GPS repeater system in bus terminals ensure that timetable systems are up-to-date at all timesBackground:In these fast-moving, highly-connected times, bus passengers expect accurate real-time information (RTI) at their fingertips.  For example, the Citymapper App helps to get you around London with ease ……….Modern passenger busses carry GPS satellite navigation systems to determine their exact location at all times.The on-board system transmits its location data to a central computer. The computer communicates the information to passengers via an array of interfaces.

To enable development and testing of infotainment systems, FalTech has designed and installed a multi-function repeater system inside a research facility which previously was an RF-denied zone.Background:In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVE) and In-Car Entertainment (ICE) systems are integral to most vehicles these days. In this connected world, the minimum expected level of equipment in a new car includes FM/DAB radio and GPS satellite navigation systems.Not to mention video players, in-car internet and WiFi, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and eCall technology.One automotive company that FalTech GPS worked with was having a problem with a lack of GPS, FM and DAB signals inside their research building due to the blocking effect of the largely steel structure. The situation caused frustration and delays as the only way to test any of these systems was to take the prototype vehicles outside in order to receive a usable signal.

For the fifth year running, FalTech GPS will be exhibiting at the BAPCO annual exhibition and conference in Coventry on 20 & 21 March 2018.As BAPCO members, we will be there at Stand C20 with our equipment supplier, Roger-GPS, the market-leading manufacturer of GPS repeater systems based in Helsinki, Finland.

And if they don’t, does it matter?Every day, vast amounts of cargo are transported around the world by land, sea and air.Keeping track of shipments as they make their way around the globe is often achieved by use of GPS-enabled tracking devices.

In mid-2015 the supply and installation of GPS repeaters was in full flow.We were working with a number of fire services, police forces and hangar operators among others; the number of system sales was fast approaching 500 from the first three years of business.Alongside this activity, we received a number of enquiries for a repeater that would allow use of Iridium voice and data equipment indoors.Now, apart from a basic understanding of what Iridium is, I had no idea if such a repeater system existed.So I did what anyone in the same situation would have done – some serious Googling!

New GPS repeater products hit the streets in 2014

As mentioned in Part 1 of this blog series FalTech GPS had just one product in the beginning: a repeater for GPS L1 signals only.In 2014 the product range expanded to include support for the Russian GLONASS signals.Why is this significant?Well an L1/GLONASS repeater is very useful for companies involved with the testing, servicing and repair of GPS-enabled devices in workshops.For example, many smart phones have GPS L1 and GLONASS receiver chips installed as standard.Instead of cramming a workbench up against a window to get a signal, or maybe even taking the equipment out to the car park to get a sky view, a simple repeater installation allows indoor use of GPS equipment where normally it isn’t possible.We published a blog post on this subject a couple of years ago – link to it here.

Where did that time go?

Yes, FalTech GPS is five years old; I think such an anniversary is worthy of a little reflection to consider what has happened and what we have learned in that time.Look out for individual blog posts in the near future that will illustrate some of our experiences in more detail.Well, back in mid-2012 we had one product – a GPS repeater system for the L1 frequency band.The repeaters we use are designed and built in Finland by Roger GPS Ltd. We are proud to be the sole UK distributor of Roger GPS products and since 2012 we have sold nearly 1,000 systems in approximately 10 different countries as well as the UK.

The GPS repeater product range offered by FalTech GPS has been streamlined down to three sub-categories to support all the most widely used GNSS signals:

• GPS L1 – the most commonly used signal that is used by satnav devices the world over; available in a standard IP51 (non-waterproof) enclosure.

• GPS L1 with GLONASS and Galileo – the GLONASS signals come from the Russian satellite constellation and are often used in smart phones, for example, to provide extra accuracy and resilience.  The Galileo system is nearing completion and will offer an alternative positioning service upon which European nations can rely.  Available in standard IP51 and waterproof IP67 versions.

• GPS L1 with GLONASS and Galileo plus GPS L2 – the L2 signals physically come from the same satellites as the L1 signals, on a different frequency.  Most often used by civilian and military aviation organisations, as well as surveyors, who need the extra accuracy afforded by the L2 signals.  All this in one compact IP67 enclosure.