Remote Portable Solar Powered Microwave System,
Abstract:
During the process of testing, development, and evaluation of Army material, data is often required or desired to be transmitted from remote, isolated or rugged locations. Present day methodology regarding communications support of these remote tests and evaluation is limited in flexibility, mobility, bandwidth, and application. In addition, this present day methodology involves reliance on firm-fixed or generator power and presents a drawback of not being able to operate in real-time modes that are essential in support of some missions of the Department of the Army. To solve the problems mentioned above, a comparatively inexpensive, highly reliable, self contained and simple solution has been devised and successfully tested. A highly efficient microwave transmitter that operates from low voltage D.C. power has been coupled with a photovoltaic solar activated power source array of solar cells. This combination, using a miniature 8 oz. omnidirectional discone antenna, transmitted a 525 line television presentation of a mission test in real time, over a distance of several miles. The portable solar powered terminal took approximately 15 minutes set up time, and operated successfully for the duration of the test.