Radarcape:About the Radarcape
After the big success of the Mode-S Beast we saw that there is a big demand for a more sophisticated unit with a special focus on
- remote operation
- standalone data processing
- low power consumption
- easier maintenance and SW update
and not at least
- enhanced multilateration
Application Features
The idea that can realize this is a combination of the Mode-S Beast together with a embedded Linux board which are now available for a reasonable price and with community support. This would at least fulfill the first points. For example, the SW update may now happen with a simple click on a menu item in the internally provides web server, such as you may be used from your network devices. There no longer are DIP switches, instead the configuration can be changed just using an web browser.
Multilateration
For enhanced multilateration, the Radarcape is equipped with a GPS synchronized clock with an accuracy in the nanosecond level. This is completly processed in the FPGA without any influence through the Linux system.
Currently the Radarcape does not provide Multilateration by itself but requires second level software. However, an internal solution is under development and might be presented soon.
Easy Usage
With its small size and the low power consumption the Radarcape is ideal for running all time without a PC behind and collecting data. The application SW on the Radarcape will output collected data in several ways, like
- raw data formats for second level software on PCs
- HTML tables for personal viewing or computer postprocessing
- KML files for mapping software, such as Google Earth
Not at least the Radarcape incorporates some improvements we've leared from the Mode-S Beast, further enhancing range and frame rate.