All data that is to be transmitted is first encrypted. ECS has deployed national encryption schemes for Police networks securing information for multiple or single agency operations. ECS offers a range of encryption algorithms for the export market. The Company has provided encryption for air-to-ground systems and to secure data between receive and monitoring sites on the ground connected by IP networks.

Training and equipment can be provided to enable customers to generate, manage, load and zeroise encryption keys. Data sent and received by Evenlode has the capability of interfacing with a separate encryption module. This allows encryption to be completely removed from equipment when not in use and allows the customer to carry multiple modules for various operations. Modules may be removed from the equipment and managed centrally. Separate encryption modules can be provided by ECS within the Encryption Management System. Alternatively, assistance can be provided to allow customers to integrate their own module. It is also possible to incorporate a 3rd party encryption scheme within this module.

An area network is used to connect several Ground Receive Stations (GRS). This area network is normally an Internet Protocol (IP) network with ECS equipment set up on a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN). Each VLAN segment must support  a maximum data rate in the case where all downlink signals are received, encapsulated and multicast as a single GRS. 

Coded Orthogonal Frequency Divisional Multiplexing (COFDM) downlink information is received at each GRS for each downlink channel. The strongest downlink signal received across all GRS locations is multicast across the IP network to any number of monitoring sites. The Network Voting System software ensures uninterrupted downlink footage whilst each helicopter moves around the combined receive site coverage area. The Network Voting System allows radio area coverage beyond the capability of a single receive site. The diagram below shows a system capable of receiving three simultaneous helicopter downlinks and presenting these to three monitoring sites. A main monitoring site also contains the Network Voting System control software. Each ECS downlink may contain up to two video channels (one of which may be High Definition), audio, Global Positioning System (GPS) information and telemetry data.

The Ground Video Monitoring System comprises of a Video Matrix, Recorders and High-Definition monitors. A hardware controller is used to control the video recorders and software is provided to control video outputs from the video matrix. 

The Handyview is configured as part of a Standard Definition (SD), High Definition (HD) or, Evenlode system. All three versions have an integral COFDM demodulator, downconverter, battery, speakers and 8.4” display to provide high quality monitoring of video and audio transmission. Telemetry and positional data, if transmitted as part of the COFDM signal, are also available.

The unit contains sophisticated decryption to maintain a high level of security. With various antenna inputs and ancillary equipment, the Handyview may be used in the man-portable, vehicle-borne role. In conjunction with an Antenna Control Unit (ACU) and Multi-Sector Antenna (MSA), the Handyview may also be used in a more static, operations center. This flexibility allows an operator to plug and play the unit wherever they are located. At a weight of 2.7 kg, the Handyview is one of the lightest professional receivers on the World market.

The Handyview is controlled by a rotary switch and on-screen graphics. The unit will automatically set receive COFDM parameters provided the channel bandwidth is set. Decryption is fully automatic with options for Substitution Cipher Encryption and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256 (AES is subject to export license approval).

A fully weatherproof interface cable is provided to access video and audio signals with the option of headphones. The Handyview has a removable 6 Ahr battery. This battery may be charged through an external DC connector or removed from the Handyview unit and charged through a separate charging unit.

The Evenlode Ground Data Terminal provides decoding and monitoring of all signals contained within an ECS COFDM Evenlode downlink. The downlink may consist of up to two high definition video channels, two audio channels, GPS position of the Air Data Terminal, telemetry data and, bidirectional Internet Protocol (IP) Data. COFDM downlink parameter matching is automatic. The Ground Data Terminal may be used to transmit data in IP and serial formats to the Air Data Terminal. This uplink data could be used for remote control of sensors, selecting sensors or be used to control and monitor downlink parameters by remotely accessing the Air Data Terminal. Local and remote control are provided by Graphical User Interfaces (GUI).

GPS information from the aircraft transmitter is fed to the ACU to select the link-facing sector within each MSA. This provides high gain performance with an excellent range. Using an omnidirectional receive antenna in diversity improves downlink resilience: the highest quality COFDM signal is chosen from the two antenna inputs on a carrier-by-carrier basis and in real time.

The Evenlode Ground Data Terminal has been designed to be portable, lightweight and rugged whilst maintaining full functionality of an Evenlode 19’’ rack static system.

The Evenlode Video/Audio Decoder Module is a lightweight, low power unit ruggedized for installation on to an air platform. The Module has been designed to be used in conjunction with the Evenlode Air Data Terminal. The Video Decoder Module contains a single video decoder. The Module also contains an audio output. 

Control and monitoring of the Module is achieved via serial interface. When used in conjunction with the Evenlode data terminal this control and monitoring interface is presented as part of the Evenlode system Graphical User Interface. The Video Decoder Module may also be used independently of the Evenlode system to decode the video and audio sources. 

At a weight of only 600 grams (approx.) and a size of 139 x 38 x 200 mm (approx.) the Module is suitable for lightweight air platforms. The module incorporates an aluminum housing and rugged connectors. 

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.

Evenlode III System adds the following:

• The Evenlode Transceiver module.
• 2 x Aircraft uplink antennas.
• 1 x Transmit Antenna
• 2 x Low Noise Block downconverters (LNB) for diversity reception and RF output Receive Filter.
• Suitable ground transceiver with an antenna system specific to operational requirements.
• Upgrade to convert ground receiver rack to transceiver rack including mast mounted transmit amplifier and antenna.
• IP transmission license