Hi ,
Welcome to the very first LabSat Newsletter! Since its launch just a few months ago, things have moved very fast for the new GPS simulator from Racelogic, so we thought it was time we let you know what's been happening.
In this issue we find out how LabSat has been used in offender and asset monitoring; announce the new SatGen simulation software and interface modules; update you on our multi-constellation development, and let you know where you can find us at shows and exhibitions over the coming months.
Enjoy!
Best regards
Stephen Jenkins and Harry Nicholas, Racelogic
|
 |
 |
Defence Systems & Equipment International London |
|
Taking place in the vast ExCel centre in London’s Docklands, we'll be exhibiting LabSat at one of the largest defence tradeshows in the world, on 8th – 11th September 2009.
Also on display is our GPS synchronised video-logger system, Video VBOX, which overlays graphical data onto video in real time, alongside our high speed VBOX dataloggers.
Find us at stand 523 and try out LabSat for yourself!
|
|
|
Multi-constellation progress... |
|
We are working on upgrades to the existing LabSat hardware which will allow Glonass and Galileo signals to be recorded, replayed and simulated alongside the normal GPS signal.
The screenshot (left) shows the output of a Glonass enabled GPS Engine (Javad) tracking 5 Glonass satellites and computing a location fix from the RF data coming out of a modified LabSat in our test labs.
|
The new upgrade will be able to output all three constellations, which will enhance LabSat’s capabilities even further. The release date and prices will be announced in a future newsletter and on our website.
|
|
|
LabSat used in new offender monitoring technology |
|
Guidance Limited, who design and build sensor systems for a variety of industrial applications, have recently taken delivery of a LabSat to aid in the development of their electronic GPS tagging system for offender monitoring.
Taking the form of a specially fitted ankle tag linked to a monitoring unit, the product gives criminal justice authorities a valuable and versatile way of safely monitoring offenders who are on parole, or under curfew in their homes. The device enables a subject’s movements to be tracked 24 hours a day, using GPS. |
Aled Hughes, Project Manager, said, “LabSat was the ideal solution for Guidance, as it enables us to verify the performance and accuracy of the new units, complete with GPS multipath effects and real-world situations. LabSat then enables us to create a set of pre-recorded tests for the production team to use, providing a consistent test for each unit prior to dispatch.”
Find out more about Guidance Solutions here.
|
|
|
| What is LabSat's role in GPS development? |
 |
As GPS technology becomes more and more affordable, it is becoming ever more important in all our lives and businesses.
This has given rise to a need to test new products quickly, easily, and affordably, in order to get them to market before the competition.
Responding to this, LabSat is fast establishing itself in the GPS simulation market, and has now been supplied in ten countries worldwide, across a broad spectrum of market applications.
Companies designing and working with products in areas as diverse as chipset development, GPS integration, and academic research are finding LabSat a valuable tool, with its ability to easily record, replay, and simulate GPS data from the test bench.
It is very difficult to get repeatable and consistent results using a live sky antenna, and this is why GPS Simulators are playing an increasing role in research, development, and testing.
If you are currently developing a new GPS product, have a look at our website here to find out more about how LabSat could assist you.
|
|
|
LabSat interface modules launched |
|
|
We have now launched a range of interface modules, to enable external data to be converted into a form that can be synchronised and recorded along with GPS data.
Three new modules are available, allowing you to record vehicle CAN data (such as throttle angle); RS232 data; and RS422 / 485 from an external sensor whilst simultaneously recording the GPS RF signal into a LabSat.
The modules work by converting the external serial data into a digital waveform, which is incorporated into the GPS data and recorded at the same time.
On replay the digital data is converted back, and replayed synchronised with the GPS RF data to within 60 nsecs. The interface modules are baud rate independent, so no additional software or set up is required!
Find out more
|
|
|
Institute of Navigation GNSS 2009 |
Taking place at The Savannah International Convention Centre, Georgia, USA from 22nd – 25th September 2009, the ION GNSS show is the world’s largest and oldest GNSS conference.
The event brings together experts from around the world to discuss issues and opportunities in positioning and navigation.
LabSat will be in operation at our stand 627, where you can meet Chris Smith, Design Director at Racelogic UK, and Craig Wynant, MD of LabSat distributor VBOX USA.
|
|
|
|
| New software enables easy creation of GPS scenarios |
Our new scenario generation software, SatGen, released last month, makes easy work of creating custom scenarios for LabSat. Complex scenarios can be created very simply by using the intelligent path and velocity models built into the software.
With its ability to simulate user defined dynamic GPS scenarios from scratch anywhere in the world, the new software answers the demand for efficient and accurate testing of the increasing numbers of professional and consumer GPS featured products on the market.
|
 |
Stephen Jenkins, LabSat project manager, shows how SatGen can be used: “If your company is based in the USA, but you sell your GPS products internationally, SatGen will enable you to create a test scenario for virtually any location. You can program a drive round Tokyo, or a route through Stuttgart for example, and check that your design performs as required, without needing to leave the office.”
Read more...
|
|
|
New GPS simulator packs a powerful punch in Detroit |
Featuring the companies behind the next generation of in-vehicle information, navigation, and safety systems, the Telematics Update Show in Detroit was the perfect expo debut for LabSat.
With a stand manned by Racelogic distributors VBOX USA, there was significant interest in the new product, and a variety of customers stopped by to talk about using LabSat for their testing.
Jim Lau, of VBOX USA, commented: “I spoke with electronics suppliers who design and manufacture OEM navigation systems, who would use LabSat for their product development.
“We also had interest from providers of other in-vehicle safety systems who need to test their GPS receivers for multi-path distortion. Several demos have now been scheduled with interested companies.”
|
|
| If you missed the Telematics show, you can see LabSat and meet us at two more international shows... |
|
|
Want to see a demo? |
How to become a LabSat dealer |
If you’re interested in finding out more, or seeing what LabSat can do, we would be happy to arrange a demonstration with you. Send us an email here.
|
Whilst we now have distributors in ten countries now, we are still looking for more. Send us an email or call if you’re interested!
|
|
|
|
|
Check out the latest news and product developments at the brand new LabSat Blog. Feel free to comment on any of the articles! |
The new Racelogic page is regularly updated with our latest activity, including LabSat. Become a ‘fan’ of Racelogic here!
|
| |
|
