Tracking Antenna Requirements
Success metrics
Goal | Metric |
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Able to track in one-axis (yaw) | Visual confirmation of heading, comparison using logging data of antenna angle & drone position. |
Able to track in two-axis (pitch/yaw) | Visual confirmation of heading, comparison using logging data of antenna angle & drone position. |
Being able to accept different antennas & systems (including relays) | Ability to swap tracking antenna components to use different systems |
Able to track for the entire duration of a flight window (long or short). |
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Ability to be anchored / tethered to the ground in adverse weather |
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Short startup / calibration sequence | Timed from cold start. |
Weather Resistant |
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Untethered power & system-data input | No wires from the tracking antenna system to the groundstation computer. |
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Assumptions
Information input will be in MAVLink format from the groundstation (forwarded out of the groundstation)
Antennas will be either:
900 patch
1.3 patch
2.4 yagi (dual)
Receivers will either be:
RFD900
1.3 block
EE Gemini module
Some receivers may have relays
5 and 12v power available at the antenna head.
Requirements
Requirements / Constraints | Context | Priority | Owner | Notes |
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Must be able to carry a payload up to 1kg | This would be the heaviest weight of antennas + batteries + relay | HIGHMEDIUM LOW | ||
Must allow for at least 2 360 degrees in either direction from startup position. | Being able to track the drone if it flies in a circle. |
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| Unlikely that we will need to complete multiple circles @ competition. |
Must allow for 0-90 degree rotation in pitch |
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Must maintain heading when connection is lost (either gcs → antenna or drone → gcs) | antenna should be in position to re-establish link when the drone follows RTL procedure |
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Must be able to supply 5v and 12v power. | Common voltages used by onboard devices |
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One person must be able to setup the system in < 5 minutes | Time & resources on the flight window |
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Up to 2 primary antennas must be able to track the target simultaneously | Some transmitters use diversity |
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2 primary antennas must be able to maintain spatial separation of at least 10 centimetres |
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Up to 1 antenna must be able to mounted statically away from the tracking head | e.g. omni antenna |
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Up to 1 relay system must be able to be mounted statically away from the primary antennas |
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Must accept 3-6s battery power | Common batteries that WARG uses |
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Must be able to be transported easily and without damage to the equipment. |
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Open Questions
Question | Answer | Date Answered |
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