Vendor News

13Feb

Septentrio GNSS technology guarantees DEME’s operations in areas of interference

Septentrio GNSS technologyFebruary 13, 2017 - Septentrio GNSS technology continues to provide solutions for challenging situations. Case in point? The Belgian dredging, environmental and engineering group DEME. They rely on the accuracy and reliability of the AsteRx family of precise GNSS positioning solutions from Septentrio. DEME is using Septentrio’s AsteRx GNSS receivers to obtain centimeter-level accuracy for all their dredging and marine construction operations worldwide. These receivers are designed to operate in difficult conditions. From ice-covered Arctic ports to the tropical climates of Southeast Asia; whether dredging a few meters from the coast line to constructing wind turbines kilometers out at sea.  

Septentrio GNSS technology, a case study

DEME began using Septentrio’s solutions over 10 years ago. While dredging in the Belgian town of Oostende, DEME couldn't obtain a reliable RTK position from their GNSS equipment. The problem? Interfering radio signals from a local radio tower. Septentrio worked with DEME to identify the source of the interference. Once the problem was discovered they modified a standard RTK receiver with special firmware to address the jamming problem. This case, along with others faced by Septentrio's customers in the field, began development of a dedicated interference mitigation technology called AIM+ which is now standard in Septentrio’s GNSS solutions.  

History of success

Septentrio’s AsteRx GNSS receivers are deployed on DEME’s ships around the world. They have been vital to DEME for the success of projects such as the creation of Gateway Port in London, UK; the construction of Deurganckdock, Antwerp, Belgium; the Pearl Qatar City; Thornton Bank Offshore Windfarm, Belgium, extension of the Suez Canal, Egypt and many more. “’Creating land for the future’ is the slogan here at DEME and this is thanks in part to the accuracy and robustness of the solutions offered by Septentrio” stated Lorentz Lievens, Head of Survey Department. “Jamming is a concern which DEME has seen more and more all over the world. Septentrio’s receivers are unique in that they continue to provide an accurate solution even in areas of high radio and ionospheric interference allowing DEME to deliver projects on time and on budget," continued Lievens. Septentrio’s precise positioning solutions will remain vital for DEME to deliver quality and cost-effective operations around the world for many years to come.”  

About Septentrio

Septentrio designs, manufactures and sells high-precision multi-frequency multi-constellation GPS/GNSS equipment, which is used in demanding applications in a variety of industries such as marine, construction, agriculture, survey and mapping, geographic information systems (GIS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as other industries. Their receivers deliver consistently accurate GNSS positions scalable to centimetre-level, and perform solidly even under heavy scintillation or jamming. Receivers are available as OEM boards, housed receivers and smart antennas. Unmanned Systems Source is pleased to partner with Septentrio. Shop Septentrio's product line to find the solution that is right for your application.
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08Feb

PingBuddy 2 now available for pre-order at Unmanned Systems Source

PingBuddy 2 now available for pre-order at Unmanned Systems SourceFebruary 8, 2017 – Unmanned Systems Source is pleased to announce that the PingBuddy 2 from uAionix is now available for pre-order. Units are expected to ship at the end of March 2017. Thanks to its small form-factor and inexpensive price, the original PingBuddy ADS-B receiver was a popular choice with prosumers and hobbyists, alike. uAvionix continues its path of innovation by offering a number of improvements to this popular item.  

PingBuddy 2 improvements

uAvionix describes the pingBuddy 2 as the world’s smallest and lightest Wi-Fi ADS-B receiver. It utilizes the GPS in Android and iOS devices. For phones not equipped with GPS, an external Bluetooth or GPS dongle is needed. Improvements include:
  • Integrated gimbal suction cup mounting system
  • Improved sensitivity
  • Dual antennas optimized for each ADS-B frequency
  • Redesigned USB flash drive sized package
  • Same low price
It also provides real-time air traffic reporting and weather updates to the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) of choice. Easy to use, simply power pingBuddy 2, join the wireless network, launch EFB software, and enjoy subscription-free traffic and weather.  

Additional features include

The pingBuddy 2 is a dual band (978MHz/1090MHz) ADS-B receiver with integrated Wi-Fi. It receives subscription-free in-flight weather (FIS-B) directly from FAA ground stations. FIS-B includes:
  • NEXRAD radar
  • METARs
  • TAFs
  • AIRMETs
  • SIGMETs
  • Winds and temps aloft
  • PIREPs
  • NOTAMs
  • TRFs
There is no assembly, software downloads or configuration required for the PingBuddy 2; users simply add power.  

Pre-order today

As an authorized re-seller of uAvionix products, Unmanned Systems Source is now accepting pre-orders for the PingBuddy 2. Visit us today to place your pre-order. Unmanned Systems Source will provide all pre-order customers with periodic updates of the expected ship date.  

About uAvionix

uAvionix develops the world’s smallest, lightest and most affordable ADS-B transceivers and transponders, Ping. UAvionix’s Ping network system combines hardware, software, and real-time airspace mapping to enable companies to safely and reliably operate drones in the National Airspace System (NAS). Shop uAvionix complete line of ATC devices at Unmanned Systems Source, today!
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31Jan

SBG Systems Announces Major Improvements for the Ellipse Series Line of Miniature Inertial Sensors

Ellipse Series Performance UpgradedJanuary 31, 2017 – SBG Systems announced the release of a new version of the Ellipse Series, its popular product line of miniature inertial sensors. The Ellipse is greatly improved, showing unmatched performance in attitude measurement while adding Galileo constellation to its GNSS receiver. After thousands of Ellipse miniature inertial sensors operational on the field, SBG Systems proves again its capability of continuous innovation. With these improvements, the Ellipse line of miniature inertial sensors strengthens its position as “best combination of innovation, performance, and reliability” while keeping the same form factor and price level. Due in part to its small form factor and powerful performance, the Ellipse Series is a popular sensor for Unmanned Systems. It is also an affordable all-in-one solution that provides accurate attitude and position in real-time for Unmanned Systems whether they are terrestrial, aerial, or marine.  

Ellipse Series Performance Upgraded

The accuracy of every Ellipse models has improved from 0.2° to 0.1° in roll and pitch. With low noise gyroscopes and new high performance accelerometers providing superior noise level. In addition, the new accelerometers tolerate very high vibration environments (up to 8g).  

GNSS Navigation: Ellipse-N Operational with Galileo Satellites

The Ellipse-N model is an all-in-one inertial sensor that embeds a L1 GNSS receiver. Ellipse-N is already compatible with GPS, GLONASS and BEIDOU constellations. With the addition of GALILEO tracking, Ellipse-N benefits from more satellites, improving the signal robustness in harsh environments.  

2-Year Warranty: The Most Reliable Industrial-grade Sensors

Ellipse embeds high quality sensors with a greatly improved long-term stability. These sensors feature an IP68 enclosure and are resistant to dust and water. Additionally, in order to ensure consistent behavior in every condition, each sensor is tested and calibrated. Highly robust, the Ellipse is guaranteed for 2 years. There is also an option to extend the warranty up to 5 years.  

Compatibility and Availability

Thanks to a fully backward compatibility design, the new Ellipse series can be a drop-in replacement of the previous Ellipse. Thus, no specific integration action is required when it comes to mechanical, electrical and/or software integration. New Ellipse sensors are available for ordering.  

About SBG

SBG Systems is a leading supplier of MEMS-based inertial motion sensing solutions. The company provides a wide range of inertial solutions from miniature to high accuracy. Combined with cutting-edge calibration techniques and advanced embedded algorithms, SBG Systems products are ideal solutions for industrial & research projects such as unmanned vehicle control, surveying applications, antenna tracking, and camera stabilization.
Unmanned Systems Source is pleased to provide our customers the entire line of SBG System Sensors. Find your solution, today!
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30Jan

uAvionix tests dime-sized ADS-B for high traffic density drone operations

uAvionix tests dime-sized ADS-B January 30, 2017 - uAvionix Corporation based in Palo Alto, California continues to innovate within the ADS-B transceiver market. Today, uAvionix announced the development and test of a dime-sized transceiver weighing less than 1 gram. UAvionix worked under a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement with the FAA and other partners to test this prototype.  

Smallest transceiver to-date

This ADS-B module represents the smallest transceiver to date. Its small form factor is designed to integrate directly into professional and consumer-level drones with transmission power between 0.01-0.25 Watts. It could provide visibility to any aircraft equipped with ADS-B “in” avionics from 1-10 miles away. Currently, the product does not fall within current FAA standards due to its low power output transmission.  

Need for uAvionix dime-sized ADS-B

Recently, a study published in January by the MITRE Corporation’s Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development (CAASD) envisioned a world of very high traffic densities of drones with on-board ADS-B. The study sought to understand the implications of such a scenario. It suggested 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. uAvionix believes this module is a step towards the future. “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 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.”  

About uAvionix

uAvionix develops the world’s smallest, lightest and most affordable ADS-B transceivers and transponders, Ping. UAvionix’s Ping network system combines hardware, software, and real-time airspace mapping to enable companies to safely and reliably operate drones in the National Airspace System (NAS). Shop the complete line of uAvionix ADS-B products at Unmanned Systems Source.
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25Jan

NuWaves Engineering Releases 15 Watt L-& S- Band Bidirectional Amplifier Module

L- & S- Band Bidirectional Amplifier ModuleJanuary 24, 2017 – NuWaves Engineering announced the addition of their latest miniaturized bidirectional amplifier to their line of NuPower Xtender bidirectional amplifier products. This product is ideal for communications, telemetry and electronic warfare markets. “We are excited to offer this bidirectional amplifier module. This product is targeted at the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) market, filling the gap in the market for small bidirectional amplifiers,” said Jeff Wells, President and CEO of NuWaves Engineering. “The NuWaves’ team takes pride in our ability to support our clients with best-in-class RF solutions, rapidly fulfilling the ever-changing needs of the Warfighter.”  

L- & S- Band Bidirectional Amplifier Module Specifications

The NuPower™ Xtender™ 12C04A model, part number NW-BA-12C04A, provides 15 watts of RF power across L- & S- band frequencies of 1.0 to 2.5 GHz, ideal for extending the communication range of half-duplex transceivers with constant-envelope waveforms. Adjacent radio frequency bands, such as the popular 900 MHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band are also supported at lower peak power levels. In receiver mode, the 12C04A bidirectional amplifier offers a low noise figure of 3.5 dB and a low noise amplifier that provides 13 dB of gain. The module accepts a +5 dBm input level and provides a minimum 35 dB of transmit gain, all while operating with 30% or better power efficiency. This bidirectional amplifier features the option of manual transmit / receive (T/R) mode selection or automatic transmit sensing, coupled with an extremely fast T/R mode switch time of < 1.5 μs to support a variety of digital data links, including AeroVironment’s DDL, FreeWave Technologies’ radios, and Microhard Systems’ radios.  

Small form factor and power efficiency

All of this has been designed into a system with a small form factor of 6.9 in3 by utilizing state-of-the-art Gallium Nitride (GaN) power amplifier device technology, the NuPowerTM XtenderTM 12C04A bidirectional amplifier module is ideal for broadband RF telemetry and communication systems that require reliability and minimal size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP).  

About NuWaves Engineering

NuWaves Engineering is a premier supplier of RF and Microwave solutions for Department of Defense (DoD), government, and industrial customers. An RF Engineering powerhouse, NuWaves offers a broad range of design and engineering services related to the development and sustainment of key communications, telemetry and electronic warfare systems, as well as a complete line of commercially available RF products. Unmanned Systems Source is proud to partner with NuWaves Engineering. Shop their line of RF solutions, here.
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16Jan

NuWaves Engineering nears completion of 4-watt, linear VHF/UHF bi-directional amplifier module

NuWaves Engineering nears completion of 4-watt, linear VHF/UHF bi-directional amplifier moduleJanuary 16, 2017 – NuWaves Engineering has announced near completion on the Internal Research and Design (IRaD) phase of their miniaturized VHF/UHF RF bidirectional amplifier (BDA). The NuPower™ Xtender™ 16A06A model features high linearity performance, small size and weight, high ACLR, and broad supply voltage range. It is a low-cost solution. Initial low rate production is scheduled to start early February with testing starting shortly after. Demo units will be available by late March. The NuPower™ Xtender™ 16A06A will provide 4 Watts of linear power over the frequency range of 225 MHz to 512 MHz. The BDA will produce greater than 10 Watts of saturated output power for applications where linearity is not required (i.e., constant envelope waveforms). Available as a circuit card assembly or an enclosed module, this BDA provides the system integrator with the choice of a small, lightweight assembly for highly embedded designs, or a module for rugged reliability under harsh conditions. “We are excited to add this bidirectional amplifier module to our NuPowerTM XtenderTM line of products," said Jeff Wells, President and CEO of NuWaves Engineering. "This product is targeted at the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) market, filling the gap in the market for small, linear VHF/UHF power amplifiers."  

The specifications

As a circuit card assembly, the BDA measures 2.34” x 2.34” x 0.61” and weighs 1.92 ounces, while the fully enclosed module version measures 2.34” x 2.34” x 0.70” at 2.88 ounces. Targeting an adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of -33 dBc at 4 watts’ average power output, this BDA is capable of achieving higher data throughput and a clearer reliable signal. This BDA also features a broad supply voltage range of +10 to +32 VDC, capable of supporting an array of RF communications, telemetry and electronic warfare applications, including systems running on battery power. "The NuWaves’ team takes pride in our ability to support our clients with best-in-class RF solutions, rapidly fulfilling the ever-changing needs of the Warfighter,” said Wells.  

About NuWaves Engineering

NuWaves Engineering is a premier supplier of RF and Microwave solutions for Department of Defense (DoD), government, and industrial customers. An RF engineering powerhouse, NuWaves offers a broad range of design and engineering services related to the development and sustainment of key communications, telemetry and electronic warfare systems, as well as a complete line of commercially available RF products. NuWaves’ products include wideband frequency converters, high-efficiency and miniature solid state power amplifiers and bidirectional amplifiers, high intercept low noise amplifiers and miniature RF filters.   Unmanned Systems Source is proud to distribute NuWaves Engineering line of products.
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