CONTROL STATION ANALYSIS

     A challenge has presented itself to identify a Ground Control Station (GCS) that can be
either used by ground or maritime systems and breakdown its functionality (good, bad, ugly).  I
can take the easy route and pick the first thing my preferred internet search engine display;
however, I wanted to present something a tad-bit outside the box.  More times than not, when
someone pictures an Unmanned System (US) GCS a large room comes to mind equipped with a
huge array of advanced electronics.   This image holds true to some of the military’s current
control stations or even the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ground
control stations.  On the opposite side of the coin, GCS’s can be as simple as a control tablet/pad
or an Electronic Ordnance Disposal (EOD) control unit set-up in the back of a Mine-Resistant
Ambush Protected (MRAP).  I would like to present the middle ground if you will in control
stations. 

     Let me introduce UAV Factory’s off-the-shelf portable GCS.  This particular GCS offers
it users a flexible yet extremely powerful alternative to your current off-the-shelf unmanned
system controllers.  UAV factory has made this particular GCS customizable per customer
request to fit its users unmanned control system needs.  From a business perspective,
customization is a very important feature of this product due to the numerous unmanned vehicle
applications being used worldwide.  This GCS uses a distinctive Modular Electronic
Compartment (MEC) which houses the control stations electronics.  The MEC dimensions are
3.2ft X 1.3ft and are made from a damage resistant material.  The MEC allows the user to
quickly uninstall and install new hardware.  This flexibility enables users the ability to
control/monitor sensors of numerous unmanned vehicles or robotics with little downtime.  Per
manufactures website, here is a list of features (UAVFACTORY, unk):

•  Universal off-the-shelf ground control station 
•  Based on fully ruggedized Panasonic CF-31 Toughbook
•  Integrated Toughbook docking station
•  Two Hot-swappable lithium batteries
•  User-dedicated modular electronics compartment
•  Two 12 V power outputs for datalinks
•  Comprehensive set of connections
•  Super bright 17” and 13” touch screen displays
•  10-32 VDC input range
•  Intuitive power monitoring display
•  Over-voltage, overcurrent, reverse polarity protection
•  Battery over-discharge protection
•  User-serviceable fuses
•  Removable Cordura bag for accessories
•  Carry handles, wheels and shoulder strap for convenient transportation
•  Ruggedized and lightweight design

Let’s look at the systems data depiction and presentation strategy as offered by it array of user
electronics.

     Data depiction is presented to the user via Panasonic’s field proven CF-31 Toughbook as
well as the GCS’s additional 17’’ sunlight readable touch screen display (UAVFACTORY, unk). 
Connections are made through the following: -2 serial (RS-232), 5 USB, 2 Ethernet, 1
Composite Video in, 1 VGA in, 1 Microphone in, 1 Audio out, PCMCIA slot, and HDMI.  The
presentation strategy is clearly and simply displayed using the two available screens.  The respective Toughbook displays images using a 13.1” XGA 1200 nit touchscreen (Panasonic,
2013).  The 17’’ display is presented in 1280 x 1024 (SXGA) and has an optional touch screen.
The users unmanned vehicle operation(s) will be conducted using the Toughbook
Operating System (OS) system software.  Currently the Toughbook is using a Windows® 8.1
Pro 64-bit OS.  This current iteration of Windows is a powerful option that will efficiently utilize
and take advantage of the systems Intel® Core™ i5-5300U vPro™ Processor.  User interface is
conducted via touchpads, mouse, and touchscreens.

    I want to give you (the reader) some negative reviews (as most writers tend to do, as it’s
easy to criticize) of the GCS and point out its numerous flaws; however, I really can’t find any.  I
have yet to use this particular GCS, but after reading current user reviews and thoroughly going
over the system specs via its easy to understand 23 page manual, I find myself liking it more and
more.  The only challenge I can conjure up would be finding level ground to place the GCS stand
on.  Unlike identification of system flaws, I can recommend the following change: integrate a
cooling system (fans, etc) within the docking stations.  This would assist with keeping your
expensive electronics running a peak performance and eliminate unneeded damage cause by
overheating.



References

UAV Factory (unk). Unmanned Platforms and Subsystems.  Portable Ground Control Station. 
Retrieved from http://www.uavfactory.com/product/16

Panasonic (2013). Toughbook 31.  Retrieved from
http://www.business.panasonic.com/toughbook/fully-rugged-laptop-toughbook-31.html