Tallysman Wireless has released its dual-band low-profile helical GNSS antenna, the HC871SXF. It is designed for precise positioning, covering the GPS/QZSS-L1/L2, GLONASS-G1/G2, Galileo-E1, and BeiDou-B1 frequency bands, including the satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) available in the region of operation — WAAS (North America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan), or GAGAN(India).
The HC871SXF has a precision-tuned, high-accuracy helical element that provides a suitable axial ratio and operates without a ground plane. These features make the HC871SXF suitable for lightweight, UAV navigation and a variety of precision applications.
The HC871SXF low-profile helical antenna is approximately 10 mm shorter than the HC871 and provides the same performance. The antenna base has a male SMA connector. To facilitate installation, the base also has two threaded inserts and an O-ring to waterproof the SMA connection.
The HC871SXF antenna also supports Tallysman’s eXtended Filtering (XF) technology.
Tallysman Wireless has added the SSL889XF dual-band GNSS antenna to its line of GNSS products.
The SSL889XF employs Tallysman’s Accutenna technology providing GPS, QZSS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2/G3, Galileo E1/E5b, and BeiDou B1/B2b coverage. The SSL889XF antenna is designed for precision dual-frequency positioning where a light weight and a low profile are important.
The SSL889XF antenna element is 48 mm in diameter and 20 mm tall and weighs ~50 g. It has a tight average phase center variation of less than 10 mm for all frequencies and overall azimuths and elevation angles.
The SSL889XF is available in three versions. Model SSL889XF-1 has an integrated 61 mm ground plane and two mounting holes. Model SSL889XF-2 has a mounting collar, and model SSL889XF-3 is the antenna only and is attached using adhesive tape.
All models have a female MCX connector.
The SSL889XF antenna also supports Tallysman’s eXtended Filtering (XF) technology.
Tallysman Wireless has added the housed TW3885T dual-band (L1/L5) Accutenna technology timing antenna to its line of GNSS products.
The dual-band TW3885T antenna supports
GPS/QZSS L1/L5
Galileo E1/ E5a/b
BeiDou B1/B2/B2a
GLONASS G1/G3
Satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) in the region of operation: WAAS (North America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan) or GAGAN (India).
Historically, dual-band antennas and receivers commonly supported GPS L1 and L2 and GLONASS G1 and G2. In recent years, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and NavIC have added GNSS signals in the L5 frequency band (1164-1217 MHz). As a result, the new dual-band GNSS standard has become L1 and L5. Tallysman’s new TW3885T antenna has been tuned to provide optimal support for both the upper (L1/ G1/E1/B1/) and lower (L5/G3/E5/B2) GNSS bands.
The TW3885T is housed in a through-hole mount, weatherproof (IP69K) enclosure. For permanent installations, L-bracket (PN 23-0040-0) or pipe (23-0065-0) mounts are available. Tallysman provides an antenna installation guide that recommends a 100-125 mm ground plane and provides antenna installation and cable connector waterproofing best practices.
The radio frequency spectrum has become congested worldwide as many new LTE bands have been activated, and their signals or harmonic frequencies can affect GNSS antennas and receivers. In North America, the planned Ligado service, which will broadcast in the frequency range of 1526 to 1536 MHz, can affect GNSS signals. New LTE signals in Europe (band 32, 1452–1496 MHz) and Japan (bands 11 and 21, 1476–1511 MHz) have also affected GNSS signals. Tallyman’s new TW3885T mitigates the effects of these new signals.
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the November 2020 issue of GPS World magazine.
OEM
GNSS receiver
Sub-decimeter accuracy without additional service subscription
The AsteRs-m2-Sx. (Photo: Septentrio)
The SECORX-S product line, which first offered GNSS OEM boards, now also includes a compact mosaic-Sx module and ruggedized receiver in an IP68 chassis, the AsteRx SB Sx. The multi-constellation multi-frequency SECORX-S receivers deliver sub-decimeter positioning without the need for additional correction service subscription or maintenance. The PPP-RTK correction service is integrated directly into Septentrio’s core GNSS technology. The addition of modules and boxed receivers to the SECORX-S line providesz accurate positioning to applications such as precision agriculture, UAVs, robotics and construction.
Smart Power GNSS signal splitters improve GNSS service reliability and minimize service interruptions. The professional-grade splitters — TW162 (one antenna/two receivers) and TW164 (one antenna/four receivers) — offer system redundancy and fail-over capability. The splitters are designed to improve GNSS service reliability and reduce signal reception failures. Both splitters offer system redundancy and fail-over capability. They support GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, QZSS-L6, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b/E6, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a/B3 and L-band correction services.
The EM919x 5G NR Sub-6 GHz and mmWave embedded modules include an integrated GNSS receiver. Based on the industry-standard M.2 form factor, the modules will enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to securely deploy 5G connectivity worldwide at the highest possible speeds with ultra-low latency for routers and gateways. The modules support mmWave, sub-6 GHz and LTE, as defined by the 3GPP Release 15 standard. Applications include private networks, enterprise networking, edge processing, live streaming, video security, e-gaming, smart factories, robotics, drones, virtual reality, machine learning, and new Industrial IoT applications.
Tactical Embedded series of GNSS/IMUs. (Photo: VectorNav)
The Tactical Embedded series of GNSS/IMUs feature a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a multi-band GNSS receiver. The line delivers milliradian attitude accuracy and centimeter-level positioning capability in a miniature 15-gram package. The small size enables cost reductions for a range of autonomous pointing and geo-referencing applications such as gimballed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); satellite communication systems; lidar mapping; and photogrammetry. The line supports external SAASM GPS for defense applications in ISR, electronic warfare, munitions and UAV navigation. The line includes the VN-110E IMU/AHRS, the VN-210E GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS), and the VN-310E dual-antenna GNSS/INS.
VectorNav Technologies, vectornav.com
GNSS/INS Sensor
Designed for dynamic environments
Photo: CHCNAV
The CGI-610 GNSS/INS high-precision dual-antenna receiver offers reliable and accurate navigation and positioning for demanding land, marine and aerial applications. The tight fusion of the latest GNSS technology with an industrial-grade MEMS IMU is powered by CHCNAV’s algorithms to deliver accurate hybrid position, attitude and velocity data, even in complex and obstructed environments where GNSS outages can occur. The CGI-610 supports data output up to 100 Hz to meet the requirements of highly dynamic applications such as airplane, train and automobile. An optional external odometer sensor for ground vehicles can provide an additional measurement of displacement and speed, which is fused with the GNSS/INS navigation solution.
Bad Elf Flex is a scalable-accuracy GNSS receiver with a daily option to choose between L-band and real-time kinematic (RTK). In standard configuration, it achieves 30-60 cm accuracy in real time for GIS use. Consuming a Bad Elf Flex Token unlocks a full RTK workflow for a 24-hour period to deliver 1-cm horizontal accuracy. Bad Elf Flex stores the tokens directly on the receiver, making them available for use anytime. Customers requiring high accuracy at all times can purchase the Bad Elf Flex Extreme bundle, with RTK capabilities permanently unlocked, for a one-time upgrade fee.
The R550 data collector features an industrial-level design and new hardware platform to ensure efficiency and productivity in the field. The IP67 dust-and-waterproof rating protects the R550 from most harsh environments. Equipping it with a 7,000 mA Li-ion battery allows more than 14 hours of continuous operation, while fast-charging technology means four hours for a full charge. 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 Trimble AP+ Air OEM solution provides direct georeferencing of airborne sensor data and enables users to accurately and efficiently produce maps and 3D models without the use of ground control points. It is designed for manned platforms, yet small enough for use on UAVs. It is also compatible with airborne remote sensors, including photogrammetric cameras, lidar, hyper- and multi-spectral cameras, and synthetic aperture radar. The Trimble AP+ Air features dual embedded survey-grade GNSS chipsets, an onboard inertial measurement unit (IMU), an external IMU, and the new Applanix IN-Fusion+ GNSS-aided inertial firmware. It is configurable to support the direct georeferencing accuracy demands of low-flying UAVs and high-altitude manned platforms. Trimble AP+ Air is supported by Applanix POSPac MMS post-processing software with CenterPoint RTX post-processing for centimeter-level positioning anywhere in the world without the need for base stations.
American-made drone aimed at government agencies and military
Photo: Teal
The Teal Golden Eagle drone is designed for short-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It features a FLIR Handron dual-camera sensor on a two-axis stabilizer, giving it color vision at 4K 60 fps and thermal vision for extended operations. The payload is hot-swappable. It has a flight time of up to 50 minutes and can fly at speeds of 50 mph with a range of 2 miles. It is able to fly in wind speeds of up to 30 mph and can operate between –32° and 110° Fahrenheit. Forward-facing obstacle avoidance and rear-facing visual-inertial odometry estimates location without the need for GPS. The platform has received approval from the Department of Defense.
A new line of AccuAuto triple-band antennas are designed to provide strong clean code and phase signals to enable high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP) navigation. Model TWA928 supports GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a and NavIC-L5 signals and frequency bands (the TWA928L includes support for L-band correction services). The AccuAuto line features patented Accutenna technology multi-constellation and multi-frequency antenna elements as well as an integrated ground plane, a radome and an underside cover that provides mist and condensation protection. A deep pre-filter minimizes out-of-band noise and maximizes in-band reception. All AccuAuto components are certified and designed to perform under challenging environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures (–40° C to +125° C), shock and vibration.
The CheetahNAV provides situational awareness for harsh environments and battlefield conditions, providing the crew of a light military vehicle with highly accurate position information through an advanced inertial measurement system (IMS) comprising several aids, including a gyro-compensated compass and an advanced Kalman-filter-based algorithm. The system provides dead-reckoning horizontal position accuracy of 0.2% of distance traveled in a GNSS-denied situation — accuracy of 200 meters over 100 kilometers. It can integrate with inertial navigation systems (INS). Combined with GNSS and compass information, the system enables dead-reckoning and accurate positioning of the vehicle in tactical situations. The tactical-grade integral inertial measurement unit (IMU) ensures jam-free operation.
Effective Sept. 1, Tallysman Wireless Inc. was acquired by Calian Group Ltd. to expand Calian’s reach in the satcom industry to markets requiring smaller antennas used in end-user devices that need a different range of fidelities, according to Patrick Thera, president, Advanced Technologies, Calian.
Calian is a publicly owned Canadian company listed on the Toronto Stock exchange. Its solutions include satellite gateways and infrastructure for RF communications, telemetry, tracking and control systems, space science and earth observation. Calian also provides leading-edge communication products for terrestrial and satellite networks.
Based in Ontario, Canada, Tallysman designs, manufactures and sells a wide range of GNSS, Iridium and Globalstar antennas and related products into a market with a broad range of vertical applications that include precision reference systems, survey, timing, precision agriculture, unmanned and autonomous vehicles, marine and more. The company also produces cloud-based wireless tracking systems over two-way radio systems and 4G category M cellular systems, for applications ranging from school buses to municipal public works.
The company is widely recognized as a technology leader and is the supplier of high-precision antennas to precision GNNS systems providers. Under the Calian umbrella, Tallysman will continue to operate as it has been, with no changes in product availability, fulfilment, support, management or engineering services.
Tallysman will also continue to invest in research and development, and bring new and innovative GNSS products to the market, the company said.
The definitive agreement is valued at up $24.5 million. Amount paid on closing is $15.7 million (net of cash received) and contains two earnout periods of $4M and $4.8M based on the achievement of a certain level of EBITDA performance over the next 30 months. Tallysman’s results will be consolidated and reported with Calian’s Advance Technology segment.
“This important acquisition supports both customer diversification and service line innovation, two key pillars within our four-pillar growth strategy,” stated Kevin Ford, Calian president and CEO. “The Tallysman acquisition demonstrates Calian continued our focus on innovation and growth. The wide range of products and applications Tallysman brings to Calian expands our product line and entry into new markets. We are excited with the opportunity to support innovation in exciting growth industries such as autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture and wearables. We could not be more pleased to welcome Tallysman to the Calian team.”
Sampford Advisors acted as exclusive M&A advisor to Tallysman.
“We are extremely pleased to join the Calian team,” said Gyles Panther, Tallysman president and CTO states. “We look forward to continuing, profitable growth of our core GNSS businesses with products that we sell to a broad customer base. As a member of the Calian family, we also look forward to leveraging additional resources, new technologies and markets deriving from Calian’s deep expertise in satellite communications.”
“Calian welcomes Tallysman to our team,” Thera said. “The Tallysman product line and services add a complementary component to our ground-based satellite communications business. GNSS is one of the fastest growing markets for satellite ground systems and we are excited to join forces with a leader in this field.”
Tallysman Wireless has added a line of AccuAuto vehicle antennas aimed at the autonomous vehicle market.
The compact and rugged embedded AccuAuto antennas offer key features not available in other embedded autonomous vehicles antennas on the market, the company said.
The automobile industry is transitioning from offering GNSS-assisted navigation where the accuracy requirement is ±3 to 5 meters (low-precision GNSS code positioning) to providing driver assistance (such as lane-keeping) and autonomous vehicle navigation where the accuracy requirement is < 0.1 meters (such as high-precision GNSS phase positioning).
Current roof-mounted GNSS antennas on most vehicles provide the accuracy required for navigation but they lack the precision required for assisted driving or autonomous vehicle operation. Tallysman’s new line of AccuAuto antennas are designed to provide strong clean code and phase signals that enable high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP) navigation.
The Tallysman embedded AccuAuto vehicle antenna features a patented Tallysman Accutenna technology multi-constellation and multi-frequency antenna element, an integrated ground plane, radome and underside cover that provides mist and condensation protection.
The bottom cover also supports the antenna cable and mitigates cable vibration to ensure the antenna has a long service life, while the ground plane improves antenna performance.
All AccuAuto antenna electronic components are Automotive Electronics Council (AEC) certified and are designed to perform under challenging environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures (–40 °C to +125 °C) and continuous shock and vibration.
Signal quality is improved with a deep pre-filter that minimizes out-of-band noise and maximizes in-band reception. This feature enables reliable GNSS signal reception in challenging urban environments, where inter-modulated signal interference from LTE and other cellular bands is common.
The triple-band TWA928 supports GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a, and NavIC-L5 signals and frequency bands (the TWA928L includes support for L-band correction services).
Tallysman Wireless Inc. has added two new models to its line of GNSS helical antennas.
Also new are two GNSS signal splitters.
New Helical Antennas
HC976 triple-band helical antenna with L-band, embedded version. (Photo: Tallysman)
The HC976 housed and HC976E embedded helical antennas are designed and crafted for high-accuracy positioning in a light and compact form factor, making them suitable for many applications:
autonomous vehicle navigation (land, sea and air)
handheld land survey devices
automotive positioning
GNSS timing
Both models support GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L6, GLONASS-G1/G2, Galileo-E1/E6, and BeiDou-B1/B3 frequency bands.
Regional augmentation services supported include:
WAAS (North America)
EGNOS (Europe)
MSAS (Japan)
GAGAN (India)
high-precision L-band correction services
The key feature of the HC976 and HC976E is the support of QZSS-L6, Galileo-E6 and BeiDou-B3.
The HC976 is 44 millimeters (mm) wide and 62 mm tall, weighing only 42 grams.
HC976 triple-band helical antenna with L-band, housed version. (Photo: Tallysman)
It features a precision-tuned helical element that provides an excellent axial ratio and operates without the requirement of a ground plane, making it suitable for a wide variety of high-precision applications.
The HC976 also features a low-current, low-noise amplifier (LNA) and pre-filter to prevent harmonic interference from high-amplitude signals, such as 700 MHz band LTE and other nearby in-band cellular signals.
All Tallysman’s housed helical antennas are enclosed in a robust military-grade plastic enclosure. The antenna base has an integrated SMA connector, a waterproofing O-ring and three screw holes to enable secure attachment.
Weighing only 12g and measuring 39mm wide and 50mm tall, the lightweight HC976E embedded antenna supports all the features of the HC976. To facilitate installation of the HC976E, Tallysman provides an optional embedded helical mounting ring, which traps the outer edge of the antenna circuit board to the host circuit board or to any flat surface.
Tallysman also provides support for installation and integration of embedded helical antennas to enable successful implementation and to provide optimal antenna performance.
New GNSS Splitters
Photo: Tallysman
Tallysman’s two new Smart Power GNSS signal splitters improve GNSS service reliability.
GNSS is a critical component in safety, security, timing, and infrastructure applications, all of which require very high availability. Tallysman provides resilient, fault-tolerant Smart Power GNSS signal splitters that are essential to minimize service interruptions.
The design of first-generation GNSS signal splitters suffered from a single point of failure: only one attached receiver powered the splitter and the antenna. If this receiver failed or was unplugged, all attached receivers also failed.
Tallysman’s current-generation Smart Power GNSS signal splitters, TW162 (one antenna/two receivers) and TW164 (one antenna/four receivers), offer system redundancy and fail-over capability.
Photo: Tallysman
First, the splitter accepts power from all attached GNSS receivers; if one receiver fails, the next attached receiver automatically provides power to the splitter and antenna.
Second, if the antenna fails and does not draw current, it will provide the receiver powering the splitter with a current draw lower than 1 mA, indicating an antenna fault.
The Tallysman TW162 and the TW164 are professional-grade GNSS signal splitters that support the full GNSS spectrum: GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, QZSS-L6, GLONASS-G1/G2/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b/E6, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a/B3 and L-band correction service frequency band.
The TW162 and TW164 are packaged in a robust, compact, lightweight, and waterproof (IP67) corrosion-protected aluminum housing. They splitters are available with either TNC or type-N connectors. Two gain options are available: standard gain to compensate for signal-splitting loss and 10-dB gain.
Tallysman Wireless Inc. has added the HC977 triple-band GNSS antenna to its helical antenna family.
HC977 GNSS antenna. (Photo: Tallysman)
The HC977 includes all signals covered by the HC975: GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, GLONASS-G1/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a, IRNSS-L5 and L-Band correction services, and also provides reception of GLONASS-G2.
Tallysman helical antennas are designed for high-accuracy applications where precision and light weight matter, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The antennas are available in either a robust IP67 enclosure or an embedded format.
HC977E GNSS antenna. (Photo: Tallysman)
The HC977 features a low current, low noise amplifier (LNA) that includes an integrated low-loss pre-filter to protect against harmonic interference from high amplitude interfering signals, such as 700-MHz band LTE and other near in-band cellular signals.
The antenna is protected by a robust, military-grade plastic enclosure with an integrated SMA connector for screw-on mounting that securely seals the unit with an O-ring, complying with IP67 standards. The enclosure also provides three threaded holes in the base for secure attachment of the unit.
For the embedded version, HC977, Tallysman provides an embedded helical antenna mounting ring that traps the outer edge of the circuit board to another circuit board or to any flat surface. To facilitate a successful installation and optimum antenna performance, Tallysman also provides an Embedded Helical Antenna Installation Guide.
Tallysman GNSS has added three new antennas to its Helical antenna line.
Released earlier this year, the helical antenna line provides unprecedented performance in a lightweight, compact form factor.
The line now extends beyond dual-band GNSS and Iridium support to also include single and triple GNSS frequency bands.
Tallysman helical antennas are designed for applications that require high performance and versatility, with an absolute minimum of weight, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
In addition to the HC600, HC871 and HC872, the expanded helical antenna family now includes:
the single frequency HC771
the dual- frequency (plus L- band corrections) HC882
the triple band (plus L- Band corrections) HC975.
The table below lists the complete Tallysman helical Family of antennas.
The VSP600L VeroStar supports the full GNSS spectrum, as well as L-band correction services. (Photo: Allison Barwacz)
Tallysman has released its VSP600L VeroStar precision antenna at Intergeo 2019, which took place Sept. 17-19 in Stuttgart, Germany.
The VeroStar supports the full GNSS spectrum, as well as L-band correction services. The antenna provides low elevation satellite tracking with a high efficiency radiating element, the company said.
Its performance is suitable for real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP) applications. It features a light, compact and robust design. The antenna also has a low axial ratio through all elevation angles providing strong multipath rejection.
According to Tallysman, the VSP600L VeroStar also provides high receive gain over the full GNSS spectrum from low GNSS band (1164MHz to 1300MHz) L-band correction services (1539MHz to 1559MHz) to high GNSS band (1559MHz to 1610 MHz).
The antenna also has a low axial ratio through all elevation angles providing strong multipath rejection.
“The most unique feature of the VeroStar antenna is the high gain at low elevations,” Allen Crawford, director of key accounts at Tallysman, told GPS World at the show. “It can track low elevation satellites with a really high signal level, which is really important for those using correction services coming off of geostationary satellites. So as you go further away from the equator, you’re dealing with some very small link margins and you need those extra up to 4dB higher signal strength that this antenna provides.”
According to the company, it will soon be releasing embedded models of the VSP600L VeroStar.
The new helical antenna in both housed (right) and unhoused form. (Photo: Allison Barwacz)
Tallysman, a manufacturer of high-performance GNSS and iridium antennas, launched the first three products of a new range of helical antennas. Additional models will be announced in the third quarter of 2019 and onward.
Tallysman exhibited at booth 3739 at AUVSI Xponential 2019, which took place April 29 to May 2 in Chicago.
The first three models of the Tallysman helical family are:
HC871 (25g) – A housed, dual band, active GNSS antenna, supporting GPS L1/L2,
GLONASS G1/G2, Galileo E1, and BeiDou B1.
HC872 (36g) – A housed, dual band, active GNSS antenna, supporting GPS L1/L2,
GLONASS G1/G2, Galileo E1, BeiDou B1, and L-Band services.
HC600 (18g) – A housed, passive Iridium antenna.
The active GNSS helical antennas feature a low-current, low-noise amplifier (LNA), and include integrated low-loss pre-filters, to protect against harmonic interference from high amplitude interfering signals, such as 700-MHz band LTE and other near in-band cellular signals.
Available in both housed and embedded OEM versions, the lightweight Tallysman helical antennas have excellent axial ratios, making them ideal for a variety of high-precision unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications, the company said.
The housed Tallysman helical antenna models feature a robust, military-grade plastic case, while the embedded Tallysman helical antenna models can be custom-tuned for any application and configured with a variety of cables and connectors.
“We think — if anything — the price-performance ratio is the biggest benefit,” Allen Crawford, director of key accounts at Tallysman, told GPS World. “The pre-filter is also unique to us; the robustness of the enclosure is unique to us; and also the shortness, which is important to a lot of aerodynamic vehicles.”
Patents have been applied for with respect to several aspects of these new products.
“There is a clear requirement for lightweight, high performance antennas for the rapidly growing UAV market,” said Tallysman President and CTO Gyles Panther. “These new patented helical products are an extension to our existing range of superlight L1/L2 patch antennas, and will provide customers with a wider choice of antenna formats to suit their specific application requirements. These are the first of a number of new products we plan to introduce for this application to support our already wide customer base for UAV antennas.”
