UAV Radio Frequency Scanner System
Plexus Controls deployed and operated the Facebook Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) Radio Frequency Scanner System (URFSS). The system was designed to assist with the positioning of radio communication towers in Non-Line of Sight (NLoS) links. In addition, the system is providing measured data to assist with the quality and accuracy of path loss software tools.
The system consists of 2 major components:
- Transmitter System
- UAV Receiver System
Transmitter System
The transmitter system is designed as a temporary battery powered self contained unit to provide a radio frequency carrier wave signal. The carrier wave is acting as a known reference for the link analysis.
The transmitter system location and the proposed tower location site at the receiver side is identified in the project document provided by the customer.
UAV Receiver System
The receiver site location and the proposed tower location site at the receiver site is identified in the project information sheet provided by the customer.
The UAV takeoff location should is planned as close to the centre of the scanning area as possible. The location is:
- At least 30m clearance from any buildings, trees and foliage.
- Line of sight view to the UAV throughout the scanning area
- Level and clear of loose soil, dust and debris
UAV flights must be flown when there is no precipitation and when the wind velocity is less than 15km/hr. Wind gusts and operation around trees and hills can cause turbulence and instability during the flight. In addition, the UAV should be flown when the ambient temperature is between 5C and 30C.