I & TS Series Radar Service Guid

Installing the Radar hardware

Overview

This section details the installation process, which comprises the following steps:

1. Determine radar sensor locations
2. Mount radar
3. Connect radar sensor
4. Prepare laptop
5. Connect laptop
6. Level radar sensor
7. Confirm sensor coverage

CAUTION - Before performing any installation task ensure you are aware of Health & Safety procedures.

Radar sensor locations

Location

Radar sensors must be positioned in such a location that they have optimum 'line of sight'. To the objects they are to detect. Both I-200 and I-500 radar sensors scan in a horizontal beam. The Witness processing software is designed to generate an alarm signal, should an object appear within a detection zone, software configured to lie within the scan area. Other factors to consider when choosing a mounting location include how close the radar is to a power source on the machine. Also accessibility, both for installation and on-going maintenance.

Example 1 – Radar installed centrally on the underside of a boom

Below are two diagrams of a radar centrally mounted on the underside of a bulk loader boom. This mounting location is only suitable if there is no trolley, or loading chute that travels along the underside of the boom. In this case the installed radar would obstruct the free movement of the chute.
The reason for placing a radar in this location is to detect objects to the side of the boom, which could be struck if the bulk loader slewed or long travelled in that direction. A single radar offers protection on both sides of the boom

  
The primary use of the single radar scanning a horizontal plane is to protect slew and long travel. A secondary benefit though, is to stop the boom being lowered/luffed down on to an object that is raised above the deck level of a vessel. Although, this radar will not detect objects that are beneath the pane of the horizontal scan, as the boom luffs down these objects should be detected. Care should be taken to ensure the radar is mounted at a sufficient distance from the underside of the boom, so the luff motion can be stopped in time to prevent a collision.
By considering the rate of luff of the boom; the scan rate of the radar (typically 2Htz); and the number of required detections configured in the Witness processing software to generate a stop alarm; the ideal separation between radar and boom can be calculated.

Table 1 Calculating the installation distance of radar from boom
 to detect a raised spar whilst the boom Luffs 

Example 2 – Radar installed on each side of the underside of a boom

 
The example below shows how two can be used to detect on either side of the boom. In this case it's not possible to use a single radar on the underside, this would impeded the free movement of the loading chute. See also example 4.

Example 3 – Radar installed on each side of the boom and scanning vertically

For extra protection of bulk loader boom, it is also possible to mount radar that scan through a vertical plane. These provide protection in the following cases:

• The distance between the underside of the boom, and the deck of a vessel it is handling will be continually measured. If the boom luffs towards the ship, the crane motion can be stopped. Although the horizontally scanning radar will protect a luff motion onto a vertical spar, it won't be adequate to stop luffing onto the deck or a hatch cover.
• As well as during a luff movement, the distance between boom underside and loader may become too close as the boom long travels or slews along the vessel. This is particularly the case if the vessel bow is raised in relation to the stern, as the stern is loaded with heavy bulk first (or vice versa)
• The distance between boom underside and vessel can reduce to an unsafe separation in the event that the tide changes, or the vessel is unloading and it raises on the waterline

 
This loader is shown with combined horizontal and vertical scanning radar




 The scan plane of vertically scanning radar sensors

Example 4 – A single radar at the end of a boom structure

A single radar mounted on the underside of the boom, scanning a horizontal plane. This configuration is usually used on Ship to Shore container handling cranes. These cranes do not luff, or slew, but it is the long travel movement that needs protecting, since the crane may long travel into the ship structures in extreme conditions.
It is necessary to mount the radar at the end of the boom, to avoid obstructing the free movement of the trolley on the underside of the boom. However in this configuration, as the trolley approaches the end of the boom, the radar is obscured and then offers little protection. Many operators are of the opinion that the driver is well place in this location to have a good field of view of the vessel. As the trolley moves off the boom, the driver is further form the objects he needs good sight of, but the radar then has a completely clear view of the vessel, offering comprehensive detection. The alternative to having the trolley obscure the single radar at the boom tip, would be to use 2 radar as shown in Example 2.
  

 Single Radar on an STS, container handling crane

Orientation

The I-series scanning radar sensors, cover 360 degrees whilst rotating. The zero point or 0 degree point is set, at factory, to lie on the opposite side of the radar to the connectors. All I-Series radar rotate in a clockwise direction, whether upright or inverted.
It is always helpful when commissioning the radar if the encoder zero is aligned with the boom or structure it's to protect. For example, the zero point should be directed towards the end of the boom (with the connectors on the quay side of the radar). In this orientation, objects on the left of the boom will appear on the left hand side of the commissioning interface, and those physically on the right hand side of the boom will appear on the right of the interface. 
  
 

 Plan view of a radar, showing the encoder zero angle

Mounting radar sensor

Radar sensors may be mounted on various structures (e.g walls, roofs, gantries) using brackets. Sample posts and brackets are shown in ........................................

Mounting radar on posts/brackets, for both vertical and horizontally scanning radar

Radar sensors are fitted to a plate on top of the post, or on the bracket, using nuts and bolts, which allows you to adjust the tilt of the radar. Adjusting the tilt (levelling the sensor) ensures optimum detection performance and is detailed in......................................... 
 

Levelling adjustment

The sensor mounting plate (or bracket) design allows for a simple yet effective method to fine tune the incline of the sensor. For each of the mounting holes, the bolt is fed from underneath and locked onto the mounting plate with a nut. Two more nuts are used below the radar base plate and another is used above so that the sensor can be positioned anywhere up or down the bolt thread, as necessary. 

Connecting radar sensor

Connections to radar sensor

Each radar sensor requires a power and a data connection. Both are made using military specification connectors to ensure link integrity. The power and data connections run from the sensor to a conveniently placed junction box (e.g.at the base of the post) where the power supply is situated. See Figure 12. 
 
 
 
IMPORTANT: Failure to correctly fit the shroud can invalidate the warranty on sensors that have been caused to fail through water ingress.Supplied with each radar sensor are a power cable with a mil-spec connector for the sensor connection and a bare end at the junction box connection. A mil spec shroud is also supplied for use with a suitable environmentally protected Ethernet network connection. It is essential that the supplied shroud is correctly used to ensure that the data connection is water tight.

1. Attach 24vDC connection to the radar.

h7. Figure 13Connecting radar sensor

1. Ensure the Power and Ethernet cables are securely connected into junction box.

1. Ensure the junction box has the Navtech supplied 24vDC power supply installed. (The power supply unit has a peak current capacity of 4 Amps, though typically the radar draws a continuous 1 Amp). See.[8].
2. Ensure that the Power supply cabling is correctly terminated at the radar end with a secure Amphenol MIL spec connector. Pin D (Red or Brown) is 24vDC, Pin J (Blue or Black) is 0V.

IMPORTANT: To prevent floating voltage levels on the low output of the radar sensor power supply unit, link the 0v output to earth.

1. IMPORTANT: When connecting data and power cables to radars in harsh or corrosive environments Navtech recommends the use of Chesterton 740 as a product to protect the military specification connectors from corrosion.
   This is a recommended best practice. Failure to apply the product could mean extra field time for engineers and the costs that this will incur.
   SEE: Error! Reference source not found.Ensure the junction box has an Ethernet cable running to the infrastructure network switch.

Preparing the laptop

IMPORTANT: Ensure that your laptop has its IP address set to operate within the same subnet as the radar sensor

Factory settings

The IP address (e.g. 192.168.0.1) of the radar sensor is preset before leaving Navtech Radar Limited according to client specifications and will be declared on a label attached to the outer casing.
The subnet mask of the radar sensor is often preset to 255.255.255.0 but could also be set wider (such as 255.255.0.0) if requested. Therefore, if the sensor IP address is 192.168.0.1 and the mask is 255.255.255.0, then your computer must use an IP address in the range: 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.254.

Changing factory settings

The IP address and subnet mask can be changed using firmware commands sent to the radar either via Telnet (see [5]), or using a serial connection (see [D3]).

Connecting your laptop

1. At the radar, connect the laptop via CAT5 cable to the radar.

1. Ensure that the radar sensor is powered on and is rotating - you can faintly hear the rotor when it is running.
2. Use SPx Radar View application [1] to display the radar data. (See Annex A )

Levelling radar sensor

For optimum detection performance it is important that each sensor is level in relation to the area that it surveys. Level in this sense may not mean absolutely horizontal, generally the radar will be levelled so as to scan parallel to the boom they are to protect.
The exaggerated examples below show how a sensor with an incorrect incline could miss targets which are lower down the slope:





h7. Figure 14 Horizontal radar sensor misses target B
Figure 15 Inclined radar sensor locates both targets

!worddave8ff5a3a9065f2d19c81ae8e5a897c26.png|height=295,width=294!A Digital Level as indicated in Figure 16, can be used to ensure the radar is installed level. This should be checked in two axes, on the radar lid, as shown below. The objective is to install the radar so that it scans in a plane which is parallel to the boom or structure which is being protected
h7. Figure 16Digital Inclinometer mounted on radar sensor

1. 1. 1. Adjusting radar

!worddav2356dd6b15e904369316b18a4a5c4411.png|height=309,width=521!RadarOnce installed on the machine, fine adjustments of the radar level may be needed. These are best made with reference to the actual radar image, as viewed in RadaView test software
h7. Figure 17SPx RadarView display (A)

Figure 18SPx RadarView display (B)


Using the RadarView application to view the radar data (see Annex A), you are aiming to have an equal amount of data either side of the radar.

1. If there is more radar data one side than the other, as shown in Figure 17, change the angle of the radar until you have an equal amount of data either side of the radar, as shown in Figure 18. Radar targets can be used as the test object.
2. If there is not enough radar image to view from objects/structures already within the radar line of sight, test targets can be used instead. Adjust the radar tilt of the radar on the threaded studs, to maximise the signal level on the 2 targets are determined from the RadarVew software (See Annex A for detailed instruction).

Figure 19Radar view to locate target

1. 1. Securing the radar
2. Secure the radar on the mounting bracket, or post plate. To do this: lock off the two lower nuts on each stud by tightening one against the other. (This is to ensure that, if the radar is removed, the tilt angle is not changed)
3. Record the tilt angle from the digital inclinometer. See Annex E for a sample table.

Confirming sensor coverage

1. Install and configure the Witness software as described in [2].
2. Enter basic detection areas into the Witness interface. (See [2]).
3. Where possible, place test objects into the radar detection zone. Monitor these on the interface and confirm that detection alarms are raised
4. Refine the radar detection zones, based on the tests and save the settings.
5. Disconnect the laptop from the radar and connect the radar to the infrastructure network switch.
6. Repeat for each radar

3. Health & Safety

General

1. 1. 1. 1. A first aid kit should be available at all times.

1. 1. 1. 1. In addition to the conditions detailed in this section the Site Safety Procedures for the location where the equipment is being installed must be complied with at all times.

Design

The design and manufacture of all equipment supplied as part of the Navtech radar tracking and monitoring system for permanent installation is CE accredited:

• European Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC
• ETSI EN301 091-1Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matters Short Range devices

Maintenance

1. 1. 1. 1. Make sure that electrical supplies are properly isolated before removing any covers. The supply should be disconnected by the operation of the main isolating switch, removal of fuses or other acceptable method. A notice should be placed at the point of isolation showing:-

DANGER - WORK IN PROGRESS

1. 1. 1. 1. Place a barrier or guard rail round the work area.

1. 1. 1. 1. When working on elevated equipment, make sure that all ladders and staging are secure. If necessary, wear a safety harness.
         2. Be aware of any special hazards specific to the site or location where equipment is located. Take all necessary precautions.

Annex AUsing SPx RadarView
The SPx RadarView application consists of two files which must be located in the same folder (any folder) on your laptop:

• • • • • SPXRadarView.exe
        • SPXRadarView.rpi

1. Run SPXRadarView.exe. You should see a blank main screen:

Note:In the lower panel, the Video and Turn indicators will be red indicating that

there is no communication with the sensor.

1. Click the Channel-A menu on the toolbar, and select the Source... option.

Ensure that the Selection option is set to Network and in the Address field, enter the IP Address of the sensor. The Port must be set to 700.
Click OK.


!worddav3c0dd25e349f268d9479457b8c8e8b28.png|height=370,width=508!Once the IP address and port are correctly set and the application makes contact with the sensor, the Video and Turn indicators should turn green. Shortly afterwards, you should begin to see radar scan information within the main window.
On the left side of the screen, ensure that the Raw option is ticked.

1. Click the button to show the Display Control dialog box:

Ensure that in the Raw Radar section, the Fading option is set to Sweep and the Rate (sweeps) is set to 5. Click OK.

1. Click thebutton to zoom into the radar view so that you can clearly see the both of your test targets:

1. Right click the mouse pointer on the exact middle point of one of the targets to display a popup options box. Click the option Popup Channel-A AScan…. to display a scan window.

Distance from radar m

Signal strength dB


The scan window provides live signal strength data concentrating only on the angular direction of the chosen target from the radar sensor. In each of the two graph plots, the x-axis shows the distance from the sensor while the y-axis indicates the returned signal strength. You should see a spike representing your target at the relevant distance.

1. On the top graph, left click on either side of the spike to create a zoomed view on the lower graph.

This will allow you to see small changes in the returned signal strength on the lower graph when levelling the sensor:

1. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the other target so that you can view both on screen at the same time.
2. Adjust the radar sensor level (See Section 2.7) while checking the scan graphs to ensure the best response from both targets.
3. To assist with orientation, optionally click the button to show the Graphics Control dialog box:

Two options within this dialog box are of particular use:

• Enable the Compass Ring option to superimpose compass graduation marks around the sensor view.

Note: North is aligned to the zero point of the radar sensor, not magnetic north.

• Enable the Range Rings option to overlay range lines every 100m onto the sensor view

Annex BSample Brackets

h7. Figure 20I-200 mounted on a ship to shore container crane.
Shown in the deployed position (above) on 2 different bracket arrangements and recovered for maintenance (below)



Figure 21Mounting bracket, and installed on a wall

Annex B




h7. Figure 22Two possible methods of mounting a radar centrally, under the boom

Annex CSpecifications

This Annex contains the specifications for the cables and connectors supplied by Navtech, with the exception of the Ethernet connector which is a standard RJ45 connector.

Radar power cable

Table 2Radar power cable specification

1. 1. Radar Cat 5E cable

Table 3Radar Cat 5E Ethernet cable specification

1. 1. Radar power cable connector (radar end)

Table 4Radar power cable (radar end) connector specification

1. 1. Radar Cat 5E cable connector (radar end)

Table 5Radar Cat 5E cable connector (radar end) specification

Annex DConstruction of test target

The following drawings show how to construct a test target.
Tolerance: +/- 1mm on linear dimensions Material: 1.5 stainless
Finish: Bare metal
The target can be made by welding 3 flat triangles together, or by folding one piece and welding the meeting edges:
!worddav9d020026128d605330d6d471a4615dce.png|height=210,width=334!Back of
targetThe lower piece can overlap on to the back of
the target to ease production and increase strength
Welded on ¼ Whitworth and 5/8th UNC stainless nuts

Annex ERadar sensor configurations

A sample table to record data for each radar.

Alarm Outputs 24 VdcRadar PSU
ANC-0024230vAC
Annex F

!worddavb23a20175aceb9d3f646be4a6b7557f2.png|height=153,width=136!LPU PSU230vACRelay

Output ANC-0024Cat5eCat5eLPU
Computer ANC-0015I-200 Radar
NAV-0005 !worddav7d2f7be098d2d88e30a93cb4cb92269a.png|height=9,width=9!10 to 30vDC
(250mA Each) Annex FOutline System Diagram

Annex G Radio Frequency Energy Compliance

FCC compliance statement (United States)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. 1. 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
      2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The operation of this device is limited to a fixed position at airport locations for foreign object debris detection on runways and for monitoring aircraft as well as service vehicles on taxiways and other airport vehicle service areas that have no public vehicle access. This equipment must be mounted in a fixed location maintaining a minimum separation distance of 40cm from personnel when in general operation. This restriction of operation is specific for use in North America. For use in other regions aligned to the FCC regulations, specific country restrictions should be reviewed.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Annex H Installing in Harsh Environments

Chesterton© 740 Aerosol Application to I-Series Radar Connectors on Installation

When connecting data and power cables to radars in harsh or corrosive environments Navtech recommends the use of Chesterton© 740 as a product to protect the military specification connectors from corrosion.
This is a recommended best practice. Failure to apply the product could mean extra field time for engineers and the costs that this will incur.
Over extended periods of exposure to the sometimes harsh environments that radars are installed into the connectors can become corroded making their removal difficult, even causing damage to the radar in extreme cases.

Health & Safety

Care should be taken with solvent based aerosol sprays to avoid contact with the eyes or excessive inhalation of fumes. Especially in enclosed areas or poorly ventilated areas. Gloves and a mask and goggles should be worn.
A safety sheet is available for Chesterton© 740 at this weblink. – or visit www.chesterton.com and use the search facility to locate '740 rust guard'.

To apply Chesterton© 740 Aerosol product.

1. Attach the power and data connectors to the radar. Checking their surfaces are free from dirt, oil, grease and moisture.

1. If the radar has a vent plug attached temporarily cover or mask the vent so that when spraying the connectors no spray enters the vent plug.

1. Evenly apply the spray to the connectors. Observing the Health and Safety guidelines while doing so.

1. While drying residual product can be removed with a cloth. After drying a degreaser can be used to remove the product.

1. Remove the temporary vent plug mask/cover to allow the plug to breathe.