Project R.Ob.I.N.

Radio Observance Intelligence Network Abstract

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.

End Product Description

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.

Picture of solar car and chase van Acknowledgements

• • 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

Introduction 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.

amateur radio operators.

All users will be licensed

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

Design Requirements

• • • • •

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

Technical Approach

• • • • • • 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 Milestones

• • • • • 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

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

Financial Budget

Item

Repeater systems (3) Duplexers (3) Towers for repeaters (3) Yagi antennas (3) Transmission lines (3) Van radios – Kenwood TM-D700A (4) Mobile antennas

Total Cost

R.Ob.I.N. System Block Diagram

Estimated Cost

$4,425 $2,400 $1,500 $300 $150 $2,400 $300

$11,475

Personnel Effort

Estimated personnel effort per week:

30 hours

Estimated total personnel effort:

600 hours

Team Number:

May01-15

Client:

Iowa State University Solar Team

John Burns -EE Joe Distefano -EE Mike Dorman -CprE Tim Lappe -EE Matthew Nelson -EE

Project Advisor:

Dr. John Basart

Ryan Parlee -CprE Brenton Rothchild -CprE