PlanePlotter Yahoo group

[IanH]

In the post about the latest PP update, someone mentioned:

I find the Yahoo! group more and more difficult to read

Totally agree so having just worked my way through recent exchanges, a quick summary of the latest items of interest for those who don't go there:

1) seems that the RTL dongle/Raspberry Pi combination does not produce suitable data for MLAT. Only just confirmed. In fact I think this applies to the RTL dongle with any computer. But what is weird is because of this, people suddenly thinking not worth while so they will turn off their set up to save electricity costs    These folks are still getting access to the PP network (with other people's MLATs) even if they now find they don't contribute. Can anyone explain what I'm missing?

2) there is now a new database of PP sharers which seems to be not completed by many - certainly seems easier than previous version:
http://g4est1.no-ip.org/MyWeb/g4est/sharerdb/phpscripts/sharer_db_published.php

Ian

[satcom]

Its quite simple Ian.....

The rtl dongles are excellent for normal Mode S ADS B tracking ....and in the early stages it looked like they were good for raw data , in fact all the signs and tests seemed to confirm that.
It wasn't until recently , when I  had chance to create a full network of rtls under test conditions it was realised thet they produce little or no "useable" raw data.

This doesn't mean they never will , it may be that further experimentation will provide the standard of raw data needed.In fact there is a lot of discussion going on about how to move forward.
I have always said that the dongles are an excellent introduction to Mode S and a starting point for folk who then want to go on to buy a Kinetic or Beast device.

We activate the dongles for GS/MU in recognition of those hwo are prepared to share 24/7 and who may in due course provide raw data , either by way of new sw for the dongle or , by acquiring a Kinetic device or Beast.

PP is a community , not a commercial venture....everyone is entitled to contribute whatever  and how ever they can. Its my "job"  to make that possible and to ensure that PP 's MLat network remains the best.


....And just to re iterate...I'm not employed by COAA , I give my time freely in the interest of the hobby

[Anmer]

PP is a community , not a commercial venture.

Come again?

COAA charges a one off licence fee of Euro25 plus VAT for PP and an annual fee of Euro12 plus VAT to become a Master User for multilateration if one's raw data isn't shared "regularly".

And to quote from COAA's PP website:

"A higher fee applies to professional or commercial use of PlanePlotter."

That sounds like a commercial venture if ever I saw one.

http://www.coaa.co.uk/planeplotter.htm

[satcom]

 

[viking9]

It's still the only reliable method of tracking non-positional aircraft. And I haven't had to pay a penny since my initial payment.

[kered]

My beast got fried and i'm using a dongle till i get it back, should i stop being a GS/MU and upload of raw data till its fixed? especially if the data is of no use.(station cl)

By the way this latest version updated with no problema, unlike the last one.

cheers
Derek

[satcom]

Hi Derek

No ,by all means leave things as they are

We are continually working on the dongle situation and if there is anyway to improve the raw data we may be able to do it using a "tweak"  via the server.

As for mlats , I can select non dongle users for the sectors so that they don't create extra "noise "

[kered]

Ok thanks, should have the beast back and working in a week or so, just thought i'd ask. One thing the dongles are handy for in cases of emergency like mine 

cheers
Derek

[kered]

Beast up and running again so all back to normal for MLat

cheers
Derek