Vector H200 processes L1 GPS and GLONASS signals to deliver precise heading, greater positioning reliability, and better performance in challenging environments, Hemisphere GNSS said. Through using two separate antennas, Hemisphere GNSS’ patented Vector technology computes the heading and pitch or roll angle while stationary or in motion. Vector H200 can compute heading accuracy to 0.02 degrees using a 5-meter antenna separation. A variety of differential correction methods also make it possible for Vector H200 to provide sub-meter to centimeter position accuracy.

Marine industry developers can maximize performance by integrating Vector H200 into their systems for hydrographic and bathymetric surveys, auto-pilots, dredging, and buoys. For land applications, Vector H200 is ideal for aligning cameras, antennas and projectiles, and for machine control applications in agriculture, construction, and mining.

“System integrators have a lot to gain from Vector H200’s powerful combination of navigation and machine control orientation capabilities,” said Ron Ramsaran, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Hemisphere GNSS. “They will appreciate the performance and value from such a small board package.”

Vector H200 supports SBAS, L-Band and RTK differential positioning solutions and features our exclusive SureTrack technology optimizing the use of GPS and GLONASS signals. Hemisphere GNSS offers precise GNSS antennas to fit a variety of Vector H200 applications.

The app, called VRPETERS (Vehicle Rollover Prevention Education Training Emergency Reporting System), uses sensors and GPS capability built into smartphones that can detect rollovers. Once the app detects a rollover, it sends an automatic emergency e-mail and phone message with the coordinates of the accident location to family or emergency responders.

“The tractor is the main power source for field operations, and tractor rollover accidents have been killing people since the beginning of their use in agricultural production,” said Bulent Koc, assistant professor of agricultural systems management at MU and developer of the app. “More and more farmers are using their smartphones to monitor weather or calculate production inputs while operating machinery. Since they already have their phones with them, installing VRPETERS could help save lives.”

Data from the NIOSH show that one out of every 10 tractor operators will roll a tractor at least once. NIOSH also notes that only half of the 4.7 million tractors on U.S. farms have rollover protection. In order to minimize false alarm rollovers on the app, Koc and his research assistant Bo Liu designed a device that must be attached to the tractor. This device helps calculate the stability characteristics of the tractor and will provide a warning to the driver when the tractor approaches its rollover point.

“Many farmers think they can jump out of their tractors in the event of a rollover, but this isn’t the case usually,” Koc said. “Side rollovers can occur in just three-quarters of a second and most people need a second or more to react to an event. So, VRPETERS can benefit farmers when a rollover occurs because they often can’t reach their phones to make an emergency call.”

VRPETERS can benefit more than just farmers, as the app also can be used on construction vehicles, trucks, snowmobiles, military vehicles, riding lawnmowers and all-terrain vehicles.

In addition to the rollover device installed on tractors and other dangerous equipment, Koc and Liu designed another device that can be used with VRPETERS. This device can be installed on vehicles and can be used as a backup to stream data to a smartphone or tablet. “With this additional device, parents or fleet managers can obtain real time data on how machines are being used,” Koc said. “If the device detects improper operation, an intervention can occur before an accident happens.”

Initial testing of VRPETERS was done using a remote-controlled model tractor. Once fully tested on a standard tractor, Koc and Liu will look for an industry partner to market the app.

As of that date, the location on 9th Street will be replaced by this address:

150 – 6712 Fisher Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2A7

NovAtel’s new SMART6-L GNSS antenna integrates its OEM6 engine with Pinwheel antenna technology. Tracking L1 and L2 GPS + GLONASS, the SMART6-L delivers scalable performance, from single-frequency GL1DE smoothing performance to centimeter-level accuracy using dual frequency real-time kinematic tracking. Optional L-band tracking improves positioning accuracy outside of L1 SBAS coverage areas.

The SMART6-L is designed for manual guidance and auto-steer agriculture applications that benefit from ultra-smooth positioning and high pass-to-pass accuracy. The dual-frequency GL1DE firmware enhances the absolute accuracy of the GL1DE position, creating a robust solution and mitigating the effects of high ionospheric activity, NovAtel said. The design of the SMART6-L interface maximizes flexibility with NMEA 0183 compatible RS-232 serial ports and a NMEA2000 compatible CAN port. One PPS output, an event mark input, and three daylight readable status LEDs are also provided. Built-in magnets simplify mounting although fixed mounting options are also available.

The SMART6-L is available for order starting March 18, with product shipments commencing April 15.

The Q4000 is a dual-mode communication modem that will connect either to a satellite network or to a traditional ground-based wireless data network. The modem will automatically choose the most economical method of sending the data. The combined communication capabilities of the Q4000 and SeeControl’s turnkey telematics applications will allow equipment OEMs and owners to send and receive information from globally dispersed heavy equipment, harvesters, irrigation systems, fluid tanks, generators and vehicles.

“Our device store offers a vast selection of turnkey M2M sensor devices to enable mixed asset and fleet operations,” Said Bryan Kester, CEO of SeeControl. “Now, with Quake, this extends to effortless satellite and GSM connectivity in a single easy-to-deploy product. It is perfect for equipment owners that want to add new asset types to an existing global fleet, or for OEM equipment manufacturers designing the next generation of telematics programs.”

“We are very pleased to establish this relationship with SeeControl,” said Polina Braunstein, CEO of Quake. “They are a recognized leader in the agricultural OEM and Telematics solutions arena. We anticipate that considerable agriculture and equipment telematics innovation will be fueled by the global reach of the Q4000, combined with SeeControl’s software-as-a-service cloud for sensor reporting and analytics.”

The combined offering is on display at Booth P48 at the 2013 World Agricultural Expo, taking place now through Thursday in Tulare, California.

According to Trimble, the RangePoint RTX service is an introductory, cost-effective correction service available to farmers across the contiguous U.S. as well as most of Canada, South America, Russia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Africa, Asia and Australasia. It’s designed for broadacre agriculture applications. For 2013, all compatible devices — the Trimble CFX-750 display, FmX integrated display, and the AG-372 GNSS receiver — are eligible for an introductory, free 12-month subscription to the RangePoint RTX correction service.

The new service uses satellite broadcast capabilities to deliver real-time accuracies of better than 50-centimeter (20-inch) repeatable, or a superior 15-centimeter (6-inch) pass-to-pass, and does not require the use of traditional reference station infrastructure. Trimble RTX technology supports both GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations, increasing accuracy and reliability for users by leveraging the availability of multiple satellite systems. As a result, the RangePoint RTX service can provide a more accurate, reliable correction solution than some of the traditional Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), and is also available in certain geographic areas where SBAS is not currently accessible.

“Trimble is committed to expanding the services and software applications that we provide to the global farming community,” said Mike Martinez, market manager for Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “We recently expanded the availability of real-time, satellite-delivered corrections to most of the world through Trimble’s CenterPoint RTX correction service. Now, we are enhancing the Trimble correction services portfolio by providing an introductory RTX-based option for farmers looking for more accuracy at an affordable price point. Our customers want a broad range of solutions, and we’re delivering those options.”

Trimble RangePoint RTX real-time satellite delivered corrections can be received directly by compatible GNSS receivers, so there are no additional costs for mobile data plans or requirements for additional hardware such as radios and antennas. The RangePoint RTX service is compatible with the Trimble CFX-750 display, FmX integrated display and the AG-372 GNSS receiver.

The AGI-4 features multiple-constellation GNSS satellite reception, inertial sensors for full terrain compensation, and Topcon’s line acquisition and on-line steering functionality. It will be released at AgConnect Expo in Kansas City, Missouri, January 29-31.

The AGI-4’s modular design includes antenna, multi-constellation GNSS satellite receiver and steering controller, with optional high-accuracy inertial sensors snap-in module offering unmatched upgradability, Cobb said. It comes standard with WAAS and EGNOS steering functionality. An RTK communication module is also an option.  It is easily upgradeable to 2-centimeters accuracy with RTK radio options.

NTRIP capability allows a user to tap into existing reference networks via mobile phone connection (dependent on local availability) and uses existing data plans and infrastructure to minimize costs.

AGI-4 features include ISO11783 compatibility with virtual terminals, allowing the addition of Topcon’s auto-steering performance to virtually any steer-ready vehicle via a single component installation, according to Kevin Cobb, TPA director of product management. “Being compatible with the displays of many other manufacturers lets the AGI-4 steering controller give true Drop-in and Drive convenience,” Cobb said.

Hemisphere GPS said diversification into marine, construction, and other industries had increased costs, absorbed cash, and distracted management focus from its core agriculture business. The agriculture business contributed 81 percent of the company’s revenue in the first nine months of 2012. Hemisphere’s agriculture products include the Outback line, OEM boards and antennas, and precision agriculture systems.

The company has hired an investment banking firm to pursue strategic alternatives for the Precision Products (non-agriculture) business. “Given the agricultural focus of the Company, the board believes that the Precision Products business can grow more quickly with another organization that is more strategically aligned,” the company stated.

“The agricultural industry is entering a period of exceptional opportunity. We’re in the early stages of transformational adoption of high-definition production practices,” said Hemisphere GPS’ new CEO, Rick Heiniger. “We are a data driven society, and agriculture is no different. Agronomic specialized data-management and cloud information services, combined with a new generation of connected devices and machines, will not only enable emerging technologies, but will simplify existing workflows and deliver productivity gains for the industry. We will be wholly focused on the essential core technologies while at the same time assisting the industry in its adoption.”