Running VRS "headless" on Linux

[IanH]

Yesterday there was a question on the forum from XXak wanting to run something like VRS on Linux. I indicated VRS did run under Mono on Linux.

He came back that he couldn't run it on Centos 6 Server since it needed X.

However, the VRS forum indicates how you can work around this.

If you install VRS either on Windows or a Linux with desktop, you can copy the "Configuration.xml" file [stored in ~/.local/share/VirtualRadarServer] to the Linux server installation and then run VRS "headless" with the command

Code Select Expand

mono VirtualRadar.exe -nogui
You can open the webserver on another PC to see the output of VRS.

Just tested it on Ubuntu Server after copying the XML file from a Debian installation and can confirm it works. If you haven't got all the configuration correct, you may be able to work out the changes by editing the XML file.

[MK2wx]

Yesterday there was a question on the forum from XXak wanting to run something like VRS on Linux. I indicated VRS did run under Mono on Linux.

He came back that he couldn't run it on Centos 6 Server since it needed X.

However, the VRS forum indicates how you can work around this.

If you install VRS either on Windows or a Linux with desktop, you can copy the "Configuration.xml" file [stored in ~/.local/share/VirtualRadarServer] to the Linux server installation and then run VRS "headless" with the command

Code Select Expand

mono VirtualRadar.exe -nogui
You can open the webserver on another PC to see the output of VRS.

Just tested it on Ubuntu Server after copying the XML file from a Debian installation and can confirm it works. If you haven't got all the configuration correct, you may be able to work out the changes by editing the XML file.

I'm really stuck with this. I'm setting it up on my PiAware. all ready to go and it tries to work, however one problem, it want's to work on port 8080, and it can't because PiAware is already there first of course. Can't run it to use web admin to change the port!

Either there is another way to define which port it runs on (which I can not find so far, and that's for a number of reasons) or I need to stop PiAware running it's web server for a short period.

That may be easier if I can only find out how!

Anyone happen to know either solution?

[IanH]

I thought this was possible.

Indeed - read the instructions on this page:

http://www.virtualradarserver.co.uk/Mono.aspx

[MK2wx]

I thought this was possible.

Indeed - read the instructions on this page:

http://www.virtualradarserver.co.uk/Mono.aspx

Thanks so much for that Ian, you are the only one who knows it and is happy to say so!

It's a bit hidden for what is otherwise a major problem. I have for now given up, and might well return to it, but just not today!

I'm not that thrilled now that I realise the implied M$ involvement. It's something I don't knowingly do in my household anymore. I'll mull that bit over.

I've gone back to vanilla PiAware for the moment. It's functional, no more, no less. 

[MK2wx]

OK, so an update:

I now have PiAware running fine and virtual radar server running happily along side it on the Raspberry Pi 2. I've had it run for over a week without major issue.

Only problem I have noticed is that of the radio coverage splotch not always updating when there is an aircraft further out than the polar plot has already drawn. It's somewhat hit and miss as to whether it extends the range drawn on the map or not.

I just wish there was a stats/graphing specialist package which could maybe take a feed too. That would be a very handy thing indeed. Maybe some way to read/display the database on another machine.

[Anmer]

I have used SBSPlotter (Windows app) to monitor the coverage range from a DVB-T and PiAware.

[MK2wx]

I have used SBSPlotter (Windows app) to monitor the coverage range from a DVB-T and PiAware.

Looks quite nice, but surely this is not available these days - or is it? If it is then can you or anyone else post a link for a reliable source?

I'd be game to try it under wine, as I am all Linux here.

Unless of course there is something for Linux, but that's not too likely I'd guess. 

[Anmer]

Looks quite nice, but surely this is not available these days - or is it?

https://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item313

[MK2wx]

Looks quite nice, but surely this is not available these days - or is it?

https://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item313

Thank you kindly, works for a bit, then the messages dwindle to 0, eventually it encounters a problem, and exits. It is not able to display what the error is, and asking it for more info crashes the wine server.

Tried 30003 and 30005 what is the best port to try again with?

Is the updated version still available somewhere?

While a bit small in the display, it's making an effort, albeit somewhat short lived! 

It can't save the plot as it is needing a folder which it can't find.

So, yes, something like this, but which works would be just the ticket! 

[Anmer]

That is the latest version.

It should run OK using port 30003 data from PiAware.

[MK2wx]

That is the latest version.

It should run OK using port 30003 data from PiAware.

Oh ok, wasn't 100% certain about that.

Port was ok to a point, but the other problems appear to be a show stopper. Fine for the minute or so it ran, but that's about it.

Oh well.

Thanks for the help!

[Anmer]

Is anything else using the same port?

[MK2wx]

Is anything else using the same port?

I don't think so. I've certainly not told anything else to use it. It is just PiAware and VRS installed, nothing else in all likelihood, I mean I can't vouch for PiAware and what it might get up to, but setting that thought aside. VRS is in on 30005 and 30105, and that is all.

Doesn't PiAware use a version of Mutability, I wonder how that get's it's feed. It's a pity if it is running that one could not use the normal web output from that. They have another "range splotch" from what I have seen.

If only the VRS one worked 100% then none of this would be any kind of issue whatsoever. Not sure what hope there might be of that one getting fixed.

[Anmer]

Doesn't PiAware use a version of Mutability, I wonder how that get's it's feed. It's a pity if it is running that one could not use the normal web output from that. They have another "range splotch" from what I have seen.

Have you had a look at the FlightAware discussion forum?  Plenty of bespoke installs with some useful outputs.

From what I see, if you post what you're looking to achieve, you'll get lots of help from those with similar setups.

I'm running the standard PiAware SD card install here.

https://discussions.flightaware.com/ads-b-flight-tracking-f21/

[MK2wx]

Doesn't PiAware use a version of Mutability, I wonder how that get's it's feed. It's a pity if it is running that one could not use the normal web output from that. They have another "range splotch" from what I have seen.

Have you had a look at the FlightAware discussion forum?  Plenty of bespoke installs with some useful outputs.

From what I see, if you post what you're looking to achieve, you'll get lots of help from those with similar setups.

I'm running the standard PiAware SD card install here.

https://discussions.flightaware.com/ads-b-flight-tracking-f21/

Yes, once I feel a bit more confident with it all I might, but that looks like the sort of thing I would royally mess knowing me! 

Actually Mutability has not seen a new release in some time either from what I have read. Some have said it's abandoned, but I'm not sure if that's right either. However if it's not been updated, might one see it as finished, as in it is now complete and fully working?