Communication that can be counted on for smarter firearms training
To help meet the training needs of the world’s armed services, Militec has found the support provided by Radiometrix makes all the difference. John Jackson, telemetry product manager, Radiometrix tells us more
M
ilitec’s smart targets for shooting ranges help train the world’s military and police forces. The microprocessor-based systems allow trainers to select action modes such as high-speed turning or pop-up, and can capture data such as numbers of hits and trainees’ reaction times to be uploaded after each shooting session. All control and communication happens via a low-power wireless link capable of spanning distances of up to 1000 metres or more. Several standard target types are available, and Militec can also customise the systems to meet the needs of various authorities all over the world. The targets can be motor or winch driven, and powered from an AC/DC 12V power supply or from a lead-acid battery mounted on the target. Hits are detected using a vibration sensor that is tuned for low frequencies so as to detect only a strike on the target and eliminate the high-frequency over- pressure caused by a round passing the target at high speed. To assess trainee reaction times, the targets record the time between exposure and hit by subtracting the known motor-related delay as the target is exposed after the radio receives the activation signal. Trainers can program and control the targets, and collect all recorded data after the end of each session, using a radio handset. In addition, Militec’s Windows-based control system, called PC Shoot, helps trainers create sequences to simulate battle scenarios, and analyse the collected data from each target in order to assess the performance of individual trainees.
RF support by Radiometrix Militec has selected the Radiometrix TR2M narrowband FM multi-channel UHF transceiver to provide reliable wireless communication with each target. The 59mm x 38mm x 10mm module supports data rates of up to 5kpbs. It can be supplied for any 5MHz frequency band from 420MHz to 480MHz, and meets stringent standards for radio equipment, such as EN 300 220-3, EN 301 489-3. Eight channels provide flexibility to avoid possible interference from any strong RF sources that may be close to outdoor shooting ranges, such as police radios or mobile- network repeaters. Militec’s precise signalling prevents the targets responding spuriously to rogue signals. “The standard of support from our suppliers is at least as important to us as the performance of the equipment,” contends Bob Lewis, Militec’s managing director. “Setting up a wireless system is not always straightforward, and we need a partner that can help us handle any issues we may encounter when working with uncertain RF environments all over the world.” He has found the support from Radiometrix to be completely dependable. “We promise fast and fuss-free response to our customers, and we have been pleased to experience the same level of commitment from Radiometrix. Whenever we need support, we know we can rely on them to give straight answers and deliver a solution quickly.”
Militec supplies equipment to authorities in
numerous territories around the world, and needs to be able to fine-tune its systems to meet
individual customer requirements and comply with local RF regulations. Typically, the radios operate in the 458MHz frequency band, but differing telemetry laws in territories around the world have called for non-standard frequencies such as 408MHz in some projects. “Radiometrix is always ready to help, by quickly supplying transceiver modules for any operating frequency we need, and helping with individual integration or modification needs,” adds Bob Lewis. “They also help us take advantage of any design changes or improvements to their modules. When the standard TR2M transceivers were upgraded, resulting in a faster slew rate, we received support to integrate the new modules with our system to benefit from the performance improvements without suffering any unexpected timing issues. “We are also able to plan ahead, with the help of Radiometrix,” he continues. “Although we do not have our own wireless experts in-house, their application engineers have shown us how we can reduce the number of components and increase reliability in future generations of our products. We see our connection with Radiometrix working extremely well for the long-term.”
www.radiometrix.com
4 CIE Aerospace/Military/Defence Supplement July/August 2016
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