A Low Cost, Quick Reaction TM Acquisition System Solution for Deployed Testing

Abstract

Design, development, fabrication, and deployment of an austere, deployable telemetry (TM) system, in only 3 1/2 weeks, will be discussed. This austere approach will be compared to a standard approach. TM candidate systems will be discussed along with exigencies and limitations (test geometry, link analysis, multiple test areas, schedule, cost, fabrication ...) that shaped their selection. Utilization of existing Radio Frequency (RF) systems in "unintended" applications will be discussed. System setup and BER testing with a simulated 'aircraft' will be presented, including observed multipath effects during testing, versus actual performance. Finally, benefits and test efficiencies garnered by having vehicle TM, real- time TM acquisition, processing and display, while deployed to a test area with no range instrumentation, will be presented.