Thales Navigation Introduces Industry's First GPS Receiver with Direct Internet Connection.

Business & Technology Editors

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2002

- Thales Navigation's iCGRS Delivers High Quality Dual-Frequency

GPS Data for Real-Time Applications -

Thales (TAL-less) Navigation, a leading global provider of GPS solutions including the Magellan(R) consumer and Thales Navigation professional product lines, today said it has introduced the industry's first direct Internet-connected GPS receiver, the Thales Navigation Internet-Enabled Continuous Geodetic Reference Station (iCGRS) System.

The iCGRS provides direct Internet connectivity with a 12-channel, dual-frequency continuously operating geodetic reference station, making a laptop or other computer system unnecessary for data control, monitoring, or downloading.

Designed for a wide range of scientific, engineering, land survey and GIS applications, iCGRS is a comprehensive solution in one durable, waterproof box, eliminating the need for expensive adapters or additional computers. Users simply plug iCGRS into an Ethernet connection just like a PC, gaining full Internet access. The user can stream data in real time to up to five separate IP addresses. iCGRS offers a more reliable solution for real-time data streaming than modems, which tend to drop connections during transfers.

"It's the best of several worlds for users," said Neil Vancans, general manager of Thales Navigation's Professional Products Business Unit. "Sited as it normally is at remote GBS base station, it's more rugged, more reliable and less expensive that the alternatives."

The system features an embedded PC running Linux, an operating system renowned for its stability. The configuration means that the computer is virtually weatherproof and far less likely to crash than an attached Windows-based PC. Further, the iCGRS uses much less power than a traditional PC-based system - a mere 8 watts, compared to a minimum of 30 watts for an external PC system. Because if its low power consumption, the iCGRS can be easily solar-powered, something not typically feasible for an external PC.

iCGRS is an enhanced version of the Ashtech(R) MicroZ-CGRS(TM) with the added Linux-based computer.. Developed for high-accuracy applications, iCGRS is ideal as a permanent GPS base station with a direct Internet connection. The iCGRS system has been designed to meet the stringent requirements of constant, unattended operation. The system includes all necessary components for continuous collection of high-quality, dual-frequency GPS data. Data can be downloaded from the iCGRS while the receiver continues tracking and logging data. iCGRS can even send e-mail error notifications automatically.

Thales Navigation's reference stations - previously under the Ashtech brand -- have set the industry standards for high-precision continuous operation. The iCGRS system is based on patented, field-tested Thales Navigation Introduces iCGRS Page 2 of 2

Ashtech Z-Technology(TM), delivering uninterrupted operation during anti-spoofing (AS) and significant ionospheric activity. Standard features of the iCGRS receiver include all-in-view 12-channel operation, multi-bit signal processing for RF jamming immunity, and SAW filtering techniques.

"The new iCGRS offers the most cost-effective option to connect a reference station to the Internet," said Neil Vancans. "With only the iCGRS and an Internet connection -- no additional adapters, equipment or software -- users can control this receiver from any Web browser or send data anywhere in the world. No competing GPS provider today offers this level of reliability."

iCGRS provides a choice of communication protocols including TCP/IP or UDP for data streaming, and ZMODEM or FTP for file transfer. iCGRS can be programmed to automatically create sessions as short as 15 minutes using the 10-character RINEX convention. The standard iCGRS System incorporates the high-precision Ashtech L1/L2 Choke Ring antenna, and offers an optional Ashtech Geodetic IV (TM) antenna with removable ground plane. The system also provides two sensor ports for simultaneous met and tilt connections.

The iCGRS system also includes Micro-Manager(TM), a Windows 95/NT control software package, providing complete control over the receiver so the user can easily set receiver parameters, program recording sessions, download data, and upload new firmware through a direct serial connection.

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 and Thales Navigation GPS and GNSS professional products in the survey, GIS/Mapping, and OEM markets. Thales Navigation's key innovations include the first U.S. commercial hand-held GPS receiver for positioning and navigation, and the first professional LRK(TM) (Long-Range Kinematic) GPS receiver.

Thales Navigation, headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., is a subsidiary of Thales, a $10 billion professional electronics company headquartered in Paris, France, with activities in aerospace, defense and information technology and services. For more information, visit www.thalesnavigation.com.

Ashtech is a registered trademark of Thales Navigation.

ADU3, ADU2, ADU1, 3DF, DG16 and Ashtech Evaluate are trademarks of Thales Navigation.

    For product information and specifications, visit www.ashtech.com,
write to [e-mail], or contact one of the following sales
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