Users’ Manual SOL4MTX ‘Bodywire’ User Manual Page 1 Version 1.
Table of Contents Table of Contents .................................................................................................. 2 Change History...................................................................................................... 3 About this Manual ................................................................................................. 4 Introduction ...........................................................................................................
Change History Version Main Changes from Previous Version Edited By v1.0 Initial Release MB v1.1 Updated Part Numbers MB v1.2 Updated remote control protocol JGS v1.3 Update MB v1.4 Added SDI to license mask JGS v1.5 Updated remote control protocol RL v1.6 Made use of 1W PA a special MB v1.8 Updates to frequency range available RDPC v1.9 Added missing remote commands RL v1.10 Added RF power level calibration commands AL v1.11 Updates to commands AL v1.
About this Manual This manual describes the operation of domo SOL4MTX ‘Bodywire’ Transmitter. The manual is divided into three main sections. • Getting started and basic operation This section describes to users how to deploy and use a domo SOL4MTX transmitter. • Advanced operation This section describes the operation of the equipment in more detail, concentrating particularly on how to store and recall configurations, with use of the PC Controller Application.
Introduction The SOLO4 Bodywire Transmitter is a COFDM digital video transmitter, designed specifically for covert video installations and body worn applications. The small size and low power consumption of the SOLO4 Bodywire make it the product of choice for covert video hides, or applications requiring long term battery power deployments, small unmanned aerial vehicles, and body worn or body wire use.
Warranty and Support 1.1 Warranty Cover domo offers a 12 month standard product warranty. During this period, should the customer encounter a fault with the equipment we recommend the following course of action: • • • Check the support section of the website for information on that product and any software/firmware upgrades. If fault persists; Call our support line and report the fault.
Safety, Compliance and Approvals 1.1 Safe Operating Procedures • • Operate within the environmental limits specified for the product. • Do not subject the indoor equipment to splashing or dripping liquids. • 1.2 Ensure that the power supply arrangements are adequate to meet the stated requirements of the SOL4MTX ‘Bodywire’ transmitter. Only authorized, trained personnel should open the product. There are no functions that required the User to gain access to the interior of the product.
1.3 CE marking The CE mark is affixed to all SOLO4 and SOLO2 products, and the CE Declaration of Conformity, as well as the technical file are available on request. 1.4 Caution The Bodywire Transmitter if coupled with a SOLOAMP500mw will dissipate increased power, resulting in elevated case temperatures (55 Degrees C). Care should be taken to ensure the device is properly mounted and cooled where appropriate. Cobham supply a heat shield which it is recommended remains mounted to the unit.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. • The FCC require that the installer is provided with adequate information with the module which explain the labelling requirements and any operating requirements applicable to the transmitter and to ensure compliance with RF Exposure requirements.
Getting Started and Basic Operation 1.1 Which Model do I have? Each unit in the domo SOLO4 and SOLO2 product range is marked with two panels. • Product Code Panel. Give product code and manufacturers information. • CE and Serial Number Panel. Gives CE mark and product serial number. domo SOL4MTX-200250 SN 123456 Made in the UK CE The domo product code can be referenced in the table below. Product Code Product Accompanying items SOL4MTX-100150 (1.0 to 1.
Blank D-type mating connector for user integration.
Controls The SOL4MTX has no local control panel or indicators. The SOL4MTX is controlled by connecting a local PC and using the domo PC control GUI application, or alternatively by using the separate domo ‘Field Gun’ controller. The use of the domo PC GUI application is described fully in section 3 ‘Advanced Operation’. The domo ‘Field Gun’ controller The domo ‘Field Gun’ controller is an in-line controller designed specifically for field use.
The domo transmitter is supplied with the following cables. • CA0317 Break out Cable, the drawing of this cable is shown below. • CA0002 lemo to banana plug 12V cable There are 4 ways to connect to the SOLO4 Bodywire transmitter, depending on the application. Option 1. Use the CA0317 Break Out Cable provided. Option 2. Use the domo ‘Bodywire Harness’ for true body worn applications. Option 3. Use the unsoldered 15 way Dtype connector supplied to make a dedicated user cable.
Option 4. Cut off the 15 way DType Male connector, and wire direct to the cables. Each option is explained in detail below. Option 1. Using the CA0317 Break Out Cable The CA0317 cable is terminated with a 15 way DType female connector and this plugs directly to the 15 way DType Male connector on the SOLO4 Bodywire transmitter. A drawing of the CA0317 is shown below. The CA0317 cable provides a break out to standard interface connectors.
Option 2. Using the Domo Bodywire Harness For true bodyworn applications, domo can supply a domo Bodywire Harness cable for minimal cabling. The harness integrates, a compact battery holder, camera power and camera interface, microphone interface. The domo Harness is due for release in early 2009 and will have the following features. • Regulated camera supply • Video input • Audio input • Battery holder, with ON/OFF switch Option 3.
identification. However 2 of the 5 wires are identical in which case it is position information that is used to identify them. Looking at the five wires as they enter the rubber grommet on the base of the unit you will see.
Video and Audio Source Depending of which of the 4 connection options are employed, video and audio sources with the following characteristics should be employed. Connector Signal Video Input 75 ohm composite video source, PAL or NTSC software selectable Audio Input Line / Microphone level audio, switchable.
Antennas domo transmitters are supplied as standard without antennas. An antenna must be connected for normal operation. The transmitter unit is supplied with a panel mounted SMA connector which carries the RF output. The antenna should be connected by screwing it onto the SMA, but care should be taken to not over tighten the connector. The transmitter has the following RF output characteristics. RF Spec Model Number ending 100150 Model Number ending 200250 Output Frequency 1.0 to 1.50GHz 2.0 to 2.
Application Antenna model number Overt mobile body worn application 1.00 to 1.40GHz - ANTBCL 2.28 to 2.50GHz - ANTBCS Covert body worn applications Domo can supply covert patch antennas, and split front back patch antennas. Contact domo for advise. Mobile vehicle application 1.00 to 1.40GHz – ANT4L 2.28 to 2.50GHz - ANT4S 4.80 to 5.15GHz – ANT6C Long range point to point link 1.00 to 1.40GHz – ANT12L 2.28 to 2.50GHz – ANT12S Note.
0 3 .5 6.00 45.00 4.00 88.00 92.00 12.00 51.00 25.50 Cable length: 200mm Integration in Covert Hides Users should be aware of the following issues when integrating the equipment in any covert hide. 1) Ventilation: The equipment does not require forced air cooling, but ideally should be mounted to a metal surface for cooling effect. Ideally the low power 50mW mode should be employed to reduce the consumed power. 2) Long cable runs from the RF output to the antenna should be avoided, for maximum range.
4) The antenna should be mounted vertically ideally, and exposed to free space. 5) The equipment should be supplied with a clean supply in the range 5.9 to 16V and capable of 0.4A maximum. Care should be taken to avoid direct supply from the vehicle 12V which can be very noisy. Power conversion will be required for 24V vehicles. 6) The video input can be connected across long video cable lengths so remotely mounted cameras should pose no problem.
The SOLO4 Bodywire transmitter has been successfully tested with a wide variety of standard and pinhole cameras. domo can supply cameras on request. The domo transmitter will become warm to the touch after prolonged operation, and so insulation between the operators’ body and the transmitter unit should be considered. The SOLO4 Bodywire transmitter has an IP66 rating, however equipment should not be exposed for any long periods to any form of liquids.
Powering on the System All external connection to the SOLO4 Bodywire transmitter should be made, as described in the previous sections, before proceeding to power on the system.
The displayed diagnostic data includes a spectrum display, signal to noise data, input power level and frequency. The received spectrum display is useful when checking for interference signals, the SNR indicated signal quality. For more information on use of this facility a domo training course is recommended. Using the OSD as a Set-up / Diagnostic Tool The On Screen Display (OSD) is an extremely useful tool for system set-up and diagnostic.
Using the SOLBAT The domo SOLBAT is used for powering domo transmitters. The domo SOLOBAT can not be connected directly to the Bodywire Transmitter, instead it must be connected using the SOLBCC adaptor cable. The SOLBCC adaptor cable provides an interface between the 4 pin DC In Lemo on the CA0317 transmitter break out cable and the 6 pin DC Out Lemo on the battery. The cable is shown below. When connected a fully charger SOLBAT will power the transmitter for more than 4 hours.
Approximately 2 hours should be allowed for a full charge of the SOLBAT battery. 1.2 Using the Clip On 1W Amplifier Additional range can be achieved by connecting the SOLAMP1W clip on amplifier to the domo Bodywire transmitter. However unlike the SOLBTX, SOL4TX and SOL2TX, the bodywire transmitter does not mount directly to the SOLAMP1W, they must be used separately. Connections This section describes how to connect the following model numbers.
Antennas Domo SOLAMP is supplied without antennas as standard. It is good practice to ensure that an antenna is always connected before powering the device. Prolonged operation without an antenna is not recommended. The antenna should be connected by screwing it to the TNC Type output connector with adapters as required, but care should be taken not to over-tighten. Note: It Is recommended that where possible antennas should be connected directly to the SOLAMP. Use of cables will degrade performance.
Installation Notes The domo SOLAMP has been designed specifically for vehicle applications, however it is a general-purpose amplifier and can be used in many applications including the following. • Vehicle applications • Aircraft applications • Long Range fixed links Interconnection between the SOLAMP transmitter and the antenna, or any intermediate optional power amplifier should be kept as short as possible. Special attention should be taken to use only low loss cables.
• DC Power Cable RF Connection The domo AMP5W has the following input power requirements. AMP5W-115140: Input Power 100mW or 20dBm AMP5W-225255: Input Power 100mW or 20dBm Therefore care must be taken when connecting the AMP5W-225255 product to the SOLO4 Bodywire transmitter. Ideally when balancing the 5W Amplifier and domo transmitter a power meter should be employed, this will give best results, because cable losses can be factored.
Installation Notes The domo 5W AMP has been designed specifically for vehicle applications, however it is a general-purpose amplifier and can be used in many applications including the following. • Vehicle applications • Aircraft applications • Long Range fixed links Interconnection between the 5W AMP transmitter and the antenna, or any intermediate optional power amplifier should be kept as short as possible. Special attention should be taken to use only low loss cables.
Gain – 7dB Frequency 2 – 2.
Advanced Operation 1.1 SOLO System PC Controller Application Software Advanced control of the SOLO4 Bodywire system is available by using PC control applications. Typically users may want to customize the default configurations to control settings such as frequency, scrambling keys, modulation parameters, and video resolution. • The SOLO4 Bodywire transmitter products are controlled by the solo_tx_ctrl.exe application available on the CD delivered with the product.
For both controllers, changes can be made to the unit configuration using the drop down and data entry fields. Changes are only applied to the unit when the “Apply” button is clicked. Current values, as running in the unit, can be read using the “Refresh” button. Parameters that are status information only appear in greyed in the application. Further engineering and configuration controls can be found within the “Options” and “File” drop down menus in the application title bars.
1.2 Transmitter Control Application Engineering Menu Polling Enable Set Polling Enter an Options Encryption Key Enter a Licence key Restore Factory Defaults Current selected Config All parameter changes must be applied Communications Connected Video alarm RF Output Toggle & status The ‘Advanced’ button allows the user to navigate to the controller page which exposes all available Transmitter settings.
Bandwidth Mode The Bandwidth Mode switches the unit between either domo Narrowband (2.5MHz or 1.25MHz channel bandwidths) or DVB-T 8MHz bandwidth. To select 6MHz and 7MHx DVB-T modes the user must first click on ‘Advanced’ to enter the Advanced setting page. Audio Turns ‘On’ or ‘Off’ a basic audio setting – the audio settings are optimised considering the bit-rate of the selected Transmit mode. The user can set there own audio settings using the ‘Advanced’ page, if required.
Advanced TX Controller Window Output Frequency (MHz) The transmit frequency can be changed by entering the new desired frequency in this field. Values outside the range supported by a particular transmitter type will be rounded to the highest of lowest supported frequency as appropriate. The transmit frequency can be set in step sizes of 250kHz. Modulation Bandwidth For the SOLO2 transmitter products, the modulation bandwidths 8, 7 or 6MHz can be selected.
FEC Link Bitrate Sensitivity 2/3 2.4Mb/s -99dBm 1/3 1.2Mb/s -102dBm Narrow Band Guard Interval This option applies to SOLO4 transmitters only. The Guard Interval defaults to 1/16. Interval 1/8 is also available for very long range (aircraft downlinks) applications. Narrow Band Modulation This option applies to SOLO4 transmitters only. The COFDM mode can be changed between QPSK and 16QAM. QPSK is the default mode and will give the strongest most rugged RF link performance.
Output Attenuation This control can be used to make minor adjustments to the output power level, but in normal operation should be disregarded. Video Input This control is used to select the composite video input standard. Options are PAL, and NTSC both with and without 7.5 IRE pedestal. The licensed SDI digital video input can also be selected. MPEG Mode The default encoding mode is MPEG2, however for SOLO4 products if the Ultra Narrow Band upgrade has been purchased, then MPEG4 will also be available.
Horizontal resolution The video coding resolution can be selected from 704, 528, 480 and 352 pixels. Changing the horizontal resolution to lower values will make the coded picture softer. Care should be taken to match the horizontal resolution to the resolution of the camera connected to the transmitter; this will give best image results. Video Profile This allows the user to select between the default 4:2:0 profile and the ultra high quality 4:2:2 profile (only of interest to Broadcast customers).
Data With this ON / OFF control the user can select whether the transmitter passes serial RS232 data across the RF link to the receiver. Data Baud Rate This field is used to select the baud rate of any RS232 serial data component to be passed from the transmitter to the receiver across the RF link. Chaining Input This control is not used in current SOLO products. Chain Number This control is not used in current SOLO products. Current Config This field reports the last loaded configuration number.
Serial Number (Status Only) This status information is the electronic serial number of the transmitter PCB. This number can be exchanged with domo to purchase extra licensable features, such as upgrades to support AES encryption. Chaining (Status Only) This field reports the status of the chaining input to the SOLO transmitter, and is not active in current units. Options Engineering – provides access to further diagnostic and calibration features.
Fault Finding Symptom Suggested Action No RF Link Check a suitable transmitter RF source is active, on correct frequency. Ensure Downconverters are connected. Ensure antennas are connected to downconverters. Ensure there is no interfering signal. Poor link performance Poor performance of the link can occur for the following reasons. • Interference. Should an interfering RF signal occur on the same frequency the performance of the link will be affected.
Connector Pin Outs 1.1 1.
1.
Control Protocols The following section describes the control protocol employed on the RS232 link for controlling the SOLO transmitters and receiver equipment. Connection details are detailed in previous sections. Note that only features that are licensed for use in the SOLO units can be controlled. The protocols listed here cover all possible features. Attempting to activate an unlicensed feature will simply result in the command being ignored by the SOLO unit. 1.
1.3 Packet Structure Reply (from controlled device) ASCII STX 0-9 Z PQR ; X ETX Value 02h 30h-39h 20h-7Eh 20h-7Eh 3Bh 20h-7Eh 03h Start byte 4 byte unit address. In range 0-9999 Status BYTE Data –Optional, variable length Separator Sum Check End byte The Sum check byte is the summation of all bytes in the packet, not including the start and end bytes. Higher order bytes are ignored and the final byte result is modified to prevent ASCII control characters being sent. Bit 7 (highest) is forced high.
1.4 Transmitter Command List Type ‘o’ messages for Modulation commands Function Set Modulation IF output Set Narrow Band Modulation FEC Set Narrow Band Modulation Guard Interval Set Narrow Band COFDM mode R/W r/w Block o Command out Data 1 byte 0 OFF 1 COFDM 1 byte 1 = 2/3 2 = 1/3 Type int r/w o fec r/w o gua 1 byte 1 = 1/16 2 = 1/8 int r/w o mod int r/w o fre 1 byte 0 = QPSK 1 = 16 QAM 2 = BPSK 3 = 8PSK Set Frequency in MHz, decimal point allowed.
Type ‘z’ messages for Scrambling commands Function Scrambling R/W r/w Block z Command scr Data 1 byte 0 = Off 1 = ABS 4 = AES128 6 = AES256 8 = Bcrypt128 10 = Bcrypt256 Encryption key for AES lower 128 AES Key lower 128 w z kez AES Key upper 128 used in AES 256 only ABS key w z kex Encryption key for AES upper 128 w z key Encryption key for ABS BISS 1 Clear Session Word BISS E Encrypted Session Word BISS E Injected ID w z csw For use with external modulator w z esw For use with ext
Type ‘v’ and ‘e’ messages for Video commands Function Video Input R/W r/w Block v Command inp Data 1 byte 0 = Off 2 = PAL 3 = NTSC 4 = NTSC No Pedestal 5 = PAL S-vid 6 = NTSC S-vid 7 = NTSC S-Vid No pedestal 8 = SDI PAL 9 = SDI NTSC 1 byte 0 = No 1 = Yes Value in Mbps Type int Video Locked r v loc Video Bitrate (Only applicable when chain in enabled) Video Horizontal resolution r/w e vid r/w e hor 1 byte 0=704 1=528 2=480 3=352 int Sleep if no video lock MPEG mode r/w v sle int r/w
Type ‘a’ messages for Audio commands Function Audio Encoder R/W r/w Block a Command enc Audio Input Level r/w a lev MPEG Layer 1 Audio Bitrate r/w a mpr (for channel 1) mp2 (for channel 2) MPEG Layer 2 Audio Bitrate Audio PID 1 r/w a pd1 Audio PID 2 r/w a pd2 Audio DID SDI Data Identifier Audio 2 enable r/w a did r/w a en2 50 Data 1 byte 0 = Off 1 = 32kHz,12cbit,S 2 = 32kHz,12cbit,M 3 = 32kHz,8cbit,S 4 = 32kHz,8cbit,M 5 = 16kHz,8cbit,S 6 = 16kHz,8cbit,M 7 = 8kHz,8cbit,S 8 = 8kHz
Audio Source r/w a src MPEG Audio Offset Audio Left/Right Swap Audio Mono Select r/w a pts r/w a lrs r/w a rmo 0 = analogue 1 = aes/ebu digital 2 = embedded PTS offset for MPEG Audio 0 = normal stereo 1 = swapped stereo int 0 = left mono 1 = right mono int int int Type ‘g’ messages for Unit Level commands Function Software Version FPGA Version Serial Number License Code Narrow band Service Name R/W r Block g Command ver r g fpg r g ser w g lic r/w g nam Set Unit address Lo
VCC Aux Disable sleep button GPIO Control r r/w g g vax dsl r/w g gpsw Voltage 0 = no 1 = yes For Engineering Use Only int int Data 0 = default Other = value 0 = default Other = value 0 = default Other = value 0 = default Other = value 0 = default Other = value Type int 0 = default Other = value string Data 1 byte 0 = Off 1 = On 2 = On (even parity) 3 = On (odd parity) 1 byte 0 = 1200 baud 1 = 2400 baud 2 = 4800 baud 3 = 9600 baud 4 = 19200 baud 5 = 38400 baud 6 = 57600 baud (note 57600 is not
Type ‘c’ messages for Calibration commands Function IQ trim point R/W r/w Block c Command itr Type int flo Data 0 = Normal unit operation 1 – 11 = Trim mode Note: Must be set back to 0 after using trim mode.
RF level vs temperature offset mid point r/w c rtm 54 0 - 100°C mid point for RF level temperature gradient Int
Default Configurations This section tabulates the default configuration settings for domo SOLO products. Item SOL4MTX-200250 (2.0 to 2.5GHz) SOL4MTX-100150 (1.0 to 1.
Cobham Tactical Communications and Surveillance The Cobham Centre – Solent, Fusion 2 1100 Parkway Solent Business Park Whiteley, Hampshire PO15 7AB, England T: +44 (0)1489 566 750 F: +44 (0)1489 880 538
