GPS Networking Presents New Products

Pueblo West, Colorado-based GPS Networking presented two new products for conference delegates to view on the exhibition floor.

One product released earlier this month is “the world’s smallest GPS Antenna Splitter [Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Splitter] which weighs about .9oz [25g],” according to Steve Waite, the company’s owner. What makes the device a GPS “antenna splitter” is, whereas a GPS receiver sends direct current (DC) voltage to power an antenna, the splitter blocks the voltage on one path, and still permits the other receiver to power the antenna. The industry expert continued, “On the blocked side, it loads the DC voltage down to the 200ohm load, which allows that receiver to ‘think’ it has an antenna current to prevent false antenna faults.” GPS Networking expects to deliver the GPS splitter for unmanned air systemmes and other vehicles which need lightweight splitters. “The space for antennas on a platform is very valuable. You don’t have room to put many antennas. With this device, you can replace one antenna, split it, and have multiple outputs – if you need them,” Mr. Waite emphasised.

A second new product, released today, a Remote Controlled GPS Signal Amplifier, is a GPS Variable Gain Line Amplifier, which amplifies a GPS signal coming from the antenna, and allows the operator to control the signal remotely, with an application on an iPhone using Bluetooth LE, or by way of computer via Ethernet or serial cable. “This is perfect for test environments, or to hook it up to a GPS re-radiating kit, where you are radiating a signal indoors. Then you can remotely turn it off and on, or up and down,” Mr. Waite explained and added, “A re-radiating kit is used in hangars, and even in fire stations, where you radiate the garage and when the fire engine leaves the garage, rather than a 30-second delay, it is up and running when the vehicle departs.” The amplifier’s frequency response covers GPS L1, L2, L5, Galileo and GLONASS. The product has an approximate two-week lead time for delivery. GPS Networking is eyeing the Variable Programmable GPS Gain Line Amplifier for the military and civil market spaces. 

GPS Networking has distributors worldwide including PPM GmbH and Framos Electronics Vertriebs GmbH in Germany.    

Marty Kauchak