Multi-Channel Recorder Replays Radar Data

New system can record ship and aircraft transponder video and camera data.

Multi-channel Radar Data Recorder system.  Photo courtesy of Cambridge Pixel.

Multi-channel Radar Data Recorder system. Photo courtesy of Cambridge Pixel.

Cambridge Pixel recently unveiled a multi-channel Radar Data Recorder (RDR) that provides a versatile record and replay solution for primary radar video and associated tracks. 

  

The system can record AIS, ADS-B, IFF and NMEA-0183 navigation data from ship and aircraft transponders and network package messages including H.264 video streams and camera data.

The user can create multiple input channels and define the input data type for each one. Up to three radars may be recorded as radar signals, digitized using Cambridge Pixel’s HPX-200 card, or ASTERIX CAT-240 network video.

The system also supports other specialized or proprietary radar network formats. During replay, the video may be output as radar signals or as ASTERIX data.

The RDR is designed for session recordings, such as capturing data during radar trials and system testing and for continuous recording in deployed systems. 

The system captures a wide range of data types and formats simultaneously within a synchronized data file structure. The data is time stamped and recorded directly into fixed or removable storage media.

The RDR system may be controlled through a local user-interface, across a network or through a web browser. The Windows-based user-interface permits configuration of the recording process and visualization of the data recorded.

A timeline displays the progress of the recording or replay, with visual indicators attached to the data being recorded including indicators of any errors or missing data.

The software also includes a “quick look” feature that allows the operator to see that data is recording properly and indexing tools such as a visual timeline display with status indicators, event markers and periodic snapshots of radar video.

The RDR is available as a software application or as a fully configured recording sub-system in a 19″ rack-mount unit.

Screenshot from Radar Data Recorder system.  Photo courtesy of Cambridge Pixel.

Screenshot from Radar Data Recorder system. Photo courtesy of Cambridge Pixel.

David Johnson, CEO of Cambridge Pixel, said: “Radar is an increasing feature in both military and commercial surveillance solutions whether on naval and coastguard ships or for border security, airport, air base or infrastructure protection.

“As a result, system developers need a versatile record and replay solution that can handle the multitude of input data types and formats and then display them to the operator in a sensible and synchronized way.”

This technology has a range of applications pertaining to naval, vessel traffic, commercial shipping, security, commercial and military surveillance, air traffic control and airborne radar.

Details on the Radar Data Recorder can be found at Cambridge Pixel’s website.