Online resource for GPS GLONASS information, resources, and receiver modules for the discerning professional
20110920
Smartphone GPS Just Got A Whole Lot Better with Glonass
"It's like dual-core location," said Rob Chandhok, president of Qualcomm Internet Services. "You actually have the system able to look at both satellite constellations at one time and leverage them so … you can get a more accurate fix, or a faster fix." According to Qualcomm, adding GLONASS improves GPS accuracy in "deep urban environments" by 50 percent.
Qualcomm announced its GLONASS support in May, spurred in part by a new Russian government requirement that phones sold there include GLONASS or pay additional import taxes. But this is a good thing for Americans and especially Canadians: because the satellites target Russian latitudes, they perform especially well in northern countries.
GLONASS support won't cost extra, and it won't require expensive recoding of GPS software, Chandhok said. It will, however, require GLONASS radios in devices, so it's not just a software upgrade for existing phones.
"The whole point of what we provide in our solution is that the software above [the chipset level] doesn't have to know where the data is coming from," he said.
GLONASS Takes New York
We got to see GLONASS in action, and it's pretty simple. A Qualcomm rep took a development phone out onto 28th Street in midtown Manhattan, a tough spot for GPS because of the tall buildings all around. With only GPS turned on, the phone saw two satellites, not enough for a location fix.
In testing dozens of phones, this has been my experience: generally, phones have to rely on inaccurate cell-tower triangulation when they're on side streets in New York City. Sensitive GPS chipsets can find a fix at a corner, where there's a bit more sky. Some phones make me walk several blocks down to a park.
We were impressed when the Qualcomm guy hit the vodka-fueled-turbo-boost button, and pow: 9 of 22. 14 of 22. Bang. Location locked in. Between GPS and GLONASS there are now 55 satellites to choose from, which makes it much easier to find a fix in a narrow slice of sky.
Commercial GLONASS phones are already out in Russia, and Garmin's new eTrex series of handheld GPS devices already combine GPS and GLONASS in the U.S. The eTrex units aren't phones, though.
The first combined GPS/GLONASS phones will hit the US market "in the coming year," Qualcomm said. The majority of new Qualcomm S2 and S3 processors support GLONASS, which includes the dual-core chips coming out in smartphones like the HTC EVO 3D and T-Mobile MyTouch 4G Slide. Those existing phones won't be able to use GLONASS, though, because the system requires additional radio hardware.
China and the EU are also working on their own GPS satellite constellations, but they won't be ready for a few years.
For more insights visit us at www.GlonassCentral.com
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20110823
NEW LOW COST GPS+GLONASS COMBO MODULES INTRODUCED TO A WAITING MARKET
(August 23, 2011) GlonassCentral today has introduced it’s low cost GPS+ Glonass modules to the market today. These modules are based on technological breakthroughs that have contributed to driving down the price of the technology for mass applications. With 3 different key sizes, the performance is on par or better with similar Glonass chips in the market at a fraction of the cost!
“These modules at 17x22mm, 25x25mm and 35x35mm deliver variations of the form factors at a fraction of the cost, to an industry that has come to expect large and expensive modules”, commented Drew McDonald of GlonassCentral. “ We have done away with the ‘clunkiness’ for Glonass+GPS combination modules, and have the respective antennas and test boards also price below $30 per unit. The market has responded extremely positively, especially the high volume end of the market, which is very happy to have this kind of high end performance at low level pricing!”
GlonassCentral has started full production of the modules as of the beginning of August. Clients can expect expedient and immediate support and inventory access.
The product portfolio is available at the company’s website at http://www.GlonassCentral.com
GlonassCentral.com is a central portal and ODM for Glonass technology and modules. GlonassCentral.com delivers solutions for various applications, including timing & frequency applications, tracking & navigations applications, as well as synchronization applications that employ use of Glonass, GPS & Galileo technologies.
For any Media Relations inquiries please contact info@glonasscentral.com
20110727
New ChipSets and Modules to be released in Fall 2011
We are very excited about this new launch, and realized that so will our customers!
20100604
Launch Delay

After four delays, GPS spacecraft IIF-1 is set to be launched this Thursday, May 27, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The countdown to launch of GPS IIF-1 was halted Monday night at about T-6 seconds. Computers detected a possible problem with the steering system on one of the twin solid rocket boosters.
"The launch attempt of Delta IV GPS IIF SV-1 was scrubbed Monday night, May 24," reads an Air Force announcement.
"The Delta IV rocket and GPS IIF SV-1 satellite are safe and secure at this time. The next launch attempt has been tentatively set for Thursday. The launch window for Thursday is 11-11:19 p.m. EDT."
The new IIFs will broadcast the operational civil L5 signal, intended for safety-of-life applications. It will be compatible with Galileo, GLONASS, and QZSS, with the goal to be interoperable as well. L5 will transmit at a higher power than current civil GPS signals, with wider bandwidth and lower frequency that may enhance indoor reception.
The first launch attempt May 20 was scrubbed when mission managers determined a piece of ground support equipment used to control one of the swing arms on the Fixed Umbilical Tower was not operating correctly and needed replacing, and launch was delayed 24 hours. Then a telemetry signal issue caused a second scrub during the countdown, and launch was to be Sunday, then was extended to Monday before this fourth delay.
20100428
GPS GLONASS Antennas
For more detail visit www.glonasscentral.com on May 15, 2010.
20100417
New Glonass / GPS module receive launching!
Some exciting new features, make it a perfect fit for the line-up. For full details please contact us directly to our support team.
The NDV-2010 receiver can operate either in an autonomous or in a differential navigation mode. In the latter case, the receiver can get corrections either from a base station or corrections broadcasted by SBAS satellites.
Navigation Mode:
In the autonomous mode, the receiver uses only the information from available GPS and GLONASS satellites.
In the differential mode, the receiver can receive and use corrections from a base station according to RTCM SC 104, v. 2.2, protocol. Corrections are input via dedicated serial port. The receiver processes messages 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 31, 32, 34, 36. If differential corrections are unavailable during one minute, the receiver automatically switches to autonomous mode until the next correction is available.
When the SBAS corrections mode is set, the receiver assigns a channel for receiving SBAS satellite signal. The receiver searches for the satellites, which PRN is between 120 and 138. After getting corrections, the receiver uses them for more accurate positioning.
Visit www.glonasscentral.com for full descriptions and contacts.
20100303
Glonass Launch
20100205
Glonass System grows by 3 more
The three new GLONASS-M satellites launched on December 14 have been set operational: GLONASS 730 in orbital slot 1, was set healthy on January 30, joining 734 and 733, which were set healthy earlier in the month. This brings to 18 the number of satellites currently in service, although GLONASS 722 continues to provide a healthy signal only on its L1 frequency. At present, the constellation only suffices to provide a 24-hour regional signal over Russian territory, although satellites can and frequently are pulled in by global high-precision users to complete an RTK solution, along with GPS satellites.
Two other satellites, GLONASS 712 and 726, are currently in maintenance mode and set unhealthy. GLONASS 726 is the satellite that has a faulty signal generator and which prompted the postponement of the launch of the Block 40 satellites. Those satellites will now be launched in March. Meanwhile, GLONASS 701, launched in 2003, and 713, launched in 2005, are in the process of being decommissioned.
TV Roscosmos has released an entertaining video on Roscosmos's new program Ekstpennogo Reagirovaniya pri Avariyah, or Emergency Response in case of Accidents (ERA).
The next GLONASS launch, of the GLONASS Block 40 satellites originally to be launched last September but returned to the Reshetnev factory because of problems with the signal generator, is now scheduled for March 2. Two of the three satellites have been transported to the Baikonur launch pad.
See video here:
20100122
GLONASS Goes Global
The benefits of the expected extra satellites and their signals are increased availability, accuracy,
continuity, and reliability. The advent of hybrid GNSS constellation has made the study of compatibility and interoperability increasingly important. A number of performance analyses have been conducted on a global scale with respect to availability, reliability, accuracy, and integrity in different simulated scenarios (such as open sky and urban canyons) for each system individually as well as for all possible combinations. Since the Compass/BeiDou-2 has received increasing attention from GNSS communities, the main objective of this study is to investigate the performance of Compass/BeiDou-2 in comparison with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo in the greater Asia region; and also to explore whether combining Compass/BeiDou-2 with another GNSS would yield performance improvements in the region.
GLOBAL POSITIONING GROWING- GLONASS GOING GLOBAL
20100117
GLONASS Complimentary, NOT competitive to GPS
As Glonass is improving quickly, it's availability is a key factor to success. Particularly the Northern latitudes, Glonass compliments the GPS system with greater accuracy and dependability. It's RTCM for regular road navigation is a key differentiator as well. For the full interview and details for glonass receivers and their applications visit http://www.glonasscentral.com/
Full interview with Rene Pischel, the head of the Moscow office of the European Space Agency, visit RT.com
20100107
Glonass Receiver
With GPS Glonass combinations growing in popularity in terms of embedded solutions, prices of gps receivers have been dropping.
The NDV-735 earns top marks in terms of price, quality, and consistency. As a glonass receiver it is a relatively new entrant. Features can be reviewed at http://www.glonasscentral.com/product_2.html
As a low cost glonass receiver module, it has successfully been deployed for navigation, tracking applications. It has been deployed successfully in container cargo tracking, rail car tracking, fleet management, dashboard type navigation devices, as well as in low end timing solutions.
20100103
Glonass Chip Pricing Drops
www.glonasscentral.com has reflected the innovations and dropped it's pricing as well.
20091028
How to check status of Glonass or GPS satellites?
For Glonass network status see: http://www.glonass-ianc.rsa.ru/pls/htmldb/f?p=202:20:3877193860477535240::NO
For GPS network status see: http://www.glonass-ianc.rsa.ru/pls/htmldb/f?p=202:30:3877193860477535240::NO
That status and almanac are both listed on each page.
20090918
Glonass/GPS is better than just GPS
The advantages of GPS/GLONASS vs GPS alone are: better accuracy due to better geometry, GLONASS unaffected by selective availability, and complementary coverage at all latitudes; better availability due to more satellites in view; and better integrity with all-in-view implementation. (AIAA)
The status of the GLONASS constellation is reported, and the (unpublished) P code navigation data message is compared to the (published) C/A code message. The architecture and functionality of the 3S navigation receivers are discussed, and performance results are presented. The R-100, a C/A code integrated GPS /GLONASS receiver, has a 12-channel capability with each GLONASS satellite requiring one channel and each GPS satellite requiring two channels.
As costs continue to lower for GPS/GLONASS receivers and modules, their propensity for adoption continues to increase.
20090917
Multi GNSS to soon overtake simple GPS
Navigation and positioning technology is no longer just about GPS L1 C/A code. GPS is being modernized, the GLONASS constellation is nearly complete, new systems including QZSS, Galileo and Compass are on the way.
The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) landscape has never looked so active with GNSS applications becoming more mainstream and available in a growing number of devices. A technology originally dictated by military requirements is now widely viewed as strategic to support economic growth driven by the commercial market. The result is a choice of current and planned constellations from around the world; Europe, China, Russia and USA all now recognise that GNSS is strategic and are each investing to support this growing industry.
What effect will this have on GNSS developers and integrators?
Multi-GNSS offers significant opportunities and challenges to GNSS technology, system and application developers. As navigation and positioning applications become more widespread, end user demands are increasing. Multi-GNSS offers opportunities to improve performance to meet increasing user demands. In particular, availability is potentially improved by using more than one constellation. Benefits can also include improved integrity, continuity and accuracy, depending on the situation and priorities of the application.
“In future, most receivers will be Multi-GNSS, many will also be using augmentation as a key aspect of the navigation or positioning solution. Multi-frequency GNSS will increasingly be used to support applications requiring sub-metre accuracy.”
A significant amount of research and development is currently underway by the technology and applications development community to respond to the opportunities that this expansion in operational capabilities affords.
For an updated view of current VAR solutions for Glonass and GPS combo units visit www.glonasscentral.com
Other GNSS solutions coming soon as well...stay tuned.
20090910
Glonass Network Expansion
With a nearly restored and modernizing GLONASS system beginning to make inroads into mass market products and services, Russia has revealed plans to build out a space-based augmentation system (SBAS) and establish its first ground monitoring stations outside the Russian territory.
In a July 30 presentation at an International Committee on GNSS (ICG) working group on interoperability, Dmitry Marareskul, head of the onboard satellite navigation sector of Information Satellite System Reshetnev Corporation in Zheleznogorsk, revealed Russia’s plans to expand its network of GLONASS monitoring and measuring stations to include sites in Australia, Cuba, and South America.
Embedded systems, applications and solutions utilizing GPS and GLONASS systems are projected to maintain their growth curve exponentially into 2011.
20090112
Glonass Module (High Sensitivity)
There are three modes of satellite tracking:
The Mode I is system-primary and automatically selected: receiver channels track all GLONASS satellites in view, the rest channels track GPS satellites.
Other modes are available upon pilot selection:
Mode II: tracking of all GLONASS satellites in view;
Mode III: tracking of all GPS satellites in view.
The digital receiver computes position, updates ten times a second, measures position to 15 meters RMS, and measures velocity to 0.1 m/s RMS.
Main processing functions, handled by the GL-NDV68E, include:
GPS position and velocity sensing
the Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM), required for Non Precision Approach, Terminal and En Route stages of flight; the Fault Detection and Exclusion Algorithms (FDE) detect and remove erroneous measurements, providing digital interfacing. GL-NDV68E can use real-time RTCM differential correction for GLONASS and GPS. Advanced signal-processing techniques, such as Differential GNSS and Kinematics Carrier-Phase Tracking will allow GNSS systems to be certified for Category (CAT) I, II Precision Approaches in the future.
Features24-channel continuous tracking receiver. Three modes of tracking:
The Mode I is system-primary and automatically selected: tracking off all GLONASS satellites in view, free channels track GPS satellites.Other modes are available upon pilot selection:
The Mode II: tracking off all GLONASS satellites in view;
The Mode III: tracking off all GPS satellites in view. LI frequency, C/A Code GLONASS and GPS, digital processing (WAAS/EGNOS in future)Four-dimensional navigationExpanded digital interfacing capabilities.
www.glonasscentral.com
20090109
Glonass Antenna (Combo GPS-Glonass)
The combination Glonass/GPS antenna is a small mag mount antenna that can be used for a variety of professional and commercial applications. Hardmount version is available as well:
Dielectric Antenna
Frequency: 1575MHZ/1602MHz
Center Frequency: 1590MHz
V.S.W.R: 1.5:1
Band Width : 50 MHz Min. at -10dB
Impendence: 50 ohm
Peak Gain: 5dBic Min/1575MHz. 4dBic Min/1602~1616MHz
Gain Coverage: =- 4dBic at -90°~90°(over75% volume)
Power Handling: 1 watt
Polarization: RHCP
LNA
LNA Gain(Without cable): 32dB Typical
Noise Figure: 1.5dB
Mounting: Magnetic base
Housing: Black
Environmental
Working Temp: -40℃~+85℃
Storage Temp: -45℃~+100℃
Vibration:Sine sweep 1g(0-p)10~50~10Hz each axis
Humidity: Humidity95%~100%RH
Weatherproof: 100%Waterproof
3 More New Glonass Satellites Launched
The spacecraft were placed into orbital plane 1 on the GLONASS constellation, where they will occupy slots 2, 3, and 8, according to the Roscosmos Information-Analytical Center. Built by Reshetnev Informational Satellite Systems, the modernized GLONASS space vehicles will join 17 operational satellites now in orbit. Newly launched GLONASS satellites are usually brought online within a month or so.
Changes in the GLONASS program this year mean that the full constellation in the future will have 30 satellites rather than 24, with each of three orbital planes will hosting eight nominal and two backup satellites.
The current GLONASS constellation provides 95 percent coverage of Russia territory and 83 percent global coverage, according to Roscosmos and Reshtenev, with each launch improving these values.
In 2007, Reshetnev doubled its production of GLONASS satellites, accomplished in part through introduction of computer-aided acquisition and logistics support technologies and 3-D computer design systems, representatives of the public company said.
By 2010, Russia will launch the first of its GLONASS-K series satellites, with four of these being checked out on orbit over the following two years. A new unpressurized design ensuring operation of the spacecraft systems in an outer space environment is expected to improve satellite survivability while reducing the size and weight of the SVs.
The smaller, lighter design will enable Roscosmos to launch two GLONASS-K satellites at a time on Soyuz-2 rockets rather than Protons, reducing the launch costs by half, according to Roscosmos.
20081220
Glonass Central Portal
We are exclusively dedicated OEM GLONASS and GPS combination hardware. We carry an select array of modules and antennas, intended for industrial use. Our hardware units are one of the smallest, most dependable and least expensive on the market today. GNSS modules that deliver the greatest coverage around the world on both systems 24/7 Client support Compact Small Size Easy to Install and Integrate Accessories available The Mode I is system-primary and automatically selected: tracking off all GLONASS satellites in view, free channels track GPS satellites. Other modes are available upon pilot selection: The Mode II: tracking off all GLONASS satellites in view; The Mode III: tracking off all GPS satellites in view. LI frequency, C/A Code GLONASS and GPS, digitalprocessing (WAAS/EGNOS in future) Four-dimensional navigation Expanded digital interfacing capabilities. GL-NDV68E is a high end 24-channel GPS/GLONASS receiver provides continuous all-in-view navigation satellite tracking..
For further details visit the site at www.glonasscentral.com