FTS RAOS User manual

EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS. EXTREMELY RELIABLE.
RAOS
Remote Automated Observation System
Operator’s Manual
1.800.548.4264 | www.ftsinc.com
700-RAOS -Man Rev 5 24 Feb 2020

Contact Information
Canadian Headquarters:
1065 Henry Eng Place
Victoria, BC | V9B 6B2 | Canada
www.ftsinc.com
Toll-free: 1.800.548.4264
Local: 250.478.5561
Technical support portal: http://support.ftsinc.com
Email: [e-mail]

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CONTENTS
1.1 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 SATELLITE TERMINAL SAFETY .............................................................................................................................2
1.3 INFRARED CAMERA SAFETY ..................................................................................................................................3
1.4 ELECTROSTATIC DISHARGE SAFETY............................................................................................................................4
1.4.1 SECURE NETWORK ..................................................................................................................................................4
1.5 FTS360 AND FTS360 CONFIGURATION APPLICATION (FTS360 CONFIGAPP).............................................5
1.5.1 FTS360 ACCOUNT INITIALIZATION...................................................................................................................5
1.5.2 DOWNLOADING THE FTS360 CONFIG APP...................................................................................................6
1.5.3 USING THE FTS360 CONFIG APP IN THE FIELD ............................................................................................6
1.6 RAOS STATION COMPONENTS......................................................................................................................................6
1.7 PORTABLE POWER STATION ..........................................................................................................................................8
1.8 ON-BOARD COMPUTER ...................................................................................................................................................8
1.9 CAMERAS...............................................................................................................................................................................9
1.10 INFRARED CAMERA SAFETY ...........................................................................................................................................9
1.10.1 NIGHT MODE VS INFRARED MODE.................................................................................................................10
2.1 INSERTING/REMOVING THE SIM CARD ....................................................................................................................11
2.1.1 MODEM LEDS..........................................................................................................................................................12
2.1.2 ETHERNET LEDS .....................................................................................................................................................13
2.1.3 REBOOTING THE MODEM ..................................................................................................................................13
3.1 PRIOR TO PROCEEDING TO THE FIELD .....................................................................................................................14
3.2 CONFIRM RAOS OPERATION........................................................................................................................................15
3.2.1 SITE SELECTION......................................................................................................................................................15
3.3 INSTALLING THE STATION ............................................................................................................................................15
3.4 CONNECTING CAMERAS AND SATELLITE TERMINAL .........................................................................................19
3.4.1 CONNECTING TO 12 VDC POWER SOURCE .................................................................................................19
3.5 CONNECTING TO THE PORTABLE POWER STATION ...........................................................................................19
3.6 POWERING THE STATION ..............................................................................................................................................20
3.7 CONNECTING TO WI-FI...................................................................................................................................................21
3.7.1 TECHNICIAN MODE ..............................................................................................................................................21
3.8 CONFIGURING AND AIMING THE SATELLITE ASSEMBLY ..................................................................................22
3.9 AIMING/CONFIGURING CAMERAS.............................................................................................................................22

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3.10 CAMERA DISCOVERY AND DEFAULT CONFIGURATION....................................................................................23
3.10.1 SITE VISIT “SESSIONS” ..........................................................................................................................................24
3.10.2 SWAPPING CAMERAS ..........................................................................................................................................24
3.10.3 DEFAULT CONFIGURATION...............................................................................................................................25
3.10.4 DISPLAY CAMERA DIRECTION ..........................................................................................................................25
A.1 SYSTEM.................................................................................................................................................................................26
A.2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS..................................................................................................................................................26
A.3 CAMERAS.............................................................................................................................................................................26
B.1 POWER..................................................................................................................................................................................27
B.1.1 SOLAR CHARGER LEDS...................................................................................................................................27
B.1.2 FUSES........................................................................................................................................................................28
B.2 WHEN USING THE FTS360/ FTS 360 CONFIG APP................................................................................................29
B.3 MODEM ERRORS...............................................................................................................................................................30
B.3.1 MODEM LED ERROR INDICATORS ..........................................................................................................30

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DESCRIPTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The RAOS (Remote Automated Observation System) combines live image and motion picture
capture using either cellular network or BGAN satellite communication. It is capable of using up to
two cameras to monitor both the visible, near IR or thermal spectrums. The captured images and
video clips can be viewed and downloaded using the FTS360 web-based software platform. Images
can be viewed on demand, on a schedule, or by event based on pre-configured conditions. Should
there be a disruption of cellular connectivity, media captures are backed up on the station’s SD card
in LinuxEXT4 format. Once connectivity is re-established FTS360 data will backfill up to 24 hours of
images from the SD card.
The RAOS is a portable system designed to withstand harsh conditions. All hardware is either
stainless steel or anodized aluminum and the main enclosure, external parts, and connectors are
corrosion resistant. It takes less than 15 minutes to set up and consists of a tri-leg mount with a
sectioned mast, which supports the electronics cabinet and other equipment. See Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-1: Portable cellular RAOS with Infrared and Panorama cameras
Solar panel
Camera(s)
Portable Power Station
Electronics Cabinet
Mast

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1.2 SATELLITE TERMINAL SAFETY
WARNING! The Satellite terminal emits radio frequency (RF)
energy when operating, exposure to which can result in a
potentially hazardous situation. Strictly follow the warning
instructions detailed in this section to avoid personal injury.
Electric Shock Hazard: Do not stand in front of the satellite antenna.
This device emits radio frequency energy. To avoid injury, do not place
head or other body parts in front of the satellite antenna when system
is operational. Maintain a distance of at least one meter from the
front of the Satellite Terminal antenna when it is operating.
Pacemakers: The various brands and models of cardiac pacemakers
available exhibit a wide range of immunity levels to radio signals.
Therefore, people who wear a cardiac pacemaker and who want to use
a Satellite Terminal should seek the advice of their cardiologist. If, as a
pacemaker user, you are still concerned about interaction with the
Satellite Terminal, we suggest you follow these guidelines:
•Maintain a distance of at least one meter from the front and
sides of the antenna and your pacemaker when the antenna
is operating;
•Refer to your pacemaker product literature for information on
your particular device. If you have any reason to suspect that
interference is taking place, turn off your Satellite Terminal
immediately.
Hearing Aids: Most new models of hearing aids are immune to radio
frequency interference from Satellite Terminals that are more than 2
meters away. Many types of older hearing aids may be susceptible to
interference, making it very difficult to use them near a Terminal.
Should interference be experienced, maintain additional separation
between you and the Satellite Terminal.
Electrical Storms: Installation of the Satellite Terminal during electrical
storms may result in severe personal injury or death.
Never use the Satellite Terminal where blasting work is in progress or in
the vicinity of explosive environments. Observe all restrictions and
follow any regulations or rules. Areas with a potentially explosive
environment are often, but not always, clearly marked.

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1.3 INFRARED CAMERA SAFETY
The IR camera is classified as Risk Group 1 (low risk) in accordance with IEC-62471. When the IR
LEDs are active, their emissions can cause an infrared radiation hazard for the eye over a period of
time at close range. Since light provided from the IR LED is outside of the visible range, it is not
possible to see if the IR LED is active; therefore, if working at close proximity to the camera, use
appropriate shielding or eye protection. Refer to Figure 1-5.
DANGER! RISK OF EYE INJURY!
Do not look directly into the IR LED at close range.
Figure 1-2: Distance vs Exposure infrared radiation eye safety

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1.4 ELECTROSTATIC DISHARGE SAFETY
The internal components of the RAOS enclosure contain parts and assemblies susceptible to
damage to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to opening the enclosure take appropriate ESD
precautions. If at a workstation, wear proper electrostatic grounding equipment at all times. If in
the field, touch any metal object to discharge static electricity.
CAUTION! Contains parts and assemblies susceptible to
damage by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Before opening the
enclosure touch any metal object to discharge static electricity.
1.4.1 SECURE NETWORK
The RAOS operates in a closed system when taking pictures and storing them locally within the
station. RAOS data is encrypted by the camera system’s on-board computer before directly
outputting it through the selected network, either satellite or cellular. The RAOS authenticates to
FTS360 with unique, randomly generated credentials and pushes the image into a secure, hosted
database over an industry standard secure socket layer (SSL) encrypted tunnel.
Any data remains secure with decryption occurring within FTS360. Images are stored in the FTS360
data store and only accessible to identified personnel (administrators, technicians, and users) of the
agency which operates the RAOS station. Images are posted to a password protected website from
which clients can view or download their images. Station status, and commands for manual images
or configuration to the RAOS occur over the same encrypted channel.
Figure 1-3: System Security Overview

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1.5 FTS360 AND FTS360 CONFIGURATION APPLICATION (FTS360 CONFIGAPP)
FTS360 is used in conjunction with the FTS360 Config App to provide complete station set up,
configuration, and management capabilities.
FTS360 provides remote capabilities when connected to the internet. It can be accessed from the
browser on a computer or smart device.
The FTS360 Config App is an extension of FTS360 which runs on mainstream smart devices. It is
intended for use in the field and provides direct Wi-Fi access to the station when within 50 feet. The
FTS360 Config App is used for the initial set up and configuration/editing of a station’s sensors in the
field.
Table 1-1: FTS360 vs FTS360 CONFIG APP
FTS360
FTS360 Config App
Use with computer/laptop

Use with Smart Device


Remote access with internet


Direct wireless access

Add RAOS stations

Add cameras (with default configuration)
1

Configure/edit cameras


Edit stations

Real time display of station health


Create alerts/notifications

Download data

1.5.1 FTS360 ACCOUNT INITIALIZATION
In order for agency users to have access to FTS360, the Administrator must first initialize the account
and assign an Agency name. Note that in some cases, FTS will have completed this step on behalf of
the client. If that is the case, the Administrator will not have to Sign Up as outlined in the following
paragraph. Instead, an e-mail will be sent to the Administrator with directions on how to log in to
FTS360. The Administrator must then create user accounts for the Agency.
To create the Agency, the Administrator must go to the Sign Up URL (https://360.ftsinc.com/signup)
and complete the fields. The Administrator must then create user accounts for the Agency.
IMPORTANT! The first user to sign up is automatically assigned
Administrator status.
1Cameras are automatically assigned the default configuration when added. To amend the default
configuration, you must use the Edit Station > Configuration function using FTS3

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1.5.2 DOWNLOADING THE FTS360 CONFIG APP
The FTS360 Config App on a smart device uses wireless technology to provide direct, local access to
a RAOS station, permitting configuration changes to it when in the field and internet connection is
not possible. The FTS360 Config App is designed to have the same look and feel as FTS360 and will
permit you to configure stations when close to the station.
The FTS360 Config App is available for iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the
Apple App Store and Google play store respectively. Search for FTS360.
1.5.3 USING THE FTS360 CONFIG APP IN THE FIELD
In order to use the FTS360 Config App to communicate directly with a station you must2:
•Have access to FTS 360 and be assigned either an Administrator or Technician role
•Have downloaded the FTS360 Config App onto the smart device which will be used in the
field
•Have logged onto the FTS360 Config App and synchronized it with FTS360. Synchronization
occurs automatically by logging onto the FTS360 Config App with an internet connection
•Ensure you have logged into the FTS360 Config App as a member of the Agency to which the
station is assigned.
IMPORTANT: Prior to going to the field and immediately upon return (or when
internet connection is possible), you should log on to the FTS360 Config App to
synchronize with FTS360.
1.6 RAOS STATION COMPONENTS
The RAOS station consists of an external power station with a solar panel; camera(s); and an
electronics cabinet which houses the on-board computer, modem, communications and power over
Ethernet injector, satellite terminal and communications antenna. The portable system also
includes a tri-leg, backbone and mast system upon which to assemble the station.
The station can be set up for either cellular or satellite communication using the telemetry select
switch. Note only ONE telemetry option should be selected (see section 3.7).
2Note that if the site has strong cellular reception, these steps can be done on site. However, it is recommended to complete
them before leaving for the field so in the event there is a failure in cellular reception, work can still be conducted using the
most current information.