received this from airnav to collect data for them, they provide the equipment free, including proper antenna capable of mode-s/GPS/acars/vhf, however there is no output for end user to collect data. its goes straight to airnav. i've connected up the USB and installed some serial drivers, i can connect to the box but it just repeats its product name and serial number.
i decided id tear it down and show you whats inside because i have not seen nor heard of this box before and some of you will know more about it then i do.
http://imgur.com/a/jDHsl#0
EDIT:
Mainboard pic in album is blurry. heres better
http://i.imgur.com/QoiVD6e.jpg
Thanks for sharing this.
If I understand correctly, other than hosting the receiver and feeding data to AirNav, you were unable to make use of its received data for your sole use?
Was there just the one antenna or different ones for GPS and VHF/UHF?
Quote from: Anmer on September 13, 2015, 08:13:35 AM
Thanks for sharing this.
If I understand correctly, other than hosting the receiver and feeding data to AirNav, you were unable to make use of its received data for your sole use?
Was there just the one antenna or different ones for GPS and VHF/UHF?
data is fed directly to airnav. no access for myself. one multi freq antenna
Thanks.
Did you get offered a free RadarBox24 "premium" account or any other "soft" benefits?
here is the antenna
http://i.imgur.com/Dtpo6iH.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/85uMfSu.jpg
Quote from: Anmer on September 13, 2015, 08:16:56 AM
Thanks.
Did you get offered a free RadarBox24 "premium" account or any other "soft" benefits?
"Elite"
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 13, 2015, 08:21:50 AM
"Elite"
Whereas FR24 provide free Premium apps and website and FlightAware a free Enerprise account, AirNav offers a $2.00 app?
I can't determine whose "single-board" it uses. Any names on the boards?
And I don't see a card slot? Is there an SD card?
i posted a better mainboard pic, it runs an A20 dualcore processor, thats all i can get out of it. it has pads for a micro sd dc power, and hdmi, but their unsoldered. it lookscompletly custom, as theres silkscreenings on the pcb like "RB-CPU-2.0"
Thanks.
The absence of an HDMI interface and SD card slot could prove a bit of a challenge to diagnose issues and upgrade firmware/software.
Out of interest how did you become a host? Did AirNav contact you to offer the kit?
Quote from: Anmer on September 13, 2015, 08:41:06 AM
Thanks.
The absence of an HDMI interface and SD card slot could prove a bit of a challenge to diagnose issues and upgrade firmware/software.
Out of interest how did you become a host? Did AirNav contact you to offer the kit?
i applied to host, a few months later they got back to me, there is zero coverate in my location for them other than FAA data
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 13, 2015, 08:44:41 AM
i applied to host, a few months later they got back to me, there is zero coverate in my location for them other than FAA data
OK. I hadn't seen AirNav inviting hosts for the new CommStation.
Quote from: Anmer on September 13, 2015, 09:11:16 AM
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 13, 2015, 08:44:41 AM
i applied to host, a few months later they got back to me, there is zero coverate in my location for them other than FAA data
OK. I hadn't seen AirNav inviting hosts for the new CommStation.
Have you heard about the commstation before today?
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 13, 2015, 09:17:19 AM
Have you heard about the commstation before today?
Yes, there was a post on the AirNav forum a week ago which appeared to be a surprise to the forum members. But nothing else and searches don't come up with anything.
Quote from: Anmer on September 13, 2015, 09:23:21 AM
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 13, 2015, 09:17:19 AM
Have you heard about the commstation before today?
Can u link me to the thread/post. I can't find it
Yes, there was a post on the AirNav forum a week ago which appeared to be a surprise to the forum members. But nothing else and searches don't come up with anything.
http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=8420
Tim
Thanks Tim.
Gregory,
can you post a closer-in photo of the RF part of the upper PCB, too, please?
This is the area just behind the SMA connector.
It seems there are no SAW filters in this area and the whole setup reminds me of this small silver box that was on the market for some time, but disappeared 3 years ago or so, which name I forgot (but Anmer will remember)
Andy
Quote from: junglejet on September 14, 2015, 12:08:07 PM
It seems there are no SAW filters in this area and the whole setup reminds me of this small silver box that was on the market for some time, but disappeared 3 years ago or so, which name I forgot (but Anmer will remember)
Hi Andy
Do you mean the PlaneGadget?
http://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php/topic,320.msg1823.html#msg1823
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 13, 2015, 08:08:55 AMi've connected up the USB and installed some serial drivers, i can connect to the box but it just repeats its product name and serial number.
Might be worth trying the Radarbox software, and see if it detects the CommStation.
http://www.airnavsystems.com/Radarbox/support.html
Quote from: Anmer on September 13, 2015, 08:41:06 AMThe absence of an HDMI interface and SD card slot could prove a bit of a challenge to diagnose issues and upgrade firmware/software.
Previous Airnav hardware - ShipTrax - updated firmware via. the USB/serial interface.
Quote from: tarbat on September 14, 2015, 03:06:36 PM
Previous Airnav hardware - ShipTrax - updated firmware via. the USB/serial interface.
And we all know how well that sold!
But seriously, is installing the software on a board component a good idea?
Quote from: Anmer on September 14, 2015, 03:16:55 PMBut seriously, is installing the software on a board component a good idea?
It probably is if the vendor is more interested in keeping the firmware secure.
Quote from: tarbat on September 14, 2015, 03:25:14 PM
It probably is if the vendor is more interested in keeping the firmware secure.
Depends on the component's reliability. Time will tell, assuming the CommStation gets installed in sufficient numbers to measure field performance.
Interesting that Pi and Beaglebone alternatives use SD cards.
Quote from: tarbat on September 14, 2015, 03:02:35 PM
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 13, 2015, 08:08:55 AMi've connected up the USB and installed some serial drivers, i can connect to the box but it just repeats its product name and serial number.
Might be worth trying the Radarbox software, and see if it detects the CommStation.
http://www.airnavsystems.com/Radarbox/support.html
That was the obvious route, I never write that in my original posting because I thought that was the given
Quote from: junglejet on September 14, 2015, 12:08:07 PM
Gregory,
can you post a closer-in photo of the RF part of the upper PCB, too, please?
This is the area just behind the SMA connector.
It seems there are no SAW filters in this area and the whole setup reminds me of this small silver box that was on the market for some time, but disappeared 3 years ago or so, which name I forgot (but Anmer will remember)
Andy
It's back together now. But give me a few hours and il see what I can do
Exactly, Mike.
Mmm, seems I am getting old ... ???
Quote from: Anmer on September 14, 2015, 12:13:57 PM
Quote from: junglejet on September 14, 2015, 12:08:07 PM
It seems there are no SAW filters in this area and the whole setup reminds me of this small silver box that was on the market for some time, but disappeared 3 years ago or so, which name I forgot (but Anmer will remember)
Hi Andy
Do you mean the PlaneGadget?
http://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php/topic,320.msg1823.html#msg1823
Quote from: tarbat on September 14, 2015, 03:25:14 PM
Quote from: Anmer on September 14, 2015, 03:16:55 PMBut seriously, is installing the software on a board component a good idea?
It probably is if the vendor is more interested in keeping the firmware secure.
They seem to be all about security. This is the first company I've encountered that asks you to host equipment for them using your resources and doesn't even let you access the raw feed. I was directed to radarbox24.com after emailing them telling them I cannot access data via regular ports or serial.
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 14, 2015, 06:41:35 PM
They seem to be all about security. This is the first company I've encountered that asks you to host equipment for them using your resources and doesn't even let you access the raw feed. I was directed to radarbox24.com after emailing them telling them I cannot access data via regular ports or serial.
In the 8 years I've had dealings with AirNav Systems (aka Andre Brandao), "paranoid" is the word that first springs to mind.
If Brandao had spent more time on understanding business and what makes for success instead of telling everyone that he's the biggest and best, claims that were easily shot down, he wouldn't have been surpassed by the likes of Kinetic, Flightradar24 and FlightAware.
Hosts invest time, electricity, bandwidth and cash (erecting the obligatory external antenna) and justifiably expect something in return. AirNav always wants everything for nothing and even helps itself to RadarBox owners bandwidth without their expressed permission.
One to avoid.
Quote from: junglejet on September 14, 2015, 06:40:25 PM
Mmm, seems I am getting old ... ???
You sure are, along with everyone else here. ???
Quote from: Anmer on September 14, 2015, 07:03:26 PM
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 14, 2015, 06:41:35 PM
They seem to be all about security. This is the first company I've encountered that asks you to host equipment for them using your resources and doesn't even let you access the raw feed. I was directed to radarbox24.com after emailing them telling them I cannot access data via regular ports or serial.
In the 8 years I've had dealings with AirNav Systems (aka Andre Brandao), "paranoid" is the word that first springs to mind.
If Brandao had spent more time on understanding business and what makes for success instead of telling everyone that he's the biggest and best, claims that were easily shot down, he wouldn't have been surpassed by the likes of Kinetic, Flightradar24 and FlightAware.
Hosts invest time, electricity, bandwidth and cash (erecting the obligatory external antenna) and justifiably expect something in return. AirNav always wants everything for nothing and even helps itself to RadarBox owners bandwidth without their expressed permission.
One to avoid.
This benefit to me is the antenna, I have parts in post to build my own splitter,then gonna run the rbcs, and a few dongles for modes, acars etc
Quote from: junglejet on September 14, 2015, 12:08:07 PM
Gregory,
can you post a closer-in photo of the RF part of the upper PCB, too, please?
This is the area just behind the SMA connector.
It seems there are no SAW filters in this area and the whole setup reminds me of this small silver box that was on the market for some time, but disappeared 3 years ago or so, which name I forgot (but Anmer will remember)
Andy
http://imgur.com/a/8vSuF
Hi Gregroy,
great pictures and VERY helpful ... and surprising ...
What this is, is (more or less) a remake of an Rpi plus 2 Dongles and a GPS receiver.
The front end is an exact replication of two Dongles (you can see the R820T and RTL2832 right behind the SMA connector). What is disturbing is the complete absence of any frontend filtering. As the antenna is broadband (there is no input splitter) this may create a lot of overload problems as they are known from the Dongles.
The two dongles are combined by a USB Hub (CY... chip) and then fed to the A20 CPU. This CPU is about the same class as the original Rpi CPU, but not as powerful as a Rpi 2 setup.
Except for the GPS I do not see any benefit in this design over an Rpi + 2 Dongles.
Knowing Brandao I would bet, that the software is an unauthorized branch of dump1090 with a mandatory uploader to Radarbox servers.
Andy
Thanks Gregory for sharing the new photos and to Andy for his quick assessment.
I think Brandao knows he can't increase RadarBox24 app sales without massively improved global coverage. And he knows this can't be achieved by the dwindling population of disgruntled RadarBox receivers. So he needs to distribute a cheap alternative.
In my opinion, Brandao's misunderstood the motivation of hosts and the need to supply a robust device that can deliver quality data with minimum support. Flightradar24, Plane Finder, FlightAware and others understand this and have invested heavily in receiver design and host support.
As I mentioned earlier, the "proof will be in the pudding". Especially MLAT plots.
It will be interesting to compare coverage in a few months time.
Great report Andy, I did notice the basic layout of the two dongles apon taking the closer images. This hasn't been powered up yet because I'm waiting on an sma extension. But I will keep thread updated on progress and testing once she's online. There's gotta be something with the serial connection at least.
Have you tried connecting to the Ethernet port? Presumably it gets an IP address assigned locally from DHCP. If you can telnet in to it, try commands like - "shcfg,enter" or "shsys,ident". You could also try these commands on the serial port.
Hasn't Brandao sent you one Chris?
I'd have expected you to be high on the list of suitable hosts?
Quote from: Anmer on September 15, 2015, 02:14:03 PM
Hasn't Brandao sent you one Chris?
No - I wasn't even aware of the new box :(
Quote from: Anmer on September 15, 2015, 02:14:03 PMI'd have expected you to be high on the list of suitable hosts?
I would have tested it. I'm guessing that the firmware may have been developed similar to that in other Airnav products. I certainly wouldn't be posting photos of the circuit boards!!
QuoteI certainly wouldn't be posting photos of the circuit boards
Why not
QuoteHave you tried connecting to the Ethernet port? Presumably it gets an IP address assigned locally from DHCP. If you can telnet in to it, try commands like - "shcfg,enter" or "shsys,ident". You could also try these commands on the serial port.
If it is anything like the security on the FR24 box, telnet won't work.
But opening a browser with the IP address might show some status information - the FR24 box generates useful information.
Quote from: IanH on September 15, 2015, 04:36:58 PM
If it is anything like the security on the FR24 box, telnet won't work.
But unlike the AirNav ComStation, the FR24 Radarcape outputs decoded data on port 30003 and, I think, PP raw data on port 10002. Making it usable by the host.
That's what I meant by useful data on its internal web page. It shows:
STATUS:
RECEIVER SOFTWARE: ON [stop, display log]
RAW FEED [30334]: UP, NUM CONNECTED: 0
BS FEED [30003]: UP, NUM CONNECTED: 0
Quote from: IanH on September 15, 2015, 05:34:53 PM
That's what I meant by useful data on its internal web page. It shows:
STATUS:
RECEIVER SOFTWARE: ON [stop, display log]
RAW FEED [30334]: UP, NUM CONNECTED: 0
BS FEED [30003]: UP, NUM CONNECTED: 0
yes, this box does not have that. its only web interface allows DHCP/static. thats it
haha,
got an email today from Alan telling me I've been naughty on radarspotting :p
all's good though. i think.. he hasnt asked for me to pack up and get lost yet anyway.
:)
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on October 01, 2015, 04:17:15 PM
got an email today from Alan telling me I've been naughty on radarspotting :p
Which
Alan is that?
Quote from: Anmer on October 01, 2015, 04:19:24 PM
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on October 01, 2015, 04:17:15 PM
got an email today from Alan telling me I've been naughty on radarspotting :p
Which Alan is that?
Alan McKnight from radarbox
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on October 01, 2015, 04:32:46 PM
Alan McKnight from radarbox
aka
Runway31, the volunteer database editor?
I didn't realise he was on AirNav's payroll.
Wait until Andre emails you. ;)
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on October 01, 2015, 04:32:46 PM
Alan McKnight from radarbox
On the AirNav payroll? Or the only one who thinks RadarBox24 is "getting better"? ;)
No bias there.
[Attachment deleted by Admin to save file space]
Quote from: Anmer on October 03, 2015, 08:29:39 AM
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on October 01, 2015, 04:32:46 PM
Alan McKnight from radarbox
On the AirNav payroll? Or the only one who thinks RadarBox24 is "getting better"? ;)
No bias there.
haha tbh maybe not so bias, if he was he woulda rated it 5* lol
Another unhappy Comstation host:
did anyone get the new ComStation ? if so can anyone tell me how I can see the RAW DATA from the ComStation Box directly to my computer without going on the web ?? I like the box but its useless if we cant see the data directly,, the radar box im using alredy feeds data to the web and we can view the data directly without going on the web -- if anyone knows a way around it please let us all know or I will have to trash the ComStation box cause its useless -- slingshot01@yahoo.com -- twitter @nycbikerider
He posted a similar message on The Plagiarist's forum but no one bothered to reply.
http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=8459.msg116084#msg116084
I find it strange that there has been no publicity from AirNav about this product.
Is it going to vanish as quickly as the overpriced AirNav dongle?
Or is it simply in a testing phase to get user reaction before they ramp up production.
Part exchange against a Radarbox?
Quote from: IanH on October 16, 2015, 11:27:54 AM
I find it strange that there has been no publicity from AirNav about this product.
I agree Ian.
And maybe AirNav doesn't want to upset its RadarBox customers who paid a lot for their receivers and network subscriptions?
Brandao is trying to grab a share of the lucrative app market but looking at his RadarBox24 install stats, he's way behind FR24 and Plane Finder with no sign of catching up. As Birdie keeps reminding us. ;)
Quote from: Anmer on October 16, 2015, 11:49:00 AM
Quote from: IanH on October 16, 2015, 11:27:54 AM
I find it strange that there has been no publicity from AirNav about this product.
I agree Ian.
And maybe AirNav doesn't want to upset its RadarBox customers who paid a lot for their receivers and network subscriptions?
Brandao is trying to grab a share of the lucrative app market but looking at his RadarBox24 install stats, he's way behind FR24 and Plane Finder with no sign of catching up. As Birdie keeps reminding us. ;)
Did I heard " Birdie " ?
Anmer, Thanks for waking me up from my sleep ...
Quote from: Anmer on September 14, 2015, 07:03:26 PM
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 14, 2015, 06:41:35 PM
They seem to be all about security. This is the first company I've encountered that asks you to host equipment for them using your resources and doesn't even let you access the raw feed. I was directed to radarbox24.com after emailing them telling them I cannot access data via regular ports or serial.
In the 8 years I've had dealings with AirNav Systems (aka Andre Brandao), "paranoid" is the word that first springs to mind.
If Brandao had spent more time on understanding business and what makes for success instead of telling everyone that he's the biggest and best, claims that were easily shot down, he wouldn't have been surpassed by the likes of Kinetic, Flightradar24 and FlightAware.
Hosts invest time, electricity, bandwidth and cash (erecting the obligatory external antenna) and justifiably expect something in return. AirNav always wants everything for nothing and even helps itself to RadarBox owners bandwidth without their expressed permission.
One to avoid.
Only ONE word to describe -
THIEF !
Quote from: Anmer on September 15, 2015, 07:42:47 AM
And he knows this can't be achieved by the dwindling population of disgruntled RadarBox receivers. So he needs to distribute a cheap alternative.
In my opinion, Brandao's misunderstood the motivation of hosts and the need to supply a robust device that can deliver quality data with minimum support.
Please count Birdie as one of them !
My RadarBox is still inside my Cats' litter bin, waiting for them to Pooh & Pee on - but my cats got class and have so far refused to do so. LOL.
Looks like I kicked off Birdie's dawn chorus.
Silly me. :-X
Poor old Runway 31, believes everything AirNav tells him:
In common with the receivers provided by other trackers the comstation is intended solely to feed data to the host tracker i.e Radarbox24. As such and in common with the other trackers receivers the data is not intended for interception.
Perhaps Runway 31 should do some research before perpetuating Brandao's falsehoods?
I know from personal experience that both FR24 and FlightAware's free receivers allow their hosts to view local data on applications such as RadarView, Dump1090, Virtual Radar Server, PlanePlotter and many others. It's ComStation that's the odd one out.
And FlightAware displays all local MLAT plots too.
Shame on you Runway 31. Telling porkies to justify another Brandao cock up.
http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=8420.msg116115#msg116115
Just read the AirNav registration blurb:
QuoteYou agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, adult material, or otherwise in violation of any International or United States Federal law.
Tut, tut Runway31 ;D
Hi,
this box have ATC Audio too.
Regards.
Quote from: mt007 on October 18, 2015, 06:47:15 PM
this box have ATC Audio too.
And how can the audio be used?
Looked today and I see that Radarbox24 site has added ATC audio so suspect Airnav will be taking both positions and audio from each Comstation and sharing it on Radarbox24.
Quote from: IanH on October 18, 2015, 08:50:25 PM
Looked today and I see that Radarbox24 site has added ATC audio so suspect Airnav will be taking both positions and audio from each Comstation and sharing it on Radarbox24.
Quite possibly. But who will be responsible for the "broadcasting" of ATC audio in those countries who don't allow it? AirNav or the ComStation host?
Hi Anmer,
I think this boxes have this purpose:
work like a little server.
Received signals from planes and send DATA to Airnav server.
For what?
For send information to radarbox24 website, voice include.
If you personally can't have access to data so i see only that objective.
But is a risk, because no one buy this type of box.
Regards,
I think this product has been incorrectly named. It should be called the Constation. ;D
Tim
Information sent to me by a user:
QuoteThe Comstation has SSH on port 22, ftp on port 21 and a status page on port 80 with some basic linux information. It seems to be running Ubuntu and provides no access to any live data. Hosters get elite account on their webpage. It has MLAT and VHF (liveatc similar) capabilities. Also seems to record locally - I assume that is why FTP is running but not really secret as they have added voice to their webpage.
Quote from: Triple7 on October 19, 2015, 12:34:04 PM
I think this product has been incorrectly named. It should be called the Constation. ;D
Tim
You can't be far from wrong.
CONstation is a more appropriate name.
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 13, 2015, 08:08:55 AM
received this from airnav to collect data for them, they provide the equipment free, including proper antenna capable of mode-s/GPS/acars/vhf, however there is no output for end user to collect data. its goes straight to airnav. i've connected up the USB and installed some serial drivers, i can connect to the box but it just repeats its product name and serial number.
i decided id tear it down and show you whats inside because i have not seen nor heard of this box before and some of you will know more about it then i do.
http://imgur.com/a/jDHsl#0
EDIT:
Mainboard pic in album is blurry. heres better
http://i.imgur.com/QoiVD6e.jpg
How did you managed to get yourself conned to receive & install the CONstation ?
AirNav don' dare to approach me because they knew I will consign the CONstation to my cat's litter bin for them to pooh & pee on. LOL
Quote from: Anmer on October 18, 2015, 09:04:44 PM
Quote from: IanH on October 18, 2015, 08:50:25 PM
Looked today and I see that Radarbox24 site has added ATC audio so suspect Airnav will be taking both positions and audio from each Comstation and sharing it on Radarbox24.
Quite possibly. But who will be responsible for the "broadcasting" of ATC audio in those countries who don't allow it? AirNav or the ComStation host?
Please tip off the relevant Authorities of those countries which ILLEGALLY broadcast the ATC Audios via AirNav CONstation..
sorry guys I've been away for awhile, and here i come back and my topic is hosted on the main page. pretty awesome, glad i can give some people the heads up on what to expect. as said by someone else, the box collects mode-s mlat capable, and collects VHF frequencies determined by the closest airports information. the feeder isn't held accountable for collecting in areas where its illegal, because it is all radarbox's equipment doing the collecting and remaining inside their systems, probably an excuse as to why they don't allow feeders access their own data other than loading up rabarbox24.com.
if you have any other questions eel free to post here
Quote from: birdie on October 22, 2015, 04:33:33 AM
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on September 13, 2015, 08:08:55 AM
received this from airnav to collect data for them, they provide the equipment free, including proper antenna capable of mode-s/GPS/acars/vhf, however there is no output for end user to collect data. its goes straight to airnav. i've connected up the USB and installed some serial drivers, i can connect to the box but it just repeats its product name and serial number.
i decided id tear it down and show you whats inside because i have not seen nor heard of this box before and some of you will know more about it then i do.
http://imgur.com/a/jDHsl#0
EDIT:
Mainboard pic in album is blurry. heres better
http://i.imgur.com/QoiVD6e.jpg
How did you managed to get yourself conned to receive & install the CONstation ?
AirNav don' dare to approach me because they knew I will consign the CONstation to my cat's litter bin for them to pooh & pee on. LOL
i applied as a feeder to receive free equipment, i received an email saying ive been accepted. i asked for information on their equipment, they told me what the box was capable of, what the antenna was capable of. and i didnt bother to ask if sharing was possible, because hell.. everyone else give you access.
in the end i don't have any problems running this equipment from them because i basically got a free antenna to conduct my hobbies with. threw a splitter on that bitch, and a few dongles, and im collecting my own mode-s / acars / etc. while running their box in the corner. its not illegal to collect unencrypted OTA transmissions where im located so its no big deal. though i was a little disappointed at first when i asked them for the echo/share port, and they directed me to the website homepage to see flights.
Quotei applied as a feeder to receive free equipment, i received an email saying ive been accepted. i asked for information on their equipment, they told me what the box was capable of, what the antenna was capable of. and i didnt bother to ask if sharing was possible, because hell.. everyone else give you access.
in the end i don't have any problems running this equipment from them because i basically got a free antenna to conduct my hobbies with. threw a splitter on that bitch, and a few dongles, and im collecting my own mode-s / acars / etc. while running their box in the corner. its not illegal to collect unencrypted OTA transmissions where im located so its no big deal. though i was a little disappointed at first when i asked them for the echo/share port, and they directed me to the website homepage to see flights.
I feel sorry for you being disappointed. What do you expect from FREE Equipment ?
AirNav dared to STEAL Data from their Customers who PAID for the RadarBox to feed the website and then charge their Customers who paid for the RadarBox for access to data .
Summarised in One word =
THIEF !( Note: To those whom i have Pi$$ed off with this AirNav Sabre-rattling "Broken Record ' thing - please excuse me ).
Quote from: birdie on October 23, 2015, 04:47:49 AM
( Note: To those whom i have Pi$$ed off with this AirNav Sabre-rattling "Broken Record ' thing - please excuse me ).
Let's stay on topic and stick with discussing the ComStation.
can we get an SMF plugin to count spam posts and preserve actual posts? lol
id like to see AIS messages converted to Mode-S so we can plot aircraft and ships in the same web interface for example Virtual Radar Server
Some info about this box , I edit the MD5 key SHA, SSH key etc .
Host is up (0.032s latency).
Not shown: 995 closed ports
PORT STATE SERVICE VERSION
21/tcp open ftp Pure-FTPd
| ssl-cert: Subject: commonName=www.nomissoft.com/organizationName=NOMISSOFT GmbH/stateOrProvinceName=Some-State/countryName=AT
| Issuer: commonName=www.nomissoft.com/organizationName=NOMISSOFT GmbH/stateOrProvinceName=Some-State/countryName=AT
| Public Key type: rsa
| Public Key bits: 1024
| Not valid before: 2012-11-19T23:08:32+00:00
| Not valid after: 2012-12-19T23:08:32+00:00
| MD5: ...............................................................
|_SHA-1:.............................................................
|_ssl-date: 2015-12-12T15:51:18+00:00; 0s from local time.
22/tcp open ssh OpenSSH 6.1p1 Debian 4 (protocol 2.0)
| ssh-hostkey: 1024 ........................................................... (DSA)
| 2048 ................................................................................ (RSA)
|_256 ................................................................................. (ECDSA)
80/tcp open http Apache httpd 2.2.22 ((Ubuntu))
|_http-favicon: Unknown favicon MD5: .....................................................................
|_http-methods: No Allow or Public header in OPTIONS response (status code 200)
|_http-title: AirNav Systems Radarbox Comstation Setup
139/tcp open netbios-ssn Samba smbd 3.X (workgroup: RADARBOX)
445/tcp open netbios-ssn Samba smbd 3.X (workgroup: RADARBOX)
Service Info: OS: Linux; CPE: cpe:/o:linux:linux_kernel
Host script results:
| nbstat:
| NetBIOS name: ANRBxxxxxxx, NetBIOS user: <unknown>, NetBIOS MAC: <unknown>
| Names
| ANRBxxxxxx<00> Flags: <unique><active>
| ANRBxxxxxx<03> Flags: <unique><active>
| ANRBxxxxxx<20> Flags: <unique><active>
| \x01\x02__MSBROWSE__\x02<01> Flags: <group><active>
| RADARBOX<1d> Flags: <unique><active>
| RADARBOX<1e> Flags: <group><active>
|_ RADARBOX<00> Flags: <group><active>
| smb-os-discovery:
| OS: Unix (Samba 3.6.9)
| NetBIOS computer name:
| Workgroup: RADARBOX
|_ System time: 2015-12-12T15:51:18+00:00
| smb-security-mode:
| Account that was used for smb scripts: guest
| User-level authentication
| SMB Security: Challenge/response passwords supported
|_ Message signing disabled (dangerous, but default)
|_smbv2-enabled: Server doesn't support SMBv2 protocol
NSE: Script Post-scanning.
have you gotten root access
Not yet , gonna take awhile to figure it out since I'm just newbie of Linux :-[
any developments in this?
Looks like another ComStation has been delivered without instructions to a host who will soon realise he/she can't view locally received messages!
I have just received my box today..Do I just plug it in as I received no instructions etc. Does it just start sending data automatically. Also is it possible for me to read data sent
http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=8500.msg119590#msg119590
the new version of the radarbox software automatically connects to the comsation, i dont know if theres an output from that application as i have not installed it. anyone wanna test and find out?
The only 'problem' is that you need to be directly connected to CS, not using network. Since my box is at my Mast, I can't use RadarBox with my ComStation.
thats not true, its working over network for me, and mine is also at the mast, with POE
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on April 23, 2016, 12:21:10 AM
thats not true, its working over network for me, and mine is also at the mast, with POE
And where do you set the IP of your box on program? I could not find it.
You don't. It automatically connects.
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on April 23, 2016, 04:17:26 PM
You don't. It automatically connects.
I'm sorry, but you must be confusing things OR we have different boxes. I'm talking about ComStation and ComStation NEED to be direct connected using USB cable to computer if you want to see you ComStation data directly, without RB24 site. The planes/data that you have in your RadarBox software is from RadarBox Network, not direct from your box.
When you connect directly using USB, Hardware status turn green.
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I know what I'm talking about. Topic starter here. I can view my data in the software for my commutation over the network, and not usb
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on April 23, 2016, 04:47:03 PM
I know what I'm talking about.
There a possibly only a couple of members here with access to a ComStation.
Can you help by detailing your physical setup together with any configurable settings that jmaurin can replicate?
I described my setup already but sure. 30 foot mast off the house, direct into comstation, powered poe, connected to my network switch. All settings default, works out of box with the newest rb24 software over network.
Thank you.
So, antenna to ComStation. PoE to ComStation and Ethernet cable to local router/switch. RadarBox V6 on a PC on you LAN automatically detects the ComStation? No USB cables used?
Correct
Quote from: GregoryGHarding on April 23, 2016, 05:16:42 PM
Correct
Thanks again.
ComStation Setup PDF attached.
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Poor old Brandao, CEO of AirNav Systems.
Writing to all his "Friends", imploring them to apply for a free Comstation to improve his global coverage:
Dear Valued Airnav Customer,
Thanks to your support, we have shipped over 400 receivers since the start of the year.
We are still giving out the Comstation receiver, but priority will be given to customers living in the following region:
• India
• Middle East
• Turkey
• Asia
• South and Central America
• Greenland
• Africa
All you need is a clear sky view, internet and keep it on for 24 hours. Just click on www.radarbox24.com/addcoverage and follow the instructions to get a ComStation receiver shipped to your address.
Do note that the Comstation receiver will only feed data to the network, it does not allow you to view air traffic on your computer. If you would like to monitor your own receiver, click here to purchase out our AirNav RadarBox at a low price: www.radarbox24.com/store
Once again, we would like to emphasize the importance of aviation enthusiasts like yourself to the aviation industry. You are not just a hobbyist, but a crucial part of the global aviation network.
As always, we hope that you join us today to build a better global aviation network.
Tell us what you think about it. We would love to hear from you.
Airnav CEO
Andre Brandao
PS: You may also let us know if you need any help with any existing products, or even general feedback. We will do our best to help and we appreciate your help to improve our products and services.
Only to find that the Comstation is faulty 8)
Hi Kevin,
Yes there have been faulty Units sent to both Australia & NZ with the very same problem you are having !!
I would contact Pedro via email as he looks after returns which will not be at your expense !!
Pedro Sousa: psousa@airnavsystems.com
Cheers
James
You pays peanuts..........
http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=8500.msg120878#msg120878
On my 3rd unit, and second antenna.
So far it's working now.
Hi for all.
Have a possibility of share the data in PlanePlotter using the option Radarbox log in the I/O settings of the PP?
Here's whats available at the local IP from the Commstation.
I know you can put the GPS coordinates in Google Earth and look down my chimney if you wish :-)
The live ATC uses a fair chunk of bandwidth, but the feed was very interesting a few nights ago (Istanbul and Sofia en-route)
The box itself runs very hot (77c at the moment, way too hot for cats to wee on) and shouldn't be mounted anywhere you can see it at night, unless you like to read by the light of flickering LEDs.
It doesn't pull in anywhere near as much traffic as the FlightAware box mounted right beside it, with the antennae on the same mast.
If I can assist with further investigations, up to and including pulling it apart, I'm happy to help.
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Welcome to the forum and thank you for an interesting first post.
My question is:
"Does hosting an AirNav Comstation offer you anything worthwhile compared to hosting a FlightAware, FR24 or Plane Finder receiver and is it worth the extra electricity and internet bandwidth that you have to provide?"
I host FlightAware and FR24 receivers in addition to my own RPi's and SBS setups. I registered to buy a Plane Finder receiver but that option seems to have disappeared.
I value the FR24 Premium and FlightAware Enterprise accounts and use them extensively. What does AirNav offer that's as useful?
Thanks Anmer, long time lurker :-)
The Airnav deal gives you 'Elite' access to their website, and their Android App, but, side by side with the FlightFeeder box the Commstation picks up far less traffic, and has a much shorter range, so the Elite membership is really of no use to me. I have a paid subscription to PlanePlotter thanks to hosting the FlightFeeder, comparing the two displays shows just how poor the CommStation is.
The CommStation also feeds live audio from ATC, using up more of my bandwidth, but listening to it via the website, the audio is very poor, they've selected the two worst frequencies in a very active sector.
It's all moot anyway, I live within sight of the Turkish Border, and I'm told that border guards were taking photographs of my antennae this morning, so everything's dismounted 'til the political situation cools down a bit.
I see AirNav has finally admitted the ComStation doesn't do what it says on the tin:
As stated by Ingo and also elsewhere in this and other threads VHF was not applied to any further units as it was causing problems with ADS-B coverage. As ADS-B is the primary reason for receivers with VHF a nice to have add on the decision was taken to stop the VHF transmissions until a fix was found. I believe that work is on going to re-instate VHF coverage and to give users control over the frequencies they cover but have no idea when that will be.
Alan
But it's still advertising the ComStation with VHF:
ADS-B, VHF Airband and GPS Receiver with Free access to award winning RadarBox Windows software.
http://www.airnavsystems.com/adsb-receivers/radarbox-comstation
Nothing changes at AirNav. Always making claims it can't deliver.
Even Amazon is showing the ComStation with VHF!
https://www.amazon.com/AirNav-Systems-RadarBox-ComStation/dp/B01HJ8Z3DO
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Hi Mike. Just finished reading this section about weather or not one can obtain data from the Com Station. After giving us a look at what was inside of a Com Station, Mr Harding went on to say that data was available to see if used with RB24 Ver6.00 software, then the thread stopped abruptly after he was questioned by jmaurin about his claim. Did anyone manage to achieve this claim? I still have a Com Station manufactured around 2016/2017 and I cant get any data using Version 6.00 software.
Having re-read all the posts in this thread, I don't think the ComStation, running AirNav's software, makes any data available for other use.
But that's just my reading.
Quote from: Anmer on February 28, 2018, 08:10:38 AM
Having re-read all the posts in this thread, I don't think the ComStation, running AirNav's software, makes any data available for other use.
But that's just my reading.
A Thief is still a thief - even after so many years.
I have a Radarbox Comstation and the station don't acess the internet.
I can't acess the station, because he don't get IP.
Have a IP adress if we can acess the station.
If the station have a reset, what is your IP?
Surely the ComStation has a connection to the Internet?
Are you uploading data to the AirNav server?
Do you see it connected to your local network in the router admin?
Quote from: Anmer on May 24, 2018, 06:07:44 PM
Surely the ComStation has a connection to the Internet?
Are you uploading data to the AirNav server?
Do you see it connected to your local network in the router admin?
-> The Comstation have a internet conection, but he is not connecting.
-> Yes, a send data to Airnav (I use Planeplotter to send, using data from my another antenna)
-> I see in my router, but the Comstation not connect.
(http://servidorcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1290_2.jpg)
In this image you can see two light on when the internet is connected, but in my case, only the green light is on, the orange not.
Thank you.
Have you tried a different Ethernet cable?
And have you contacted AirNav Systems Support?
Quote from: Anmer on May 25, 2018, 02:47:52 PM
Thank you.
Have you tried a different Ethernet cable?
And have you contacted AirNav Systems Support?
I have tried with 3 different cables, but don't connect.
I have contacted the support, but no solucion.
Is the ComStation receiving data from the antenna? Does it have any data to send to AirNav?
It could be a software/hardware issue. AirNav should advise you. Is it a free ComStation or did you pay for it?
The antenna is OK.
The ComStation is free, I have recieved to add coverage in my region.
Quote from: Anmer on May 25, 2018, 03:48:34 PM
It could be a software/hardware issue. AirNav should advise you.
i guess too.
AirNav go contact me.
tanks for all.
[/quote]
AirNav go contact me.
tanks for all.
[/quote]
This is one of the funniest requests for years
Sorry but don't hold your breath pal.
my english is not good..
tanks :) :) :)
the correct is thanks
Did you get the ComStation to work?
Quote from: Anmer on June 08, 2018, 04:29:59 PM
Did you get the ComStation to work?
The airnav go send to me a new station.
I have the same problem here, 5 week ago Airnav send me a new one ( box was one week old ) And yes today again the same problem. I think there is something very wrong with the Airnav Comstation. I also use a Radarcape never had a problem.
Quote from: boomer on June 13, 2018, 07:44:45 PM
And yes today again the same problem. I think there is something very wrong with the Airnav Comstation.
What problem do you experience?
a flashing red light and no internet connection. My first Comstation had de same problem works for 1 week and than stops working. The send me a new one, this one works for 5 weeks and again stops working the same problem as the first one. I have little faith in the comstation.
Eric
Thanks.
I hope it was a free ComStation and not one you paid for?
>:( I paid for it pfffffffffffffffff
Sorry to hear that.
Ask for a refund.
Quote from: Anmer on June 14, 2018, 04:27:48 PM
Sorry to hear that.
Ask for a refund.
As I said a few posts ago, don't hold your breath