Tag Archives: GNSS receiver

Septentrio boosts GNSS positioning and heading performance with AsteRx SB3

Communications in mining, IoT, Mining services, , , , , ,

Septentrio has launched the AsteRx SB3, a family of next generation GNSS receivers that, it says, is ideal for mining applications.

This receiver offers superior availability of RTK high-accuracy positioning due to its ability to track a wide variety of signals from all currently operating Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including not only GPS and GLONASS but also the European Galileo and Chinese BeiDou. Even in dual-antenna mode AsteRx SB3 uses triple-frequency tracking to maximise robustness and availability of its heading angles, the company says.

Silviu Taujan, Product Manager at Septentrio, said: “The AsteRx SB3 brings state-of-the-art GNSS positioning and heading performance in a very compact and rugged enclosure that is fully certified and ready to use. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a truly plug-and-play device, allowing customers to have a fully operational system within minutes.”

The new product line includes two types of receivers, both offering unique triple-band sub-degree GNSS heading. The first, AsteRx SB3 Pro, is a high-performance “rover” receiver featuring the latest core GNSS+ algorithms for maximal reliability and availability in challenging environments, such as near high structures or under foliage. The second product, AsteRx SB3 Pro+, adds value to the Pro version with base station functionality and internal logging. It also offers higher update rates and ultra-low latency, both important factors for fast moving vehicles or mechanical components in automation or guidance systems.

AsteRx SB3 products are pin-to-pin compatible with Septentrio’s AsteRx SB ProDirect receiver and with the recently released AsteRx SBi3 GNSS/INS system, making it simple to change receivers, the company says.

Blast Movement Technologies bolsters post-blast data acquisition with FED 2.0

Automation, Explosives and blasting, IoT, Mining safety, Mining services, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Blast Movement Technologies, part of Hexagon, has released a new flight enabled detector to safely and expediently retrieve post-blast location data.

FED 2.0 is a specially fitted UAV that comes with improved detection depths of up to 12 m. By adhering to strict ‘stand-off’ guidelines, it enables the swift retrieval of BMM (Blast Movement Monitor) location data, post blast, without the need to walk the muckpile, according to BMT.

BMT released its first UAV detector in November 2019, establishing an alternate, semi-automated solution to retrieve BMM sensor data.

Like its predecessor, FED 2.0 is based on the DJI Matrice M600Pro flying platform, but now features an automated Winch mechanism to lower the detector closer to the surface and away from the main UAV body. This not only ensures greater detection depths but also lessens the interference from the motor and blades, according to BMT.

The Winch was developed in partnership with Australia-based, unmanned systems specialist, Insitu Pacific, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company. Insitu ensured the new winch technology worked seamlessly with the existing FED ground control software, as well as introducing several other user experience improvements, BMT said.

FED 2.0 features an automated flight control and customisable flight plan. It has a built-in GNSS receiver to enhance positioning information and a vertical and horizontal collision detection system. It can also resume the mission after low battery replacement from the point where it was suspended. The on-board computer allows for immediate processing of incoming data, ensuring access to the movement data while resolving safety and environmental considerations.

BMT CEO, Jacques Janse, said: “With many mines focused on recovering more ore quickly and safely, our FED 2.0 continues our journey towards an autonomous future. This safety aspect, along with the increased detection depths, opens up the ability to use our BMM system in more mines.”