Users’ Manual

LDR Link User Manual

Page 1

Version 1.4

16 April 2009

Cobham Surveillance

Domo Products

Specifications subject to change without notice

T: +44 (0)1489 566 750

F: +44 (0)1489 880 538

1 Table of Contents

1 Table of Contents........................................................................................... 2

2 Change History .............................................................................................. 3

3 About this Manual .......................................................................................... 4

4 Introduction .................................................................................................... 5

5 Warranty and Support.................................................................................... 6

5.1

Warranty Cover................................................................................................ 6

6 Safety, Compliance and Approvals............................................................... 7

6.1

Safe Operating Procedures .............................................................................. 7

6.2

EMC / Safety and Radio Approvals .................................................................. 7

6.3

CE marking ...................................................................................................... 7

7 Getting Started and Basic Operation............................................................ 8

7.1

Which Model do I have?................................................................................... 8

7.2

Controls ........................................................................................................... 9

7.3

Getting Started with the LDR Link Transmitter ............................................... 10

7.4

Getting Started with the LDR Link Receive System........................................ 12

7.5

Powering on the System ................................................................................ 15

8 Advanced Operation .................................................................................... 18

8.6

Technical Overview........................................................................................ 18

8.1

SOLO4 System PC Controller Application Software....................................... 19

8.2

LDR Link Transmitter Control Application....................................................... 21

8.3

LDR Link Receiver Control Application........................................................... 25

9 Fault Finding ................................................................................................ 30

9.4

Fault Symptoms ............................................................................................. 30

10 LED Indicators .......................................................................................... 31

10.5

LDR Link TX ............................................................................................... 31

10.6

LDR Link RX ............................................................................................... 31

11 Technical Specifications .......................................................................... 32

11.7

Bandwidths and Bitrates ............................................................................. 32

11.8

SOLO4 Telemetry Transmitter .................................................................... 32

11.9

LDR Link Telemetry Receiver ..................................................................... 33

12 Connector Pin Outs .................................................................................. 34

12.10

LDR TX and RX - Power Amphenol ............................................................ 34

12.11

LDR TX and RX - Control Amphenol........................................................... 34

12.12

LDR TX and RX – Video Amphenol ............................................................ 34

13 Control Protocols...................................................................................... 35

13.13

RS232 Control – General Principles ........................................................... 35

13.14

Packet Structure Sending (from PC) ........................................................... 35

13.15

Packet Structure Reply (from controlled device) ......................................... 36

13.16

Telemetry System Command List ............................................................... 37

14 Typical Ranges of the LDR Link Product ................................................ 39

2

2 Change History

Version

v1.0

V1.1

V1.2

V1.3

V1.4

Main Changes from Previous Version

Initial Release

Added comments to range tests

Added LDR Receiver, removed support for

Stream view software decoder

Added connector types

Correct error on data pin out

Edited By

MB

MB

MB

MB

MB

3

3 About this Manual

This manual describes the operation of domo LDRLink (Low Data Rate Link) wireless system. The manual is divided into three main sections.

•

Getting started and basic operation

This section describes to users how to deploy and use a LDR Link system.

•

Advanced operation

This section describes the operation of the system in more detail, concentrating particularly on how to store and recall configurations, with use of the PC Controller Application.

•

Technical reference

This section provides technical specification and control protocol data and will be of interest to those integrating the LDR Link system into larger systems.

4

4 Introduction

This document constitutes the handbook for the LDR Link transmitter product, and the ‘StreamView’ PC viewing application. This Handbook should be read in conjuction with the SOLO4 Telemetry Handbook, for a complete system view.

The domo LDR (Low Data Rate) transmitter is a digital video transmitter, designed to operate over very long ranges. The LDR transmitter sends informational quality video at reduced frame rates, compressed to very low data rates (typically 30kb/s). This high level of compression and reduced data rate, mean that the LDR transmitter, can send images over very long distances. The LDR transmitter, occupies as little as 50KHz of bandwidth, and can therefore be used more easily at UHF frequencies. Housed in a robust water sealed enclosure and consuming only 3W, the LDR transmitter is ideal for long term out door deployments.

Security is ensured with optional AES128/256 bit encryption.

The LDR transmitter is available in a variety of frequency bands from 300MHz to 1GHZ, other frequencies are available on request.

The LDR transmitter will transmit images in a non line of sight environment up to 2km, and line of sight to 20km depending on mode and frequency, further range can be achieved with the optional clip-on booster PA.

LDR transmisions are received using the domo LDR receiver.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The LDR Link product range has been specifically designed for government security and law enforcement users, the equipment will tune across frequencies that are only available to licensed government users.

Non-government users should employ the equipment restricted to the license exempt bands only typically

868-870MHz & 458MHz.

5

5 Warranty and Support

5.1 Warranty Cover

domo offers a 12 month standard product warranty. During this period, should the customer encounter a fault with the equipment we recommend the following course of action:

•

Check the support section of the website for information on that product and any software/firmware upgrades. If fault persists;

•

Call our support line and report the fault. If fault persists and you are informed to return the product please obtain an RMA number from the domo support department, and ship the equipment with the RMA number displayed and a description of the fault. Please email the support section the airway bill/consignment number for tracking purposes.

•

If you have extended warranty provisions then domo will send an immediate advance replacement to you. Under most circumstances this must be returned once the fault item is repaired.

Depending on the nature of the fault domo endeavor to repair the equipment and return it to the customer within 14 days of the item arriving at our workshops.

Obviously it is impossible to cater for all types of faults and to manage 100% replacement part availability, and delays are sometimes inevitable. This is why domo recommend that its customers take out an extended warranty

(which includes advanced replacement of faulty items), and/or hold a basic level of spare parts, which can be held by domo on the customer’s behalf.

Please contact domo for details of packages that can be tailored to meet your individual needs, whether they are service availability, technical training, local geographic support or dedicated spares holdings.

6

6 Safety, Compliance and Approvals

6.1 Safe Operating Procedures

•

Ensure that the power supply arrangements are adequate to meet the stated requirements of each LDRLink product.

•

Operate within the environmental limits specified for the product.

•

Do not subject the indoor equipment to splashing or dripping liquids.

•

Only authorized, trained personnel should open the product. There are no functions that required the User to gain access to the interior of the product.

6.2 EMC / Safety and Radio Approvals

The equipment has been designed to meet and has been tested against the following harmonized EMC and safety standards:

•

EN 301 489-1 & EN 301 489-5

•

EN 61000-3-2:2000

•

EN 61000-3-3:1995

•

EN 55022:1998, Class B

•

EN 61000-4-2:1995

•

EN 61000-4-3:1996

•

EN 61000-4-4:1995

•

EN 61000-4-5:1995

•

EN 61000-4-6:1996

•

EN 61000-4-11:1994

•

EN 60950:2000

6.3 CE marking

The CE mark is affixed to the LDRLink product, and the CE Declaration of

Conformity, as well as the technical file are available on request.

7

7 Getting Started and Basic Operation

7.1 Which Model do I have?

Each unit in the domo SOLO4 product range is marked with two panels.

•

Product Code Panel. Give product code and manufacturers information.

•

CE and Serial Number Panel. Gives CE mark and product serial number.

domo LDRTX-086087

UHF

Made in the UK

The domo product code can be referenced in the table below.

Product Code Product Accompanying items

LDRTX-086087 LDR Link

Transmitter.

868 to

870MHz

LDRTX-045045

LDRRX-086087

LDR Link

Transmitter

457 to

458MHz

LDR Link

Receiver

868 to

870MHz

Cables:

868MHz Omni Antenna

Control Cable 2m

DC Power 2m

Video In Cable 2m

CD with operating software and manual

Cables:

458MHz Omni Antenna

Control Cable 2m

DC Power 2m

Video In Cable 2m

CD with operating software and manual

Cables:

868MHz Omni Antenna

Control Cable 2m

DC Power 2m

Video Out Cable 2m

CD with operating software and manual

8

LED / Button

LDRRX-045045 LDR Link

Receiver

457 to

458MHz

Cables:

458MHz Omni Antenna

Control Cable 2m

DC Power 2m

Video Out Cable 2m

CD with operating software and manual

7.2 Controls

LDR Link transmitters and receivers are equipped with a standard LED (Light

Emitting Diode) and push button panel. The panel is as depicted below, and the buttons and LEDs have meanings as explained in the table.

MODE

Colour

RF

ALARM

Meaning / Use

RF

1

2

3

5

6

7

4 8

CONFIG

Alarm LED Red

Yellow

When lit indicates alarm or fault condition on equipment. (Not Currently

Supported)

When lit indicates front panel is locked Front Panel Lock

LED

RF LED Green

LED 1 to 8

Signal Strength

LED’s

Green

Green

Transmitter:

When lit indicates RF output is active.

When blinking indicates transmitter is operating in discontinuous mode and is not currently transmitting (waiting for data). (should not be used in

LDRL)

Receiver:

When lit indicates receiver has signal lock.

Indicates which of the eight stored configurations is currently selected.

Transmitter:

Indicates output power level 5,10,15 & 20 dBm.

9

RF Button

Config Button

-

-

Receiver:

Indicates received signal quality.

Transmitter:

Pressing the RF button toggles the units RF output between OFF and ON.

Transmitter & Receiver:

Holding down button toggles unit into standby mode.

The config button when pressed selects the next configuration from memory.

Holding down button toggles front panel lock.

Mode Button - Transmitter:

No Function

7.3 Getting Started with the LDR Link Transmitter

7.3.1 Cables and Connections

This section describes how to connect the following domo model numbers.

•

LDRTX-086087

•

LDRTX-045045

The picture below shows the domo LDR Link transmitter.

The domo LDR Link transmitter is supplied with the following cables.

•

Control Cable 2m

10

•

DC Power 2m

•

Video input Cable 2m

The domo LDR Link transmitter should be connected as shown below.

Connect to PC for control and configuration

7.3.2

Connect to video source

DC Power Connection

7.3.3

Connect to DC power source

Antenna Connected as shown

The LDR Link unit can be powered from either a nominal 12V DC supply or from an external battery.

Connect the 3 pin Amphenol cable to the connector labeled ‘DC IN’ , taking care to align the connectors. Connect the banana connectors on the other end of the cable to a suitable DC source.

The 12V DC input has the following characteristics:

•

Input Voltage Range 6V to 16V, reverse voltage protected.

•

Power dissipation <3.5W domo can supply optional AC to DC converter blocks to power the LDR Link units, please contact domo if these are required

If the unit is in standby press and hold down the RF button to power up the unit.

Control Connections

The 7 way Amphenol connection is used for control interfacing.

11

The control cable is used for Control, and is used to connect the LDR Link unit to a PC with a suitable RS232 control interface for connection to the domo PC

GUI application or an embedded control application.

7.3.4 Video

7.3.5

Connect the video input to the Amphenol connector labeled ‘Video In’.

Connector Signal

Video BNC (on cable) 75 ohm composite video source, PAL or NTSC software selectable

Typically the video source will be a small colour or black and white CCD camera.

Antennas

The unit is supplied with 868MHz (or 458MHz) omni-directional flexible antennas as standard. These should be screwed directly to the panel mount

TNC RF Out connector. Care should be taken to not over tighten the antenna. It is recommended that the transmit antenna should be connected directly to the unit and not via a cable. Any cable in this position will reduce the range performance of the equipment.

Important Note: The supplied antennas are dipole antennas and do not require a ground plane. Users might wish to use other antennas, such as directional antennas for greater range.

Additional antennas may be ordered from domo. For longer range, more specialized antennas such as Yagis can be supplied.

7.3.6 Installation notes

The domo LDR Link transmitter is supplied in a rugged chassis with mounting holes for ease of integration. It is designed for simple integration into any system.

The LDR Link transmitter can be mounted in an outdoor situation. In an outdoor situation care should be taken to mount the unit with the connectors pointing downwards. The cable connectors must be protected by the drip ledge.

7.4 Getting Started with the LDR Link Receive System

7.4.1 Cables and Connections

This section describes how to connect the following domo model numbers.

12

•

LDRRX-086087

•

LDRRX-045045

The picture below shows the domo LDR Link receiver.

The domo LDR Link receiver is supplied with the following cables.

•

Control Cable 2m

•

DC Power 2m

•

Video input Cable 2m

The domo LDR Link receiver should be connected as shown below.

13

Connect to PC for control and configuration

7.4.2

Connect to video monitor

DC Power Connection

7.4.3

Connect to DC power source

Antenna Connected as shown

The LDR Link unit can be powered from either a nominal 12V DC supply or from an external battery.

Connect the 3 pin Amphenol cable to the connector labeled ‘DC IN’ , taking care to align the connectors. Connect the banana connectors on the other end of the cable to a suitable DC source.

The 12V DC input has the following characteristics:

•

Input Voltage Range 6V to 16V, reverse voltage protected.

•

Power dissipation <3.5W domo can supply optional AC to DC converter blocks to power the LDR Link units, please contact domo if these are required

If the unit is in standby press and hold down the RF button to power up the unit.

Control Connections

7.4.4

The 7 way Amphenol connection is used for control interfacing.

The control cable is used for Control, and is used to connect the LDR Link unit to a PC with a suitable RS232 control interface for connection to the domo PC

GUI application or an embedded control application.

Video Output

Connect the video output to the Amphenol connector labeled ‘Video Out’.

14

7.4.5

Connector Signal

Video BNC (on cable) 75 ohm composite video source, PAL or NTSC software selectable

Typically the video monitor will be PAL or NTSC monitor.

Antennas

The unit is supplied with 868MHz (or 458MHz) omni-directional flexible antennas as standard. These should be screwed directly to the panel mount

TNC RF IN connector. Care should be taken to not over tighten the antenna.

It is recommended that the transmit antenna should be connected directly to the unit and not via a cable. Any cable in this position will reduce the range performance of the equipment.

Important Note: The supplied antennas are dipole antennas and do not require a ground plane. Users might wish to use other antennas, such as directional antennas for greater range.

Additional antennas may be ordered from domo. For longer range, more specialized antennas such as Yagis can be supplied.

7.4.6 Installation notes

The domo LDR Link receiver is supplied in a rugged chassis with mounting holes for ease of integration. It is designed for simple integration into any system.

The LDR Link receiver can be mounted in an outdoor situation. In an outdoor situation care should be taken to mount the unit with the connectors pointing downwards. The cable connectors must be protected by the drip ledge.

7.5 Powering on the System

7.5.1

All external connections to the LDR Link System should be made, as described in the previous sections, before proceeding to power on the system.

Applying power to the LDR Link Receiver

On powering the LDR Link receiver, one of the eight green configuration LEDs on the control panel will light (which one depends on which configuration was active when the receiver was switched off). The red Alarm LED may light if the receiver is unable to lock to a signal.

If none of the LEDs on the control panel light then the Receiver may be in standby mode. If this is the case then press, and hold the RF button for more than one second.

15

7.5.2

7.5.3

Applying power to the LDR Link Transmitter

When powering the LDR Link transmitter directly from a DC source, the following will be observed.

If none of the LEDs on the control panel light then the transmitter may be in standby mode. If this is the case then press, and hold the RF button for more than one second.

One of the eight green configuration LEDs on the control panel will light (which one depends on which configuration was active when the transmitter was switched off).

The alarm LED may be lit, typically if there is a serious error with the unit

(video input lock alarm is not currently supported).

Switching on the RF

On the transmitter unit control panel, press the RF button briefly until the RF

LED lights. This indicates that the RF output is active, and that the unit is transmitting.

If the receiver is able to receive the transmitted signal, the receiver RF LED will light indicating receiver lock, and the receiver ALARM LED should go out.

The signal strength LEDs will indicate the received signal quality.

Data and audio signals will be presented automatically at the receiver outputs.

NOTE:

The signal quality may be degraded if the units are placed too close together and the signal is too strong. Move the units further apart.

7.5.4

7.5.5

Changing Configuration domo LDR Link equipment features eight user selectable and programmable configurations. By default, all 8 configurations are available to the user. The configuration that is currently active is indicated by which of the eight configuration LEDs is lit on the control panel. Pressing the ‘CONFIG button on the control panel of any domo LDR Link equipment will select the next configuration in order.

On the LDR Link transmitters, changing a configuration turns off the RF output to prevent accidental transmission and potential interference. The RF output must manually be re enabled once the user is confident that the correct configuration has been selected.

Modifying the default configurations is done from the PC control application, as described in the section on Advanced Operation.

Front Panel Lock

Pressing and holding down the CONFIG button for more than 1 second will toggle the front panel lock feature. This prevents accidental key presses on the panel affecting the unit’s operation.

16

7.5.6

7.5.7

Standby

Any of the LDR Link transmitters and receivers can be placed in a low current consumption standby mode by pressing and holding the RF button for one second. The LEDs will go out indicating that the unit is in standby mode.

Pressing and holding the RF button for one second brings the unit back out of standby mode.

Achieving a Video Link

Once an RF connection has been successfully achieved, then a video link can be formed.

With a suitable camera source connected to the LDR Transmitter, video should be displayed on the monitor connected to the video output of the LDR

Receiver.

The LDR system is a very low bitrate system and sends informational quality video. The LDR system can be optimized by users to send different video frame rates and resolutions.

Frame Rate Options: 2, 5 or 12 F/s

Resolution Options: CIF (352 * 288 pixels) or QCIF (176 * 144 pixels)

Typically domo recommends the following settings.

50KHz Bandwidth:

75 and 100KHz Bandwidth:

125KHz Bandwidth:

2 Frames/s CIF

5 Frames/s CIF

12 Frames/s CIF

17

8 Advanced Operation

8.6 Technical Overview

8.6.1 OFDM Transmission

8.6.2

8.6.3

The LDR Link transmitter and receiver utilise Orthogonal Frequency Division

Multiplex for modulation. This modulation scheme provides excellent protection against multi-path and interference. The system employs interleaving and two levels of error correction (Low Density Parity Codes & BCH decoding) to further enhance performance.

The modulator channel width may be set in multiples of 25kHz. This determines spectrum bandwidth and the gross bit rate of the system in multiples of

14.7Kbits/s. The bandwidth of the modulated signal is roughly 4/5 of this channel spacing. The default mode is 75KHz.

A combination of IF and digital filtering provide receiver selectivity. The demodulator allows the user to read various parameters such as the input signal level, the signal to noise ratio and raw error rates via the remote control interface.

Video Compression

The LDR Link operates a sophisticated MPEG4 encoder operating at very low bitrates. The encoder is capable of operating in two resolutions 352 * 288 or

176*144, and at different frame rates 12, 5 or 2 frames per second. The unit is defaulted to 352 * 288 at 5 frames per second.

AES Encryption

The LDR Link module supports both AES128 and AES256 encryption. These provide a very secure method of handling data and audio. Both AES128 and

AES256 are licensable features. To enable encryption a 32 digit hex key, (or in the case of AES256 two 32 digit hex keys) must be written to the unit. The scrambling mode must then be set to the appropriate mode of operation.

The AES128+ and AES256+ options in the receiver can be used to prevent the receiver accepting unscrambled streams which may be useful in some applications. Note that having mismatched keys between Tx and Rx may allow a small amount of encrypted data to pass through the data pipes.

AES128 and AES256 are licensable features and are only supported in certain countries.

18

8.1 SOLO4 System PC Controller Application Software

Advanced control of the SOLO4 system is available by using PC control applications.

Typically users may want to customize the default configurations to control settings such as frequency, scrambling keys, modulation parameters etc.

•

Both the SOLO4 Telemetry Transmitter and Receiver are controlled with the same application telemetry_ctrl.exe which auto-detects the type of unit it is connected to.

Note that exact file names may change as software version information is a part of domo file names.

A PC is required with two RS232 Serial COM ports to control both a transmitter and receiver simultaneously. Where changes are to be made to either a transmitter, or a receiver, at different times, a PC with a single RS232

Serial COM part can be used.

Installation the two control programs is as simple as copying them from the

CD to a suitable location on the PC. No install shield routine is launched. Note that the controllers generate their own log and initialisation files, so it is best to create a dedicated directory for these applications, perhaps with links to the applications from the desktop of the PC.

Use the supplied cables to connect the chosen COM port(s) of the PC to unit(s) to be configured.

Launch each application in turn by double clicking or using the run command.

Connection with a SOLO4 Telemetry product should be automatic, but the user can force selection of the correct COM port using the drop down, followed by the “Connect” button.

Errors such as the following may appear during the connection process if the

PC is unable to automatically ascertain which unit is connected to which COM port.

•

Error attempting to read invalid address

•

Error has occurred during polling, polling has been disabled

19

Changes can be made to the unit configuration using the drop down and data entry fields.

Changes are only applied to the unit when the “Apply New Values” button is clicked.

Current values, as running in the unit, can be read using the “Refresh” button.

Parameters that are status information only appear in greyed in the application.

Further engineering and configuration controls can be found within the

“Options” and “File” drop down menus in the application title bars.

20

8.2 LDR Link Transmitter Control Application

Important – version 1.3 and above of the telemetry controller should be employed with the LDRL transmitter.

8.2.1

8.2.2

8.2.3

Modulation Output

This control is used to turn on and off the RF output. After a configuration change, the output always reverts to OFF.

TX Duty Cycle

This determines whether the transmitter operates in continuous or discontinuous mode. Should be set to Continous

Modulator Constellation

The COFDM mode can be changed between QPSK and 16QAM. QPSK is the default mode and will give the strongest most rugged RF link performance.

Selecting 16QAM reduces the link performance by 5.5dB but doubles the link data throughput.. Should be set to QPSK

21

8.2.4

8.2.5

8.2.6

8.2.7

8.2.8

8.2.9

8.2.10

Output Frequency (MHz)

The transmit frequency can be changed by entering the new desired frequency in this field. Values outside the range supported by a particular transmitter type will be rounded to the highest of lowest supported frequency as appropriate.

The transmit frequency can be set in step sizes of 12.5kHz. In License exempt mode of operation the frequency, bandwidth power level and TX duty cycle will be adjusted accordingly.

Output Power Attenuation

This sets the output attenuation in dB. 0dB corresponds to a nominal maximum level of 100mW.

Modulator Channel Width

Sets the modulator channel width in 25kHz steps. The width of the spectrum is about 4/5 of this channel width. Should be set to 75KHz. Typically only 50,

75, 100 and 125KHz are supported.

Data Enable/Parity

With this control the user can select whether the transmitter passes serial

RS232 data across the RF link to the receiver. A choice of no parity, even & odd parity is selectable.

Data Baud Rate

In LDRL mode this field is for information only.

Bandwidth 50KHz = Baudrate 19K2

Bandwidth 75KHz = Baudrate 38K4

Bandwidth 100KHz = Baudrate 38K4

Bandwidth 125KHz = Baudrate 56K6

Scrambling

If the AES scrambling option has been purchased for the SOLO4 Telemetry system in use, then it is possible to encrypt the link. Scrambling must be enabled at the transmitter by selecting either AES128 or AES 256 in the scrambling field. At this point the user will need to ensure that the correct key is in use and this is done by using Options / Write AES Key.

The key is a 128bit key for AES128 and a 256bit key for AES256 and is entered as either 32 or 64 ASCII hexadecimal characters (0..F).

Audio Encoder

The Audio can be enabled with this control. Audio is off by default, and there are 2 mono modes available to the user. 24Kbits/s toll quality and 32Kbits/s telephone quality may be selected both at 8KHz sampling rate. Some bit-rates will not support audio. Should be OFF

22

8.2.11

8.2.12

8.2.13

8.2.14

8.2.15

Audio Input Level

This control is used to define the audio gain to be applied to the audio input signal. 0dB is used for line level audio and various options up to 48dB of gain can be applied for microphone inputs.

Enable RC servo control

Enables the 2 channel joystick and servo interfaces. Not applicable to LDR

Link.

IP Enable

Enables the IP interface for the Netstream unit. Not applicable to LDR Link.

IP/Data Routing

The IP/data routing can be set to allow the IP pipe to use the RS232 data input on the Telemetry unit (default is RS232 data pipe). Alternatively the IP data between the Netstream and the Telemetry unit can use the TTL interface. Not applicable to LDR Link.

Gross Bit Rate (Status Only)

This give an indication of the channel bit rate available. This can be useful in calculating data throughput.

8.2.16

8.2.17

8.2.18

Current Config

This field reports the last loaded configuration number. Note that for the SOLO transmitter, changes applied after the configuration has been loaded are saved immediately into the current configuration.

Line Standard

Auto-detected video line standard on the LDR Transmitter, PAL or NTSC.

Resolution and Frame Rate

The LDR system is a very low bitrate system and sends informational quality video. The LDR system can be optimized by users to send different video frame rates and resolutions.

Frame Rate Options: 2, 5 or 12 F/s

Resolution Options: CIF (352 * 288 pixels) or QCIF (176 * 144 pixels)

Typically domo recommends the following settings.

50KHz Bandwidth: 2 Frames/s CIF

23

8.2.19

75 and 100KHz Bandwidth:

125KHz Bandwidth:

Video Lock

Not currently supported

8.2.20

8.2.21

8.2.22

8.2.23

8.2.24

8.2.25

5 Frames/s CIF

12 Frames/s CIF

Unit Address

This is the unit address of the unit being controlled.

Software Version (Status Only)

This status information describes the version of the software running the

SOLO4 transmitter product.

FPGA Version (Status Only)

This information is for domo engineering use only.

Serial Number (Status Only)

This status information is the electronic serial number of the transmitter PCB.

This number can be exchanged with domo to purchase extra licensable features, such as upgrades to support AES encryption.

Options

Timeouts – access to change timeouts used during the serial communications between the unit and the controller.

Engineering – access to further diagnostic and calibration features.

Write License Code – open box for entering license codes for the activation of licensable features (e.g. AES scrambling) in the transmitter. Contact domo for support in applying new licenses as required.

Change RS232 address – prompts the user to change the units RS232 address, which can be useful when connecting multiple units together via a multi drop RS485 bus for control purposes.

Write AES Key – opens a dialogue box for entering a 128bit and 256bit AES scrambling key, as 32 ASCII hexadecimal characters (0…F)

Restore Defaults – restores factory default settings in the transmitter.

File

Change Logfile – opens a standard Windows file save dialogue box which allows the user to change the path and name of the log file generated by the application.

Exit – exits the SOLO4 receiver control application

24

8.3 LDR Link Receiver Control Application

Important – version 1.3 and above of the telemetry controller should be employed with the LDRL transmitter.

8.3.1

8.3.2

8.3.3

Input Frequency

The receive frequency can be changed by entering the new desired frequency in this field.

Demodulator Channel Width

Sets the demodulator channel width in 25KHz steps. This must match the modulator channel width. For LDRL 50, 75, 100 and 125KHz are applicable.

Demodulator Constellation (Status Only)

This field displays the COFDM constellation that is being demodulated at the receiver. In normal operation this will match that selected at the transmitter.

25

8.3.4

8.3.5

8.3.6

8.3.7

8.3.8

8.3.9

8.3.10

8.3.11

8.3.12

8.3.13

Input LNA gain

This allows selection of the input gain at the front end of the demodulator. Low gain mode improves the blocking on the input by about 10dB but has a similar reduction on sensitivity.

Demod Lock Status (Status Only)

This indicates whether the demodulators are successfully locked to the RF signal.

Input SNR (Status Only)

For each IF input, the SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) is reported. Values in the order of 18dB to 22dB represent strong received signals, whilst values in the order of 5dB represent poor received signals which will likely give rise to decoding errors.

Input Level (Status Only)

This figure indicates the received signal level at the two receiver inputs.

Normal Operation will occur when the input level is between –25 and –115 dBm. Signals greater than –25 may be too powerful and cause damage.

Signal less than -115dBm may be too weak and cause data loss (typical link failure will occur between –118dBm depending on mode). The input level may also increase when the antennas are connected and there is no transmission.

This indicates the presence of interference.

BER Pre-LDPC (Status Only)

This is the raw error rate prior to the error correction techniques having been applied in the receiver.

BER Post-LDPC (Status Only)

This is the error rate before the BCH decoder.

Packet Error Rate (Status Only)

This is a measure of the number of un-correctable errors in the system. Any value other than 0 with cause loss of data, break up of audio and is a good indication of link failure.

Data Status (Status Only)

This field shows the presence of data in the system by indicating the parity of the data or none if no data is present.

Data Baud Rate (Status Only)

This field reports the baud rate of the RS232 serial data component that is present and selected in the stream.

Scrambling

If the AES scrambling option has been purchased for the SOLO4 system in use, then it is possible to encrypt the link. Descrambling must also be enabled at the receiver by selecting AES128 or AES256 in the descrambling field. At

26

8.3.14

8.3.15

8.3.16

8.3.17

8.3.18

8.3.19

8.3.20

8.3.21 this point the user will need to ensure that the correct key is in use at the receiver and this is done by selecting Options / Write AES Key in the receiver controller.

The key is a 128bit value for AES128 and a 256bit value for AES256, and is entered as 32 or 64 ASCII hexadecimal characters (0...F).

The AES128+ and AES256+ modes prevent clear streams from passing through the system which can be useful in certain applications.

Audio Status (Status Only)

This field shows the presence of audio in the system. Not applicable to LDRL.

Audio Headphone Level

This allows the user to adjust the audio output level in the receiver. The nominal level is set to 0dB. Not applicable to LDRL.

IP status

This field indicates the presence of IP data on the link. Not applicable to LDRL.

Data Routing

The IP/data routing can be set to allow the IP pipe to use the RS232 data input on the Telemetry unit (default is RS232 data pipe). Alternatively the IP data between the Netstream and the Telemetry unit can use the TTL interface.

Current Config

This field reports the last loaded configuration number. Note that for the SOLO transmitter, changes applied after the configuration has been loaded are saved immediately into the current configuration.

Line Standard

The LDRL decoder does not auto detect line standard, therefore this needs to be set to reflect the input camera line standard, either PAL or NTSC.

Decoder Lock

This information field indicates the status of the MPEG4 decoder, it should be locked for normal operation.

Unit Address

This is the unit address of the unit being controlled.

27

8.3.22

8.3.23

8.3.24

8.3.25

8.3.26

Software Version (Status Only)

This status information describes the version of the software running the

SOLO4 transmitter product.

FPGA Version (Status Only)

This information is for domo engineering use only.

Serial Number (Status Only)

This status information is the electronic serial number of the transmitter PCB.

This number can be exchanged with domo to purchase extra licensable features, such as upgrades to support AES encryption.

Options

Timeouts – access to change timeouts used during the serial communications between the unit and the controller.

Engineering – access to further diagnostic and calibration features.

Write License Code – open box for entering license codes for the activation of licensable features (e.g. AES scrambling) in the transmitter. Contact domo for support in applying new licenses as required.

Change RS232 address – prompts the user to change the units RS232 address, which can be useful when connecting multiple units together via a multi drop RS485 bus for control purposes.

Write AES Key – opens a dialogue box for entering a 128bit and 256bit AES scrambling key, as 32 ASCII hexadecimal characters (0…F)

Restore Defaults – restores factory default settings in the transmitter.

Polling Enabled – selecting this option makes the control application automatically refresh the data presented to the user every few seconds.

File

Change Logfile – opens a standard Windows file save dialogue box which allows the user to change the path and name of the log file generated by the application.

Exit – exits the SOLO4 receiver control application

28

29

9 Fault Finding

9.4 Fault Symptoms

Symptom Suggested Action

No RF Link

Poor link performance

Loss of data

No Video

No Decoder

Lock displayed at

Receiver

Unstable

Video

Check a suitable transmitter RF transmitter is active, both units on correct frequency, and correct bandwidth settings with antennas connected. Ensure there is no interfering signal.

Poor performance of the link can occur for the following reasons.

•

Interference. Should an interfering RF signal occur on the same frequency the performance of the link will be affected. Remove the interferer e or move to an alternative frequency.

•

Unsuitable antennas, or out of band antennas. See the antenna sections for guidance on antenna selection and use.

•

Reduced transmit power, ensure that the attenuation setting on the transmitter is appropriate.

•

Receive antenna positioning, were possible mount the receive antennas away from other objects, unobstructed and away from any electronics likely to generate interference.

•

No Diversity operation. Ensure both antennas are operational.

Check link performance, data cables are in good condition and correct use of

Xon/Xoff flow control. In discontinuous mode check ‘Ton’ period is not too short.

Check RF Link is functioning (see above)

Check video input is connected

Check cable from LDR Link Receiver to PC is connected and is ‘Data Cable’

Check correct ‘Comm port’ is selected on StreamView software

Indicates that the LDRL receiver can not see a valid stream from the LDRL transmitter.

Check that RF lock has been achieved (see above)

Check that the camera is connected.

Check the LDRL decoder line standard matches the camera (PAL / NTSC)

30

10 LED Indicators

10.5 LDR Link TX

LED Condition

Red ALARM LED lit permanently

RF LED blinking

RF LED lit

RF LED not lit

Single CONFIG LED lit

Front Panel Lock

RF Bar Graph

No LEDs lit

10.6 LDR Link RX

LED Condition

Red ALARM LED lit permanently

RF LED off

RF LED on

Single CONFIG LED lit

Front Panel Lock

RF Bar Graph

No LEDs lit

Meaning

Unit is faulty / incorrect software loaded

Unit in discontinuous mode, RF inactive,

RF must be continuous for LDRL.

RF output active

RF output inactive

Indicates selected config

Indicates front panel locked

RF output level

Unit in standby or Off

Meaning

Unit is faulty / incorrect software loaded

No RF signal lock

RF signal lock

Indicates selected config

Indicates front panel locked

RF signal quality

Unit in standby or Off

31

11 Technical Specifications

11.7 Bandwidths and Bitrates

Channel

Spacing

25 kHz

50 kHz

75 kHz (default)

100 kHz

125 kHz

150 kHz

175 kHz

200 kHz

225 kHz

250 kHz

275 kHz

Channel

Bandwidth

20 kHz

40 kHz

60 kHz

80 kHz

100 kHz

120 kHz

140 kHz

160 kHz

180 kHz

200 kHz

220 kHz

User Bitrate

(QPSK)

Not Supported

29 kbits/s (19K2 baud of video)

44 kbits/s

(default) (38K4 baud of video)

58 kbits/s (38K4 baud of video)

73 kbits/s (56K6 baud of video)

Not Supported

Not Supported

Not Supported

Not Supported

Not Supported

Not Supported

300 kHz 240 kHz

11.8 SOLO4 Telemetry Transmitter

Not Supported

Operating Frequency

Modulation

Channel Spacing

Channel Bandwidth

Maximum output power

Power Supply Voltage

Power dissipation

RS232 data rates

RS232 parity

Video

458MHz or 868-870MHz (ISM)

Default QPSK 1/16 Guard

105 carrier OFDM QPSK/16QAM 1/16 guard

Default 75KHz

25,50,75,100,125..300KHz

20,40,60,80,100..240KHz

100mW

5.5-18V

<3W

1200,2400,4800,9600,19200,38400,57600,115200

None, Even, Odd with Xon/Xoff flow control where necessary

Default 5 frames per second, 30kb/s, 352*288

32

Frame Rate 12 or 5 or 2 frames/s

Resolution 352* 288 or 176*144

11.9 LDR Link Telemetry Receiver

Operating Frequency

Modulation

Channel Spacing

Antenna

Input sensitivity

Image rejection

Adjacent channel rejection

Error correction/detection

Power Supply Voltage

Power dissipation

RS232 data rates

RS232 parity

458MHz or 868-870MHz (ISM)

Default QPSK

105 carrier OFDM QPSK/16QAM 1/16 guard

Default 75KHz

25,50,75,100,125KHz, (and

150,175,200,225,250,275,300KHz with wider IF filter)

2 way diversity MRC

< -113dBm@100KHz 16QAM, -118dBm@100KHz QPSK,

-121dBm@50KHz,

> 52dB (10.7MHz IF Hi-Side LO)

> 45dB

2112 bit rate ½ soft LDPC, 968/1056 BCH

5.5-18V

<3W

Default 38k4

1200,2400,4800,9600,19200,38400,57600,115200

None, Even, Odd

33

12 Connector Pin Outs

12.10 LDR TX and RX - Power Amphenol

Amphenol - 3 way pin part no.62GB-57A08-33PN

Pin A: 12V

Pin B: GND

Pin C: unused

12.11 LDR TX and RX - Control Amphenol

Amphenol - 7 way socket part no.62GB-57A10-07SN

Pin A: Unused

Pin B: RS232 data In

Pin C: unused

Pin D: Unused

Pin E: RS232 data Out

Pin F: GND

Pin G: Unused

12.12 LDR TX and RX – Video Amphenol

Amphenol - 4 way socket part no.62GB-57A08-04SN

Pin A: Power (voltage out)

Pin B: GND

Pin C: Video GND (screen)

Pin D: Video Input (transmitter) Video Output (receiver)

34

13 Control Protocols

The following section describes the control protocol employed on the RS232 link for controlling the LDR Link transmitters and receiver equipment.

Connection details are detailed in previous sections.

Note that only features that are licensed for use in the LDR Link units can be controlled. The protocols listed here cover all possible features. Attempting to activate an unlicensed feature will simply result in the command being ignored by the LDR Link unit.

TX commands sent to an RX unit and visa-versa will be acknowledged have no effect.

13.13 RS232 Control – General Principles

The physical interface is RS232 but this can be converted to RS 485 with an external adapter where multiple units are controlled over one RS 485 bus.

Normal operation involves sending a packet from the control device (normally a PC) to the device being controlled. If the packet satisfies an address integrity check, then the controlled device will action the command and send a reply.

For compatibility with modems an ASCII style protocol is used.

Ports are set for 9600 Baud, 8 bits, No parity, 1 stop

13.14 Packet Structure Sending (from PC)

ASCII

STX

0-9

R misc

I

ABC

;

PQR

;

X

ETX

Value

02h

30h-39h

20h-7Eh

20h-7E

20h-7Eh

3Bh

20h-7Eh

3Bh

20h-7Eh

03h

Start byte

4 byte unit address. In range 0-9999

1 byte command type. r read, w write or m

1 byte indicator of internal data block

Command –three byte mnemonic

Separator

Data –Optional, variable length

Separator

Sum Check

End byte

35

13.15 Packet Structure Reply (from controlled device)

ASCII

STX

0-9

Z

PQR

;

X

ETX

Value

02h

30h-39h

20h-7Eh

20h-7Eh

3Bh

20h-7Eh

03h

Start byte

4 byte unit address. In range 0-9999

Status BYTE

Data –Optional, variable length

Separator

Sum Check

End byte

The Sum check byte is the summation of all bytes in the packet, not including the start and end bytes. Higher order bytes are ignored and the final byte result is modified to prevent ASCII control characters being sent. Bit 7

(highest) is forced high.

Status byte will indicate command performed OK, or indicate an error.

ASCII

1

Meaning

All OK

E General error, Command could not be actioned

Typically E will be returned if the message is formatted incorrectly (separators in wrong place) or if commands are in upper case, or if commands do not match against the allowed list of commands, or if the checksum is wrong.

Addresses in the range 0001 to 9998 are for general use. Address 0000 is reserved and 9999 is a broadcast address. i.e. any device will reply to this address. Its reply will contain its own specific address.

All data in the transmitter and receiver is stored as one of 5 data types,

Double, String, List, Integer or HexInteger. The data type dictates the contents of the data section of the reply.

•

List – 1 byte for sending. Value is hexadecimal coded as ASCII. 2 byte reply.

Reply represents index into original choice list. e.g. Reply 02 indicates entry 2 in original list.

•

Double - variable length. Reply always contains decimal point and 4 decimal places. Can have 1 to 3 digits before decimal.

•

Integer - 6byte reply. integer value with stuffed with preceding zeros. e.g. GOP reply 000012 = GOP length 12

•

String - Variable length. Reply is string excluding null terminator

•

HexInteger – 8byte Hex reply

36

13.16 Telemetry System Command List

ctof dpid dinp dbau drem oout omod odut ofre opwr onrt omux cflo cfhi cplv cton gadd gser gver gfpg gdef glic gsle glod gtyp gau2 gfpl gstt

1fre

1nrt

1lna

1loc

1snr

1mer

1ina

1inb

1pre

1pos

1pkt

1mod fpid finp fbau frem zscr zkez zkex

Comm Description

Unit address

Unit serial number

Tx/Rx RW Type Comments

TxRx RW Integer 9999 - broadcast address

TxRx R Hex

Default

2-tx,3-rx

Software version number

FPGA version number

Restore defaults

License code

Sleep

Config number

Unit Type

Set remote command

Front panel lock

Enable status display

TxRx R

TxRx R

TxRx W

TxRx W

String

Hex

Integer

Hex

1 - restore defaults

TxRx RW Integer 0 - active, 1 - sleep mode

TxRx RW Integer 1-8 config

TxRx R

Tx RW

Integer

Integer bit0=0 Tx, bit 0=1 Rx

1 - allow remote commands, 0 = off

TxRx RW Integer 0 - unlocked, 1 = locked

Rx RW Integer 0 - disabled, 1 - enabled @ 9600 baud

Modulator output

Modulator constellation

TX duty cycle

Output frequency

Output power attenuation

Modulator Channel Width

TX off timeout

Tx Data PID

Tx Data Enable

Tx Data Baudrate

Tx

Tx

Tx

Tx

Tx

Tx

Gross TX bit rate Tx R Float Kbits/s

Minimum operating frequency TxRx RW Float

Maximum operating frequency TxRx RW Float

Power level calibration level

TX on timeout

Tx

Tx

RW Float

MHz

MHz dB

RW Integer Timeout before data is sent in discontinuous mode

Tx

Tx

Tx

Tx

Tx

RW Integer 0 - Off, 1 - On

RW Integer 0 - QPSK, 1 - 16QAM

RW Integer 0 - Continuous, 1 - Discontinuous operation

RW Float MHz

RW Float dB

RW Integer 1 - 25KHz ... 5 - 125KHz

RW Integer Timeout before Tx turns off in discontinuous mode

RW Integer 0x10-0x17

RW Integer 0 - off, 1 - no parity, 2 - even parity, 3 - odd parity

RW

RW

Integer

Integer

0 - 1200,2400,4800,9600,19200,38400,57600,115200

0x28-0x2f

8

0x10

1

6

0x28 Tx Aux Control PID

Input Frequency

Demodulator Channel Width

Input LNA gain

Demod Lock

Demod SNR A

Demod SNR B

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

RW

RW

RW

R

R

R

Float

Integer

Integer

Integer

Float

Float

MHz

1 - 25KHz … 5 - 125 KHz

0 - high gain, 1 - low gain

0 - No, 1 – Yes dB dB

8

868

870

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0*

869.45*

0*

4*

869.45*

4*

0

Input level A

Input level B

Pre-LDPC error rate

Post-LDPC error rate

Packet error rate

Demodulator constellation

Rx Data PID

Rx Data Status

Rx Data Baudrate

Rx Aux Control PID

Scrambling mode

128AES (256AES lower) key

256AES upper key

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

Rx

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

RW

Float

Float

Integer

Integer dB dB

Integer

Integer

Integer 0 is good

Integer 0 - QPSK, 1 - 16QAM

RW Integer 0x10-0x17

R Integer 0 - None, 1 - no parity, 2 - even parity, 3 – odd parity

0 1200,2400,4800,9600,19200,384,57600,115200

0x28-0x2f

TxRx RW Integer 0-Off, 4-AES128, 5-AES128+,6-AES256, 7-AES256+

TxRx W

TxRx W

Hex

Hex

32 digit hex key

32 digit hex key

0

0x10

0x28

37

ipid ipen jpid jinp raud rvol ppid ppen qpid apid aenc alev athr rpid irou

Tx Audio PID

Audio encoding mode

Audio input level

Audio threshold level

Rx Audio PID

Audio status

Audio headphone level

Tx RC PID

Enable Tx RC control

Rx RC PID

Tx IP PID

Enable Tx IP

Rx IP PID

Rx IP Status

IP/Data Routing

Rx

Rx

Tx

Tx

Rx

Tx

Tx

Tx

Tx

Rx

RW

RW

RW

RW

RW

R

RW

RW

Integer

Integer

Integer

Integer

Integer

Integer

Integer

0x40-0x47

0 - Off, 9 - g726 24Kbits/s, 10 - g726 32Kbits/s

0 - Consumer level, 1..4 - 12,24,36,48dB gain mic level

Audio level which triggers TX on in discontinuous mode

0x40-0x47

Integer 0 - Not present, 1 - Present

RW Integer 52 = -102dB, 255 = -.5dB, 0 = 0dB, 24 = +12dB

RW Integer 0x58-0x5f

0 - off, 1 - 2 channel RC

0x58-0x5f

Tx

Tx

Rx

Rx

RW

RW

RW

R

Integer

Integer

Integer

Integer

0x30-0x37

0 - off, 1 - on (115200 baud), 2 - on (230400 baud)

0x30-0x37

0 - None, 1 - on (115200 baud), 2 - on (230400 baud)

TxRx RW Integer 0 - Data RS232, IP TTL or 1 - Data TTL, IP RS232

0x40

0

0

255

0x40

0

0x58

0

0x58

0

0x30

0

0x30

* Depends on unit type and license exempt operation

13.17 LDR Link Encoder/Decoder commands

Comm

ebau esta eres efra eloc dbau dser dsta

Specific commands for the Low Data Rate Encoder/Decoder are sent on address

0009 using the same control protocol. The following commands are available:

Description Enc/D ec

RW Type Comments

Encoder baud rate Enc

Encoder line standard Enc

RW Integer 1 = 19200 baud

2 = 38400 baud

3 = 57600 baud

4 = 115200 baud

R Integer 1 = PAL

2 = NTSC

Encoder resolution

Encoder frame rate

Enc

Enc

RW Integer 1 = CIF

2 = QCIF

RW Integer 1 = 2 frames/s

2 = 5 frames/s

3 = 12 frames/s

Encoder video lock Enc

Decoder baud rate

Decoder service lock

Decoder line standard

Dec

Dec

Dec

R Integer 0 = not locked

1 = locked

RW Integer 1 = 19200 baud

2 = 38400 baud

3 = 57600 baud

4 = 115200 baud

R Integer 0 = not locked

1 = locked

RW Integer 1 = PAL

2 = NTSC

38

14 Typical Ranges of the LDR Link Product

Users of the LDR link product can expect operation over the following ranges.

Line Of Sight

Where a line of sight is available between the transmitter and receiver is available, then ranges of typically 20-40km are possible, ranges of this type require true line of sight.

Non Line of Sight Operation

Where there is no line of sight then users should expect a reduced range. Typically 800m to

1km is achievable with no line of sight. The trial below was performed in an urban environment and gives a reasonable indication of achievable range in an urban environment. In the trial below, both the transmitter and receiver where positioned at ground level.

Receive

Site

Problem Solving a System Exhibiting Lack of Range

If the system is not delivering ranges as described above then the user should check the following potential issues.

•

Have the antennas been installed on a ground plane.

39

725m -

Solid

920m -

Intermittent

750m -

Solid

•

Is the selected channel free of interference (can be checked by using the PC control software connected to the telemetry receiver - see telemetry receiver handbook, advanced operation section) . The received power field of the telemetry receiver should show close to -120dBm when the transmitter is off, this indicates the channel is free of interference.

40

41

Cobham Surveillance

Domo Products

11 Manor Court, Barnes Wallis Road, Segensworth,

Hampshire, PO15 5TH, England

T: +44 (0)1489 566 750

F: +44 (0)1489 880 538