Latest News

FreeWave Technologies has released the latest version of the Tool Suite, version 2.2.  This new version includes support for the FGRplus (diagnostics), HTplus (diagnostics), and 1.3 GHz Series of wireless radios.  There are improvements to the configuration and diagnostics sections as well as added functionality.

(continue reading this entry…)

The latest firmware for NovAtel OEMV Series of receivers is version 3.700 and is now available for download.  This new firmware adds L5 tracking capability to the OEMV3 receiver (requires L5 capable antenna).  There are improvements to RT-2 L1TE (single frequency) and ALIGN along with several other improvements and/or changes.

(continue reading this entry…)

All users of the OmniSTAR VBS, XP, or HP services in the European and African regions should be aware of a frequency/satellite change.  Those users currently on the AFSAT satellite (1535.080 MHz) will need to change to the new EUSAT satellite (1537.440 MHz).  This should not affect those using the auto-tune setting (requires download of a new almanac).

The new frequency is available now.  The old frequency/satellite will be transmitting until the end of November, but due to the location change may offer poor performance.  It is highly recommended those using AFSAT change to the new EUSAT as soon as possible. (continue reading this entry…)

SPAN-CPT firmware version CPT3.620 has been released for NovAtel’s SPAN-CPT  tightly coupled GPS/INS (Inertial Navigation System) receiver.  This latest release integrates NovAtel AdVance RTK engine into the robust operating firmware.  The OMNISTARAUTO setting for the ASSIGNLBAND command has been added for automatic tuning to the correct OmniSTAR frequency for VBS, XP, and HP services.

AdVance RTK allows for centimeter level positioning for baseline lengths up to 40 kilometers.  Reliability levels are configurable and allow you to customize for the best combination of accuracy and speed (depending on operating environment).

SPAN-CPT firmware requires an auth code in order to install/update.  Contact SLAinc to request an auth code or to get answers to your questions.  If requesting an update, please provide the GNSS receiver’s PSN or enclosure serial number.

The firmware can be downloaded from http://www.novatel.com/support/fwswupdates.htm#span_oemv

*Reminder* You will need to have a current PSC (Post Contractural Support) subscription for each receiver you wish to upgrade.

The latest firmware for OEMV SPAN receivers has been released.  This latest version SPAN3.620 integrates NovAtel’s AdVance RTK engine into the OEMV Series IMU capable receivers (OEMV-2, OEMV-3, Propak-V3 with SPAN firmware).  The AdVance RTK engine delivers fast centimeter position accuracy on baselines up to 40 kilometers.  The OMNISTARAUTO setting has also been incorporated to allow auto tuning of the correct OmniSTAR frequency.

All SPAN firmware updates require an auth code in order to update.  Contact SLAinc to request an update to SPAN3.620 firmware or if you have any questions.  Be sure to include your receivers PSN or enclosure serial number.

SPAN firmware can be downloaded at http://www.novatel.com/support/fwswupdates.htm#span_oemv

*Reminder* You will need to current PSC (Post Contractural Support) subscription for each receiver you wish to upgrade.

FreeWave Tool Suite version 2.0.1 is available for download. This new version fixes an issue with the dBm calculation in the previous version. You can get and apply the update through the update button in the software or you can download the latest version here.

(continue reading this entry…)

The 1.00 Beta version of Waypoint Toolbox is available for download.  This highly requested software gives you several tools for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) users.  With an easy Graphical User Interface (GUI) you can plan, view data, and use other GPS related utilities.

What’s in the Toolbox?

• Mission Planner
  Download GPS and/or GLONASS satellite almanac information.  This info allows you to plan your job when more satellites will be in view.
• GPB Data Viewer
  View converted NovAtel files and display raw GPS measurements in ASCII format.
• Plot View
  Plot view of real-time position, velocity, and altitude data.  View plots of gyro and accelerometer measurements.  Azimuth and distance measurement tools can be used here also.
• Polar Satellite Observation Viewer
  Monitor satellite availability and projected path or view constellation information from almanac or collected data.
• Google Earth Export
  Export data to .kml format to view data in Google Earth.

The Waypoint Toolbox can be downloaded at:  http://www.novatel.com/products/waypoint_pps.htm#waypoint_software

FreeWave’s EZ Config has recently been replaced with the new Tool Suite.  FreeWave’s Tool Suite is a Graphical User Interface (GIU) that allows easy configuration, programming, and troubleshooting of your FreeWave wireless radios.  This free software utility is a great alternative to using a terminal program such as HyperTerminal for setting up your radios.  It allows for quick setup of several telemetry radios either by direct connection or over a radio network.

• Intuitive user interface
• Manage multiple radio networks and multiple frequencies
• Centralized management of diagnostic data
• Manage multiple configurations from a central storage location
• Detailed reporting section

(continue reading this entry…)

GrafNav/GrafNet™ and Inertial Explorer™ high-precision GNSS software packages have been upgraded to version 8.20.  Several improvements and features have been added in this new version such as the new Project Wizard, EGM2008 geoid is now available, and there is improved user/manufacturer files for Windows Vista operation.

A complete list of the new features are shown below.  Please note that software upgrades now require a Post Contractural Support (PCS) subscription.  See changes-for-waypoint-update-policy for more information.  You can contact SLAinc to check on your software PCS status or if you have any questions.

(continue reading this entry…)

Firmware version 3.620 has been released for the OEMV Series of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) receivers.  Improvements to OmniSTAR tracking for OEMV-1 and enhancements to GL1DE technology are just a couple of items included in the update.

Reminder – All firmware updates now require NovAtel PCS (Post Contractural Support) subscriptions.  Contact us to inquire or purchase PCS subscription(s) for your NovAtel GPS receiver(s).

(continue reading this entry…)

The newest version of NovAtel’s Graphical User Interface (GUI) – CDU has been released.  This new version (3.6.0.2) fixes a known date issue in the position window as well as improvements to the user interface.  There is a DL Explorer section that allows setup for data logging receivers such as the DL-V3 and DL-4.

If you haven’t noticed them yet, take a look at the helpful wizards available.

• Position Mode Wizard – Setup your unit to accept WAAS or OmniSTAR corrections, or setup a Base and Rover for Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning
• Pseudorange Delta Phase Wizard
• ALIGN Wizard – Setup an ALIGN capable receiver
• Com port Wizard – Setup up your com ports with ease
• SPAN Alignment Wizard – Select your IMU and interface com port as well as any offsets
• Troubleshooting Wizard – Sets the unit to save a specific set of logs in order to diagnose problems

You can get the latet version of NovAtel’s CDU program at http://www.novatel.com/support/fwswupdates.htm#pc

A smaller version of the CDU Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been released for smartphones and Pocket PC. It is being called Mobile CDU and has many features that will enable users to view information about their NovAtel receiver. Currently the program is only able to connect via Bluetooth enabled device and the DL-V3.
(continue reading this entry…)

The current EASAT (1535.152500) broadcast will be replaced by the AFSAT (1535.080000) beam.  This will happen on March 31 2009.  This applies to those in the North Africa and Europe locations currently using EASAT.  Those persons in other locations do not need to make any changes.

Users of the EASAT broadcast need to change their frequency to the AFSAT beam.  This can be done using the ASSIGNLBAND command.

ASSIGNLBAND OMNISTAR 1535080000 1200

Additional info can be found in the OmniSTAR March 2009 Newsletter (PDF 75Kb).

Should you have any questions, or need assistance changing the frequency for your NovAtel L-Band capable receiver, contact SLAinc.

The FlexPak Series of GNSS receivers have officially been discontinued.  Orders will continue to be taken through August 31 2009.  Orders can be scheduled for delivery no later than Feb 28 2010.  This affects all GPS receivers that start with FlexPak-V1, FlexPak-V2, DK-FlexPak-V1, DK-Flexpak-V2.  The FlexPak-SSII have already been discontinued.  Contact SLA Inc for pricing and purchase info.

Firmware updates for OEMV series and newer GNSS receivers will now require a Post Contractural Support (PCS) for each receiver.  New receiver purchases include a 12 month subscription.  After the initial 12 months, a PCS will need to be purchased in order to receive future firmware updates.

The firmware subscription(s) can be purchased in one or two year increments at a cost of $30.00 per year for each unit.  This service can be purchased through SLA Inc.  Should you have any questions, need to check on the current status of your NovAtel GPS/GNSS receiver, or would like to get firmware subscription(s) for your unit(s), please contact us.