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At least 127 records · Page 7

A comparative analysis of area navigation systems in general aviation

Radio navigation systems which offer the capabilities of area navigation to general aviation operators are discussed. The systems considered are: (1) the VORTAC system, (2) the Loran-C system, and (3) the Differential Omega system. The inital analyses are directed toward a comparison of the systems with respect to their compliance to specified performance parameters and to the cost effectiveness of each system in relation to those specifications. Further analyses lead to the development of system cost sensitivity charts, and the employment of these charts allows conclusions to be drawn relative to the cost-effectiveness of the candidate navigation system.

Dodge, S. M.↗

Demonstration of intercontinental DSN clock synchronization by VLBI

The prototype system for Deep Space Network clock synchronization by VLBI has been demonstrated to operate successfully over intercontinental baselines in a series of experiments between Deep Space Stations at Madrid, Spain, and Goldstone, California. As predicted by analysis and short baseline demonstration, the system achieves reliable synchronization between 26m and 64m antenna stations with 17 and 37K nominal system temperatures using under one million bits of data from each station. Semi-real-time operation is feasible since this small amount of data can be transmitted to JPL and processed within minutes. The system resolution is 50 to 400ns, depending on the amount of data processed and the source intensity. The accuracy is believed to be comparable to the resolution, although it could be independently confirmed to only about 5 microseconds using LORAN C.

Hurd, W. J.↗

Time measurement techniques

The common time measurements as used by the U.S. Air Force Measurements and Standards Laboratory, Aerospace Guidance and Metrology Center (AGMC), Newark Air Force Station, Ohio, are described. Electronic counter time interval measurements are emphasized since this is the most common time comparison measurement in use. The proper use and setting of controls will be covered along with helpful hints and common mistakes to be avoided. Applications of time measurements are described and some of these are timekeeping via Loran-C, TV Line-10, and WWV. Frequency determination using periodic time readings will also be discussed.

Barnaba, J. F.↗

Report on the lunar ranging at McDonald Observatory, 1 February - 31 May 1976

The four spring lunations produced 105 acquisitions, including the 2000th range measurement made at McDonald Observatory. Statistics were normal for the spring months. Laser and electronics problems are noted. The Loran-C station delay was corrected. Preliminary doubles data is shown. New magnetic tape data formats are presented. R and D efforts include a new laser modification design.

Palm, C. S.↗

NASA tracking ship navigation systems

The ship position and attitude measurement system that was installed aboard the tracking ship Vanguard is described. An overview of the entire system is given along with a description of how precise time and frequency is utilized. The instrumentation is broken down into its basic components. Particular emphasis is given to the inertial navigation system. Each navigation system used, a mariner star tracker, navigation satellite system, Loran C and OMEGA in conjunction with the inertial system is described. The accuracy of each system is compared along with their limitations.

Mckenna, J. J.↗

A keyboard interface for the JOLT microprocessor

A keyboard interface designed to allow data input without use of a teleprinter is described. In operation, the keyboard allows JOLT start-up and entry of data for LORAN or OMEGA navigation.

Wright, L.↗

Automatic vehicle monitoring

Automatic vehicle monitoring systems are discussed. In a baseline system for highway applications, each vehicle obtains position information through a Loran-C receiver in rural areas and through a 'signpost' or 'proximity' type sensor in urban areas; the vehicle transmits this information to a central station via a communication link. In an advance system, the vehicle carries a receiver for signals emitted by satellites in the Global Positioning System and uses a satellite-aided communication link to the central station. An advanced railroad car monitoring system uses car-mounted labels and sensors for car identification and cargo status; the information is collected by electronic interrogators mounted along the track and transmitted to a central station. It is concluded that automatic vehicle monitoring systems are technically feasible but not economically feasible unless a large market develops.

Bravman, J. S.↗

NASA/Cousteau ocean bathymetry experiment. Remote bathymetry using high gain LANDSAT data

Satellite remote bathymetry was varified to 22 m depths where water clarity was defined by alpha = .058 1/m and bottom reflection, r(b), was 26%. High gain band 4 and band 5 CCT data from LANDSAT 1 was used for a test site in the Bahama Islands and near Florida. Near Florida where alpha = .11 1/m and r(b) = 20%, depths to 10 m were verified. Depth accuracies within 10% rms were achieved. Position accuracies within one LANDSAT pixel were obtained by reference to the Transit navigation satellites. The Calypso and the Beayondan, two ships, were at anchor on each of the seven days during LANDSAT 1 and 2 overpasses: LORAN C position information was used when the ships were underway making depth transects. Results are expected to be useful for updating charts showing shoals hazardous to navigation or in monitoring changes in nearshore topography.

Polcyn, F. C.↗

Some implications of reciprocity for two-way clock synchronization

The difficulties related to propagation perturbances in one-way and two-way methods for the synchronization of remote clocks are defined, and a possible means of circumventing these problems in the two-way method is suggested. In the two-way method, if signals are launched from two sources, A and B, then the two signals arriving at A and B will be displaced in arrival time by an amount that is equal to the difference in launch times of the two signals. Thus, the only condition to comparing clocks is that the medium be isotropic. The practice implementation of this is explored theoretically, in some detail, with respect to the Loran-C navigation system.

Jespersen, J. L.↗

Alternative approach to multisensor navigation

An alternative to the Kalman filtering technique, based on logical rather than numerical techniques, is presented. It can be implemented on one or more microprocessors (with a fixed communications protocol between the individual microprocessors); requires only limited preprocessing of the input data; can have its constituent subsystem changed without major revision to the combiner as new or better navigation techniques, such as the global positioning system (GPS) or Loran-C, become available; and tolerates a wide variety of sensor, hardware, and software errors. The basic structure of the method and results of simulations of its performance in the presence of errors common to low-cost sensors (such as VOR or basic Omega) are presented, along with a discussion of possible extensions.

Cannon, M. J.↗

DC-to-DC power supply for light aircraft flight testing

The power supply unit was developed to serve as the power source for a loran-C receiver. The power supply can be connected directly to the aircraft's electrical system, and is compatible with either 14 or 28 volt electrical systems. Design specifications are presented for the unit along with a description of the circuit design.

Yost, S. R.↗

Automatic gain control

An automatic gain control (AGC), designed to operate with the prototype Loran-C receiver, is described. The device is used to eliminate error which occurs when signals are received at different magnitudes. The automatic gain control is a three transistor circuit which requires a constant dc voltage of 8 volts. Tests conclude that this value may be in the range of 4 to 12 v without change in circuit performance. Two transistors are cascaded to pass and amplify the input signal. Their gain is controlled by a third transistor which itself is controlled by an external AGC voltage between 0 and 8 volts dc. The integrated circuit used is an 8 pin chip, which is a differential cascade amplifier designed for use in communications operating at frequencies from dc to 120 MHz. The integrated circuit was balanced for AGC capabilities, and has a wide operating current range. The maximum input current at pins 1 and 5 is 0.1 mAmps. AGC testing is described.

Roman, J. P.↗

Investigation of air transportation technology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1980

Several technological aspects governing air transportation at major airports were investigated. Three major areas were emphasized: (1) development of automated decision making for dynamic scheduling of runway operations at a major airport; (2) flight evaluation of the performance of low cost Loran C receivers; and (3) design of microcomputer based electronic flight displays for general aviation aircraft.

Simpson, R. W.↗

The P/POD project: Programmable/Pilot Oriented Display

A pilot orientated display system was developed for general aviation aircraft in order to reduce cockpit workloads. Emphasis was placed on the optimization of flight procedural aspects (i.e., interpretation of Loran data). Low cost hardware/software were utilized in the system to reduce developmental costs. Parallel development and testing were conducted on the ground (simulator) and in the air using the same hardware.

Littlefield, J. A.↗

The operational performance of hydrogen masers in the deep space network: The performance of laboratory reference frequency standards in an operational environment

Hydrogen masers used as aids in meeting the routine frequency and time operational requirements within the 64 m antenna Deep Space Network. Both the operational syntonation (frequency synchronization) and the the clock (epoch) synchronization requirements were established through the use of specifically calibrated H-P E215061A flying clock. The sync/synt to UTC was maintained using LORAN and TV in simultaneous reception mode. The sync/synt within the 64 m net was maintained through the use of very long base interferometry. Results indicate that the hydrogen masers perform well within the required specifications.

Ward, S. C.↗

Precise time and frequency intercomparison between NPL, India and PTB, Federal Republic of Germany via satellite symphonie-1

A time and frequency intercomparison experiment conducted using Earth stations in New Delhi, India and Raisting, FRG is described. The NPL clock was placed at New Delhi Earth Station and the Raisting Clock was calibrated with PTB/Primary standard via LORAN-C and travelling clocks. The random uncertainity of time comparisons, represented by two sample Allan Variance sigma (30 seconds), was less than 10 nanoseconds. The relative frequency difference between the NPL and Raisting Clocks, SNPL, RAIS, as measured over the 44 days period was found to be -15.7 x 10 to the -13th power. The relative frequency difference between PTB Primary Standard and Raisting Clock, SPTB, RAIS, during this period, was measured to be -22.8 x 10 to the -13th power. The relative frequency difference between NPL clock and PTB Primary Standard, SNPL, PTB, thus, is +7.1 x 10 to the -13th power. The clock rate (UTC, India) of +7.1 + or - 0.5 x 10 to the -13th power, agrees well with that obtained via VLF phase measurements over one year period and with USNO travelling clock time comparisons made in September, 1980.

Mathur, B. S.↗

Satellite-aided coastal zone monitoring and vessel traffic system

The development and demonstration of a coastal zone monitoring and vessel traffic system is described. This technique uses a LORAN-C navigational system and relays signals via the ATS-3 satellite to a computer driven color video display for real time control. Multi-use applications of the system to search and rescue operations, coastal zone management and marine safety are described. It is emphasized that among the advantages of the system are: its unlimited range; compatibility with existing navigation systems; and relatively inexpensive cost.

Baker, J. L.↗