This is a project for a museum to demonstrate a simulation of a 1940's to 1960's vintage radar, including the Chain Home radar from early World War 2, marine radar at a marine traffic control station, and marine radar on a boat. The project will be implemented on a Geekom A8 Max 32 GB RAM AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS w/ Radeon 780M Graphics We need to render to the Radeon 780M Graphics GPU Tech Stack: We are using C++20, OpenGL 4.3 Core, GLFW, GLAD, FreeType, GDAL (libgdal-dev) Compiler: is g++ (Ubuntu 15.2.0-4ubuntu4) 15.2.0 FreeType is the text type we use GDAL is used for reading the LIDAR/ENC chart files GLFW (graphics library framework) open-source, multi-platform library used to manage windows GLAD (Multi-Language GL/GLES/WGL/GLX Loader-Generator) Loads the pointers to OpenGL functions (like glDrawArrays or glCompileShader) PostgreSQL is installed. Database: radar. User: radar. Password: radar. User has full privileges on database radar. Table is target_data. Operating system details: Distributor ID: Ubuntu Description: Ubuntu 25.10 Release: 25.10 Codename: questing Use cmake for building. [DIRECTIVE: GPU ROBUSTNESS PROTOCOL] Debug Callback: Enable GL_DEBUG_OUTPUT and glDebugMessageCallback to capture driver-level warnings and errors in real-time. I will be using SSH from Windows to write code and check with claude. You may compile the code during an SSH session. Please do not try to run the code during SSH session. I will run the code while physically using the Geekom. Please add MIT license header to each file Please add Author: Mark Allyn to each file Use snake_case for variables and PascalCase for classes use #pragma once Use // for single line comments use /* */ for multiple block comments spanning multiple lines avoid using auto Please use a settings.h file for defines and variables that I can change and do a simple re-compile instead of having the ai re write the code. This is for debugging. For example, I may want to disable the p7 persistance to troubleshoot the actual target processnig before it goes to persistance, disable the land and terrain so that I can see the targets alone. Things like that. Summary of project: This is a museum exhibit displaying and providing some interaction of vintage 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's radars. A key objective is to provide interaction with and viewing of radars from that era. The name of the application (the name of it's executable file) shall be radar_simulator. Therefore, if you are in the directory in which the executable is compiled, which in this case would be the build subdirectory of the project directory, you would type ./radar_simulator, or use a full path name of {PROJECT_DIR}/build/radar_simulator. In the CMakeLists.txt, plese use the name radar_simulator for the add_executable call. There will be three main areas of the screen. On the right hand side will be the radar scope. On the left hand side of the screen will be a text description of the scope as well as the controls of the scope and keyboard keys for each control. This text will be white while the control labels will be red and the keystrokes will be in pink. At some point, pending a decision with the museum, we may purchase components to mount the controls on a panel. Until that is done, the controls will be on the keyboard. On the right hand side of the screen, below the scope, would be a text status window, showing current maximum range, range, and bearing as appropriate to which scope we are using as well as the identification of the scope that we are using. Suggest that we use glViewport to define the left-hand text area, the main scope, and the yellow status bar. This allows you to render the scope with its own coordinate system while keeping the text fixed. Along with glViewport, use glScissor and glEnable(GL_SCISSOR_TEST) Below the scope will be a text status window. This text will be yellow Scopes in the right panel 1. Introduction of Exhibit (Explanation of the project on the left hand text panel. 2. A-scope for Chain Home Radar in the 1940's (first radar and could be tricky) 3. A-scope for marine radar in the 1940's (Before PPI radar); was a bit tedious to operate 4. PPI scope for marine traffic control (uses beam sweeping in all 360 degrees of rotation); Easier to use than a scope 5. PPI scope on board a boat. Shows how movement of a boat affects the radar display Please note that these scopes will not appear all at once. The selection of which scope the visitor sees is done by pressing a forward control and a reverse control to go around the loop of scopes. The first display when the system is turned on or booted up is the Introduction of the exhibit. Before going, we must point out the target information handling which will affect all scopes. ==================================================================================== TARGET DETAILS & TARGET PIPELINE Targets for this project will come from two sources: 1. Raspberry pis communicating with an AIS receiver for boats and an ADS-b receiver for aircraft 2. An on-board simulator that will simulate targets using an internal table of target information in the postgresql database. Please note that the components for the AIS and ADS-B target handling are not yet available, thereby the programming for that source will not be defined at this point. All targets from the network pipeline and simulator map to this C master structure: struct target_data_structure { double target_longitude; double target_latitude; std::string vessel_name; // will be null for no available name std::string registration; // will be null for no registration float length; // in meters float beam; // in meters int vessel_type; // AIS type code or aircraft type uint32_t mmsi; // AIS unique identifier; ICAO hex address for aircraft float course; // course over ground, degrees, based on true north float speed; // speed over ground, knots time_t timestamp; // time of last fix; used to age out stale targets float altitude; // meters, but 0 for boats TargetType type; // type of target; vessel or aircraft }; Of this heavy structure, only the following lean mathematical footprint is submitted to the graphics shaders via an OpenGL Shader Storage Buffer Object (SSBO) layout(std430): struct target_data_to_shader_structure { float target_x; // Pre-converted local Cartesian offset X (meters relative to radar) float target_y; // Pre-converted local Cartesian offset Y (meters relative to radar) float length; // Vessel length bounds (meters) float beam; // Vessel beam bounds (meters) float course; // Course over ground vector (radians relative to True North) float altitude; // Target altitude profile (meters) time_t timestamp; // Data aging tracking identifier }; The segment handling asynchronous target ingestion is called traffic_cop. The traffic_cop runs on a dedicated background execution thread separate from the rendering loop. Data synchronization between threads must be managed explicitly using std::mutex blocks. [TRAFFIC COP OPERATIONAL TIMING PROTOCOL] 1. Processing Loop: Aggregated targets are packaged into a uniform array and dispatched as a batch operation precisely when the PPI radar sweep line crosses 0.0 radians (True North). 2. Range Filtering: Discard any targets residing outside the active radar's designated maximum operational range. 3. Altitude Restriction: Enforce a strict <= 40-meter restriction for marine nodes (Marine Chain Home and all PPI Marine radars). Discard any aircraft violating this ceiling. 4. Precision Alignment: Latitude and longitude coordinate conversions into local meters relative to the radar origin must be handled on the CPU thread within traffic_cop to protect against FP32 structural precision rounding errors inside the GPU. 5. Critical Section: Assert a std::mutex to gain safe writing access to the double-buffered array driving the SSBO, copy the structural contents, and clear the mutex immediately. Note that the construction of the simulator will be discussed later in this document. ============================================================================= Please note that the first iteration of the project will have only minimal controls. This is a suggestion I got after meeting with the museum staff. Perhaps later we may add more controls. Also, please note that the state of the controls of each scope is independent of any other scope. Furthermore, the controls will reset when a scope is exited and then re-entered. Controls to affect the behavior of the scopes; (these first implemented using keyboard strokes; later when and if physical controls are completed, the keyboard controls will be removed) These controls will affect the state variables and the uniform variables of the shaders. Please note that identical controls will be the same keyboard strikes or physical controls for all scopes. ======================================================= Overall control information These are knobs on the panel once that is built. Keyboard keys until then 1. Intensity - scope overall intensity - Keyboard 3 is lower; 4 is higher 2. Receiver Sensitivity - signal intensity - Keyboard 5 is lower; 6 is higher 3. STC Sensitivity - sensitivity for closer in targets which can overwhelm overall sensitivity - keyboard q for lower; w for higher 4. STC Range - range to which sensitivity to closer targets is effective keyboard e for lower; r for higher 5. Noise filter for rain noise. This is for the ppi scopes. keyboard t for decrease filtering and y to increase filtering 6. Radiogoniometer knob for Chain Home; keyboard u for left turn; i for right turn. 7. Maximum Range for all scopes except for chain home, which is fixed. This control will not operate for Chain Home. These maximum range selections will be defined for each scope; If you try to go beyond the stated maximum ranges, the control will have no effect; note that the default maximum range would be the highest for that scope; keyboard o for lower; p for higher 8. Range Cursor (for ppi scopes, not for a scopes) keyboard a for lower; s for higher 9. Bearing Cursor (for all ppi scopes; not for a scopes) keyboard d for counterclockwise f for clockwise 10. Bearing for Marine A Scope. This is not for a cursor, but this operates the motor that revolves the antenna unit keyboard g for counterclockwise and h for clockwise Notes; I am maintaining control separation between radiogon, marine a scope bearing, and ppi bearing. However, when I make the control panel, those will be combined as one physical knob with three labels, chain home radiogon, marine a scope antenna rotation, and ppi scope bearing to save on hardware; the same physical control can be used for multiple scopes. Note that the range cursor is different from the maximum range. Maximum range is the maximum radar range setting and range cursor is the range portion of the ppi cursor. ========================================================================= RADAR EQUATION (for all radars; note that is different for chain home) The fundamental radar equation describes how much power returns to a radar system after bouncing off a distant target. Physically, it follows a "round-trip" journey of energy: the radar transmits a signal that spreads out as a sphere (losing strength by the square of the distance, $R^2$), hits a target that reflects a portion of that energy (the Radar Cross Section, $\sigma$), and that reflection then spreads out again as a second sphere on its way back (losing another factor of $R^2$). 控制方程 (Governing Equation): $$P_r = \frac{P_t G^2 \lambda^2 \sigma}{(4\pi)^3 R^4}$$ Where: P_r = Received Echo Power (Watts) P_t = Peak Transmitter Power (Watts) G = Antenna Gain (Linear) λ = Wavelength of transmitted carrier wave (Meters) σ = Radar Cross Section (RCS, Meters squared) R = Target Range from station origin (Meters) Because each of our target scopes contains fixed design loops, these values can be pushed directly as hardware uniform parameters matching specific hardware loop gains that do not change. ======================================================== Individual scope informations 1. Introduction to project. Just text. No scopes. Only one control for entering scope selection loop. Keyboard keys 1 for forward; 2 for backward. This is a loop type selection If you are in the Introduction, and you touch keyboard 2 for backward, you would go to scope 5, PPI Scope for a boat. ================================================================= To control the extent of the selection of the scopes by the user, there sill be a selection of what scopes are to be avaiable to the museum visitor. This will enable the museum to select what scopes will be available and what scopes will not be available at all. A script that will invoke the radar simulator application will need to pass parameters to indicate what will be available. For example, if the script were to call: {PROJECT_DIR}/build/radar_simulator chain_home marine_ascope marine_traffic_ppi then only the chain_home, marine_ascope and marine_traffic_ppi will be availablel but the marine_ppi_on_a_boat will not be available. This feature is needed for troubleshooting but also to allow the museum to control what is available. For example, if the museum is crowded with large school groups, then they would only have one scope available; so if they did {PROJECT_DIR}/build/radar_simulator marine_traffic_ppi Only the marine traffic control ppi scope will be available and the scope selection controls will not be operatable. To be clear, the names of the scopes currently being built are: 1. chain_home 2. marine_ascope 3. marine_traffic_ppi 4. marine_boat_ppi Startup behavior rules based on argument count: - No arguments: all four scopes available, Introduction shown first, navigation keys 1 and 2 are active. - Two or more scope names: only those scopes available in the loop, Introduction shown first, navigation keys 1 and 2 are active. - Exactly one scope name: Introduction is suppressed entirely. The application launches directly into that scope and stays there. Navigation keys 1 and 2 are disabled. The public will have no awareness that any other scope exists. This mode is intended for large groups and high-traffic museum days where staff want to dedicate the exhibit to one display without contention. ==================================================================== 2. A Scope - sweep on horizontal axis. A pulse will appear for a return. The distance from the left hand side to the pulse is the range. The height of the pulse is the strength of the return signal. The bearing is determined by manual control. The basic controls for both A Scopes include: Intensity Sensitivity (the strength of the signal amplification of the receiver). This has nothing to do with the brightness of the pulses. This only affects the height of the pulse and the height of any noise floor. STC sensitivity; sensitivity for close in targets. STC sensitivity range; how far shall the STC sensitivity have effect. Please note that the phosphor (chemical that glows when hit by electrons in the tube) is green, similar to an oscilloscope. The Hex for green is #39FF14; there is a short persistance of the phosphor after being struck by the electron beam. That persistance is about 25 milliseconds and its color is darker green at about Hex #004400 Please also note that there are no graticules on either the Chain Home a scope nor the marine a a scope. The only thing on the external plate is the base line (zero signal which the operator can refer to that is going on (grass, calibration, and signals). It is an important point of reference. That base line is illuminated on the sides with small incandescent lamps. It is a different color than the display itself. The incandescent color is that of the #47 pilot lamp hex #FFB347. 2-1 Chain Home A Scope ========================================================== [INVERTED DISPLAY & ADDITIVE VIDEO SIGNAL SUMMATION] The Chain Home A-Scope display layout is inverted. The steady, horizontal reference baseline (the zero signal line) sits at the top of the tube display window (`y = 0.9` in viewport NDC coordinates). All video activity—receiver noise floor grass, fixed calibration markers, and target echo pulses—deflects vertically **downward** into the dark lower quadrants of the screen. This top-down structure protects the upper edge of the reference line from being distorted by noise grass, enabling the operator to align the trace against an illuminated glass graticule with a clean visual focus. All source signals are combined in a single hardware mixing matrix before driving the electrostatic plates: * **Receiver Chain:** The atmospheric background noise floor (grass) and the target echo pulses are combined first, and are directly scaled by the operator's Receiver Sensitivity control. * **Calibration Chain:** The crystal-controlled 20-mile reference pips are injected into the video chain AFTER the primary receiver gain stage. As a result, modifications to the Sensitivity control do not scale the vertical height of calibration pips. [SUMMING AMPLIFIER PROTOCOL] float receiver_signal = (noise_floor + target_echoes) * sensitivity; float total_deflection = receiver_signal + calibration_pips; // Map values downwards from structural baseline ceiling float final_y = baseline_y - total_deflection; If an operational target echo shares an identical range slot with a 20-mile calibration pip, their respective voltages additively sum, dynamically pushing the peak tip further toward the bottom layout limit. ========================================================================== Because the receiving antennas are very large (about 100 feet), the operator cannot physically move them. Therefore, the bearing is determined through a process called radio direction finding (RDF) using a specialized instrument known as a Radiogoniometer. The receiver towers (which were separate from the transmitter towers) featured two sets of dipole antennas mounted at right angles to one another—essentially one oriented North-South and the other East-West. The signals from these two perpendicular antennas were fed into a Radiogoniometer located in the receiver hut. Inside the device there are two fixed coils (field coils) that were mounted at right angles matching the orientation of the outdoor antennas. A third coil, the search coil, is mounted on a rotating shaft inside the two field coils. The operator would physically turn a knob to rotate the search coil. The relative strength of the signal in each antenna depended on the angle of the incoming wave. For example, a target directly to the North would produce a maximum signal in the North-South antenna and zero in the East-West antenna. The operator would look for a null point (a signal or pip weaker than the noise floor). At that point, the operator would read the bearing from a calibrated scale attached to the radiogoniometer knob. We can simulate the radiogoniometer knob that would affect the null point depending on the bearing of a target. The museum visitor could experience seeing different null points for each target. Since we do not have a physical calibrated knob, we can put the bearing as a text indicator below the A Scope. The range is 200 miles. That is the only range option for this scope. RADAR EQUATION STUFF FOR CHAIN HOME For Chain Home: Transmitter Power : 500 KW Wavelength 12 Meters Antenna Gain 5 dB Pulse Width 20 microseconds Beam Width 150 degrees (floodlight) PRF 25 HZ [METRIC RESONANCE MODEL] Because the 12-meter carrier wavelength closely matches the physical physical dimensions (wingspan) of historical combat aircraft (e.g., 10-12 meters), the target functions as a resonant half-wave dipole. When a target's physical length falls within the Rayleigh/Mie resonant band (40% to 60% of the carrier wavelength), the backscattering intensity receives an explicit 1.5x structural cross-section multiplier. // Pseudocode for Shader/Logic // Derive range and bearing from SSBO Cartesian fields float ch_range = sqrt(target.target_x * target.target_x + target.target_y * target.target_y); float ch_bearing_rad = atan(target.target_x, target.target_y); // GLSL atan(y,x) measured from north float ch_aspect_angle = ch_bearing_rad - target.course; // course is radians in SSBO float ch_proj_width = abs(sin(ch_aspect_angle)) * target.length + abs(cos(ch_aspect_angle)) * target.beam; float base_sigma = ch_proj_width * 2.5; float resonance = (target.length >= wavelength * 0.4 && target.length <= wavelength * 0.6) ? 1.5 : 1.0; float final_sigma = base_sigma * resonance; The 20-Mile Markers: Chain Home used crystal-controlled oscillators to create fixed reference "pips" every 20 miles. These should be rendered as thin, vertical spikes that never move, regardless of target sensitivity. The "Floodlight" Effect: Because the beam is 150° wide, the A-Scope will show every aircraft in that massive sector simultaneously. The only way to tell them apart was the range (distance from left) and the Radiogoniometer nulling. The Waveform Shape: For CH, the pips should be slightly "noisier" than marine radar. Use a random jitter function in your vertex shader to simulate the atmospheric noise floor common at 25 MHz. 2-2 Marine A Scope Utilization of A scope marine was limited to military use prior to PPI scope invention. An example is British Type 271 radar, introduced in 1941. Marine radar frequencies allowed the use of much smaller antennas; dishes or horns. Those antennas would be mounted on the shaft of a servo motor. The servo motor would be driven by another servo that is attached to the bearing control knob on the radar console. The bearing is on a calibrated dial on the bearing control knob. We can simulate the bearing knob that would affect the simulated pointing of the dish antenna. The museum visitor could experience seeing different pips appear as they rotate the antenna toward them. Likewise the pips would disappear as the antenna is rotated away. The range is indicated at how far the pip is from the left hand side of the scope which is the location of the radar transmitter. If the target goes further away, the pip will move to the right. If the target comes close to you, the pip will move left. This pip has a finite rise time as the transmitter starts. The width is set by the modulator stage in the transmitter. Following the width, the pip has a finite fall time as the transmitter stops. This creates a curved waveform; not just a line. A photograph for this display show no graticule at all. Only range pips formed by an oscillator. Those oscillator pips are fixed. Range settings do not affect them. There is a baseline at the bottom, etched in glass, that is side illuminated by incandescent lamps. Like Chain Home, the Marine A-scope sums noise, calibration pips, and target echoes into a single signal before the deflection plates — this is a hardware reality of any CRT A-scope. The calibration pips are injected after the receiver gain stage, so they remain at constant height regardless of the Sensitivity control. The shader summing follows the same structure: /* Simulated Summing Amplifier Logic — same pattern as Chain Home. Cal pips outside sensitivity multiply because they bypass the receiver gain stage. */ float receiver_signal = (noise_floor + target_echoes) * sensitivity; float total_deflection = receiver_signal + calibration_pips; // Apply to upward-deflecting baseline (Marine scope is right-side up) float final_y = baseline_y + total_deflection; The maximum ranges for this scope are: 1. 1.5 miles; marker pips every 0.25 miles 2. 3.0 miles; marker pips every 0.5 miles 3. 6.0 miles; marker pips every 1.0 miles 4. 12.0 miles; marker pips every 2.0 miles RADAR EQUATION FOR MARINE A SCOPE Here are the fixed values (those values that can be declared as uniforms) for the marine a scope radar. I suggest these for the uniform names peak_power = 500 KW wavelength = 10 centimeters antenna_gain = 30 db pulse_rep_frequency = 500 hz horizontal_beamwidth = 2.5 degrees Now we have some stuff for the settings file: SYSTEM_TEMPERATURE ($T_s$): Usually 290K; used to calculate the noise floor NOISE_FIGURE ($F$): A value in dB that determines how much "grass" your specific receiver adds to the signal (20 dB typical for early centimetric systems). BOLTZMANN_CONSTANT ($k$): $1.38 \times 10^{-23}$, essential for the thermal noise part of your simulation. Now, here is a snippet of pseudo code: /* Uniform Variables provided by CPU */ uniform float u_AntennaBearing; // Current rotation of knob/motor, degrees uniform float horizontal_beamwidth; // Fixed for the scope (e.g., 2.5 degrees) /* Logic for each Target — all derived from SSBO fields target_x, target_y, length, beam, course */ // Derive range (meters) and bearing (degrees, north-clockwise) from Cartesian SSBO fields float target_range = sqrt(target.target_x * target.target_x + target.target_y * target.target_y); float target_bearing_rad = atan(target.target_x, target.target_y); // GLSL atan(y,x) from north float target_bearing_deg = degrees(target_bearing_rad); if (target_bearing_deg < 0.0) target_bearing_deg += 360.0; // Compute RCS from length and beam using aspect angle (course is radians in SSBO) float aspect_angle = target_bearing_rad - target.course; float projected_width = abs(sin(aspect_angle)) * target.length + abs(cos(aspect_angle)) * target.beam; float target_rcs = projected_width * 2.5; float angle_diff = abs(target_bearing_deg - u_AntennaBearing); // Handle the 359 to 0 degree wrap-around if (angle_diff > 180.0) angle_diff = 360.0 - angle_diff; // BeamFactor: 1.0 at center, drops to 0.5 at horizontal_beamwidth/2 // This creates the "fade in / fade out" effect as you turn the knob float beam_factor = exp(-2.77 * pow(angle_diff / (horizontal_beamwidth / 2.0), 2.0)); // Final received power Pr — uses only derived values, no missing SSBO fields float Pr = (peak_power * pow(antenna_gain, 2.0) * pow(wavelength, 2.0) * target_rcs * beam_factor) / (pow(4.0 * PI, 3.0) * pow(target_range, 4.0)); 3. PPI Scope PPI stands for Plan Position Indicator The Core VisualizationThe PPI scope represents the radar antenna as a central point (the origin).The "Sweep": A radial line rotates 360 degrees around the center, synchronized with the physical rotation of the radar antenna.Distance (Range): The distance from the center of the screen to a "blip" represents how far away the object is. Bearing (Azimuth): The angle of the blip relative to the top of the screen (usually North or the front of a ship/aircraft) represents its direction. Key Technical ComponentsIf you are prompting an AI to simulate or analyze a PPI, use these technical markers:Persistence: Older CRT scopes used "long-persistence phosphors" so that a target would remain visible as a glowing trail even after the sweep line passed over it. Range Rings: Concentric circles overlaid on the display to help the operator estimate distance at a glance. Strobe/Cursor: A line or marker used to pinpoint the exact coordinates of a specific target. Mathematical LogicFor an AI to process PPI data, it needs to understand the conversion from Polar to Cartesian coordinates. If a radar detects a target at distance $r$ and angle $\theta$, the position on the 2D screen $(x, y)$ is calculated as:$$x = r \cdot \sin(\theta)$$$$y = r \cdot \cos(\theta)$$. Why it differs from other ScopesTo clarify for the AI, distinguish it from the A-Scope: A simple 1D graph showing "Energy vs. Distance" (looks like an EKG). Please note that the P7 phosphor for vintage PPI radar has several colors; the following table describes this: Suggested Simulation Table for the P7 PPI phosphor 1. Excitation 0 (flash) Bright Blue hex #A0CFFF - note this is active electron beam 2. Immediate blue - 1 ms duration after Excitation; Blue hex #1010FF - note that from here on is afterglow after beam stops 3. Short term Yellow Green - 1 second duration after Immediate blue; yellow green hex #E2FF80 4. Long Term Amber - 10 seconds duration after Short Term; Amber hex #FFA040 5. Expiration - 12 seconds duration after Long Term Amber; very dark hex #050700 ========================================================================= [PPI BEAM-WIDTH & TARGET SPATIAL ARC DISPERSION] Because the radar antenna emits a beam with a finite horizontal beamwidth rather than an infinitely narrow beam, targets intersect the energy wave continuously as the antenna rotates across their angular boundaries. This spatial geometric interaction distorts a standalone point target into a concentric circumferential **arc** drawn perpendicular to the radar's origin vector. The returned signal intensity distribution across this structural arc is defined by three rules: 1. **Geometric Profile Aspect:** The cross-section $\sigma$ is computed dynamically using the target's explicit course vector and bearing. The projected surface area facing the wavefront handles the ship's length and beam parameters: $$\text{Projected Width} = (|\sin(\text{aspect\_angle})| \times \text{length}) + (|\cos(\text{aspect\_angle})| \times \text{beam})$$ $$\sigma = \text{Projected Width} \times 2.5$$ 2. **Gaussian Power Distribution:** The returned echo energy along the arc changes smoothly according to a Gaussian curve. The absolute edges are dimmest (where the beam's outer threshold grazes the target perimeter) and expand exponentially to max intensity at the center axis of alignment. 3. **Sweep Intersect Envelope:** Energy returns climb from the noise floor, achieve peak voltage at perfect cross-coincidence, and fade back down into the receiver noise as the sweep line passes the target. Very important note on PPI radars: Definition of the 'top of the scope' and the graticule: For a marine traffic control center radar, the top of the scope or 0 degrees is true north. It does not move sice the control center radar does not move. for a boat, the top of the scope is the bow of the boat (where are you heading). The zero degrees on the graticule is still true north. The graticule is rotated by a small motor that is tied to the boat's gyro compass. This allows the instinctive behavior of the skipper to look forward by looking at the top of the scope. Another importand note. The circular sweep on the scopr is clockwise. The degree ticks on the graticule count clockwise from true north. Note on blooming. If the signal on the grid of the crt is too great, the brightness will no longer increase, but there will be a slight blooming of the target. This is suggested example psudeo code for the target shader for both the radar equation as well as the blooming Note that values will change depending on the scope being used (traffic control or boat) ------------------------------------------------------------------- // The selected_range is from the operator control to select the maximum range of the radar // Options for traffic control are: 1.5 nm range 6 nm range 12 nm range // Options for boat radar are: 1.0 nm range 3 nm range 6 nm range // Suggested Fragment Shader snippet for a single radar return // Please note that this is for the frag shader for each of // the ppi radars uniform float user_gain; // 0.0 to 1.0 uniform float selected_range; // e.g., 6.0 Nautical Miles // Target attributes passed in or looked up from a texture/buffer struct RadarTarget { float range; // Distance from radar center float azimuth; // Angle in radians float RCS; // Radar Cross Section }; void main() { // Current fragment coordinates in Polar space float frag_range = current_fragment_range(); float frag_azimuth = current_fragment_azimuth(); // 1. Calculate raw received power via Radar Equation float R4 = pow(RadarTarget.range, 4.0); float P_r = (Pt * G_squared * lambda_squared * RadarTarget.RCS) / (pow(4.0 * 3.14159, 3.0) * R4 * L); // 2. Apply the 1960s Logarithmic IF Amplifier compression float V_echo = log(1.0 + P_r * 1000.0); float V_total = user_gain * V_echo; // 3. Dynamic Blooming Coefficients // As V_total exceeds 1.0 (saturation), expand the search/paint radius float saturation = max(0.0, V_total - 1.0); float dynamic_range_width = baseline_pulse_width + (0.05 * saturation); float dynamic_azimuth_width = baseline_beamwidth + (0.02 * pow(saturation, 2.0)); // 4. Compute Distance from current fragment to the true target center float d_range = abs(frag_range - RadarTarget.range); float d_azimuth = abs(frag_azimuth - RadarTarget.azimuth); // 5. Evaluate a Gaussian blur shape using the bloomed dimensions float radial_paint = exp(-pow(d_range / dynamic_range_width, 2.0)); float azimuth_paint = exp(-pow(d_azimuth / dynamic_azimuth_width, 2.0)); float final_intensity = V_total * radial_paint * azimuth_paint; // Clamp to CRT max brightness gl_FragColor = vec4(final_intensity * phosphor_color, 1.0); } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ===================================================================================== PPI Radar Equiation =================================================================================== For vessel traffic control radar: Transmitter Peak Power - float transmitter_peak; 25.0 KW Frequency - float frequency; 9.375 GHZ Wavelength - float wavelength; 0.032 meters Receiver Noise Figure - float nf; 11 dB System Losses - float sl; 8 dB Antenna Beam Width - float beamwidth; 0.7 degrees Pulse width - float pulsewidth; 0.1 microsecond Pulse Rep Rate lookup table based on selected maximum range - float prf; 1.5 nm range PRF 3500. HZ 6 nm range PRF 2000. HZ 12 nm range 1000. HZ Radar Antenna Rotation Rate float antenna_rpm; 15 RPM Radar Antenna Gain - float radar_antenna_gain_db; 34 dB Receiver gain notes: Raw gain is about 100 dB However the gain is logarithmic. It compressed the massive dynamic range of real-world echoes so that a giant ship and a small wooden fishing boat could both be visible on the CRT at the same time without the operator constantly riding the gain knob. The operator would turn the Gain knob up until the background of the CRT just started to fill with a faint, shimmering, dancing texture of fine static sparks (often called "grass" or "receiver noise"). If the gain was too low, weak echoes from distant targets or small fiberglass boats in Bellingham Bay wouldn't have enough voltage to overcome the CRT's grid cutoff, leaving them completely invisible. If the gain was too high, the screen would "blossom" with solid white noise, blinding the operator entirely. ====================================================================== For Polce or coast guard boat radar: Transmitter Peak Power - float transmitter_peak; 15.0 KW Frequency - float frequency; 9.375 GHZ Wavelength - float wavelength; 0.032 meters Receiver Noise Figure - float nf; 11 dB System Losses - flost sl; 8 dB Antenna Beam Width - float beamwidth; 1.2 degrees Pulse Rep Rate lookup table based on selected maximum range - float prf; 1.0 nm range PRF 4000. HZ 3 nm range PRF 3000. HZ 6 nm range 1000. HZ Pulse width - float pulsewidth; 0.1 microsecond Radar Antenna Rotation Rate float antenna_rpm; 25 RPM Radar Antenna Gain - float radar_antenna_gain_db; 31 dB Receiver gain notes: Raw gain is about 100 dB However the gain is logarithmic. It compressed the massive dynamic range of real-world echoes so that a giant ship and a small wooden fishing boat could both be visible on the CRT at the same time without the operator constantly riding the gain knob. The operator would turn the Gain knob up until the background of the CRT just started to fill with a faint, shimmering, dancing texture of fine static sparks (often called "grass" or "receiver noise"). If the gain was too low, weak echoes from distant targets or small fiberglass boats in Bellingham Bay wouldn't have enough voltage to overcome the CRT's grid cutoff, leaving them completely invisible. If the gain was too high, the screen would "blossom" with solid white noise, blinding the operator entirely. ===================================================================== Graticules - These are plastic overlays over the face of the scope. They are for the purposes of showing the bearing. They are calibrated in degrees; short line (1/8 inch) each degree; medium line (1/4 inch) for every 5 degrees; and a longer line (1/2 inch) for every 10 degrees. Line for true north; 2/3 inch. Notes that these graticule lines are lit by a #47 incandescent bulb #FFB347. There are text numeric values for every 15 degreen There are two rings The bearing ticks are on the inside of the outer ring. The numeric degree values are between the outer and inner rings. The innter ring is the boundry for active targets and the sweep. ======================================================================= ================================== End of discussion ================================== settings.h file suggestions: /* * MIT License * * Copyright (c) 2026 Mark Allyn * * Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy * of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal * in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights * to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell * copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is * furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions: * * The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all * copies or substantial portions of the Software. * * THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR * IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, * FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE * AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER * LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, * OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE * SOFTWARE. * * Author: Mark Allyn */ #pragma once #include /* ========================================================================= DEBUGGING AND SIMULATION SWITCHES ========================================================================= */ #define DEBUG_DISABLE_P7_PERSISTENCE 0 /* 1 = Bypass long persistence tracking for raw debugging */ #define DEBUG_DISABLE_TERRAIN 0 /* 1 = Hide landMASS rendering to isolate target processing */ #define GL_DEBUG_OUTPUT_ENABLED 1 /* 1 = Attach robust driver-level diagnostic callbacks */ /* ========================================================================= HISTORICAL COLOR PALETTES (HEX EMBEDDINGS) ========================================================================= */ /* A-Scope Graticule Backlights & Incandescent Pilot Bulbs */ #define HEX_COLOR_PILOT_LAMP 0xFFB347 /* #FFB347 - Warm Incandescent Glow */ /* A-Scope Mono-Phosphor Trace Colors */ #define HEX_COLOR_ASCOPE_EXCITATION 0x39FF14 /* #39FF14 - Vibrant Phosphor Flash */ #define HEX_COLOR_ASCOPE_AFTERGLOW 0x004400 /* #004400 - Darker Green Decay Base */ /* P7 Phosphor Color Pipeline States for PPI Radars */ #define HEX_COLOR_P7_EXCITATION 0xA0CFFF /* #A0CFFF - Bright Blue Active Beam Flash */ #define HEX_COLOR_P7_IMMEDIATE_BLUE 0x1010FF /* #1010FF - Post-Beam 1ms Decay Core */ #define HEX_COLOR_P7_SHORT_TERM_YG 0xE2FF80 /* #E2FF80 - Yellow Green 1s Persistent State */ #define HEX_COLOR_P7_LONG_TERM_AMBER 0xFFA040 /* #FFA040 - Amber 10s Deep Remembrance */ #define HEX_COLOR_P7_EXPIRATION 0x050700 /* #050700 - Near-Black Expiration Threshold */ /* GUI Core Color Specifications */ #define HEX_COLOR_TEXT_WHITE 0xFFFFFF #define HEX_COLOR_TEXT_RED 0xFF0000 #define HEX_COLOR_TEXT_PINK 0xFFC0CB #define HEX_COLOR_TEXT_YELLOW 0xFFFF00 /* ========================================================================= HARDWARE ENVIRONMENT MATRICES ========================================================================= */ namespace ChainHome { const float PEAK_POWER = 500000.0f; /* 500 KW */ const float WAVELENGTH = 12.0f; /* 12 Meters */ const float ANTENNA_GAIN = 3.16f; /* 5 dB expressed as linear gain */ const float PULSE_WIDTH = 0.000020f; /* 20 microseconds */ const float BEAM_WIDTH = 150.0f; /* floodlight sector in degrees */ const float PRF = 25.0f; /* Pulse Repetition Frequency (Hz) */ const float MAX_RANGE_METERS = 321868.0f; /* Fixed 200 Miles */ } namespace MarineAScope { const float PEAK_POWER = 500000.0f; /* 500 KW */ const float WAVELENGTH = 0.10f; /* 10 cm */ const float ANTENNA_GAIN = 1000.0f; /* 30 dB linear gain conversion */ const float PRF = 500.0f; /* 500 Hz pulse repetition */ const float HORIZONTAL_BEAMWIDTH = 2.5f; /* degrees */ const float SYSTEM_TEMPERATURE = 290.0f; /* Kelvins (Ts) */ const float NOISE_FIGURE = 20.0f; /* Early receiver noise figure in dB */ const float BOLTZMANN_CONSTANT = 1.38e-23f; /* (k) Joules/Kelvin */ } namespace MarineTrafficPPI { const float PEAK_POWER = 25000.0f; /* 25.0 KW */ const float FREQUENCY_HZ = 9.375e9f; /* 9.375 GHz */ const float WAVELENGTH = 0.032f; /* 0.032 meters (3.2 cm X-Band) */ const float NOISE_FIGURE = 11.0f; /* 11 dB */ const float SYSTEM_LOSSES = 8.0f; /* 8 dB */ const float HORIZONTAL_BEAMWIDTH = 0.7f; /* 0.7 degrees razor-sharp */ const float PULSE_WIDTH = 0.1e-6f; /* 0.1 microseconds */ const float ANTENNA_RPM = 15.0f; /* 15 RPM mechanical rotation rate */ } namespace MarineBoatPPI { const float PEAK_POWER = 15000.0f; /* 15.0 KW tactical marine */ const float FREQUENCY_HZ = 9.375e9f; /* 9.375 GHz */ const float WAVELENGTH = 0.032f; /* 0.032 meters (3.2 cm X-Band) */ const float NOISE_FIGURE = 11.0f; /* 11 dB */ const float SYSTEM_LOSSES = 8.0f; /* 8 dB */ const float HORIZONTAL_BEAMWIDTH = 1.2f; /* 1.2 degrees */ const float PULSE_WIDTH = 0.1e-6f; /* 0.1 microseconds */ const float ANTENNA_RPM = 25.0f; /* 25 RPM high-frequency sweep */ }