW125B wideband 28-dB inline amplifier is low cost, rugged, waterproof, low noise and low current/low voltage. It is designed to amplify all GNSS frequency signals, from GPS L5 (1164 MHz) to GLONASS G1 (1610 MHz) and beyond. The TW125B provides for longer cable runs from antenna to receiver for applications such as mast-mount, large vehicle and timing systems, without degradation of system sensitivity. Its low loading allows for both the antenna and the TW125B to be powered by the GNSS receiver. The amplifier adds just 12 milliamperes of load on the circuit, well within the capabilities of most GNSS receivers on the market. The TW125B passes DC supply to the antenna, not requiring additional hardware. The amplifier is available with TNC, N-Type or SMA connectors, and is REACH and ROHS compliant.
The Multi Micro Spider (ORG4033) has a fully integrated and highly sensitive multi-GNSS module with support for GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo. It is designed for applications that require quick movement, minimal power consumption and ultra-small form factors, ranging from wearables to drones. The module uses MediaTek’s MT3333 chip and its onboard flash memory to achieve a rapid update rate and positioning speed of up to 10 Hz. Features include dimensions of 5.6 x 5.6 millimeters, with a height of 2.65 mm; a sub-one second time to first fix (TTFF); sensitivity of –165 dBm for two simultaneous constellations; a developer-friendly design that allows for seamless migration from GPS to GNSS pin-to-pin compatibility; and easy integration with OriginGPS’ miniature GNSS antenna solutions.
Live map gives drivers awareness of the road ahead
The HERE HD Live Map is an advanced cloud-based map asset commercially available for vehicles. Ready to be deployed in connected vehicles in North America and Western Europe, HD Live Map creates a highly detailed and dynamic representation of the road environment, enabling a vehicle to effectively “see around corners” beyond the reach of its on-board sensors. The integrated offering consists of multiple layers of data delivered in a map-tile format. It is designed to enhance both Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated driving functionality, making driving more comfortable and enjoyable.
Images projected on windshield keep eyes on the road
The Navion device sits on a car’s dashboard.
Navion is an augmented reality navigation system that projects holographic GPS imagery and driver notifications onto the windshield of a car. Navion is placed on a car’s dashboard and projects a virtual route into the regular focal range of the driver. The driver sees the navigation signs laid out directly on the road ahead of the moving vehicle, while the driver’s eyes are safely focused on the road at all times. No additional eyewear or headgear is needed to see the image. Navion’s interface provides the driver with clear route indicators even in bright sunlight, and responds to simple hand gestures and voice control.
The Snapdragon 820 Automotive family of processors offer a scalable next-generation infotainment, graphics and multimedia platform with machine intelligence and a version with integrated LTE (long-term evolution)-Advanced connectivity. The modular design enables a vehicle’s infotainment system to be upgradable through both hardware and software updates. Sensor integration provides cognitive awareness and vehicle self-diagnostics, supports Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features for improved vehicle safety systems, and provides location and navigation through GNSS and dead-reckoning technologies.
CES 2016 Innovation Awards Honoree in Vehicle Intelligence
Magellan’s DashCam Navigator family is designed for safety-conscious drivers who want to record traffic incidents, as well as scenic and unusual events. The three models come with Magellan navigation features such as landmark guidance, junction view, parking mode and red light and speed camera warnings from PhantomALERT for improved driver safety. They also include a fully integrated DVR and software interface for recording, viewing and deleting videos and photos; a lane-departure warning system; and front collision avoidance. The flagship model, RoadMate 7670T-LM, also includes dual HD cameras for a 340-degree field of view.
With a 30-degree vertical field of view and a range of 100 meters, Puck LITE builds on the success of Velodyne’s VLP-16 lidar Puck. The Puck LITE matches the features and specifications of the VLP-16 with equal performance and lower weight. Its patented 360-degree surround view captures real-time 3D lidar data that includes distance and calibrated reflectivity measurements. Features include dual returns, 16 channels, a 100-meter range, 300,000 points per second, low power consumption and a protective design.
The AgEagle RX60 UAS captures aerial maps of crop health in a field, identifying areas of stress before they can be seen by the naked eye. By providing real-time, easy-to-acquire data to growers, agronomists and other service providers, AgEagle helps pinpoint areas where nutrients or chemicals need to be applied. The aerial maps are automatically created and georeferenced, and the images are easy to import and use with many agricultural software platforms. The AgEagle RX60 launches, flies and lands by itself. Two GPS receivers offer more satellite options and a better flight experience. The aerial maps are automatically created and georeferenced. Industrial cellular components offer the best possible connectivity and reliability, but the RX60 can be flown and images captured without cellular connectivity.
D-COAX Inc. has introduced a reconfigurable probe station (Model W4.0 x L6.5) for design engineers and technicians. It’s used to test a chip or small circuit board for the project that cannot wait for local lab probe station availability. The probe station has a small footprint (X = 22 in, Y = 9 in, Z = 8 inch) and can be used at the desk or a lab. It is transportable at 9 pounds.
The probe station is fully manual with the following features:
4.0 inch x 6.5 inch test plate with vacuum holes
wide probe holder plates on each positioner with multiple holes for probe mounting
both positioners can slide back and forth in the X and Y directions and can be moved toward the DUT at the angle
the height positioning is accomplished via digital micrometers
each positioner can be locked independently.
Magnetic plates attach to the normal probe mounting holes to allow additional magnetic XYZ positioners with fine adjustment
probe arms are adjustable in the X, Y, Z, and theta.
The probe station is compatible with all standard wafer probes and many DC needle set-ups. See a video at the company’s website. All D-COAX products are made in the USA.
VectorNav Technologies has introduced the VN-360 GPS-Compass heading and position sensor. The VN-360 is an OEM GPS-Compass module that provides an accurate, True North heading solution for systems integrators seeking a reliable alternative to magnetic-based sensors.
Many systems currently available on the market depend on digital magnetometers for providing heading measurements of a manned or unmanned platform. However, the majority of these platforms (such as multi-rotor UAVs, ground robots or satellite antennas) also include ferrous materials, motors, batteries or electrical components that drastically limit the ability of a magnetometer to provide an accurate or reliable heading solution. VectorNav’s VN-360 provides a miniature, cost-effective GPS-based alternative that is unaffected by these magnetic disturbances and changes to the magnetic environment.
Incorporating two onboard GNSS receivers, the VN-360 calculates the relative position between its two GNSS antennas to derive a heading solution that is an order of magnitude more accurate than a magnetic compass. It supports a variety of GNSS antennas that can be mounted on the host platform with a separation distance anywhere from a few centimeters out to several meters. This distance can be configured to provide optimal start-up time, outputting an accurate heading solution typically under two minutes.
“The VN-360 is like no other product on the market in that it provides a cost-effective solution for the difficult challenge of obtaining an accurate and reliable heading solution,” said VectorNav President John Brashear. “VectorNav’s GPS-Compass technology marks a turning point in the way we approach heading measurement and will improve the capabilities and performance of a variety of next-generation manned and unmanned systems.”
The VN-360 is ideal for applications such as antenna pointing, multi-rotor UAVs and aerostats, automated agriculture, heavy machinery, ground robots, weapons training and warfare simulation, and direct surveying among others.
The VN-360 joins VectorNav’s line of inertial sensor systems, which includes the VN-100 IMU/AHRS, VN-200 GPS/INS and VN-300 Dual Antenna GPS/INS, and will be on display at VectorNav’s booth #347 at Satellite 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland, March 7-10. For information on pricing or to schedule a meeting time during the Satellite 2016 event, contact VectorNav at the following: email: [email protected]; tel: +1-512-772-3615; fax: +1-512-772-3086.
Garmin International Inc. has launched the aera 660, a new cost-effective, feature-rich, purpose-built aviation portable. The compact 5-inch capacitive touchscreen has a bright, sunlight readable display complete with rich, interactive maps and a built-in GPS/GLONASS receiver that can be viewed in portrait or landscape modes for optimum customization.
The aera 660 encompasses features of the aera and GPSMAP aviation portable series, adding new Connext wireless capabilities, WireAware wire-strike avoidance technology and more. New cost-effective database options along with built-in Wi-Fi database updating capabilities allow customers to more easily access the most up-to-date data, including daily U.S. fuel prices.
Bluetooth supports the display of ADS-B in traffic and weather from a variety of sources, including the GDL 39/GDL 39 3D, Flight Stream and the GTX 345 ADS-B transponder. Availability of the aera 660 is expected later this month at an anticipated street price of $899.
“Pilots have been asking for a new, purpose-built, easy to use aviation portable from Garmin and we have answered with the most powerful, robust and capable handheld device of this size ever designed, the aera 660,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin’s vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “For 25 years we have been the market leader in bringing innovative portable navigation devices to the cockpit that improve aviation safety and we have done that yet again with this terrific aera 660 — a premium portable product that conveniently fits on the yoke or in the palm of your hand.”
Powervision Robot Inc., a robotics and industrial drone maker, has launched drone shaped like an egg that can be folded up and stored in a backpack.
Although PowerEgg was developed for the mainstream consumer market, it includes advanced technologies such as a 360-degree panoramic 4K HD camera on a 3-axis gimbal, real-time long-range video transmission and advanced “optical flow” sensors for indoor navigation.
Powervision CEO Wally Zheng called the design a “work of art.” “We think the oval shape is not only clean and pure but also has the structural and functional benefits.”
The Powervision team spent more than 18 months to create the PowerEgg. The structural design includes larger propellers that required advancements to transform from the compact egg shape to the larger flight mode. On the software side, Powervision concentrated on making the drone easier to fly, because the average consumer drone has a 10-hour learning curve.
Since its inception in 2010, Powervision has focused on commercial UAV-related products and services including smart drones, data visualization and forecasting.
PowerEgg will be available early in the second quarter of this year.
The HX-DU1603D is a lightweight, ruggedized UHF receiver designed for digital radio communications between 410 and 470 MHz in either 12.5 or 25 kHz channels, which can be widely used in GNSS/RTK surveying and GNSS precise positioning systems.
