What are Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS)?

SBAS provide orbit and clock corrections for the GPS satellites and an Ionospheric model. These were initially developed for civil aviation use to augment L1 Coarse Acquisition Code receivers, but have since been developed for alternate markets such as offshore and agriculture. Correctional data are transmitted on the GPS L1 frequency from Geo-stationary communication satellites. Examples include the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for USA and Puerto Rico, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) for Europe, the Multi-Function Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS) and the Satellite Navigation Augmentation System (SNAS) for China. Corrections can be received outside their network but should only be used within their designated operational area due to accuracy and reliability measures. All NavCom / Deere receivers are capable of receiving and using WAAS/EGNOS signals. NavCom has also developed a commercial SBAS system known as StarFire that is available globally and is more accurate.

Why does NavCom provide two dedicated SBAS channels?

SBAS signals can be seen from multiple satellites, with two dedicated channels, NavCom has the ability to lose lock on one and still track the other without a new search. Having dedicated channels means you never give up a GPS channel to access WAAS, EGNOS or other L1 based SBAS signal.

What is StarFire™?

StarFire is the World's first commercial Global Satellite Based Augmentation System (GSBAS). StarFire uses a global tracking network of approximately 60 reference stations and software originally developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to calculate very precise and accurate real-time orbits and clocks for all the GPS satellites. These are transmitted via Geo-Stationary communication satellites to StarFire receivers who use the corrections with NavCom's geodetic quality L1/L2 engine measurements and proprietary StarFire positioning algorithm. Real-time positioning accuracy is typically a decimeter horizontally and two decimeters vertical. Performance may be better depending upon the local conditions.

Why is WAAS and EGNOS performance much better with NavCom receivers than other receivers?

NavCom manufactures dual frequency GPS receivers. The GPS frequency measurements on both L1 and L2 allow the ionospheric errors to be corrected prior to navigation. This technique is much more accurate than using the WAAS or EGNOS ionospheric models. NavCom's rover positioning algorithm for StarFire has been adapted to work with WAAS and EGNOS corrections providing greatly enhanced positioning performance. NavCom has also implemented a patented method which allows for the repression of high-frequency noise associated with these types systems, named Refraction Corrected Phrase (RCP). In addition, NavCom's patented multi-path suppression and high quality of measurements result in superior position accuracy.

What is StarFire convergence?

Upon power-up, a StarFire receiver initializes, locks on to the available GPS satellites, the local StarFire communication satellite and starts NavCom's proprietary StarFire positioning algorithm. Positioning accuracy will typically be sub-meter with decimeter accuracy performance available within 30-45 minutes. This is a function of the tropospheric conditions, number of GPS satellites available and inter channel calibration of the receiver.

What is StarFire Quickstart?

NavCom offers the unique feature called QuickStart where an accurately known ITRF05 position can be used to initialize StarFire navigation and eliminate the convergence period. This is typically a position previously surveyed and converted to ITRF05 prior to initialization. For example, vehicular installations can be initialized using the last position from when it was parked and powered down.

What is RTK Extend™?

RTK Extend uses StarFire to provide RTK-quality positioning when the RTK communication link has been temporarily lost. This can mean greater survey efficiency by eliminating the need to stop the survey or relocate the RTK base station for better communication coverage.

How does RTK Extend™ work?

A StarFire-licensed receiver with the RTK option enabled is equipped with an RTK communication link and placed in the 'RTK Extend Base' mode. Both RTK corrections and the offset between the StarFire and RTK solutions are transmitted to multiple roving StarFire receivers (the base will be navigating at the same time as it is computing corrections). When the RTK communication link is blocked at the StarFire rover, the unit initializes the StarFire positioning algorithm based upon the last good RTK-based position along with the last StarFire position offset at the base station. This offset is computed by taking a delta between the locked RTK base coordinate and the StarFire navigation result. Its best performance is after steady-state navigation is achieved at the base. RTK-quality positions are maintained for up to and beyond 15 minutes after a RTK communication dropout. If the RTK data link is not restored, the StarFire rover accuracy will migrate to its typical decimeter performance.

Does StarFire use a bi-directional communication system?

No. StarFire receivers are receive-only. This reduces their power consumption and the network costs, savings of which are passed to the end user.

How do I license my StarFire receiver to work with StarFire corrections?

Every StarFire user must complete a StarFire End User License Agreement (EULA) and subscribe to one of the flexible licensing plans via their local NavCom distributor. Once confirmed, a license file is provided for upload into the StarFire receiver via the supplied control software. The license and expiration date can be confirmed using the same software program.

Where are StarFire corrections available?

Everywhere. StarFire corrections are valid for anywhere in the world. NavCom distributes these via three Inmarsat geo-stationary communication satellites which provide near-global coverage. Reception of these L-Band signals is through the tri-band antenna of the StarFire receivers No other equipment is necessary. The two Polar Regions are not visible from the Inmarsat satellites and for these regions, dedicated satellite phones have been used as data links for StarFire corrections. For StarFire users operating in high latitudes or on a dynamic platform with antenna sway, NavCom offers a separate, low elevation L-Band antenna coupled with a dual RF input receiver which yields enhanced performance in these regions.

How frequently do the StarFire correction updates need to be received?

Unlike conventional Ground Based Augmentation Systems (GBAS) which determine highly temporal signal corrections, StarFire corrections are derived for satellite key parameters of orbit and clock. This is a more fundamental method of correction and as a result the accuracy degrades much more slowly with time. Excluding any sudden GPS satellite anomalies, the last set of valid corrections will provide decimeter accuracies for up to and beyond 10 minutes. This is a setting made allowable to the user, which permits many accuracy tolerances dependant upon the application.

To which datum are StarFire corrections referenced?

StarFire uses the latest realization of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). In other words, the StarFire corrections are based upon ITRF05, and adjusted on a daily basis (at UTC midnight) to account for minute shifts in velocities attributed to continental shifts on a global basis.

What is the relationship between StarFire positions (ITRF05) and WGS84?

The latest realization of the WGS84 Datum, as used by the GPS satellites, is based upon ITRF2000 at a different epoch from StarFire. The difference is sub-decimeter. It is important to understand that ITRF differs from WGS84, and one should never assume that they are equivalent in terms of truth reference.

Why does there exist a difference between my StarFire converged position and my known WGS84 position?

The WGS84 Datum has undergone a number of revisions and realizations. A bias may be seen between WGS84 positions and StarFire (ITRF00) positions depending on the equipment, methodology and time when the known WGS84 position was determined. For example, early WGS84 positions were based on Transit doppler receivers, which had an accuracy of about 10m (depending on observation time). It should be noted that the original WGS84 Datum definition DMA TR8350 defined the Datum with an accuracy of +/- 1.5m. Accurate ITRF coordinates for a static location can be determined by recording several hours of L1 and L2 GPS data and processing these at the SOPAC SCOUT site for global locations or the NGS OPUS site for USA only. http://sopac.ucsd.edu/ http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS/

Why is a Tide model used in StarFire receivers?

StarFire is an absolute space-based positioning system. The Earth's crust flexes during the day with sea, solar and lunar gravity induced tides resulting in the distance from the earth's surface to the center varying. These variations are well known, principally affecting the height and can be corrected for by the Sinko model which is within the StarFire positioning algorithm.

What is SureNav™?

With so many navigation choices available within NavCom receivers, we produced the SureNav concept. Multiple sources of correction data including StarFire corrections can be input into a receiver at the same time. With SureNav, you can be Sure that the output navigation position will be the best available, coupled with NavCom’s robust confidence statistics which are based upon the navigation inputs to depict the performance level at any moment in time.

What is StarFire Over IP?

This feature allows users to access StarFire corrections over the Internet, giving them access to the same reliable five centimeter global positioning accuracy without the need for a base station. Users are now also able to access StarFire corrections even in those situations when satellite delivery might be unavailable, such as deep urban canyons or very high latitude locations. Furthermore, the automatic failover capabilities in our StarFire enabled products allow the user to switch seamlessly from satellite to internet delivery of StarFire service and thereby maintain the maximum possible uptime.

• Not available on Sapphire-integrated systems which do not support an IP interface with Ntrip 2.0 (or later)         protocol
• SF-3040 requires software development by 3rd party
• SF-3040 in a LAND-PAK System requires either NavCom FieldGenius v6.0.3.1 or later, or NavCom SurvCE             software (available in early 2013 with this specific feature)

How it works:

The receiver acts as an Ntrip client and initiates an Ntrip session including automatic authentication (no user parameters required).

• Requires the unit be licensed for StarFire operation
• Requires the unit to be optioned for StarFire over IP and StarFire Enabled
• Ntrip mountpoint and IP address is only provided to customers who are activated for this service. This               information is provided at the time the software option is provided to the customer or from Customer               Support
• NavCom FieldGenius and NavCom SurvCE are preconfigured to connect to the correct IP address
• The method that the GNSS receiver is connected to the internet is the customer’s responsibility. The                   connection can be made through a 3G modem, VSAT, Iridium, direct connection to the internet, etc. The             connection can be made using StarUtil 3000 and the command line interface (Input Terminal). An                       Application Note is available to detail the mechanics of making the connection.

Data management

• Packet size is currently at 787Bytes max with GPS and GLONASS corrections
• The service is offered with three different delivery modes to help customers manage their data costs:                 1-second (streaming); 15-seconds; 60-seconds
• Packet size for different rates are the same size
• Convergence time and accuracy is the same for all delivery rates, whether over the air or via IP

How do I get StarFire Over IP? StarFire Over IP Licensing

• Receiver needs StarFire over IP and StarFire Enable options
• Standard receiver StarFire license authenticates both services

What is StarFire Over IP (SFoIP)?

This feature allows users to receive StarFire corrections over the Internet, giving them access to the same reliable five centimeter global positioning accuracy without the need for a base station. Users can access StarFire corrections in environments where StarFire satellite delivery might be unavailable, such as deep urban canyons or very high latitude locations.Furthermore, the automatic failover capabilities allow the user to switch seamlessly from satellite to internet delivery of StarFire service, thereby maintaining maximum uptime in otherwise challenging locations.

What systems can use StarFire Over IP?

• A LAND-PAK System requires either NavCom FieldGenius v6.0.3.1 or later, or NavCom SurvCE software              (available later in 2013 with support for this feature)
• LAND-PAK Systems delivered prior to February 2013 will require software and software options updates
• SF-3050 products operating on software version 3.2.11 or later are capable of using StarFire Over IP with           the purchase of appropriate options and licenses
• Availability on Sapphire-integrated systems requires the integrator to provide an IP interface with Ntrip               2.0 (or later) protocol with the purchase of appropriate options and licenses and the means to access the         service is determined by the integrator’s user interface program
• Usage of SFoIP for the SF-3040 receiver requires 3rd party developed controller software to support the             feature in addition to the receiver operating on software version 3.2.11 or later with the purchase of                   appropriate options and licenses

How does StarFire over IP work?

StarFire corrections function over IP in exactly the same way as in traditional StarFire correction satellite delivery.

The receiver (SF-3050) or data collector (for LAND-PAK with Nautiz X7 and NavCom supplied data collection software) acts as an Ntrip client and initiates an Ntrip session including automatic authentication (no user parameters required).

• Requires the unit be licensed for StarFire operation
• Requires the unit to be optioned for StarFire over IP and StarFire Enabled
• Ntrip mountpoint and IP address is only provided to customers who are activated for this service. This               information is provided at the time the software option is provided to the customer or from Customer               Support
• NavCom FieldGenius and NavCom SurvCE (available later in 2013 with support for this feature) are                       preconfigured to connect to the correct IP address
• The method that the GNSS receiver or data collector is connected to the internet is the customer’s                       responsibility. The connection can be made through a 3G modem, VSAT, Iridium, direct connection to the         internet, etc. The connection can be made using StarUtil 3000 and the command line interface (Input                 Terminal). An Application Note is available to detail the mechanics of making the connection.

What are the automatic failover capabilities in SFoIP?

The automatic failover capabilities in StarFire over IP allow the user to switch seamlessly from satellite to internet delivery of StarFire service. This feature is built-in to our NavCom FieldGenius and NavCom SurvCE software, allowing LAND-PAK users to seamlessly switch between StarFire corrections delivered via satellite to internet delivery when satellite delivery is interrupted. This feature, however, is not built-in to our SF-3050, SF-3040, and Sapphire board products and requires development of third party integrators to achieve the same functionality.

Data management

• Packet size is currently at 787Bytes max with GPS and GLONASS corrections
• The service is offered with three different delivery modes to help customers manage their data costs:                 1-second (streaming); 15-seconds; 60-seconds
• Packet size is the same whatever the streaming rate selected
• Convergence time and accuracy is the same for all delivery rates, whether over the air or via IP

How do I get StarFire Over IP?

To be licensed for StarFire Over IP

• Receiver needs StarFire over IP and StarFire Enable options
• The receiver needs an active StarFire license. The standard receiver StarFire license authenticates both               correction delivery services

Is there technical guidance available?

An Application Note is available to detail the mechanics of making the connection.

Is Over the Air (OTA) StarFire license renewal available over SFoIP?

Yes, delivery will follow the same process as outlined in the manual for OTA StarFire license renewal:

• The customer selects the date and time in GMT for the Over the Air broadcast of the StarFire License.
• The scheduled broadcast must occur at least 3 business days after a valid P.O. is received by NavCom                 Sales.
• Specify broadcast date and time in GMT on the P.O.
• NavCom confirms the date & time of broadcast via email.

About Over the Air Broadcast

• The StarFire license is broadcast at the scheduled time and 5 minutes later as a backup.
• To ensure reception, turn on the receiver before the specified broadcast time. Do not turn off the receiver         until verifying that the license is saved.
• The receiver must be tracking StarFire satellites at the broadcast times, though the receiver is not                         required to be operating in StarFire mode during the broadcasts.

I purchased a LAND-PAK last year, how do I get the SFoIP option?

Please contact customer support to update your LAND-PAK.

What is StarFire Rapid Recovery?

StarFire Rapid Recovery is a proprietary technique which allows NavCom’s GNSS receivers to resume StarFire level of accuracy (5cm) after a GNSS signal outage. Before the introduction of Rapid Recovery, the GNSS receiver had to allow the StarFire solution to re-converge, after re-acquiring the GNSS satellites which could take in excess of half an hour to accomplish. The new Rapid Recovery technique provides 5cm level accuracy within two minutes after resuming GNSS navigation in StarFire mode.

How Does StarFire Rapid Recovery Work??

The receiver applies a technique of StarFire re-initialization from previously resolved ambiguities. If a StarFire receiver mounted on a vehicle passes under a bridge, the receiver will lose lock on all GNSS satellites and the navigation flag becomes invalid. When the vehicle is in the open again, the receiver begins to track satellites again. It will enter Standalone GNSS mode, then potentially SBAS and StarFire Single modes. Once it attains StarFire Multi-frequency mode, the Rapid Recovery initialization is enacted and the receiver resumes normal StarFire converged performance in a matter of seconds. The entire process includes the: time of outage + reacquisition + navigation + transition to StarFire + Rapid Recovery initialization. The timing of the process varies based on the environment encountered and the PDOP value once navigation is resumed.

What systems can use StarFire Rapid Recovery?

All Sapphire and newer generation products are capable of StarFire Rapid Recovery. This currently includes the Sapphire board, SF-3040, SF-3050, and LAND-PAK.

What is the maximum outage time before StarFire Rapid Recovery is unable to regain StarFire accuracy?

3 minutes

What is the maximum distance that a receiver can travel before StarFire Rapid Recovery is unable to regain StarFire accuracy?

10 km

Are there any dynamic acceleration constraints that exist?

Because the ionosphere and troposphere are not changing dramatically during the outage, acceleration is not a factor for StarFire Rapid Recovery.

Are there any velocity constraints that exist? Will this work all the way up to 515m2/sec?

StarFire Rapid Recovery will work at velocities up to the COCOM limit of 515m2/sec.

What are the DOP limits for StarFire Rapid Recovery to function properly?

PDOP < 4 and HDOP <3

If you’re in RTK Extend mode – does StarFire Rapid Recovery still function?

No. RTK Extend is an augmentation mode to RTK. However, if the receiver transitions from RTK Extend to StarFire mode, then StarFire Rapid Recovery will serve to augment StarFire mode.

Is there a difference in StarFire Rapid Recovery performance if you’re in GPS-Only mode versus GPS+GLONASS?

Not under normal operating conditions (i.e. open sky). The performance differences between GPS-Only and GPS+GLONASS are based on the DOP and overall geometry of satellites tracked and used in the navigation algorithm.

How do I get StarFire Rapid Recovery?

The receiver needs an active StarFire license. The standard receiver StarFire license authenticates both correction delivery services

The receiver needs to operate on production software version 3.3 or later. Please contact Customer Support for a current copy of the software.

What is the Touchstone™ ASIC chip family?

Since 1996, NavCom has developed six different GPS ASIC chips within the Touchstone family. Such enhancements on existing architecture proves both NavCom and Deere's commitment to ongoing GNSS technology development.

What benefit does IntuiTrak™ provide?

NavCom has patents for multipath mitigation, L2 carrier tracking and signal interference suppression. IntuiTrak combines these techniques to provide signal quality that allows innovations such as NavCom's StarFire 5cm-level positioning performance, RTK and RTK Extend.

What benefits does the NavCom binary language provide for RTK?

NavCom's proprietary binary language is exceptionally compact without compromising the resolution of the measurements. This results in very low bandwidth for the RTK communication link without loss of accuracy and precision. It also allows additional information, not included in the RTCM messages, to be transmitted to the rover, providing additional robustness and quicker ambiguity resolution.

What geoid model is used in NavCom's GPS/GNSS receivers?

The current generation of NavCom GPS/GNSS products uses a table of geoid-ellipsoid separation values to convert the computed GPS/GNSS height (relative to the WGS84 ellipsoid) to height relative to mean sea level. The grid points of the table are spaced at 0.5 degrees of latitude and 0.25 longitude and a resolution of cm. A four point interpolation is performed to predict the geoid-ellipsoid separation for the current navigation solution latitude and longitude. Geoid Model derived from Grace Geoid Model data. Grid table data uses combined data from GGM02C and EGM96.  Because of the resolution of the grid table and statistical properties of the EGM96 model, there may be a few meters of error in the predicted geoid-ellipsoid separation value for a specific latitude and longitude. Typical errors are on the order of one meter.

What constellations do Sapphire family products support?

Sapphire, SF-3040, and SF-3050 support GPS and GLONASS constellations with a 67 channel receiver. 1-channel is reserved for StarFire signal tracking, 2-channels support public SBAS signal tracking, 12-channels support either GLONASS G2 (default) or GPS L5 signal tracking, and the remaining 52-channels support GPS L1, L2, L2C, and GLONASS G1 signal tracking. For all-in-view tracking of these two constellations: GPS L1/L2 (24 channels), GLONASS G1/G2 (14 channels), and StarFire, 39 channels are all that is needed. The receiver can also track L2C, but those are not used in navigation and would bring the count up to a maximum of 51 (53 if including SBAS).

Can StarFire Correction Data be output from StarFire receivers?

Extensive engineering changes are necessary in order to successfully utilize the RTG clock and orbit corrections that are broadcast by NavCom’s StarFire network with a dual frequency receiver. NavCom has implemented RTG compatibility in its own line of dual frequency receivers. However, NavCom also makes StarFire RTG corrections available for use with third party manufacturer’s receivers. If implementation with a third party manufacturer’s receiver is intended, a thorough evaluation of the receiver performance has to be made. In particular, specific data regarding the biases that are generated by the receiver’s code correlation techniques has to be obtained and then adjusted as part of any position solution to be generated using RTG in conjunction with such a receiver. Please contact our business development group for further details (sales@navcomtech.com).

How does the Event Marker work?

This feature allows an external system such an aerial camera or echo sounder to send a pulse to the GPS receiver. The receiver logs and/or transmits a time-stamped message when the pulse (or event) occurred. Please refer to “System/Control Commands” under Protocol in the “Technical Reference Manual”: 0x20 – Data Request and 0xb4 – Event Latch Data for more details.

In the case of the 'all-in-one' NavCom product positioning mode, SureNav™, how do I know which mode the unit is currently operating in?

The NMEA standard GGA message provides a Quality Indicator which informs the user what mode they are operating in (No Correction, DGPS, or RTK Mode). Since the NMEA format does not allow the user to ascertain the differences between different types of DGPS modes (i.e. WAAS, RTCM or StarFire), NavCom has incorporated a use of the GGA REF ID field within the GGA message to deliver this information to the user. It should also be noted that all of this information is readily available through NavCom’s proprietary binary format.

Which product is best for me?

	Sapphire	SF-3040	SF-3050
5m (standalone)	X	X	X
1-2m (DGPS)	X	X	X
< 1m (SBAS)	X	X	X
5cm (StarFire)	X	X	X
1cm + 1PPM(RTK)	X	X	X

Significant features per product

	Sapphire	SF-3040	SF-3050
OEM Board	X
Battery Operated		X
Internal UHF Radio		X
Pole Mount		X
Up to 10Hz Output		X
Up to 100Hz Output	X		X
IPPS Output	X		X
Event Input Trigger	X		X
USB Interface		X	X
Ethernet Interface			X
RS-232	X-TTL	X	X
GPS / GLONASS	X	X	X
Internal 2GB User Memory		X-SD Card	X

Product line Benefits:

All products are based on the 66 channel Sapphire board offering multi frequency and multi constellation GNSS coverage. NavCom's RTK algorithm provides fast initialization, and the NCT ultra-compact binary data format for RTK ensures robust data throughput on the built-in s radio (SF-3040) or third party radio solution.

The NavCom product line provides decimeter accuracies positioning anywhere in the world, anytime. With these all-in-one StarFire™ sensors, you don't need a base station to achieve 5cm accuracy. Plus, onboard memory and a geodetic-quality antenna enable millimeter-level accuracy from post-processing.

The NavCom product line also offers optional RTK and a NavCom unique feature, RTK Extend™ that uses StarFire to continue to provide RTK accurate position for up to 15 minutes when communication with the base station is lost.

What is LAND-PAK?

NavCom’s LAND-PAK is a complete NavCom-qualified end-user system designed for land survey applications. LAND-PAK pairs NavCom products with complimentary technologies and solutions, providing land surveyors a complete turn-key system that does everything from field data collection to office processing.

PRODUCT BREAKDOWN – Available in complete Base / Rover configuration or a Network only configuration

Base / Rover Configuration

        SF-3040 GNSS Pole Mount Sensor

        Included and Installed Software Options:

        RTK Software

        RTK Extend

        StarFire Limited Lifetime License

        Two SF-3040 GNSS Receivers

        Four Lithium-Ion Battery Packs

        Serial Cable

        USB Cable

        Tribrach, w/ Optical Plummet

        Adaptor, Tribrach, Fixed

        Transit Case

        Two Internal 1W Radio Modem, 403 – 473 MHz, 25KHz spacing

        Two Antenna, Gainflex 400-470 MHz, TNC

        Tape Measure & Pocket Rod Combo, 2m

        Tripod Bag

        Tripod, Survey

        Nautiz X7, NavCom FieldGenius w/GNSS installed, internal GPRS modem

        Range Pole

        Cradle for Nautiz X7

        Basic CAD Desktop Software

        StarPoint Post-Processing Desktop Software

Options

        3ASd EPIC Radio Modem, 10W o/p Power

        Bracket, Radio Antenna To Tripod

        Snap-Lock Radio Antenna Pole, 6ft

        Pole Extension, 6 inch: 1 inch diameter

        Antenna Adaptor

        Vehicle Charger for Nautiz X7

        Bipod, Carbon Fiber, Open Clamp

        10Hz position update rate

        AC/DC power supply for SF-3040

Network Rover Configuration

        SF-3040 GNSS Pole Mount Sensor

        Included and Installed Software Options:

        RTK Software

        RTK Extend

        StarFire Limited Lifetime License

        SF-3040 GNSS Receiver

        Two Lithium-Ion Battery Packs

        Serial Cable

        USB Cable

        Transit Case

        Tape Measure & Pocket Rod Combo, 2m

        Nautiz X7, NavCom FieldGenius w/GNSS installed, internal GPRS modem

        Range Pole

        Cradle for Nautiz X7

        Basic CAD Desktop Software

        StarPoint Post-Processing Desktop Software

Options

        Vehicle Charger for Nautiz X7

        Bipod, Carbon Fiber, Open Clamp

        10Hz position update rate

        AC/DC power supply for SF-3040

What tools are available for receiver configuration?

StarUtil 3000 - engineering and service utility to configure, monitor and troubleshoot receiver performance.

How do I convert raw measurement data for post processing?

The StarUtil 3000 program embeds a RINEX conversion utility to convert NCT (NavCom Technology) binary raw data (MEAS1B, PVT1B, and EPHEM1B messages) to RINEX v2.1 format. Converting NCT raw data to RINEX provides a means to post-process the raw data where third party software packages do not support the NCT Binary format, but do possess the ability to import RINEX Standard measurement data.

What about broadcasting requirements and licensing compliance?

What about broadcasting requirements and licensing compliance?

What frequency range do the radio modems cover?

400 MHz Radio in the SF-3040

The operating frequency of the radio is user programmable from 403.000 to 473.000 MHz in 0.025 or 0.0125 MHz steps. The factory setting allows the user to modify the power level between 10 mw and 1 watt.

In most cases, the user must obtain a license to operate the radio in a specified location, frequency and power level. The user must ensure adherence to all local and national regulations and licensing requirements pertaining to transmit frequencies and power output levels prior to commencing transmission.

What conditions are required to achieve advertised accuracies?

Specifications are based on the following: PDOP <4, 1-sigma (65%), 24-hour averaged set of data. Further, performance is dependent upon, but not limited to location, satellite geometry, atmospheric conditions (i.e., solar storm activity), local interference, DoD signal degradation (i.e., Selective Availability or similar techniques), satellite messaging or timing errors, and augmentation correction messages. Equipment operated on a single-frequency (i.e., L1/G1) is more susceptible to atmospheric and solar storm activity than multi-frequency operated equipment.

Local conditions may have an impact on accuracy. Interference, such as harmonics from collocated transmitting antennas, and multipath, induced by reflective surfaces in the proximity of the antenna, can be harmful to the quality of the measurements used within navigation. Local obstructions, such as bridges and large structures, can also inhibit performance as they impact the receiver’s ability to track signals in the direction being blocked.

Ionosphere is another concern. The single frequency operation relies on two ionospheric models to navigate with StarFire precision; the Klobuchar Model – which is broadcast by the GPS satellites, and the WAAS Model – which is broadcast within the SBAS corrections. The latter model provides the greatest accuracy (~50cm horizontal), but only within the SBAS operational areas. The Klobuchar Model is less resolute, so the navigation accuracy is less accurate, (~80cm horizontal), but can be used worldwide.

WAAS Ionosphere correction availability is contingent upon the ability of the receiver to decode the WAAS correction stream and compute a valid Ionosphere correction for each satellite used in Navigation. Should the receiver be tracking WAAS but operating out of the WAAS Ionospheric coverage area, the Klobuchar model is used.

What RTCM message types are supported?

Sapphire based products are capable of receiving and using the following RTCM message types: 3, 18-22, 1001-1012, 1019-1020, and 1033.

Does NavCom's airborne antenna meet the EASA/ETSO standard?

The basic environmental and electrical testing called out by RTCA DO 160 and RTCA DO 228 are the same for TSO-C144 and ETSO-C144.

When documents are submitted for EASA ETSO by NavCom's supplier, they use the same qualification test reports that are submitted to FAA ACO to get TSO approval. That is in addition of filing a few other EASA required general forms. These additional forms are a formality and do not add additional testing. Though this paperwork has not been officially filed within Europe, the antenna does conform to the European standards by associated testing conducted against the FAA requirement.

Why is position based on the antenna location and not the receiver baseband?

The cable delays, internal filtering delays and the delays due to clocking of samples inside the ASIC and the difference between GPS time and UTC are common to all of the GPS satellites. This common term appears as a receiver clock error in the Kalman filter solution. The receiver steers the timing of the UTC pulse-per-second output pulse and the timing of the periodic position solutions to offset the delays. The position solution should give the time the signals reach the satellite antenna and the altitude should be the altitude of the antenna.

How do I calibrate the 1PPS?

To create a super accurate timing of the 1PPS, lengths of the 1PPS cables, delays in 1PPS output buffers, etc. must be compensated. There is a control in the 1PPS control software (0x16 in the SF-2050 and [1PPS] in the SF-3050) that allows the operator to slew the 1PPS and measurement timing so that the 1PPS at the end of its cable is precisely synched.

How is the antenna offset established?

The Slant range (or Height when a tripod is not in use; input message x4B, W3 – range: -32768 – 32767mm for the SF-2050 and [ANTENNAHEIGHT] in the SF-3050) of a 10-foot offset to the ARP (antenna reference point, which is usually the base of the antenna) of our antenna would be 3048mm. Post-processing software will also need to know the phase center offset for this antenna, which is calibrated and published on the NGS website. The SF-2050M Airborne receiver antenna is defined here. Our altitude or height calculation is the slant range above the surface of interest to the ARP + the antenna phase center offset. When used in an RTK system, the Base and Rover need to use the NGS antenna offset calculation in order to achieve the most accurate results. As an alternative, the L1 or L2 (choose one or the other across all platforms) phase center offset printed on the antenna bottom label (with proper orientation to ARP) may be applied for relative antenna position accuracy.

Which USB flash drive performs best with the SF-3050?

The SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Plus 4GB USB drive provides excellent data retention.

Where may I find the lower frequency band antenna for the SATEL 35W UHF radio?

SATELLINE EPIC PRO 35W is specified to operate within frequency range of 400 – 770 MHz (4 MHz Field Selectable).

The available antenna on the price list supports the frequency range of 450 – 470 MHz. If for some reason the users wish to operate at a lower frequency range (e.g. 406 – 430 MHz) then the appropriate antenna can be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The product and manufacturer/distributor information are as follows:

Manufacturer: Laird

Distributor: Arcadian; Part Number: CW4065C

Access URL: http://www.arcadianinc.com/laird-technologies-antenex-centurion-cushcraft-and-pacific-wirel/CW4065C

What is 3rd Party GLONASS RTK?

3rd-Party GLONASS RTK (limited implementation to known competitive receivers)

GLONASS employs a different technique of frequency use and modulation as compared to GPS. Without an industry standard to follow, each manufacturer applies a different frequency bias to track and demodulate the GLONASS signal. While each manufacturer can easily use GLONASS signals for RTK within their own product line, doing the same with a mixture of competitive equipment has proven to be an obstacle. NavCom software (v3.3 and later) helps to bridge this gap for the most popular manufacturer receiver families and allows NavCom receivers to be used with a wide variety of deployed competitive equipment.

How Does 3rd Party GLONASS RTK Work?

NavCom utilizes a lookup table of calibration values based on tested competitive products. The receivers provide a user command which allows the receiver to be updated for a new product if the new product is not in the calibration table.

What systems can use 3rd Party GLONASS RTK (all known receivers as of Mar 2013)?

• Novatel
• Trimble
• Javad
• Topcon
• Leica

How do I get 3rd Party GLONASS RTK?

The receiver needs to operate on production software version 3.3 or later. Please contact Customer Support for the correct software update

What is the Web Server Interface for the SF-3050?

This feature allows users of the SF-3050 to view receiver performance and configure their receiver with a web browser (Chrome, FireFox, Safari, or Windows Explorer).  This has the same functionality as StarUtil-3000.

What are the differences between the Web Server Interface and StarUtil-3000?

The web server has a sub-set of the available functions in StarUtil-3000. The features that are not present in the web server are those that require desktop computer support. These include (but are not limited to): data parsing, RINEX conversion, and playback simulation.

What security / access measures are provided for in the Web Server Interface?

This feature has three separate access levels which are setup using StarUtil-3000: User, Technician, and Administrator. Each level requires a user name and password. Users have the ability to observe the receiver performance and make minor software changes. Technicians have access to configure and input command / control features. Administrators can create User and Technician accounts. These access controls help to protect the receiver against unauthorized usage if the receiver is accessible via an open WAN interface.

How do I get the Web Server Interface?

The receiver needs to operate on production software version 3.3 or later. Please contact Customer Support for the correct software update

What Event Latch trigger rates are supported by the Event Latch Interface?

The Event Latch Interface module will support triggering rates of up to one frame/ pulse per second.

Why do we need to use the Event Latch Interface?

The event pulse output by many cameras and other aerial survey sensors does not have sufficient power to trigger the GPS event latch circuitry. The even latch interface conditions and amplifies the pulse so that it can be successfully integrated with the GPS receiver. It eliminates the requirement of 3-6V DC with 50 Ohm load input impedance.

What sensors or devices have been tested with the Event Latch Interface?

Leica RC-30 cameras have been successfully tested with this module.

How do I use the Event Latch Interface?

Connect the LEMO connector to the EVT MKR/CAN connector located at the back panel of your SF-2050M GPS Receiver. Input is through a female BNC connector, where the center pin is the signal and outer shell is ground.

I used the Event Latch Interface, how do I obtain my Event positions?

Logging the 0xB4 binary message at a rate of “On Trigger” will output a message containing the time mark of when the trigger occurred. The position in the B1 records on both sides of the event must be interpolated by post mission software to obtain the exact position of the event NavCom’s StarPac is available for such a purpose.

How is the event latch interface powered?

The event latch interface is powered from the GPS receiver. There is no input or need to power it from an external source.

Does the event latch trigger on the rising or falling edge of the pulse?

The event latch triggers on the falling edge of the pulse. However, use of the Event Latch Interface will condition the pulse appropriately, so is able to accept either rising or falling edge configurations (a.k.a. active high or active low).

What is the minimum pulse width and voltage level required by the event latch interface?

The minimum pulse width is 10usec with input voltage logic high 4-5.5V DC and logic low 0-0.4V DC with minimum 4mA sink current.

What is the minimum pulse width and voltage level that must be output by a device for connection to the GPS receiver without using the event latch interface?

This information is also in the SF-3050 User Guide, and downloadable from NavCom’s web site. The minimum pulse width is 100nsec with input voltage 3-6V DC for high and 0 to 1.2V DC for low.

The time of an event is recorded to what precision?

The precision time of an event is 1µsec, but hardware delays (12µsec) are also associated with this precision, accumulating to a total system delay of ~13µsec. The precision will be incumbent upon the velocities experienced, but typically cancel out due to the consistency of the total delay.

What is the TruBlu™ accessory?

TruBlu eliminates the data cable between a TruBlu capable NavCom GPS receiver and your Bluetooth® equipped computer controller.

Which NavCom GPS receivers will work with the TruBlu™ accessory?

TruBlu requires the latest NavCom GPS technology, the NCT-2100D engine, to be fitted. The following receivers have the NCT-2100D engine installed.

TruBlu Capable Receiver List
NavCom GPS	Serial Numbers
NCT-2030M	5001 and above
SF-2040G	5001 and above
SF-2050G	5001 and above
SF-2050M	5001 and above
RT-3010S	5001 and above
RT-3020S	5001 and above
RT-3020M	5001 and above

In addition, TruBlu can be used with all NavCom upgraded receivers that display a TruBlu™ Capable label on the receiver back.

Can my NavCom receiver be upgraded for TruBlu™ inter-operability?

Yes, this is a factory hardware upgrade to the NCT-2100D which provides the latest GPS engine technology plus TruBlu inter-operability.

The following receivers can be factory upgraded:

TruBlu™ Upgradeable Receiver List
NavCom GPS	Serial Numbers
NCT-2030M	1000 to 5000
SF-2040G	1000 to 5000
SF-2050G	1000 to 5000
SF-2050M	1000 to 5000
RT-3010S	1000 to 5000
RT-3020S	1000 to 5000
RT-3020M	1000 to 5000

Contact your NavCom authorized representative for upgrade options.

How do I use TruBlu™?

With your TruBlu capable NavCom GPS receiver, set the baud rate of COM1 to 19200 and insert TruBlu into the COM1 port. Your Bluetooth® equipped computer controller will show "TruBlu ####" in the Bluetooth configuration page where #### is the serial number of the TruBlu unit. Select this and ensure that the Bluetooth secure connection mode is disabled. Use Bluetooth device settings to bond the TruBlu with a serial port. You can now choose this same serial port to use for your controller software solution to command and configure your TruBlu capable NavCom GPS receiver via the TruBlu cableless link. The TruBlu LED flickering indicates cableless data communication. For more information, refer to the NavCom TruBlu Getting Started Guide P/N 96-210182-3001.

Will TruBlu™ interfere with the Spread Spectrum Radio used in the NavCom RT-3010S and RT-3020M?

The spread spectrum radio in the RT-3010S and RT-3020M uses the 2.4GHz license-free frequency band which is also the same as the TruBlu accessory. NavCom tests have shown no RTK or cableless performance issues while operating with TruBlu.

Which Bluetooth® equipped computer controllers have been tested with TruBlu™?

The following Bluetooth equipped controllers have been tested with TruBlu equipped NavCom GPS receivers:

• Compaq iPaq 3950
• Dell D600 Laptop
• Juniper Systems Allegro CX & Archer
• Carlson Explorer II
• Two Technologies, Inc. JETT CE
• BlueRadios Bluetooth USB Adapter
• TruBlu contains Bluetooth certified components which are compatible with other Bluetooth certified devices for data communications.

Will TruBlu™ increase data speed?

TruBlu has been factory configured at 19,200 baud to work with the NavCom GPS receiver COM port hardware. This allows command and control message flow plus up to 10Hz position updates or raw data observables. TruBlu has not been designed to download the internal memory card or for rapid position updates.

How does TruBlu™ use impact the battery life of the NavCom SF-2040G and RT-3010S?

TruBlu is a low power cableless solution. When the SF-2040G or RT-3010S are powered by NavCom batteries, power life will be reduced by less than 10%.

What working distance can I expect between TruBlu™ and a Bluetooth® device?

TruBlu has been used at more than 100ft (30m) distance from a Bluetooth device. Performance will depend upon the environment.

What Bluetooth® components are in TruBlu™?

TruBlu contains Bluetooth certified hardware 'WML-C30##' manufactured by Mitsumi Electric Co. Ltd, QPN identification 'GRA 018a 04' list date 2004-06-30. TruBlu also contains Bluetooth certified software 'Bluecore FW RFCStack1.2' manufactured by Cambridge Silicon Radio reference 'BPS/LR/0013s' dated 31/05/2005.

How does StarControl differ from StarUtil?

StarUtil is designed for use as an Engineering/OEM PC application. This utility is primarily used to assist in the development of user controller solutions. It is a powerful utility that allows the user to view, and or configure any of the NavCom Technology, Inc. GPS receivers to and Base or Rover configuration. It also affords the user the luxury of viewing receiver operations such as Channel Status, Position Information, Raw Measurements, and many other engineering level receiver operations, which are not necessarily useful to a user.

StarControl is a utility designed to adapt commercially available handheld controller solutions and programs to support NavCom GPS receivers.

With StarControl, users are now able to:

• Support multiple off-the-shelf windows-based handheld controller devices to work with select NavCom GPS receivers
• Utilize application-specific parameter profiles for NavCom products, thus enabling rapid setup capability
• Enable snapshots of receiver diagnostics
• Initiate internal data logging with lower-cost platforms

Designed as an end user application, StarControl is a powerful utility allowing the user to create customer setup profiles in addition to those supplied with the utility. Changing receiver configuration to operate as a base or rover for a particular application is as simple as pressing a button to upload the selected profile. StarControl also affords the user the ability to view receiver status such as navigation mode, satellite tracking status, and many other receiver functions.

Can I create a profile offline in StarControl?

Yes. Users can use ActiveSync to upload previously created profiles. Also, users can make edits outside of StarControl.

What hardware platforms are currently supported?

There are currently three versions of StarControl available:

• IBM Compatible PC Version – Runs under Windows on PC platforms
• Allegro Version – Runs under Windows CE 4.2 on the Allegro platforms manufactured by Juniper Systems
• Archer Version – Runs under Windows Mobile 5 on the Archer platforms manufactured by Juniper Systems

The Allegro and Archer Versions come with an easy to use installation shell allowing the program to be installed on the controllers using a PC or laptop.

What products does StarControl currently support?

RT-3010, RT-3020, SF-2040, SF-2050, NCT-2030M, NCT-2000 and NCT2100 Series Products. Also, it is currently only compatible with Software Version 3.1.17.

Does the SF-2110 have internal data storage?

No. However, the receiver is supplied with a Windows-based software utility that allows data to be logged to a PC via the serial interface.

How quickly does the SF-2110 obtain its advertised accuracies?

The receiver typically reaches full accuracy within 35 seconds after startup. Please note the specified accuracy is based on the RMS value of the horizontal and vertical accuracies as measured over a 24-hour observation period.

Does the SF-2110 have RTK capabilities?

No. The product does not currently have this capability.

Can the SF-2110 be set up as a base station?

The SF-2110 does not currently have the capability to generate any corrections, and is currently operable as a rover only.

What is the difference between the “M” versus “R” models?

The “M” model uses a single antenna to receive both the StarFire and GPS signals. In the case of the StarFire signal, operation is limited to a look angle of approximately 20-25 degrees (from the equator to ~60-degrees latitude). The “R” version uses two antennas; one for GPS and a separate high-gain antenna for the StarFire signal capable of tracking at much higher latitudes. Please contact NavCom’s Product Support group for more information pertaining to look angles, or feel free to visit NavCom’s online calculator to better estimate the look angles for the intended usage area (http://www.navcomtech.com/Support/Tools/lookangle.cfm).

Can the SF-2110 provide measurements sufficient for post-processing?

Yes. A RINEX converter is supplied with the receiver, which allows the raw measurement data to be transformed into the industry-standard format used by most third party post-processing programs.