Simultaneous downlinks from multiple platforms may be distributed to monitoring sites across the network. The downlink signal is converted to IP data before being delivered securely and bandwidth efficiently, across the customer’s own wide area network, to a monitoring point or multiple points of the customer’s choosing. A voting technique is used to select the best real time downlink signal available, from the multiple deployed receiving sites. The system uses signal quality and packet error data to select the most consistently reliable downlink feed for each channel. It incorporates a hysteresis effect to minimize unnecessary switching while remaining responsive to sudden data losses. Control of the system is via a NVS Control Software, which may be located anywhere on the network.

Since Video down links were first introduced, customers deploying COFDM based systems as the underlying technology, have demanded increased customization and functionality. Specifically, air platform users require their equipment to comply with DO-160 which is an aviation environmental conditions and test procedures certification. In addition, Military customers demand increased link robustness security protocols such as encryption and very low failure rates.

ECS has adapted its Evenlode product family to suit the evolution of air platforms such as helicopters which, require video down links to be ever smaller, lighter and consume less power, whilst increasing range and capability. This enables ECS to offer interoperability between rotary and fixed wing and unmanned platforms which are being used in the remote sensor role.

ECS has adopted and developed COFDM as its underlying technology for its down links, as the technology offers extendable range, sufficient bandwidth for Military and Security operations, whilst still offering a low operational cost solution from its aircraft-based Air Data Terminal.

The product and system design process within ECS has been developed in-line with industry and military standards and the Design Approved Organization Scheme (DAOS). The Company successfully achieved DAOS certification following their initial audit and has retained certification ever since. The Evenlode system has successfully completed RTCA DO-160-G specification, allowing the Air Data Terminal to be easily installed within aircraft.

ECS can also work with aerospace design and installation companies who retrofit the Evenlode Air Data Terminal to clients existing airframes if required.

The standard Evenlode transceiver is used with two receive antennas providing diversity reception. Uplink data may be used to provide UAV control, switch between different sensor inputs, provide camera control or be used to control downlink parameters. Ethernet and Asynchronous Serial Interface (ASI) inputs are provided for downlink data. The ASI input may be from an external Video www.enterprisecontrol.co.uk Audio Encoder Module (VEM). The VEM has two internal video encoders capable of encoding any two video signals selected by the operator from four HD and two Standard Definition (SD) inputs. ASI and Ethernet data rates are independently controllable. 

Evenlode may behave as an Ethernet bi-directional network repeater and also be compatible with all Enterprise Control Systems Ltd (ECS) video equipment. A low latency video encoder/ decoder option is available providing video delays of <140 ms. ECS supplies an extensive range of ground receiving systems and transceivers capable of integrating with Evenlode. These include fixed, vehicle-borne, briefcase and handheld receivers and transceivers. An Evenlode ground data terminal will contain a Video/Audio Decoder Module in the same configuration as the air Video/Audio Encoder Module. ECS is able to provide omnidirectional, diversity, sector tracking, multi-input diversity and high-gain GPS tracking ground station options.

The Evenlode Ground Data System is a modular system that complements the Evenlode Series of Airborne Data Terminals. The GDS is based on a half width 19” rack system that provides ground based equipment from test transmitters and receivers through to long range bidirectional tracking antenna fixed base stations.

The Evenlode GDS provides a suite of antenna options ranging from covert omnidirectional antennas to tracking antennas that can achieve ranges in excess of 200 nautical miles.
Enterprise Control Systems Ltd (ECS) provides the complete ‘turnkey’ ground solution including: antennas, cabling, lightning protection, receivers, transmitters, power supplies, test equipment, installation and training.

Evenlode is a series of equipment providing capability for a range of Information Exchange Requirements; equipment may be deployed for air, ground and maritime applications. Evenlode is offered at three levels of complexity with a defined upgrade path. Upgrading from Evenlode I to Evenlode II to Evenlode III uses the previously installed hardware. Following initial deployment of technology, further capability may be added should the Concept of Operations be developed or changed. Equipment is offered as:

Evenlode I Video Transmitter/Receiver. An Evenlode I air transmitter and Evenlode I ground receiver may be used to downlink dual High Definition video, audio, GPS data and telemetry data from the air platform to the ground.

Evenlode II Video Transceiver. Evenlode II air equipment may be used to extend the range of a downlink via a relay system. An Evenlode II air transceiver and Evenlode II ground transceiver provides optional two-way video, audio, GPS and serial telemetry data capability.

Evenlode III Data Terminal. Evenlode III has the data exchange capability of Evenlode II. In addition, air and ground equipment may be deployed to extend the full range of Internet Protocol (IP) services to the air platform; these include internet in the air, remote sensor control from the ground, remote access to databases, augmented reality and shared white-boarding applications. The link between a pair of Evenlode III terminals behaves, in networking terms, as an Ethernet cable with a maximum data rate defined by the radio link parameters.

Air equipment is provided with omnidirectional antennas for point-to-multipoint video exchange. Ground equipment can be offered with a range of omnidirectional and position-steered antenna systems. The complexity of the antenna is dependent upon range and deployment requirements. Static ground equipment may be deployed across a wide area and networked to provide extended coverage.

ECS supplies an extensive range of ground receiving systems and transceivers capable of integrating with Evenlode. These include fixed, vehicle-borne, briefcase and handheld receivers and transceivers. ECS is able to provide omnidirectional, diversity, sector tracking, multi-input diversity and high-gain GPS tracking ground station options.