Short version: Where do I start if I want to see raw video broadcasts from
Heli-Coder II microwave video systems?
Long version:
So last week I was perusing the nashville.gov employment page, and saw they had a position open for Police Helicopter pilot. Among the requirements was "familiarity with BMS Microwave Downlink." That piqued my interest so I started investigating.
From what I've gathered, it looks like Metro PD may be using the Heli-Coder II system, which consists of
Carry Coder II Digital COFDM transmitter, a 10W amplifier, and a control panel for the system that mounts to the cyclic. I assume that the system is hooked to the FLIR camera on the bird.
The literature for the systems lists several different bands: 1.99-2.5 GHz, 2.3-2.7 GHz, 4.4-5.0 GHz, or 6.425-6.525 GHz. The literature also lists power output as 10W Average COFDM (2 GHz), 5W for 4 GHz, 5W for 6 GHz. Would it be correct to infer that since the air units have to cover 500 Square Miles, they would be using the highest transmit power available?
Is anyone familiar with these systems? I don't even know where to begin for the type of hardware necessary to receive COFDM signals in that range. Is this stuff going to be $25,000? That would be out. Heck, $2500 would be out.
State law allows me "To intercept or access an electronic communication made through an electronic communication system that is configured so that the electronic communication is readily accessible to the general public". So if it's encrypted, it's out.
I'm just a generally geeky dude who stumble upon something that seems really freaking cool. Any help or nudges in the correct direction would be awesome.
BMS Microwave Downlink?
Linear Mode
