Optimizing the sensor position
- Katherine Lund-Yates (Unlicensed)
- Guy Avery (Deactivated)
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:
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Horizontal radar sensor misses target B
Inclined radar sensor locates both targets
A Digital Level as indicated in the figure below 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.
Adjusting radar
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.
SPx RadarView display (A)
SPx RadarView display (B)
Using the RadarView application to view the radar data (see Using SPx RadarView) you are aiming to have an equal amount of data either side of the radar.
If there is more radar data one side than the other, as shown in display (A), change the angle of the radar until you have an equal amount of data either side of the radar, as shown in display (B). Radar targets can be used as the test objects.
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.
Radar view to locate target
Securing the radar
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)
Record the tilt angle from the digital inclinometer. See Radar configuration record & system diagram for a sample table.
Confirming sensor coverage
Install and configure the Witness software.
Enter basic detection areas into the Witness interface.
Where possible, place test objects into the radar detection zone. Monitor these on the interface and confirm that detection alarms are raised.
Refine the radar detection zones, based on the tests and save the settings.
Disconnect the laptop from the radar and connect the radar to the infrastructure network switch.
Repeat for each radar
Next: Using SPx RadarView - I Series Radar
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Created by James Eadie, last modified on Sep 21, 2016
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Levelling and optimising the radar position
The CTS radar has a spread vertical beam, however maximum power is within a 2 degree main lobe. For optimum detection performance it is important that each sensor is level in relation to the area that it surveys. Level may not mean absolutely horizontal. For example, if the site has a slope it is necessary to incline the sensor in line with the slope to obtain optimum performance.
The exaggerated examples below show how a sensor with an incorrect incline could miss targets which are lower down the slope:
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The recommended procedure to optimise the radar is to use two radar targets (Navtech part number MBP0137) on tripods either side of the radar.
Use the RadarView Lite utility to view the resulting radar images and adjust the tilt of the mounting plate until the signals from each target are equal. Please see Using SPx RadarView Lite for details about setting up and using RadarView Lite.
To level and optimise the radar
In line with the limitations of the site and taking all appropriate safety precautions, position the two targets equal distances (at least 150 metres, if possible) either side of the radar along the carriageway. The targets must be at the same height (1.5 metres is suggested), while the area behind each target should be clear for 10 to 15 metres. The aim is to maximise the signal level on both the targets.
Use the RadarVIew Lite utility to view the resulting data and use the A-scan function to view the signal level of the target.
Using a digital inclinometer, ensure that the radar is level across the carriageway. Then adjust the tilt of the radar (on the threaded studs of the mounting plate), to maximise the signal level on the 2 targets, using the gradient of the road around the radar as a starting point.
If this method cannot be used (for example live carriageway), then as a minimum the road gradient should be measured using a digital inclinometer in several locations to gain an average, and the radar matched to this. However, if possible and especially if the road is obviously not flat, use RadarView Lite to view the radar data and adjust the tilt to have an equal amount of data either side of the radar.
The sample screenshots from RadarView Lite shown here show (first) an uneven amount of data and (second) a more even distribution of data either side of the radar.
An uneven amount of data from the two targets...
...a more even distribution of data either side of the radar
Next: Using the Vertex interface