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The following section describes the basic assembly and operation of the tripod-mounted sector antenna.
The tripod-mounted sector antenna gives up to 40 km ISR range extension. The horizontal field of view (beamwidth) is 120 degrees and the vertical field of view is 12 degrees. The tripod-mounted sector antenna requires a Silvus StreamCaster 4240-EP for standard operation.
Mount and secure the antenna on the provided tripod.
Connect the double RF antenna cable to the RF ports of the antenna.
Connect the other end of the cable to the RF ports of the Silvus StreamCaster.
Connect the battery to the Silvus StreamCaster as described here.
Connect the Silvus breakout cable to the Silvus StreamCaster and make sure to properly connect the plug to the socket, by aligning the red dots on the plug and the socket.
Mount the Silvus StreamCaster to the tripod with the provided Velcro.
For general information and tips on radio range and line of sight operation, please read here.
The optimal angle for a sector antenna to operate with a drone depends on several factors, including the antenna's beamwidth and the drone's flight path. A sector antenna typically has a directional beam that covers a specific angular range, often referred to as the beamwidth.
The provided tripod-mounted sector antenna has a horizontal beamwidth of 120 degrees and a vertical beamwidth of 12 degrees.
Here are some considerations:
Antenna Beamwidth: Sector antennas have a specified beamwidth. The main lobe of the antenna's radiation pattern is within this beamwidth. Align the antenna so that the main lobe covers the area where the drone is expected to operate most frequently.
Drone Flight Path: Consider the expected flight path of the DeltaQuad Evo GOV. If the drone moves within a specific sector, align the antenna to cover that sector. It's common to point the sector antenna slightly angled upward, depending on the drone's altitude.
Altitude Changes: If the drone is expected to fly at different altitudes, you may need to adjust the tilt of the sector antenna to ensure coverage at varying heights.
Obstructions: Be mindful of any potential obstructions between the antenna and the drone. Adjust the antenna angle to avoid obstacles and maintain a clear line of sight.
Coverage Area: Determine the desired coverage area and adjust the sector antenna angle to match. Sector antennas are often used to cover specific sectors of a 360-degree area.
To connect the GCS to the DeltaQuad Evo GOV please continue reading .
This section will discuss how to access the Silvus StreamCaster GUI for optional changes.
All Silvus radios come preconfigured and are ready to use. Changing the settings of the radio is only recommended for advanced users.
Each Silvus radio modem has a dedicated IP address consisting of 4 numbers divided by 3 dots. For example 172.20.123.123. Check your radio modem for the correct IP address.
To get access to the Silvus StreamCaster GUI, the Toughbook must be connected to the Silvus StreamCaster and both units must be powered on.
On the Toughbook open a browser. In the address bar, type in the IP address of the radio modem and press enter.
If you are experiencing any issues with the Google Chrome browser while using the GUI, changing to an “incognito” window may help.
After a few seconds, the browser should open a window with the Silvus StreamCaster GUI. Under the tab Local Radio Configuration -> RF -> Basic, you have access to the basic radio frequency configuration. Here you can set for example the Frequency, Bandwidth, or Total Transmission Power.
To function properly all changes must be applied to both the handheld radio and the DeltaQuad Evo. To save and apply changes to both, ensure that the units are powered on and connected. Choosing 'SAVE AND APPLY TO NETWORK' stores the changes in both devices, preserving them even after a reboot. 'APPLY' only stores the changes until a reboot.
The DeltaQuad Evo Tactical Edition comes with an Interference Avoidance License. When flying in areas where RF jamming is present, the system will use frequency hopping to provide the strongest link possible. The set frequency in the Basic Configuration serves as a starting point from which the system operates.
Under the tab Network Management -> Network Topology, the individual nodes and the signal strength are visible.
Under the tab Security -> Encryption, you can set the security keys.
During setup in our factory, we generate random keys which, for security reasons, are not stored anywhere. When changing the keys, make sure to save and apply the changes to both the handheld radio and the DeltaQuad Evo.
Under the tab Security -> White/Black List a white or black list can be created. A Black List can block specific nodes from the network. A white list can specify the nodes which are allowed to have access to the network.
For further reading and in-depth information, please follow this link.
The following section gives a basic overview of the DeltaQuad Toughbook and how to connect the handheld controller.
The DeltaQuad Evo TAC comes with the DeltaQuad Toughbook. Auterion Tactical Mission Control comes pre-installed. It provides the communication link between your UAV and the ground systems. The DeltaQuad Military Toughbook is a MIL-STD ruggedized touch-screen laptop. The device is constructed using the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK FZ-55 Touch with a magnesium chassis, flexible configurations, and a universal bay.
To charge the Toughbook please use the provided charging cable.
The handheld controller enables manual override and precision landing.
To connect the handheld controller to the Toughbook, plug the USB connector of the controller to any of the USB ports of the Toughbook.
A Ground Control Station (GCS) refers to a centralized system or interface that allows operators to communicate with and control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. The GCS serves as a command center where operators can monitor the drone's telemetry data, receive real-time video feeds from the drone's cameras, and send commands for navigation, flight parameters, and other operational tasks.
The following section gives a basic overview of the Silvus StreamCaster 4240-EP and how to assemble it.
The DeltaQuad Evo Tactical Edition comes with the Silvus StreamCaster 4240-EP. The unit consists of a handheld radio modem, two omnidirectional antennas, and a detachable battery.
At the top of the radio modem, you find the following connections:
Connect the two omnidirectional antennas to the RF ports (G).
Connect the battery to the bottom of the radio modem. Align the battery in a 45-degree angle.
Connect both units and turn to align them.
To detach the battery for storage or charging, pull up the battery release latch on the side of the radio modem, and turn the battery until it is released.
The Silvus StreamCaster comes with a breakout cable. Connect the end with one plug to the Primary Port (PRI) of the radio modem.
To properly connect the plug to the socket, ensure that the red dots on both align.
To detach the cable for storage, simply pull the plug out of the PRI socket.
The following section describes how to connect and set up an ATAK device.
ATAK stands for Android Team Awareness Kit. It is a mobile geospatial platform that enables real-time collaboration and communication among teams, particularly in military and emergency response scenarios. ATAK provides a map-based interface on Android devices, allowing users to share location data, mark points of interest, and communicate with team members in the field. It's designed to enhance situational awareness and coordination among team members by leveraging geospatial information in a user-friendly mobile application.
Skynav Tablet
Data-Link
Ethernet Switch
Android device with ATAK installed (Application is available in the Google PlayStore) Connection
Connect the Ground radio to the Ethernet switch.
Connect the tablet/phone running ATAK to the Ethernet switch
Connect the Ethernet switch to the Skynav
Power the Ethernet switch
Scroll down to Team Awareness (Smartphone Integration) section.
Turn on “Enable Team Awareness” and “Enable on startup”. In Fly View, the Team icon will be highlighted in blue, indicating that ATAK functionality is enabled.
Set "Controller Callsign" to "Mission Control".
Set Destination Address to 172.20.255.255.
Set Destination Port to 4242.
Set Destination Protocol to UDP.
Set Incoming Port to 8089.
Set Incoming Protocol to UDP.
Click on the three dots on the top right. A menu will open.
Choose Settings > Network Connections. Click on "Network Connections" in the pop-up window.
Go to the Input/Output Management section and click on "Manage Inputs".
Edit the default connection (click on the pencil icon) and set address to 0.0.0.0.
Tick the advanced options a. Select Input Protocol to UDP. b Set Server Port to 4242. c. Confirm changes
The checkbox next to the default entry must be checked.
Go back to Input/Output Management. Click on "Manage Outputs".
Click on the three dots in the top right and select "Add". a. Set name to "AMC". b . Set address to 172.20.1.1
Tick the advanced options a. Select Input Protocol to UDP. b Set Server Port to 8089. c. Confirm changes
The checkbox next to the AMC entry must be checked.
Click on the video symbol in the top toolbar. Click on the "+" in the menu.
Change type to "rtsp" in the popup-window.
Add 172.20.110.10:8553/stream1
Optionally: Stream can be named (e.g. "Vehicle 1")
Click on "Add". The stream will appear in the left menu.
Make sure to go through AMC-Settings, ATAK-Settings and Video-Settings first.
Connect the vehicle to AMC.
In ATAK, click on the three dots in the top right. A menu will appear. Click on "Settings" and then "Network Connections". A popup will appear. Click on "Network Connections". Check that the Primary IP Address is in the range 172.20.XX.XX. NOTE: If the Primary IP Address is in a different range, disconnect from the WiFi or cellular network.
As soon as the vehicle has GPS-lock, the position as well as the sensor point of interest will appear on the map. NOTE: If the vehicle is on the ground, the sensor point of interest may not be visible.
Click on the video icon and select the stream previously configured in the ATAK configuration.
Select the marker icon in the ATAK top toolbar.
A menu with four different markers will appear on the right side.
Select the desired marker and click on the map to place the marker.
Click on "send" in the bottom right menu. You can either send the marker to a particular device or broadcast it.
The markers will appear in the map in AMC (Fly View only).
The following section describes how to change the encryption of the Silvus radio network.
This guide will help you configure the Silvus radios' encryption in the DeltaQuad Evo Government (GOV) Edition according to your needs. These steps ensure secure communication and protect your data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
The Silvus radio in the DeltaQuad Evo GOV is set up with encryption by default. DeltaQuad uses randomized encryption keys that are not written down anywhere. It is the operator's responsibility to change the radio encryption to meet the specific requirements of the operation.
Encryption is essential for securing the data transmitted between drones and ground stations. It ensures that sensitive information, such as video feeds and control commands, is protected from unauthorized access. By using encryption, you can prevent cyber threats, eavesdropping, and tampering, thereby maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of your communications.
Silvus radios support several encryption protocols, which vary in the level of security they provide:
AES 56-bit
AES 128-bit
AES 256-bit
These protocols use Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), with higher bit numbers offering stronger security. AES 256, for instance, is highly recommended for the highest level of security.
Access the Configuration Interface:
Navigate to the Security Settings:
Locate the security settings tab and click on encryption.
Select the Encryption Protocol:
Choose the desired AES encryption level (56, 128, or 256-bit) from the dropdown menu or selection box.
Generate a Wrapping and HMAC key and input Encryption key:
Click on the respective fields to generate a Wrapping and HMAC key. The system does not store these keys for security reasons. They are randomly generated based on the chosen encryption method.
Click on the field to input the Encryption key. Enter your encryption key, ensuring it meets the protocol requirements for length and complexity. The system does not store this key for security reasons.
Save and Apply Settings:
After configuring the encryption settings, ensure that you save and apply these settings not only on the device you are currently configuring but also across the entire network. This means applying and saving the settings for all radios, both ground and air units, to ensure uniform encryption across all communication links.
Testing and Verification:
Perform a communication test to ensure that the encryption is working correctly. Verify that data transmission is secure and that there are no connectivity issues.
Additional Considerations
Random Key Generation: The system can generate random keys based on the encryption method, enhancing security by preventing predictable patterns.
Non-Storage of Keys: For cybersecurity, encryption keys are not stored. This practice mitigates the risk of unauthorized access to the keys.
Regularly update and manage encryption settings to adapt to evolving security needs and maintain robust protection against cyber threats.
This section describes how to control your vehicle using the DeltaQuad Toughbook GCS.
When flying a survey mission with a mapping sensor, or using a corridor scan to surveil a border, highway, or river, a full mission with a takeoff item, intermediate waypoints, and a land item can be planned in the Plan View.
You can switch to the Plan View via the AMC menu.
The mission plan can be executed fully autonomously from takeoff to the landing. It is also possible to take control of the vehicle after the takeoff and initiate a Return command when the mission has ended. The vehicle will use the landing pattern from the mission plan to execute a return command.
For a speedy deployment during a surveillance mission, it might be practical to plan only the takeoff and landing in the Fly View. When starting AMC, the Fly View is displayed. You can choose to plan the takeoff and landing in the Fly View.
Once your mission is uploaded, you can return to the Fly View by pressing the Fly View icon in the left-side command bar.
If the Start Mission button is not displayed, you can press the Action button in the left-side command bar. The Mission Start button will reappear.
When pressing and holding to confirm the takeoff, your vehicle will start its motors and takeoff.
If you created a takeoff and landing in the Fly view, switching views is unnecessary. The vehicle will take off right after pressing and holding the VTOL takeoff button.
When pressing and holding to confirm the takeoff, your vehicle will start its motors and takeoff.
Once the vehicle is launched and has transitioned to fixed-wing flight mode, you can control the flight of your vehicle through the following methods.
While the vehicle is in flight, you can select the Orbit or Fig 8 command from the pilot controls on the left side of the screen.
Tap anywhere on the satellite map to choose the Orbit's or Fig 8's location.
When giving an Orbit or Fig 8 command, the altitude can be changed. A vertical slider will appear on the right side of the screen that allows you to select a new altitude.
After confirming the command by pressing and holding the command button, the vehicle will change course to the set location and adapt to the set altitude.
When the vehicle is following a mission path, it will always track the altitude as defined in the mission plan. When resuming a mission the vehicle will immediately change the altitude to match the currently active waypoint.
The vehicle can be controlled using the right-side joystick.
To activate the joystick control, switch the flight mode to ALTITUDE mode. In the Fly view, click on the Flight mode button in the upper left corner.
A menu with the available flight modes will open, choose Altitude.
In this mode, the vehicle will fly in a straight line at its current altitude until a joystick command is received.
Moving the joystick left or right will make the vehicle change direction.
Moving the joystick forward or backward controls the altitude of the vehicle. A forward (up) joystick movement moves the nose of the vehicle down and decreases altitude. A backward (down) joystick movement pulls the nose of the vehicle up and increases altitude.
If the vehicle loses connection to the DeltaQuad Controller while it is flying in Altitude mode, it will automatically return home, regardless of the Safety settings.
Altitude mode - The DeltaQuad will automatically hold its altitude and direction until changed by the stick input. For flight stabilization and navigation, it will only rely on the IMU and not make use of the compass and GPS.
Position mode - The DeltaQuad will automatically hold its altitude and direction until changed by the stick input. For flight stabilization and navigation, it relies on the IMU and makes use of the compass and GPS.
Under NO circumstances attempt to fly the DeltaQuad Evo in Manual Mode! We do not recommend assigning the Manual Mode to any of the available buttons on the controller.
NOTE: For inexperienced pilots, the joystick controls can seem counterintuitive. It is recommended to practice joystick operation in close proximity while flying at sufficient altitude.
When a mission plan is present, and the vehicle is in ALTITUDE, HOLD, or TARGET FOLLOWING mode, the mission can be resumed by tapping on the ACTION button on the FLY screen and selecting "Continue mission".
Please make sure to disengage the TARGET FOLLOWING mode before returning to MISSION flight mode.
At any point in the flight, the RETURN mode can be activated by tapping on the Return button on the FLY view and holding it to confirm the command.
In RETURN mode, the vehicle will immediately fly towards the landing pattern that was defined in the mission. The landing pattern consists of a circle-to-altitude item, a direction and altitude on which to exit the circle, and a landing coordinate.
When the RETURN mode is activated, the vehicle will fly at its current altitude towards the 'circle to altitude' part of the landing pattern. When reaching this location, the vehicle will circle down to the indicated altitude, and complete the circle until it has reached the indicated exit heading of the circle. It will then proceed toward the landing coordinates, transition to multirotor flight mode, and land in the indicated position.
The multirotor mode should not be used for more than 90 seconds as the system can overheat when utilized longer.
The most common situation where it is practical to use stick control in multirotor mode is during the landing to reposition the Evo if necessary.
This can be achieved by using the NUDGE function.
After the Evo transitioned from fixed-wing mode to multirotor mode, the vehicle will deploy the landing gear and descend to the planned landing point.
The operator can halt the descent by moving the left joystick up.
The Evo will hold its altitude and position. The RIGHT joystick controls the position of the vehicle. Moving this joystick, forward, backward, left, or right changes the position of the vehicle relative to its current heading.
The LEFT joystick controls the vehicle's altitude and heading. Moving the joystick UP will halt the descent. Moving the joystick to its middle position or down will continue the descent. Moving the joystick left or right changes the heading (yaw) of the vehicle.
It is not recommended to fly manually in multirotor mode for longer than 90 seconds.
During takeoff or landing, your vehicle is in multirotor mode. Multirotor mode means the 4 motors for Vertical takeoff and Landing are activated.
To take control of the vehicle in multirotor mode, change the flight mode switch to ALTITUDE mode. In this mode, the vehicle will hold its position and altitude until joystick commands are received.
The LEFT main joystick controls the vehicle's altitude and heading. Moving the joystick UP will increase the altitude. Moving the joystick down will decrease the altitude. Moving the joystick left or right changes the heading (yaw) of the vehicle.
The RIGHT joystick controls the position of the vehicle. Moving this joystick, forward, backward, left, or right changes the position of the vehicle relative to its current heading.
The following section describes how to establish a connection between the GCS and the DeltaQuad Evo TAC.
Before connecting the GCS to your UAV, the Silvus StreamCaster must be connected to the Toughbook and both items must be switched on.
Plug the Ethernet cable from the Silvus breakout cable into the Ethernet port of the Toughbook.
On top of the Silvus radio modem pull out the rotary knob and set it to 1.
Do NOT set the dial of the rotary knob to Z, as this is resetting the radio to its default settings. This makes the radio unusable.
The Silvus StreamCaster 4240-EP is configured and set up properly in our factory. There is no need for further configuration. The system is plug-and-play ready.
Power on the Toughbook by pressing the on/off button.
Before launching your flight control system it is recommended to connect the Toughbook to a mobile hotspot or Wi-Fi network. The Toughbook uses internet connectivity to load satellite maps and for LTE connectivity to the UAV.
Open Auterion Mission Control (AMC) on the Toughbook. The app shortcut is accessible from the desktop.
During initialization, the GCS and the DeltaQuad Evo establish a connection automatically. The LED on the Silvus radio modem should turn from red to green.
In the upper left corner of AMC, the vehicle status indicator will display a connection to the DeltaQuad Evo. When the indicator is green, the vehicle is ready for takeoff.
The connection between the GCS and the DeltaQuad Evo is established.
Select > Settings > General.
Connect to the Silvus radio through a web browser using the radio's IP address. A connection guide can be found .
Auterion Mission Control (AMC) is pre-installed on your DeltaQuad Toughbook. This is the main application to control your UAV and the installed payload(s). For further reading, please read the chapter .
Please review the chapter for detailed information on how to plan a mission.
Once you have performed the , you can start the mission by pressing and holding the Start Mission button.
Switch on the DeltaQuad Evo. Follow the steps described in the chapter .
Number
Type
Function
1
Left joystick
In hover mode
Stick up: climb
Stick down: descend
Stick left: yaw left
Stick right: yaw right
In fixed-wing mode (payload dependent)
Stick up: gimbal up
Stick down: gimbal down
Stick left: gimbal left
Stick right: gimbal right
2
Right joystick
In hover mode
Stick up: move forward
Stick down: move backward
Stick left: move left
Stick right: move right
In fixed-wing mode
Stick up: descend (nose down)
Stick down: climb (nose up)
Stick left: bank left
Stick right: bank right
3
Shoulder buttons L1 and R1
Gimbal zoom for ISR payloads