Use of video cassette recorders for combined video and PCM data recording
Abstract
Analog tape recorders are commonly used in aircraft flight testing to record PCM digital data. These recorders require considerable space and add significantly to the cost of test instrumentation. For limited test programs in densely packed aircraft, such as the modern fighter, the burden of a conventional reel to reel analog recorder is oppressive. With this condition in mind, the desirability of recording PCM data on a video cassette recorder surfaced. The video cassette recorder (VCR) offers greatly improved size and cost efficiency over conventional reel to reel recorders for many data acquisition requirements. Not only are cost and size improved, but several other benefits are realized. For instance, video cassettes are easily stored and transported. Automatic synchronization of the digital data and video images is inherent in the combined recording system. The system described in this paper makes use of a small electronic interface unit to combine and synchronize the video and PCM data signals. This composite signal is then recorded on a standard VHS video recorder. PCM data rates of up to thirty kilobits per second can be accomodated with only a minor reduction of picture area.
- Publication:
-
Society of Flight Test Engineers, 15th Annual Symposium
- Pub Date:
- 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984sfte.symp....5M
- Keywords:
-
- Aircraft Instruments;
- Data Recorders;
- Pulse Code Modulation;
- Video Equipment;
- Video Tape Recorders;
- Decoding;
- Performance Tests;
- Signal To Noise Ratios;
- Instrumentation and Photography