SBS-1 in the loft.

[KCT_99]

No worries, a firmware update is easy to do.

Firstly, you need to know if you have the 12V or 5V Version of the SBS-1 as this dictates what uploader software tool you must use.
You can download the firmware and the software uploader tool here.
http://www.kinetic.co.uk/basestationdownloads1.php

Here is a short video how to do the firmware update.
https://youtu.be/EYQFRai6lmk?si=EeFAG3ru_zc3tfEs

If the firmware uploader software tool can not do the firmware update and gives an error, you know that your SBS-1 unit needs repair. Possibly the USB chip could be dead, or some support circuit around it has a problem.
In this case, check out this guy who can help you with repair. He does mainly Laptop repair but he can do repair on other delicate equipment as well.
https://youtu.be/yBonoOKFsTQ?si=AJ-uIWE-cHKcvpec

[Faramir]

Maybe silly but did you set the little switch to face the external power socket?
If it was powered trough the USB cable it's notch was at the USB socket and plugging in an external power supply doesn't work unless the switch is moved too.

[Magic440]

Yes,moved the little switch. Will try the firmware suggestion later.

[Anmer]

Just a couple of things to mention.

1. All the Kinetic downloads are available on this forum in the Software area.  I've no idea who's managing the kinetic.co.uk website as Kinetic Avionics Products isn't actively producing or supporting these products.

2. I've recently become aware of early model SBS-1s suffering hardware failure.  But 20 years isn't a bad life span for electronic products.

3. Repairs will be expensive, unless one can do it oneself.  A more cost-effective option is a suitable SDR connected to a Raspberry Pi and existing antenna.  This can be used to run Basestation as before.

[Magic440]

I think that will be the way forward for me Mike.
Is it easy to set up? Lol

[Anmer]

Is it easy to set up? Lol

I think it is.

This link explains what you need,  You can source the hardware from other suppliers.

If you install PiAware (as a total SD card image) you share the data with FlightAware and get a free Enterprise account in exchange.  Then a few more tweaks to feed BaseStation.

You don't have to go the PiAware route.  There's a similar solution for FlightRadar24 or a vanilla install that feeds no one.

[Magic440]

I'm not that bothered about feeding anyone,as I wouldn't be able to run it 24/7,sometimes I don't run it for a few weeks.
I would like to use the Basestation set up though, with the Operator and Country flags etc.
I take it there is no plug and play option?

[Anmer]

You don't have to run anything 24x7.  Plus, 99% of people using an SDR/RPi combo run it 24x7 and forget about it.

You can still use BaseStation as and when you choose,

The plug and play options I'm aware of (and use) are the FlightAware/FR24 SD card images which include the Linux operating system.

Maybe someone here can offer a Plug and Play option that doesn't include data feeds?

[Magic440]

Oh,I see. I was under the impression that the set would be powered via usb,like the SBS1.Would make it difficult,as no sockets in the loft.

[Anmer]

The Raspberry Pi needs power via a dedicated DC adapter.

The SDR connects to the antenna via SMA (Can use a BNC to SMA adapter) and the Raspberry Pi via USB.  I've not tested an SDR/RPi usng a USB extension cable.

[Magic440]

Big thanks for all the replies folks.
Sadly,i think that is it for me and virtual radar,apart from the usual online sites.