L3 Communications MX-15i Manual

MX-15i Surveillance System
Operations & Maintenance Manual
TM00358 Rev. A
This document contains information proprietary to L-3 WESCAM.
Unauthorized reproduction or disclosure - in whole or in part - without the
prior written consent of L-3 WESCAM is strictly prohibited.

Document Usage. This document and all information herein contains Company Confidential information that is
Proprietary and trade secret property of Wescam Inc. This commercially sensitive information is being disclosed to
the recipient solely for the purpose specified and shall not be reproduced, disclosed or supplied, in whole or in part,
to any third party without the prior written consent of Wescam Inc.
Preserve this document's integrity:
• Do not reproduce any portions of it.
• Do not separate any pages from this cover.
• This document is issued to you alone. Do not transfer it to another person.
• Store this document in a locked cabinet. Do not leave it unattended.
Document’s Intended Use & Functionality Description. Features and functionality of the system are dependent
upon the turret’s payload, logic processors and the overall system configuration. Some documented functions may
not work in your configuration, as these may be optional features or unconfigured functions.
Copyright © 2007, Wescam Inc. All rights reserved.
MX, MX-Day/Night Spotter, Wescam and Wisard are registered trademarks of Wescam Inc. All other company names, product names, or
feature names are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Features, performance and specifications within
this documentation are subject to change without notice. Product may not be exactly as depicted in diagrams or illustrations.
Reproduction of this documentation, or parts thereof, in any form, without the express prior permission of Wescam Inc. is strictly prohibited.

TM00358 Rev. A Document Revisions
L-3 WESCAM October 2007
All Rights Reserved i
Document Revisions
L-3 Wescam
649 North Service Road
Burlington, Ontario
L7P 5B9 Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
N.A. Toll Free: 1.888.593.7226 or 1.888.5-WESCAM
Outside N.A. Long Distance: 1.905.633.4175
wescam.com
Rev # Description Release # Date
-Initial Release ECO1645 2007-07-13
ARevised per ECR#1715 ECO2464 2007-10-16

Document Revisions TM00358 Rev. A
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TM00358 Rev. A Warnings & Cautions
L-3 WESCAM October 2007
All Rights Reserved iii
Warnings & Cautions
IMPORTANT. The following paragraphs list all warnings and cautions which appear in this manual. The warnings
and cautions are listed in the order in which they appear throughout the manual (which may cause some to be
repeated). Read all before warnings and cautions before commencing with any installation, troubleshooting,
maintenance or operation of the system.
•WARNINGS INDICATE POTENTIAL INJURY OR DEATH TO THE PERSONNEL.
• Cautions indicate potential damage to the equipment.
WARNING: TURRET IS A HEAVY ITEM. USE ONLY APPROVED EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES FOR
UNPACKING AND LIFTING THE TURRET.
WARNING: SUPPLIED MOUNTING SCREWS FOR SERVICE STAND ONLY. DO NOT USE SERVICE STAND
MOUNTING SCREWS FOR INSTALLING THE TURRET INTO AN AIRCRAFT.
Caution: Do not over tighten mounting screws. There is no need to torque fasteners but do not exceed
100 in-lbs (11 Nm).
Caution: Never use reclaimed solvents or tissue paper, and only use cloths that conform to AMS 3819
standards.
Caution: Avoid contaminating solvent by applying solvent to new, clean cloths only.
Caution: Use CA 1000 only in application area or to protect worn nickel plating. The turret’s interface
plate and the aircraft’s mounting plate must provide a conductive path to electrically ground
out the turret.
WARNING: TURRET IS A HEAVY ITEM. USE ONLY APPROVED EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES FOR
UNPACKING AND LIFTING THE TURRET.
WARNING: SUPPLIED MOUNTING SCREWS FOR SERVICE STAND ONLY. DO NOT USE SERVICE STAND
MOUNTING SCREWS FOR INSTALLING THE TURRET INTO AN AIRCRAFT.
WARNING: AIRWORTHINESS OF THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATING THE SYSTEM
ONTO THE AIRCRAFT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY.
WARNING: DANGER ZONE. THE TURRET IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED AND CAPABLE OF CONTINUOUS
MOVEMENT FROM DRIVE MOTORS THAT ARE CAPABLE OF FORCES THAT CAN INJURE
PERSONNEL.
WARNING: THORIUM FLUORIDE, WHEN CONSIDERED IN ITS FINAL FORM AS AN OPTICAL COATING
WITHIN THE INFRARED LENS, PRESENTS NO HAZARD TO PERSONNEL IN THE NORMAL
USE, MAINTENANCE, TRANSPORTATION OR STORAGE OF THE SURVEILLANCE
SUBSYSTEM. HOWEVER, SHOULD THE INFRARED LENS BECOME DAMAGED OR BROKEN,
THE MATERIAL MUST BE HANDLED AND WASTE DISPOSED OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH
STATE AND/OR FEDERAL REGULATIONS. IN THE EVENT OF A BROKEN OR DAMAGED
INFRARED TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY, THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES MUST BE FOLLOWED:
• WEAR EYE PROTECTION, A FILTER MASK TO COVER THE MOUTH & NOSE AND
GLOVES WHEN HANDLING BROKEN GLASS.
• PICK UP ALL PIECES OF BROKEN GLASS AND PLACE IN A DOUBLE PLASTIC BAG

Warnings & Cautions TM00358 Rev. A
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iv All Rights Reserved
AND SEAL.
• WIPE UP SUSPECTED CONTAMINATED AREAS WITH RYMPLECLOTH OR LENS
TISSUE MOISTENED WITH ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL.
• PLACE CLEANUP MATERIALS IN A DOUBLE PLASTIC BAG AND SEAL.
• WASH HANDS IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLEANUP IS COMPLETE.
• DISPOSE OF MATERIALS AS LOW LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE PER LOCAL BIO-
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING OFFICE DIRECTIVES.
WARNING: TURRET IS A HEAVY ITEM. USE ONLY APPROVED EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES FOR
UNPACKING AND LIFTING THE TURRET.
WARNING: DANGER ZONE. THE TURRET IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED AND CAPABLE OF CONTINUOUS
MOVEMENT FROM DRIVE MOTORS THAT ARE CAPABLE OF FORCES THAT CAN INJURE
PERSONNEL.
Caution: Chips or cracks in turret windows are not air safe. If detected, contact an L3 Wescam Customer
Service representative.
Caution: Do not power wash the turret.
Caution: Never wipe a dry window with a dry cloth. Embedded debris will scratch the surface.
Caution: Never use tissues or paper towels. Such products contain abrasives.
Caution: Never allow wet windows to air dry as the surface will stain permanently. Do not start this
procedure unless you have sufficient time to follow all steps or while you are completing other
maintenance tasks.
Caution: Do not scrape bonded particles that cannot be removed with compressed air. Soak the
particles and allow them to loosen.
WARNING: ALTHOUGH INERT, THE NITROGEN GAS YOU WILL BE HANDLING IS COMPRESSED AND
THEREFORE SHOULD BE TREATED WITH THE CARE ANY COMPRESSED GAS REQUIRES.
REVIEW ALL MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) TO ENSURE SAFE HANDLING.
Caution: Turret’s purge valve damages easily. Hang and isolate the supply hose to make sure the purge
valve does not bear the weight of the air hose and chuck. The purge valve could break off if the
hose is moved or kicked accidentally.
Caution: When purging, the nitrogen feed pressure should never exceed 0.35 kg/cm² (5 psi). Otherwise,
you risk damaging internal valves and other sensitive parts.
WARNING: DANGER ZONE. THE TURRET IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED AND CAPABLE OF CONTINUOUS
MOVEMENT FROM DRIVE MOTORS THAT ARE CAPABLE OF FORCES THAT CAN INJURE
PERSONNEL.
WARNING: DANGER ZONE. THE TURRET IS REMOTELY CONTROLLED AND CAPABLE OF CONTINUOUS
MOVEMENT FROM DRIVE MOTORS THAT ARE CAPABLE OF FORCES THAT CAN INJURE
PERSONNEL.
WARNING: READ DESICCANT MATERIAL MSDS. REVIEW THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
SECTIONS FOR MATERIAL HANDLING, REACTIVITY AND MATERIAL DISPOSAL BEFORE
REPLACING ANY DESICCANT MATERIAL.

TM00358 Rev. A Warnings & Cautions
L-3 WESCAM October 2007
All Rights Reserved v
WARNING: AVOID DESICCANT MATERIAL CONTACT WITH SKIN, INGESTION OR INHALATION OF DUST.
WHEN FIRST EXPOSED TO WATER, THE DESICCANT MATERIAL BECOMES VERY HOT.
Caution: Make sure no water enters the desiccant enclosure during desiccant exchange.
Caution: Remove the breather valve while it is facing upwards so desiccant material does not spill out.
Caution: Do not over fill or pack the desiccant material. Room must be left for the filler port to seat
properly.
Caution: Store and pack the turret by following the procedures defined in Chapter 4 of this manual.
When shipping items, it is the customer's responsibility to correctly pack and obtain insurance.
L-3 Wescam is not liable for any damage that occurs during shipment.
Caution: Use anti-static, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), pink bubble wrap only. For all self pack LRUs,
use safe ESD bubble wrap to protect electrical components during shipment.

Warnings & Cautions TM00358 Rev. A
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TM00358 Rev. A Table of Contents
L-3 WESCAM October 2007
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Table of Contents
Document Revisions............................................................................................................................i
Warnings & Cautions.........................................................................................................................iii
Table of Contents..............................................................................................................................vii
List of Figures.....................................................................................................................................xi
List of Tables....................................................................................................................................xiii
Chapter 1 - System Overview
1.1 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION...............................................................................................2
1.1.1 Power......................................................................................................................3
1.1.2 Communications .....................................................................................................4
1.1.3 Video Switch Matrix.................................................................................................4
1.2 SYSTEM LRU COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................6
Chapter 2 - Operational Information
2.1 HAND CONTROLLER CONTROLS ..................................................................................10
2.1.1 Hand Controller – Primary Switch Controls...........................................................10
2.1.2 Hand Controller – Secondary Button Controls......................................................14
2.1.3 Slew Transducer & Turret Steering.......................................................................16
2.2 VIDEO STATUS OVERLAYS ............................................................................................18
2.2.1 Tracking & Orientation Graphics...........................................................................18
2.2.2 Messaging Graphics .............................................................................................20
2.2.3 Target and Aircraft Status Graphics......................................................................21
2.2.4 North Indicator.......................................................................................................23
2.2.5 System and Sensor Status Graphics....................................................................24
2.3 USER MENU NAVIGATION ..............................................................................................27
2.3.1 Menu Components................................................................................................27
2.4 SYSTEM STATUS MENU..................................................................................................30
2.5 GIMBAL MENU..................................................................................................................32
2.6 EOW MENU.......................................................................................................................33
2.7 IR MENU............................................................................................................................35
2.8 EON MENU........................................................................................................................37
2.9 VIDEO I/O MENU...............................................................................................................39
2.10 OPERATOR GIMBAL MENU.............................................................................................40
2.11 OPERATOR PAYLOAD MENU .........................................................................................42
2.12 MISSION MENU ................................................................................................................44
2.13 OVERLAY MENUS............................................................................................................46
2.14 PROFILES MENU..............................................................................................................48
2.15 RECOMMENDED OPERATOR MISSION TASKS............................................................50

Table of Contents TM00358 Rev. A
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Chapter 3 - Technical Description
3.1 TURRET ............................................................................................................................54
3.1.1 Lid .........................................................................................................................54
3.1.2 Yoke......................................................................................................................55
3.1.3 Gimbal...................................................................................................................56
3.2 PAYLOAD SENSORS .......................................................................................................57
3.2.1 EOW Sensor.........................................................................................................57
3.2.2 IR Sensor..............................................................................................................58
3.2.3 EON - MX-Day/Night Spotter™ Sensor................................................................60
3.3 TURRET ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION....................................................................63
3.3.1 Stow Position ........................................................................................................63
3.3.2 Turret Desiccant Assembly...................................................................................63
3.4 SOFTWARE FEATURES ..................................................................................................65
3.4.1 Interpretation of Operator Control.........................................................................65
3.4.2 Functions Related to Target Geographic Location................................................65
Chapter 4 - Installation Instructions
4.1 TURRET SHIPPING CASES & STORAGE.......................................................................70
4.2 TURRET SERVICE STAND INSTALLATION....................................................................72
4.3 TURRET AIRCRAFT INSTALLATION...............................................................................75
4.3.1 Step 1 — Corrosion Inspection.............................................................................76
4.3.2 Step 2 — Surface Preparation and Jointing Compound Application.....................77
4.3.3 Step 3 — Installation and Mechanical Fastening..................................................78
4.4 TURRET REMOVAL..........................................................................................................80
4.4.1 Special Handling Instructions for Damaged Turrets..............................................81
4.4.2 Removing the Turret from the Aircraft...................................................................82
4.5 HAND CONTROLLER INSTALLATION.............................................................................83
Chapter 5 - Failure Diagnosis
5.1 BUILT-IN TESTS ...............................................................................................................86
5.1.1 Software BIT Status..............................................................................................86
5.1.2 Alarms Page BIT Details.......................................................................................87
5.2 BIT ERROR CODES..........................................................................................................89
5.2.1 Generic BIT Codes 1.x..........................................................................................89
5.2.2 Gimbal BIT Codes 4.x...........................................................................................90
5.2.3 EOW BIT Codes 5.x..............................................................................................91
5.2.4 IR BIT Codes 6.x...................................................................................................92
5.2.5 EON BIT Codes 7.x ..............................................................................................94
5.2.6 Master Control BIT Codes 8.x...............................................................................95
5.2.7 GPS BIT Codes 20.x.............................................................................................96
5.3 LRU FAULT DIAGNOSIS ..................................................................................................97

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L-3 WESCAM October 2007
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Chapter 6 - Maintenance Information
6.1 MAINTENANCE POLICY.................................................................................................100
6.2 INSPECTING & CLEANING WINDOWS.........................................................................101
6.2.1 Environmental Considerations ............................................................................101
6.3 TURRET PURGING.........................................................................................................103
6.4 PURGE VALVE REPLACEMENT....................................................................................106
6.5 REMOVING & REPLACING THE DESICCANT ASSEMBLY..........................................108
6.5.1 Remove and Replace the Desiccant Assembly ..................................................108
6.5.2 Removing, Refilling and Reinstalling the Desiccant Assembly ...........................109
6.6 LRU RETURN TO VENDOR PROCEDURE....................................................................112
6.6.1 L-3 Wescam Customer Service Contact Information..........................................113
Appendix: Acronyms and Abbreviations.................................................................115

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TM00358 Rev. A List of Figures
L-3 WESCAM October 2007
All Rights Reserved xi
List of Figures
Chapter 1 - System Overview
Figure 1-1 System Configuration................................................................................................2
Figure 1-2 MX-15i System Power Distribution............................................................................3
Figure 1-3 Simplified Sensor Video Flow ...................................................................................5
Chapter 2 - Operational Information
Figure 2-1 Hand Controller.......................................................................................................10
Figure 2-2 Hand Controller Face Plate Switches .....................................................................10
Figure 2-3 Hand Controller Top Buttons...................................................................................14
Figure 2-4 Typical MX-15i Video Overlay Graphics .................................................................18
Figure 2-5 Tracking and Orientation Overlay Graphics............................................................19
Figure 2-6 LOS Reticle.............................................................................................................19
Figure 2-7 Relative Zoom Status Bar.......................................................................................20
Figure 2-8 Pop-Up Alerts & Status Messages..........................................................................20
Figure 2-9 Target and Aircraft Status.......................................................................................21
Figure 2-10 Terrain Elevation After Slewing to Issued Coordinates...........................................22
Figure 2-11 Slant Range Distance .............................................................................................22
Figure 2-12 Slant Range Measurement Modes..........................................................................23
Figure 2-13 Measurement Modes and Changes to Target Coordinate Data .............................23
Figure 2-14 North Arrow Graphic ...............................................................................................23
Figure 2-15 MX-15i System Video Overlay................................................................................24
Figure 2-16 Steering Mode with ZMULTI Enabled.....................................................................25
Figure 2-17 VIC Status Indicator in a Dual Display Configuration..............................................25
Figure 2-18 Geo-Focus Status Indicator ....................................................................................26
Figure 2-19 Menu Structure........................................................................................................27
Figure 2-20 Typical Menu Dialog................................................................................................28
Figure 2-21 Level 1 System Status Menu ..................................................................................30
Figure 2-22 Level 2 Gimbal Menu..............................................................................................32
Figure 2-23 EOW - Levels 2 and 3.............................................................................................33
Figure 2-24 IR Menu - Levels 2 and 3........................................................................................35
Figure 2-25 EON Menu - Levels 2 and 3....................................................................................37
Figure 2-26 Level 2 Video I/O Menu...........................................................................................39
Figure 2-27 Level 2 Operator Gimbal Menu...............................................................................40
Figure 2-28 Level 2 Operator Payload Menu .............................................................................42
Figure 2-29 Level 2 Mission Menu .............................................................................................44
Figure 2-30 Typical Level 2 Overlay Menu.................................................................................46
Figure 2-31 Level 2 Profiles Menu..............................................................................................48
Figure 2-32 Sample Operator & Maintenance Task Timeline ....................................................50
Chapter 3 - Technical Description
Figure 3-1 MX-15i Turret..........................................................................................................54
Figure 3-2 MX-15i Turret Lid ....................................................................................................55
Figure 3-3 Turret Desiccant Breather Assembly ......................................................................64

List of Figures TM00358 Rev. A
October 2007 L-3 WESCAM
xii All Rights Reserved
Figure 3-4 Pressure Equalization and Airflow Pathways..........................................................64
Figure 3-5 Slew Force Interpretation........................................................................................65
Figure 3-6 Aircraft & Target Locations .....................................................................................66
Figure 3-7 IR Video Processing Conversion Steps..................................................................67
Chapter 4 - Installation Instructions
Figure 4-1 Removing Foam Layers..........................................................................................70
Figure 4-2 MX-15i Service Stand Installation Steps.................................................................72
Figure 4-3 Orienting Alignment Pins ........................................................................................73
Figure 4-4 MX-15i Ready for Installation..................................................................................76
Figure 4-5 Bolt Sealant Application Areas................................................................................77
Figure 4-6 Turret Connectors...................................................................................................78
Figure 4-7 6-Bolt Tightening Pattern........................................................................................78
Figure 4-8 MX-15i Turret Removal and Shipping Case Packing..............................................80
Chapter 5 - Failure Diagnosis
Figure 5-1 Example of a Major BIT Failure in the System Status Menu ..................................86
Figure 5-2 Alarms Page ...........................................................................................................88
Figure 5-3 Fault Diagnostic Tree for Power Loss.....................................................................97
Figure 5-4 Fault Diagnostic Tree for Video Loss......................................................................98
Chapter 6 - Maintenance Information
Figure 6-1 Humidity Indicator .................................................................................................103
Figure 6-2 Purge Kit Regulator Assembly..............................................................................104
Figure 6-3 Removing the Purge Valve from Rear Turret Door...............................................106
Figure 6-4 Desiccant Assembly and Humidity Indicator.........................................................108

TM00358 Rev. A List of Tables
L-3 WESCAM October 2007
All Rights Reserved xiii
List of Tables
Chapter 1 - System Overview
Table 1-1 System Components .................................................................................................3
Table 1-2 Supported Communication Protocols and Interfaces to External Systems ...............4
Table 1-3 Turret LRU Specifications..........................................................................................6
Table 1-4 Hand Controller LRU Specification............................................................................7
Table 1-5 GPS Antenna LRU Specification ...............................................................................7
Chapter 2 - Operational Information
Table 2-1 Hand Controller Primary Switch Controls................................................................11
Table 2-2 Hand Controller Secondary Button Control Functions.............................................14
Table 2-3 Slew Transducer Functions for MX-15i System Steering Modes ............................16
Table 2-4 Fields in the Level 1 System Status (Main) Menu ...................................................30
Table 2-5 Status Indications in the System Status Main Menu................................................31
Table 2-6 Status Information and Controls in the Level 2 Gimbal Menu .................................32
Table 2-7 Status Information and Controls in the Level 2 EOW Menu....................................33
Table 2-8 Status Information and Controls in the Level 2 IR Menu.........................................35
Table 2-9 Status Information and Controls in the Level 2 EON Menu.....................................37
Table 2-10 Status Information and Controls in the Level 2 Video I/O Menu..............................39
Table 2-11 Status Information and Controls in the Level 2 Operator Gimbal Menu..................40
Table 2-12 Status Information and Controls in the Level 2 Operator Payload Menu.................42
Table 2-13 Status Information and Controls in the Level 2 Mission Menu.................................44
Table 2-14 Status Information and Controls in the Level 2 Overlay Menus...............................46
Chapter 3 - Technical Description
Table 3-1 EOW Lens Capabilities............................................................................................57
Table 3-2 IR Lens Capabilities.................................................................................................58
Table 3-3 EON Lens & Filter Capabilities................................................................................61
Chapter 4 - Installation Instructions
Table 4-1 Turret Shipping Case & LRU Packaging .................................................................71
Table 4-2 Turret Installation — Parts.......................................................................................75
Table 4-3 Turret Installation — Consumables .........................................................................75
Table 4-4 Turret Installation — Tools.......................................................................................76
Table 4-5 Turret Removal — Parts..........................................................................................80
Table 4-6 Turret Removal — Tools..........................................................................................81
Chapter 5 - Failure Diagnosis
Table 5-1 Status Indications in the System Status Main Menu................................................87
Table 5-2 Failure Descriptions for 1.x BIT Codes....................................................................89
Table 5-3 Failure Descriptions for 4.x BIT Codes....................................................................90
Table 5-4 Failure Descriptions for 5.x BIT Codes....................................................................91
Table 5-5 Failure Descriptions for 6.x BIT Codes....................................................................92
Table 5-6 Failure Descriptions for 7.x BIT Codes....................................................................94
Table 5-7 Failure Descriptions for 8.x BIT Codes....................................................................95
Table 5-8 Failure Descriptions for 20.x BIT Codes..................................................................96

List of Tables TM00358 Rev. A
October 2007 L-3 WESCAM
xiv All Rights Reserved
Chapter 6 - Maintenance Information
Table 6-1 Window Cleaning — Consumables.......................................................................101
Table 6-2 Window Cleaning — Tools ....................................................................................102
Table 6-3 Turret Purging — Parts and Support Equipment...................................................103
Table 6-4 Turret Purging — Consumables............................................................................103
Table 6-5 Purge Valve Replacement — Parts.......................................................................106
Table 6-6 Purge Valve Replacement — Tools ......................................................................107
Table 6-7 Purge Valve Replacement — Bulk Items...............................................................107
Table 6-8 Desiccant Removal — Parts..................................................................................108
Table 6-9 Desiccant Removal — Tools .................................................................................109
Table 6-10 Desiccant Refill — Consumables ..........................................................................109
Table 6-11 Desiccant Refill — Tools .......................................................................................110

TM00358 Rev. A Chapter 1 - System Overview
L-3 WESCAM October 2007
All Rights Reserved 1
System Overview
This chapter provides a system
overview and details various
component specifications.
Chapter Contents:
•System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
•System LRU Component Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 1 - System Configuration TM00358 Rev. A
October 2007 L-3 WESCAM
2 All Rights Reserved
1.1 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
The MX-15i system consists of two main components:
•Turret
• Hand Controller
The turret provides hardware and software functions that allow crew members to operate the MX-15i system using
the Hand Controller as the operator controls. External communication interfaces can be utilized to control operation
remotely through aircraft computer systems.
The turret contains a video switching matrix that manages output to external display monitors, video tape recorders
(VTR) and other associated video equipment. Graphical overlays on top of the displayed video provide the primary
method for viewing system status information. Infrequently used status information and other control parameters
are viewed through user menus.
Figure 1-1 System Configuration
P3 P1P2
Aircraft 28Vdc Power
Nightsun
(CFE)
Video 1
S-video
Video 2
S-video
Video 3
Composite
Video 4
Composite
Maintenance
port
42390
White
NTSC fmt
20u CE LFIR
Block EOW
EON DCS
G.P.S cca
42228
Comm port CE3
RS422@19200
Moving Map
(CFE)
Comm port CE2
RS232@115200
Comm port CE1
RS232@115200
RCS

TM00358 Rev. A Chapter 1 - System Configuration
L-3 WESCAM October 2007
All Rights Reserved 3
1.1.1 Power
All turret system components operate on +28 VDC that is supplied from the aircraft. The turret is wired into the
aircraft power feed and routes +28 VDC power to the Hand Controller and +5 VDC to the GPS antenna. The
POWER switch on the Hand Controller both applies and removes power to the turret.
Figure 1-2 MX-15i System Power Distribution
Table 1-1 System Components
Equipment Product Name Supplier Part Number Qty
Turret MX-15i containing a payload of:
• EOW – Daylight Zoom Camera with
continuous zoom lens
• IR – Thermal camera with stepped zoom lens
• EON – MX-Day/Night Spotter™ with a fixed
focal length lens
Features:
• Gen 3.0 IR Video Processing circuit card
assembly
• Moving Map and NightSun Communication
interfaces enabled.
• NTSC video format
L-3 Wescam 42390 1
Operator
Interface • Hand Controller L-3 Wescam 42228 1
GPS Antenna Omni, Hemispherical L-3 Wescam GPS-511 1
Hand
Controller
Power
Circuit
Aircraft
+28 VDC
Power
Supply
Turret Systems
Airframe
Turret
Turret
Power
Switch
Relay
Power
Circuit
+
-
Turret
Power

Chapter 1 - System Configuration TM00358 Rev. A
October 2007 L-3 WESCAM
4 All Rights Reserved
Powering Up the Turret While On Ground
1. Make sure the aircraft is supplying power to the turret systems.
2. From the Hand Controller, lift up on the POWER switch and push forward.
3. The turret will cycle steering positions and return to the STOW position.
Note: After system power up and the IR cooling message is no longer displayed, the focal panel array continues to
stabilize after it has been cooled to operating temperature. Performing periodic 1-Point calibrations,
specifically 5 minutes after the cooling message, will help optimize the IR video imagery.
1.1.2 Communications
The system uses digital controls, including those for the turret. All operational communications are through RS-422
links. Control functions are distributed amongst multiple microprocessors.
1.1.3 Video Switch Matrix
A video switch matrix manages analog video inputs from all imaging sensors. The video switch matrix also
manages routing of all analog video outputs. Prior to output to an external display, the switch matrix applies
graphical overlay annotations to the sensor video. The MX-15i features an 8x8 S-Video matrix with:
• 3 overlay annotation layers (one for each imaging sensor)
• 4 video outputs
Operators can enable or disable display of the overlay in the video output
Table 1-2 Supported Communication Protocols and Interfaces to External Systems
Protocol Number Purpose Notes
100BaseT Ethernet 1RCS comms • Optional
MIL-STD-1553 Terminal 1INS or RCS comms • Optional
ARINC 429 1INS comms • Optional
• 2x Receive, 1x Transmit
RS-232 4Isolated comms • Optional
• Customer Restricted Maintenance Ports
RS-422 2Operator Control
Interface
RS-422/232 5Isolated Software
comms Optional interfaces: • RADAR
•UWave
•Map
• NightSun
•Sensordata
• RCS/RCS Status