Chronos is perhaps the UK’s largest installer of GNSS / GPS systems, having installed over 1500 GPS systems in the UK alone; from the OSNET to large numbers of mobile and fixed telecommunication sites and a number of UK military installations.

Chronos’ installation services can apply to both the installation of authorised GPS repeating systems and to the installation of GPS antenna systems to provide GPS RF to equipment within buildings, including the use of GPS RF over fibre where necessary.

Companies occasionally use independent sub-contractors, with no experience of GNSS / GPS or synchronisation principles. This has the potential for inadvertently introducing errors; Chronos therefore usually recommends conducting the installation phase using our own specialised team or sometimes one expert supervisor from Chronos and one technician supplied by the customer.

GPS Repeating Systems

Where a GPS navigation system is fitted in a system or product, even if it is only a back-up, it has to be tested, maintained and calibrated in order to ensure full functionality. For example, when a plane is serviced or stored in a hangar, it does not have a clear view of the sky and as GPS signals are inherently low strength the signal is not received inside the building. GPS / GNSS repeating systems allow the signal to be received inside the hangar enabling flight navigation systems to be tested in a safe/covert environment.  It also enables planes to have a lock on the GPS / GNSS satellite before it leaves the hangar, which is important if a plane has to be airborne within minutes.

For other applications such as production lines, workshops or laboratories, utilising GPS repeating in an authorised way can enable efficiencies in working practices and a cost savings.

The GNSS signal can be repeated (or re-radiated) using variable gain controlled or “SMART” amplifiers to anywhere in the hangar/building/workshop so that even quite large indoor spaces or shadowed areas can receive the signal.  For large areas or multiple room scenarios, a combination of GNSS splitters can be used to provide total coverage using a single external GPS antenna.

Chronos provides a full installation service from designing the layout and implementation of the solution through to comprehensive after sales support.  The process starts with a site survey which provides a thorough investigation of the facilities to be covered, dimensions, access points, obstructions and detail mains power requirements.  It also provides an Installation Method Statement and Risk Assessment analysis to illustrate what equipment will be used and where it will be installed.

The highly skilled Chronos installation team is fully competent with GNSS equipment and solutions and has installed both military and civil repeating solutions throughout the world over the last 15 years.  The team has extensive knowledge of managing lone worker situations, health and safety requirements and negotiating on site access and facilities. Chronos’ electricians are 16th edition qualified.

GPS Equipment Installation

Chronos’ installation teams have vast experience with performing site surveys and installing equipment to ensure that GPS RF is delivered to equipment inside a customer facility, whether it be a standard GPS receiver, a GPS timing system including for example rubidium oscillator backups, GPS RF over fibre installations to deliver RF into areas of security and RF shielding.