FLYMOTION

  • HOME
  • SOLUTIONS
    • UNMANNED SYSTEMS
      • Drones
      • Robotics – Spot Boston Dynamics
      • Maritime
      • Tethers
      • Payloads
      • Drone Accessories
    • COUNTER UAS
      • Aerial Security
      • Detection
      • Mitigation
    • SOFTWARE
      • ATAK / WinTAK / CivTAK
      • TeamConnect
      • 2D / 3D Mapping
      • Fleet Management
      • Custom
    • THERMALS / NIGHT VISION
      • Drones
      • Handheld
      • Tactical
      • Maritime
    • CONNECTIVITY
      • Live Streaming
      • FirstNet
      • Wireless Carriers
    • MOBILITY
      • Mission Case LTE
      • Laptops / Tablets
      • Mobile Devices
      • Comms
      • Cradlepoint
    • VEHICLES
      • Trident Series
      • Maverick Series
      • Overwatch Series
      • Storm Series
      • Strike Series
      • Custom
    • INDUSTRY
      • Fire Rescue
      • Law Enforcement
      • Government
      • Defense
      • Security
      • Enterprise
  • SERVICES
    • DISASTER RESPONSE
      • Disaster Response Services
      • Past Performance
      • Become a Pilot
    • CONSULTATION
      • Drones Solutions
      • Thermal Solutions
      • Connectivity Solutions
      • Command Vehicles
    • AERIAL SECURITY
      • Counter UAS
      • Drone Detection Products
      • Schedule a Consultation
    • TRAINING
      • Train with FLYMOTION
      • Course Offerings
      • Public Safety
      • Government & Defense
      • UTAC
    • AERIAL INSPECTION
      • Drone Inspection Services
      • Past Performance
      • Inspection Solutions
    • TECH INTEGRATION
      • Custom Solutions
    • 3D PRINTING/RAPID PROTOTYPING
      • Custom Solutions
    • Security Services
      • AGM Security Group
      • Red Teaming
  • TRAINING
    • Train with FLYMOTION
    • Course Offerings
    • Public Safety
    • Government & Defense
    • UTAC
  • VEHICLES
    • Overview
    • Trident Series
    • Maverick Series
    • Overwatch Series
    • Storm Series
    • Strike Series
  • SUPPORT
    • Tech Support
    • Submit a Help Ticket
  • EVENTS
    • Unmanned Tactical Application Conference
    • Tour / Roadshow
    • Webinars
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Partners / Clients
    • Careers
    • News
  • STORE
800-548-5844

The Power of Mesh Networks: Radios by Silvus Technologies

Wednesday, 25 January 2023 by FLYMOTION

In December 2022, two developments headlined several defense publications. The United States Marine Corps awarded a five-million-dollar contract to procure MANET radios for the branch’s tactical vehicles. Later that month, the United States Navy completed a three-week-long exercise named “Digital Horizon,” validating the deployment of connected, intelligent unmanned surface and aerial systems in a maritime area of operations. Though seemingly unrelated, both events had one thing in common: StreamCaster MANET radios from Silvus Technologies. 

As it turns out, the Marines selected StreamCaster radios to support Networking On-The-Move (NOTM) initiatives for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and future Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). Silvus radios were also crucial to the success of Digital Horizon, linking dispersed unmanned surface and air vehicles back to the Robotics Operations Center (ROC).

A U.S. Navy USV during Digital Horizon. Credit: Defense News

What makes Silvus the radio of choice for these complex assignments? We’ll answer that question by breaking down the MIMO techniques powering these radios and covering MANET technology. Then, we’ll look at a recent FLYMOTION integration of Silvus radios and how you can harness their capabilities in your operations.

Quick Facts 

StreamCasters are mesh network-capable radios using Silvus’ proprietary MN-MIMO waveform. They are available in one of three models:

  • StreamCaster Lite 4200: The smallest of the three, the 4200 outputs 1w of power.
  • StreamCaster 4200 Enhanced Plus (EP): A larger handheld radio, this model outputs 10w of power.
  • StreamCaster 4400 Enhanced: Developed for vehicle, airborne, and command post-based applications, the SC4400 outputs 20w of power.
Left to right: Lite 4200, 4400 Enhanced, 4200 Enhanced Plus

How do Silvus radios work?

To understand how Silvus radios work, you need to know a couple of abbreviations. 

MN-MIMO

The abbreviation MN-MIMO combines two distinct qualities of Silvus radios. First, they are Mobile-Networked (MN), able to create a mesh communications network without any infrastructure. Second, Silvus radios use a Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna configuration, meaning they use all their antennas to transmit and receive. MIMO functionality is significant for several reasons. 

Multiple transmission antennas enable a technique called Eigen Beamforming. Signals emit from each antenna in specific sequences, combining to generate a stronger signal. By manipulating the timing of its signals, a StreamCaster radio can effectively steer the transmission signal to the appropriate receiving party. 

In practical terms, Eigen Beamforming effectively doubles — even quadruples — the power output of each radio. The number of antennas, multiplied by the rated output, results in the working output. For example, the StreamCaster Lite, which technically has a power output of 1w, has a working output of 2w. In the case of the StreamCaster 4400, its 20w power output effectively increases to 80w.

Multiple antennas also increase reception quality through redundancy, also known as diversity. As expected, outside interference degrades transmission signals. Multiple receiving antennas can overcome this degradation by combining signals and analyzing them to create a fuller overall reception.

Spectrum Dominance

In addition, integrated into Silvus’ proprietary MN-MIMO waveform is Spectrum Dominance. Spectrum Dominance is an expansive suite of Low Probability of Intercept, Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD), and Anti-Jamming resiliency capability options. All three enable secure and protected communications in congested and contested environments. 

You can learn more about the techniques that make up Silvus MN-MIMO technology here.

MANET

A Mobile Ad-hoc Network, or MANET for short, is a type of mesh network and arguably the most important characteristic of Silvus StreamCaster radios. In simple terms, a MANET system is a group of connected radios that form a network to transmit information. Each radio in the system serves as a transmitter, relay, and receiver. These networks are also decentralized and self-organized, hence the term Ad-hoc. In other words, there is no central hub administrating traffic. If a radio is added or dropped, the network will instantly reorganize itself to optimize information flow.

With this adaptive, efficient network, MANET radios like the StreamCaster can send and receive high-fidelity voice, video, and other IP data without the need for infrastructure.

Applications: FLYMOTION Ridgeback

The use of StreamCaster MANET radios aboard unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in Digital Horizon mirrors an integration capability developed by FLYMOTION several years ago. Recognizing the potential of MANET radios in unmanned systems, FLYMOTION created Ridgeback. Ridgeback is a communication payload for Spot by Boston Dynamics that replaces the OEM Wi-Fi connection with a pair of MANET radios.

The premise of Ridgeback is simple: with one radio plugged into the controller and another connected to the robot, operators can control movement and view the feed. Because this configuration also creates a mesh network, any personnel with access to a MANET radio can also view feeds from Spot. 

In short, Ridgeback provides two major benefits. For one, it provides an encrypted transmission stronger than the standard link. Secondly, it enables the democratization of information to other team members.

When the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office procured a Spot unit from FLYMOTION, they also requested a Ridgeback payload with Silvus MANET radios to integrate with the rest of their communication system. With our Silvus-powered Ridgeback, the agency’s EOD team can confidently operate Spot in challenging or complex RF environments, like concrete buildings or underground tunnels, from a safe distance.

Conclusion

As the use of unmanned systems increases, so will the need for a standardized, capable communication infrastructure. Fortunately, for the reasons previously mentioned and more, Silvus StreamCaster radios exceed the performance requirements of complex and data-intensive missions. If you want to learn more about MANET radios or custom integrations, please contact a FLYMOTION representative or visit our website.

CommsSilvus
Read more
  • Published in Uncategorized
No Comments

UAS Case Study: Beverly Hills PD’s DFR Program

Tuesday, 24 January 2023 by FLYMOTION

Drones are no longer newcomers to public safety. Several agencies are integrating UAS into their response, including the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD). 

A New Initiative

In December 2021, the BHPD began a trial program to patrol the Business Triangle, home to the city’s high-end fashion stores. After experiencing some initial success, the program expanded its operations to patrol large parts of the city. But perhaps the most important development is the drone unit’s evolution into a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program.

View from BHPD’s drone providing overwatch during a vehicle pursuit. The Los Angeles Times

The “Real Time Watch Center”

The new DFR program is part of a broader initiative to leverage technology, including a “Real Time Watch Center,” for increased vigilance and safety. This social media post highlights the new command center, which displays data from traffic cameras, license plate readers, and drones. Centralizing this information results in what BHPD’s Lt. Robert Maycott calls a “3D incident command space.”

Positive Effects

The department has deployed its drone frequently; in 2022, BHPD conducted over 2,000 flights. In over a quarter of the flights, the drone arrived on scene before officers. As a result, the department has experienced increased levels of situational awareness. In one clip they published, a pilot identifies a suspect at a restaurant who threatened to tase an employee. Before the officers’ arrival, the suspect’s identity is confirmed, and a description is relayed to the responding units. Officers promptly find the man and arrest him without any issue. 

Recent statistics also support the effectiveness of the UAS program. According to Police Chief Mark Stainbrook, the initiative decreased property crime by 34% between June and September 2022.

This decrease is particularly remarkable because crime is generally highest during the summer; increased tourism and traffic often lead to spikes in burglaries. These favorable outcomes have encouraged the adoption of more proactive tactics, like regular drone flights over the city to look for suspicious activity.

What is DFR?

The efforts of the Beverly Hills Police Department reflect a growing trend in law enforcement agencies throughout the US. Rather than exclusively deploying drones at large incidents, some departments regard it equally effective to launch their aircraft for routine calls. This strategy, known as Drone as First Responder (DFR), ensures the safety of officers by providing critical information ahead of their arrival.

DFR is also a cost-effective solution. Nominal acquisition, operation, and maintenance costs enable smaller agencies to possess a native air support capability without the price tag of manned aircraft or a dependence on the resources of neighboring departments. 

Drone used by Chula Vista PD’s DFR program, one of the first in the country. Chula Vista Police Department

It’s also important to remember that the advantages will only continue to increase as DFR hardware/software products evolve. Currently, several mature solutions are in service throughout the country, with new developments promising to expand their applications. 

Starting Your DFR Program

Is your agency interested in starting a DFR program? We can help! Backed by years of operational and technical experience, FLYMOTION provides the hardware, software, and consultation you need to build a successful program. You can contact us here or by visiting our website.


Sources

Beverly Hills Courier

https://beverlyhillscourier.com/2022/01/27/inside-the-beverly-hills-police-departments-pilot-drone-program/

City of Beverly Hills

https://beverlyhills.granicus.com/player/clip/8866view_id=49&meta_id=540266&redirect=true&h=1d75fc585d74e26e52551f9694239c4d

The Los Angeles Times

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-29/beverly-hills-police-now-has-an-eye-in-the-sky-with-new-drone-program

Read more
  • Published in Uncategorized
No Comments

Recent Posts

  • The Power of Mesh Networks: Radios by Silvus Technologies

    In December 2022, two developments headlined se...
  • UAS Case Study: Beverly Hills PD’s DFR Program

    Drones are no longer newcomers to public safety...
  • Meet the Sponsors of UTAC 2022!

    FLYMOTION is proud to announce the sponsors of ...
  • The Best Public Safety Drones of 2022

    This year has seen the continued success of sev...
  • aerial survey using drones

    WingtraOne Gen II: Wingtra Drone Review

    We’ve written several articles on the man...

OUR BRANDS

UTAC™
Rapid Case™
Mission Case LTE™

SUPPORT

Tech Support
Contact Us
Submit a Help Ticket
Veteran Owned Small Business Flymotion

COMPANY

DUNS: 080380424
Cage Code: 7RYF8
About Us
Careers

HEADQUARTERS

4416 Eagle Falls Place
Tampa, FL 33619
United States
+1-813-729-8822 ( International )
1-800-548-5844 ( Toll-Free )

© 2022 FLYMOTION. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

TOP