Telemetry Quality & Efficiency Improvement by Multi-Location, Centrally Controlled, Ground Stations

Abstract

Expanding the area where telemetry can be received on a range is the expectation of any range operator. Adding receiving ground station (receiver & antennas) in different locations not only allows to expand the area but also improve the quality and efficiency of data reception by having visibility of the flying target from multiple angles, resulting into less masking effects when the target is maneuvering. Unfortunately, having multiple antennas usually adds complexity to operations, as the different antennas need to be controlled individually. This paper explains how it is possible to have multiple ground station operated centrally thanks to a dedicated control system, including the control of the different range assets (receivers, recorders…), while the tracking is realized automatically using GPS through the telemetry stream or ADS-B reception, and whereas the best signal received from the different antennas is continuously selected using a Best Source Selector. A concrete used case of new TMoIP AIRBUS HELICOPTERS (France) Telemetry range is detailed.