Latest News

With the release of firmware version 1.011, the OEMStar GPS receiver has a lower power consumption. The receiver now uses only 450mW for GPS and GLONASS tracking. It only uses 360mW for GPS-only operation. This is the lowest power consumption among the leading L1 GPS/GLONASS receivers currently available.

This lower power use makes the OEMStar ideal for battery powered projects/applications such as:

• Handheld Data Collectors
• Unmanned or autonomous vehicles
• Smart Antennas

For more information on the OEMStar hardware or for model pricing, please contact SLAinc.

NovAtel has recently released version CPT3.630 of firmware for the SPAN-CPT GNSS receiver. This is a small update that includes some minor improvements and the addition of ALIGN functionality. This firmware is only for the SPAN-CPT receiver. Info on SPAN-SE firmware can be found here and OEMV SPAN firmware v3.630 can be found at this location.

Changes in CPT3.630

• ALIGN functionality has been added
• New ZUPT logic that allows enabling and disabling ZUPTs as required. Additional information can be found in the OEMV Firmware Reference manual under the INSZUPTCONTROL command
• CANCONFIG command added for configuring CAN messaging on the SPAN-CPT
• General improvements and updates

Download Locations

• SPAN-CPT vCPT3.630 *update version*
• SPAN-CPT vCPT3.630 *OEM version* [NOTE: Requires Auth Code]

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, or need assistance.

NovAtel has announced the release of SPAN firmware version 3.630 for NovAtel receivers. This release adds several improvements as well dual antenna capability using the ALIGN technology. This is only for the INS/IMU capable receivers. The SPAN-CPT has a separate firmware release that can be found here.

Changes in 3.630

• General improvements and updates to existing functionality
• New ZUPT logic allows users to enable or disable ZUPTs as needed. See the INSZUPTCONTROL command in the OEMV Firmware Reference manual for more details

Download Location

• SPAN v3.630 *update version*
• SPAN v3.630 *OEM version* [Requires Auth Code]

If you have any questions, or need assistance upgrading your receiver, please contact SLAinc for help.

NovAtel has released new firmware version 1.011 for the OEMStar GNSS receiver. This new version has some improvements in several areas.

Improvements Include

• Improvements in PDP and GLIDE filters
• SBAS performance when outside of standard grids
• Time to First Fix
• Improved tracking in low signal environments
• DGPS_Rx_Advanced feature now included on all models

The new firmware can be downloaded from the following location:

• OEMStar 1.011 *update Version*
• All OEMStar realted downloads

Should you have any questions or need assistance with the update, please contact SLAinc.

The latest firmware version 3.80 has been released for the OEMV Series of receivers. This includes all OEMV board level receivers as well as Propak-V3, Flexpak, FlexG2, Smart-V1, and DL-V3 enclosure units.

Those with SPAN capable receivers do NOT need this firmware upgrade. A separate release will be available soon for SPAN related products.

What’s New in 3.800

• Optimizations to AdVance RTK
• IONOCONDITION command added
• Added support for RTCM MAC (Master Auxillary Concept) messages
• RTKNETWORK command added with AUTO setting
• New models for combined L5 and GLONASS
• New OmniSTAR library with support of OmniSTAR HP and GPS+GLONASS for quicker convergence
• ASSIGNALL command is now retained after a power cycle
• EXTERNALCLOCK parameter range has been adjusted for use with high precision clocks

Download the update version from the following location: http://www.novatel.com/Documents/Downloads/updt3800.exe

For help or questions on installing the new firmware, please contact SLAinc.

Waypoint’s Inertial Explorer and GrafNav/GrafNet version 8.30 is now available. For customers with current PCS (Post Contract Support) period. Just contact SLAinc and provide your four digit hardware/license key for upgrade information. This number can be located on your USB or parallel port key.

GrafNav/GrafNet 8.30 New Features

• Simplified processing settings
• More intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface)
• New version of AdVance™ RTK
• Improved PPP (Precise Point Positioning) filter
• Improved GLONASS processing with multiple receiver types
• Processing profiles have been improved
• Auto enable/disable ionospheric corrections depending on baseline distance
• Warning for users that attempt to use averaged coordinates at base station(s)
• See the version history (pdf) for a full list of improvements and bug fixes

Inertial Explorer 8.30 New Features

• Automated alignment option
• PPP (Precise Point Positioning) now available for use with tightly-coupled processing for users without base station data
• Simplified processing settings
• More intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface)
• ReadWPG utility reads most of Waypoint’s binary data files
• Improved PPP filter
• Inertial solution automatically loaded upon opening of project
• See the version history (pdf) for a full list of improvements and bug fixes

For upgrade information or help with GrafNav/GrafNet or Inertial Explorer, please contact us.

NovAtel Inc and Waypoint Products Group has announced the End of Life for Waypoint’s parallel port keys. These products include GrafNav/GrafNet, Inertial Explorer, and RTKNav. The software packages will continue to be available with the USB key;  however, new purchases and future software updates will not support the parallel port type keys.

Customers are encouraged to migrate to a USB type key through the Waypoint Key Exchange program.  Those customers within their software’s PCS (Post Contractual Support) period are eligible for free USB key exchange. This will require the return of the old parallel port key(s).

Contact SLAinc for more information.

The latest wireless modem utility for FreeWave Technologies products is now available. You can download it from SLA Inc.

Changes/Improvements

• New radio templating feature
• Improved loading performance
• New and improved interface
• Added support for additional radio models
• Ability to create default radio configurations
• Reversed sort order of folders
• Improved radio tree nodes
• Transmit Power is now available to be changed over the air
• Improvements to the Spectrum Tool

Download the latest Tool Suite here. Should you have any questions, or need assistance, please contact us.

The first week of January 2010, we lost a close friend and colleague. Steve Lieber passed away on Jan 5 2010 in his home at the age of 72. Following his wishes, there will be no viewing or memorial service. It was not his desire for anyone to grieve over his death, but to celebrate the memory of his life.

A memorial for Steve Lieber can be found at http://www.slieber.com. There is a guestbook where everyone that knew him can say their farewells and add their own stories.

Obituary

Steven H. Lieber of League City, TX passed away on January 5, 2010 at the age of 72. He was the son of Henry and Geraldine (Frickel) Lieber of Jersey City, NJ. He graduated from Ridgewood High School and served our country in the United State Air Force. He traveled around the world in support of various U.S. Research Programs. Steve spent his career in many related industries including survey, navigation, and GPS systems. In 1987, he founded Steve Lieber & Associates, Inc. where he worked for 20 years. He recently retired which enabled him to spend more time traveling and doing what he loved most, taking pictures. Steve had a passion for nature photography. He treasured his fellow Nikonian friends and the art of photography. Steve was also a huge NASCAR fan and supporter of the Jimmy Johnson Foundation. He will be missed by many friends, family and colleagues. Following Steve’s wishes, there will be no viewing or memorial service. It was not his desire for anyone to grieve over his death, but to celebrate the memory of his life. He is survived by his sisters, Claire MacBride and Maggie Lieber. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.