Author - Pamela

31Aug

Portable Rapid Charging Systems arrive at Unmanned Systems Source

The power to extend flight time while in the field just got a little easier thanks to Colorado Drone Chargers. Formerly known as P-Squared Group, Colorado Drone Chargers is a leading designer and manufacturer of rapid charging systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. The company focuses exclusively on charging technology and ease of use for the customer. The complete line of Portable Rapid Charging Systems (PRCS) is now available at Unmanned Systems Source. “Our mission is to make and market the best products,” said Johnny Podrovitz, founder of Colorado Drone Chargers. “From day one, we have been committed to delivering exceptional products for the drone battery charging industry.”  

Colorado Drone Chargers

For the past several years, Colorado Drone Chargers made significant advances in drone charger technology. The line or Portable Rapid Charging Systems rapidly charges manufacturer smart batteries from major brands such as: DJI and 3DR. Some PRCS systems enable users to charge 4 batteries, plus the controller, simultaneously. PRCS Systems also feature smart technology that manages the batteries charging current, voltage and temperature…all in one convenient storage/carrying case.   Find and shop Colorado Drone Chargers entire line of PRCS at Unmanned Systems Source.
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28Aug

NuWaves Engineering completes work on bidirectional amplifiers for communications, telemetry and warfare markets

NuWavesNuWaves Engineering announced the completion of the IRaD phase for their newest miniaturized 10 watt C-band bidirectional amplifier (BDA). This product adds to the existing line of NuPower Xtender bidirectional amplifiers. Currently, plans are to price this at $2,900/ea in quantities of one hundred. It is available Q4 2017. NuWaves is an international Radio Frequency (RF) and Microwave solutions provider. NuWaves continues to push their presence and expertise to higher-frequency applications. The NuPower Xtender C10RX01 and C10RX02 BDA modules follow the release of the 20 W C-Band Power Amplifier (C20R01) and the 20 W C-Band bidirectional amplifier (C20RX01). This latest BDA offers the performance of a traditional power amplifier coupled with a low noise amplifier for receive mode. It provides an amplification solution in one miniaturized package for half-duplex transceivers.  

The specifications

Both the C10RX01 and C10RX02 provide saturated RF output power of 10 Watts in transmit mode and 10 dB of gain in receive mode across the C-band frequency range of 4.4 to 5.1 GHz. Both accept a +30 dBm input signal, for compatability with common datalinks that typically provide a 1 W output. The NuPower Xtender C10RX01 requires a manual transmit/receive (T/R) control input signal. Additionally, the NuPower Xtender C10RX02 offers an autosense T/R control mode where the transmit/receive condition is determined automatically. The BDA’s aluminum chassis features improved heat dissipation characteristics for higher temperature operation. Its compact size makes it small enough for integration into a variety of platforms: air, ground, test, training. “These bidirectional amplifier modules provide the system integrator with additional options for enhanced operability across multiple scenarios in the military communications market, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). They fill the gap in the market for small bidirectional amplifiers,” said Jeff Wells, President and CEO of NuWaves Engineering. “We take pride in our ability to provide a full spectrum of solutions in support of the Warfighter.”  

About NuWaves Engineering

Veteran-owned, NuWaves Engineering is a premier supplier of RF and Microwave solutions for Department of Defense (DoD), government, and industrial customers. NuWaves offers a broad range of design and engineering services which develop and sustain key communications, telemetry and electronic warfare systems, as well as a complete line of commercially available RF products. NuWaves’ products include wide-band frequency converters, high-efficiency and miniature solid state power amplifiers and bidirectional amplifiers, high intercept low noise amplifiers and miniature RF filters. Shop NuWaves' entire line of RF Solutions at Unmanned Systems Source.
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24Aug

StreamCaster 4200 radio by Silvus Technologies selected by MILREM

The StreamCaster 4200 (SC4200) radio by Silvus Technologies was recently selected by MILREM, a manufacturer of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) based in Estonia. MILREM will integrate the SC4200 onto the Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) platform. THeMIS UGV is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. It assists with target acquisition, logistics support, and other missions. The SC4200 serves as the datalink, providing wireless command/control and video. It pairs with high performance antennas to allow the THeMIS to drive extended ranges, and push video and data communication farther than before. “Silvus is offering rugged and high quality MIMO radios which have proven to provide reliable wireless video and data communication over extended range,” said Rivo Opik, MILREM’s Chief Engineer.  “The technical support and guidance from the Silvus team has been quick and very effective.” SC4200 2x2 MIMO radio features transmit beamforming which nearly doubles the signal range. The ability to significantly extend range is why MILREM choose the SC4200 for the THeMIS. Companies purchasing the THeMIS can control, one, two or an entire fleet of these UGVs. In addition, users can monitor what is happening using a real-time, live HD-video feed from the Silvus radios.  

About Silvus Technologies

Silvus created its StreamCaster series of Mobile Networked (MN) MIMO radios to enable military-grade wireless video, data and voice communications in the most extreme situations. The ability to create an ad hoc, self-forming/self-healing mesh network is essential for the dynamic tactical operations. This powerful method of wireless connectivity is a natural fit for UGVs, and in particular, for several major US Military UGV programs where stringent performance requirements dictate the use of advanced communication techniques. MILREM serves a variety of customers in the defense and commercial industry. Shop Silvus’ line of MIMO radios at Unmanned Systems Source.
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22Aug

Tightening security data: DJI makes its move

security data DJIThat didn’t take long. DJI, the Chinese-based company, took little time to address the gathering noise over cyber security concerns. At the beginning of August, the U.S. Army called for troops to cease and desist use of DJI drones, equipment and cameras for any operations. The Army's announcement seemed to catch DJI unaware. In the last few days, DJI announced that it will accelerate the release of a new feature, Local Data Mode.  This feature will be a part of the DJI controller app. When selected, Local Data Mode will allow pilots to disconnect from the internet during flights. The update releases at the end of September. “We are creating Local Data Mode to address the needs of our enterprise customers, including public and private organizations that are using DJI technology to perform sensitive operations around the world,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs. “DJI is committed to protecting the privacy of its customers’ photos, videos and flight logs. Local Data Mode will provide added assurances for customers with heightened data security needs.” This feature is designed to stop internet traffic to and from DJI’s flight control application. This would make it “impossible” for the craft to communicate any flight log data, photos or videos with DJI servers. It would also prevent any accidental syncing with DJI servers. DJI believes Local Data Mode offers users some level of data management. DJI hopes this feature will help alleviate privacy and security concerns for sensitive operations.  

Drawback of Local Data Mode

Disconnecting from the internet means the application will not receive continuous updates. As such, operators lose the features that makes flight safer and easier, including: updates of maps, newly issued flight restrictions, software updates, and geo-fencing information. However, it is up to each operator to decide whether the operation requires Local Data Mode for privacy or security reasons. And, at least now operators have an option. Local Data Mode may not be available in all countries depending on specific regulations. DJI made its move. Only time will tell if this is enough to diminish the concerns of enterprise and government entities.
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18Aug

Pentagon provides guidelines to create the ultimate no drone fly zone

Call it the ultimate No Drone Fly Zone. On Aug. 4 the Department of Defense (DoD) released classified guidelines for military personnel. The guidelines focused on available actions in the event of unauthorized drone intrusion over or around a military installation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with other inter-agency partners, helped develop the guidelines. It follows classified guidance that was previously provided to the services and installations in early July. “Protecting our force remains a top priority and that’s why DoD issued the specific, but classified policy that details how DoD personnel may counter the unmanned aircraft threat,” said United States, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis.  

A growing concern?

According to a Pentagon spokesman, the guidance is to help address growing concerns around safety and security of military installations, aviation and people. And, certainly, drone use continues to explode across both recreational and commercial sectors. The FAA predicts the number of hobbyists will increase to 355 million by 2021. Commercial drone users are expected to increase to 442,000 during that same time period. Of course, all drone operators must adhere to FAA regulations and guidelines. Any flight operated beyond these regulations is considered unauthorized activity. In April, the Pentagon and FCC announced a new rule which prohibited any drone flights within 400 feet of 133 domestic installations. Pilots caught violating the restriction were subject to arrest. However, that announcement did not mention any direct action the military could take to destroy or intercept the drones.  

Tracking, disabling, destroying

If an unauthorized drone flight intrudes into military airspace, DoD personnel now have guidelines in place to respond to the threat. Authorized actions include: tracking, disabling and destroying drones. Of course, the authorized action depends on the circumstance and the type of installation where the drone activity is detected. “We support civilian law enforcement investigations in the prosecution of unauthorized UAS operations over military installations,” Davis said. “And though we do not discuss specific force-protection measures, we of course retain the right of self-defense. When it comes to UAS or drones operating over military installations, this new guidance does afford us the ability to take action to stop those threats.” Drone operators can find additional flight regulation information at the Know Before You Fly website. Before these guidelines, the military could take action to intercept a wayward drone. Those options included use of traditional ammunition to destroy the craft all the way to commandeering them via radio waves. In addition, intercepted crafts were subject to seizure “as part of investigations,” said Davis. So, wayward flyers beware, intruding over or around any of these 133 installations could result in the loss of your craft.
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14Aug

The EMILY USV from Hydronalix continues to gain traction

EMILY USVThe Duluth Fire Department in Duluth, Minnesota is considering purchasing the Emergency Integrated Lifesaving LanYard (EMILY) drone. Hydronalix, located near Tucson, Arizona, created and manufactures the 24-pound unmanned water rescue vehicle.  

EMILY functionality

The EMILY is a life-saving, unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that first responders can deploy and operate remotely to help reach distressed individuals. Equipped with a two-way radio, the EMILY allows first responders to communicate with the person in need of assistance. The USV carries a detachable life-jacket and helmet and can assist up to eight people in distress.  

Real-world application

Duluth Fire Capt. Brent Consie decided to test out the EMILY because of the city's amount of shoreline. It is also one of the worst spots in the Great Lakes for rip currents. “One of our biggest concerns with rescue is with rip currents,” Consie said in an article from the Grand Forks Herald. “When we've got an east wind or a wind that's about 10 to 15 miles an hour, we have currents that actually flute water back off shore. So, people who find themselves caught in rip currents are often taken by surprise. People who are not familiar with our waters get into a situation where there's potentially a drowning. We want to be able to get to them as fast as we possibly can.”  

Testing the EMILY

At the end of July, the Duluth Fire Department, along with other area agencies, tested the USV during a mock rescue scenario. The scenario included two Duluth firefighters floated in the chilled waters of Lake Superior. Response time is even more vital because of the waters cold temperatures. A firefighter on shore used a remote control to direct the movements of the USV, leading it to the firefighters in the water. Once the vehicle reached the firefighters, they latched onto a set of handles and were pulled to shore. On average, the department has six water emergencies per year. Boats are currently the only vehicles available to rescue distressed swimmer. The EMILY may be a better alternative.  

Technology advancements for the good

“Technology is always changing. This USV is a different approach because the drownings happen so fast and our conditions change so fast,” Consie says. “We're looking at ways we can improve. How can we use technology to keep improving our delivery of services?” In addition, Consie said that the USV allows first responders to reach someone in need of help faster than the department’s current capabilities. In scenarios where first responders need to rescue someone in the water, they can still deploy the USV so that the person can have something to hang on to while waiting for help.
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