Quick Start

KESTREL System - Overview and Specs

Main menu
The KESTREL system provides the user with airspace awareness by providing both active and passive aircraft detection methods. Some versions also include a tracking camera.
  • Height: 1.4 meters
  • Weight: 50kg
  1. NEST
  2. Tripod
  3. SEN-ID
  4. Radar Panel
  5. SEN-HUB
  6. Tracking Camera
  1. NEST
    The NEST serves as the support box for the KESTREL, providing power and data to the various sensors.
    • Weight: 5kg
    • Power: 110v
  2. Tripod:
    System can be mounted on any 1.5 inch diameter tube
    • Tube Diameter: 1.5 inch / 38mm
  3. SEN-ID
    SEN-ID sensor passively detects RF from cooperative aircraft. This sensor receives remote ID and ADS-B information.
    • Sensor type: Passive RF Detection
    • Frequencies: ISM
    • Range (rural environment): Up to 25km
    • Range (urban environment): Up to 10 km
    • Antenna type:
      • Omnidirectional, 10Mhz - 6Ghz
      • Remote ID detection
      • AIS detection
      • Mode S detection
      • ADS-B detection
      • GPS
    • Internal memory: 1TB
    • Connectivity: LAN
    • Dimensions: 310mm x 310mm x 100mm
    • Weight: 2.4kg/5.3 lbs
    • Temperatures: -40C to 120C
    • Ingress Protection Level: IP 67
    • Power Consumption: 100 W
  4. Echodyne / Echoguard Radar Panel
    Up to 4 radar panels may be used.
    • Instrumented Range: 6 km
    • Range
      • sUAV (Phantom 4): > 1 km
      • sUAV (Matrice 600): > 1.4 km
      • Vehicle: > 3.5 km
      • Human: > 2.2
    • Field of view: km 120° azimuth x 80° elevation
    • Angular resolution: 2° azimuth x 6° elevation
    • Maximum tracks: Up to 20 simultaneous tracks
    • Size: 20.3 cm x 16.3 cm x 4 cm
    • Weight: 1.25 kg (2.75 lbs)
    • Power required: DC +15 V to +28 V (US)
    • Power consumption:
      • Operating: < 50 W
      • Hot standby: < 8 W
    • Power I/O: Snap lock 12 pin connector
    • Operating temp:p -40°C to +75°C
    • Weather Protection: IP67 Integration
    • Control I/O: Gigabit Ethernet
    • Data output:
      • R/Vmaps: 40 MB/s
      • Detections: 1 MB/s
      • Measurements: 1 MB/s
      • Tracks: 25 kB/s
    • Mounting: VESA 75 & 100 mm
  5. SEN-HUB
    SEN-HUB collects and processes data, steering a camera to give the user live video of targets.
    • Power: 110v - 20 Amps
    • Operating temperature: -40C to 70C
    • Dimensions: 310mm x 310mm x 100mm
    • Weight: 2.4kg/5.3 lbs
  6. Axis Communications Q6225-LE 2MP Outdoor PTZ Network Camera with Night Vision & Wiper (60 Hz)
    Tracking Camera is steered by SEN-HUB using collected sensor data.
    • Image sensor: 1/2" CMOS
    • Focal length: 6.9 to 214.6mm
    • Field of view:
      • Horizontal: 63.8 to 2.2°
      • Vertical: 37 to 1.3°
    • Pan/Tilt (programmed):
      • Pan: 360° at 150°/s
      • Tilt: 180° (-90 to 90°) at 150°/s
    • Sensor resolution (Effective): 2 Megapixel
    • Minimum illumination:
      • Color: 0.05 lux
      • Black and white: 0 lux
    • Zoom:
      • Optical: 31x
      • Digital: 12x
    • FOV:
      • Horizontal: 63.8 to 2.2 degrees
      • Vertical: 37 to 1.3 degrees
    • Max aperature: f/1.36 to 4.6
    • Max IP streaming (via RJ45): 1920 x 1080 up to 60.00 fps
    • Memory: 1024 MB RAM / 512 MB Flash
    • Material of construction: Aluminum
    • Ingress protection level: IP68
    • Impact resistance: IK10
    • Operating conditions: -58F to 131F/-50C to 55C at 10 to 100% Humidity
    • Startup temperature: -40F/-40C
    • Storage conditions: -40F to 149F/-40C to 65C
    • Illumination: 850 nm IR LEDs up to 1300'/396.2 m
    • Dimensions:
      • Width: 313mm/12.3"
      • Height: 330mm/13"
      • Depth: 210mm/8.3"
    • Weight: 19.2lb/8.7kg

Hardware Assembly

Main menu
Assembly. KESTREL hardware set up takes a few minutes and requires no tools.
  1. Position tripod
    Position and secure the tripod in the desired location. Tripod should be level.
  2. Install sensor bracket
    Slide the sensor bracket onto the tripod
  3. Install radar/camera bracket
    Install the radar/camera bracket onto the tripod. Tighten the thumbscrews enough to prevent the bracket from rotating.
  4. Install radar panel arms
    Install the radar panel arms. Arms are installed and release by pressing a snap button.
  5. Install radar panels
    Install the radar panels and tighten the thumbscrews.
  6. Install SEN-ID/SEN-HUB
    Install the SEN-ID. If a tracking camera is used, install the SEN-HUB as well and tighten all thumbscrews.
  7. Install SEN-ID antennas
    Attach the antennas for the SEN-ID in the proper order.
  8. Install cable clip
    Lastly, attach the cable clip to the tripod and run all cables through.

Cable Connections - No Tracking Camera

Main menu
The KESTREL system may be used with or without a SEN-HUB and tracking camera. Follow this diagram for use without a SEN-HUB/tracking camera.
  1. Nest
    Connects to the SEN-ID, internet and the user computer by the three depicted ethernet ports.
  2. 110v Power
    Power is provided to the NEST through a 110v plug which is spooled around the NEST.
  3. Connection to the internet.
  4. Connection to the user computer.
  5. Radar Panels
    Connection to radar panels via radar cables which are spooled around the NEST.
  6. Connection to SEN-ID. (Port A)

Cable Connections - With Tracking Camera

Main menu
The KESTREL system may be used with or without a SEN-HUB and tracking camera. Follow this diagram if using the SEN-HUB/tracking camera.
  1. NEST
    Connects to the SEN-ID, internet and the user computer by the four depicted ethernet ports.
  2. 110v Power
    Power is provided to the NEST through a 110v plug which is spooled around the NEST.
  3. Internet Connection
  4. User Computer
  5. Radar Panels
    Radar panels are connected via radar cables which are spooled around the NEST.
  6. SEN-ID
    Connection to SEN-ID. (Port A)
  7. SEN-HUB
    The (Port A), is connected to the NEST via the SEN-HUB (Port D and port E). Power is provided to the SEN-HUB through the SEN-HUB power cable (Port F), which is spooled around the NEST.
  8. Tracking Camera
    Tracking camera is connected via ethernet cable to the NEST through port 3.
System Storage

Cases and Tripod

Main menu
  1. Case 1
    Stores the radar panels, antennas, mounting brackets and the tracking camera if used.
  2. Case 2
    Stores the NEST, SEN-ID and SEN-HUB if a tracking camera is used.
  3. Tripod
    Tripod packs into a separate carrying case.

Case 1 breakdown

Main menu
  1. Tracking camera (If used)
    Store the tracking camera with the ethernet connection facing upwards and the camera head laying flat as shown.
  2. Radar panel
  3. Radar panel arms
  4. SEN-ID/SEN-HUB bracket
  5. Cable clip
  6. Antenna 1
  7. Antenna 2
  8. GPS antenna
  9. ADS-B antenna

Case 2 breakdown

Main menu
  1. NEST
    Power and radar cables store wrapped around the spool.
  2. SEN-ID
    Store unit with thumbscrews facing down.
  3. SEN-HUB (If tracking camera is used)
    Store unit with thumbscrews facing up.
  4. Foam separator
    Place foam separator between the two units.
Set Up | Tripod Hardware

Exploded View

Main menu
  1. Tripod
  2. Sensor bracket
  3. Radar/camera bracket
  4. Radar panel arm
  5. Radar panel
  6. SEN-ID
  7. SEN-HUB
  8. Cable clip
  9. Antenna 1
  10. Antenna 2
  11. GPS antenna
  12. ADS-B antenna

Tracking Camera

Main menu
  1. Axis Communications Q6225-LE 2MP Outdoor PTZ Network Camera
  2. Radar/camera bracket
  3. Weatherproof camera ethernet connection
  4. Thumbscrew
  5. Ethernet cable from Nest

Echodyne | Echoguard Radar Panels

Main menu
  1. Echoguard radar panel
    Place thumbscrews in radar panel arm slots and tighten the thumbscrews
  2. Radar panel arm
  3. Radar panel cable
  4. Radar panel cable connector
    Connector is keyed. Sleeve slides back for release

Cable clip

Main menu
  1. Cables
    Route radar and camera cables through the clip
  2. Cable clip
Set Up | SEN-ID/SEN-HUB

SEN-ID Antenna Installation

Main menu
  1. Antenna 1
    2 - 3 Ghz
  2. Antenna 2
    3 -6 Ghz
  3. GPS antenna
  4. ADS-B antenna
    Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast. Real-time, aircraft position, speeds and other data.
  5. SEN-ID unit

SEN-ID Cable Installation

Main menu
  1. SEN-ID unit
  2. Ethernet cable
    Connect port A of SEN-ID to port 1 of NEST. Connect port A of SEN-ID to port D of SEN-HUB if using a tracking camera.

SEN-HUB Cable Installation (If tracking camera is used)

Main menu
  1. SEN-HUB Unit
  2. SEN-HUB power cable
    This cable comes from the spool on the NEST.
  3. Ethernet cable
    Connect port E of SEN-HUB to port 1 of NEST.
  4. Ethernet cable
    Connect port D of SEN-HUB to port A of SEN-ID.
Set up | NEST

Ethernet Ports

Main menu
  1. Ethernet port 1
    Connect port 1 of NEST to port A of SEN-ID. If tracking camera is used, connect port 1 of NEST to port 3 of SEN-HUB.
  2. Ethernet port 2
    Internet connection.
  3. Ethernet port 3
    Connect to tracking camera.
  4. Ethernet port 4
    User connection (laptop).

Cable Connections

Main menu
  1. Ethernet port 1
    Connect port 1 of NEST to port A of SEN-ID. If tracking camera is used, connect port 1 of NEST to port 3 of SEN-HUB.
  2. Ethernet port 2
    Internet connection.
  3. Ethernet port 3
    Connect to tracking camera.
  4. Ethernet port 4
    User connection (laptop).
  5. NEST
    KESTREL support box houses all power and data equipment.
  6. 110v power
  7. Radar cables
    Any cable can connect to any panel.
  8. SEN-HUB power cable
    Connects to port F on the SEN-HUB unit if a tracking camera is being used.
Operation | Detecting Targets with RF and SEN-AIR

SEN-AIR - Getting Started, Live Map

Main menu
Navigate to your provided client URL (yourusername.stg-portal.senair.io). Enter your username and password.
  1. "Live Map" tab
    Select the "Live Map" tab to see a live view of currently detected live targets.
  2. Detected Remote ID aircraft
    Live RF detected targets will be displayed in the left margin. Select a target to see information about that target.
  3. Detected ADS-B aircraft location
  4. SEN-ID unit location
  5. Detected Remote ID aircraft

SEN-AIR - Detected Targets

Main menu
  1. "Live Map" tab
    Select the "Live Map" tab to see a live view of currently detected live targets.
  2. Detected Remote ID aircraft
    Select a target to display all available information about that target, including the operator location.
  3. "Whitelist drone" tab
    Select the "Whitelist drone" tab to add the currently selected aircraft to the whitelist. This will cuase the aircraft icon to appear green while preventing the aircraft from setting off alerts.
  4. Detected Remote ID aircraft location
  5. Live operator location

SEN-AIR - Detection History

Main menu
The system allows a user to view a history of recorded detections.
  1. "Live Map" tab
    Select the "History" tab to see all recorded flight detections.
  2. Selected date range
    Date range fields allow you to see recorded flights within a certain range of time.
  3. Individual detected flight info
    Individual flights are displayed in the right side margin. Select an individual flight to see aircraft and operator location for that flight.
  4. Individual detected flight visual representation
    Aircraft and operator location is displayed on the map.

SEN-AIR - History Filters

Main menu
Detected flight history can be filtered out by time, aircraft type and serial number. A user can also opt to have a heatmap displayed to indicate flight activity during the specified parameters.
  1. "Live Map" tab
    Select the "History" tab to see all recorded flight detections.
  2. Date range
    Use these two fields to filter out detections by date and time of day.
  3. Model type
    Filter flights by aircraft type.
  4. Heat map toggle
    Select or deselect to create a heatmap of flights based off the filter criteria.
  5. Sensor serial number filter
    Use this field to filter detections by SEN-ID sensor. This is useful when operating multiple sensors.
  6. Aircraft serial number filter
    Filter detected flights by aircraft serial number. This is useful when the user wants to see all flights from a particular aircraft.
  7. "Hide/Show" filters toggle
    eexwwxwHide or display filter options.
  8. "Hide filters" tab

SEN-AIR - Settings

Main menu
The "Sensors" panel displays all available sensors, indicates their operating status and allows the user to alter warning and alert radius settings.
  1. "History > Sensors" tab
    Select the "History > Sensors" tab to see all sensors being operated by the KESTREL system.
  2. Sensor "online/offline" indicator
    This row displays your sensor serial number and indicates if the sensor is online or offline.
  3. "Edit sensor" tab
    Select this tab to change warning and alert radius settings.

SEN-AIR - Setting Alert and Warning Radii

Main menu
"Warning" and "Alert" radii give two different levels for awareness of aircraft in the area of interest. "Warning" is intended to be used to alert the user when an aircraft is detected in the surrounding area. "Alert" is intended to warn the user of aircraft considered to pose a potential hazard due to their close range.
  1. Warning radius value
    Enter a value in km here for the "warning" radius. Set to 0 to disable.
  2. Alert radius value
    Enter a value in km here for the "alert" radius. Set to 0 to disable.
Operation | Detecting Targets with Radar and RadarUI

RadarUI - Getting Started

Main menu
This is intended as a quick start guide. Download the complete RadarUI guide here.
Install RadarUI by downloading and unzipping this folder: radarUI
Navigate to: radarUI > bin.
Open the radarui application.
  1. Configuration
    Open this tab to access the Configuration panel.
  2. Settings
    Open this tab to access the Settings and start the panels.

Configuration | Radar Table

Main menu
In this step the user will enter values that determine the location and orientation of the KESTREL system.
Navigate to: Configuration > Radar Table
  1. Radar table
    Select Configuration > Radar Table to access the Radar Table values.
  2. Panel IP addresses
    Enter the radar panel IP addresses provided to you in the IPv4 Adress row. Take notice of every IP address assigned to each radar panel (1-4).
  3. Panel latitude coordinates
    Enter the latitude for each panel. This is latitude of the KESTREL system itself, and should be the same value for each panel.
  4. Panel longitude coordinates
    Enter the longitude for each panel. This is longitude of the KESTREL system itself, and should be the same value for each panel.
  5. Panel altitude
    Enter the AGL altitude for each panel. This is altitude of the KESTREL system panels, and should be the same value for each panel.
  6. Panel sync buttons
    * Come back and complete this step when the panels are connected, but not started.
    Click on the "SYNC" link for each radar panel in each column. This will automatically update the pitch and roll values for each panel. With the tripod level, pitch should be close 20 degrees and roll should be close to zero. A few degrees in either direction is acceptable.
  7. Panel headings
    In the heading row, enter a heading value (0-360) for eack radar panel. Use a compass to determine the correct heading for each panel. The radar panel arms are all positioned 90 degrees from each other, so extrapolating panel headings from a single good reading should be simple. Panels do not have to be aligned in any particular direction.
  8. Panel minimum detection ranges
    Enter a minimum range you wish to detect targets at. The minimum accepted value is 21 meters which is the recommended value. This results in a 20 meter dead spot where targets can not be detected which is normal.
  9. Panel maximum detection ranges
    Enter a maximum range you wish to detect targets at. The maximum practical value is 6000 meters.
  10. Radar configuration file location
    This is the location of the .json file where the radar table values will be stored. You may select the "OPEN" button to navigate to and load an alternate file.

Configuration | Waypoints

Main menu
Navigate to: Configuration > Waypoints
  1. Waypoint configuration
    Select the "Waypoints" tab to create a waypoint within the RadarUI GUI. This will serve as your operator location, represented by a red dot on the GUI.
  2. Operator label and coordinates
    In the "Label" field for "Waypoint 1" enter "Operator". Then click on the "COPY" button. This will add the Lat/Long values from Radar Panel 1 to Waypoint 1.

Settings | Display | Track Filtering

Main menu
Navigate to: Settings > Display > Track Filtering
  1. Settings Tab
  2. Display Tab
  3. Track Filtering Tab
  4. Minimum UAV Confidence
    Adjust minimum UAV confidence level as desired. 25% is a good starting point.

Settings | Masks/Zones | Global

Main menu
Navigate to: Settings > Masks/Zones > Global
  1. Settings Tab
  2. Masks/Zones Tab
  3. Global Tab
  4. Global Clutter Mask Width Slider
    Adjust the Global Clutter Mask Width slider as desired. 3 is a good starting point.
  5. Global RCS Masks Slider
    Adjust the Global RCS Masks slider as desired, -34 to -7 (dBsm) is a good starting range for small to medium UAS.

Settings | Connecting to/Starting the Radar Panels

Main menu
Navigate to: Settings Tab
  1. Settings Tab
  2. Connect/Disconnect Button
    Connect to the radar panels by selecting the start button.
  3. Start/Stop Button
    Select the start button to start the radar panels.

Tracking Targets

Main menu
  1. Settings Tab
  2. Track
    Tracks determined to be UAS will appear as red on the radarUI screen
  3. Track Class Legend
    Track types are categorized by color. See Track legend.
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