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KEY FEATURES/USER BENEFITS
CCS-2200 -- Provides
full remote control of all these Rockwell Collins products plus many more.
Custom drivers may be added to control virtually any serial- or paralleled
controlled equipment. Flexible -- Control of one
to hundreds of devices from one or many
workstations. Versatile -- Add-on applications
allow for controlling, monitoring, and assimilating specific information across
a variety of device types simultaneously. Simple and Intuitive -- Provides
the Microsoft Windows look-and-feel user interface, reducing the need for
training and simplifying operations. Multi-media -- Support for
multiple communications media, including serial links, Ethernet links, microwave
links, and dial-up telephone lines. LAN, dedicated voice grade lines, and
satellite communications. Reliable -- If multiple paths
are available, CCS-2200 can dynamically route control signals around failed
links to ensure constant communications among all CCS-2200 system components. Labor-saving -- Allows a
significant reduction in labor costs and expensive trips to remote locations.
Monitor, control, and troubleshooting of devices can be performed remotely
from the control station, thereby reducing or even eliminating staff at the
remote locations. Maintenance activities can be performed from a central location. Built-In Auditing -- Writes
all events, warnings, and alarms to the Windows NT Log, providing an audit
trail for all activities. C2 Compliant Security --
Based on Windows NT operating system, which is designed to be C2 compliant.
The compliance allows for user log-on with passwords, limiting access to devices,
and controlling resources that an operator can see and use. Easily Configurable -- Provides
the ability to add and remove applications on-line. Streamlined -- Control signals
travel to and from multiple devices through a single communications line to
reduce the number of communications paths needed.
OVERVIEW
CCS-2200 Remote Control Solution
CCS-2200 is a modular, stand-alone system designed to provide single
and multiple workstation remote control of a wide variety of devices such
as radios, audio and antenna switches, antenna rotators, emergency power supplies,
weather stations, and facilities monitors. A typical example of a CCS-2200
control system is shown below.
DESCRIPTION
Hardware Overview -- The CCS-2200 Remote
Control System contains three types of hardware components: control stations,
devices, and modems. Control Stations -- The
control station is a standard PC running Windows 2000 or XP. The control station
provides the ability to configure, control and monitor the remote equipment
through a powerful and intuitive graphical user interface. The minimum recommended
control station hardware include a 400-MHz Intel Pentium
processor with 128-MB RAM, a 4.0-GB hard
drive, a CDROM drive, and a color monitor. Devices -- User devices (the devices
to be controlled) are connected to control stations. A small number of devices
in a single location may require only one control station. Numerous devices
in multiple locations, may utilize multiple control stations. Devices attached
to one control station can be accessed from any connected control station
in the system. Modems -- CCS-2200 supports most commercially
available wireline modems. Software Overview -- The CCS-2200 remote
control system consists of a basic engine and pluggable applications. Each
application has a custom Graphical User Interface (GUI) in the form of the
familiar Windows menu/screen format. The CCS-2200 software suite includes the following modules: "Basic" Engine System Configuration Custom Device Drivers (optional) Asset Summary Grid (optional) Communications Viewer Distributed Installation (optional) ALE Operations Event Log Facility (optional) Mission Management (optional) Network Module (optional) (Requires Paralled or USB Dongle) CCS-2200 Basic Engine -- At the heart
of the CCS-2200 is the Basic Engine. As shown in the following figure, the
Basic Engine is the hub to which all the other software suites connect. It
provides the communications and common commands, communications routes, and
functions used throughout the system. The custom device drivers translate
all the unique control languages of the equipment into a consistent user interface.
The System Configuration application provides the tools to configure
the CCS-2200 software at system initialization, when adding equipment, or
when the user wishes to change the configuration of the system. Configuration
parameters include network addresses, device information, interface types,
etc. The System Configuration application also is used to link control stations
in a system.
System Configuration Application
Custom Device Drivers
The device drivers are individual software applications each with a
graphical user interface and a device control interface. The device drivers
can be developed using the DDK to translate the different languages used by
the equipment into a common language used throughout the CCS-2200 control
system. The graphical user interface, as shown in the figure, provides Windows-style
screens with pull-down menus, page tabs, function buttons, and data entry
windows. Each device driver controls that device's functions. The controllable parameters
vary depending on the device, but can range from very simple to all encompassing.
The figure above shows a custom interface for the Rockwell Collins RT-2200
HF Receiver-Exciter, through which all radio functions are controlled, including: Set Frequency Set Mode Set Bandwidth Set RF Power Level Turn Squelch On/Off Set Scan Lists Program Channels Initiate BIT Device Drivers are currently available for the following devices:
Asset Summary Grid
The Asset Summary Grid displays basic status on all assets within the
CCS-2200 system. The information includes Asset Name, Asset Type, Asset Status,
and Owner. The Asset Summary Grid facilitates user management of multiple
radios in a single system. The summary grid allows multiple radios of the
same type to be displayed simultaneously. If the system contains more than
one kind of radio, summary grids for each type are installed.
Custom Device Drivers
The device drivers are individual software applications each with a
graphical user interface and a device control interface. The device drivers
can be developed using the DDK to translate the different languages used by
the equipment into a common language used throughout the CCS-2200 control
system. The graphical user interface, as shown in the figure, provides Windows-style
screens with pull-down menus, page tabs, function buttons, and data entry
windows. Each device driver controls that device's functions. The controllable parameters
vary depending on the device, but can range from very simple to all encompassing.
Communications Viewer
With the Communications Viewer, an operator can monitor the input and
output of a device controller. The operator has the ability to control and
monitor device features not currently supported by the custom device driver
by sending commands directly to devices.
Distributed Installation Utility Application
This utility manages installation of new software for the CCS-2200 Control
System. It also provides the ability to view applications installed on any
CCS-2200 component, install new or updated applications, and upgrade software
both locally and remotely from any control station as long as the control
stations are linked by routes. In the accompanying figure, BROWN_NT is the local computer and Computer43137
is a remote computer. As the example shows, from control station BROWN_NT,
new software can be installed on control station Computer 43137, simply by
selecting the remote computer in the window and initiating the installation
process.
ALE Operations Application
The ALE operations application allows the operator to perform Automatic
Link Establishment (ALE) tasks. Tasks include establishing Individual, Net
and Group calls. ALE Operations also provides the ability to perform Link
Quality Analysis (LQA) and Soundings on ALE channels. The operator can send
orderwire information with the ALE call. An ALE-equipped radio like the Rockwell
Collins RT-2200 must be installed to support the ALE operations.
Event Log Facility Application (Optional)
The event log facility allows centrally logging system-generated messages
such as the addition or removal of devices, the installation of software modules,
and the turning on and off of control stations. The event log also allows
a user to configure "trigger events." If the trigger event occurs, the CCS-2200
system can respond in several ways, such as executing programmed responses,
generating audible alarms, or opening pop-up windows. The event log may be
viewed using the standard Windows NT log viewer. The event log provides the ability
to view a subset of the local log or a compiled system log from a specified
subset of control stations. The compiled log can be printed.
Mission Management Application (Optional)
Mission Management allows operators to control assets required to coordinate
mission activity from a single application. The operator has control over
the asset frequency, power, squelch, mode, etc. The created mission can be
saved as a preset. Any number of presets can be created and saved for later
use. If required, more detailed controls may be accessed by opening the related
application from the mission window. The Frequency Allocation Management (FAM)
application provides the ability to restrict users or user groups to a configurable list
of frequencies. Unauthorized operators can be prohibited from viewing the
frequencies associated with frequency names. A radio driver and associated
hardware must be installed into the system.
Network Module (Optional)
The Network Module provides the capability to add more workstations
through the control software, thus permitting multiple operators at the same
or different locations to coordinate and share control and monitoring activities
of the radio system. This module also provides a redundant capability for
those users who are concerned with single points of failure.
The Network Module provides the means to pass messages through a network.
The network can be composed of LANs, TCP/IP, NetBIOS, Serial or any other
defined communications standard. Messages may be directed through a series
of components before reaching the destination. This function manages the protocol
that guarantees that a point to point message is either sent successfully
or the sender is notified of the error. If available, alternate routes to
reach a destination are used if a link has failed. If a link to a computer fails,
an alarm can be generated. The ability to take control of assets from a local
computer permits an operator to use the remote asset from his keyboard and
console. Support OfferingsProduct Information Material is normally available at no charge and
can be obtained by contacting GS Customer Relations:
Phone: 800-321-2223 or (319)-295-5100
Fax: (319)-295-4777
Email: <response@rockwellcollins.com>
Website: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/gs
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