User's Manual

The new SkymasterTX (SKTX) is a lightweight, full-featured digital COFDM
video downlink transmitter built to address the unique requirements of
aircraft downlink operation. The chassis design features either horizontal or
vertical ARINC mounting. All of the connections and controls have been lo-
cated on one side of the unit. This allows the SkymasterTX to be removed
from one aircraft and installed in another with ease.
A unique feature of the SkymasterTX is a built-in GPS receiver. This allows
aircraft position data to be downlinked to the command center for display
on a moving map system. This feature allows rapid location of the aircraft.
The SkymasterTX can operate in a wide variety of bands delivering High
Denition and Standard Denition video resolutions. The SkymasterTX can
output up to 8W of RF power extending and improving link reliability. The
SkymasterTX features COFDM digital modulation. COFDM modulation is
unaffected by multipath – unlike single-carrier modulation formats such as
FM, CDL or QAM.
The SkymasterTX has a built-in H.264 (MPEG-4) encoder or optional
MPEG-2 encoder. MPEG-4 encoding is the latest encoding method. It
requires 50% less bit-rate over MPEG-2 improving the reliability of the
transmission even more. MPEG-4 also allows for the transmitting of High
Denition video without sacricing performance. IMT has taken great care
with the design of the internal H.264 encoder. It has been designed with
video quality as its cornerstone. The quality of the encoding rivals that of
full-featured rack mounted encoders.
Knowing that security of the video is critical, the SkymasterTX features
the latest in AES 128 and 256 encryption. This feature can be enabled or
disabled very easily allowing the mode to be selected depending on the
mission requirements. To ensure interoperability between vendors we also
conform to BCRYPT, a published, non-proprietary standard.
The front panel LCD and a Remote Control user interface allow for quick
control of preset selection, standby mode, and encryption mode. For ad-
vanced functions such as changing frequency plans, AES encryption keys,
or unit naming, an easy-to-use administration software package is sup-
plied. Conguration is exible with 16 or more different presets available.
HD / SD COFDM
Aircraft Transmitter
SkymaStertX
FeatureS:
n Proven interoperable SD and
HD encoding
n 8W RF TX output power
n Standard bands include 2GHz,
4.5 GHz and 6.5GHz
n MPEG-4 Part-10/H.264
n Optimized size and weight
for aircraft
n Multiple ARINC mounting options
n Superior broadcast quality video
n Video, audio, data and telemetry
n Front panel LCD screen and
LED alarms
n ASI multiplexing
n GPS receiver
n AES encryption (BCRYPT)
n 16 or more user congurable
presets
OptiOnS:
n Narrow band 1.25 MHz/2.5 MHz
COFDM
n Second MPEG-2 or MPEG-4
encoder *
n IP streaming input *
acceSSOrieS:
n ACCESS remote control
n ARINC mounting tray
n GPS antenna