Calgary, AB —April 15, 2009 — (TSX: HEM) Today, Hemisphere GPS announced the latest addition to its precision product line – the A21™ Antenna. Agricultural vehicles and equipment, including aircraft, typically generate electrical “noise” and interference which can compromise the performance of an antenna. The new A21 antenna is designed to maintain its tracking of GPS and differential correction signals in these types of environments, and in high-dynamic applications where the antenna may be turned on its side.
With its metal base, lower profile, improved Left Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) rejection, and ability to filter out an additional 30 decibels of radio band of frequencies, the A21 antenna offers superior noise rejection. The new antenna will track GPS, SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, etc.) and OmniSTAR® L-band signals. The A21 Antenna also features a TNC connector, which has a threaded coupling interface to ensure a secure connection.
“Our new A21 antenna does a better job of mitigating the interference from radios, transmitters, and other peripheral electronic equipment,“ said Dr. Michael Whitehead, Chief Scientist for Hemisphere GPS. “This means that even in environments that are typically filled with electronic noise, like an aircraft cockpit, the A21 antenna will provide a constant, steady and reliable stream of GPS data and differential corrections.”
David Habig, a pilot with Dixie Dusters from Itta Bena, MS stated, “In the past, my GPS signal used to drop off when I keyed my radio. I would lose GPS and have to wait for the signal to come back.” In some cases, the GPS signal would be lost for up to 15 seconds because of radio interference. An aircraft can cover a good distance in 15 seconds, and losing a signal for that long can significantly impact the application. Mr. Habig put the new A21 antenna to the test, and was pleased with the results. “I tried to make it lose GPS signal in my turns, but it did not. This is a big improvement. Anyone with interference concerns is going to want this antenna.”
The A21 antenna will begin shipping in May 2009, and will be included in all Hemisphere GPS Air M3™, Flying Flagman®, and LiteStar II™ GPS guidance systems. Current Hemisphere GPS Air GLA-3™ antenna owners can also upgrade to the new A21 antenna. The A21 antenna features the same mounting footprint as previous Hemisphere GPS Air antennas. The A21 antenna technology will soon be featured in other Hemisphere GPS product lines as well.
About Hemisphere GPS
Hemisphere GPS designs and manufactures innovative, cost-effective GPS products for positioning, guidance, and machine control applications in agriculture, marine and other markets. The Company holds numerous patents and other intellectual property and owns leading brand names, including Outback Guidance® and BEELINE®, two of the leading brands in precision GPS for ground agriculture. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with major product development, sales, and marketing facilities in Arizona, Kansas, Texas, and Australia. Hemisphere GPS trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “HEM” and is a component of Standard & Poor’s TSX SmallCap Index. For more information about Hemisphere GPS, please go to www.hemispheregps.com.
The above disclosure contains certain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Hemisphere GPS’ control, including: the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and market valuations of companies with respect to the announced transactions and the final valuations thereof, and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. Hemisphere GPS’ actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceed, that Hemisphere GPS will derive there from.