4.3 Confirming Sensor Operation

Owned by Charlotte Dakin-Norris, created
Last updated: Feb 02, 2022
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Introduction

Please follow the instructions below to confirm sensor operation after retro-fitting a Direct Drive.

Contents

4.3 Confirming Sensor Operation

In order to test the output of the radar sensor, you will require:

  • A portable computer running Windows 10 or later

  • The SPx RadarView application (which can be obtained from the ‘tools’ folder on the supplied RPU)

  • A CAT 5, 5e or 6 network cable (straight or crossover wiring)

4.3.1 Preparing & Connecting Your Computer

IMPORTANT: Ensure that your computer has its IP address set to operate within the same subnet as the Radar Sensor.

  • The IP address of the radar sensor is preset before leaving Navtech Radar Limited to a default value of 192.168.0.1 unless otherwise specified by the client.

  • 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.

  • Thus, 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.

NOTE: If you are connecting to the radar via an Ethernet switch rather than making a direct link, it is important that no other radar client software, such as Bloodhound, is already connected before using radar view.

For further details about preparing a computer, please see 3.1.1 - Preparing a computer to link with a radar sensor.

Connecting Your Computer

You can connect your computer at any point along the signal link from the radar sensor, either directly into the sensor mounted socket; at the pole mounted enclosure (if the signal link is joined there) or at the far end of the link where it will join the RPU (Radar Processing Unit) system. 

NOTE: The sensor can be powered on or off while connecting and disconnecting the network link.

The network controller within the radar sensor is autosensing so that you can use either straight through or crossover cables and it will adjust its operation accordingly.

  1. Connect a link cable between your computer and the network port, either on the sensor or elsewhere along the signal path.

    Figure 25

     

  2. Ensure that the radar sensor is powered on and is rotating.

Setting the IP address in Windows 7

  1. Click the Windows Start button.

  2. Select Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Centre > Change Adapter settings:

    Figure 26

     

  3. Right click Local Area Connection and select Properties.

  4. Highlight Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4), and then click the Properties button.

     

  5. Set the IP address:

    For example, if the radar IP address is 192.168.0.1 then set laptop to 192.168.0.10 or higher. Click Subnet mask to automatically set to 255.255.255.0. Leave Default Gateway blank. Click OK.

     

  6. Close the window.

4.3.2 Setting the Service Date & Checking Vital Signs

The CTS350-X radar sensor has a built in web interface (known as Vertex) which provides default user level access to the radar. This means you can view information but no changes can be made. There is a useful summary of key radar setup and diagnostic information – e.g. IP address, serial number, System Uptime and Radar health (temperature and rotation).

To Access the Vertex Interface

To access the Vertex interface please refer to these instructions: https://navtechradar.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PROD/pages/29294899/Vertex+User+Guide#Accessing-the-Radar-Interface.

Using the Vertex Interface

You should now see the Vertex interface Status page. For more information regarding the Status page please refer to: https://navtechradar.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PROD/pages/29294899/Vertex+User+Guide#Status-Page

Using the Log Viewer

The radar stores a record of activities in order to assist diagnostics. Due to memory restrictions, newer entries will overwrite the oldest and so the log does not retain all historical information.

https://navtechradar.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PROD/pages/29294899/Vertex+User+Guide#Log-Viewer gives more information about using the Log Viewer.

Viewing Radar Data

provides information about viewing the Radar Data.

Setting the Service Date

Following a service procedure you need to register the next service due date within the radar sensor.

  1. In order to do this, you first need to login to Vertex. Follow these instructions: .

  2. Click on the Radar Hardware button on the left side to display the following page:

  3. Then you can set the next Service Due Date: .

Additional information regarding Vertex can be viewed in the .

4.3.3 Testing Radar Operation using SPx RadarView

The SPx RadarView application consists of two files which must be located in the same folder (any folder) on your computer: SPXRadarView.exe and SPXRadarView.cpv.

The default .cpv file should be adequate to endure the radar is operating correctly.

To make a recording or for detailed site analysis a radar specific .cpv file may be required.

To use SPx RadarView

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

     

    NOTE: In the lower panel, the Video and Turn indicators will be red to indicate that there is no communication with the sensor.

  2. Click the Channel-A menu and select the Source... option.

     

  3. Ensure that the Selection option is set to Network and in the section below, enter the IP Address of the sensor.

  4. The Port must be set to 6317.

  5. Click OK.

  6. 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 after, you should begin to see radar scan information within the main window:

     

  7.  If you see a response similar to that shown here, then you can be assured that the sensor is functioning correctly and can be remounted on its post and returned to service.