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McQ Inc. iScout System User Manual

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iScout® System
User's Manual
April 2, 2008
Version 1.2
McQ Inc.
1551 Forbes Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
(540) 373-2374
info@mcqinc.com
OmniSense® and iScout® are the Registered Trademarks of McQ Inc.
© Copyright McQ Inc. April 2008

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  • Page 1 iScout® System User’s Manual April 2, 2008 Version 1.2 McQ Inc. 1551 Forbes Street Fredericksburg, VA 22405 (540) 373-2374 info@mcqinc.com OmniSense® and iScout® are the Registered Trademarks of McQ Inc. © Copyright McQ Inc. April 2008...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ......................1 iScout® Sensor Description ..................2 1.1.1 iScout® Features ..................... 3 Wireless Mobile Relay (WMR) Description ..............5 1.2.1 WMR Features ......................5 Long Haul Communications Node (LHCN) Description ..........6 1.3.1 LHCN Features......................6 Handheld Programmer Monitor (HHPM) Description ..........
  • Page 4 5.1.4 GPS ........................30 Settings on Your HHPM .................... 30 5.2.1 Backlight for Display and Keypad ................. 30 5.2.2 Clock Settings ....................... 31 5.2.3 Power ........................31 5.2.4 Memory ......................... 32 5.2.5 System Information ....................32 5.2.6 Volume ........................33 Quick Start ........................
  • Page 5 5.5.6 Devices Menu: Configure PTZ ................49 5.5.7 Devices Menu: Set Operational ................49 5.5.8 Devices Menu: Switch CDIF ................50 TECHNICAL SUPPORT ....................51 Maintenance ......................51 Training ........................51 Installation......................... 51 Configuration Management and Program Support ............. 51 Contact Information....................
  • Page 6 Table of Figures Figure 1-1: iScout® Kit with LHCN (left) and iScout Basic Kit (right) ........1 Figure 1-2: iScout® Communications ..................2 Figure 1-3: iScout® Sensor ......................3 Figure 1-4: The Wireless Mobile Relay (WMR) ................. 5 Figure 1-5: The Handheld Programmer Monitor (HHPM), left and HHPM Sensor Map, right ..7 Figure 2-1: LHCN Connectors ....................
  • Page 7 Figure 5-27: Command Switch Screen ..................45 Figure 5-28: HHPM Location Panel ..................46 Figure 5-29: Mark Button | No GPS Fix .................. 46 Figure 5-30: HHPM Location Panel with GPS Off ..............47 Figure 5-31: HHPM Comms Panel ................... 47 Figure 5-32: HHPM Transducers Panel ..................

  • Page 9: Introduction

    LHCN; optional switch closure cables if this option is provided; and a copy of this iScout System User’s Manual. Also available is the iScout Basic Kit (Figure 1-1, right) which does not include the LHCN.

  • Page 10: Iscout® Sensor Description

    Figure 1-2: iScout® Communications Figure 1-2 shows how the iScout® sensors, the WMR, the LHCN, the ISU and the HHPM communicate with each other and the OmniSense® Backend SAD. Communications in the iScout® system take place over the local communication links and via the Iridium satcom link.

  • Page 11: Iscout® Features

    local communications. An optional external battery pack connector is also available. The iScout® sensor is powered with 2 AA batteries and the operator has the choice of whether to use alkaline or lithium, although 4 lithium batteries are delivered with each sensor. The iScout sensor also reports status messages over a configurable interval and alerts the user when the sensor is tampered.
  • Page 12 Communications: Ø 902 to 928 MHz, Frequency Hop, Two Way, External ½ Wave Antenna, Star Architecture Ø Long Haul Comms Node (LHCN) Relay: IRIDIUM to SADU Backend User Interface, Local Comms Relay to Wireless Mobile Relay Ø Wireless Mobile Relay: Local Comms Relay to User via Bluetooth RF Link to Handheld Display Ø...

  • Page 13: Wireless Mobile Relay (Wmr) Description

    1.2 Wireless Mobile Relay (WMR) Description The WMR (Figure 1-4) is used solely to convert the messages sent from the iScout® to the HHPM for the user to see. The WMR receives sensor messages with a 900 MHz local communications radio and transmits to the HHPM with a Bluetooth module.

  • Page 14: Long Haul Communications Node (Lhcn) Description

    1.3 Long Haul Communications Node (LHCN) Description The OmniSense Model 2501 Long Haul Communications Node (LHCN) provides a satellite based Terrestrial Network (TNet) communications hub for a small field of sensors. Its sole duty is to relay sensor messages to and from the OmniSense Backend. The LHCN allows for the deployment of TNet compatible sensors for long-term monitoring in remote locations.

  • Page 15: Handheld Programmer Monitor (Hhpm) Description

    1.4 Handheld Programmer Monitor (HHPM) Description Figure 1-5: The Handheld Programmer Monitor (HHPM), left and HHPM Sensor Map, right The HHPM (Figure 1-5) is a ruggedized pocket PC that is equipped with GPS positioning capability, Bluetooth communications technology and a map-based display. The HHPM has several functional capabilities.

  • Page 16: Iscout® Long Haul Communications Node Set Up

    2 iScout® Long Haul Communications Node Set Up 2.1 Mission Planning The most important factor in successful deployment of the OmniSense System is the mission planning. From the mission planning, the operator should have a list of parameters that will be used to configure the LHCN for its particular mission and placement.

  • Page 17: Omnisense Lhcn Operation

    2.2 OmniSense LHCN Operation A LHCN will startup following this scenario: 1. Upon power up of the unit, a 10 minute interval called Emplacement begins which does the following: Conducts a BITE · Sends a status and configuration message through the RF Radio ·...

  • Page 18: Installing The Iridium Antenna To The Lhcn Housing

    Installing the Iridium Antenna to the LHCN Housing NOTE: Refer to Figure 2-1 throughout this procedure. 1. Position the Iridium Antenna in the camouflage or hide in bush or tree. 2. Attach one of the female connectors of the Antenna Cable to male connector on the Iridium Antenna.

  • Page 19: Connecting The Battery Box To The Lhcn Housing

    6. Repeat step 1-5 for remaining two batteries if using the 3 battery (B3) battery housing. 7. Close the hinged access cover on top of the Battery Housing. CAUTION: Do not hold on to the power connector when lowering the Battery Housing into the Battery Box.

  • Page 20: Changing The Batteries In The Lhcn Housing

    Changing the Batteries in the LHCN Housing 1. Remove the Battery Housing from the Battery Box by gripping the Battery housing and sliding it out of the Battery Box. 2. Lift and completely open the hinged access cover of the Battery Housing. 3.

  • Page 21: Establishing Communications With The Lhcn

    Establishing Communications with the LHCN Serial : 1. Connect the serial cable to the HHPM and the PWR/SER connector on the LHCN. 2. Using the HHPM OmniSense application software under the Windows tab, select Preferences, Comm Ports. 3. In the Comm Ports menu, select Serial Cable, then select OK 4.

  • Page 22: Configuring The Lhcn

    Configuring the LHCN 1. Connect the HHPM to the Unit via the serial cable or WMR. 2. Once connected, the Unit will report its current configuration to the HHPM. The configuration is automatically displayed in the Configuration Editor (Figure 2-3, center and right).

  • Page 23: Figure 2-4: Devices Menu (Left) And Lhcn Status Screen (Right)

    Figure 2-4: Devices Menu (left) and LHCN Status Screen (right) 6. From the Mission Planning, determine what is required for this deployment. The Network ID must be configured. 7. Go to Devices Menu (Figure 2-4, left). 8. Select Configure Device. Using the configuration tabs configure the unit a.

  • Page 24: Figure 2-5: Lhcn Configuration Editor | Algorithms Tab

    Figure 2-5: LHCN Configuration Editor | Algorithms Tab 9. When finished entering data, using the stylus hit the OK button in the upper right hand corner and when asked to Configure Device? Select Yes. The HHPM will send the configuration to the device, which will respond with its updated configuration. Once verified, select OK in the upper right-hand corner, then No when asked Configure Device? 10.

  • Page 25: Iscout® Sensor Set Up

    3 iScout® Sensor Set Up Figure 3-1: Hand Held Programmer Monitor (HHPM) and Wireless Remote Relay (WMR) The iScout® sensor is set up using a Wireless Mobile Relay (WMR) and a Handheld Programmer Monitor (HHPM) (Figure 3-1). There are two basic modes of operation for the sensor unit: Emplacement Mode, used to configure the sensor and Normal Mode, the mode for standard monitoring operations.

  • Page 26: Set Up Procedure For Iscout® Sensor

    3.1 Set Up Procedure for iScout® Sensor It is assumed that the operator is already familiar with the HHPM and WMR (refer to the previous sections) and therefore, only applications specific to the set up of the iScout® sensor will be addressed here. Figure 3-2: Comms Port Window 1.

  • Page 27: Figure 3-3: Window Menu

    Figure 3-3: Window Menu 3. Use the HHPM to find the WMR over the Bluetooth link by selecting Find on the Switch Device option of the Window menu (Figure 3-3). A list of Bluetooth devices that the HHPM detected will be on the list. Select the WMR that is being used for the set up. Figure 3-4: a.

  • Page 28: Figure 3-5: Battery Switch Cover Rotated To On Position

    Figure 3-5: Battery Switch Cover Rotated to ON Position 7. Rotate the Battery/Switch Cover clockwise to the mark on the case to apply power (Figure 3-5). Figure 3-6: PIR Lens Cover (observe LED indication through the lens) 8. Remove the PIR lens cover and observe the LED through the lens (Figure 3-6). For the first twenty seconds it will be solid red.

  • Page 29: Iscout® Normal Mode

    wait for the five minute Configuration Message (updated location), the ten minute Configuration Message (transition to Normal Mode), or as a last resort, power cycle the unit to have its power-on Configuration and Status messages sent to the HHPM again. 10.

  • Page 30: Tamper

    3.4 Tamper The Tamper feature provides three selections: Off: if a tamper is detected, it is ignored and not reported. Tamper and Report: any tamper detected is reported immediately. Tamper and Kill: this feature renders that sensor inoperable. The three options are selectable using the HHPM in the Configuration screen | Algorithms Tab (Figure 3-7).

  • Page 31: Iscout® Deployment Guidance

    4 iScout® Deployment Guidance The iScout® sensor can be deployed in a variety of settings depending on the monitoring scenario. Some deployment options include: 1. Direct burial in the ground. 2. Setting the unit on the ground. 3. Placing the sensor on a stake that is in the ground. 4.

  • Page 32: Using The Optional Switch Closure Detection And Control Functions

    If the sensor is going to be buried, it is recommended that the PIR algorithm be turned off during the set up and the lens cover be placed on the sensor. 4.2 Using the Optional Switch Closure Detection and Control Functions Figure 4-1: iScout®...

  • Page 33: Figure 4-2: Switch Closure Specifications And Usage Guidelines

    Switch Closure Specifications +1.8 Switch Input Voltage +7.0 Switch Current iScout Sensor Customer System Detect Black Figure 4-2: Switch closure Specifications and Usage Guidelines iScout® System User’s Manual © McQ Inc 2008...

  • Page 34: Seismic Algorithms

    Switch Closure Control The Switch Cable also allows the sensor to be connected to another device and provides both a DC voltage and current to turn on or turn off the device. This active closure control must meet the Closure Control Chip requirements for voltage and current. It is possible to damage this Closure Control Chip in the iScout unit by reversing the voltage polarity shown in Figure 4-2.

  • Page 35: Hand-Held Program Monitor (Hhpm) User Guide

    5 Hand-Held Program Monitor (HHPM) User Guide 5.1 Primary Operations 5.1.1 Aligning the Touch Screen When the HHPM first turns on (or after a hard reset) the touch screen will require calibration. The Align Screen message will display a series of targets to tap in sequence on the screen. Use the stylus to tap the targets firmly and accurately.

  • Page 36: Using The Stylus

    Reset: Stops all running programs and restarts the unit. No file system data is lost; only open or unsaved files will be lost. All registry settings, control panel, personal information, GPS settings and databases are preserved. 5.1.3 Using the Stylus The touch screen on the HHPM works like a PC mouse.

  • Page 37: Performing A Clean Boot

    Performing a Clean Boot WARNING: All application software (installed by the factory and the customer), licenses, settings and user data will be cleared if you perform this function! Hold down the Power key and press the right soft key to display a countdown. Continue to hold both keys until the countdown reaches zero, followed by a brief appearance of a boot screen.

  • Page 38: Gps

    5.1.4 GPS The iScout® HHPM is configured with internal GPS and the OmniSense® software that it runs is GPS-aware. You can turn the GPS receiver on or off using the OmniSense® software (see Section 5.4.7). 5.2 Settings on Your HHPM Tap Start / Settings to display the Nomad Settings Screen (Figure 5-5).

  • Page 39: Clock Settings

    5.2.2 Clock Settings To set the time or to change clock settings, choose the System tab and then the options called Clocks and Alarms. The HHPM will display the Settings | Time screen (Figure 5-7). Figure 5-7: Settings | Time Screen 5.2.3 Power Tap System | Power to display the Settings | Power screen (Figure 5-8).

  • Page 40: Memory

    5.2.4 Memory Tap System | Memory to display the Settings Memory screen (Figure 5-9), to see how much Storage memory (Flash) and Program memory. Figure 5-9: Settings | Memory Screen 5.2.5 System Information Tap System | System Information to display the Settings | System Information screen (Figure 5-10).

  • Page 41: Volume

    5.2.6 Volume To adjust the volume, select the Personal tab and tap Sounds and Notifications. The Settings | Sounds and Notifications screen (Figure 5-11) will be displayed. To run the OmniSense® HHPM software, choose your desired settings for hardware buttons, screen taps and events. If you choose to enable these sounds, select Soft or Loud for the volume.

  • Page 42: Creating A Map

    5.3.1.1 Creating a Map Figure 5-12: Map Menu | Add Layer (left) and Open File Screen (right) To create a map, first add a layer. Tap the Map menu and select Add Layer. The Open File screen will list all SHP files in the My Documents folder. To view JPG or BMP files select the type from the Type drop down menu (Figure 5-12, right).

  • Page 43: Sensor Map

    5.3.2 Sensor Map When turned on, the HHPM will display the Sensor Map, along with the sensors currently reporting to the database (Figure 5-14). Figure 5-14: Sensor Map 5.3.3 Navigating the Map With the map you can zoom, pan and measure distances. To zoom in tap . To zoom out tap .

  • Page 44: Using Sensors

    To use this feature, use the stylus to drag the desired section of the map into the viewing area. This feature will remain active until you uncheck the Pan option. 5.3.4 Using Sensors All sensor functionality can be accessed via the Devices menu. First, highlight the desired sensor on the map then use the Devices menu to access sensor options.

  • Page 45: Window Menu: Legend

    5.4.1 Window Menu: Legend The HHPM Legend Screen (Figure 5-17) provides a key to sensor icons displayed on the Sensor Map. This screen can be accessed by selecting the Legend option on the Window menu. To close the Legend Screen, tap on the OK button at the top right of the screen.

  • Page 46: Preferences: Comm Ports

    Preferences: Comm Ports The HHPM Comms Port Window (Figure 5-19) allows you to set the communications method and port settings. Bluetooth (Device): Use this option to communicate with the sensor directly via Bluetooth. This option is not available with the iScout® System. Bluetooth (WMR): Use this option to communicate with the sensor using Bluetooth via a Wireless Mobile Relay.
  • Page 47 If checked the HHPM will automatically display all images received from any sensor. If unchecked only the requested images will be displayed. Display All Configurations If checked the HHPM will automatically display all configurations received from any sensor. If unchecked only the requested configurations will be displayed. Audio When Message Received If this box is checked, all incoming messages prompt the HHPM audibly alert the user.
  • Page 48 Display Detections If this box is checked, a detection bubble containing data about the detection will be displayed any time a sensor makes a detection. If the box is unchecked the detection bubble will not be displayed but the detection data will still be added to the Detection List. HHPM Time is Valid By checking this box you are confirming that the HHPM’s time corresponds to that of an accurate time source.

  • Page 49: Window Menu: Detections

    Units Tab GPS Units Four options are given. The first option displays the GPS reading in decimal degrees. The second, in degrees, minutes and hemisphere. The third as Universal Transverse Mercater. The fourth as MGRS (Military Grid Reference System) as in Figure 5-21.

  • Page 50: Window Menu: Device List

    5.4.4 Window Menu: Device List Figure 5-22: Device List Left and Right Screens The Device List option displays the Device List (Figure 5-22), a list of the devices in the current sensor field. Each device is described by the following characteristics: number, description, unit ID, mode, Link Quality Indicator (LQI), latitude and longitude.

  • Page 51: Devices Menu

    5.5 Devices Menu Selecting the Devices button generates the Devices menu (Figure 5-24). The options that are available on this menu depend on what type of device you are working with. Figure 5-24: Devices Menu 5.5.1 Devices Menu: Discover Devices This option sends a configuration request to any devices that the HHPM can communicate with.

  • Page 52: Mode

    Mode The current sensor mode. Report Interval This number shows how often the device sends a status report. You have to configure the sensor to modify this value. Communication Statuses The Communications Status Table on the Device Status window (Figure 5-26) shows the metrics of the communications quality between the device that you currently have selected and up to five devices that the currently selected device has heard from.

  • Page 53: Devices Menu: Command Switch

    5.5.4 Devices Menu: Command Switch Command Switch option display the Command Switch screen (Figure 5-27) and allows you to set the output switch state. The state that is shown on the Command Switch screen is the opposite of the currently known switch state. To change the switch state, tap the Cmd Switch button and then the OK button.

  • Page 54: Devices Menu: Configure Device

    5.5.5 Devices Menu: Configure Device Selecting this option commands the device to report its current configuration. The configuration will be displayed in screens identical to those described in Section 0 below. Location The Number and Description are assigned to the device by the user and can be modified on the Location Panel (Figure 5-28).

  • Page 55: Configuring Comms

    If GPS is currently turned off, a message will be displayed under Current Position (Figure 5-30). Use the GPS On button to turn GPS on. Figure 5-30: HHPM Location Panel with GPS Off Configuring Comms The Comms Panel (Figure 5-31) allows you to set communications parameters.

  • Page 56: Transducers

    Transducers Upon set up in the field, the device automatically detects all transducers that it has connected and sends this information to the HHPM when requested. The data appears on the HHPM Transducers Panel (Figure 5-32) but is not configurable. Figure 5-32: HHPM Transducers Panel Algorithms...

  • Page 57: Sleep

    Sleep The Sleep Panel (Figure 5-34) allows you to set Sleep Mode intervals for the selected device. First, specify the day for the Sleep Interval using the Day menu. Next, specify the endpoints of the Sleep Mode period for that day by setting the Start Time (in GMT) and the Duration (in hours and minutes) of the Sleep Mode period.

  • Page 58: Devices Menu: Switch Cdif

    NOTE: If you forget to switch the sensor mode, the sensor will switch automatically after 10 minutes. 5.5.8 Devices Menu: Switch CDIF Use this option to switch to a different version of Common Data Interchange Format (CDIF). This action is necessary in order to communicate with older sensors.

  • Page 59: Technical Support

    In general, the iScout system is designed to be as intuitive as possible and to require only minimal training. All customers are provided with this user’s manual providing an overview of system operation and the basic steps necessary to operate and use the system.
  • Page 60 When returning iScout units under warranty, the user will call the technical support number shown above or send an E-mail describing what warranty support is needed. The McQ representative will give the user specific handling instructions. iScout® System User’s Manual ©...

  • Page 61: End Users License Agreement

    7 End Users License Agreement CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING LICENSE AGREEMENT. BY USING THIS EQUIPMENT AND/OR SOFTWARE IN ANY WAY, YOU AND YOUR COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, UNDERSTAND IT, AND ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
  • Page 62 You agree that you shall not, by way of example and not limitation: (a) copy the Documentation; (b) copy the Software, except as permitted in Section 3; (c) create derivative works, modify, alter, transform, translate, tamper, or adapt the Software or Documentation, or merge the Software into another program;...
  • Page 63 SOME STATES AND/OR COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE THE LIABILITY LIMITATIONS IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL APPLY REGARDLESS OF WHETHER (A) McQ HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CORRESPONDING LIABILITY, (B) THE SERVICES WERE INTENDED TO PREVENT THE EVENTS THAT GAVE RISE TO THE CLAIMED LIABILITY, OR (C) THE CLAIMED LIABILITY IS BASED ON BREACH OF CONTRACT OR WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE...
  • Page 64 9. CONFIDENTIALITY The Software, even though provided to you in object code form, inherently contains source code, trade secrets, and proprietary know-how (“Confidential Information”) that belong to McQ, and it is being made available to you in strict confidence. ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE OR DISCLOSURE OF THE SOFTWARE, OR OF ITS ALGORITHMS, PROTOCOLS, OR INTERFACES MAY BE ACTIONABLE AS A VIOLATION OF McQ’s TRADE SECRET RIGHTS.
  • Page 65 valid under applicable law. However, if any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement. In such an event, then the parties agree to authorize the court to re-write that provision, to the extent of such un-enforceability, so as to preserve and/or effect the intent of the parties as described herein, to the extent permitted by law.

  • Page 66: Appendix A Fcc (United States) Certification

    8 APPENDIX A FCC (United States) Certification General Statements The iScout® sensor and the WMR and their enclosed modularly approved radios comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 67 RF Exposure Cautionary Notice WARNING: This equipment is approved only for mobile and base station transmitting devices. Antenna(s) used for the iScout® sensor must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 30 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

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