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datatrak:start [2020/06/01 02:52] – [Contents] philpem | datatrak:start [2022/05/17 02:06] – [Datatrak reverse-engineering] philpem |
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I'm currently trying to build a desktop Datatrak LF signal simulator, and reverse-engineer the receiver to the point where they could be used to receive signals in the 136kHz (2200 metre) UK LF amateur radio band. | I'm currently trying to build a desktop Datatrak LF signal simulator, and reverse-engineer the receiver to the point where they could be used to receive signals in the 136kHz (2200 metre) UK LF amateur radio band. |
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You may also find my presentation at CampGND interesting: [[https://panels.sneptech.io/campGNDd_RadioLocation_Datatrak.pdf|(slides)]] | You may also find the presentation I gave at CampGND 2020 interesting: [[https://panels.sneptech.io/campGNDd_RadioLocation_Datatrak.pdf|(slides)]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB_3iod6LR8|(recording)]]. |
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| **UPDATE**: I'll be [[https://www.emfcamp.org/schedule/2022/121-inside-datatrak-resurrecting-a-radio-navigation-network|presenting an updated version of my talk at EMF Camp in June]]. This time around I'll be concentrating more on the reverse-engineering project. It's worth watching the CampGNDd talk first, or at least skimming through the slides. |
===== Contents ===== | ===== Contents ===== |
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* [[datatrak:intro|Introduction to Datatrak and hyperbolic navigation]] | * [[datatrak:intro|Introduction to Datatrak and hyperbolic navigation]] |
* [[datatrak:signal|The Datatrak signal]] -- technical details | * [[datatrak:signal|The Datatrak signal]] -- technical details |
* [[datatrak:uhfdata|The Datatrak UHF data return channel]] -- technical details | |
* [[datatrak:network|The Datatrak transmitter network (LF and UHF)]] | * [[datatrak:network|The Datatrak transmitter network (LF and UHF)]] |
* [[datatrak:receivers|Datatrak receivers (Locators)]] | * [[datatrak:receivers|Datatrak receivers (Locators)]] |
* [[datatrak:mk2pinout|Locator Mk.II pinouts]] | * [[datatrak:mk2pinout|Locator Mk.II pinouts]] |
* [[datatrak:mk2schematic|Locator Mk.II reverse-engineered circuit diagrams]] | * [[datatrak:mk2hardware|Locator Mk.II hardware]] |
| * [[datatrak:mk2firmware|Locator Mk.II firmware notes]] |
* [[datatrak:rom_emulator|Locator Mk.II EPROM cartridge emulator]] -- a replacement EPROM cartridge which allows fast-turnaround firmware patching and debugging. | * [[datatrak:rom_emulator|Locator Mk.II EPROM cartridge emulator]] -- a replacement EPROM cartridge which allows fast-turnaround firmware patching and debugging. |
* [[datatrak:simulator|Datatrak test signal generator]] -- simulates a constellation of Datatrak transmitters. | * [[datatrak:simulator|Network Simulator]] -- generates signals which simulate a network of Datatrak transmitters. |
| * [[datatrak:software_tools|Software tools]] -- for analysing the network based on data obtained from Locators |
| * [[datatrak:recordings|Signal recordings]] |
* [[datatrak:references|References]] -- other sources of information | * [[datatrak:references|References]] -- other sources of information |
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| ===== Media coverage ===== |
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| **NEW - April 2022** |
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| Datatrak was featured on TV several times during its development. |
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| Thanks to Alasdair for finding these and sending the links. Both videos are on Youtube. |
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| * [[https://youtu.be/vufhclj5dFM|BBC Tomorrow's World, 28 May 1987]] -- featuring either a prototype or Mk.1 Locator being demonstrated in the London area, using the initial three transmitters. |
| * Shows early demonstration software and either a prototype or Mk.1 Locator receiver. |
| * [[https://youtu.be/HWz9sqVGFKI|Top Gear, 1990 season, 5th episode]] -- Jeremy Clarkson tries to steal a Vauxhall Cavalier (!) which was fitted with Datatrak. |
| * This episode also features the Autotag immobiliser, which allows the car to be remotely disabled using a radio paging signal. |
| * Shows what is believed to be the later 'base station' software used by the Datatrak call centre at the time |