Date: 201204
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: SAV.TRACON, GA
Aircraft: No Aircraft
Reporter organization: Government
Reporter function: Approach; Departure
Reporter qualification: Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human factors: Other / Unknown
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: In-flight
Result: General None Reported / Taken
Contributing factors: Procedure; ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings
Primary problem: ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings

Narrative: SAV RADAR/ARTS was the problem. Upon assuming the sector; an abnormal amount of Data Block coasting and 'stitching' was detected and reported to the CIC; then the FLM. I requested to confirm that we were on the Mode S system as the amount of coasting and stitching was indicative that Mode S had failed. The Mode S monitor indicated green on Ch A Mode S; so FLM was satisfied that all was well; but as the CPC/FPL tasked with separation aircraft; I did not have the tools to safely do so. I had to coordinate arrivals and over flights from ZJX  Sector; taking RADAR contact on those I could see primary RADAR returns in conjunction with their Data Blocks; but leave them on ZJX tags so the ZJX computer system could track them automatically. I was unable to track that many primary targets on my own; but this practice is unfair to the ZJX Sector when it is the SAV ARTS system that is the problem. After I continually reported that the current situation was unsafe; the CIC concurred and directed the FLM to contact Tech Ops. I requested the CIC to please change the Mode S from Ch A to Ch B in an attempt to reboot the Mode S; which regardless of the TRACON Mode S monitor; was not operating in the digital Mode S. After completing the change over and a few minutes of the Ch B digital data entering the SAV Arts system all Data Blocks began to track successfully. This confirmed what was suspected that the Mode S display monitor is not correctly displaying the Mode S status for the TRACON team. Request a replacement system for the current SAV ARTS. The current ASR-8 is satisfactory and with the addition of Mode S; the presentation can be acceptable. Without Mode S; it is unacceptable and an unsafe product which impedes our ability to provide basic services to our users. As a quick fix to upgrading the whole ARTS system; we need some way to know for sure if Mode S is or is NOT operating; the current display/monitor is not. SAV needs the next generation of displays and what ever is going to replace the antiquated ARTS system; and we need it ASAP! We have a good ASR 8; which already has a digitizer on both the secondary and primary portions and those signals also go through the Mode S digitizer which runs to the SAV base building; where it is dumbed down to an analog signal to go through our equipment. Any accident caused by this antiquated equipment in such complex airspace as we have here would greatly harm the FAA and our credibility.




Synopsis: SAV Controller voiced concern regarding RADAR/ARTS Mode S problems; describing a recent event and suggesting the replacement of some of the subject equipment. Reporter suggests improved trouble shooting and technical support.