Thales Navigation Introduces Instant-RTK GPS Navigation System
LAS VEGAS--March 19, 2002--Ashtech Z-Xtreme Sensor Provides Centimeter-Level Accuracy in Seconds
for a Range of Applications including Land Survey, Aircraft Flight
Testing, Machine Control, and other Precision Navigation Needs
Thales (tal-less) Navigation, a leading global provider of GPS solutions including the Magellan(R) and Ashtech(R) product lines, today announced the Z-Xtreme Sensor(TM), the first instant-RTK(TM) GPS navigation system designed to provide cost-effective, centimeter-accurate navigation in a variety of system configurations.
Thales Navigation pioneered the use of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) for surveying, and extends its development to the Z-Xtreme Sensor, which uses state-of-the-art RTK algorithms and an all-new hardware platform to achieve accurate, reliable, centimeter-level positioning faster than ever before. Now, RTK initializations that used to take minutes only take seconds. Surveyors will not only work faster with Z-Xtreme Sensor, they can work all day without the hassle of switching batteries. For other "Precision Navigators", such as those with positioning needs for aircraft flight testing, machine control, and mining, the Z-Xtreme Sensor is the ultimate GPS receiver for increased productivity, accuracy, reliability for a wide array of applications.
"Z-Xtreme Sensor adds the ultimate in flexibility to the already superior level of performance and excellence that sets a new standard in the industry." says Tom Hunter, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for commercial products. "Making the centimeter-level accuracy, user-friendly interface, low power consumption, and quick and easy data download available in a flexible solution that can be used in any configuration underscores our commitment to meeting customer demand."
The Z-Xtreme Sensor receiver combines patented Ashtech Z-Tracking technology with state-of-the-art electronics to deliver the highest level of dual-frequency GPS performance. Z-Xtreme Sensor's low power consumption is an important consideration for surveyors out in the field. Logging of data for post-processing is easy and efficient, utilizing a removable flash memory (PCMCIA) card. Z-Xtreme Sensor is a proven performer for RTK operations, with Ashtech Instant RTK technology providing fast and accurate real-time positioning, with fixed ambiguity solutions available in as few as two seconds after full satellite lock. This is a distinct advantage in high dynamic applications, such as aviation, precision mining, and machine control. Receiver configuration, monitoring and data downloading are quick and easy using Thales Navigation's RCS or Evaluate PC software. The four-button interface and LED display can also be used to perform setup and monitoring functions.
The Z-Xtreme Sensor's highly functional industrial design meets military moisture resistance standards (Mil Spec 810E) and is built tough to withstand the wear and tear of daily field use. The weatherproof housing contains the removable PCMCIA memory card, a single removable lithium ion battery that lasts more than nine hours and an optional internal UHF or spread spectrum wireless modem. The convenient user interface on the front of the receiver enables surveys to be completed quickly and reliably without adding an external controller.
For surveyors, Z-Xtreme systems are conveniently available in configurations ranging from the ZX Solutions(TM) system, an entry-level system optimized for post-processing, to the ZX SuperStation(TM), which provides the ability to perform centimeter-level positioning in real-time. For other "Precision Navigators", the Z-Xtreme Sensor format offers the flexibility needed for integration with other systems.
For product information and specifications, visit www.ashtech.com, write to oem@ashtech.com, or contact one of the following sales offices:
| -- | Corporate Headquarters, Santa Clara, Calif. U.S.A, 408/615-5100 Fax: 408/615-5200 |
| -- | In Washington, D.C., 703/476-2212 Fax: 703/476-2214 |
| -- | In South America, +56 2 234 56 43 Fax: +56 2 234 56 47 |
| -- | European Sales Headquarters, France, +33 2 28 09 38 00 Fax: +33 2 28 09 39 39 |
| -- | In Germany, +49 81 6564 7930 Fax: +49 81 6564 7950 |
| -- | In Russia, +7 095 956 5400 Fax: +7 095 956 5360 |
| -- | In The Netherlands, +31 78 61 57 988 Fax: +31 78 61 52 027 |
| -- | In The U.K., +44 1993 8867 66 Fax: +44 1993 8867 67 |
About Thales Navigation
Thales Navigation is one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of positioning, navigation, and guidance equipment with operations throughout the U.S. and Europe. Thales Navigation markets its Magellan brand GPS solutions in the consumer electronics, recreation, and automotive markets, and its Ashtech GPS and GPS+GLONASS professional products in the survey, GIS/Mapping, and OEM markets. Through its joint venture with Hertz, Thales Navigation has developed the Hertz NeverLost(R) vehicle navigation system. Thales Navigation's key innovations include the first U.S. commercial hand-held GPS receiver for positioning and navigation, and the first handheld GPS with industry standard Secure Digital Memory Card capabilities.
Thales Navigation, headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. with European sales headquarters in Carquefou, France, is a subsidiary of Thales, a leading professional electronics company headquartered in Paris, France, with activities in aerospace, defense and information technology and services. For more information, visit www.thalesnavigation.com.
Note to Editors: Ashtech is a registered trademark of Thales Navigation.
Z-Xtreme, Instant-RTK, ZX-SuperStation, ZX-Solutions, Z-Tracking, RZ, and Ashtech PNAV are trademarks of Thales Navigation.