The challenge for this particular installation was to consider the various uses of the control center, while anticipating the potential problems encountered by controllers during their day-to-day operations, said Jay Rogina, Chief Executive Officer at Spinitar. With this in mind, we designed and installed a complete A/V system that is both easy to use and maintain. And it is integrated into the existing FAA networks located throughout the country for a seamless communications environment.

The FAA sought to upgrade its dated analog system with new digital technology provided by SPINITAR. The project encompassed a complete overhaul of the processors, projection systems and LAN/WAN network connected to air traffic control, communications, and radar and navigational aids located throughout the POCC area of coverage. With consideration for the FAAs equipment needs and budget restrictions, SPINITAR performed a comprehensive needs analysis and made preliminary equipment recommendations based upon the high-technology requirements of the operations control center.

There were several key factors we considered in choosing SPINITAR, said Doug Northington, Technical Team Lead. SPINITARs proposal for the project was extremely comprehensive, reasonable and very informative on the companys capabilities. They took into consideration our equipment needs and made recommendations that were within our budget. Additionally, their cost-saving suggestions for equipment could be easily integrated and updated as new technology becomes available.

 

Charged with continually enhancing the safety of air travel, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) turned to SPINITAR™ for an audio-visual systems integration project at its Pacific Operations Control Center (POCC) in San Diego, Calif. Working with the aviation community to regulate safety, security and environmental issues, the FAA needed state-of-the-art systems that could not only work with its existing network, but also be easily upgraded as new technologies develop.

In order to make technological improvements in tracking air traffic throughout the western United States, Alaska, Hawaii and the Micronesian Islands, the FAA enlisted the aid of SPINITAR to design and install an integrated audio-visual communications environment for the San Diego POCC and conference room. The POCC is responsible for scheduling maintenance and data collections for scheduled and unscheduled events involving air traffic support equipment, including the display of real-time computer data for tracking flight numbers, airline names, and flight departure and arrival information.

 

Designed to be expanded with little effort, the installation features six BARCOReality 6300 highresolution, compact projection systems, three Sony Plasma screens, an AutoPatch 8Y-XL Distribution Matrix for precision signal routing, and a Crestron control system, with networkbased E-Control software to control various display devices located throughout the operations control center. Other features of the new San Diego FAA installation include Extron computer interfaces designed to make computer signals compatible with any of the display devices, such as the monitors, projectors and plasma display panels located throughout the room. An RGB Spectrum QuadView multi-input display allows controllers to view up to four live computer or video images simultaneously on a monitor or projector, and a Draper Perm-Wall provides a flat viewing surface for graphic and data video projection.

Overall, the new system has simplified operations. The digital products’ menu-driven features are much simpler to use and require less labor to maintain the bright, high-resolution displays. Additionally, POCC specialists are able to easily switch any one of the 64 input devices to any of the 16 output displays installed in the control center utilizing a Crestron Wireless Touch Panel. The new touch panel allows the user to roam the room and change information sources as needed. It also makes maintenance and data collection less complicated.