The W40PC uses the same Windows™ based user interface as the W41PC MK-II. System flexibility opens new fields of application like meteorological, maritime and aeronautical use.

Most of the transmission modes realized in our other systems are implemented.
Call 1-800-438-8155 for Pricing, ask for Belinda or Judy

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The W40PC personal computer plug-in system offers all the necessary functions to analyze, decode and process radio communication transmissions. The complete electronic circuitry is realized on a direct plug in, ISA-Bus printed circuit board.

The W40PC can be used interactively, via remote control, or using automatic control (customer written or third party software). This allows the plug-in system to be adapted to the clients needs and applications.

Using an audio, IF or discriminator signal, the W40PC decodes a variety of text and graphical transmission modes. The detection of signal parameters is assisted by a large number of analysis and measurement functions which operate in a wide range.

No interrupt is required.

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

To decode and analyze signal transmissions the W40PC is equipped with two Digital Signal Processors (DSP). The DSPs with their power and efficiency allow the realization of real-time demodulators. The W40PC application runs on the PC, bringing the whole computing power of the PC itself into the system concept. Connection between the W40PC and the personal computer CPU is done through the ISA-Bus.

An excellent price- performance ratio makes the W40PC suitable for a lot of applications. The large number of transmission modes implemented by default include all of the important amateur radio operation modes like PACTOR-11, PSK31 and PACKET9600. Additionally a variety of professional analysis functions are integrated to support the advanced user.

Simple decoding of special signals like POCSAG or PACKET-RADIO with 9600 Baud found in the VHF/UHF bands can be done using the discriminator input. Besides this the IF input handles intermediate frequencies in the range of 16 kHz up to 1,5 MHz. Internal frequency generation is done with a highly stable DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer).

The W40PC can be controlled using additional software (e.g.. the shoc' RadioSpectrumManager) available on the market. This software contains an integrated database which lists frequencies and decoder/ receiver related information. The system parameters can be extracted from the database to directly adjust decoding functions or start an automatic recording of transmissions. With these functions the W40PC can be used for automatic scheduled operation and frequency monitoring.

The W40PC application is a full 32bit Microsoft^® Windows™ application, and has the benefit of being a familiar operating environment. This also has the advantage of automatically being supported by any graphics and any printer that is Windows™ compliant. Multi-window display capabilities make it possible to view different signals or to compare different analysis representations of a single signal simultaneously. The availability of sophisticated development tools allows the rapid implementation of new functions.

During decoding gathered data can be stored on hard disk, floppy or MO/DVD. Data output can be done simultaneously over serial or printer ports or local area networks in a multi-tasking environment.

The easy-to-use man-machine interface with clearly structured pull down menus allows an operator to be familiar with the W41 PC after a very short time. A high grade of efficiency can very quickly be realized. This highly qualified type of operation needs a quick switching between analysis and decoding modes.

All of the integrated analysis tools contain different measuring methods and viewing possibilities in order to examine the important signal parameters in detail. The W40PC reaches a unique precision and operates with highest resolutions (e.g. 0.001 baud for baud rate calculation). Adjustable crosshairs/lines with associated numeric on-line output of their position within different viewing modes make it easy to measure signal parameters exactly. Dynamic zoom functions allow a detailed magnification of any chosen window. Scroll buffering makes it possible to move back and forward within signal history.

Real-time FFT functions realized with fast Motorola DSPs, together with a fast display refresh rate, provide powerful tools especially suitable for analyzing unknown signals.

A wide range of default system settings can be configured. Some examples are, input signal level, sampling rate, measuring interval, center frequency and complex interleaving factors. Additionally a variety of international alphabets can be selected.

Most of the more than 100 modes currently implemented, all important demodulators and a variety of different alphabets are included in the standard package. Product development is an ongoing process, and additional modes and functions are continually being added. The software is completely based on a modular design concept and written in Microsoft^® Visual C++'. This environment combined with the Windows™ operating system results in a reliable platform for the object oriented software development of the W40PC unit.

APPLICATIONS

Typical fields of application for the W40PC plug-in system include:

• manual or automated monitoring of radio communication transmissions in the Hill and VHF/UHF/SHF bands
• amateur radio reception
• meteorological, maritime and aeronautical applications
• signal analysis and classification

The frequency range covers a wide spectrum from audio frequencies up to microwaves.

Besides the implementation of all important amateur radio modes the W40PC contains functions for special picture transmission modes. In addition to these data codes used to transfer information in the maritime and aeronautical fields are included as well.

Post-processing of the decoded data can be done directly on the PC with additional software. There are almost no limitations concerning the wide range of applications. Interfacing with control programs and frequency bases allows easy use which lasts from direct observation of single, fixed frequency transmissions to fully automated broadband monitoring based on a time schedule.

Extensive analysis of a signal and time consuming manual adjustment of parameters often leads to loss of data. The capability of the W40PC to automatically recognize and decode transmission modes reduces time to get correct information output dramatically. This function within the W40PCs intelligence is called "Code Check" and absolutely necessary to enable automatic and unattended operation.