Distributed Computer Control and Monitoring System (DCCMS)

The Crouse-Hinds Distributed Computer Control and Monitoring System (DCCMS) is designed to meet a wide range of airfield lighting control and monitoring requirements. The advanced distributed architecture, achieved by Crouse-Hinds’ Digitrac control and monitoring module, ensures reliable operation and greatly simplifies installation and maintenance.

Networking
The DCCMS utilizes a redundant wide area network to link the control tower, operations center, sub-stations and maintenance areas. Circle or star configurations are available. Media include: Fiber optic cable, twisted pair or Ethernet wireless.

Within the sub-stations, DCCMS uses two independent communication networks for fast, reliable data transmission (same as used in airplanes). The network protocol supports communications on a variety of wired and wireless media including twisted pair, power line, infrared, radio frequency, fiber optic and coaxial cable.
Fail-safe Design
Each controllable element in the lighting system, such as constant current regulator, beacon, selector switch or generator, has its own interface (Digitrac) with the system communication network. In the event of component failure, a fail-safe feature assures continued operation of all elements at preset levels.

Adaptable and Flexible
Innovative design and modular architecture keep pace with airport growth and technological progress. The DCCMS can manage a virtually unlimited number of elements and it allows for various configurations to meet lighting control requirements for airports of any size.
User-friendly System
The system is based on a network-capable operating system. The application, database and graphic software are off-the-shelf windowing packages refined to fit the specific needs of airport environments. The system provides security interlocks between various operator stations and the operational procedures used to define user access and capabilities. User-friendly definition tools modify the system easily.
Maintenance and Operations
Beyond meeting critical requirements for air traffic control, the system includes detailed real-time and historical information regarding the operation of the airfield lighting system.

DCCMS notifies airport maintenance and operations personnel of malfunctions as they occur, reporting the time, type and nature of the problem as well as the area of system in which the malfunction occurred. DCCMS stores all malfunction reports and the associated information; hard copy reports are available through a printer connected to the
maintenance computer.

Other capabilities

The DCCMS system is the solution for advanced requirements. This includes the control and monitoring of stop bars and guard lights as part of a Surface Movement Guidance and Control System plan (SMGCS), failed lamp locator and automatic series insulation resistance monitoring.

One of the key elements of the DCCMS is the Digitrac. The Digitrac enables the advanced distributed architecture of the DCCMS. Each element controlled by the DCCMS (CCR, selector switch, ATS, generator, beacon, etc.) has a Digitrac. The unit is a microprocessor-based module that includes all communication, command, monitoring, input/output and fail-safe functions. The Digitrac operates the controllable elements according to the air traffic controllers' commands and transfers the status of these elements back to the controllers and to the operations and maintenance. The Digitrac is installed on or near the controllable elements and is connected to the DCCMS redundant communication network via quick connectors.

The distributed structure generated by the Digitrac and the DCCMS redundant communication networks simplifies installation and significantly increases reliability and ease of maintenance. All the Digitracs use identical interchangeable hardware, which is also used for the various types of controllable elements.

The Digitracs differ in the address and several other parameters, which are field-programmable. The procedure for adapting a Digitrac for use in a specific controllable element or for replacing a damaged Digitrac, includes address setting and parameter loading. The address and parameters are set in a simple dialogue between the operator and the computer, and do not require any specific knowledge or background beyond familiarity with the use of computers. Download of the controllable element parameters can be done locally from a notebook PC connected to the Digitrac, or remotely.

The Logitrac is mainly used for Surface Movement Guidance Control Systems applications (SMGCS). The Logitrac system enables the DCCMS to control and monitor each individual lamp and sensor on the runway/taxiway without changing the airport infrastructure.

This technology uses the existing airfield cables as a communication network. Crouse-Hinds has incorporated this ability into several systems:

1. Stop Bar System - manages the entry and exit of airplanes to and from runways.
2. Runway Guard Lights (RGL) - RGL are to be used at all runway and taxiway intersections in low visibility operations (below 1200 Ft RVR). Using the Logitrac, Crouse-Hinds controls and monitors this critical device.
3. Failed Lamp Locator (FLL) System - FAA/ICAO regulations require the FLL system in order to operate an airport under low visibility conditions (CAT II/CAT III).
4. Sign monitoring - guidance signs are key visual aids used to direct aircraft around the airport movement area. Sign monitoring provides the airport with real-time and historical information on the status of the signs.
5. Complete SMGCS solution - Combination of Stop Bars, Runway Guard Lights and FLL systems.

The Logitrac units can be supplied as stand-alone configurations, or as part of the DCCMS.

The Megatrac is an automatic unit that performs insulation resistance tests on an airfield lighting circuit. This unit responds to unexpected failures of airport lighting cables, which slow down airport operations and demand extensive efforts by the maintenance and operations staff. The Megatrac units can be supplied as a stand-alone configuration, or as part of the DCCMS..

The SMGCS is based on the Logitrac. The Logitrac system enables the DCCMS to control and monitor each individual lamp and sensor on the runway/taxiway without changing the airport infrastructure. This technology uses the existing airfield cables as a communication network.

Crouse-Hinds incorporates this ability into several systems:

1. Stop Bar System - manages the entry and exit of airplanes to and from runways.
2. Runway Guard Lights (RGL) - RGL are to be used at all runway and taxiway intersections in low visibility operations (below 1200 Ft RVR). Using the Logitrac, Transtech controls and monitors this critical device.
3. Failed Lamp Locator (FLL) System - FAA/ICAO regulations require the FLL system in order to operate an airport under low visibility conditions (CAT II/CAT III).
4. Sign monitoring - guidance signs are key visual aids used to direct aircraft around the airport movement area. Sign monitoring provides the airport with real-time and historical information on the status of the signs.
5. Complete SMGCS solution - Combination of Stop Bars, Runway Guard Lights and FLL systems.

The Logitrac units can be supplied as a stand-alone configuration, or as part of the DCCMS.