Geodetics Inc.’s newest mobile mapping product, Geo-MMS, is a fully integrated lidar mapping payload for integration with unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The Geo-MMS includes an inertial navigation system (INS) coupled with a lidar sensor. Raw data from the integrated GPS, inertial measurement unit (IMU) and lidar sensors are recorded on the internal data-recording device and can be post-processed using Geodetics’ lidar tool software package to directly geo-reference the lidar point clouds with LAS-format output. Geo-MMS is available with a wide range of sensors.

Geo-MMS can be used in various applications in both military and commercial industries such as precision agriculture; mining; utilities; asset management; oil; construction and infrastructure inspections; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); sense and avoid; coastal surveillance; and situational awareness.

As a company based in the United States, Geodetics can also accommodate defense SAASM and M-code path requirements.

Software Receiver

Powerful research tool for the GNSS scientific and R&D community

The SX3 is a modular multi-GNSS software receiver that tracks all known and in future upcoming GNSS signals in view in real time on a standard laptop. The included RF front-end offers four RF frequency chains with 50-MHz bandwidth each, covering the entire GNSS L-band spectrum and the IRNSS S-band spectrum.

The USB 3.0 interface enables high-speed data transfer with up to 8-bit quantization. Customers can fully concentrate on their applications instead of dealing with potentially obscure code when using open source.

The signal view graphical user interface provides easy access to signal processing configuration properties and gives real-time feedback for important aspects, such as channel output, correlation function and RF spectrum.

Applications

• Multipath and spoofing signal evaluation
• Interference monitoring
• Weak signal scintillation
• Ionospheric scintillation
• Sensor fusion (IMU, magnetometer)

Release notes (v3.2.1)

• New SX3 front-end mode providing sample rate of 100 MHz
• SX3 front-end temperature log-file
• Automatic calibration of Galileo E5ab (AltBOC) tracking when using SX3 front end
• Add scintillation monitor module and dedicated configuration “ScintillationMonitor.nsr”
• New API example “TrackingLoopAdvanced”
• New driver model used for SX3 frontend
• Updates in SX3 reflectometry package

IFEN GmbH, www.ifen.com

GPS/GLONASS/BeidDou tri-system board

The UB351/352 board by Unicore Communications.

The UB351/352 GPS/GLONASS/BDS tri-system penta-frequency OEM boards are based on Unicore’s mature multi-GNSS system on chip (SoC). UB351/352 both use a low-power consumption design, support multipath mitigation and offer millimeter-level carrier-phase observations with centimeter-level RTK positioning accuracy.

Instant RTK and high-precision heading advanced technologies are particularly appropriate for applications requiring high-precision positioning, navigation and heading. UB351/352 have been used in several applications in overseas projects, and can be integrated into unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV) and in precision agriculture.

Characteristics

• UB351: BDS B1/B3+GPS L1/L2+GLONASS L1; UB352: GPS L1/L2+GLONASS L1/L2+BDS B1
  46 x71 millimeters; small and compatible with industry standard compact size GNSS boards
• Optional onboard MEMS; designed for intelligent machine control with improved positioning performance under complex conditions
• Supports WAAS + TDIF algorithm, designed for precision agriculture
• Better than 1-millimeter carrier-phase precision
• Accuracy: Sub-meter level SBAS, Decimeter level DGPS, centimeter level high-precision RTK positioning
• Better than 0.2-degree heading accuracy on 1-meter baseline
• Output: 20 Hz

Unicore Communications, unicorecomm.com

4- and 7-channel research and evaluation platforms

The NT1065_USB3 and Multi_GNSS_Grabber_Board are research and evaluation platforms for professional navigation receivers, based on NTLab’s RF front-end integrated circuits: the NT1065 “Nomada” (4-channel GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou/IRNSS/QZSS, L1/L2/L3/L5 band) and NT2024 (3-channel GPS/GLONASS L1/L2 and S-band).

Both boards support USB3 connection, thus allowing the user to process captured satellite signals on a PC.

NT1065_USB3

Multi-band multi-system 4-channel coherent GNSS RF front-end based on NT1065 “Nomada” IC.

Features

• 4 coherent GNSS channels
• IF bandwidth up to 32MHz for each channel
• Acquisition of wideband signals up to 64 MHz (such as Galileo E5) with 2 coherent channels
• Built-in 2-bit ADC
• USB3 interface (up to 800 Mbit/s)
• Ability to connect 4x CRPA

Multi_GNSS_Grabber_Board

All-band, all-system 7-channel GNSS software-defined receiver platform based on RFFE ICs: NT1065 “Nomada” and NT2024.

Features

• All NT1065_USB3 features, plus:
• Two additional L1/L2 GNSS channels
• IRNSS S-band support
• Built-in FPGA for pre-processing and channel synchronization

NTLab, www.ntlab.com

Tracking with options

The TraceME module TM-178, targeted for tracing and controlling vehicles and other powered equipment, is now upgraded with optional LoRa, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Smart (BLE), ANT/ANT+ and proprietary RF. The upgrades enable integration with existing wireless networks and specific custom mobile apps on smartphones and tablets.

The KCS BV LoRa technology offers a communication range up to 60 kilometers, line of sight. The module offers an advanced indoor and outdoor location-based positioning solution, which covers a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) applications and enables stolen object or vehicle recovery.

The TM-178 is equipped with external power and battery backup connection, basic I/O-connectivity and multiple on-board sensors. The unit contains multiple integrated antennas for GPS/GLONASS, GSM (2G/3G) and RF functionality. The functionality of the module can be remotely programmed to fit any job. From basic/general functionality to advanced/low-level application specific detailed functionality.

With a compact size of 91 x 40 millimeters and weighing 30 grams, along with a battery lifespan of more than 10 years, the module offers endless OEM integration possibilities. Optionally, the module can be ordered in a robust IP67 housing.

TM-178 Features

• GPS
• GSM/GPRS/EDGE coverage
• Basic I/O-connectivity
• Long-range RF coverage

Optional Features

• GPS + GLONASS
• UMTS/HSPA+
• LoRa
• Bluetooth Smart (BLE), ANT/ANT+, iBeacon
• Wi-Fi
• Robust IP67 housing
• External RF antennas
• Internal battery, no need for external power supply

KCS BV, www.trace.me

Inertial navigation

The GEO-FOG 3D inertial navigation system (INS) uses sensor fusion to deliver reliable, high-accuracy navigation and control to a wide variety of unmanned, autonomous and manned aerial, ground, marine and subsurface marine applications and platforms. Other applications include navigation and control, positioning and imaging, georeferencing, land surveying, robotics, underground navigation, stabilization and orientation.

Designed for demanding navigation and control applications, the GEO-FOG 3D has performance monitoring and instability protections to ensure stable and reliable data. Using an innovative artificial intelligence algorithm, its intelligent high-performance filter is capable of extracting significantly more information from the 1750 IMU core processor than a typical Kalman filter.

The GEO-FOG 3D is built upon the high-performance fiber-optic gyro (FOG)-based 1750 inertial measurement unit (IMU). It contains three DSP-1750 fiber optic gyros integrated with three very low noise micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers as well as a pressure sensor, a three-axis magnetometer, and a triple-frequency GNSS receiver.

The triple frequency receiver provides 8 millimeters of positioning accuracy and supports all GNSS systems. It also offers data rates up to 1000 Hz; data can be output over a high-speed RS-422 interface or optional RS-232 interface. The rugged GEO-FOG 3D INS is protected from reverse polarity, overvoltage, surges, static and short circuits on all external surfaces.

Key Features

• Core processor: KVH 1750 IMU
• 6 degrees of freedom (DoF) IMU consisting of integrated FOGs and accelerometers
• Triple-frequency Trimble GNSS receiver
• Sensor fusion algorithm delivers accurate, reliable data for navigation, orientation, and control
• North-seeking gyrocompass
• Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS)

KVH, www.kvh.com/unmanned

Aeropoints are desgined for for companies across the industrial sector — including mining, construction, quarries and landfills.

Propeller Aero has introduced AeroPoints — smart ground-control points designed to make it easy to capture survey­accurate mapping using drones.

The patent-­pending technology provides a simple solution to a major roadblock to widespread commercial drone adoption: accuracy.

Typical ground control requires establishing precise geolocation position using surveying equipment, and then securing a visible ground marker exactly on the pre­-marked GPS point.

AeroPoints are portable ground-control markers, visible from the air and capable of quickly capturing their own positions down to 2-centimeter absolute accuracy.

AeroPoints work with any camera or drone, and integrate seamlessly with Propeller’s cloud­-based data platform and processing engine (see above story). They’re solar­-powered, durable and weather­ resistant, and they don’t require any on­site connection.

To use AeroPoints, customers simply lay them down, fly their drone, and then pick them up again. They automatically connect to a wireless or mobile hotspot when back in range to upload captured positional data — and precision georeferencing is done.

See also DJI joins Propeller Aero on turnkey solutions.

Talen-X has been given security approval by the GPS Directorate, allowing BroadSim to create and process Y-Code while in a classified environment.

BroadSim is a software-defined GNSS simulator that enables users to easily model true and spoofed signals. BroadSim was developed to simplify advanced jamming and spoofing scenarios with Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) testing in mind.

BroadSim supports high dynamics, advanced jamming, spoofing and encrypted military codes.

Powered by Skydel’s SDX 1000-Hz software simulator engine, BroadSim can simulate multiple constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou.

Software features:

• Capable of generating and simulating multiple signal types
• GPS L1, L2 with C/A, P, Y and M
• GLONASS G1 and G2
• Galileo E1 and E5
• BeiDou B1 and B2
• Intuitive control using Skydel’s SDX software
• Utilizes four RF outputs, each with multiple simultaneous constellations
• Generates high-fidelity jamming and interference signals

BroadSim hardware includes a generator and controller with two integrated commercial-off-the-shelf USRP radios, an integrated OctoClock-G with GPS disciplined oscillator, four frequency-independent transmit and receive channels and a UBX-160 RF daughterboard.

OEM

GNSS receiver

High precision for the mass market

The Piksi Multi is a multi-band, multi-constellation receiver for the mass market. Autonomous devices require precision navigation, especially those that perform critical functions. The receiver uses real-time kinematics (RTK) technology, providing location solutions 100 times more accurate than traditional GPS. Piksi Multi supports GPS L1/L2 and is hardware-ready for GLONASS G1/G2, BeiDou B1/B2, Galileo E1/E5b, QZSS L1/L2 and SBAS. The Piksi Multi Evaluation Kit also has been upgraded with all-new components. The new kit contains two Piksi Multi GNSS modules, two integrator-friendly evaluation boards, two GNSS survey-grade antennas and two high-performance radios, so that it can deliver reliability and range — well over 10 kilometers — and all of the accessories required for rapid prototyping and integration.

Swift Navigation, www.swiftnav.com

Timing receiver

For dedicated time and frequency transfer applications

The Septentrio PolaRX5TR.

The PolaRx5TR has 544 hardware channels and supports all major satellite constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and IRNSS. A calibration circuit is incorporated to measure and compensate for internal delay, removing the need for calibration using external equipment and ensuring measurement latching is always accurately synchronized with the PPS input. The PolaRx5TR is compliant with the new-format CGGTTS version V2E of Consultative Committee for Time and Frequency (CCTF) recommendations. Also included as standard is Septentrio’s Advanced Interference Mitigation (AIM+) technology, giving outstanding interference robustness in difficult radio environments. Up to eight independent logging sessions can be configured logging to either the 16-GB internal memory or to an externally connected device.

Septentrio, www.septentrio.com

GNSS simulator

Designed for a wide range of testing

The NCS Titan GNSS simulator has up to 256 channels (and 1024 multipath channels) and up to 4 RF outputs per chassis, providing flexibility and outstanding performance . The extra complexity and cost of using multiple signal generators is avoided, improving reliability without compromising on functionality. Its innovative design allows users configure channels for any GNSS signals and allocate those channels to any of the RF outputs fitted. This flexibility enables the same simulator hardware to be used for an extensive range of tests, for all types of GNSS applications. The NCS TITAN GNSS Simulator was developed in cooperation with WORK Microwave GmbH, Germany.

IFEN, www.ifen.com

Interference detector

Analyzes RF interference of GPS signals

Spirent’s GSS200D interference detector.

The GSS200D Interference Detection and Analysis solution, developed with Nottingham Scientific Limited, comprises field-based hardware and a secure data server for automatic capture and analysis of GNSS radio-frequency interference. Deployments of GSS200D probes provide users with a thorough understanding of the RF interference environment at sites of interest. Spirent has already detected thousands of disruptive GPS L1 interference events with its global network of GSS100D detectors. By adding support of additional frequencies and constellations, as well as improving the analysis and reporting, the GSS200D responds to the demand of critical infrastructure and civil aviation customers.

Spirent, www.spirent.com

Multi-band receiver

For surveyors, contractors, builders and engineers

The Carlson BRx6 is a multi-GNSS, multi-frequency receiver. It has a multi-band 372-channel GNSS receiver, Athena RTK technology and an integrated Atlas L-band receiver. The BRx6 also contains electronic sensors that measure tilt, direction (electronic compass) and acceleration, supporting Carlson SurvCE’s advanced features such as LDL (live digital level or e-bubble), leveling tolerance, auto by level, tilted-pole correction and advanced stakeout features. SurvCE contains sophisticated checks for compass and acceleration anomalies to ensure accuracy. The BRx6 delivers affordable, high-positional accuracy. Manufactured to Carlson’s exacting specifications by Hemisphere GNSS, the BRx6 can be used as a precise base station or lightweight rover. RTK corrections can be received over UHF radio, cell modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or serial connection.

Carlson Software, www.carlsonsw.com

Subscription service

Provides RTK correction data during outages

RTK Assist is a subscription-based service that provides users with satellite-delivered correction data to seamlessly continue centimeter-level accuracy during real-time kinematic (RTK) correction outages caused by communication disruptions. Users are able to maintain RTK-level performance for up to 20 minutes, reducing any associated downtime and optimizing solution productivity. The RTK positioning with correction data is delivered directly to the receiver via satellite, allowing for a continuous centimeter-level solution that is globally available 24/7. RTK Assist is best suited for applications where there are potential obstructions, dead spots or baseline limitations that would cause RTK network correction losses for short periods of time.

NovAtel, www.novatel.com

Mobile mapping

GNSS-aided georeferencing

The POSPac MMS 8 is GNSS-aided inertial post-processing software for georeferencing data collected from cameras, lidars, multi-beam sonars and other sensors on mobile platforms. POSPac MMS 8 uses the Trimble CenterPoint RTX subscription service to deliver these benefits for mobile mapping from land, air, marine and UAV platforms. With an internet connection, users can achieve centimeter-level accuracy within one hour after data collection — there is no need to wait for delivery of public-domain ephemeris data. Users can map inaccessible regions that have no existing Continuously Operation Reference Stations (CORS) without the cost of deploying local base stations. With Trimble’s private network, users can attain consistent and reliable uptime.

Applanix, www.applanix.com

Geospatial data PDFs

Extends geospatial data sets to all stakeholders

TerraGo GeoPDF software suite version 7 offers new features to enable open, cross-platform, cloud and mobile access to advanced maps, engineering drawings, high-resolution imagery and other types of spatial data assets. Version 7 has tools for publishing GeoPDFs, including TerraGo Publisher for ArcGIS, TerraGo Publisher for ArcGIS Server, TerraGo Composer, TerraGo GeoPDF Platform Toolkit, TerraGo Publisher for Raster and TerraGo Toolbar. Features include PubPy, which extends and enhances integration into ArcGIS ArcPy to enable on-demand web services and GIS portals; and OpenGeoPDF, which adds Open Geospatial Consortium GeoPackage to GeoPDF documents to enable GIS-Lite applications using TerraGo Toolbar 7.0. Other features include mobile-workflow support, advanced layer control and remote desktop.

TerraGo, www.terragotech.com

SURVEY & MAPPING

Ground-control points

Solar-powered and portable

Aeropoints are desgined for for companies across the industrial sector — including mining, construction, quarries and landfills.

AeroPoints are smart ground-control points designed to make it easy to capture survey–accurate mapping using drones. The portable ground-control markers are visible from the air and capable of quickly capturing their own positions down to 2-centimeter absolute accuracy. AeroPoints work with any camera or drone, and integrate seamlessly with Propeller’s cloud–based data platform and processing engine. They’re solar–powered, durable and weather- resistant, and they don’t require any on-site connection. To use AeroPoints, customers simply lay them down, fly their drone, and then pick them up again. They automatically connect to a wireless or mobile hotspot when back in range to upload captured positional data.

Propeller Aero, www.propelleraero.com

UAV lidar sensor

Entry-level device for limited-weight drones

The miniVUX-1UAV is a compact miniaturized 360-degree field-of-view lidar sensor weighing 1.6 kilograms. It is developed for the implementation of emerging survey solutions by small UAS, UAV and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The sensor offers multi-target capability and accuracy using echo digitization and online waveform processing for data acquisition. It is capable of 100,000 measurements per second and offers an operating altitude of 100+ meters. Its small size and low weight make it suitable for mounting under limited weight and space conditions, allowing UAV-based acquisition of survey-grade measurement data for agriculture and forestry fieldwork, archaeology and cultural heritage documentation, glacier and snowfield mapping, and landslide monitoring.

Riegl, www.riegl.com

UAV awareness software

Notifies pilots when drones draw near

Safer Together is designed to reduce the risk of mid-air collision between aircraft and UAVs. Developed by senseFly and the Air Navigation Pro app makers, it is designed to make the skies a safer place by providing general aviation (GA) pilots and drone operators with awareness of each other’s airborne activities, giving them the knowledge they need to take any actions necessary to avoid mid-air incidents around 200–400 feet above ground level, where most light-weight drones fly. SenseFly added GA functionality to its eMotion flight-planning software, enabling operators to create a special advisory when activating automated drone flights. eMotion transmits the advisory to Air Navigation Pro’s server, which will push the information to all smart devices of connected app users. In turn, senseFly drone operators will be able to view the Air Navigation users’ flights in real time.

Safer Together, www.safertogether.aero 

SAASM inertial navigation

Includes GPS antenna and cables

The Geo-iNAV 1000 SAASM is a low-cost, rugged SAASM GPS-aided inertial navigation system. It tightly couples a SAASM GPS sensor with a high-stability Quartz micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) to provide a high-performance navigation solution in challenging environments. Features include simple integration, SAASM GPS with path to M-code, internal high-accuracy quartz MEMS IMU, tight-coupling with Geodetics’ Extended Kalman Filter, in-motion dynamic alignment, and RS-232, RS422 and Ethernet (TCP/UDP) interfaces.

Geodetics, www.geodetics.com

UAV

Drone camera

Hovers while taking photos and videos

The Hover Camera Passport hovers in place to allow users to quickly and easily take photographs. The self-flying camera is aimed at consumers, flying without the restraints of controllers. Once the camera is unfolded and powered on, the passport can take 13-megapixel photos and 4,000-pixel (4K) video using proprietary embedded artificial intelligence technology. The Hover Camera Passport introduces a new design into the flying camera field, with its propellers and motors encased in a strong, light carbon-fiber structure that ensures fingers can’t slip through during normal use. Features include auto-follow with face and body tracking, 360 spin; orbit; and self-positioning using a combination of sonar, its downward viewing camera and artificial intelligence.

Zero Zero Robotics, gethover.com

Camera drone

Designed to fit in a backpack

The Karma drone, designed to accompany a GoPro camera, features a compact, fits-in-a-small-backpack design and includes an image-stabilization grip that can be handheld or mounted to vehicles, gear and more. Karma is designed to capture smooth, stabilized video during almost any activity. Compact and foldable, the entire system fits into the included backpack that’s so comfortable to wear during any activity, users will forget they’ve got it on. The game-style controller features an integrated touch display, making it easy to fly without the need for a separate phone or tablet. The three-axis camera stabilizer can be removed from the drone and attached to the included Karma Grip for capturing ultra-smooth handheld and gear-mounted footage.

GoPro, gopro.com

Augmented reality smart glasses

Enable UAV pilots to maintain line of sight

The Epson Moverio BT-300 augmented reality (AR) smart glasses are light, binocular and transparent with an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. Combining silicon-based OLED digital display technology and Android OS 5.1, the Moverio BT-300 enables transparent mobile augmented reality (AR) experiences, including while flying drones. With the DJI GO app and the Moverio glasses, drone pilots are able to see clear, transparent first-person views from the drone camera while simultaneously maintaining their line of sight with their aircraft. The DJI GO app works with the DJI Phantom, Inspire and Matrice series flying platforms as well as the Osmo handheld gimbal and camera.

Epson, www.epson.com; DJI, www.dji.com

TRANSPORTATION

GNSS antennas

Equipped with Inmarsat filter for marine vessels

The GPS-713-GGG-N and GPS-713-GGGL-N ATEX-qualified triple-frequency GNSS antennas come with Inmarsat rejection filters. Hazardous environments — those found on oil platforms, tankers and refineries — require compliance with the European 94/9EC ATEX directive. Based on the company’s Pinwheel technology, both antennas maximize performance with multi-constellation reception of L1, L2, L5 GPS; L1, L2, L3 GLONASS; B1, B2 BeiDou; and E1, E5a/b Galileo frequencies, the company said. The GPS-713-GGGL-N also supports L-band from 1525 to 1560 MHz. Customers can use the same antenna for GPS only, or up to quad-constellation applications, resulting in increased flexibility and reduced equipment costs. The two antennas deliver choke-ring-level antenna performance, but without the size and weight. Both provide enhanced Inmarsat interference rejection, which allows tracking of GNSS signals in the presence of high-powered Inmarsat transmitters typically found on marine vessels.

NovAtel, www.novatel.com

Auto navigation receiver

Dead-reckoning enabled

Furuno’s GV-86.

The GV-86 is a high-sensitivity GPS receiver module supporting dead reckoning, which enables positioning in environments where no GNSS signals can be received, such as tunnels, underground car parking and deep urban canyons. The receiver concurrently receives GPS, SBAS and QZSS satellite signals. The dead-reckoning function is realized by integrating the information from a gyro sensor and a velocity sensor. It has fast time to first fix, and highly improved noise tolerance, and a configurable position output update rate up to 10 Hz (10 times per second.)

Furuno, www.furuno.com

Harxon has released its next-generation triple-frequency Helix Antenna HX-CH7603A, which has excellent performance and high efficiency in a compact form factor, the company said.

Harxon’s new-design helical antenna HX-CH7603A is capable of  GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2 and BDS B1/B2/B3. Though compact, it provides high peak gain (more than 3.5 dBi) and wide beam width to ensure the signal receiving performance of satellite at low elevation angles.

HX-CH7603A is equipped with an O-ring and gold-plated SMA (sub-miniature version A) connector that makes the antenna waterproof-grade, reaching IP67 once installed on a mating surface. The antenna is designed for applications requiring minimal integration effort or for retrofitting existing products.

Features

• High gain (3.5dBi) with superior tracking performance
• Very low noise figure
• High stability and high repeatability at phase center
• Waterproof rubber ring
• Ultra light weight
• GIS and RTK applications

Applications

• Military and security
• Aerial photographs
• Drone navigation
• High-precision navigation
• Mining equipment
• Autonomous Vehicle

DJI has updated the capabilities of its largest drone series by introducing the Matrice 600 Pro, which offers improved flight performance, a more powerful battery charging system and better loading capacity for industrial equipment, cinema cameras and other professional aerial applications.

The M600 Pro’s A3 Pro flight controller comes with triple modular redundancy and diagnostic algorithms that compare sensor data from three sets of GNSS units, which enhances precision control while improving overall safety. Vibration damping balls have been added to the flight controller’s redundant IMU module and main controller, absorbing more shake and reducing more noise.

The compatibility with D-RTK GNSS makes the A3 Pro withstand magnetic interference and provides centimeter-level accuracy, which makes it suitable for industrial applications.

“The M600 Pro is DJI’s most advanced platform for aerial cinematographers and commercial users. With its simple and easy setup system, triple redundancy and improved stability, the platform offers an unparalleled experience for professional users,” said Aaron Zhao, Senior Product Manager at DJI.

DJI’s E2000 Pro dust-proof propulsion system simplifies maintenance and its active cooling motors ensure that operation is reliable for extended periods of time.

The M600 Pro is compatible with DJI’s Zenmuse camera series, the Ronin-MX gimbal and DJI Focus. It supports a payload of 6 kilograms, meaning it can carry a range of cameras from Micro Four Thirds systems to the RED EPIC.

The M600 Pro has been optimized for transportation and comes with pre-installed arms and antennas. When folded, the platform is smaller than the standard M600. The M600 Pro comes with an updated battery charging hub, enabling users to charge the six intelligent batteries at the same time and thereby reducing overall charging time.

Saphibeat Technologies’ new Adventure Monitor PhiPAL can save lives of outdoor enthusiasts by recognizing when an accident has taken place.

PhiPAL uses a proprietary machine-learning algorithm for accident recognition. If the user is unconscious, PhiPAL automatically sends a distress message with GPS coordinates to teammates and first responders through a cellphone or satellite connection.

PhiPAL uses an activity monitor mounted on or integrated into the user’s sports helmet.

OEM

Entry-level testing

Modular approach for developers

Spirent Communications’ GSS 7000 series of multi-frequency GNSS simulators provides an option for entry-level testing.

The GSS7000 series of multi-frequency, multi-GNSS RF constellation simulators provides an entry to multi-frequency testing, with a modular approach that expands with users’ needs. The GSS7000 system is for receiver, system and application developers who want to take advantage of new satellite navigation systems and the better accuracy offered by civilian, multi-frequency GNSS. It provides faithful emulation of all civil GNSS systems and regional augmentation systems, and allows devices to be tested under a multitude of operating environments and error conditions.

Spirent Communications, www.spirent.com

All-signals board

Machine control, marine survey

The Eclipse P328 is a multi-frequency, multi-GNSS all-signals receiver board that includes Hemisphere’s newest hardware platform and integrates Atlas GNSS Global Corrections. It is designed for land or marine survey, machine control, and any application where high-accuracy positioning is required. With the new hardware platform, the overall cost, size, weight and power consumption of the P328 are reduced. It offers true scalability with centimeter-level accuracy in either single-frequency mode or full performance multi-frequency, multi-GNSS, Atlas-capable mode that supports fast real-time kinematic (RTK) initialization times over long distances. The P328 uses the Athena GNSS engine, as well as Hemisphere’s new aRTK technology powered by Atlas. This feature allows the P328 to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail.

Hemisphere GNSS, hemispheregnss.com

Upgradeable board

Increased accuracy services available through software

The Onyx multi-frequency GNSS OEM board offers integrated StarFire/real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS capabilities. Onyx features 255-channel tracking, including multi-constellation support for GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo. It also provides high performance in GNSS receiver sensitivity and signal tracking as well as patented multi-path mitigation, interference rejection and anti-jamming capabilities. Through software, it can be upgraded from free DGPS signal sources such as WAAS to increased accuracy services with integrated StarFire with Rapid Recovery or RTK with RTK Extend.

NavCom Technology, www.navcomtech.com

GPS/GNSS simulator

The size of a deck of cards

The CLAW is a self-contained, ruggedized, miniature, real-time hardware GPS simulator. It targets applications that require small, low-power and low-cost GNSS synthesis with repeatable and highly accurate GNSS RF signals such as production testing of GNSS receivers, simulating GNSS anomalies such as leap-second events, 1023 GPS Week rollovers, operation in inaccessible locations, real-time transcoding of different GNSS systems, and testing using dynamically user-configured RF signal levels. The CLAW contains real-time processing hardware to simulate GPS constellations without the need to connect any external equipment other than a USB power source or power supply.

Jackson Labs Technologies, www.jackson-labs.com

Defense atomic clock

For critical applications in dynamic environments

The Spectratime Force 2020 Rubidium clock is designed for the defense market.

The Force 2020 is a rugged, anti-vibration, GPS/GNSS-lockable, ultra-low-noise Rubidium atomic clock for highly dynamic defense platform applications. It is designed for next-generation defense airborne radars, drones, helicopters, and secure shipboard and radio communications systems. These systems use high K-band frequencies that require ultra-low-noise performance, which can only be minimally degraded in tactical missions when exposed to dynamic vibration and high-g environments.

Spectratime, www.spectratime.com

SURVEY & MAPPING

Rugged handheld

Ready for tough field jobs

The SXPad 800H is a rugged handheld GPS data collector designed for mobile geographic information system (GIS) users in applications such as water, electric and gas utilities; transportation; mining; agriculture; and forestry. The high-performance 800-MHz device is designed to give users the power needed to work with maps and large data sets in the field. It is created for rugged outdoor use, with a waterproof seal (IP65) and ability to survive a five-foot (1.5-meter) drop to concrete. Its 3.7-inch VGA color touchscreen is sharp and sunlight readable. Features include a battery life of 12 hours on a charge, slots for MicroSD and SIM cards, and the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system.

Geneq, www.geneq.com

Drone/software

Partnership for site surveys

The DJI-Datumate Site Survey Solution is a comprehensive and professional package of imagery and mapping tools that help surveying, construction, inspection and infrastructure companies generate a working model, visualize a site, and create analytics and plans. The drone, software and app package automates and expedites site surveys, infrastructure mapping and inspection. Bundles include a DJI Drone, a DatuFly tablet app for automated aerial photography, and DatuGram 3D photogrammetry software that converts aerial and ground images to high-precision, geo-referenced 2D maps and 3D models. DatuFly software generates a flight and image-taking plan for the drone based on the best-practice requirements of DatuGram 3D photogrammetry, ensuring survey-grade accuracy.

DJI, www.dji.com; Datumate, datumate.com

Wearable receiver

Takes high accuracy into difficult terrain

Designed for geospatial field data collection and inspection applications that require high-accuracy positioning, the Asteri X-Series of receivers are light enough to be mounted to external sensors or worn on the body or arm. The compact receivers were designed for safety and ease of use. Each device weighs 11.3 ounces with a 12-hour lithium battery. Their 2.8-inch by 5.4-inch size allows them to fit safely in shoulder or arm pouches. The three products in the X-Series provide varying levels of accuracy: X-1 provides sub-meter accuracy out of the box; X-2 offers accuracy of 1 meter down to 1 cm with RTK/VRS; X-3 will achieve 1 cm with RTK/VRS, 30 cm with Atlas H30, 4–10 cm with Atlas H10. The integrated design allows users to work in difficult terrain without worrying about equipment and antennas getting snagged or broken.

Asteri Navigation, asterinav.com

TRANSPORTATION

Autonomous navigation module

Performs dead-reckoning for in-vehicle systems

The SL869-3DR is a GNSS module for global use that leverages information from internal gyros, accelerometers and a barometric pressure sensor to perform dead-reckoning navigation for application areas such as track and trace and in-vehicle systems. The module delivers accurate position data either directly from its multi-constellation receiver or from a fully autonomous dead-reckoning system, requiring no connections to external devices or components other than an antenna for satellite signal reception and power. The module allows integrators to design zero-installation, in-vehicle navigation and tracking devices for fleets and other commercial or consumer applications that operate perched on the dashboard, connected only to vehicle power. The SL869-3DR is designed to support GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, Beidou and is Galileo ready.

Telit, www.telit.com

IMU for aviation

Soon to be in Boeing 777x

The SDI300 aviation-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) delivers reliable high performance and stability over full temperature and vibration environments. The compact, low-power, high-quality SDI300 IMU enables efficient and smooth aircraft maneuvers through the most complex flight scenarios and challenging environments, while improving total system cost-effectiveness, reduced obsolescence and increased sustainability. In November, Rockwell Collins awarded a contract to Systron Donner Inertial for the SDI300, to be used in the new Boeing 777X Integrated Flight Control Electronics fly-by-wire system.

Systron Donner Inertial, www.systron.com

UAV

Depth finder

Optimized for UAVs

The Bathymetric Depth Finder is fully integrated to Riegl’s Bathycopter, enabling the generation of profiles of inland water bodies. The BDF-1 is a compact and lightweight bathymetric depth finder optimized for UAV-borne operation. The topo-bathymetric depth finder comprises tilt compensation, an IMU/GNSS unit with antenna, a control unit and a data storage unit. It can be equipped with two external digital cameras. Riegl’s new hydrographic full waveform processing delivers highly accurate, reliable and informative data; pre-detection averaging allows essential performance in adverse conditions.

Riegl, www.riegl.com

Professional drone

Withstands magnetic interference

The updated Matrice 600 Pro offers improved flight performance, a more powerful battery charging system and better loading capacity for industrial equipment, cinema cameras and other professional aerial applications. The A3 Pro flight controller comes with triple modular redundancy and diagnostic algorithms that compare sensor data from three sets of GNSS units, enhancing precision control while improving overall safety. Vibration damping balls have been added to the flight controller’s redundant inertial measurement unit module and main controller, absorbing more shake and reducing more noise. Compatibility with D-RTK GNSS makes the A3 Pro withstand magnetic interference and provides centimeter-level accuracy suitable for industrial applications.

DJI, dji.com

SXPad 1000P by Geneq.

Geneq Inc. has announced the SXPad 1000P, a feature-packed, rugged handheld GPS data collector and at an affordable price the company said.

The SXPad 1000P is specifically designed for mobile GIS users in applications ranging from water/electric and gas utilities; transportation; mining; agriculture; and forestry.

The high-performance 1000-MHz device is designed to give professionals the power needed to work with maps and large data sets in the field. Its waterproof seal (IP67) and surviving 5-foot (1.5-meter) drops to concrete make the SXPad 1000P ideal for the outdoors. Its 3.7-inch color touchscreen (full VGA) is sharp and is sunlight readable.

Standard features include a battery life of more than 10 hours on a charge, 8-GB internal storage, slots for MicroSD cards and SIM cards as well as Windows Mobile 6.5.

The SXPad 1000P offers features typically seen in more costly mobile devices, the company said. These include 3.5G cellular modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, video capture, a 5-megapixel camera and an internal GPS receiver.

The SXPad 1000P is optimized for GPS/GIS field data collection using its 1-3 meter accuracy internal GPS receiver or one of Geneq’s high-performance SXBlue GPS receivers for sub-meter and centimeter-level accuracy.

TRAK Microwave has added a GPS time and frequency clock to its product offerings. The 50-channel 8835 GPS reference clock serves satcom, defense and wireless applications.

The 8835 GPS clock has extreme power and interoperability options while maintaining GPS accuracy and reliability, TRAK Microwave said. While tracking GPS, the clock exhibits a frequency accuracy of <1 x 10^-12 and a 1 PPS accuracy with <50 nanoseconds, RMS.

8835 GPS Clock by TRAK Microwave.

The proprietary oscillator steering discipline algorithm can enhance the RMS accuracy of either the double oven crystal oscillator or optional enhanced rubidium oscillator for greater depths of accuracy.

To increase interoperability, the 8835’s 10/100 base-T Ethernet interface can leverage a range of network protocols including NTP, SNMP, Telnet, SSH and FTP for status and control. The unit can also accept a variety of power sources including 24 VDC, 48 VDC or 100-240 VAC with an external AC/DC converter.

The highly compact and configurable device operates from -30oC to +60oC with a TNC GPS receiver port. A datasheet on the 8835 can be downloaded here.

Nine Eagles, an emerging high technologies company that focuses on aerial vehicles developing and manufacturing, launched a selfie drone named MOLA-UFO at the CES 2017 in Las Vegas.

As an intelligent aerial photographer, MOLA-UFO is palm-sized and UFO-shaped. It has a patented triple axes EIS technology to ensure stability and high quality of the images. It also has and advanced image recognition technology that enables intelligent tracking of the subjects.

The MOLA-UFO is portable and intuitive, so users can launch the drone from their palms.

The selfie drone also features a unique recognition technology that can identify the subjects and lock them in frame, to intelligently track them. It can follow the subjects and shoot with a range of 360-degrees with its high-resolution 4K camera. Furthermore, the UAV is equipped with an app that features beauty selfie, time-lapse shooting and instant sharing via social networks.

Virtual Halo is a new personal protection app for the iPhone and Apple Watch, aimed at increasing safety around the world.

Virtual Halo.

The app has three key features.

SOS is designed as a personal panic button. When pressed in the iPhone app or on the Apple Watch, an emergency notification is sent by the Virtual Halo cloud to the user’s emergency contacts, providing the nearest street address and a link to the user’s location on their map.

The Check In feature lets emergency contacts know the user is OK; optionally, the user can include a custom message and location.

With the Going Out feature, adventure sports enthusiasts let the app know their intended destination and when they’ll be back. If they don’t disable the app by their preset time, the Virtual Halo service sends a text to their emergency contacts letting them know the user went out, the activity they were participating in, that they expected to be back by the specific time and that they haven’t returned; it also provides the user’s last known location.

OEM

Reference Time Clock

Protects against vulnerabilities

The TimeSource Enhanced primary reference time clock (TimeSource Enhanced PRTC) is a new system to protect against serious threats associated with GNSS vulnerabilities. It also enables telecommunications and mobile operators to meet the G.8272.1 recommendation from the International Telecommunication Union. The TimeSource Enhanced PRTC “generates time” by producing its own independent time scale aligned with GNSS, while its phase, time and frequency signal outputs remain autonomous, providing a secure infrastructure, reducing dependency on GNSS and enabling network operators to retake control of the timing source used for network synchronization.

Microsemi, www.microsemi.com

Helical GNSS Antenna

Waterproof

Harxon’s next-generation triple-frequency Helix Antenna, HX-CH7603A, has excellent performance and high efficiency in a compact form factor. The new design is capable of GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2 and BDS B1/B2/B3. Though compact, it provides high peak gain (more than 3.5 dBi) and wide beam width to ensure the signal receiving performance at low elevation angles. HX-CH7603A is equipped with an O-ring and gold-plated SMA (sub-miniature version A) connector that makes the antenna waterproof-grade, reaching IP67 once installed on a mating surface. The antenna is designed for applications requiring minimal integration effort or for retrofitting existing products.

Harxon, www.harxon.com

Golf Assistance

Rangefinder wearables use u-blox inside

U‑blox components are at the core of two new GNSS golf products. The golf rangefinder wearables were launched by Voice Caddie, an international brand of rangefinders and trackers based in South Korea. The T3 Hybrid Golf GPS Watch uses the compact u‑blox UBX‑G7020‑KT professional‑grade GNSS chip, which links with GPS/QZSS or GLONASS satellite systems. The B1 GPS Band uses the u‑blox UBX‑M8030‑KT professional‑grade GNSS chip, which provides navigation sensitivity and low current consumption. It is compatible with GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou satellite systems. The u‑blox GNSS technology enables the T3 Watch and the B1 Band to automatically detect golf courses and holes, and shows the wearer the driving distance and remaining distance to the hole as well as the distance to the front, middle and back of the green. The T3 Watch also measures short distances.

Voice Caddie, www.voicecaddie.com; u-blox, www.u-blox.com

PTP Grandmaster

Built-in GNSS receiver and clock

The OSA 5420 series is a family of cost-effective, mid-scale synchronization distribution and assurance devices. Following a toolbox approach, the OSA 5420 series can be used in a variety of network synchronization applications, including IEEE 1588v2 grandmaster, boundary clock, slave clock and assisted partial timing support (APTS). The built-in GNSS receiver and primary reference time clock (PRTC) capability, together with the redundant power supply option, provide reliable synchronization delivery.

Oscilloquartz, www.oscilloquartz.com

NAVWAR Simulation

with GPS directorate security approval to process Y-code

BroadSim is a software-defined GNSS simulator that enables users to model true and spoofed signals, with navigation warfare (NAVWAR) testing in mind. BroadSim supports high dynamics, advanced jamming, spoofing and encrypted military codes. Powered by Skydel’s SDX 1000-Hz software simulator engine, BroadSim can simulate multiple constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. The hardware includes a generator and controller with two radios, an OctoClock-G with GPS-disciplined oscillator, four channels and a UBX-160 RF daughterboard.

Talen-X, talen-x.com; Skydel, skydelsolutions.com

UAV

Smart Drone with Dual-Screen Controller

Controller inspired by smartphones and tablets

The Evolve drone has a dual-screen remote controller, empowering users with industry-grade features and functionality.The remote controller is a smart pilot system (SPS) that combines all required functions for amateur and professional users’ flying and filming needs under a single interface. Functioning as a 7-inch viewfinder and a 5-inch multi-touch control panel, the foldable dual-screen has minimal buttons and sticks, providing an intuitive experience. Both screens are luminously visible and operable in direct sunlight. The controller features a 64-bit quad-core CPU, a dedicated GPU, 4GB DDR3 RAM and Android OS inside. It comes with a GPS module, inertial measurement unit sensors, Micro-SD card slot, USB port and micro HDMI-out port, allowing comprehensive extendibility such as additional storage, FPV goggles and VR headsets.

XDynamics, www.xdynamics.com

Survey-Grade UAS

Also comes in solar-powered version for extended flight time

The Bramor ppX long-endurance small UAS has an all-composite blended-wing body system capable of flying for 3.5 hours. Also available is the variant Bramor ppX-LRS (long-range solar) version, developed in conjunction with Sunnyvale, California, thin-film solar-cell company Alta Devices. The ppX-LRS can fly up to 5.5 hours. Both versions can carry an array of advanced sensors for remote sensing, aero photogrammetry, surveying and agricultural mapping as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The new ppX is complemented with a C3P (command, control, communications and planning) software package for mission planning and flight control, enabling situational awareness and intuitive systems control. It also has an online fleet management and maintenance support system that will enable current users and operators to share technical data and mission profile and performance parameters advice. Sensors available range from visible light to multispectral, hyperspectral and advanced gas laser sensors capable of detecting 0.05 ppm of methane gas in the air above the areas of interest where leaks could develop.

C-ASTRAL Aerospace, www.c-astral.com

AR Glasses

Three companies join to improve the augmented reality experience

HiScene, Inuitive and Heptagon have teamed up on HiScene’s next generation of augmented reality (AR) glasses. HiAR Glasses incorporate Inuitive’s NU3000 computer vision processor and Heptagon’s advanced illumination. The companies worked together to develop a complete solution for advanced 3D depth sensing and AR/VR applications that delivers excellent performance even in changing light conditions and outdoors. The glasses’ AR operating system provides stereoscopic interactivity, 3D gesture perception, intelligent speech recognition, natural image recognition and inertial measurement unit (IMU) displayed with an improved 3D graphical user interface.

HiScene, www.hiscene.com

Flying Camera System

Professional image processing embedded in air frame

The Inspire 2 improves on the Inspire 1 with a new image-processing system embedded into the airframe, the CineCore 2.0. It records up to 5.2K in CinemaDNG RAW, Apple ProRes and other formats. It flies from 0 to 50 mph (80 kph) in 5 seconds, reaches 58 mph (94 kph) and has a maximum descent speed of 9 m/s. A dual-battery system prolongs the flight time to 27 minutes (with an X4S), while self-heating technology allows it to fly in low temperatures. DJI’s Flight Autonomy provides two directions of obstacle avoidance and sensor redundancy. Increased intelligence adds multiple intelligent flight modes, including Spotlight Pro, giving single pilots the ability to create complex, dramatic shots. An upgraded video-transmission system is capable of dual-signal frequency and dual-channel, streaming video from an onboard first-person-view camera and the main camera simultaneously, for better pilot and camera operator collaboration.

DJI, dji.com

SURVEY & MAPPING

Bluetooth Receiver

GNSS receiver, datalogger also has barometric sensor

The Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor delivers ~1-meter positioning out of the box to the iPad or Android device for use in GIS, mapping, agriculture and survey activities. The GNSS Surveyor can record raw data and produce a RINEX file through the Bad Elf application for post-processing. It also supports differential GPS (DGPS) using RTCM 2.3 correction messages. Surveyors can obtain altitude from GPS or from the built-in barometer, which can be calibrated to a known altitude or pressure.

Bad Elf, bad-elf.com

Professional App

Annual subscription includes professional use rights

Avenza Maps, Avenza Systems’ mobile mapping app for Android, iOS and Windows, now comes in a Pro version. Avenza Maps Pro is the most powerful version to date of the application. Features of the Pro annual subscription include commercial, government and other professional use rights not available with other versions allowing an unlimited number of maps to be imported as well as Shapefile import and export, data collection and management, and enhanced support. The subscription also allows for enterprise-level management of the Avenza Maps app across mobile devices for organizations, using a new subscription management system.

Avenza Systems, www.avenza.com

Laser Scanners

3D data processing in all conditions

The TX6 and improved TX8 high-performance 3D laser scanners offer an integrated high-dynamic range camera and Wi-Fi remote control. The high-speed 3D laser scanners combine microsecond time-of-flight distance measurement with advanced onboard signal and 3D data processing, designed to provide range and accuracy in all conditions. The TX6 is a medium-range 3D scanner, while the TX8 is for geospatial professionals that require enhanced versatility and longer ranges to effectively support a variety of applications in urban environments, civil infrastructures and challenging terrains.

Trimble, trimble.com

Water Navigation

GPS guidance for mariners

Aqua Map is an iOS and Android app for GPS marine navigation, aimed at boaters and fishermen. The app integrates official nautical charts for many areas in the world, including the NOAA, CHS (Canadian Hydrographic Service), British Admiralty and Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie as well as S-57 and raster cartography. The app provides users with a clear chart using the full power of the Retina display, intuitive realistic symbols and colors. No experience in water navigation is needed. Most of the functions are accessible with simple gestures on the map, and all are clearly described in the Aqua Map Tutorial and Help.

Aqua Map, www.globalaquamaps.com

Airborne Lidar Scanner

With high-performance update

Galaxy is an airborne laser terrain mapper designed for projects from wide-area mapping to corridor surveys. A universal sensor, it collects ultra-dense data with precision and accuracy. When coupled with Optech’s SwathTRAK and PulseTRAK technologies, collection efficiencies exceeding 70 percent are possible, relative to the traditional fixed field of view dual-beam sensors. The Galaxy can be installed in a tactical UAV, integrated in a helicopter pod for powerline surveying, or gyro-stabilized with an orthometric camera for wide-area mapping. SwathTRAK dynamically modifies the scan field of view during collection to maintain fixed swath widths and even point distribution, even in variable terrain. PulseTRAK enables a continuous operating envelope, solving the multi-pulse challenge of data coverage gaps and density variation in the multi-pulse transition/blind zones. This gives surveyors the ability to use high laserpulse rates and generate high point density in variable terrain, without the need for complex flight planning.

Teledyne Optech, www.teledyneoptech.com

Photogrammetry Software

Supports processing in the cloud

Correlator3D software is a patented end-to-end photogrammetry solution for the generation of high-quality geospatial data from satellite and aerial imagery, including UAVs. Correlator3D performs aerial triangulation and produces dense digital surface models, digital terrain models, point clouds, orthomosaics and vectorized 3D features. Powered by GPU technology and multi-core CPUs, Correlator3D’s processing power supports rapid production of large datasets. Benefits include quick processing of thousands of images through GPU powered and multi-core CPU computing; highly automated processes with intuitive manual editing tools for customer-specific requirements; and modular design that offers clients flexibility with respect to budget and easily integrates into a production workflow.

SimActive, www.simactive.com

TRANSPORTATION

Auto Navigation

Receiver designed for car navigation platforms, devices

The GV-86 receiver is used by many automotive customers requiring high quality and reliability. Because of its dead-reckoning function, GV-86 achieves high-accuracy performances in deep urban canyons where the accuracy of GNSS-only positions could be reduced. The GV-86 receiver is being installed in car navigation systems designed for major automotive companies, such as Skypine in China and Clarion in Japan. The GV-86 achieves superior performance with fast time to first fix and highly improved noise tolerance. The software can be upgraded to support concurrent multi-GNSS reception with GPS, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS.

Furuno, www.furuno.com

Shipping Pallet

Nikken Lease uses u-blox positioning for trackable pallet

Transeeker is a pallet equipped with u-blox’s cellular and positioning technologies for accurate tracking: u-blox cellular UMTS/HSPA(+) module LISA-U200-62S and u-blox 7 standalone GNSS module, EVA-7M. Made of plastic, the pallets are reusable, making them a good ecological alternative to their wooden counterpart. Embedded in Transeeker, the LISA-U200-62S of the LISA-U2 series is equipped with CellLocate, u-blox’s proprietary hybrid positioning technology enabling stand-alone location estimation based on surrounding GSM/UMTS cell information in conjunction with GPS positioning data.
Nikken Lease, www.nklogi.com;

u-blox, www.u-blox.com

uAvionix Corporation, an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) avionics provider, has developed and is testing a tiny ADS-B transceiver for UAVs.

Weighing less than 1 gram, a dime-sized ADS-B prototype module for drones with transmission power between 0.01-0.25 Watts could provide visibility to any aircraft equipped with ADS-B “IN” avionics from 1 to 10 miles away, and is small enough to integrate directly into professional and consumer-level drones.

uAvionix is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other partners under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to test the unit, along with other uAvionix products.

uAvionix Ping ADS-B transceiver.

A recent study published in January 2017 by The MITRE Corporation’s Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) imagined a future of high-traffic densities of drones operating with ADS-B onboard, and then sought to understand the implications of that.

The study suggests that there is a nominal transmission power output between 0.01 and 0.1 Watts that when coupled with limited drone traffic densities can result in a compatible operation with the system as a whole.

“We developed this product to show the world the art of the possible,” said Paul Beard, CEO of uAvionix. “We can’t yet sell this device because the standards that were developed for ADS-B did not take into account the value of air-to-air ADS-B communications between small drones or between small drones and manned aircraft. It’s literally not legal to transmit at these low power outputs. We aim to lead the discussion and development of those standards, and will work with any regulatory body to do so.”

Tallysman, a manufacturer of high-performance GNSS antennas and related products, has introduced a magnetic-mount triple-band (plus L-band) GNSS antenna, TW7972, and a dual-band antenna, TW7872.

They are designed for precision agriculture, autonomous vehicles, navigation, real-time kinematic (RTK), precise point positioning (PPP), and other applications where precision matters. The ability of the TW7972 to access L-Band correction services extends its utility to a wider range of applications.

The introduction of these antennas is a continuation of Tallysman’s expansion into broader band GNSS antennas. These antennas are the first releases in a line of new enclosures that will be used for additional broadband GNSS solutions.

The antennas employ Tallysman’s Accutenna technology.

• The TW7972 is capable of receiving GPS L1/L2/L5, GLONASS G1/G2/G5, BeiDou B1/B2, Galileo E1/E5a+b and L-band correction services (1164 MHz to 1254 MHz + 1525 MHz to 1606 MHz).
• The TW7872 is capable of receiving GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BeiDou B1 and Galileo E1.

The precisely tuned antennas have a tight pre-filter to protect against intermodulation and saturation caused by high-level cellular 700 MHz and other signals.

The antennas provide superior multi-path signal rejection, a linear phase response, and a tight phase-center variation (PCV) at a new economical price point, Tallysman said. The antennas provide comparable or superior performance to higher priced triple- and dual-band GNSS antennas on the market.

The TW7972 and TW7872 are housed in a magnetic-mount, IP67 weather-proof enclosure with pre-tapped screw holes. The antennas can also be ordered without the magnet.

The TW3967 (28-dB gain) and the TW3972E (35-dB gain) are the embedded versions of the TW7972. The TW3867 and TW3872E are the embedded versions of the TW7872. They are available with a wide selection of connectors and custom cable lengths, and can be custom tuned by Tallysman to ensure optimum performance within the customer’s enclosure.