The DataVault is built on more than 20 years of experience in the aerial firefighting industry, and is a uniquely open platform which enables operators to easily comply with the increasingly stringent reporting needs of authorities worldwide.
Available to order now, DataVault is a high performance telemetry and data acquisition system tailored to meet the needs of the aerial fire-fighting community.
Although optimized for use with the FRDS GEN II, DataVault is a truly open “plug-and-play” device. For third party gate controllers, the DataVault can either analyze the gate controller’s serial bus or monitor analog and digital sensors directly to capture proof of delivery data according to both NAFC and USFS requirements.
A built-in module is used to send gate and aircraft data in near real time via the Iridium satellite constellation for display to an operator or fire-fighting authority.
With its external GPS and Iridium dual function antenna, DataVault provides advanced tracking services which relay position data via satellite to approved airtime providers such as Spidertracks, TracPlus, or v2track. The optional Message Interface, mounted on the aircraft’s instrument panel, allows the pilot to easily adjust the tracking transmission interval parameter to a specific time or geo-fence to optimize transmission bandwidth when operating in limited geographical territory.
The Message Interface also supports transmission of geo-tagged waypoint markers such as “persons in danger” or “property at risk”. In conjunction with TracPlus or v2track, acknowledged Distress Messaging and ground to air text messages are also supported without the need for a SIM card.
DataVault has both fixed and removable data storage, which when combined with its internal motion sensors, enables deep post-mission analysis to assess delivery efficiency, aircraft utilization and pilot performance. Internal memory constantly records more than 40 parameters, including geo-tags at intervals as short as 0.1s and has capacity for more than 1,000 flight hours. Information can also be collected on a USB stick and uploaded to an internet accessible database for mission replay, plotting, reporting and sharing data with authorized third parties.
Configured via a comprehensive set of PC based DataVault tools, the PRO model delivers the ability to add user digital or analog inputs. These can be easily scaled to actual units of measure, then recorded and transmitted in real time to a base station via third-party products such as FlightCell’s DZM, Tabula’s AirVision, or v2track’s V5.
Expansion boards for the DataVault include the ability to drive electric motors, on/off valves and proportional valves to enable control of other equipment on the aircraft.
Avalible Options
ENCLOSURE LCD & KEYPAD provides a direct method for configuring & interacting with the DataVault system, and is included on the PLUS and PRO models. The standard model requires a Message Interface.
MESSAGE INTERFACE allows pilots to communicate with ground operations by sending and receiving text-based communications via Iridium network, no SIM card required.
AUX I/O CONNECTORS provide additional sensor inputs and high-current outputs for greatly expanded capabilities.
CUSTOM FIRMWARE & SENSORS will unlock DataVault’s flexible architecture to provide an excellent solution for your unique control or telemetry requirements
H-BRIDGE DRIVE output can connect to and control high voltage stepper motors, on/off and proportional valves, etc.
SATELLITE MODEM enables real-time data sent from nearly anywhere in the world via Iridium Satellite, no cellular network required.
Features
LOGGED PROOF OF DELIVERY
Simple instrument panel interface (optional)
Excel-compatible data files
Management software provides: (Tracking Provider Supplied)
Management of multiple aircraft
Playback of missions
Storage archive of past missions
Mission summaries
COMPLETE TELEMETRY CAPTURE
Locations of start and end of drop
GPS path of drop
Real-time retardant quantity on-board
Amount of retardant dropped
Drop Mode (Auto, Timer, Manual, Salvo)
Coverage Setting
Calculated Ground Line
Measured Ground Line (with GPS)
Engine start and stop
Take off and landing
Pilot-selectable data formats and rates with optional Message Interface
And much more…
REAL-TIME DATA
Provides the ability to transmit location and operational data to fire services in near real time.
Compatible with several GPS and data transmission services.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES WITH OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER
EMERGENCY button sends distress message and location, and provides confirmation to the pilot that the message was received.
View items of interest such as tank quantity, bucket quantity, data status and more.
