Trimble Zephyr Geodetic II GNSS Antenna Available Today to Prepare for Full GNSS Geodetic Antenna Support
Sunnyvale, Calif., July 21, 2006 — Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) announced today that it has successfully acquired and tracked the L1 BOC (1,1) Galileo GIOVE-A test satellite signal using a combined GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo prototype receiver. The GIOVE-A test satellite, which was launched in late 2005, began transmitting signals on January 12, 2006. The Galileo system proposed by the European Union offers advantages to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) users by providing additional satellites, additional signals, and compatibility with GPS.
GNSS refers collectively to the worldwide civil positioning, navigation, and timing determination capabilities available from one or more satellite constellations. These constellations include but are not limited to the U.S. GPS, Russian Federation’s GLONASS, European Union’s Galileo and complementary regional systems such as the U.S. WAAS and European EGNOS.
In addition to tracking the test satellite, Trimble also announced today that its Zephyr Geodetic™ II antenna is compatible with all current or planned GPS and GLONASS frequencies and the planned Galileo signals now. Users can purchase Trimble CORS receivers with the GNSS-ready antenna and be prepared for full GNSS geodetic antenna support when Galileo is available in the future.
“With the world’s GNSS’ in constant development, surveying businesses small and large can be confident that an investment in a Trimble survey solution is protected and continually enhanced at the system level,” said Jürgen Kliem, general manager for Trimble’s Survey Division. “Trimble, already proven in GPS technology, is committed to supporting GNSS, whether it is next-generation GPS, GLONASS or future Galileo signals.”
Readiness for the Future of GNSS
While the GNSS concept is still in its relative infancy in the surveying industry—the first Galileo test satellite (British-built GIOVE-A) was launched in late 2005 from Russia’s launch site at Baikonur, Kazakhstan and Galileo’s constellation of satellites is not scheduled to be available until at least 2010—Trimble was the first to offer surveying receivers that provide comprehensive support for all available satellite signals, including GLONASS and next generation GPS signals such as L2C and L5. In the case of GPS modernization, Trimble’s compatible products were available a year ahead of the first L2C-capable satellite launch. Trimble delivers a full range of 72-channel survey and infrastructure solutions capable of tracking all signals available today.
As Trimble has done with products that capitalize on next generation GPS capabilities, the company is committed to having Galileo compatible products available for customers well in advance of Galileo system availability.
About Trimble’s Engineering and Construction Business
Trimble, a world leader in GPS, construction lasers, robotic total stations and machine control solutions, is creating a broad range of innovative solutions that change the way construction work is done. The Engineering and Construction business of Trimble focuses on the development of technology and solutions in the core areas of surveying, construction and infrastructure. From concept to completion, Trimble’s integrated systems streamline jobs and improve productivity.
About Trimble
Trimble is a leading innovator of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. In addition to providing advanced GPS components, Trimble augments GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble’s worldwide presence and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging applications including surveying, agriculture, machine guidance, asset and fleet management, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has more than 2,400 employees in more than 18 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit: www.trimble.com.