1. Use amateur radio in the VHF and UHF bands to obtain a greater range compared to past races Due to signal propagation limits, a repeater is used to increase the range of a signal Repeaters are linked with UHF radio (70 cm band) Packet radio is used to transmit/receive data: - Operates in the 70 cm band - Uses terminal node controllers that support TCP/IP over AX.25 - Data rate is 9600 bps Data includes: - Weather Data - GPS information - Telemetry - Navigation information Software (Navigation Console) enables all information to be displayed Project R.Ob.I.N. Radio Observance Intelligence Network A reliable communication system is essential for the success of a solar car race. Data from the solar car's telemetry system, voice communications from team members, and key strategy information such as weather data, GPS coordinates, and road conditions need to be available to all the support vehicles over a range of 300 miles. The R.Ob.I.N. system will use a linked repeater system based on amateur radio to relay this information over the necessary range. This system will provide reliable, secure communications for the solar car team which will allow the them to more effectively manage information and implement a more efficient driving strategy. Team Number: May01-15 Client: Iowa State University Solar Team Project Advisor: Dr. John Basart John Burns -EEJoe Distefano -EEMike Dorman -CprETim Lappe -EEMatthew Nelson -EERyan Parlee -CprEBrenton Rothchild -CprE Abstract Financial Budget Personnel Effort R.Ob.I.N. System Block Diagram Cost-effectiveness analysis of implementation options Choose implementation to be used Proof-of-concept system construction and operation System construction completed System testing to ensure compliance with design requirements Project Milestones Objectives and Functions More cost-effective than cellular phones Operate in a wide variety of climates and terrain Entire system must be completely mobile Provide secure and reliable voice and data communications over 300 miles Utilize high-powered mobile repeater systems along race route Design Contraints Types of transmission and power must comply with FCC Rules and Regulations Cost of deployment for the solar car team The R.Ob.I.N system is a long range mobile communications system that allows people to talk and transmit data at a range of 300 miles. There are no recurring costs after the initial cost of equipment and vehicles. Operating in the frequency ranges of 144-148 MHz and 420-450 MHz, the R.Ob.I.N. system provides reliable communication in many different environmental conditions. End Product Description Team PrISUm - The Iowa State University Solar Car Team for the use of their facilities and financial assistance Motorola for their generous contribution of equipment General Background Historically, the solar car team has used CBs and cellular phones for voice communications among the caravan and between the caravan and the remote scout vehicles. The caravan consists of the chase van, solar car, and lead van. The problem is that these devices do not meet the solar car team’s growing voice and data communication needs. CB’s use a low power, line of sight voice channel which is limited to 10-15 miles. Also, cellular service is not always available during a solar car race. The R.Ob.I.N. project will overcome these limitations and provide the necessary voice and data communications for the solar car team. Technical Problem The range of radio signals is limited by several factors such as: Line of sight due to the curvature of the earth and terrain Atmospheric conditions Signal strength and interference Operating Environment Race route from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA Wide range of climates and weather conditions Varying temperatures, terrain and other adverse conditions Intended Users and Uses The R.Ob.I.N. system is intended for use by the Iowa State University Solar Car Team for communications during solar car races. All users will be licensed amateur radio operators. Assumptions and Limitations Transport vehicles for repeater systems can provide ample electrical power Necessary frequency ranges will be available for use during the race The system must comply with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 97 Limited available funds and corporate product donations Picture of solar car and chase van Estimated personnel effort per week: 30 hours Estimated total personnel effort:600 hours ItemEstimated Cost Repeater systems (3)$4,425 Duplexers (3)$2,400 Towers for repeaters (3)$1,500 Yagi antennas (3)$300 Transmission lines (3)$150 Van radios – Kenwood TM-D700A (4)$2,400 Mobile antennas$300 Total Cost$11,475 Technical Approach Testing Approach Range Testing Outfit test vehicles with antennas and drive through different terrain and environmental conditions Functionality Testing Preliminary test to prove the system has the designed data and voice communications Caravan test with the solar car caravan to simulate race day conditions Mechanical/Environmental Testing Test reliability of the collapsible antenna towers Test system in abnormal environmental conditions Acknowledgements Introduction Design Requirements