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        Windows CE-based GPS makes plowing perfect

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Mar 12, 2010 | Comments: 1



        Intrinsyc Software says its Destinator navigation software has been used in a new, Windows CE-based GPS for farmers. Leica Geosystems' mojoMINI is said to include a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, a lightbar-mountable SmartAg receiver compatible with SBAS (satellite-based augmentation systems), an SD slot, and a two-hour battery.


        According to Leica, the mojoMINI is a dual-purpose device: Its portable base unit includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, a GPS receiver for street navigation, a built-in calculator, and a battery that can deliver about two hours of portable use. For use in a tractor, the base unit gets connected via Bluetooth to the "SmartAg," a separate receiver that's normally left mounted on the vehicle's lightbar.

        The mojoMINI (shown in street mode at left, field mode in middle) and SmartAg (right)
        (Click to enlarge)

        When the SmartAg is connected, the mojoMINI receives signals not only from GPS satellites, but also SBAS (satellite-based augumentation systems) that include WAAS (wide area augmentation system) in the U.S. and EGNOS (european geostationary navigation overlay system) in Europe. (SBAS networks comprise ground-based reference stations that measure small variations in GPS satellite signals, then send this correction data to geostationary satellites, from which it can be received by SBAS-enabled devices.)

        Thanks to this extra assistance, the system provides absolute positioning accuracy as high as 2.6 feet(0.8 meters) with SBAS, and four feet (1.2 meters) without it, Leica says. Pass-to-pass accuracy, relevant for tasks such as lining up furrows, is seven inches (18cm) with SBAS or 9.8 inches (25cm) without, the company adds.

        Leica Geosystems doesn't provide information on the mojoMINI's operating system or processor even in its owners manual, but the device runs Windows CE, according to Intrinsyc Software. It's said the latter's Destinator software has been employed for on-road GPS services.

        Leica says that in street mode, the mojoMINI provides turn-by-turn guidance, spoken street names, lane warnings, a variety of route management capabilities, plus 2D or 3D modes. Maps for most locations globally can be added to the unit via its SD slot, according to the company.


        Patterns facilitated by Leica's mojoMINI

        Out in the field, meanwhile, the mojoMINI's display changes to display one of four standard guidance patterns, as pictured above: AB parallel, A+ heading, fixed contour, and pivots. It's claimed the system can enhance driver accuracy, reducing overlap and saving money on any field application.

        Unlike some other GPS devices, the all-business mojoMINI apparently does not offer media playback or other frills. The device does, however, provide quick access to a built-in calculator, Leica says.

        Peter Bailey, a product manager for Leica Geosystems, stated, "The mojoMINI can be installed in minutes and is so versatile that growers can get daily use out of the display. Plus, the easy-to-follow 3D display greatly reduces the operator's time to learn the system while increasing in-field guidance accuracy over traditional LED lightbar systems."

        Mark Sage, Director of Product Management for Intrinsyc, stated, "The selection of Intrinsyc's Destinator navigation software to power the on-road navigation functionality of the new Leica mojoMINI is a prime example of the emerging need for integration of location based technology in a wide variety of consumer and enterprise devices."

        According to Leica, the SmartAg receiver requires DC input power ranging from 8 to 36 Volts, and can operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to 167 deg. F (-40 to 75 deg. C). The in-cab mojoMINI, meanwhile, can run on 5VDC external power, has a 480 x 272 pixel touchscreen, and includes an SD slot, a USB port (for power and charging only), and Bluetooth, the company adds.

        The base unit is said to measure 4.64 x 3.07 x 0.62 inches (118 x 78 x 16mm), weigh 6.34 ounces (180g), and operate from 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 60 deg. C).

        Further information

        Leica Geosystems did not cite pricing for the mojoMINI, but the device appears to be on sale now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.


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