Patent Publication Number: US-7912660-B2

Title: System and method for locating and analyzing arcing phenomena

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/881,939, filed on Jul. 30, 2007, and claims priority on Provisional application Nos. 60/905,424 filed Mar. 7, 2007, and 60/834,475, filed Jul. 31, 2006, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electric utilities represent the largest energy provider to consumers at the industrial, commercial and residential levels. The infrastructure to support the delivery of energy to the 131 million customers in the U.S. has been evolving over 100 years to what it is today. During this time, the distribution voltage level has become standardized at 69 kV, 34.5 kV, 17.2 kV, 12 kV, 7.2 kV, 4.7 kV, and 2.7 kV. These voltages are transformed to 480, 240, and 120 volts for use in machinery, systems, and homes. 
     The electrical distribution network can be compared to UPS van delivery service. UPS vans do not manufacture the products they deliver, nor do they carry them cross country. A UPS van is used to distribute packages at a local level. 
     The electrical distribution system or network connects to the electrical transmission system to deliver energy to the end-user. The transmission system connects to the generation system where electric energy is produced. Together, these three systems instantly deliver energy to all customers on demand. However, if the demand becomes too great or if the distribution system breaks down, there is no alternative way to deliver energy to end-users and a blackout or outage occurs. 
     The distribution system is different than the transmission system. The transmission system is easily noticed along highways and in the countryside. It includes imposing structures, long cross-country transmission lines, and power plants. Conversely, the distribution system is part of the urban landscape. 
     The distribution system or network is made up of 20- to 40-foot wooden or steel poles from which are suspended power lines or conductors, disconnect devices, lightning arrestors, capacitors, insulators, and a variety of pole line hardware elements, each of which plays a crucial role in keeping the lights on and factories running. This uptime of the electrical system or network is defined by one word: reliability. 
     The distribution system connects to the electric utility at a substation where transmission voltages are reduced to distribution levels. One transmission circuit delivers energy over many distribution circuits. A substation is like a UPS freight terminal where large cross-country trucks break down their loads to be picked up and delivered by smaller UPS vans. Power lines supported by power poles are referred to as overhead lines. 
     Due to deregulation in the 1990&#39;s, which segregated power generation from the distribution of electricity, maintenance of electric distribution systems is no longer fully included in a utility&#39;s rate base. This has resulted in a 50% reduction in electric distribution maintenance spending since 1990. 
     Electric utilities are largely regulated by state and federal entities that monitor pricing, consumer satisfaction, and reliability. The state PUCs are tasked with the regulation of pricing and customer reviews of the electric utility as a monopolistic supplier of energy. The PUC has the right and ability to deny a utility the right to increase the charge for energy to a class of customers based upon public hearings and customer review. A recent rate hike for a major power company was denied in April of 2006 because according to the PUC of Ohio (PUCO) there was a “failure to maintain baseline performance levels of 75% of its distribution circuits.” Baseline performance can be interpreted as keeping the lights on enough of the time to avoid customer complaints to the state PUC. 
     There are over three million miles of overhead and underground electrical distribution circuits in the U.S. that provide consumers access to electrical energy. Ninety percent of all interruptions to electrical service occur when elements of the distribution system break down. 
     In this report, particular attention is paid to the electrical distribution network as an aging infrastructure that is being continuously strained without the appropriate level of attention and rehabilitation. See: www.energetics.com/gridworks/grid.html, Department of Energy. 
     Decisions made by Public Utility Commissions (PUC) on the price a utility can charge for energy are often affected by the costs that consumers must bear for unreliable service. A study by the Department of Energy (DOE) in 2004 found that there is an annual $79 billion cost to consumers resulting from power outages. 
     Thirty-nine states have some form of punitive rate impact based upon customer satisfaction and the number of outages within a utilities service territory. These states each have mandatory outage reporting requirements and reliability measurement targets. 
     Some power failures like those due to natural disasters are unavoidable, but avoidable outages from failure of circuit elements or components make up 31% of all outages as measured by the National Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC). 
     In 2003, there were $2.4 billion in electric rate cases pending with PUC&#39;s. A rate case deferral or reduction of 54% or $1.3 billion was levied based upon service reliability and customer satisfaction issues. 
     Electric utilities in the U.S. experience an estimated 6 million outages each year related to electric distribution mechanical failures. This has resulted in a loss of $750 million annually to the utilities, in addition to failures to receive rate increases due to unsatisfactory reliability performance amounting to as much as $1.3 billion in 2003. 
     Thus, the electric utilities are dealing with the conflicting goals of delivering strong financial performance for investors while providing increasingly higher reliability performance for state utility regulators. 
     The distribution system is the delivery point for all utility customers, except the largest industrial customers such as steel mills and automotive manufacturing plants. Large industrial customers purchase energy on a wholesale basis at transmission voltage levels of 138 kV, 230 kV, 345 kV, 500 kV, or 765 kV. These wholesale customers include other utilities that buy and sell power on the wholesale market. 
     Power is the instantaneous measure of energy. Energy is power consumed over time and this is what small customers, like homes, purchase. Power is measured in thousands of watts or kilowatts (kW). Energy is how much power is used over time and is measured in thousands of watts per hour of use, or kilowatt-hours (kWh). At home we pay for energy by the kWh which averages about 10 cents per kWh. A typical home load may consume 1,000 kWh per month or about $100 of energy. 
     If a failure occurs in the distribution system, a customer looses electrical service. At the same time, the utility is impacted in several ways. First, it cannot sell energy to its customers. Second, customers immediately complain to the utility and the utility must react to these complaints. The utility must staff complaint lines, pay overtime to repair crews, locate problems and dispatch crews to the trouble area, purchase unplanned circuit elements to replace those that have failed, and explain to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the PUC why the problem occurred, what it is doing to avoid the problem reoccurring, and try to regain its customers&#39; confidence through public relations and advertising. 
     A power outage or history of unreliable service also raises the issue of competition. In most states, electric customers have the opportunity to select who will provide them their energy. This has come about as part of the Energy Deregulation Act. This has set up fierce competition between the largest Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) like AEP, Con Ed and Duke Energy and 100 others; federal utilities including the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA); the Rural Electric Cooperatives (COOP) of which there are over 2,000; and the Municipal Electric Companies like the City of Columbus in Columbus, Ohio, of which there are thousands. Each of these entities must maintain customer loyalties or risk customer migration. 
     The distribution circuit or system is supported by a number of hardware elements. These elements maintain proper operation when they are all working. Age, vibration, weather, air pollution, lightning, and load all work against these elements causing them to loosen, crack, and fail. As these elements or components begin to fail, they emit high-frequency signals (EMI). These signals become pronounced as the element nears catastrophic failure or flashover. The result of a failure is an outage on the circuit feeding thousands of customers. 
     When an energized component fails, there is a telltale emission that results from electrical energy escaping from the circuit. This is much like a radio antenna, broadcasting the imminent failure. Devices have been designed that can report these emissions to expensive computer-based communication networks. The basic signature of failures is an arc which evidences an R.F. output exhibiting a very steep rise time followed by a decay. Important energy involved is one evoked from the rise time and not the decay. Looking to some component failures, with a broken distribution insulator, the electrical field surrounding the insulator begins to leak through the broken areas of it and sharp edges of the fracture emit these (EMI) signals that are detectable. The broken device becomes critical with a flashover of the insulator and an outage of the associated distribution circuit. Conductor brackets are designed to hold an energized conductor in place and maintain proper spacing from all other elements of the distribution system. If such a bracket fails, the conductor becomes loose and could swing into nearby structures of vegetation. If the conductor contacts any structure, tree or other path to ground, an outage occurs. Freeze-thaw cycles of weather may be a culprit in the causation of a loose conductor bracket. Conductors themselves may be partially broken from overload or other mechanical damage. The broken strands of the conductor limit the loads that can be supported before the conductor fails electrically. These strands may also serve as small antenna which emits specific signals. 
     The distribution circuit or system is a single path for the delivery of energy to homes, businesses, and industry. It begins at the step-down transformer at a substation. The step-down transformer reduces the voltage of the circuit from transmission levels to lower distribution voltages. An involved conductor or conductors in the entire network is energized to the distribution voltage level until the distribution transformer reduces the voltage once more to the appropriate low delivery voltage. A home usually receives a voltage of 120 volts line to neutral or 240 volts line to line. 
     If any of the hardware connecting, insulating, or protecting the distribution circuit or system fails, all of the loads downstream of the failure become affected. Sometimes a power outage occurs because there has been a problem such as a tree limb falling across a line or an animal causing an electrical fault by bridging across two conductors. However, equipment or component failure is the leading cause of circuit failure. When an equipment or component failure occurs, the broken element must be located and replaced. 
     Power failure can be a nuisance to the homeowner. Who hasn&#39;t had to reset their digital clocks following a power outage? But long-duration outages—those outages resulting from equipment failures—can cause serious damage particularly to a business which relies on electricity to operate. 
     A national survey of 411 small-business operators conducted in January 2004 by Decision Analysts for Emerson raises big questions about the ability of small companies to withstand a lengthy power outage. The survey, which is accurate to plus or minus five percentage points, found that 80% of small businesses experienced an electrical porter outage in 2003. Further is was determined that 60% have no type of back-up power supply. Also, a Small Business Power Poll found that 75% of U.S. small businesses rate electrical power outages as only marginally less of a threat than competition (79%) and trauma from computer failure and a fire (77%). See:
     Eckberg, John, “Power failures: Small companies, big losses,” The Cincinnati Enquirer, Mar. 14, 2004.   

     Weather plays a significant role in electrical distribution equipment failure. When weather is inclement, a power outage is more than a nuisance. In this regard, many Canadian home-heating systems depend on electric power. Power lines and equipment can be damaged by freezing rain, select storms, high winds, etc. This damage can result in supply interruptions lasting from a few hours to several days. An extended power failure during winter months and subsequent loss of heat can result in cold, damp homes, severe living conditions, and damage to walls, floors and plumbing. 
     Litigation resulting from power failures is often a secondary effect. So much of the safety infrastructure on roadways, emergency alert systems, and life-support systems are dependent upon reliable energy. 
     Systems exist that address the concept of predictive circuit review, but these systems require the problems to become so bad that they are casually observed by customers. These are ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) imagery of the circuit elements. UV cameras, such as those manufactured by OFIL of Israel, and IR cameras manufactured by FLIR, Inc., are available. 
     Existing monitoring products have a relatively high base cost and require technical skills, devoted labor, and post-analysis to be effective. The effectiveness of these methods relies on the opportunistic discovery of an already failing circuit element. There is no discovery survey associated with their use. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is addressed to system and method for locating and analyzing (e.g., partial discharge arcing phenomena), as may be encountered in electrical power distribution networks and the like. Those networks will perform at a given fundamental frequency which in the United States, for example, will be 60 Hz or 25 Hz with respect to Amtrack. The arc detecting approach incorporates one or more computer controllable wideband AM radio receivers having an arc signal amplitude detected output. That output is digitized to provide digital samples which are analyzed with a digital signal processor utilizing fast Fourier transforms to extract narrowband signal frequencies that are harmonically related to the fundamental frequency of the network under investigation. Such narrowband frequencies are further analyzed for peak amplitudes which are summed to derive maintenance merit values. A control computer is responsive to control the one or more radio receivers to locate the amplitude detected output and compile maintenance merit values with global positioning system data for submittal to storage. With the system, displays or maps of arcing phenomena may be published, the maintenance merit values giving an indication of the intensity and thus the criticality of arcing phenomena. 
     The system and approach is compact and does not require the intervention of a technician to operate within a given geographical area. In a preferred arrangement, the system is hardwired into the battery power supply and ignition switch function of a vehicle within which it rides. With such an arrangement, the system is turned on in conjunction with actuation of the vehicle ignition switch from an off position to an on position. When the vehicle completes a journey within the given geographical region and the ignition switch is turned off, the system will retain battery power supply until it uploads all collected data to a server or the like utilizing a cellular modem within a cell telephone system. 
     In one embodiment, the system employs two computer controllable wideband radio receivers, a first being dedicated to high frequency values of arcing phenomena and the second looking to lower frequency phenomena. The lower frequency based radio is computer adjusted based upon computed maintenance merit values, while the higher frequency dedicated radio is adjusted by adjusting a look-up table based upon the lower frequency maintenance merit values and radio frequency response. 
     In still another approach to the system, arcing phenomena characteristics are further analyzed utilizing a failure signature library storing analyzed arc data including fast Fourier transforms of digital sample, extracted narrowband signal frequencies harmonically related to the network fundamental frequency, peak amplitudes of such an analysis, a radio frequency spectrum of that analysis, an accept/reject signature event indicator, a signature part type, a signature part number and a manufacturer. 
     Other objects of the disclosure of embodiments will, in part, be obvious and will, in part, appear hereinafter. 
     The instant presentation, accordingly, comprises embodiments of the system and method possessing the construction, combination of elements, arrangement of parts and steps which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure. 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects herein involved, reference should be made to the 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the instant system showing a carrying case in a closed orientation; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the carrying case shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the present system; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the carrying case of  FIG. 1  showing it in an open orientation; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a distribution network insulator component which is defective; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of the instant system; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of a map produced by the instant system; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the instant system showing its incorporation of weather condition data; 
         FIG. 9  is a symbolic diagram of the instant system; 
         FIG. 10  is a symbolic representation of the instant system; 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a power supply approach to the instant system; 
         FIG. 12  is an electrical schematic representation of portions of the power control circuit of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a software block diagram of a single radio embodiment of the present system; 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of the software associated with FFT and harmonic strength calculations as represented in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagrammatic representation of peak harmonic detection as described in connection with  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagrammatic representation of maintenance merit calculation as described in connection with  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagrammatic representation of an FIR filter function described in connection with  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a block diagrammatic representation of a recording control function described in connection with  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an arc proximity computation block diagram as described in connection with  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a software block diagram of a dual radio implementation of the instant system; 
         FIG. 21  is a block diagram of an arc proximity computation approach described in connection with  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a software block diagram of a single radio with signature analysis embodiment of the instant system; 
         FIG. 23  is a block diagram of an FFT, harmonic strength and correlation calculation described in connection with  FIG. 22 ; and 
         FIG. 24  is a block diagram of a signature correlation and selection filter described in connection with  FIG. 22 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A salient feature of the present method and system resides in its portability coupled with a capability of performing “on its own” without the manual intervention of a technician. This carries to the extent that when transported by a vehicle within a desired geographic region, it turns itself on in conjunction with operator actuation of a vehicle ignition switch to an on position and uploads its retrieved and treated arc differentiation and location data, for example, to an arc server when that switch is turned off. The vehicle operator may drive a random or pre-designated route within the subject geographic region. While somewhat technically complex, the convenience of the system is manifested by its high level of portability. 
     Looking to  FIG. 1 , such portability is made evident for the system as represented in general at  10 . System  10  principally is concerned with a portable vehicle carried unit, the housing represented generally at  12  of which is a polymeric industrial carrying case with a handle  14 , top and bottom components  16  and  18  which are mutually hinged together and retained in a closed orientation by over-center latches as at  20  and  22 . Shown coupled to the housing  12  is a vehicle power input cable  24 . Cable  24  preferably is hardwired into the vehicle, for example, at a fuse box. Adjacent cable  24  is cable  26  which extends to the systems cellular antenna  28 . Antenna  28 , for example, may be affixed to the cab roof of the vehicle by virtue of its magnetic base. Next adjacent cable  26  is a cable  30  extending from housing  12  to a global positioning system receiver arrangement  32  which also may be provided with a magnetic base for coupling to a vehicle roof. Finally, a cable  34  extends from housing  12  to a wideband radio antenna  36  which also may be provided with a magnetic base for purposes of vehicle roof mounting. Shown additionally at bottom component  18  of housing  12  is a fan vent  38 . 
     Looking momentarily to  FIG. 2 , the pivoting or hinged connection between components  16  and  18  is shown generally at  40 . Above this connection  40  is a power input connector  42  which receives both switched power and battery power. Adjacent the connector  42  is a mobile antenna coupling  44 . A cooling fan is provided at  46 . Above cooling fan  46  is a global positioning system (GPS) connector  48  and above that connector is the coupling for a wideband radio receiver antenna  50 . An audio out connector is shown at  51 . 
     Looking to  FIG. 3 , a broad block diagrammatic representation of system  10  is presented. In the figure, symbolically, wideband radio antenna  36  reappears along with GPS receiver  32  and cellular antenna  28 . Cable  34 , extending from antenna  36  again reappears as a line extending to the wideband antenna input of a wideband radio receiver represented in general at  52 . Receiver  52  may be provided, for example, as a IC-PCR 1500 communications receiver marketed by Icom America, having a web location at http://www.icomamerica.com/product/receivers/per1500/specs.asp. Receiver  52  is controllable by computer as represented at line  54  extending from a control computer represented at block  56 . Computer  56  may be provided as an Ampro Ready System™ 2 U Computer, marketed by Ampro Computers, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. Note that the audio output from wideband radio receiver  52  is represented at arrow  58  extending to control computer  56 . Also extending to the control computer  56  is cable  30  of the GPS receiver identified earlier at  32 . Adjacent to that input is the cellular antenna assemblage including antenna  28 , cable  26  and a cellular modem represented at block  60 . The association between cellular modem  60  and control computer  56  is represented at line  62 . Cellular modem  60  may be a type MTCBA-C marketed by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., of Mounds View Minn. 
     System  10  also incorporates a power control circuit represented generally at block  64 . Circuit  64  is associated with control computer  56  by providing a shutdown command as represented at line  66  and being monitored by control computer  56  as represented at line  68 . Finally, system  10  may incorporate an audio-out feature as represented at line  70 , arrow  72  and dashed block  74  representing FM voice transmission for providing prompts and the like, particularly with respect to carrying out diagnostics. 
     Looking to  FIG. 4 , the interior of housing  12  is revealed, components heretofore described being identified with the same numeration. Additionally, a circuit association of components is revealed somewhat in general by dashed lines. In this regard, a dashed line  80  is seen extending between the connector for a wideband receiving antenna  36  and wideband radio receiver  52 . A dashed line representing audio-out is shown at  82  extending from connector  51  to control computer  56 . GPS input to the control computer  56  is shown at dashed line  84 . Power is shown supplied to fan  46  as represented at dashed line  86 . Vehicle power-in earlier described at connector  42  in connection with  FIG. 2  is shown coupled with power control board  64  as represented at dashed line  88 . Connection between cellular modem  60  and control computer  56  is shown at dashed line  90 . Power-in to control computer  56  is represented at dashed line  92 , while power monitoring is represented at dashed line  94 . A communication of modem  60  with earlier-described connector  44  ( FIG. 2 ) is represented at line dashed line  96 . 
     Arcing may occur in connection with a broad variety of components or structures within a given power distribution network. The arc is characterized in having a waveform which very rapidly rises and then decays. This creates a radio frequency interference condition which often is a precursor to breakdown of regions of a distribution network. Arcing and subsequent breakdown can occur in conjunction with a broad variety of network components. In this regard, an exemplar of a failed component is represented in  FIG. 5  wherein there is pictorially represented in general at  102  a broken distribution insulator. Such insulators as at  102  may, for example, support a 13.5 kV conductor. Note that damage is represented in general at  104 . With such damage, the electric field surrounding the insulator will begin to leak through the broken region and the partial discharge near sharp edges of the fracture will be observed to emit specific signals (EMI) that are detectable. Left uncorrected, the end result would be a flashover of the insulator and an outage of the distribution circuit. A detailed review of such component defects is provided in the following publication:
     Loftness, “A.C. Power Interference Handbook”, Second Edition Revised, 2003, Percival Technology, Tumwater Wash. 98501.   

     In a general context, the present system and method is represented in connection with  FIG. 6 . Looking to that figure, arcing phenomena (EMI) is represented at symbol  110  which is sensed as represented at symbol  112  then, as represented at arrow  114  and block  116 , arcing phenomena are analyzed with respect to global position in combination with a significance of an emission as translated into a multi-dimensional parameter referred to as “maintenance merit”. Maintenance merit is a measure of the significance of an emission from an arc source that includes evaluations such as: R.F. emission spectrum; narrowband emission strength; demodulated narrowband discharge emission spectrum; narrowband discharge emission signature; fundamental and second harmonic detection (typically 25/50 Hz (Amtrack); 50/100 (Europe); or 60/120 Hz (USA)). The parameter further incorporates detected signal temporal information. With these components, the significance level of an arc may be detected such that it may be prioritized. Next, as represented at arrow  118  and block  120 , the position related maintenance merit data is transmitted via cellular modem for processing by a server as represented at arrow  122  and block  124 . Once so processed, a map of the region of interest is produced or displayed as represented at arrow  126  and block  128 . In general, the map will identify locations of arcing along with maintenance merit level indication, for instance, with a color coding scheme. Such a map is schematically represented in  FIG. 7 . Looking to that figure, maintenance merit levels are identified symbolically, for example, a highest level is represented at darkened squares  130 . A next lower level of priority is represented at darkened dots  132 . A third lower level of maintenance merit is represented at open squares  134 ; and a lowest level of maintenance merit is represented at open dots  136 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a next level of detail of the instant system is revealed. Power is derived from the transporting vehicle as represented at block  140  and arrow  142 . The receiving assemblage of the system is represented at block  144  and the antenna symbol  146 . Received data is provided as an amplitude detected output as represented at line  148  which is directed to an embedded computer  150 . Additionally introduced to the control computer function at block  150  is global positioning system data as represented at block  152  and line  154 . Because arcing phenomena are influenced by weather conditions, as represented at circles  156 - 158  and respective lines  160 - 162 , temperature, humidity and barometric pressure data are directed as represented at block  164  and line  166  to the control computer  150 . Finally, global positioning, maintenance merit and weather data are generated and transmitted through a cellular network to a processing function as described in connection with  FIG. 6  at  124  and herein shown as dual arrow  168 , block  170  and antenna symbol  172 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a generalized representation of system  10  is presented. In the figure, centrally disposed is a collector function represented at symbol  180 . A variety of data is collected at function  180 . In this regard, a wideband antenna is represented at block  182  and arrow  184  as associated with a wideband amplitude detect radio shown at symbol  186 . The association of the radio function  186  and collector function  180  is represented at line  188 . Temperature input to the collector function  180  is represented at symbol  190  and line  192 . Humidity data is introduced to collector function  180  as represented at symbol  194  and line  196  and, similarly, barometric pressure data is also submitted as represented at symbol  198  and line  200 . Global positioning system information is represented at symbol  202 . Note that symbol  202  is represented as associated with an appropriate antenna as represented at block  204  and arrow  206 . Additionally, the symbol  202  function is associated with Greenwich Mean Time and date data as represented at symbol  208  and line  210 . 
     System power control is represented at symbol  212  seen associated with the collector function  180  as represented at arrow  214 . As noted above, the power input to the power supply function  212  is provided from an associated vehicle battery as represented at symbol  216  and arrow  218 . That power input is logically controlled from the ignition switch of the vehicle as represented at symbol  220  and dual arrow  222 . 
     The data collector function  180  is interactively associated with an evaluation or evaluator function as represented at symbol  224  and interactive arrows  226  and  228 . The evaluation function  224  may perform in conjunction with an arcing phenomena signature library as represented at symbol  230  and interactive arrows  232  and  234 . A general storage function is represented at symbol  236  along with interactive arrows  238  and  240 . The cellular modem based up-loader function is represented at symbol  242  along with interactive arrows  244  and  246 . In general, when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to an off position, uploading takes place. Where such uploading is not successful, the system  10  will carry out a retry, repeating three times as represented by loop arrow  248 . As represented at dual arrow  250  and symbol  252  uploading as well as downloading takes place in conjunction with a web information portal or server. 
     System  10  is further represented in connection with  FIG. 10 . Looking to that figure, block  260  and associated R.F. emission symbol  262  are represented as interacting with a wideband antenna function represented at symbol  264 . Wideband antenna function  264  performs in conjunction with a computer controlled wideband programmable AM radio as represented at block  266 . The function at block  266  provides an amplitude detected arc signal as represented at arrow  268  to an analog-to-digital converter function represented at block  270 . Function  270  provides digital samples as represented at arrow  272  to a function represented at block  274 . At block  274 , a digital signal processor configured for carrying out arc detection and analysis is provided including fast Fourier transforms of the digital samples, extracting narrowband signal frequencies therefrom that are harmonically related to the fundamental frequency of the distribution system, analyzing the harmonically related narrowband frequencies for peak amplitudes and summing such peak amplitudes to derive maintenance merit values. Function  274  further includes a control computer which functions, inter alia, to provide a radio frequency control over the wideband AM radio function  266  as represented at arrow  276 . Further provided to the function  274  is global positioning system data as represented at symbol  276  and arrow  278 . Weather or environmental data additionally is made available to the function  274  as represented at block  280  and arrow  282 . In carrying out its arc analysis, the function  274  may perform in conjunction with a failure signature library as represented at symbol  284  and arrow  286 . Retained within this function  284  are detected and analyzed arc data including fast Fourier transforms of digital samples, extracted narrowband signal frequencies that are harmonically related to the fundamental frequency of the network, the peak amplitudes of such analysis, a radio frequency spectrum of the analysis, an accept/reject signature event indicator, a signature part type, a signature part number and associated manufacturer. Maintenance merit values or arc strength are submitted to computer storage as represented at symbol  288  and arrow  290 . Power to the entire system  10  is provided as above described and is represented in the instant figure at block  292  and arrow  294 . 
     Returning to storage function  288 , with the actuation of an associated vehicle ignition switch to an off orientation computer controlled uplifting takes place utilizing a cellular modem as represented at symbol  296  and arrow  298 . As represented at arrow  300 , cellular modem function  296  also performs a feature of adding data to the failure signature library function  284 . An uploading of data by the cellular modem function  296  also functions to broadcast via a cell phone network as represented at dual arrow  302  and symbol  304 . The cell phone network  304  additionally functions to interact with an arc storage server as represented at block  306  and dual arrow  308 . Dual arrow  308  represents a feature wherein the function  274  may be upgraded from a remote server location. Arc storage server function  306  performs in conjunction with the internet as represented at symbol  310  and interactive arrow  312 . The internet communicates arc event strength location and display to a web portal display function as represented at block  314  and dual arrow  316 . Display function  314  may, for example, publish a map as described in connection with  FIG. 7 . 
     Powering function of system  10  has been discussed, for example, in connection with  FIG. 3 . Looking to  FIG. 11 , a more detailed rendition of the power utilization feature of system  10  is represented. In the figure, vehicle ground is represented at symbol  320  in conjunction with lines  322  and  324  extending to a connector represented at block  326 . Also extending to connector  326  is a +12 volt d.c. switched power input represented at symbol  328 . Symbol  328  is shown associated with a one amp fuse function as represented at symbol  330  and line  332 . Connection with connector  326  from the fuse function  322  is represented at line  334 . +12 volt un-switched vehicle power is represented at symbol  336 . This un-switched power function is represented as being directed through a 10 amp fuse as shown at symbol  338  and line  340 , whereupon connection with the connector  326  is represented at line  342 . 
     Connector  326  couples to connector  42  as described in  FIG. 2  which is represented in block form with the same numeration at the dashed boundary representing housing  12 . Connector  42  provides vehicle ground as represented at lines  344  and  346  as well as the earlier-described 12 volt d.c. switched power input at line  348  and un-switched power input as represented at line  350 . Lines  344 ,  346 ,  348  and  350  extend to corresponding inputs of power control circuit  64 . Function  64  is under the control of the control computer represented again at block  56 . In this regard, power monitor arrows  68  reappears in conjunction with power-in or shutdown command arrow  66 . 12 volts d.c. is provided to control computer function  56  as represented at arrow  352  and ground is similarly supplied as represented at arrow  354 . The wideband radio receiver function earlier-described at  52  in connection with  FIG. 3  is shown receiving 12 volts d.c. as represented at arrow  356  and corresponding ground as represented at arrow  358 . Similarly, cooling fan  46  receives 12 volts d.c. as represented at arrow  360  and ground as represented at arrow  362 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the power control circuit function earlier-described at  64  is illustrated at an enhanced level of detail. In the figure, the +vehicle battery input is provided at line  370  while corresponding negative battery connection is represented at line  372  extending to ground at line  374 . Line  370  incorporates a 10 amp fuse F 1  and the battery input is filtered for noise control purposes by capacitors C 1 -C 3  and inductor L 1 . The filtered output of the battery input is presented to the Vcc terminal of a solid state switch  376  as represented at line  378 . Switch function  376  may be, for example, a type IR 3314 and its current control is provided by resistor R 1  located within line  380  between device  376  and ground. The output of switch  376  is represented in general at  382 . This output is repeated on the control board five times. Switch  376  is turned off and on by a field effect transistor Q 1 , the drain of which is coupled via line  384  to device  376  and the source of which is coupled via line  386  to ground. Transistor Q 1  is turned on either by the actuation of a vehicle ignition switch to an on position or by an output of the control computer of the system. The control computer function  56  signal produces an output shortly after the control computer power  382  is applied by actuation of the vehicle ignition switch to the on position. The ignition switch signal at line  388 , incorporating resistor R 2  and a form of steering diode D 1  is coupled to the gate of transistor Q 1 . The input at line  388  is divided down by a network incorporating resistors R 7  and R 8  and a filtering capacitor C 6 . Line  390  incorporating resistor R 9  extends to a terminal  392  representing an input to the control computer corresponding with line  66  described in connection with  FIG. 3 . Thus, the computer function is provided a signal representing that ignition has been turned off. A line  394  also extends to terminal  392 . Upon receiving a signal that the vehicle ignition has been turned off, the computer control function  56  continues to provide an output at lines  396  and  398  extended to line  388  to keep transistor Q 1  on until the cellular modem data upload function ( FIG. 10 , Block  296 ) is complete, at which time the computer control function  56  signal is removed turning off transistor Q 1 . This control computer serving network as represented at  400  incorporates a steering diode D 2 , divider resistors R 3  and R 4  and a filtering capacitor C 4 . Line  396  corresponds with earlier-described line  68  in  FIG. 3 . 
     Additional regulator networks may be provided in conjunction with the output of device  376 . In this regard, note that the output of that device additionally is coupled to a network represented generally at  402  via line  404 . Network  402  includes a regulator  406  which may, for example be a type LM 317T with an input at line  408  and an output at line  410 . Device  406  is configured with resistors R 5  and R 6  as well as capacitor C 5 . Ground is provided from lines  412  and  414 . 
     In the discussion to follow, block diagrams are presented describing the software activity of system  10 . Three approaches are described, one involving a single AM radio function; one involving two such radio functions; and the third describing a single radio with a signature analysis feature. The blocks and symbols making up the block diagrams have been provided using the SDL-2000 standardized specification and description language. 
     Looking to  FIG. 13 , a general block diagram of the single radio embodiment is set forth. A wideband antenna is represented at symbol  440  which is operationally associated with a computer controllable wideband radio receiver represented at block  442 . The amplitude detected output of radio  442  will be between 0 and 6 kHz as represented at arrow  444 . The amplitude detected output then is converted to digital form by an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter function represented at block  446 . Sampling rate derived digital samples then are available as represented at arrow  448  and symbol  450 . Such digital data is made available to raw data storage as represented by arrow  452  and symbol  454 . Just above symbol  454  is symbol  456  and arrow  458  providing for the setting up of parameters for all blocks of the diagram. Returning to symbol  450 , as represented at arrow  460  and block  462 , the digital samples are submitted to a fast Fourier transform (FFT) and harmonic strength calculation function. Note that block  462  addresses the conversion block  446  via arrow  464  to provide for sampling rate control. 
     Now considering the FFT, the width of one frequency bin in an FFT can be calculated as “Sample Rate SR÷FFT Sequence Length”. Therefore, to provide an exact 60 Hz bin and to fulfill a requirement of two calculations per second, the optimal combination is “Sample Rate=2*FFT Sequence Length”. The frequency bin resolution is then 2.0 Hz and the FFT bins are at 2, 4, 6, . . . , 60, . . . , 120 Hz, etc. 
     In order to perform an FFT in a fast and efficient way, the FFT Sequence Length must be a power of 2. To be able to extract exact FFT values for desired frequencies and to provide desired data rate, predefined values for sampling rate and FFT length are used. The following is a tabulation of sampling rates in samples per second; FFT length (samples) and number of FFTs in one second for three frequencies, 60 Hz (USA); 50 Hz (Europe); and 25 Hz (Amtrack). 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Sampling 
                 FFT length 
                 Number of FFTs 
               
               
                 Frequency (Hz) 
                 rate(samples/sec) 
                 (samples) 
                 in one second 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 60 
                 32768 
                 16384 
                 2 
               
               
                 50 
                 32768 
                 16384 
                 2 
               
               
                 25 
                 40960 
                 16384 
                 2.5 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     After the tabulations the following parameters are adjustable and set in system  10 :
         1. Number of channels is 1 or 2 (one for each radio)   2. Main power line frequency (25, 50 or 60 Hz)   3. Number of harmonics to calculate (1-100)   4. Filter Width in number of FFT values to be taken into account (0 means exact frequency value, 1 means exact value and its left/right neighbors, etc.). The output value for a single harmonic is calculated as:       

     
       
         
           
             
               H 
               i 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   ∑ 
                   
                     k 
                     = 
                     
                       - 
                       FW 
                     
                   
                   
                     = 
                     FW 
                   
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                   F 
                   
                     i 
                     + 
                     k 
                   
                 
               
               
                 FW 
                 + 
                 1 
               
             
           
         
       
         
         
           
             Where: 
             FW=Filter Width 
             Hi=Harmonic magnitude value where (i) is harmonic number in the FFT 
             Fi=FFT magnitude value where (i) is the value index in the FFT 
           
         
       
    
     For optimum power line arc discrimination against other noise sources the filter width should be as narrow as possible. Since the filter width is inversely proportional to the FFT Sequence Length, a longer length (and sample time) can be chosen to improve arc signal discrimination. 
     Now looking momentarily to  FIG. 14 , block  462  is further diagrammed to provide greater detail. Looking to that figure, symbol  470  represents the start of the main and transfer software thread. In the latter regard, as represented at block  472  the transfer thread carries out an initialization of the harmonic array buffer. 
     Returning to block  470 , as represented at arrow  474  and block  476 , the analog-to-digital conversion rate is set. Next, as represented at arrow  478  and block  480 , one FFT is initialized and as represented at arrow  482  and block  484  digital samples from the A/D conversion process are read. This collection procedure continues as represented at arrow  486  and symbol  488  determining whether the collection procedure is done for this FFT. In the event that it is not completed, the procedure continues as represented a loop arrow  490 . Where data collection is completed, then as represented at arrow  492  and block  494 , the fast Fourier transform is performed. Following performance of the FFT, as represented at arrow  496  and block  498 , a harmonic array of harmonically related scalar values is computed and, as represented at arrow  500  and symbol  502 , data ready is set for the transfer thread (block  472 ) and the procedure loops to initiate a next FFT as represented at loop arrow  504 . 
     Returning to block  472 , as represented at arrow  506  and symbol  508 , the procedure awaits the data ready condition as was set at block  502 . When the data is ready, as represented at arrow  510  and block  512 , the data is moved into a buffer and, as represented at arrow  514  and symbol  516 , the display and peak harmonic detector are alerted, whereupon the procedure loops to symbol  508  as represented at arrow  518 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 13 , with the completion of FFT and harmonic strength calculation as represented at block  462 , as indicated at arrow  520  and block  522 , the system analyzes the harmonically related narrowband frequencies for peak amplitudes. 
     Looking momentarily to  FIG. 15 , this peak detection feature is diagramed at an enhanced level of detail. In the figure, the procedure commences in conjunction with start symbol  524  and arrow  526  extending to symbol  528 . Symbol  528  provides for the awaiting of a harmonic buffer-ready signal which, for example, will be developed from symbol  516  described in connection with  FIG. 14 . With the presence of a harmonic buffer-ready indication, as represented at arrow  534  and block  536 , a maximum value is found and as represented at arrow  538  and block  540 , that max harmonic peak amplitude is saved. Next, as represented at arrow  542  and symbol  544 , a determination is made as to whether H 0 , which is the power network fundamental frequency is greatest. If it is not, then as represented at arrow  546  and symbol  548 , a determination is made as to whether the max amplitude is at a first harmonic of the fundamental frequency. Where the query posed at either of symbols  544  or  548  results in an affirmative determination, then as represented at either arrow  550  or arrow  552 , the fundamental or harmonic flag is set as indicated at symbol  554 . In the event of a negative determination at symbol  548 , then as represented at arrow  556  and symbol  558 , the procedure returns to  FIG. 13  and arrow  560 . In considering the setting of the flags at symbol  554 , temporal information about an arc phenomena becomes available as a very basic signature of the instant system. For instance, if a max amplitude is associated with just the positive or the negative going components of an assumed sinewave, then H 0  flag is set. On the other hand, where such amplitude is seen on both positive and negative going components of the waveform, then H 1  is set. 
     Now returning to  FIG. 13 , arrow  560  is seen directed to block  562  calling for the computation of a maintenance merit value. In general, this is developed by summing the above-noted peak amplitudes. Looking additionally to  FIG. 16 , this maintenance merit computation feature is diagramed in more detail. The function is shown entered as represented at symbol  570  and arrow  572  extending to block  574 . Block  574  calls for the summing of all harmonics, whereupon, as represented at arrow  576  and block  578 , an average of the summed harmonics is computed. Because all harmonics are sub-scale, as represented at arrow  580  and block  582 , the computed average is scaled to full scale and, as represented at arrow  584  and symbol  586 , the scaled average is saved as a current maintenance merit value. However, while usable with the system, this value may be filtered. The procedure represented by block  562  then returns as represented at arrow  588  and symbol  590 . Accordingly, returning to  FIG. 13 , an arrow  592  is seen extending from block  562  to block  594  calling for the filtering of the maintenance merit computation employing a finite impulse response (FIR) filter. Such filters also are referred to as averaging filters and function to discriminate against noise. In general, the user will determine a filtering length of maintenance merit values, for example, up to 20. Looking to FIG.  17 , the filtering function of block  594  is diagramed at a higher level of detail. In the figure, the filtering procedure is seen to commence in conjunction with symbol  600  and arrow  602 . Arrow  602  leads to symbol  604  providing for saving the current maintenance merit values in the filter array, a limit of such values being elected for filtering. Next, as represented at arrow  606  and block  608 , filtering is carried out by computing the sum of the maintenance merit values for, n, such values divided by the limit value. Upon carrying out this computational filtering, then as represented at arrow  610  and symbol  612  the filtered maintenance merit (MM) value is saved. As represented at arrow  614  and block  616 , the index is increased by one. Next, as represented at arrow  618  and symbol  620  a determination is made as to whether the index (n) is greater than the limit value minus one. In the event that it is, then as represented at arrow  622  and block  624 , the index, n, is set to zero and as represented at arrows  626 ,  628  and symbol  629 , the procedure returns to block  594  in  FIG. 13 . As represented by arrow  628  and symbol.  629 , the procedure reverts to block  594  shown in  FIG. 13 . Returning to that block, arrow  632  is seen to extend therefrom to symbol  634  showing that the maintenance merit value now is a resultant one in consequence of the FIR filtering. System procedure then continues as represented at arrow  640  and block  642  providing for recording control. In that regard, note that an arrow  644  extends to storage facility  454  as an indication that recording is to be started. It may be recalled that this is raw data for signature analysis. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the recording control function  642  is revealed at a higher level of detail. In the figure, the function  642  is entered as represented at symbol  650  and arrow  652  extending to symbol  654  posing a query as to whether the maintenance merit value is greater than a pre-selected setpoint. If it is not greater, then that maintenance merit value is not recorded and the procedure continues as represented at line  656  and exit symbol  658 . On the other hand, where the query at symbol  654  indicates that the instant maintenance merit value is greater than a setpoint, then as represented at arrow  660  and symbol  662 , a determination is made as to whether the H 0  or H 1  flag is set. It may be recalled that H 0  represents power line fundamental frequency, while H 1  represents a first harmonic thereof. If neither of those flags is set, then the data is neither recorded nor utilized and the procedure continues as represented at arrows  664 ,  656  and symbol  658 . On the other hand, where either of those flags is set, then as represented at arrow  666  and block  668 , the system reads mean Greenwich time, GPS location, temperature, humidity and barometric pressure. As represented at arrow  670  and symbol  672 , all such data is saved as an arc event and function  642  provides a signal to start recording as represented at arrow  674  and symbol  676 . The procedure then reverts to arrow  656  and symbol  658  as represented at arrow  678 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 13 , as represented at arrow  680  and block  682 , the system carries out an arc proximity computation implementing the computer controlled alteration of the frequency response of radio  442 . This association is represented at arrow  684 . Function  682  changes the frequency response at radio function  442  based upon the fingerprints being received. In this regard, if strong signals are being received, a higher radiofrequency response will be desired. This follows because of the nature of the arc signals encountered, the higher the radiofrequency of such signals more than likely the shorter the distance the system is from the arc phenomena. On the other hand, arc signal phenomena travels longer distances at lower radiofrequencies. Accordingly, an opposite form of frequency response adjustment may be called for. Looking to  FIG. 19 , arc proximity computation function  682  is illustrated at a higher level of detail. Function  682  is entered as represented at symbol  686  and arrow  688  which is directed to the query posed at symbol  690  determining whether the current maintenance merit value is less than a low setting. If that is the case, then as represented at arrow  692  and symbol  694 , a determination is made as to whether the RF frequency already is set at a low frequency regime. If it has not been so set, then as represented at arrow  696  and block  698  the frequency response of radio function  442  is set lower and, as represented at arrows  700 ,  702  and symbol  704 , the system returns to the peak harmonic detector function represented in  FIG. 13  at  522 . That same result obtains if the query posed at symbol  694  indicates that the RF frequency already has been set low. With such a setting the system reverts to peak harmonic detector function  522  ( FIG. 13 ) as represented at arrows  706 ,  702  and symbol  704 . 
     Returning to the query posed at symbol  690 , where the current maintenance merit value is not less than a low setting, then, as represented at arrow  708  the system looks to the query at symbol  710  determining whether or not the RF frequency is at a maximum level. In the event that it is at that maximum level, the system again reverts to peak harmonic detector function  522  as represented at arrow  702  and symbol  704 . On the other hand, where the RF frequency is not at a maximum level, then as represented at arrow  712  and block  714  the computer raises the frequency response of the radio function  442  and, as represented at arrows  716 ,  702  and symbol  704 , the system reverts again to the function at block  522  in  FIG. 13 . 
     Improved arc phenomena detection and localization can be realized by employing the system  10  with two wideband computer controllable AM radios instead of one. Such a system is represented in general at  720  at the block diagram presented in conjunction with  FIG. 20 . In the figure, system  720  is seen to incorporate two wideband AM radios  722  and  724  performing in conjunction with respective antennae  726  and  728 . The radiofrequency response of radios  722  and  724  again is computer controllable as represented at respective arrows  736  and  732  extending from an arc proximity computation function represented at block  734 . As before, each of the radios  722  and  724  perform in conjunction with an amplitude detect output which, for example, may be in the range of 0-6 kHz. For convenience, computer controllable wideband radio receiver  722  is referred to herein as radio no.  1  and its amplitude detected output at arrow  736  is referred to as a first amplitude detected output. In similar fashion, computer controllable wideband radio receiver  724  is referred to herein as radio receiver no.  2  and its amplitude detected output is represented at arrow  738 . 
     As in the case of  FIG. 13  the block diagram of system  720  includes a setup parameters symbol  750 , and arrow  752  from which indicates this feature applies to all blocks. 
     The first amplitude detected output as represented at arrow  736  from radio  722  is subjected to analog-to-digital conversion as represented at block  754 . As before, this conversion is rate controlled as represented at arrow  756  and the output of this conversion as represented at arrow  758  provides what is designated herein as first high frequency parameter digital sample, representing digital data from the first radio as indicated by symbol  760 . 
     In similar fashion, the output of radio no.  2  at arrow  738  may be designated as a second amplitude detected output which also is subjected to analog-to-digital conversion as represented at block  762 . The sampling rate of converter  762  is computer controlled as represented at arrow  764  and its output as represented at arrow  766  is herein designated as second low frequency parameter digital sample represented, as shown in symbol  768  as digital data from radio no.  2 . The signal data from radio no.  1  as represented at symbol  760 , as in the case of  FIG. 13 , may be submitted as raw data for signature analysis to storage or memory as represented at arrow  770  and symbol  772 . However, as represented at arrow  774  and block  776 , it is also now subjected to fast Fourier transform activity and harmonic strength calculation. This is the same treatment as described at block  462  in  FIG. 13  as well as in connection with  FIG. 14 . In similar fashion, the second low frequency parameter digital samples as represented at symbol  768  are treated with a fast Fourier transform and harmonic strength calculation as represented at arrow  778  and block  780 . As before, this function is the same as that carried out in conjunction with block  462  in  FIG. 13  and as described in  FIG. 14 . 
     Returning to block  776 , a first digital signal processor has been provided which is configured for carrying out arc detection and analysis including fast Fourier transforms of the first digital samples, extracting narrowband signal frequencies, (bins) that are harmonically related to the fundamental frequency. Next, as represented at arrow  782  and block  784 , the harmonically related narrowband frequencies are analyzed for peak amplitudes in a manner identical to that described in connection with block  522  of  FIG. 13  and the discourse presented in connection with  FIG. 15 . 
     Turning back to block  780 , a second digital signal processor is described which is configured for carrying out arc detection and analysis including fast Fourier transforms of the second digital samples, extracting narrowband signal frequencies therefrom (bins) that are harmonically related to the fundamental frequencies and as with radio  1 , as represented at arrow  786  and block  788 , analysis is carried out of the harmonically related narrowband frequencies for peak amplitudes in the same manner as described in connection with block  522  of  FIG. 13  and corresponding  FIG. 15 . 
     An arrow  790  extends from block  784  to block  792  providing for maintenance merit computation in the same manner as described at block  562  in connection with  FIG. 13  and as further described in connection with  FIG. 16 . Such maintenance merit values will be identified in the instant figure as “MM 1 ”. In this regard, as represented at arrow  794  and block  796 , finite impulse response filtering is carried out in the same manner as described in conjunction with block  594  of  FIG. 13  and as discussed in connection with  FIG. 17 . A maintenance merit resultant, MM 1  thus is evolved as represented at arrow  798  and symbol  800 . 
     Returning to the second radio component of the instant diagram, as represented at arrow  802  and block  804 , a maintenance merit computation is carried out in the manner described in connection with block  562  of  FIG. 13  and as described in connection with  FIG. 16 . Then, as represented at arrow  806  and block  808 , the maintenance merit values are filtered utilizing a finite impulse response filter in the manner described at block  594  in  FIG. 13  and as discussed in connection with  FIG. 17 . A result, as represented at arrow  810  and symbol  800  is a resultant maintenance merit, MM 2 . 
     Next, as represented at arrow  812  and block  814 , the recording control function is carried out in the manner described in connection with block  642  of  FIG. 13  and as described in more detail in  FIG. 18 . Where the maintenance merit resultants are above a setpoint, they are correlated with Greenwich mean time, GPS location, temperature, humidity and pressure and recordation is started as represented at arrow  816 . Next, arc proximity computation is carried out as represented at arrow  820  and block  734 . For the instant embodiment utilizing radio no.  1  and radio no.  2 , the arc proximity computation is somewhat altered, initially looking to an analysis of the low frequency parameter maintenance merit, MM 2  and then doing a table look-up to set the high frequency radio no.  1  frequency. Referring to  FIG. 21 , this altered approach is diagramed in detail. In the figure, this feature is approached as represented at symbol  822  and arrow  824  which is directed to the query posed at symbol  826  determining whether maintenance merit MM 2  (low frequency) is less than a low setting. In the event that it is not less than a low setting, then as represented at arrow  828  and symbol  830 , a determination is made as to whether radio no.  2  frequency is at a maximum level. In the event that it is not, then as represented at arrow  832  and block  834 , the frequency setting at radio no.  2  is raised and the program continues as represented at arrow  836 . If the adjustment of radio no.  2 , (block  724 ) is at a maximum setting, then the program continues as represented at block  838 . 
     Returning to symbol  826  where the current maintenance merit (MM 2 ) is less than the low setting, then as represented at arrow  840  and symbol  842 , a query is posed as to whether radio no.  2  (RF 2 ) frequency already has been set at a low level. In the event that it has not, then as represented at arrow  844  and block  846 , the radio no.  2  (RF 2 ) frequency setting is lowered and the program continues as represented at arrow  848  which extends to arrow  838 . Returning to symbol  842 , where the radio no.  2  frequency setting is already at a low level, then as represented at arrows  850 ,  848  and  838 , the program continues. 
     Arrow  838  is directed to block  852  which indicates that the wideband radio frequency response ranges of the first computer controllable radio receiver are retained in a look-up table addressable by a combination of the second low frequency parameter maintenance merit values and second wideband radiofrequency response. Upon carrying out such look-up, as represented at arrow  854  and block  856 , the radio frequency of radio no.  1  is set and the program continues as represented at arrow  858  and symbol  860  to reenter this dual program at blocks  784  and  788  as discussed in connection with  FIG. 20 . 
     Another approach to the instant system involves the features of  FIG. 13  and system  10  as they are enhanced with a failure signature library performing in conjunction with a signature correlation and selection filter. In this regard, it may be recalled from  FIG. 10  that new signatures were delivered to a failure signature library from the cellular modem function. Looking to  FIG. 22 , this system enhancement is represented generally at  870 . In the figure, a wideband antenna  872  is shown in operative association with a computer controllable radio receiver represented at block  874 . Such computer control is over radio function  874  is represented at arrow  876 . The amplitude detected output (0-6 kHz) from radio facility  874  is represented at arrow  878  which is directed to analog-to-digital conversion as represented at block  880 . Sample rate control for the conversion function  880  is represented by arrow  882 . Also carried out is a set up of parameters as represented at symbol  884 , such set up applying to all blocks of the diagram as represented at arrow  886 . Returning to the conversion function  880 , digital samples are produced as represented at arrow  888  to provide digital data from the radio function  874  as represented at symbol  890 . Arrow  892  represents that such digital data is available to raw data storage as represented at symbol  894 . 
     Returning to symbol  890 , as represented at arrow  896  and block  898 , digital signal processor is provided which is configured for carrying out arc detection and analysis including fast Fourier transforms (FFT) of the digital samples, extracting narrowband signal frequencies (bins) therefrom that are harmonically related to the fundamental frequency of the network. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the function of block  898  is revealed at an enhanced level of detail. Starting of the main software thread is represented at symbol  902 , while the transfer thread function carries out an initialization of the harmonic array buffer as represented at block  904 . From symbol  902 , an arrow  906  extends to block  908  providing for setting the analog-to-digital conversion rates a function represented in  FIG. 22  at arrow  882 . Next, as represented at arrow  910  and block  912 , one FFT is initialized and, as represented at arrow  914  and block  916 , the digital sample based A/D data is read. As represented at arrow  918 , symbol  920  and loop arrow  922 , such reading continues until the digital sample collection is completed whereupon, as represented at arrow  924  and block  926 , the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is performed. Upon completion of the FFT, as represented at arrow  928  and block  930 , the system computes a harmonic array of scalar values in the manner described in connection with  FIG. 14  and block  498 . Upon such computation, as represented at arrow  932  and symbol  934 , data ready is set for the transfer thread and, as represented at return arrow  936 , the program reverts to block  912 . 
     Returning to block  904 , as represented at arrow  938  and block  940 , for the instant embodiment, comparison signatures are initialized and as represented at arrow  942  and symbol  944 , the system transfer thread awaits a data ready input whereupon, as represented at arrow  946  and block  948 , data is moved into a buffer and as represented at arrow  950  and symbol  952 , the system will communicate with a signature correlation and selection filter shown in  FIG. 22 . As represented at symbol  954 , arrow  956  and symbol  958 , a display and peak harmonic detector is alerted and the thread loops as represented by loop arrow  960  to symbol  944  awaiting another data ready input. 
     Returning to  FIG. 22 , the failure signature library for this enhancement is represented at symbol  962 . It may be recalled from  FIG. 10  that these signatures are uploaded, inter alia, to this library from the cellular modem function  296 . Accordingly, in  FIG. 22 , downloading is represented at symbol  970  and arrow  972 . Failure signature library  962  receives and stores analyzed arc data including the earlier-discussed fast Fourier transforms of the digital samples including the extracted narrowband signal frequencies (bins) that are harmonically related to the fundamental frequency, the peak amplitudes of the analysis, a radio frequency spectrum of the analysis, an accept/reject signature event indicator, a signature part type, a signature part number, and a manufacturer. As represented by arrows  974 ,  976  and block  978 , a signature correlation and selection filter is controlled to correlate the failure signature library retained arc data with the carrying out of arc detection and analysis prior to the analysis for peak amplitudes as discussed in connection with block  898 . It may be recalled from  FIG. 23  that comparison signatures were initialized as described at block  940 . Looking to  FIG. 24 , correlation and selection as described at block  978  are further discussed at an enhanced level of detail. The filter is entered as represented at symbol  980  and arrow  982 , leading to block  984  wherein cross correlation is carried out for signatures identified with the index, n. As represented at arrow  986  and symbol  988 , a correlation value is saved and, as represented at arrow  990  and symbol  992 , a query is posed as to whether all signals have been examined. In the event they have not, then as represented at looping arrow  994 , the procedure is reiterated. Where all signals have been examined, then as represented at arrow  996  and block  998 , the procedure selects the signature with a best fit. And, as represented at arrow  1000  and symbol  1002 , the best fit signature correlation index is saved and made available as represented in  FIG. 22  at arrow  1008  and symbol  1010 . The signature ID and correlation resultant are saved with maintenance merit data for uploading as discussed in connection with  FIG. 10 . 
     Returning to block  898  and associated arrow  1012 , the program then carries out peak harmonic detection as represented at block  1014 . This feature has been discussed at a higher level of detail in connection with  FIG. 15 . Next, as represented at arrow  1016  and block  1018 , maintenance merit computation is carried out as described in detail in  FIG. 16 . The maintenance merit values then, as represented at arrow  1020  and block  1022  are subjected to finite impulse response filtering as represented at arrow  1020  and block  1022 . The result of such filtering is represented at arrow  1024  and symbol  1026  as a maintenance merit resultant which has been described in detail in connection with  FIG. 17 . The program then proceeds as represented at arrow  1028  and block  1030  to recording control which, as represented at arrow  1032  enables the storage of raw data for signal signature analysis as represented at symbol  894 . Additionally, the recording control function at block  1030  carries out the features represented in  FIG. 18 , whereupon the program proceeds as represented at arrow  1034  and block  1036  providing for the carrying out of arc proximity computation and associated adjustments of the frequency response of radio  874  as discussed in connection with  FIG. 19 . 
     Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus and method without departing from the scope of the disclosure herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.