Project GALARDO (Paperback)

Project GALARDO (GPS Aided LAseR DesignatOr) is the concept of a low-budget robotic, remotely controlled Laser Designator. It requires the user to power it on and then deploy it in open air field. At boot up, the system is ready for valid user to remotely connect and log on. After validly logging in the user runs two applications, GALARDO GUI & SHELL CONSOLE. Both are programmed in C++ language and have independent sockets and threads incorporated in them for three types of COM data communications. COM1 handles the Drive Control Module (DCM) of the unmanned vehicle, COM2 handles the Pan/Tilt Module (PTM) of the wireless camera and COM3 handles the Global Positioning System Module (GPS). When all components work in synchronization, as an end result GALARDO Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) is able to navigate through terrain looking for potential targets. It can record live video-feed onboard its Compact Flash CF Memory. It can take snapshots, pan and tilt the camera view around the horizon and if it finds a target, can Laser Designate it precisely from long ranges.