Launchpad: Assisted BeiDou testing for LBS

OEM

Combat survival radio

32 GPS channels for faster, 
more accurate position lock

The HOOK3 radio is 30 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the HOOK2 radio, and has a smaller, longer lasting battery. The embedded GPS module has 32 channels, enabling a faster position acquisition time, more accurate position reporting and better performance under forested or densely vegetated areas or near structures. The radio transmits encrypted GPS, user identification, situation reports and other critical information to rescue teams and aircraft in short bursts to reduce the risk of detection. The radio can also use multiple GNSS. The HOOK3 provides direct line-of-sight voice and encrypted two-way data communications to help combat search-and-rescue teams quickly and accurately locate and rescue downed pilots and isolated military personnel. It automatically activates and transmits location data when specific G-force or salt water is detected.

General Dynamics Mission Systems,
 gdmissionsystems.com

Category 11 LTE card

Module for routers and gateways

The LM940 is a global full PCI Express mini card (mPCIe) module for the router and gateway industry supporting LTE Advanced Category 11 (Cat 11) with speeds of up to 600 Mbps. The internet of things (IoT) module will be available, with various mobile network operator approvals, in the fourth quarter of 2017. The module includes quad-constellation integrated GNSS and is in an mPCIe form factor to support Cat 11 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X12 LTE modem. The industrial-grade LM940 delivers significant flexibility and a competitive edge to original equipment manufacturers looking to quickly deploy next-generation products. 3x carrier aggregation leverages extended capabilities of the network for increased coverage and bandwidth. The industrial-grade module is designed for the router and gateway market supporting high-bandwidth dependent applications like high-definition video streaming with digital signage.

Telit, www.telit.com

Mobile testing

For Assisted BeiDou 
location-based services

The Rohde & Schwarz TS-LBS test solution allows mobile manufacturers, chipset manufacturers, test houses and network operators to verify chipsets and mobile devices to obtain permission to operate them in a particular network. The successful Assisted BeiDou (A-BeiDou) verification of a Media-Tek device under test using the Rohde & Schwarz test system means the setup can be used to validate and verify a device in the U-plane and C-plane for A-BeiDou location-based services (LBS). The TS-LBS uses an R&S CMW500 as the base-station simulator and an R&S SMBV100A GNSS simulator. The CMW500 provides assistance data to the device under test and the SMBV100A simulates the BeiDou satellites. The test system can be used to obtain Global Certification Forum (GCF) and PTCRB certification as well as network-operator-specific certification for chipsets and mobile devices.

Rohde & Schwarz,
www.rohde-schwarz.com

Receiver module

Next-generation quad-system 
GNSS module in small package

The UM482 is a multi-frequency high-precision heading module with a 30 × 40 millimeter footprint. It supports the satellite signals BDS B1/B2, GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2, Galileo E1/ E5b and SBAS. The module is designed for applications such as robotics, drones, intelligent drives and mechanical control. Features include surface-mount (SMD) packaging; 1-centimeter real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning accuracy and 0.2-degree heading accuracy with a 1-meter baseline; dual antenna input with support of antenna signal detection; supports simultaneous output of heading and positioning with a 20-Hz data output rate; adaptive recognition of RTCM input data format; and on-board micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) integrated navigation. The UM482 GNSS RTK module adopts Unicore’s new-generation Nebulas II chip and UGypsophila real-time kinematic (RTK) algorithm.

Unicore Communications, www.unicorecomm.com

Time server

Underlying tech, security benefits described in new application note

The NTP Reflector is one of many differentiating features of Microsemi’s new SyncServer S600 series network time servers. The Reflector is a real-time, hardware-based NTP packet identification and time-stamping engine uniquely designed to protect the SyncServer CPU from excessive network traffic denial of service (DoS) attacks. It will and notify the operator if NTP traffic is above expected levels. This enables extremely high-bandwidth, high-accuracy, high-reliability and security-hardened NTP operations.The Security Hardened SyncServer features denial of service (DoS) resilience, monitoring and notification functions.

Microsemi, www.microsemi.com

High-gain antennas

Provide a high degree 
of multipath signal rejection

The TW3152 and TW3752 are high-gain (50dB) GNSS antennas useful where long cable runs are required, such as in timing systems and GNSS re-radiator systems. The TW3152 provides reception of GPS L1. The TW3752 provides reception of GPS L1, GLONASS G1, BeiDou B1 and Galileo E1 signals. Both antennas employ Tallysman’s Accutenna technology, which provides a high degree of multipath signal rejection through the full bandwidth of the antenna. The antennas are triple filtered to prevent the saturation of the front-end low-noise amplifier (LNA) by strong near frequency and harmonic signals — are a growing concern throughout the world. The antennas are available with a choice of radome shape (flat or conical), color of radome (white or grey), and a wide variety of connectors.

Tallysman, www.tallysman.com

Survey & Mapping

Data collection app

Cloud-connected android application in the field

Penmap for Android is a cloud-connected application for field surveying and high-accuracy geographic information system (GIS) data collection that works on mobile handhelds, smartphones and tablets. It focuses on core survey and mapping tasks such as cadastral and boundary surveys, establishing local control, stake-outs, quality checks and asset management for utilities. It provides both professional surveyors and field workers with a map-based interface to manage features and attributes for high-accuracy GIS and complete survey documentation. In the energy sector, it can be used to locate infrastructure and record critical information on encroachments, clearways and existing monuments. The app runs on Android handhelds such as the Trimble TDC100 and supports the Trimble R10, R8s and R2 GNSS receivers.

Trimble, www.trimble.com

RTK rover radio

Advanced, high-speed wireless radio

The HX-DU1603D is an advanced, high-speed, Bluetooth-enabled wireless rover radio designed for GNSS/RTK surveying and precise positioning. The HX-DU1603D is a lightweight, ruggedized UHF receiver designed for data communications between 410 MHz and 470 MHz in either 12.5-KHz or 25-KHz channels, which can be widely used in GNSS/RTK surveying and GNSS precise positioning fields. It has a Bluetooth transceiver and is IP67 waterproof rated. It also has a 6800-mAh rechargeable internal battery and configurable transmit power between 0.5W and 2W. The 1.9-inch display screen supports frequency, protocols, power display, serial port baud rate and air baud rate. Users can instantly communicate with GNSS precise positioning receivers with the same protocols throughout the world.

Harxon, en.harxon.com

Water-depth data

Bathymetrics portal delivers data online for download

The Bathymetrics Data Portal allows users to search, purchase and automatically download water-depth information directly from an online store to their computer. It offers continuously expanding 2m Bathymetry data in shallow water areas and a global database of interpolated 90m bathymetry. The portal allows users to search for data in their areas of interest and purchase what they need. Data is priced by the square kilometer; the customer pays online with credit card and can download the data shortly after. Bathymetric products are used extensively by organizations involved in energy infrastructure development, port construction, environmental monitoring, aquaculture planning and hydrodynamic modeling.

DHI, www.dhigroup.com
TCarta, www.tcarta.com
DigitalGlobe, www.digitalglobe.com

Digital asset management

Organize, access and share geospatial datasets

Image: LizardTech

Portfolio 2017 is a digital asset management (DAM) solution optimized for geospatial data. It enables users to organize, access and share geospatial datasets — including compressed MrSID files — along with associated graphics and documents. Divisions of Celartem Inc., LizardTech and Extensis collaborated in adding geospatial data management capabilities to the new version. The DAM solution indexes and catalogs photographs, videos, maps, audio files, Adobe Creative Cloud applications and Microsoft Office documents. A centralized repository for managing digital files should reduce time spent looking for datasets and eliminate costly replacement of misplaced files, according to LizardTech. Portfolio 2017 gives users instant access to imagery, lidar and video data captured by satellite, aircraft and UAV platforms. Geospatial files that have been compressed and saved in MrSID formats with the LizardTech GeoExpress solution can be loaded and viewed into Portfolio without any further data conversion. The new version extracts embedded metadata from compressed imagery and lidar files saved in MrSID formats — as well as GeoTIFF, JPEG 2000, NITF and LAS. Geospatial data can be indexed and stored alongside associated non-geospatial photographs and documents. Data can be retrieved by geographic coordinates or the metadata tag, such as a name, acquisition date or sensor platform. Users can also search by defining an area of interest on a map.

LizardTech, www.lizardtech.com
Extensis, www.extensis.com

GIS training

Book and website

The ArcGIS book 10 Big Ideas about Applying The Science of Where has a companion website. The book provides mapmakers with the know-how and hands-on experience to practice what Esri calls “The Science of Where.” The accompanying website offers information and interactive education resources needed to use web-based geographic information system (GIS) technology to create maps, work with apps, create and use authoritative data and conduct spatial analysis. The book is available in print, as an interactive PDF and online. Chapters cover web mapping, ready-to-use apps, story maps, 3D GIS, spatial analysis, imagery and the Internet of Things, as well as curated content from Esri’s Living Atlas of the World.

Esri, www.esri.com

Productivity app

Internet of things workflow automation application

WyzeTask is now available in the Geotab Marketplace. WyzeTask is a complement to the MyGeotab platform, which serves more than 14,000 Geotab customers. WyzeTask maximizes employee productivity by automating task tracking and job completion processes, freeing workers from paperwork and manual data entry. WyzeTask includes the WyzeBeacon, a wearable device that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit data to a nearby BLE scanner, which can be a Geotab IOX-BT hub or a smartphone/tablet running the WyzeTask application. Employees click a button on their WyzeBeacon to have it log and share information such as their task status, time and GPS location.

Wyzelink Systems, www.wyzelink.com
Geotab, www.geotab.com

Transportation

Aircraft imaging system

Incorporates GPS 
with additional GPS options

Photo: L3

The MX-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging system can be configured with up to six imaging and laser payloads, each of which shares the highest level of stabilization. It incorporates a GPS receiver and antenna, with options available for a GPS time-sync interface and GPS data interface. Sensor options include a high-definition thermal imager, color low-light continuous zoom, daylight step zoom spotter, day/night spotter, laser rangefinder and a laser illuminator. The MX series turrets are operational across 74 countries and on more than 137 different types of platforms, including Airb us helicopters.

L3 Technologies, www.l3t.com

Autopilot for farmers

Autosteer designed for agricultural machinery

The AG960 AutoSteer System is designed to accelerate the application of autopilot for precision agricultural machinery. By integrating high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) receiver and software, the AG960 enables agricultural machines to operate in accordance with a pre-set planning path. Using precise GNSS guidance, the hydraulic system of the agricultural machinery is steered by the vehicle controller. Agricultural machines can operate aligned with the set route automatically, while graphical details are displayed on the vehicle display panel. The system includes a high-precision positioning receiver with GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BDS B1/B2, Galileo, QZSS and two GNSS antennas. Other features include a vehicle display panel computer, hydraulic valve (steering wheel optional), autopilot (controller), coaxial rotation direction sensor, electromagnetic hydraulic valve and radio receiving antenna mast/pedestal.

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

GNSS compass

Maintains accurate heading during GNSS outages of up to 20 minutes

The GNSS Compass is a fully integrated wheelmark certified GPS/INS navigation and heading solution. It contains a 9-axis IMU that is integrated with a dual-antenna GNSS system with high-performance antennas. It provides higher heading accuracy than magnetic systems and does not require any calibration or setup. It features high accuracy RTK positioning and is plug and play for NMEA0183 and NMEA2000 integrations. Four product variants are available . The low-cost variant is an L1-only model suitable for commercial vessel navigation, while an L1/L2 variant meets the high accuracy requirements of surveying applications. It is also possible to choose between an NMEA0183/NMEA2000 interface and a power-over-Ethernet interface for maximum flexibility. The Ethernet variant features NTP and PTP timing servers for precise time synchronization.

Advanced Navigation, 
www.advancednavigation.com.au

GNSS simulation

In-vehicle system compliance tools for EU eCall regulations

Spectracom has introduced built-in scenarios for testing eCall in-vehicle systems compliance to the GNSS requirements of the regulation as an option with its GSG simulator products. These options will ensure that automotive manufacturers who plan to continue selling in Europe are equipped with the right tools for testing the eCall regulatory compliance of their equipment. The Spectracom GSG simulators simulate all the major GNSS constellations needed for testing compliance of critical signal-receiving equipment in a variety of eCall scenarios. Scenarios can test positioning accuracy under different conditions, time-to-first-fix, GNSS receiver sensitivity, reacquisition performance following signal outages, playing specific static and dynamic trajectory scenarios, and changing RF transmit-power-level manually or remotely sequenced as required by standard. European Union (EU) regulation 2015/758 requires new vehicle types of M1 and N1 to be equipped with eCall in-vehicle systems by March 31, 2018.

Spectracom, spectracom.com

Electronic logbook

Addresses U.S. Dec. 18 mandate for fleets

Titan GPS’ Titan Electronic Logbook (ELD) was one of the first devices to be registered as a certified ELD under the standards of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The Titan Electronic Logging Devices and Electronic Hours of Service Logbook App help fleets comply with hours of service regulations with error-free, easy-to-use electronic solutions. An intuitive interface, detailed analytics and easy installation ensure that fleets of all sizes can comply with the FMSCA mandate. Features include easy creation of a driver log faster roadside inspections and audits, pre- and post-trip DVIR reports. The logbook adheres to both U.S. and Canadian rules.

Titan GPS, www.titangps.com

Low-profile GNSS antenna

For tracking applications 
and smart cities

The Robusta GNSS antenna ia a very low-profile antenna in a new patent design for metal surfaces. The antenna operates in the 1559–1609 MHz bands and is designed for tracking metal objects and smart city applications. It is designed to answer to the challenge of operating on a metal surface or housing, where it is extremely difficult for an antenna to operate. It uses a patented new technology with two layers: The first layer is electrically isolated to provide RF shielding to the second layer, allowing the antenna to radiate effectively in the direction pointing away from the base material. It can be used on bicycles, motorcycles, vehicles, containers or other property that needs to be tracked and located accurately.

Antenova, www.antenova.com

UAV

Drone controller

In kit with UAVCAN GNSS module, power module, long-range Wi-Fi

The ArduPilot-based Emlid Edge drone controller runs Linux on a quad-core system on chip, and offers an HDMI input, long-range 5.8GHz Wi-Fi and a UAVCAN GNSS module. The Emlid Edge kit offers an HDMI input to capture video from an HD camera such as the GoPro. An optimized, long-range 5.8-GHz Wi-Fi link can stream pre-compressed HD video and telemetry data up to 2 kilometers to Emlid’s QGroundControl station (GCS) software running on a laptop equipped with the same 5.8-GHz link. The kit provides a separate external UAVCAN GNSS module that includes a temperature-controlled dual inertial measurement unit (IMU) and barometer sensor subsystem. The module supports batteries up to 12S and current sensing up to 200A. The GCS software includes waypoint navigation, flight status monitoring, automatic return based on triggers, and payload control for devices like cameras, retractable landing gear, parachute or crop-spraying equipment.

Emlid, emlid.com

Professional drone

12-kilometer direct vision feed

The Falcon UAV comes with a complete first-person-view kit. A return-to-launch function enables the system to come back to the point of launch by command of the Ground Control Station or when it loses power. High-efficiency motors and actively braking propellers provide increased stability and response control, while hard-switch buttons on the command station reduce the in-field risk of operating the the aircraft and selecting the wrong mode or instruction. Autonomous software allows the operator to plan, control and fly missions using pre-determined flight paths via waypoint control. Its small noise footprint means the aircraft is undetectable at 150 meters.

Airborne Drones, 
www.airbornedrones.co

Counter-UAV rifle

Distrupts GNSS signals

The REX 1 is designed to disrupt GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou sateliite navigation signals; radio-frequency communications (900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.2–5.8 GHz); and mobile networks (GSM, 3G and LTE). Built on the Kalashnikov MP-514K rifle, it can be put in combat mode with the push of a button. It is equipped with interchangeable jamming units, a sight, foregrip, bipod and a mount for ancillaries such as a strobe light or a laser-beam pointer. The battery is installed in the rifle’s buttstock and has a continuous working time of 3 hours. It has a jamming distance of 1,000 meters (5,000 meters against GPS navigation), an angular coverage of 15° (180° against GPS navigation) and weighs 4.2 kilograms.

ZALA Aero Group, zala.aero

Fixed-wing UAV

Six-hour flight time

The Atlas Blue-J features a 3.5-meter wing span, four to six hours of flight time and a 150-kilometer operational range. Designed for large-scale security and inspection missions, the fixed-wing UAV can be operated in autonomous and semi-autonomous modes, including takeoff and landing. Made of carbon fiber, the Atlas Blue-J is light weight (11 kilograms) and can carry up to a 9-kilogram payload. It is suitable for high-speed, high-altitude missions, with long target duration capabilities and a low radar footprint.

Atlas Dynamics, 
www.atlasdynamics.eu

Agriculture drone

Simultaneous capture of thermal, NDVI, high-resolution RGB imagery

The Omni quadcopter drone captures three distinct crop health data measurements in a single flight: thermal, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and high-resolution RGB. Pairing a DJI XT Thermal sensor with Omni’s standard Double 4K offers agronomists, crop consultants, advisors, and producers a precise agriculture data capture tool for multi-dimensional insights. Thermal data allows farmers to evaluate plant health and practices as reflected through plant and soil temperatures.

Sentera, www.sentera.com

Charging station

Enables battery and package exchange

The Matternet Station enables fully-automated ground operations for Matternet customer networks, including battery and package exchange. It is integrated with Matternet’s autonomous M2 drone and Matternet’s cloud platform to provide an intuitive user interface for sending and receiving packages through Matternet. The station has a footprint of 2 square meters and can be installed at ground or rooftop locations. Its technology guides the Matternet M2 drone to precision landing on the station’s platform. After landing, the station locks the drone in place and automatically swaps its battery and payload. A user is able to send a package to another location by scanning it into the Matternet Station, or receive a package from the station by scanning a QR code. The first Matternet networks will service hospitals in cities across Switzerland.

Matternet, mttr.net