Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s)
DTC’s miniature microwave video
transmitters and receivers are well suited for UAV
downlinks, transmitting one channel of video and up
to two telemetry channels over audio subcarriers. Power
outputs of 250 mW, 2 Watts, and 5 Watts are currently
supported, with operation in L and S bands. C band development
is underway, with a full product family by the end of
2004.
DTC’s
transmitters are fully synthesized and user reprogrammable,
including the audio sub-carriers. They utilize and internal
switching power supply, reducing power consumption and
heat dissipation. You can expect longer operation on
your current power source, or reduce your power source
for equivalent operational time, saving weight. Audio
sub-carriers are phase locked, ensuring they do not
drift into the video signal.
Encrypted operation is supported using the Ovation
Micro™ Viewlock II, cut and rotate miniature encryption
modules. This module may be ordered integrated into
the transmitters, simplifying operation and installation.
In UAV applications, signal bounce off the earth or
buildings may induce fading, causing signal breakup.
DTC is reknowned for its line of true diversity receivers,
using spatial diversity to overcome fades and multipath.
Pairs of receivers and antennas tuned to the same frequency
are used to receive a single transmitted signal. A proprietary
voting logic board votes to the best signal during the
horizontal retrace, over 15,000 times per second. This
greatly enhances video quality.
Diversity
receivers are available as OEM board sets that may
be designed into your Operator Control Unit, in a “brick”
configuration with a rugged aluminum case, or as a complete
briefcase solutions, including recorder and monitor.
In cost sensitive applications, DTC also provides a
single receiver solution in either the open frame or
packaged solution.
The
open frame design of DTC’s receivers warrant special
attention. It has been specifically designed to make
it easy to integrate into Operator Control Units. It
is light weight, and eliminating the outer aluminum
case helps to save money. All connections to the unit,
other than the RF connector, are made via locking MTA
connectors. Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)
is available in two ways; first, as an analog value
one of the pins, and second, via a serial interface
on the unit. This serial interface also enables the
user to change frequencies from a remote device.
DTC
offers a wide variety of antennas,
with various amounts of gain and beam patterns. A common
solution in UAV applications is the use of the DynaArray
, whereby up to five antennas are mounted on an aluminum
ring in a rugged radome. These antenna have overlapping
beam patterns, eliminating the need to steer a receive
antenna at the UAV.
This option should be considered with DTC’s
VR-450 five receiver briefcase system, or SuperTRIAD
rack-mounted system.
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV’s) and Robots
DTC’s
miniature microwave video
transmitters and receivers are ideal for UGV links,
transmitting one channel of video and up to two telemetry
channels over audio subcarriers. Power outputs of 250
mW, 2 Watts, and 5 Watts are currently supported, with
operation in L and S bands. C band development is underway,
with a full product family by the end of 2004.
DTC’s transmitters are fully synthesized and
user reprogrammable, including the audio sub-carriers.
They utilize and internal switching power supply, reducing
power consumption and heat dissipation. You can expect
longer operation on your current power source, or reduce
your power source for equivalent operational time, saving
weight. Audio sub-carriers are phase locked, ensuring
they do not drift into the video signal.
Encrypted operation is supported using the Ovation
Micro™ Viewlock II, cut and rotate miniature encryption
modules. This module may be ordered integrated into
the transmitters, simplifying operation and installation.
In
UGV applications, multipath is often a major problem.
The signal transmitted from the UGV often is reflected
off buildings, vehicles, and other obstacles. This may
cause significant signal breakup. If the UGV will be
used in urban areas or within a building, the performance
difference will be dramatic.
DTC is reknowned for its line of true diversity receivers,
using spatial diversity to overcome fades and multipath.
Pairs of receivers and antennas tuned to the same frequency
are used to receive a single transmitted signal. A proprietary
voting logic board votes to the best signal during the
horizontal retrace, over 15,000 times per second. This
greatly enhances video quality.
Diversity
receivers are available as OEM board sets that may
be designed into your Operator Control Unit, in a “brick”
configuration with a rugged aluminum case, or as a complete
briefcase solution, including recorder and monitor.
In cost sensitive applications, DTC also provides a
single receiver solution in either the open frame or
packaged solution.
The open frame design of DTC’s receivers warrant
special attention. It has been specifically designed
to make it easy to integrate into Operator Control Units.
It is light weight, and eliminating the outer aluminum
case helps to save money. All connections to the unit,
other than the RF connector, are made via locking MTA
connectors. Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)
is available in two ways; first, as an analog value
one of the pins, and second, via a serial interface
on the unit. This serial interface also enables the
user to change frequencies from a remote device.
DTC’s briefcase solutions include the MiniPIX™
and VR-450 systems. The MiniPIX™ system uses two
receivers with two lid mounted antennas. External antennas
may be used by simply disconnecting the lid antennas
via the panel mount TNC connectors and reconnecting
the external antennas. You’ll be up and operating
in about ten seconds.
The VR-450 has five receivers, with all antennas connected
via the rear of the case. This is ideal if you have
time to set up for the mission, and want to remotely
locate higher gain antennas. You can mount antennas
up to 100’ from the receivers, which is especially
useful if you need to get over or around obstacles,
and can greatly increase your range. Factor in a cable
signal loss of about 3 dB for every 25’ (8 meters)
of antenna cable used.
DTC
offers a wide variety of antennas, with various amounts
of gain and beam patterns. Consider using the DynaArray
, whereby up to five antennas are mounted on an aluminum
ring in a rugged radome. These antenna have overlapping
beam patterns, eliminating the need to steer a receive
antenna at the UGV. This option should be considered
with DTC’s VR-450 five receiver briefcase system,
or SuperTRIAD rack-mounted system.
If your application would benefit by using an
IR camera, take a look at the FLIR
A-20 solution. This small box camera provides excellent
performance while keeping overall size and power down.
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