Launchpad: GNSS modules, survey software, GPS repeater
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the May 2019 issue of GPS World magazine.
OEM
Signal Analyzer
Tests gnss-disciplined oscillators
The PhaseStation ADEV Frequency Stability phase noise test system is a new signal source analyzer. It tests signal performance in a host of products such as GPS- or GNSS-disciplined oscillators. It can also be used to qualify and evaluate local oscillator performance for GNSS receiver design, including GPS TCXO evaluation and parametrization, or to take stability measurements of 1PPS and arbitrary frequency outputs from GNSS receivers. It is also useful in optimization of GNSS receiver Kalman filter design via the GNSS receiver 1PPS output signals. It automatically synchronizes and syntonizes (calibrates) the internal dual oscillator DOCXO option to external GNSS receivers via 1PPS input.
Jackson Labs, jackson-labs.com
‘Vested’ Tracker
Line for LTE, IoT, child safety
The Trax G+ personal GPS tracker has real-time tracking capability with update rates up to every 10 seconds. For customised industrial applications, the new Trax G+ can support up to two updates per second. It also comes with wireless charging and IP68 water resistance. The Trax G+ 4G LTE-M supports 4G LTE-M and NB-IoT standards, with both European and U.S. models available. The Trax G+ app offers unlimited geofences, augmented reality tracking, speed alerts, location history, the possibility to track multiple devices and device sharing. A special collaboration with POC sports brand resulted in the POCito VPD Air Vest + TRAX. The vest provides a child with back protection for winter sports and is designed to store a TRAX POC Edition device.
WTS Positioning Solutions, trax.business
Multi-GNSS module
Supports civil signals on the L5 band
The TAU-0707 is a multi-band, multi-GNSS module series. Within its 7.6 x 7.6 millimeter size, the TAU-0707 supports GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, IRNSS and all civil bands (L1, L2, L5, L6). The module is a concurrent multi-band receiver embedded with a Cynosure III single-die standalone positioning chipset, which offers multi-frequency measurements and simplifies integration for third-party applications. The TAU1206-0707 and TAU1205-1010 models are better in multipath mitigation due to the higher chipping rate of L5 signals relative to L1 C/A code. For professional applications, module TAU1303-0707 comes with built-in support for standard RTCM protocol (MSM), supporting multi-band multi-system high-precision raw data output, including pseudorange, phase range, Doppler, SNR for any kind of third-party integration and application.
Allystar Technology, www.allystar.com
Open-source receiver
Offers GNSS for the enthusiast
NUT2NT+ is an open source, multi-frequency, multi-signal, front-end GNSS receiver board built around the NT1065 chip. The receiver has been specifically created for satellite navigation enthusiasts. The NUT2NT+ hardware and software solution offers user the ability to set a receiver’s modes and frequencies, to capture all signals continuously, and to have complete control over primary processing features. The receiver is available via the Crowd Supply website.
Amungo Navigation, www.amungo-navigation.com
5G GNSS receivers
For UTC time synchronization
The GT-88 timing module and GF-8801/02/03/04/05 disciplined oscillator are for users who require UTC time-synchronized signals (1 PPS/10 MHz) to meet the new 5G requirements. Achieved stability is better than that of an atomic clock, including rubidium. The GT/GF-88 series includes an algorithm, Dynamic Satellite Selection, that provides outstanding multipath mitigation in urban canyon environments. It support GPS, GLONASS, QZSS and Galileo.
Furuno Electric Co. Ltd., furuno.com
SURVEY & MAPPING
Machine control
System improves safety, speed for drilling and piling contractors
The Groundworks Machine Control System enables contractors to perform drilling and piling operations with centimeter-level accuracy. Using a touchscreen display, operators can personalize the interface with configurable views. The software aligns with other solutions in the Trimble Civil Engineering and Construction portfolio. Stakeless navigation reduces rework and decreases the need for personnel working near the machine during operation. Contractors can drill to the specified location, depth, orientation and inclination angle. Better rock fragmentation and lower hauling costs can be achieved by optimizing drill-hole spacing, angles and the location of the machine for a more even blasting pattern. Auto stop reduces overdrilling. Automated quality assurance and quality control reporting includes capture of start and end positions, time, elevation and actual embedment depth.
Trimble, www.trimble.com
Survey software
Improved for UAV use
Virtual Surveyor now enables users to process larger projects without buying more powerful computers or cloud services. Version 6.2 solves the problem of large files by offering enhanced clipping and mosaicking functionality. Users can merge multiple processed pieces of orthophotos and digital surface models into a single project, and create smooth edges with the new clipping tool. The mosaic can then be exported to a new TIFF file or serve as the basis for a full area virtual survey. A 3D Fly Through capability allows users to select spatial bookmarks and waypoints and create a movie that allows the viewer to fly through the terrain.
Virtual Surveyor, virtual-surveyor.com
GNSS Receiver
Tilt compensates for out-of-plumb measurements
The compact HiPer VR features advanced GNSS in a rugged IP67 design. Its GNSS chipset has Universal Tracking Channels Technology that automatically tracks every satellite signal (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, IRNSS, QZSS, SBAS). It also has an integrated 9-axis IMU and 3-axis eCompass. TILT (Topcon Integrated Leveling Technology) is designed to compensate for mis-leveled field measurements out of plumb by as much as 15 degrees.The HiPer VR can be used for static or kinematic GNSS post-processed surveys, as a network RTK rover with the FC-5000’s internal 4G/LTE cellular modem, as a UHF/FH/Longlink jobsite RTK rover, and also in Topcon’s patented Hybrid Positioning workflow.
Topcon Positioning Group, topconpositioning.com
Mobile laser scanner
With NovAtel and Velodyne
Lidaretto is a flexible mobile laser scanner for aircraft, land vehicles or on foot. Combining high-end technology by Velodyne and NovAtel, Lidaretto produces highly accurate point clouds for professional applications such as mapping, surveying, GIS and inspection. The NovAtel OEM7 receiver provides 555 channels, and is SPAN-enabled and optionally dual GNSS. Signals received include GPS+GLONASS L1 and L2; the receiver is upgradable to Galileo and BeiDou. Accuracy is achieved to 1–2 centimeters.
Lidaretto, www.lidaretto.com
Processing software
For land surveying
3Dsurvey version 2.0 is a software ecosystem for land surveying data processing. Users can take photos with any standard digital camera, import images into 3Dsurvey, and produce their own orthophoto maps and digital surface models, as well as calculate volumes faster. Data is processed automatically based on matching algorithms. Smart tools in the software increase efficiency. Also available is the flight planning app 3Dsurvey Pilot and the viewing app 3Dsurvey Viewer.
3Dsurvey, www.3dsurvey.si
TRANSPORTATION
Hangar repeater
Enables indoor avionics testing
The Hangar Repeater Solution enables aircraft ground engineers to undertake 24/7 avionics testing of GPS, Inmarsat and Iridium satellite signals indoors. Aircraft engineers can undertake testing of aircraft regardless of weather, without having to move aircraft in and out of a hangar. The dedicated repeater reduces on-ground time, work hours and overall maintenance costs, and provides communication inside buildings or underground without the need for direct line of sight to the sky.
Foxcom, www.foxcom.com
Avionics sensor
Supports GPS guidance
The GPS 3000 is a compact, remote-mount 15-channel GPS receiver capable of five position updates per second. It uses enhanced WAAS/SBAS signals to provide ultra-precise, DO-260B-compliant position data. It provides an ARINC 743A-5 GNSS interface over an industry-standard ARINC 429 data bus for those who wish to integrate GPS 3000 with existing avionics systems. When so configured, the GPS 3000 sensor can provide position source information to the FMS, meeting requirements for required navigation performance (RNP) and supporting GPS-based vertical approach capability for coupled LPV approaches and other next-generation flight applications.
Garmin, www.garmin.com
Positioning devices
Auto motion sensors for GNSS-denied environments
A new line of automotive high-accuracy devices is designed to enhance the absolute position of a vehicle in GNSS- and GPS-denied environments: IAM-20680, IAM-20680HP, IAM-20380 and IAM-20381. The IAM-20680 is a 6-axis qualified sensor that features 16-bit accelerometers and 16-bit gyroscopes. The IAM-20680HP is a high-performance version of the IAM-20680 that features high gyroscope and offset thermal stability. The IAM-20380 gyroscope is compatible with a 3-axis automotive accelerometer and an automotive-qualified 6-axis device. The IAM-20381 is a 3-axis accelerometer compatible with a 3-axis automotive gyroscope and an automotive-qualified 6-axis device. The IAM-20680HP and IAM-20680 can be used to improve estimates of position, direction and speed when GNSS is denied, as well as improve quality of the position estimation when the satellite signal is strong.
InvenSense, www.invensense.com
UAV
Analysis platform
For precision agriculture
Agremo is a cloud-based data-processing solution designed to turn drone-collected images of agricultural sites into actionable and accurate data. It is used to collect aerial footage and create an analysis report that reveals how a crop is progressing. The agricultural sensing and analysis platform is designed for drone operators, farmers, growers and agronomists. Using Agremo, drone operators can help farmers monitor and manage their crops per field throughout the season. A visualized, user-friendly, geo-referenced map of a field can provide statistics such as plant counting, plant health tools and stress detectors that enable precise yield increase and increase of overall profit.
Agremo, www.agremo.com
UAV lidar
For light vegetation and medium-range scanning
The Phoenix Scout-32 is a powerful, compact, mid-range lidar. The lightweight system collects survey-grade data with an AGL range up to 65 meters, and features multi-target capacity with up to two target echoes per laser shot. It can build high-density point clouds of smaller scan areas, and has options for photogrammetry, hyperspectral, thermal imaging and more.
Phoenix Lidar Systems, www.phoenixlidar.com
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