Aerial Patroller – Geospatial Recorder

The Aerial Patroller features a robust GPS data integration for Aerial Patrol, Survey and Mapping, and Mission recording applications.  The Aerial Patroller has the option for an external data input from a GPS or other RS-232 source.

GPS Data Logging

The GPS option includes a Garmin 18x LVC or 18x 5Hz GPS Receiver Antenna with a plug-and-play connector.  Most standard external GPS sources may be used, including: GPS pucks, portable GPS receivers, and Flight Decks.  Custom adapter cables are made to order for external GPS sources. GPS data is recorded along with a video file as a .KML or .GPX companion file.  GPS files can be syncronized with the video and stop and start at the same time as the video.  KML and GPX GPS data files can be viewed and played  back in third party software, such as Google Earth.  Recorded KML data includes lat, long, and altitude information.  GPX files include lat, long, altitude, speed, heading, and optional waypoint information.  GPX files also support the waypoint feature which allows operators to “Tag” a specific point of interest along the flight path in real-time.

Rs-232 Data

The Aerial Patroller can accept data from various RS-232 sources with options available to overlay and record this data along with video.  Three lines of ASCII character data can be overlaid on the recorded video.  The Aerial Patroller will parse and overlay ASCII data that is sent via RS-232 and follows the defined sentence structure:  “$ASCII,TEXT LINE 1, TEXT LINE 2, TEXT LINE 3”.  Each line of data can be configured to appear on the recorded video with custom positioning, size, font, and color.

GPS Automation

Data is passed through the built-in Automator unit which can also parse custom data sources.  Custom changes and features for customer are low cost and usually can be completed in just a few days.

The Aerial Patroller is a powerful encoding platform which can encode full HD 1080p60 video from a variety of sensors such as; HD Cameras, LWIR(FLIR), HD EO Imagers, Corona Cameras, and even standard definition cameras.  All video and audio files are synchronized with GPS.

HD Video

The Aerial Patroller can record video up to 1080p60 using the same high quality compression algorithms as Blu-Ray.  Accepting a variety of inputs, compatible video sources include: 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, and SD-SDI as well as HDMI/DVI and even composite (NTSC and PAL).

Video can be recorded in it’s full native resolution or down sampled by cropping or scaling.  Video is recorded as an .AVI file using h.264 compression at up to 16mbps or MJPEG compression with bitrates up to 55mbps.  Video can be played back using most standard media players and edited in nearly any post process software.

Multiple Channels

Aerial Patroller is a available in four, three and two channel variants.  All channels are synchronized with each others and GPS data.  Only a single GPS and Audio input is needed and a single switch can control all channels.  Video for each channel is recorded to its own USB media, allowing for long record times.

GPS Automation

The when not in aerial patrol operations the Aerial Patroller can operate with manual control, complete automation, or automation with manual override.  Using GPS the Aerial Patroller has the option of: starting/stopping recording, playing audio including safety messages, soundtracks, narrations or any MP3 file, capturing snapshot images from cameras, and overlaying text data on the video.  These events are triggered based on GPS way points, heading, waypoints and heading, speed, or time. GPS automation allows for complete black-box style operation recording video any time a pilot leaves the helipad, or exceeds a certain range.  GPS automation can also be used as a fail safe, manually controlling recording if the pilot forgets to.

Overlay GPS Data and Text

A robust text overlay function allows for various datum to be displayed on the recorded video.  Text overlay can be configured to display different: fonts, sizes, colors, and locations.  Text can be generated from: the GPS, the recorder menu, or external RS-232.  Up to three lines of custom ASCII text can be overlaid onto the video by sending the following sentence structure via RS-232 – $ASCII,TEXT LINE 1, TEXT LINE 2, TEXT LINE 3,. ASCII text can be updated at 20Hz, ideal for displaying custom parameters, such as telemetry.

Parameter	Source	Units
Altitude (Above Mean Sea Level)	GPS	AMSL: M, F
Speed	GPS	KTS, MPH, KPH
Heading	GPS	Degrees
Coordinates	GPS	N, W: DMS, DM, D
Time/Date	Unit or GPS	MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS
Custom Text	User (Menu)	TEXT
ASCII	RS-232	TEXT

Note: Large amounts of data overlay options may limit encoding performance.

USB and SD Media

Record video via USB to drives as large as 2TB (terabytes) for over 300 hours of video.  As a general rule, HD video will require ~4GB per hour of record time.  By using these universal media types, it streamlines the download and playback process making it easy to view and transfer video on any PC or Mac. A built-in SD slot allows for loading of pre-recorded MP3’s, including soundtracks, narrations, and safety messages.  The SD card also contains the optional automation path that defines the waypoints, and other events that can automatically trigger: recording, text overlay, snapshots, and playing of audio.

WiFi Streaming & Live Viewing

The recorder features a WiFi option as well as Ethernet connectivity which allows for streaming HD video to your iPad, PC, or capable tablet.  WiFi also allows for easy access to the system menus for setting changes.  Video can also be streamed via Ethernet for over a LAN or WAN. The Aerial Patroller loops through video inputs with no latency allowing for live viewing on a dedicated monitor.  Since the output is a loop through, any monitor that is compatible with the camera would be compatible for live viewing.  Rugged Video also offers a line of rugged monitors.

Video is only part of the data needed.  The Aerial Patroller is designed to capture crisp vivid audio from various sources including Aircraft Headsets.  

Connecting Aircraft Audio

Audio cables are available for General Aviation, Helicopter (U174), and Bose headsets.  Cables are available to connect directly to an audio panel or as a headset pass through.  With these cables, the Aerial Patroller will record everything you hear and say, including ATC transmissions.  For aerial patrol, the Narrator push-to-talk control box is an available option so that spotters can narrate the video on command.

Connecting Auxiliary Audio

The Aerial Patroller can also record audio from standard auxiliary sources, such as an iPod or MP3 player.  Standard input cables include: 3.5mm(1/8″) TRS jacks (also known as a headphone jack), 1/4″ audio inputs from professional audio sources, and XLR connectors from professional microphones.

Automated Audio

Using GPS Automation (with availble external module), MP3 files such as: soundtracks, narrations, and safety messages can be loaded and played based on GPS or manually selected be the pilot.  MP3 audio is mixed along with headset or auxiliary audio inputs using the two volume adjustment knobs on the front of the automation module.

The Aerial Patroller features a robust internal power control module allowing the recorder to operate as a blackbox, and save recordings in the event of a power failure.  In addition the Aerial Patroller Power Control Module accepts any standard aircraft voltage from 10-32VDC with power filtering, and reverse voltage protection, in accordance with FAA standards.  Using an intelligent charging system backup power cells are recharged every time the system powers on automatically.  Best of all the charging system is built into every Aerial Patroller as a standard feature.

 

The Aerial Patroller was designed to be operated with complete GPS automation, manual control, or automation with manual override.  Manual control for record, snapshot, and waypoint along with status lights can be remotely mounted via the MultiLink connector, or operated on the front of the unit.

Automation

Using pre-defined perimeters such as: waypoint, direction, waypoint and direction, speed, and time, the Aerial Patroller can control all major functions automatically.   This includes triggering recordings, taking snapshots, playing MP3 audio, and overlaying text on the video.  Users define a these events using configuration files on the SD card.  Although the options are limitless most operators use the function to act as a blackbox, automatically recording or playing safety messages when leaving the helipad.  Automation can be overridden by the pilot at any time using manual control.

Manual Control

Recording can be controlled via the front panel with an easy to operate rotary switch.  In addition to the built-in control, recording can be wired to any discrete on/off switch, including standard toggle switches.  Snapshots and waypoints are triggered using a momentary switch, like a push button.  Switches are available as options with the Crusader or can be easily wired to existing switches.

Our most popular switch option is our Record Toggle which features a real-time record status indicator built directly into the toggle.  This type of switch is ideal for installations where the Recorder is remotely mounted and the operator needs a simple, clean interface.

Waypoint and Snapshot toggles are available as a handheld or panel mounted push buttons.  Each time the button is pressed, the system will save a snapshot from the video or tag a waypoint along the GPS path.

System Status

Simple, yet informative set of LEDs that tell the user when it is ready to record or if there is a problem.  Indicators are mounted on the front of the Aerial Patroller and indicators can be remotely mounted when the system is mounted out of view.  Indicators display: power, record status, errors, and GPS status.  Additional indicators show the status any GPS automation.

 

The Aerial Patroller can be configured as a dual, three, or four channel recorder.  The unit(s) can be ordered as BASE systems with no cameras (RV-AP{X2, X3, or X4}) or as a PLUS system which will include: an HD camera, cabling, and mounts (RV-PLUS-{HD19, HD23, HDX, HD29}).

Video
SDI2, 3, or 4	3G-SDI—SMPTE 424M (1080p60, 1080p59.94, 1080p50)   HD-SDI—SMPTE 292M (1080i60, 1080i59.94, 1080i50, 1080p30, 1080p29.97, 1080p25, 720p60, 720p50, 720p30)   SD-SDI—SMPTE 259M (576i, 480i)
HDMI/DVI Single Link (DVI-D)2, 3, or 4	1920x1200p60, 1920x1200p50, 1440x900p60 1280x1024p60, 1280x1024p30, 1280x960p60, 1280x960p30 1280x960p60, 1280x960p30, 1024x768p60, 1024x768p30 800x600p60, 1080p60, 1080p50, 1080p30,1080p25 1080i60, 1080i59.94, 1080i50, 720p60, 720p50, 720p30, 720p25 480p60, 480p30, 576p50
CVBS2, 3, or 4	Composite/Analog NTSC, PAL, SECAM 75ohm 1V p-p
Resolution/ Framerate	Resolutions: 1920×1200, 1920×1080, 1680×1050, 1600×900, 1440×900 1280×1024, 1280×920, 1280×720, 1024×768, 800×600 640×480, 640×360, 352×288, 352×576, 352×240, 352×480 720×240, 720×288, 720×480, 720×576   Framerates: (60,50,30,25,20,15,10,8,6,5,4,3,2,1)
Compression/ Bitrate	H.264 (AVC, MPEG-4 Part 10) Baseline, Main, and High Profile 32Kb/s to 16.5Mb/s   CBR or VBR   MJPEG 2Mb/s to 55Mb/s VBR
Audio
Input/ Sources	External: Analog Stereo, Line Level up to 8V P-P General Aviation, Helicopter (U174), Bose 6-Pin Microphone, AUX Jack Input, RCA Input, 1/4” Input, XLR input   Internal: MP3 (Automator SD Card) Soundtracks, Narrations, Safety Messages, Background Music   Embedded: SDI, or HDMI
Output/ Destination	Output to Headset(s)/Audio Panel MP3 Narrations, Soundtracks, etc. via Automator and/or Mixed Automator Audio & AUX Input (iPod, etc.)
Audio Mixing	External/Internal Source Mixing Independent Level Adjust 0 to 10x Volume 2 x Master Gain
Compression	AAC at 64Kb/s or 128Kb/s (32KHz, 44.1KHz, 48KHz) G.711 at 64Kb/s
Triggers/Indicators
Triggers	Front Panel:  Power On/Off, Record   Rear Connector (Remote Mounting): Record, Snapshot, Waypoint   RF Remote: Record, Snapshot, Waypoint (Optional)
Indicators	Front Panel: Power, Record, Fault, GPS   Rear Connector (Remote Mounting): Record, Fault, GPS

 

Automation
Event Triggering	Time, Speed, Direction, Waypoint, Waypoint & Direction
Trigger Action	Start/Stop Recording Take Snapshot(s) Play MP3 (Soundtrack, Narration, etc.) Overlay Custom Text on Video (Three Positions)
GPS/Data
Input	RS-232 Baud 2400 to 115200 Garmin 18x LVC, 5Hz, Garmin Aviation NAV Standard NMEA 0183
Sample Rate	Overlay: 20Hz KML/GPX: 1Hz or 5Hz
Sentences	GPS: GPRMC, GPGGA, GPGSA,GPVTG CUSTOM: $ASCII,TEXT 1, TEXT 2, TEXT 3
Overlay Data	Coordinates (Degrees, Degrees Minutes, Degrees, Minutes, Seconds) Speed (KT, MPH, KPH) Altitude (Meters, Feet) Heading (Degrees)  *VTG only Time/Date Custom (Three Lines)
GPS Companion Files	KML & GPX  – Synced with Video GPS, Supports Waypoints
Media
SD	SD, SDHC, SDXC (For MP3 & Automation Information)
USB	USB 2.0/3.0 ( 6MB/s write speed or better) up to 2TB Supports Most USB 3.0 Drives
Power
Input	10 to 36VDC  4.25W Compatible with 12V, 14V, 24V, and 28V Aircraft Power Systems (14 to 32VDC if also power cameras with Aerial Patroller)
Physical
Temperature Range	Operation: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°F) Storage: -55°C to +105°C (-67°F to 221°F)
Dimensions L, W, H	3.00” x 5.00” x  4.75” / 127mm x 76.2mm x 121mm
Weight	33.8oz / 0.98kg

Geospatial Brochure – Click to Enlarge[/caption]