Projects: Previous & Current - Sci-Tech Systems Ltd.

	Astra Track Previously known as the POB GNSS Personal Tracker, this is a private venture project, developed to its current stage with help from ESA-BIC Harwell, ESNC, GSA, HBIC and EEDA. If you require any more information please use the 'Contact Us' button at the top or bottom of this psge for your enquiry. Keywords: MOB - Maritime - Embedded - Real-Time - GPS - Communications - ARM3 - ARM9 - Windows XP Pro - C++ - Borland Builder - Borland Developer Studio 2005 - Micro C Real Time OS - Raisonance Ride7 IDE - C
	Ongoing Projects We are currently involved in the development of embedded software for the Internet of Things (IoT) including sensors for temperature, humidity, light, use of accelerometers to detect movement or shock, GNSS position sensing, Geofencing Boundaries, Bluetooth, TCP-IP protocols, GSM communication. Please contact us for availability. Keywords: Embedded - IoT - Sensors - Accelerometer - GNSS - Goefence - Bluetooth - TCP-IP - GSM
	O2C Viewer Objects To See 3D Model Viewer The o2c Viewer is a compact, fast and smooth 3D model visualiser. It is owned by Eleco Software Gmbh, part of Eleco Software Ltd., and used mainly to visualise models created by its ArCon building designing product, though it can visualise other 3D formats as well. Eleco already had an o2c Player for pc but needed to get it into the mobile market, and so commissioned Sci-Tech Systems to port this onto the iPad. The App was developed in Objective-C, C++ and C, using the xcode development environment on the Apple Mac. Visit www.o2c.de/en to learn more about o2c and download the Player Keywords: 3D modelling - 3D Visualisation - mobile App - iPad - Mac - Mac OSX - xcode - Objective-C - C - C++
	InstantView Accident Claims Assistance App This company has developed a SmartPhone App that captures information for an insurance claim in the event of a car accident. This concept won the UK leg of the 2011 European Satellite Navigation Competition. Data gathered by the App includes the accident location. The founder wished to explore extending the concept to include locating remote objects. InstantView commissioned Sci-Tech Systems to investigate the feasibility of this using a low cost but precise laser range finder that is compatible with SmartPhones. Sci-Tech Systems carried out tests under controlled lab conditions, and simulated accident conditions outdoors. Sci-Tech Systems produced a Feasibility Report, including an assessment of the proposed system's accuracy and it's usability, with recommendations. InstantView reviewed and acted upon the Report and subsequently arranged funding to develop an experimental prototype. Keywords: Insurance Claims - GPS - Laser Range-Finder - Remote Location Finding - Feasibility Study
	eCanal Inland Waterways Map and Information App This company has developed an inland waterways map and guide both as a pc-based application and as an App for SmartPhones. eCanal's founder wished to explore extending his business to include boat tracking and information transmission in the face of patchy mobile network coverage on the inland waterways, and commissioned Sci-Tech Systems to investigate. Sci-Tech Systems carried out tests using their marine tracking system in the target environment, tracking canal boats on the water, and in the Marina environment. Sci-Tech Systems produced a Feasibility Report, addressing the questions of viably tracking on the waterways with recommendations for ways of transmitting data and its development. eCanal reviewed and acted on the Report. We believe the company has now been sold. Keywords: Marine Tracking - GPS - communications - near-Real-Time - Feasibility Study
	Roof and Truss Roof Designing Tools Widely used throughout the Building Industry, Gang-Nail Systems Ltd structural Roof and Truss package is a sophisticated suite of Windows-based tools to design individual trusses and complex trussed rafter roofs. An overall concept is created in 2D, and visualised in 3D. The software performs an analysis, automatically designing the required trusses, performing bending and stress calculations, selecting and displaying timber sizes and fixings. It creates the roof design, cost and cutting / manufacturing detail. Peter and Christine were contracted by Gang-Nail Systems Ltd to maintain and develop the software. Keywords: Windows XP Pro - C++ - Fortran - Microsoft Visual Studio V6 / 2005 / 2008
	Project AIS Vessel Position Display This is a private venture project, self-funded. Peter created this windows-based Application, which receives Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals from shipping (of over 300 tons) and displays the information in a graphical form, to emulate a Radar-type display. Features include: real time update of vessel positions; select any vessel and display extended information about it; display Range and Bearing readout for any selected vessel to anywhere on the screen; performs automatic Collision Prediction on all vessels; display predicted future movements of all vessels. Display can be 'North up' or oriented to host vessels heading. The product is ready to be combined with Chart software, and has the potential to be combined with a POB display unit. This software forms the basis of a Command and Control Information System (CCIS) and can be quickly modified to this task. Keywords: AIS - CCIS - Windows XP Pro - Windows 10 - C++ - Borland Builder V6.0 - Borland Developer Studio 2005
	ArCon Architecture 3D Realisation ArCon, a Windows Application created by Eleco Software, presents a 3D realisation of a 2D plan, also featuring '3D Walkthrough', where the eye is taken through the 3D realisation in real-time. Originally used by professional architects, it is now also used by self-builders, interior designers and home improvers. Peter and Christine were contracted by Eleco to upgrade the software to the latest development environment, involving considerable investigation and reworking of code that was commented in German. Keywords: Upgrade - Test - Windows XP Pro - Delphi 2.0 / 5.0 - Borland Delphi 2006
	SIGMA InfraRed Camera The Sigma InfraRed Camera was developed in-house by BAe Systems (previously GEC-Marconi), as its third-generation uncooled thermal imaging device. It is now deployed in many military and civil applications. Christine was contracted by BAe Systems to develop a Software Tool to exercise and test SIGMA's Signal Processing Modules (SPM). The Tool emulated the output signal from an IR Sensor Head, writing it into an Image Card feeding into the SPM. This then performed its corrective function, and created video signals for display on a TV monitor. The SPM was therefore exercised by varying the Tool's input parameters. She liaised with the project Chief Engineer to determine Requirements, produced an informal design, and specified the development environment. The Tool was complex and mathematically modelled the detector behaviour according to input parameters, as well as responding to messages over an RS422 comms link. She designed the graphical forms to take user-input data for the Tool and to present results. She created a multi-threaded application to run under Windows 98 including: real-time comms handling over RS422 link, Image Card servicing, implementation and execution of mathematical model, maintenance of 5 user forms. She also sourced a Tool (Tetradyne DriverX) to create an Image Card driver for the Windows environment. Keywords: RS422 - Communications - Embedded - Real Time - Specification/Requirements - Design - Test - Integration Test - Windows NT, 98 - Algorithm Implementation - Mathematical Modelling - Multi-threaded Application - Delphi 5.0 - OO Pascal - Tetradyne Software DriverX 4.08
	GBR721 Infra Red Detector system Peter and Christine were contracted by BAe Systems to modify the SIGMA video modules embedded code, for the specific requirements of the GBR721 Digital TV Signal Processing (DTVSP) module. The DTVSP converts the output from an IR detector into video signals for display on a TV monitor in real time. They modified and updated the original design, in accordance with company standards, Yourdan methodology and ISO 9002. They modified the embedded C code, which included re-writing the comms code to work to a different protocol and the RS422 standard. They performed Integration Testing, using the Greenhill/VisionClick tools to download code to the DTVSP target hardware, and debug it. They created a software Tool using Borland Builder C++, to emulate the detector and 'master' interfaces to the DTVSP, simulating both high level system messages as well as the physical level (RS422). The tool was used in Integration Testing and System Testing. Keywords: RS422 - Communications - Digital TV Signal Processing - Embedded - Real-Time - Yourdan Methodology - Design - Implement - Test - Integration Test - Windows NT, 98, 95 - Sun Workstation - TeamWork Cadre - VisionClick - Greenhill Development Tools - Motorola PowerPC Processor - Borland Builder 4.0, 5.0 - C - Borland C++
	Phoenix Unmanned Air Vehicle Phoenix UAV is a 24 hour, all-weather, real-time surveillance and target acquisition system for the Army, and used with great success in Kosovo and Iraq. The UAV's surveillance suite (supplied in part by Marconi Avionics, later BAe Systems) is data-linked to a ground station that transmits the gathered intelligence directly to artillery command posts. The UAV is commanded and piloted by controller personnel in the ground station, over the data-link, using a Data Entry Device (DED). Christine was contracted by Marconi Avionics to upgrade the DED from an embedded unit to a Windows-based application to run on a palmtop hosting Windows NT and ruggidised to MIL specifications. She liaised with the project hardware engineer to exactly simulate the original device display and actions, by creating a multi-threaded windows task to concurrently emulate the DED display and entry pad, with processing transmit and receive comms data. She created a software tool to simulate comms 'talk' from the Phoenix for Module and Integration Testing, which was later used to demonstrate the system to the customer. She performed System Tests with the palmtop connected to the Phoenix pod. She also assisted with the palmtop Acceptance and Testing. She took this mini-project through a complete Lifecycle of Specification, Design, Implementation and Test in accordance with company procedures and ISO 9002. Keywords: RS422 - Communications - Embedded - Real Time - Specification - Design - Test - Integration Test - System Test - ISO 9002 - Windows NT - Multi-threaded Application - Borland Builder 5.0 - C
	Storm Shadow Missile InfraRed and Imaging and Control system The UK, together with France, leads Europe in cruise missile development. MBDA's Storm Shadow is the British part of that programme, and the infrared sensing and imaging system used to assist the missile's trajectory was developed by Marconi Avionics, later taken over by BAe Systems. Peter and Christine were contracted by Marconi Avionics to assist with testing. Peter liaised with production and development engineers and developed a basic test rig into the Automatic Test Facility for the infrared imaging system. He further enhanced it to automate and log positioning to an Excel Suite, using the Windows COM interface. Christine worked on Integration Testing of the software on the target hardware, fault-finding and bug-fixing, working to company configuration control standards, Yourdan methodology and ISO 9002. Keywords: Embedded - infrared imaging - Automatic Test - Integration Test - MIL-STD-1553 - Yourdan design methodology - configuration control - ISO 9002 - Windows NT, 98 - Sun Workstation - Teamwork Cadre - C - COM/DCOM - Delphi 5
	Land Systems Reference Centre Reference test facility for army communications systems This prestigious project for the army provides a reference testing facility for its many communications systems. It was procured by MoD, and delivered by a consortium formed by Syntegra (BT), DERA (now Qinetiq), BAe Systems and other defence industry specialists. Peter and Christine were sub-contracted to DERA to work on specific comms systems, with particular emphasis on Ptarmigan and Clansman. Peter's role was to develop factory acceptance tests, proving the overall system capability and demonstrating it to Syntegra. Christine's role was to develop integration tests to prove functionality at the system and module level. These tasks involved: detailed knowledge of the embedded environments; an operational knowledge of target comms equipment; knowledge of the Clansman Secure Speech Harness and Combat Network Radio; knowledge of Ptarmigan Mobile and Static Packet switching, using X.21 and X.25 protocols; diagnosis of hardware software and systems faults, and timing issues. Keywords: Embedded - communications - Test - X.21, X.25 protocols - Windows NT - Digital UNIX 4.0 - Digital UNIX C - Borland C++ 5.1
	C130 ALLTV Turret Controller Test / Control Software for the C130 Hercules aircraft ALLTV Turret Peter designed and developed an emulator of the aircraft's mission control computer that allowed the ALLTV turret to be controlled and tested remotely. The emulation was of two aircraft control panels running on a portable PC, and the control was exercised by commands issued automatically on the MIL-STD-1553B bus, the PC acting as bus controller. C130 ALLTV Turret Controller Extensions to embedded Software for the C130 Hercules aircraft ALLTV Turret Peter later upgraded the ALLTV embedded turret control system to add three extra RS422 interfaces, and to extend the Digital Signal Processing capability as the requirements evolved. He updated the test software and documentation to US Department of Defense standards, and advised on production testing of the final system. He consulted on upgrades to mission control emulator to reflect later system modifications and later development environments. Keywords: Real-Time - Embedded - Windows 95, NT - VAX - Pascal - Intel Assembler - Lauterbach - 1553 Interface - Delphi 4 - Borland Pascal - Borland C++ Builder 3.0 - Dos - Microsoft C
	YEAR 2000 AUDITS Year 2000 Compliance Programme Christine was contracted by GEC-Marconi Electro-Optics as Y2K Auditor for the Sensors Division. She assessed around 300 projects and products, and produced Technical Assessment reports for each one. The process included: interviewing hardware and software engineers, inspecting the embedded environments, assessing third party software, testing software tools used on the projects, and testing and fixing (using TF2000 commercial package) the development platforms themselves. This process was externally audited by Deloitte & Touche, with Christine supplying evidence. Keywords: Real-Time - Embedded - Y2K - Audit - Windows NT - Turbo Pascal OO 6.0 - Pascal 5.0 - Borland C - 8086, 68000 Assemblers - Teamlinks - TF2000
	LAND NAVIGATION SYSTEM GPS Vehicle Tracking and Navigation System This was a private venture project, self-funded. Peter and Christine conceived this idea before in-car navigation existed. Originally designed as an embedded in-car tracking system to assist with navigation, it was then adapted for the pc environment for a more flexible product, making use of equipment that a user would potentially already have. As a laptop-based real-time tracking application, connected to a hand-held GPS receiver, the system could be used in a car or other vehicle, but also in other environments, such as leisure yachting. Peter was responsible for specifying the hardware and both he and Christine designed and developed the system, including: vector and raster graphics for map handling, 2D and 3D de/projection algorithms, and serial communications with the GPS device. Features included: 2D tracking window with map, Choice of OS vector map, OS raster map or A-Z raster map, 3D Highway, Analogue Instrument Panel and Compass, Route creation with our Route Editor. They were Ordnance Survey licensed developers, and associates of the Geographer's A-Z Map Company Ltd. They tested a prototype system in-car, both in London and in the countryside. Although the project received some publicity, lack of investment meant it could not progress to market. Keywords: Real-Time - Embedded - Systems Design - Implement - Test - Planning - Vector and Raster Graphics - GPS - Algorithms - Serial communications - OS map data - A/Z map data - VAL8RCT GPS engine - MLR ValSat GPS receiver - BlueChip Intel - 80486 pc - Dos 6.0 - TurboVision - Windows 3.x, 95 - Turbo Pascal OO 6.0 - Borland C++ 4.5, 5.0 - Intel Assembler
	UKAIR CCIS UK Airforce Command Control and Information System This was a prestigious project for the United Kingdom Air Force, procured by MoD, with ICL Defence - DESC - (later Fujitsu) as the prime contractor. As with OPCON (see below), this was a system with a centralised multi-level secure database and distributed intelligent terminals. Peter and Christine were head-hunted to join the DESC Workstation Team which created the software environment within the bare-machine Lynwood terminal. This task covered the complete project lifecycle, and was governed by ISO 9002. Peter's roles covered: heading up a team of three to create the Graphics sub-system, planning and managing, specifying the terminal hardware, liaising with suppliers and customers, system design, implementation and test. Christine's roles covered: sub-system design, implementation and test, peer review, and general Algorithm design, implementation and test. They created a complete graphics system, including: interface to graphics chip, vector graphics handling, multi-layer map-handling, map de/projection. They selected a suitable multi-layer map data source for the project, and designed the geographical database and access algorithms. They selected the debugging and monitoring system for the Workstation during its development: the Lauterbach Trace 32 ICE. They later upgraded the software to work with an alternative CCTV system, and implemented the CGI interface to graphics hardware to enable the Workstation to work with external systems. Keywords: Real-Time - Embedded Systems - Bare Machine - Systems Design - Yourdan methodology - Implement - Test - Planning - Graphics - CGI - Algorithms - Sun Workstations - UNIX - Lynwood - Motorola 68030 - Hitachi 64400 GDP - CCTV - Lauterbach Trace 32 ICE - Ada - C - ISO 9002
	VIGOS Golf Simulator This was a private commission project, and funded privately. The concept was to create a simulator capable of emulating a real golf game, to the level where it could be used by professionals, amateurs and gamers alike. Peter and Christine created graphical and simulation software to include the features of: club selection and direction of impact, impact and trajectory of ball including bouncing and rolling, effect of club selection on trajectory, effect of atmosphere including variable wind, golf course hazards (rough grass, water, sand traps, trees), varying ground height, firmness and texture. A real golf hole was surveyed, and Peter and Christine created a tool to generate a 3D terrain database of their own design from the survey data, for use during the simulation. Keywords: Real-Time - Simulation - Systems Design - Implement - Test - Planning - Vector Graphics - 2D and 3D - Flight Algorithms - Impact - Trajectory - Roll and Bounce - Geographical Database - IBM PC AT - 80386 - DOS - Turbo Pascal - Assembler
	OPCON CCIS Operational Control Command Control and Information System This was a flagship project for the British Navy and NATO, procured by MoD, with ICL Defence (later Fujitsu) as the prime contractor. Peter and Christine were sub-contracted to create an intelligent terminal connected into the main multi-level secure environment. This task encompassed the complete project lifecycle, and afterwards into customer-requested enhancements. Peter's roles covered planning and managing the task; liaising with users and hardware manufacturers; system design, implementation and testing. Christine's roles covered sub-system design, implementation, testing and Algorithm design and development. They created a complete system within a bare machine environment, including: real-time operating system; keyboard, mouse and screen handlers; secure error-free asynchronous communications; vector-based graphics; map-handling; map and database algorithms; on-board diagnostic PROM suite. They enhanced the system to a sophisticated high resolution graphics terminal. They further upgraded it to work aboard British and NATO vessels, communicating via secure satellite link with the control centre. The system also survived a horrific fire aboard ship, continuing to operate and communicate normally. Keywords: Real-Time - Bare Machine - Systems Design - Implement - Test - Planning - Vector Graphics - Communications - X25 - Algorithms - Tandem - Guardian - TAL - Fortran - Aydin 5216 - CP/M - DOS - Microsoft Pascal - Intel Assembler - 8086 - EPROM
	Cwmbran Pilot Nylon Polymer Plant Process Control monitoring, with statistics ICI Fibres Ltd., the former artificial fibres manufacturer and now part of AkoNobel, built an experimental pilot plant to make nylon polymer, which was later expanded into full production, and helped to make ICI a world-scale producer of this material. Christine was contracted by ICI Fibres to design, implement, test and document a Monitoring and Statistics Package for the manufacturing process, using a specially-developed language for process control. Her package sampled readings in real-time from devices embedded in the process, stored and processed them, formatted and presented the results in a graphical form on a Hewlett-Packard Flatbed Plotter. The task included writing all applications level code to drive the plotter, and the design of a suitable database to hold a historical record of readings together with efficient access algorithm. The Package was subsequently implemented at other ICI Plants. Keywords: Real Time - Process Control - Nylon Polymer - SubSystem Design - Implement - System Test - PDP11/34 - RTL 2
	STIR, BRIDGET and OMAN Radar and Signal Handling Defence Systems These were radar defence projects (sea and land-based) being developed by Marconi Radar Systems Ltd, for European and Middle East customers. Peter's roles covered liaising with customers, design, implementation and planning, ultimately as Section Head responsible for team of twelve. Christine participated in design and implementation. She had particular responsibility for a user-friendly man-machine interface (MMI), and for the system initialisation and power-up sequence. OPCON Pilot Pilot for the OPCON CCIS (see above) Peter developed the colour graphics on the PPI display for this project, and demonstrated it to the User Group in ICL. This demonstration resulted in the system being selected for the Opcon project. Keywords: Real-Time - Bare Machine - Systems Design - Implement - Test - Planning - 3D Radar - Vector Graphics - Touch screen - MMI - Locus16 - Assembler - GEC Myriad - Coral66
	Tornado Simulator Tornado GR4 Flight Simulator The Tornado Flight Simulator, manufactured by Rediffusion Simulation (now Thales Training and Simulation), is used to train RAF pilots for the Tornado GR4 jet aircraft. A full mission simulator, it was used in the first ever NATO wide area networked real-time simulation of Combined Air Operations. Peter was contracted by Rediffusion Simulation Ltd., to work on the simulator development in the role of Systems Engineer. Additionally, he supplied consultancy to Aerospace Engineers, liaised with the customer, performed system builds and carried out simulator test-flights. He designed and developed a real time interactive monitor system to observe pilot performance, and induce aircraft faults. Keywords: Simulation - Real Time - Perkin Elmer 8/32 - Assembler - Fortran - Coral 66 - Test - System Test - consultancy
	PERT Planning Planning System for Engineering Department Peter was employed by Standard Telephones and Cables Ltd. (STC) to implement a Program Evaluation and Review Techniques (PERT) system for an Engineering Department of 112 people. The existing facility was found to be inadequate, so he evaluated alternatives and implemented an IBM system in its place. Additionally, he evaluated and selected an early interactive graphics CAD (Computer Aided Design) system. Keywords: PERT Planning - IBM 370/145 (OS VS1) - Honeywell 6060 - PDP 8 - Macro Assembler - Fortran - PFocal - CAD
	Linesman and Mediator Combined Military and Civil Air Traffic Control Mediator was an integrated Air Traffic Control System for all UK air traffic; Linesman was a related air defence project. The aim was to feed data into the system from Radar sites country-wide, monitoring and tracking both Civil and Military aircraft movements, and assess their intentions. The system was built by a consortium, including Marconi, Ferranti, GEC, Elliot Automation and Plessy - this last company was responsible for developing the computer hardware. Still serving in the RAF, Peter was loaned to Plessey to work on the system; following a course at RAF Locking on computer hardware and software techniques he worked, first in Liverpool then at RAF West Drayton, becoming involved in commissioning and acceptance of the Plessey Hardware, PERT Planning, re-design of hardware elements, and software design and modifications. During this period he attended Harrow College of Technology and obtained ONC Engineering and HNC Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Keywords: Air Traffic Control - Computer Hardware - Computer Software - Commissioning - Acceptance - PERT Planning - Hardware Design - Software Design - ONC - HNC
	Royal Air Force Ground Radar - Control and Reporting Peter received 3 years training in electronics at No 1 Radio School RAF Locking with a bias towards the long range ground radar systems. At RAF Bawdsey he worked on Type 80, Type 84, FPS 6 heightfinder, type 7 remote, fixed coil display, and projection and simulation systems. A brief detachment to RAF Labuan, Borneo saw him working on very primitive Radar equipment as well as being involved in dropping supplies to Ghurkhas in the jungle from Blackburn Beverley transport aircraft. At RAF Western Hill in Penang, Malaysia he ran a watch maintaining mobile radar types TPS 34 and UPS 1. His final posting at RAF Neatishead again saw him in charge of a watch looking after radar types including Type 84, Type 85, Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), and passive detection systems. Keywords: Electronics - Ground Radar - Height Finding Radar - Mobile Radar - Radar Simulation - Display Projection - Multi-beam Radar