Hexagon | Veripos announces receiver and software enhancements to address ionospheric scintillation and antenna masking for marine positioning

Hexagon | Veripos is pleased to announce enhancements to their GNSS receiver firmware and Quantum software to improve positioning accuracy and availability for critical marine positioning challenges. 

Defend against ionospheric scintillation

Solar activity induces local irregularities in the electron density of the ionosphere causing rapid fluctuations in GNSS signal strength and phase called ionospheric scintillation. The impact on GNSS positioning is becoming more prevalent in parts of the globe due to increasing ionospheric activity as we climb toward the peak of Solar Cycle 25.

To mitigate these effects, firmware version 5.1.0 for LD900 version and 4.4.0 for LD8 receivers include upgrades to provide substantial enhancements to the accuracy and availability of precise point positioning (PPP) during ionospheric scintillation. 

Data comparing the performance to the previous firmware version showed 60% improved Apex PRO PPP accuracy resulting in increased operational uptime during periods of ionospheric scintillation*

*Improvement in average horizontal error during scintillation period. Performance varies and is subject to the local environment, and the duration and magnitude of scintillation. Uptime represents percentage of a 24-hour period operating in a scintillation-prone region, where PPP solution accuracy is ≤5 cm. Performance varies and is subject to the local environment, and the duration and magnitude of scintillation.

Mitigate GNSS antenna masking

Supply and service operation vessels are often subject to antenna masking caused by obstructions on facilities, from oil and gas platforms to wind turbines. To maintain continuous, stable positioning during precise operations, firmware version 5.1.0 for LD900 and version 8.1.0 of Quantum software now enable configuration of an independent secondary positioning output to feed directly into the dynamic positioning (DP) system. 

This is achieved by leveraging the two single-antenna, quad-band cards in the LD900 receiver and installing the antennas at different locations on the boat so that if one is masked, the other can receive GNSS signals and provide positioning. The second receiver card continues to provide relative positioning for heading.

The latest LD8/LD900 receiver firmware and Quantum software updates also include: 

• Easily configure heave: Additional improvements were implemented to simplify the setup and configuration of the Heave Filter. 
• Remote updates [LD900 only]: Added ability to update the LD900 remotely via Ethernet or Web without connecting via USB.
• Inertial navigation system (INS) updates [LD900 only]: Users can now offset the INS solution to a user-defined location on the vessel and INS messages can be output at up to 200Hz.
• Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM): RAIM mode can be configured.

To download the updates, please visit: https://veripos.com/support/software

Veripos continues to provide improvements to our high-performance positioning solutions. To ensure you stay on top of the latest advancements, sign up for regular updates.