The HAWC (codename Hawk) is an entry level low priced camera for agricultural applications; it is the successor to the handheld legacy ADC system. The Hawk features an integrated ILS measurement system for down-welling radiation that can be used to generate accurate reflectance data for the NIR, Red and Green bands. The NIR/R/G image sensor default position is forward facing while the ILS sensors face directly towards the sky. The image sensor may also face down for calibration and aerial purposes.

The unit is based on the “smart camera” Linux controller technology first introduced in our MCAW cameras. It features a user friendly browser interface, and a variety of Linux interfacing options available from the wireless interface. Files can be downloaded with a browser button or via a Samba network connection using a File Explorer. Smart NDVI processing is available in the camera and the options to customize it are numerous.

The Hawk is a handheld system based on the fact that it has a touchscreen, live view, physical Take Picture button, a stylus, and an intuitive touchscreen interface. On first power up of the Hawk, the live view screen is active, and a picture may be taken with the Take Picture button. RGB and vegetation index extractions may be done in the camera; this feature is enabled by the default. Pictures may be reviewed using the touchscreen; accordingly, vegetation indices such as NDVI may be analyzed.

The camera may be powered up using a 9 volt battery or AC adapter. Once one of these power methods is used, simply pressing on the on/off switch on the Hawk housing will turn on the system. Notably, it can run on any input voltage from 6 to 30 volts DC. Image storage memory is 16 GB by default, but the unit can optionally be configured with 48 GB of capture memory.

The image sensor is configured for 2 megapixel image capture, with NIR, Red, Green bayer pattern filtration. Image capture time is 1 second per frame.