This log entry covers the various operation modes that are currently being taken into account in designing the power routing and switching of the unit, as well as the usability and accessibility of the communications interfaces.

To operate the unit, several operational scenarios have been defined and have been separated into user modes and power modes, which can each be combined with each other.

User modes:

• Local mode
  • User is in close proximity to the unit and interacts directly with the touch-panel
• Remote mode - controller
  • Remote mode - (controller) is intended to be used when the user cannot access the unit directly and is closed, but is still in close proximity to the unit. For this purpose it is foreseen to design a small hand controller/handheld unit with a simple dot matrix LCD display to view frequency/mode/GPS info/altimeter/time/... This mode can be used when the unit is in a backpack for example or located in a vehicle without direct access but still required to be operated.
• Remote mode - Ethernet
  • Remote mode - (Ethernet) is foreseen to be used when the unit is located relatively far away from the user (>10 meters). In this case an Ethernet link is established to the unit via a network cable and all unit operations can be carried out and monitored via a remote computer. Use cases include remote spectrum monitoring for example.

In the remote modes, the initial setup consists of opening the unit, configuring the desired power mode and then powering the Raspberry Pi. The screen does not need to be powered, saving energy. The unit can then be closed and is ready for remote operations.

Any of the above user modes can be combined with a power mode below.

Power modes:

• Run on internal power
• Run on 5VDC external power
• Run on 9-36VDC external power
• Run on 5VDC external power + charge internal powerbank
• Run on 9-36VDC external power + charge internal powerbank
• Run on 5VDC external power + charge internal powerbank from 9-36VDC input
• Run on 9-36VDC external power + charge internal powerbank from 5VDC input