SBS-1 not working

[MarkInHants]

Having only used an SBS-1 since radar spotting (100% delighted with the SBS-1) it finally packed up last week. Until I can afford a second hand SBS-1 or stretch my finances for a puck (convincing the wife a £250 outlay for something which has been my hobby for the last 45 years may prove harder) I am making do with FR24 or Planefinder. I am shocked to hear the stories about RadarBox . That's the good thing about these sites. You can learn about a product before committing. Based on my previous experience with the SBS-1 I will only purchase another SBS-1 or a puck

[Anmer]

Having only used an SBS-1 since radar spotting (100% delighted with the SBS-1) it finally packed up last week.

Do you know what bit packed up and can it be repaired?

[IanH]

While you are waiting for the opportunity to persuade your wife about the benefits of buying a Puck, why not try a RTL dongle?

Cheap and effective 

[Anmer]

While you are waiting for the opportunity to persuade your wife about the benefits of buying a Puck, why not try a RTL dongle?

I have a DVB-T "dongle" connected to an early model Raspberry Pi using the FlightAwares PiAware pre-built decoding and data feed software.  As Ian says "Cheap and effective"

Decoded data is available in both BaseStation and AVR formats, and all local MLAT plots are available too.  And FlightAware data feeders get a free Enterprise account.

I was getting very good coverage with a mobile antenna before I installed the external one.  Now I get contacts in excess of 300 NM.

But the great thing about the PiAware image is it's simple setup.  Not everyone is into Linux commands. 

I just leave it running 24 x 7.

https://flightaware.com/adsb/piaware/build

Here are my PiAware stats for the last 18 days.  Not too bad considering my nearest airport has hardly any movements. 

http://uk.flightaware.com/adsb/stats/user/MikePWC#stats-13134

[MarkInHants]

Do you know what bit packed up and can it be repaired?

Not sure what component has packed up, but I have no power to the SBS-1. I cant find the mains lead, and only run the SBS-1 via USB. I have no lights at all. Not sure if it's repairable. It could be a false economy if it's too costly to repair. Appreciate the info regarding the DVB-T Dongle. Will look into it further.

[Anmer]

Do you know the serial number of the SBS-1?

Early models (before s/n 5000) needed 5v DC.  After s/n 5000 they used 12v DC.  If you have a variable DC adapter, try it.

And have you tried powering it with a different USB cable and port?

[MarkInHants]

My SBS-1 is s/n 2154, so it's 5v as you stated. Tried a different port, a different USB cable, but to no avail.
I remember seeing on my delivery run in Bournemouth a gadget shop that repairs all kinds of gadgets. I need to try and remember where I saw this shop and have nothing to lose I guess. The SBS-1, as I see it, is a very unique piece of electronics, but they may be able to help. It could just be a power fault (well hoping it is)
Thanks for all your help

[mhm]

Mark

Does anything run on any usb port on your pc

[Anmer]

Does anything run on any usb port on your pc

Good question.

And do you have a DC supply you can try?

[MarkInHants]

Morning all....
All USB cables and ports are working ok because I swapped them around. Well, after lots of searching I have found a 5v supply. When I am running on just USB power I have no lights displayed, but when I run off the 5v power the SBS is showing the red and orange lights on the left of the display, and all four blue lights (all permanently on and no green light). When I had picked up the SBS to connect the 5v power I could smell a 'burnt out' smell from the back of the SBS ( never a good smell when it comes to electronics  ).

[Anmer]

Thanks for the update.

So the DC power supply works but not the USB.

Does BaseStation work with the DC supply and USB for data?

[MarkInHants]

Hi all, I started a new thread because I didn't want the Radarbox thread to be clogged with my SBS issue.
Well I opened up the Basestation on the pc, but its not connecting and just have my blank aircraft list and no aircraft displayed, as would be the same if no USB cable was connected from SBS to PC.

[Anmer]

Thanks for the new thread.  I've now merged the relevant posts.

Give Chris Taylor a call at TMRF.  He should be able to discuss what may be at fault and if it can be economically repaired.