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Halo Photonics Stream Line Pro Hardware And Software Manual

Scanning doppler lidar system
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Halo Photonics Stream Line Pro Scanning Doppler Lidar system - Hardware and
Our modular, autonomous, turn-key, pulsed Doppler Lidar systems were conceived to meet the need for remote
sensing of motion and backscatter in the atmosphere. In this mode of operation, naturally occurring aerosols and
clouds act as a distributed target and backscatter the transmitted pulses. The receiver detects the Doppler shift
brought about by the motion of the distributed targets and therefore the line-of-sight component of their velocity. The
novel optical technology employed and the design approach have led to a new class of eye-safe (Class 1M), high
performance Lidar exhibiting exceptional stability which is compatible with a continuous and unattended mode of
operation. Typical applications include boundary layer wind profiling, plume dispersion, analysis of complex flows,
cloud studies, cloud base measurements and gust and air quality monitoring.
While every effort has been made to provide accurate and calibrated data products, HALO Photonics does not
currently guarantee the calibration of the data in absolute terms.
The system has been designed to be rugged and autonomous. Even so, the end user must respect the fact that the
system is a precision optical instrument that must be treated with great care.
The laser emission from the antenna is in the class 1M category. The responsibility for ensuring suitable safety
procedures and operating modes lies entirely with the end user. HALO Photonics does not accept any
responsibility for issues relating to the field deployment of the equipment and propagation of the beam in the
atmosphere.
Software Guide.

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Summary of Contents for Halo Photonics Stream Line Pro

  • Page 1 Typical applications include boundary layer wind profiling, plume dispersion, analysis of complex flows, cloud studies, cloud base measurements and gust and air quality monitoring. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and calibrated data products, HALO Photonics does not currently guarantee the calibration of the data in absolute terms.
  • Page 2 – which has been known to happen, and cause problems. Each Lidar is shipped with a suite of software that has been tested and found to be stable and Halo Photonics can only guarantee trouble free operation of the system’s control software and PC as long as no 3 party software is installed.
  • Page 3 Operating. No parts of the Lidar are to be removed or adjusted in any way without the permission of Halo Photonics with the exception of the lifting handles and mast if fitted. The settings file is not to be modified without permission of Halo Photonics.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Packing list Unpacking Power requirements and the UPS module. Connections 24V Bulgin connector Air blower and heater assembly Powering up Orientation and levelling Site considerations Controlling the Lidar embedded PC Remote connection software. Desktop icons Scan Schedule 9.1.1 Variable electronic focus 9.1.2 Stare coordinates 9.1.3...

  • Page 5: Packing List

    1. Packing list. [Back to contents] 1. Lidar unit 2. Separate box or package containing: 1 crossover RJ45 cable. Spare fuses (10A) for the Lidar, and 2A for UPS module ‘Aux’ output line to blower. 1 spare desiccant cartridge (in a sealed bag) 1 cable to connect the air blower to the Aux connector on the UPS unit (optional).

  • Page 6: Unpacking

    2. Unpacking. [Back to contents] For transportation, the Lidar and its UPS unit are housed in a transit case that has a removable wheeled base, with all of the wheels having integral brakes. The transit case with Lidar weighs approximately 110Kg and will need to be moved according to the appropriate manual handling health and safety guidelines.
  • Page 7 Remove the middle section of the case. There are three locating areas machined into the legs that match the width of the leg clamps. The Lidar will be delivered with the clamps set to the lowest position, and it is recommended that it be left at this position.

  • Page 8: Power Requirements And The Ups Module

    3. Power requirements and the UPS module. [Back to contents] The Lidar operates from 24V DC +/- 10%. The supply voltage can sometimes be pulled down to be outside of this range when the Lidar’s thermal control system is working hard – so it’s best to adjust the input voltage presented to the UPS module to 25.5V no-load.
  • Page 9 The Lidar draws ~ 6A at 24V DC. If the active cooling option is fitted, then the additional power draw can draw up to an additional 7A when fully cooling. The temperature spec of the Lidar with this option is -20 to +40°C. If the extended cooling option is fitted, then there may be a power draw of up to 14A when fully cooling.

  • Page 10: Connections

    4. Connections. [Back to contents] From left to right: RJ45-X – This is for use with an RJ45 crossover cable, which will directly connect the internal PC to another PC. Power LED and recessed internal PC power button. The button will act in exactly the same way as a regular desktop PC power button. If the shutdown software has been run and the PC is switched off, but the system is still powered, then a short press (duration of ½...
  • Page 11 The arrow on the power connector faces away from the Lidar when it is the correct orientation. The connector is a ¼ turn bayonet type. Ensure that it is properly inserted and locked into position. The connector may be plastic or metal type. The metal type still has an orientation arrow, but it won’t be painted.

  • Page 12: Air Blower And Heater Assembly

    4.2 Air blower and heater assembly. [Back to contents] The air blower will help to keep the window clear of dust, water and light snow. An internal heater can be switched on (the red button), which is controlled via a thermo-switch, which will enable the heater during temperatures lower than approximately 5ºC.

  • Page 13: Powering Up

    5. Powering up. [Back to contents] If the unit has been allowed to cool down to below 15ºC, then additional time will be needed before the unit can be run. Ideally, the system should be stored at room temperature (20ºC) for at least 24 hours prior to deployment.

  • Page 14: Orientation And Levelling

    6 Orientation and levelling. [Back to contents] All Lidar scan positioning and calculated results will assume that it is aligned to north as shown. Use the side of the enclosure, and not the label for reference. When the main control software is started, a pitch and roll value will be displayed, and there will be time to level the system during the setup period.

  • Page 15: Site Considerations

    7. Site considerations. [Back to contents] It is highly recommended that the Lidar be deployed on a surface that is not liable to get excessively hot, as the cooling aggregate (air-flowed heat exchanger) is located on the underside of the base unit. Steps should be taken to minimise the heat generated underneath the Lidar from direct sunlight - a turfed area is ideal.

  • Page 16: Controlling The Lidar Embedded Pc

    8. Controlling the Lidar embedded PC. [Back to contents] There are three methods of controlling the Lidar. 1. Direct connection using a keyboard, mouse and monitor, 2. Network connection using a crossover cable into the RJ45-X connector and a controlling PC with appropriate remote access software installed, 3.

  • Page 17: Remote Connection Software

    8.1 Remote connection software. [Back to contents] After the Lidar PC has been given time to boot up, run the client remote PC software on the connected PC. The following screen will be displayed: Use 192.168.0.1 if connected using a crossover cable into RJ45-X.
  • Page 18 If the remote PC is physically switched off, or is having a problem connecting to the LAN, then the following message will be displayed after the ‘Connect’ button is pressed: If connection is problematic, check that your attached PC is using the correct network settings and that the correct RJ connection and leads are being used.
  • Page 19 At the top of the remote control software window, there are options to Disconnect, Transfer files, Control and View, as shown below: Control allows full control over the PC in every way, while View just allows viewing with no interaction. If the connection configuration and login details are all correct, then the desktop of the Lidar PC will be displayed.

  • Page 20: Desktop Icons

    9 The desktop icons. [Back to contents] There are 3 software modules related to running the StreamLine Pro Lidar: Main control software Shutdown Scan schedule The corresponding icons are shown here: The StreamLine main control software. Double click the icon to load and run. The scan schedule can be altered during normal control software operation (covered later) and is also accessible from the desktop at any time.
  • Page 21 9.1 Scan Schedule. [Back to contents] This program is used to configure the built in scan pattern settings, the scan schedule and the repetition timing of all scans. After double clicking the Scan schedule icon, the above screen is displayed. The buttons on the left are used to enable or disable the various scan types.

  • Page 22: Variable Electronic Focus

    9.1.1 Variable electronic focus. [Back to contents] StreamLine Pro systems (excluding XR versions) have electronic focus. This feature will allow a focus to be selected for each scan type in the schedule. The series of lines in the graph below show the effect that the focus position has with respect to the signal.

  • Page 23: Stare Coordinates

    9.1.2 Stare coordinates [Back to contents] The stare co-ordinates are used by default when the Lidar software is started and when no other scans are being executed. If no other scanning is set, the Lidar will continue to use the stare coordinates for data collection. A suitable staring position can be entered into the Az and El fields.

  • Page 24: User Defined Scan File

    9.1.5 User defined scan file. [Back to contents] The scan file option is used to input a user generated scan pattern, which can consist of any number of coordinate pairs within the 18° from vertical conical field of regard. Section 5.3.5 gives details for creating a suitable scan file. After pressing the Scan file button, the filename to be used should be selected using the file browser pop-up.

  • Page 25: Creating A Custom Scan File

    9.1.6 Creating a custom scan file. [Back to contents] To create a custom scan file, the following format must be used: pair (az, el) in the form 123.456123.456 – both must be zero padded f7.3 format. pair last pair Example file: (3 pairs of coordinates) 340.004090.000 295.004072.000 025.004073.000...

  • Page 26: Main Control Software

    9.2 Main control software. [Back to contents] When the main control software is loaded, it will run and display the following screen: It is possible to run in simulation mode, where the optical output from the system is disabled – but with all other functions enabled.
  • Page 27 The Gate length is shown in data points. The default is 10 (for a 50MHz sample rate), but this can be changed. Increasing the gate length will increase the spectral resolution to the detriment of the range resolution. Choose the number of Averages for each ray. The minimum is 1500 and the maximum is 15000. If more averages are required, then a multiplier of the Averages number can be specified in the scan schedule software Rays/pnt control.
  • Page 28 The difference between the overlapped (before the break), and non-overlapped is shown below. Overlapping ensures that the minimum range is as low as possible. Email alerts can be enabled and individually selected, that will (with an Internet connection, and accessible email server), allow the system to send alert mails.
  • Page 29 When UDP data broadcasting is enabled, some data fields will be broadcast to a remote IP and Port. A valid LAN or Internet connection is needed for this function, although the loss of connection won’t adversely affect the system as the UDP method of broadcasting is insensitive to network problems.

  • Page 30: Real Time Data Display

    9.2.1 Real time data display. [Back to contents] While the software is taking data, it is possible to navigate to any of the other tab displays. It is not possible however to alter any settings on the ‘System setup’ screen unless the ‘Change Lidar settings’ button is first pressed and the timer is counting down.

  • Page 31: Data Logging

    9.2.2 Data logging. [Back to contents] Data logging destination drive. The destination drive letter can be chosen, either before the logging buttons are pressed, or while data logging is enabled. If a drive letter other than ‘C’ is chosen (in the yellow background control), then the software will check for a valid drive connection and also that there is more than 1GB of storage space available.
  • Page 32 9.2.3 Data file header and data format. [Back to contents] Typical staring data file header and data format: Filename: Stare_84_20140521_12.hpl System ID: Number of gates: Range gate length (m): 30.0 Gate length (pts): Pulses/ray: 15000 No. of rays in file: Scan type: Stare Focus range:...

  • Page 33: Additional Displays

    9.2.4 Additional displays. [Back to contents] The ‘C/C’ button next to any currently displayed scan can be pressed to continuously cycle the chosen scan. If multiple C/C buttons are pressed, those scans will repeat, one after the other. During this mode, the ‘Reload schedule’...

  • Page 34: Diagnostics Tab

    9.2.5 Diagnostics tab. [Back to contents] The diagnostics page is used for checking the system humidity and temperature states. The displays are updated every 2 minutes. The temperature, humidity, supply voltage and thermal control status (on non-TEC units) data are logged to a file that is stored in the monthly directory in the processed data directory: C:\Lidar\Data\Proc\yyyy\yyyymm\system_parameters_SystemID_yyyymm.txt An example file showing date/time, internal temperature (1 deg C resolution), internal relative humidity, supply voltage,...

  • Page 35: Wind Profile Tab

    9.2.6 Wind profile tab. [Back to contents] A few seconds after a wind profile measurement has been taken, the profile is displayed as above. The processed data are saved into the current processed data directory. File naming convention for processed wind profile data: Processed_Wind_Profile_SystemID_yyyymmdd_hhmmss.hpl Processed files are in the format shown below, with the number of heights first, then successive data points giving height (AGL), wind direction and horizontal wind speed.

  • Page 36: Stopping The Software

    9.2.7 Stopping the Software. [Back to contents] Press the button on the Real time data tab to stop the software and park the scanner. The software will stop, and a message will be displayed stating that the power should be left on for a few minutes to allow the internal fans to remove residual hot air from the internal electronics.

  • Page 37: Troubleshooting

    11.Troubleshooting. [Back to contents] Problem / observation Possible cause / fix / check • The Lidar won’t power up – the green power LED on the The 24V 10A fuse (F-1) may have blown. With all Lidar connector panel is not lit. power cables disconnected, check the 10A fuse in the holder and replace if necessary.
  • Page 38 disconnected. Make sure that your keyboard is a simple USB type – with no hub or anything else that needs a driver installing to work. Try pressing the [Ctrl][Alt] and [F1] keys. • If no picture is displayed still, then you must make sure that there are no user accounts set up, that need to be selected requiring a password at startup.

  • Page 39: Routine Cleaning

    12. Routine cleaning. [Back to contents] Heat exchanger fans. If the Lidar is in a dusty environment, it may be necessary to blow the dust from around the heat exchanger fans with an air duster. The fans should also be checked routinely to make sure that they are both spinning without obstruction. Wiping brush.

  • Page 40: Network Time Synchronisation

    13. Network time synchronisation software. [Back to contents] The PC internal clock has been set to ignore daylight saving time adjustment, and will be set to GMT. The Lidar has a time synchronisation program installed (loads and runs at startup) that will keep the computer clock synchronised to a network time server.

  • Page 41: Gps Time Synchronisation

    14. GPS time synchronisation. [Back to contents] If your system has a GPS option installed, then it is possible to choose to synchronise to the GPS signal every hour. This feature will be useful when there is no network connection meaning that the regular network time sync software (D4) is not able to work.

  • Page 42: Udp Data Broadcasting

    15. UDP data broadcasting. [Back to contents] During set up, or if the ‘Change Lidar settings’ button is pressed during data collection, UDP data output can be enabled or disabled. If the UDP button is enabled from a previously disabled state, then a pop-up window will be displayed, which allows the selection of the data to be output, and the IP and port information used.

  • Page 43: Typical Thermal Characteristics

    16. Typical thermal characteristics. [Back to contents] The graph above illustrates the expected average internal temperature versus the external ambient temperature for the passive temperature specification. The external ambient temperature is defined here as the temperature of the air being drawn into the heat exchanger on the underside of the Lidar. Depending upon the characteristics of the ground, this may be hotter than the temperature as measured in the conventional way for meteorological reporting.

  • Page 44: Quick Start Guide And Notes

    17 Quick start guide and notes. [Back to contents] Use the scan schedule software to create suitable scan files. Site the Lidar, align to north and power the unit. If the unit has been allowed to cool down to below 15ºC, then additional time will be needed before the unit can be run.

  • Page 45: Returning A System

    18 Returning a system. [Back to contents] Before returning a system to Halo, please ensure that the following preparatory steps are followed. If the system is being returned due to an internal computer fault, then it is recognised that some of the following steps will not be possible.

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