A few days ago, FlightAware announced it's new Pro Stick, a low cost DVB-T SDR receiver with built-in amplifier.
Claimed to be the first of its kind, offering significant range improvement over traditional USB SDR receivers and less expensive at US $16.95.
The Pro Stick has an SMA connector for use with most ADS-B antennae.
https://flightaware.com/adsb/prostick/
FlightAware says it developed the Pro Stick to provide maximum ADS-B performance when used with its free PiAware software or any other device that works with a USB RTLSDR. FlightAware is selling the Pro Stick at cost with no added profit margin. Clearly it hopes to encourage more PiAware usage and achieve greater ADS-B and MLAT coverage.
The Pro Stick will be available through Amazon in a number of areas, including Europe. I think the initial supply has already sold out. They're also available on eBay but with shipping charges from the USA.
Some useful info on the FlightAware forum:
http://discussions.flightaware.com/ads-b-flight-tracking-f21/flightaware-pro-stick-revolutionary-usb-ads-b-mlat-receiver-t36958.html
I've been fortunate to obtain a small quantity of Pro Sticks for prizes in a forthcoming Radarspotting competition, details to follow.
In the meantime I will be running comparative tests against my current DVB-T SDR + FlightAware filter and will share the results here in a few days time.
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About 2 hours ago I swapped my current DVB-T SDR for the Pro Stick. Both are connected to the FlightAware ADS-B 1090MHz Band-pass SMA Filter, available from Amazon UK for GBP 15.73. And both fed from an external antenna.
I immediately noticed that my aircraft count and range had increased significantly, as too did the PiAware message count.
I also noticed that the Pro Stick is picking up aircraft flying into my area at least 20 seconds or earlier than they appear on BaseStation. My BaseStation is running off my SBS-3 using a different external antenna with masthead preamp.
I will publish detailed comparisons when I've gathered at least 48 hours data from the Pro Stick.
And watch out for our upcoming competition. We have 5 Pro Sticks with filters as prizes.
But for just GBP £13,36 on Amazon, this has to be one of the best value DVB-T "dongle" available.
Judging by the Reviews on Amazon, others agree:
Verified Purchase
I am not normally one to write reviews, but this thing is quite amazing. Instantly had an increase in range and in number of positions per second. Messages per second nearly doubled, and the range increased anywhere from 10-30% (depending on the direction). Using a third party high gain antenna, the flightaware filter, (which I installed about a month ago, and also provided about a 10-15% boost), and about 50 feet of LMR 400 cable. Very impressed so far, just installed, so these are preliminary results, but the early results are looking promising. Furthest distance seen in the first hour of operation was 240 miles (but not consistently), with the average consistent distance being about 190 miles!
Verified Purchase
It may not have a TXCO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator), but out of the box this is hands down the best USB dongle for ADS-B I've tried, which include the RTL-SDR.com model, and the NooElec model. I was running unamplified prior to installation, so I suspect that's where the biggest gains are, but instead of worrying about how to power an amplifier, you get one built in here. Truly a fantastic and cheap(!) piece of hardware for any aviation transponder enthusiast.
For my personal experience, messages from 200NM+ increased by 15-20x, 160-200NM increased by 5x, and 120-160NM increased by 2.5x. My maximum range also increased from 240NM to 270NM.
Small edit not worth enough to drop a star... The crystal appears to be less stable with temperature swings than even the NooElec dongle. With a 40 degree overnight temperature swing, the offset shifted approximately 6PPM, whereas the NooElec would swing no more than 2PPM.
Small edit... not enough to drop a star, but definitely worth noting. The oscillator appears to be less stable than the NooElec model. We experienced lower than usual overnight lows last night, and the offset shifted approximately 5PPM, whereas the NooElec dongle would fluctuate <2PPM overnight, and the RTL-SDR.com dongle would fluctuate <0.5PPM no matter what temperature it was operating in.
Verified Purchase
I've used the standard nooelec, the TXCO nooelec, and the RTL-SDR dongles in my rig, and this one has beaten them all hands down. With a sub-ideal setup in NYC i am able to track aircraft from Boston to DC.
It's just the best dongle around for it's intended use, and an amazing value for its price point. I'm very impressed with it.
Verified Purchase
I've used other USB SDR dongles and added amps but FlightAware's built in amp is super simple and provides better results than I've had with any other setup. I doubled my range over dongles without an amp.
Verified Purchase
I received this yesterday and swapped in in place of the un-amped SDR that I had been using. I also changed out the feed line to regular coax in stead of running a long USB like I had been to keep the SDR close to the antenna. Without any other adjustments I turned the server back on, and instantly noticed a difference. Old radio was seeing just 6 ADS-B targets and 8 Mode-S. Keep in mind the antenna is just in the attic for now until I can mount it outside. New radio: 30+ ADS-B, and 20+ Mode-S, and distance increased by almost double for consistent hits. The difference is truly incredible.
I did notice installing it that with the feed point being SMA and not having a swivel connection like the older ones there is a lot of weight on the end of the device. I plan to buy a few more for a project and will be buying short USB headers as well to allow flexibility and take the strain off the built-in USB connector. I am impressed with this little device though.
Mike, thanks for this "pre-review". It certainly looks promising. If it proves to be as good as it seems then you have to wonder about the future of the high-end receivers such as the Radarcape and SBS-3.
Quote from: Bethsalem on April 02, 2016, 10:28:00 AM
If it proves to be as good as it seems then you have to wonder about the future of the high-end receivers such as the Radarcape and SBS-3.
I'm sure there are many who will still invest in the specialist Mode-S receivers, such as the SBS-3, RadarCape and, if it comes to market, the Planefinder receiver. Mind you, one might class the Pro Stick as a specialist receiver with the built-in amp.
Here are some more indicators of my improved performance. SBSPlotter comparing my old DVB-T and the Pro Stick on the right. And my FlightAware hourly reports showing the increase after I changed to the Pro Stick.
I think the main improvement is from the built-in amp If you already have an amp, you may not see any improvement over your existing DVB-T setup.
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FlightAware Pro Stick sold out on Amazon UK - search doesn't find anything.
Just as well I bought one yesterday while there were still 6 left ;D
Quote from: IanH on April 03, 2016, 12:12:48 PM
Just as well I bought one yesterday while there were still 6 left ;D
Luckily I have five here (with filters) for the upcoming competition :)
Please let us know how it performs for you Ian.
Bought a filter as well. Should be here mid week
And seems Shaky has bought at least one Pro stick.
Some more comparisons of the new Pro Stick and my original DVB-T SDR, both of which were used with a FlightAware filter.
Notice the scale change for some charts, highlighted in yellow. I switched to the Pro Stick on Friday 1st April 2016. I've marked this with a red dotted line.
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Amazon UK has Pro Sticks back in stock:
http://discussions.flightaware.com/post191520.html#p191520
Direct link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/FlightAware-Pro-Stick-ADS-B-Receiver/dp/B01D1ZAP3C
For someone with very little technical knowledge about these things...does the Pro Stick work simply plugged into a PC and connected to an antenna? Does it come with appropriate data collection and display software or can it be used to feed data into PlanePlotter for example?
Many thanks
Nigel
Quote from: Nigel on April 05, 2016, 11:28:16 PM
does the Pro Stick work simply plugged into a PC and connected to an antenna? Does it come with appropriate data collection and display software or can it be used to feed data into PlanePlotter for example?
The Pro Stick is, basically, a DVB-T SDR which can receive digital transmissions including Mode-S aircraft messages on 1090 MHz (and UAT on 978 MHz). These SDR receivers are sometimes referred to as "dongles" and David Taylor has written a useful Guide, albeit directed towards PlanePlotter users:
http://planeplotter.pbworks.com/w/page/62409382/RTL1090
The Pro Stick doesn't ship with any software and can be used in the same way as any other DVB-T SDR. Nor does it ship with an antenna or cables. The DVB-T SDR antennae are not too good for Mode-S message reception.
FlightAware designed the Pro Stick to optimise Mode-S performance using a built-in amplifier.
Specialist software is needed to make use of these messages which can be run either on a PC or a small format device such as the Raspberry Pi (RPi). FlightAware has free, fully configured software for the RPi called PiAware which includes the rudimentary DUMP1090, browser displayed aircraft tracking. PiAware also outputs decoded data on various ports which can be used to run PlanePLotter and other, Mode-S applications such as VRS.
Uniquely, PiAware outputs all locally derived MLAT plots. i.e. those achieved by your receiver's messages used in conjunction with other, synchronised PiAware data feeds. Unlike other MLAT solutions, PiAware doesn't block or hide any MLAT flights.
May I suggest that perhaps a better link is to the DUMP1090 for windows section in the PP Wiki rather than RTL1090.
http://planeplotter.pbworks.com/w/page/79995023/Dump1090
Tim
Quote from: Triple7 on April 06, 2016, 08:09:34 AM
May I suggest that perhaps a better link is to the DUMP1090 for windows section in the PP Wiki rather than RTL1090.
Thanks Tim.
I think both links have useful, background information. And, unless I'm mistaken, RTL1090 is still available?
Yes as far as I am aware RTL1090 is still available. My post was really to try and be consistent as the RPi set up only uses Dump1090 as far as I know.
Tim
Quote from: Triple7 on April 06, 2016, 09:42:05 AM
Yes as far as I am aware RTL1090 is still available. My post was really to try and be consistent as the RPi set up only uses Dump1090 as far as I know.
Agreed. I was trying to explain that the Pro Stick is just another DVB-T SDR that can also be used with a PC.
Quotedoes the Pro Stick work simply plugged into a PC?
Looked on amazon and the filter was £118 is this a piece of equipment that you need to use the prostick which is selling for £13.57.
Quote from: deedaa1950 on April 08, 2016, 08:53:55 AM
Looked on amazon and the filter was £118 is this a piece of equipment that you need to use the prostick which is selling for £13.57.
That Amazon listing isn't by FlightAware.
Do a search for virtually anything on Amazon and you'll find items listed at crazy prices. I'd call it a scam, Amazon says it's "market forces".
FlightAware sells the filter for approx GBP £15 but Amazon UK is out of stock.
I paid £15-37 for the filter last week. Should be around that price when it comes back in stock. There had not been much demand for it previously but the recommendation that you use it with the ProStick has changed that.
Since the ProStick and filter are likely to be in and out of stock at different times, if you want one buy while in stock.
Fiightaware instructions with the ProStick are:
"requires a 1090MHhz filter or custom gain settings to work correctly"
So the filter is not essential. See http://flightaware.com/adsb/prostick/setup/ for gain suggestions.
In some cases the filter doesn't help :-)
We have a DME station in Kansas that a lot of upper-level airliners use. They use OKC and then as they get close, they switch to Liberal Kansas DME (Tacan Channel 70) which is Air to Ground 1094 MHz. 4 MHz off.
Quote from: Anmer on April 06, 2016, 07:55:19 AM
Quote from: Nigel on April 05, 2016, 11:28:16 PM
does the Pro Stick work simply plugged into a PC and connected to an antenna? Does it come with appropriate data collection and display software or can it be used to feed data into PlanePlotter for example?
The Pro Stick is, basically, a DVB-T SDR which can receive digital transmissions including Mode-S aircraft messages on 1090 MHz (and UAT on 978 MHz). These SDR receivers are sometimes referred to as "dongles" and David Taylor has written a useful Guide, albeit directed towards PlanePlotter users:
http://planeplotter.pbworks.com/w/page/62409382/RTL1090
The Pro Stick doesn't ship with any software and can be used in the same way as any other DVB-T SDR. Nor does it ship with an antenna or cables. The DVB-T SDR antennae are not too good for Mode-S message reception.
FlightAware designed the Pro Stick to optimise Mode-S performance using a built-in amplifier.
Specialist software is needed to make use of these messages which can be run either on a PC or a small format device such as the Raspberry Pi (RPi). FlightAware has free, fully configured software for the RPi called PiAware which includes the rudimentary DUMP1090, browser displayed aircraft tracking. PiAware also outputs decoded data on various ports which can be used to run PlanePLotter and other, Mode-S applications such as VRS.
Uniquely, PiAware outputs all locally derived MLAT plots. i.e. those achieved by your receiver's messages used in conjunction with other, synchronised PiAware data feeds. Unlike other MLAT solutions, PiAware doesn't block or hide any MLAT flights.
Mike,
I don't know whether Nigel understood that wonderfully comprehensive reply to his question, but at the risk of sounding really stupid and making myself look a complete dunce, I'm afraid I was lost by the first sentence, because I have no idea what a 'DVB-T SDR' is... :-[
Okay, I accept that I'm not up to speed on radar spotting; I just dip in and out of watching aeroplanes on my BaseStation radar display as the mood takes me.
My set-up is just an old SBS-1 feeding into my wi-fi network at home, and I watch the 'planes on the BaseStation program that came with it, enhanced by FlightDisplay and Active Display to show me details of where what I'm watching is coming from and going to etc.
I don't want to change that, but like everyone I would be interested in a relatively cheap way extending the range and coverage of what I see on BaseStation.
Without going into all the technical details, is one of these dongle things likely to do that for me somehow if I put it in the line between aerial and SBS-1, or is it a separate stand-alone SBS-1 replacement that wouldn't work with BaseStation? (In which case, it's not for me and I can disregard it.)
I'm sorry to be so dumb, but there we are.
Cheers.
Quote from: Captain Plummet on April 08, 2016, 11:41:15 AM
I don't know whether Nigel understood that wonderfully comprehensive reply to his question, but at the risk of sounding really stupid and making myself look a complete dunce, I'm afraid I was lost by the first sentence, because I have no idea what a 'DVB-T SDR' is... :-[
Sorry, that's me trying to be too specific.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software-defined_radio
Some refer to them as "dongles" or "USB sticks".
It's best to view the DVB-T SDR as a low cost alternative to a specialist Mode-S receiver, such as the SBS range, Beast, Radarcape or RadarBox. But that's all, just a receiver. No included software such as BaseStation and local database.
There are ways to use a DVB-T with BaseStation but I prefer to let others explain how.
I use my DVB-T (Pro Stick) with a Raspberry Pi to run PiAware and feed FlightAware. I like to see local MLAT traffic using the PiAware DUMP1090 map/list and access the free FlightAware Enterprise account that I get in exchange for my feed. The beauty of the Pro Stick/RPi combination is I don't need to run a PC and can virtually ignore it. It just keeps on running, as the song lyrics go :)
I'm using the Pro Stick with an external antenna and am seeing marginally better range than I get from my SBS-3 connected to another external antenna with a masthead pre-amp.
BaseStation is still my "tracking" software of choice and must find time to explore how I can use it with the Pro Stick.
So, in summary.
If one doesn't have a specialist Mode-S receiver, the Pro Stick is a low cost starting point. If you're happy with your current setup, stick with what you've got. Or, if you want another receiver for whatever reason, the Pro Stick, or any suitable "USB stick", is an option.
Hope that helps?
I looked up the Pro stick at Amazon US. Here's what I found:
- Currently unavailable.
- We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.
- The required 1090 MHz filter costs an additional $19.95
-:(
Latest stock position:
http://discussions.flightaware.com/post191284.html#p191284
Hello Group,
My reason to share with Flightaware website,are:
a well detailed interface
My ADS-B page
My alarms
I would there were a chat to talk with other users or at least a rapid way to contact other users of the same Country for opinion exchanging.
Happy reception to everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: sergiomaria on April 08, 2016, 03:27:23 PM
Hello Group,
My reason to share with Flightaware website,are:
The Raffle starts on Sunday.
http://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php/topic,5883.msg28880.html#msg28880
Quote from: Anmer on April 08, 2016, 12:10:53 PM
Quote from: Captain Plummet on April 08, 2016, 11:41:15 AM
I don't know whether Nigel understood that wonderfully comprehensive reply to his question, but at the risk of sounding really stupid and making myself look a complete dunce, I'm afraid I was lost by the first sentence, because I have no idea what a 'DVB-T SDR' is... :-[
Sorry, that's me trying to be too specific.
If one doesn't have a specialist Mode-S receiver, the Pro Stick is a low cost starting point. If you're happy with your current setup, stick with what you've got. Or, if you want another receiver for whatever reason, the Pro Stick, or any suitable "USB stick", is an option.
Hope that helps?
Yes, thanks, it makes things much clearer. I'd not heard of the Pro-Stick until I got the competition email today, and I got completely the wrong end of the stick, (err, as it were; that wasn't intended!), and I formed the idea in my head from the reports of it extending range that it was some sort booster device.
All is now clear, and I will go back to sleep until next spring.
Cheers.
You were right to ask for clarification. Others may be equally confused but don't like to ask, so thanks for doing so.
Many thanks for the further clarification. I didn't like to ask for the fear of getting further confused, being technically inept. I have ordered a Pro Stick and Filter from Amazon, although I already have a Puck and external antenna which provides excellent range. It seemed very reasonably priced and so I thought it would be useful to have a play and develop my knowledge and skills of these things.
Please can someone recommend and direct me to a source of specialist software (Dump 1090?) that I might use on a PC to make use of the messages from aircraft received by the stick
Many thanks
Quote from: Nigel on April 08, 2016, 11:09:07 PM
Please can someone recommend and direct me to a source of specialist software (Dump 1090?) that I might use on a PC to make use of the messages from aircraft received by the stick
There's a version of Dump1090 for Windows. I haven't used it.:
http://sonicgoose.com/using-dump1090-in-windows/
http://www.rtl-sdr.com/ads-b-decoder-dump1090-now-available-windows/
http://planeplotter.pbworks.com/w/page/79995023/Dump1090
The software that connects to a dongle often needs another piece of software to display the results graphically.
Dump1090 is one of those and the links posted by Anmer give instructions about how to do that.
There is also RTL1090 (http://rtl1090.web99.de/) which in Version3 can display the results on its own mini-radar screen although you may prefer to send the data on to another program.
ModeSDeco2 (related to ModeSMixer2 mentioned in the dump1090 instructions) also has the ability to display the results - this time in a web browser such as Chrome. That can be downloaded here: http://xdeco.org/?page_id=39. There is a long thread related to the two programs on this site.
Whichever you try (and they are all free to download), you can ask for help here since many people have used these ;D The initial setup can be confusing but once working, one of them should give you what you want.
Hi all, just a doubt about the Pro Stick:
In order to feed FlightAware with MLAT data, do I need to use the stick with PiAware or may be used with any other software (ie: PlanPlotter)?
Quote from: Breitling on April 11, 2016, 09:30:43 AM
In order to feed FlightAware with MLAT data, do I need to use the stick with PiAware or may be used with any other software (ie: PlanPlotter)?
You can feed FlightAware using PiAware or PlanePlotter.
The Pro Stick can be used like any other DVB-T "dongle" as a PlanePlotter receiver, using suitable decoding software:
http://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php/topic,5866.msg28942.html#msg28942
http://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php/topic,5866.msg28943.html#msg28943
BUT, for FlightAware MLAT you need to use PiAware.
Quote from: Anmer on April 11, 2016, 09:38:32 AM
BUT, for FlightAware MLAT you need to use PiAware.
Thanks Mike, that's what I wanted to know.
I have attempted to get my Pro Stick working using the Dump1090 software on a PC by following the guidelines here: http://planeplotter.pbworks.com/w/page/79995023/Dump1090. However, I keep getting an error message (see attached image). Also attached is an image of my directory setup for Dump1090 following the guidelines in the link above. One source I have researched says that I should also install RTL1090. I have tried this but still get the same error.
I'd be grateful for any advice on where I am going wrong because I am very much a novice with dongles.
Many thanks
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I suspect the problem is that the PC has installed the default drivers to make the dongle work as a DVB-T stick (ie television). That is what they were built for until someone discovered the ability to tune them to different frequencies.
So you need to replace the TV driver with something called Zadig.
As you have found, RTL1090 is supposed to do this. Go here: http://rtl1090.web99.de/ and download the RTL1090 - IMU (Installer and Maintenance Utility) version. I've not done this, but when run, it should install RTL1090 and the Zadig drivers. You don't need RTL1090 (but you might want to try it - see my earlier post about RTL1090 v3 "Scope").
With Zadig drivers installed, dump1090 should run but it is a command line program - no plots will appear on screen since you need something else to display the plots.
If dump1090 now runs ok, it is time to add something to display the plots. ;D
Had my Flightaware Pro stick and Filter running for 3 days now. As Anmer had indicated, more messages/sec and slightly greater range but no real increase in aircraft seen.
And no sudden increase in FA ranking.
I need to do some more comparisons - currently looking at Modes2Deco graphs but anomalous range data doesn't help. >:(
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Many thanks Ian. I have followed your advice and it is now downloading data. Stage 2 and plotting it is for tomorrow.
Thank you again, very much appreciated.
Nigel
Quote from: IanH on April 13, 2016, 11:42:43 PM
And no sudden increase in FA ranking.
FA ranking is based on last 30 days. I soon started to climb as the days progressed.
Quote from: IanH on April 13, 2016, 11:42:43 PM
Had my Flightaware Pro stick and Filter running for 3 days now. As Anmer had indicated, more messages/sec and slightly greater range but no real increase in aircraft seen.
And no sudden increase in FA ranking.
Ditto Ian
I was fairly confident my setup was pretty optimal anyway and that the ProStick wouldn't add anything extra to it, and (sadly) I was right.
/
Still, for the price it's an excellent dongle.
Quote from: IanH on April 13, 2016, 11:42:43 PM
And no sudden increase in FA ranking.
Just noticed that FlightAware stats can now be viewed by country. And the Rank Total is now displayed. That should please many.
https://flightaware.com/adsb/stats/
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Help again please
I managed to get RTL1090 and Dump1090 working last night with data from a Pro Stick. Tonight Dump1090 doesn't work. I get the attached error message when I double-click the dump1090.bat file. Could anyone suggest where I am going wrong again.
Thank you
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Do you have anything else running that's already accessing port 30003?
As Anmer says, something else might be using port 30003. To work around that try adding a parameter to change the port.
This web page says that 30003 is used by dump1090 for the "TCP BaseStation output listen port". http://www.satsignal.eu/raspberry-pi/dump1090.html
So try changing that to a different port, for example 30009:
dump1090 --net-sbs-port 30009
If it runs, that confirms the conflict on port 30003.
But remember that port number when you try to connect your display program if you leave it like that. Anything looking for output on port 30003 from dump1090 will need to be told it is now port 30009.
Quote from: Nigel on April 14, 2016, 10:50:15 PM
Help again please
I managed to get RTL1090 and Dump1090 working last night with data from a Pro Stick. Tonight Dump1090 doesn't work. I get the attached error message when I double-click the dump1090.bat file. Could anyone suggest where I am going wrong again.
Thank you
I see you use PlanePlotter. You have to start Dump1090 before PlanePlotter, or switch off PP processing before starting Dump1090.
Many thanks for all the feedback and advice. As this is all new to me, please could someone suggest an editing programme I could use to change the output port as suggested by Ian.
Thank you
Lets's start at the end and work back.
What are you going to use to display the output of the Flightaware Pro Stick? That might help to guide you in the right direction. Will it be PlanePlotter? Changing the port number should not be needed if everything is working ok but can be done easily.
And how are you currently starting dump1090? What is the name of the file you are clicking on to run it? I suspect that it is a batch file that ends in ".bat" but need confirmation.
Also what else related to radarspotting is running at the same time as the Flightaware Pro Stick? Is Radarbox running?
Thanks Ian
I'm running a few things - Basestation feeding from a Puck; an old Radarbox occasionally; feeding data from the Puck into PlanePlotter; FR24 etc. The Pro-Stick is a new venture, mainly because it was reasonably priced, and I've tried dongles for capturing data.
I've got the Pro-Stick feeding into RTL1090 and have used 'Scope' as you suggested for initial plotting of the data which is good, but the main aim of trying to use Dump1090 was to feed into PlanePlotter. I click on Dump1090.bat to run the programme as advised here: http://planeplotter.pbworks.com/w/page/79995023/Dump1090
Many thanks
Le'ts start by finding out what is in dump1090.bat. That might reveal the answer about port 30003.
If you right click on dump1090.bat, one of the options should be "edit" - select that and it will open in Notepad.
Copy and paste the contents here. Close Notepad and don't save any changes if it asks.
Here it is Ian:
dump1090.exe --interactive --net --net-ro-size 500 --net-ro-rate 5 --net-buffer 5 --net-beast --mlat
pause
Thanks
That batch file should not be causing the port 30003 error since it is not calling "--net-sbs-port" as part of the command line.
The earlier link to dump1090 says "--net-sbs-port" calls the BaseStation output listen port which was the error you reported:
Quote--net-sbs-port <port> TCP BaseStation output listen port (default: 30003)
So to confirm (or otherwise) whether dump1090 is the problem, go back and "Edit" dump1090.bat. Add "--net-sbs-port 30009" to the end of the current command, save the file and run it. The command line should look like this with the extra bit on the end:
dump1090.exe --interactive --net --net-ro-size 500 --net-ro-rate 5 --net-buffer 5 --net-beast --mlat --net-sbs-port 30009
pauseI'm a bit baffled but this is a step to find out what is going on. I might yet recommend Modes2Deco ;)
Hi
I've made that change the .bat file and it is working fine now. Does that command mean that the ouput from my Puch is to port 30009 now?
Many thanks
Nigel
No, all you've done is changed the SBS output from the dongle to port 30009.
The Puck continues unchanged without any knowledge of what you have done. ;D
I'm surprised that worked since the command line did not seem to be doing any SBS output from the dongle via dump1090. But let's be pleased. Think of it as having diverted the troublesome output into the black hole.
Now we can concentrate on getting the dongle connected to PlanePlotter.
Ian
I've now managed to get the data displayed in Planeplotter following the instructions from the SonicGoose webpage on using Dump1090 in Windows.
Am I right in assuming that RTL1090 scope can't run at the same time as dump1090?
Many thanks again for the advice and sorting this for me.
I think you are correct about running two programs at the same time from one dongle.
It's one or the other I'm afraid since the program takes control and does not allow another access to the dongle.
You could buy another dongle and aerial ;)
I could although I've already got an external aerial and two whip-type aerials in the loft. Maybe a window-mounted one next! I've actually ordered a splitter from Chris Taylor to use with the external aerial as that gives me excellent coverage (150-200+ miles) in nearly all directions.
Thanks again
I presently have the
bulgarian printed circuit 6dbi antenna http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191857506822
N-F adadptor
LNB amplifier wrapped in self amalgamating tape
This is at the top of a 4.5m pole fixed just below the gutter line on the house (gets the antenna above chimney height)
about 9m of RG56
Voltage injector (14v for LNB amp)
R820T2 dongle
Pi2
connected to my router using WiFi using a Vonet VAP11G bridge http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111941214888 (the Pi thinks it's on wired Ethernet)
Present stats can be viewed here http://flightaware.com/adsb/stats/user/PeterHR
All the stuff in purple is due to be replaced (as soon as I get a nice day to take the pole down) by an LMR400 downlead and a flightaware pro stick.
I would have done it by now but I needed to get LMR-400 -> SMA-M connectors. I ordered them from China, waited a month for delivery and they were delivered with no centre pin and no crimp collar (got a refund, and ordered from UK supplier)
Thanks for sharing your setup Peter.
Are you PeterHR over on the FlightAware forum too?
Hi everyone i am new to this and recently been using the flightaware dongle which is working excellent with virtual radar.
If i pt my flightaware stick close to my beam and run 1 metre of coax and a 20 metre usb extension would that give better range since its close to the antenna.
I also have the flightaware filter but havent tried it with the flightaware stick didnt see any difference using it on my kinetic sbs-3 or is it better to use it when mobile.
Regards Lino.
Welcome.
Reducing the coax run can improve reception but a 20m USB run may prove problematical. Or do you mean 20m of Ethernet cable? What decoding software are you using?
And what sort of coverage do you get now?
The filter should improve the Pro Stick coverage. The Pro Stick is a low cost SDR receiver whereas the SBS-3 is an expensive, specialist Mode-S one. Try and and see what you get.
Hi i am runing RTL1090 Jetvision and Virtual Radar have tried the filter it has improved reception antenna is a ZMX ADSB Beam its around 3 metres high planing to put it higher a Yaesu G250 rotator with 20 metres of LMR400 cable range atm is around 115 nautical miles the usb that i was talking about is powered and my antenna is much lower then the house roof.
Regards Lino.
I have no experience of the Yaesu G250. Are you going to use it only for Mode-S data?
Hi the Yaesu-G250 rotates my beam towards the signal path.
Regards Lino.
If you only plan to use it for Mode-S transmissions, is it the best option?
Why are you going to get this particular antenna?
I am using my ZMX adsb beam on my flightaware stick my Kinetic sbs-3 has a different adsb antenna.
Regards Lino.
Hi to all,
Recently I bought and started using of FlightAware Pro Stick + Filter.
The first days I was very happy because I noticed an improvement in the number and distance of the targets compared to an old SBS-1 mkI and RTL2832-R820T2.
After 2-3 days of continuous use i've noticed a reduce of the target distances to all the directions and fewer signals...
Maybe this is cause of overheating? Is it possible to measure the temperature of the usb device?Has someone noticed the same thing?
CU
Check the antenna connections, including the filter? Are the SMA tight?
Where is the Pro Stick placed? Does it get very hot?
I monitor the FlightAware forum and haven't seen anyone report a similar problem.
Placed permanently in my own store, on the roof of the building , connected to a netbook...all the connectors was placed tight.
From the first time i installed it ,nobody touches it ,the place is cool and is working for 24/7.
This weekend I'll stop it for few hours and then i'll test it again to see the differences and tell you.
Thanks :)
Mine has been working non-stop for 6 weeks with a RPi Model B 1.
I've had no reduction in coverage.
Do you have another receiver you can use to test the antenna?
Yes i have but unfortunatelly it's very difficult to go up to the roof for tests.
I'm controlling , monitoring the netbook and making all the tests remotely via remote desktop programs.
Hello again,
My final best FA Prostick setup and settings are the below :
A) dump1090.exe --gain 49.6 --interactive --net --modeac --net-beast --net-http-port 8088 --net-ro-size 500 --net-ro-rate 5 --net-buffer 5 --lat **.***** --lon **.***** --no-fix --aggressive --mlat --ppm 53
pause
B) (http://i.imgur.com/O7zv9OA.png)
After running modesmixer2 for 24/7 test i received about 510746 messages per hour.
Also the mean maximum target distance to all directions was about 152NM.
Before that setup and with pigtails connections at 24/7 test i received 337730 messages per hour and the mean maximum distance to all directions was 145NM.
I just bought a Flight Aware Prostick and filter from the big book selling on-line company whose name begins with an A. It cost £29 delivered (I have Prime). I connected it to my antenna, an 8 element collinear made out of 50 pence worth of coax and this is the result. I am amazed.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LWhRUiw0vAIX1BBIEIlUbz2THb0DO_itb2FvicZRlJ3WtHh2iyLtmkExSQ5bGOxfZDSTuhecAPAME8UwBIBtKJOm2PkPprocVk-4Q_EibC4ZhE_pmozo1lro3t1eecpbzCVhuKG22IXdRFo3KjFR2-frSzm8g-cMShmrUYwJKXlO7Lx1PxBmeCumekzIBuwn58A8NXSmAI8JWEbpvhZKecGo7HUEWArTT0kbvHogV9SlGTTY72nLoei3ICQaPBvLVo8u4eF3Avh6ZN8U3JwMtUIS_ad5XFVYA7gxAF8QQKBp8zhbUXqiozU5Ip_cFMGMjmXHEb5vM3Oe8tR1sEG-GSQXdTWAGEEx22lvSM0SpUDKLO5SIx9bjny8izYXrw-aJHFRt4b0xk3Mym2mNu-b9dI9gdOSLpjWEcElutOKRRMJODXtdSDLMU4fDc7WxCuHx0JKpkt81C03LbdpD-bKTDUthLzgLerbnqDjnpXYM-YPE7ROye5anATbl3E_rdeV0tiqyt-aMXrzpFJhAedm1rr2v5z7KGJSinduUy6Exefi6jgJyM99z8Nh7pFKRuddgfvmBekzGEIbXliSgPtlPlFrU2znbY8=w1162-h653-no)
Making the antenna was as simple as could be. There is a good video on how to do it. I enclosed the antenna in a £0.99 length of black electrical conduit and sealed the top end of the pipe with a glued in wine cork. It is outside on the roof a little above the ridge for a part of its length. It could not have been easier to do this.
I am running Dump1090 which controls the receiver from a redundant linux netbook. It would have been easier to have used a Raspberry Pi, and Flight Aware provide all necessary software and a more or less turn key solution. I am seeing planes from north of Aberdeen to Essex, the edge of Holland to Dublin. Quite a revelation.
Collinear antenna poking out of my loft.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4oE3KO3OCUcQSUudFDlYP6JL_x1QwPtl0-JTOyHyboc8fPsNIuWyvL_BtpxBkXmc65w9PW8Vaz28PfMEwhlLeDGehxlUQb_GrRGibMGrvot0eRp__95kuux_8gf4ZUBKxu4pf0GXAKGqkbt_TAdBBwcJexqziVuIF-OAdqA5UP_rTvas81Dp5CD5cJObpPHYwPZrL4Z-5sB5VLotChNo6OMBdkgoCp2t0jnjgboV-G0i9B8r1Q8CIgpFJZ4nVKFG9NMCAahGsyZej6XzsrYiGf9xfCMnOqaLgBcq1OScnkOWryfPg6W367JcTbYm-r-893fbUzGIilfJuTdRODuvqIcaGeP7ZLUieXfyir9VxNDpsAAM9u0YBb64iqbORwvmr082Tqe4EAQybjGMUCPqnbKmI8TsMrBcERd9RNrHkxG-94V5WAMxoxA49n9QIkRfYu61GTwswMMTOehhDQMyUFUaPIT7GIubl5JpO8iMvN6IFgDsF3dgunjXutW1FKqGv09GMfJQwM9WwtIhokWfd8Me1wejHnVZmIpiofkxewjuc9jDcQe75JZ5ckttlRIviYsAtMWlOnU6Yjqo_PPWnOZRJpttbNg=w871-h653-no)
Antenna making video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkUYdCPFXXs
EDIT: I just added back my coverage map which I somehow must have deleted while editing, because although I definitely put it in seemed to disappear. All ok now though.
It is possible to install the Flightaware software on any PC running Debian Jessie. It needs a user that can"sudo" commands in the same way the Pi operates.
As root, I simply create a new user:
adduser ian
Then make the user "ian" a sudo user by adding "ian" to the sudo group
usermod -a -G sudo ian
Just tested that on Debian 8.4 (just included SSH server and system utilities from the choices - in particular left out the Desktop option).
As root you will also need to install sudo using apt-get install sudo
Reboot, log in as the new user and go to http://discussions.flightaware.com/ads-b-flight-tracking-f21/ads-b-receiver-project-setup-scripts-t36532.html
Type in the 6 command lines under "Manual installations..." and follow the on screen instructions.
Just spotted this on the discussion board...
http://discussions.flightaware.com/ads-b-flight-tracking-f21/announcing-the-pro-stick-plus-t38099.html
Quote from: Keef on October 28, 2016, 04:18:58 AM
Just spotted this on the discussion board...
Well spotted.
I think the Pro Stick now deserves it's own Board.
It's probably the fastest selling "Mode-S" receiver on the market.
http://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php/topic,6477.msg31453.html#msg31453
Thanks Anmer,
I was working a rather dull night shift and taking the opportunity to do a bit of surfing on company time when I came across it.
Whilst I don't have an immediate need for one I think I'll get one 'just in case' when they are available in Europe.
is there any kind person willing to advise me how to install my flightaware pro stick on my windows 10 pc any assistance would be most welcome
The Pro Stick should be installed with appropriate PC software such as RTL1090 or Dump1090 for Windows. And Zadig drivers.
This may help:
https://kb.firedaemon.com/support/solutions/articles/4000086242-jetvision-rtl1090-ads-b-atc-decoder
http://planeplotter.pbworks.com/w/page/79995023/Dump1090
I just started about a week ago with a Pro Plus stick, tried just about all the windows 10 options out there.
This is a good set of instructions to get to the stage where you are decoding:
https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/how-to-install-pro-stick-dvb-t-on-windows/25070
I found under win 10 the easiest option and the one that worked best was RTL1090.
Then for tracking I liked Virtual Radar the best:
http://www.virtualradarserver.co.uk/Download.aspx
Getting VRS to talk to RTL1090 took a while, ignore the port numbers in any instructions and look at the bottom of the RTL1090 window and use that number, it will be something like 31011, or 30001 etc.
So the steps are:
Change the windows driver with Zadig.
Get RTL1090 decoding aircraft data.
Get Virtual Radar Server talking to RTL1090 and displaying the aircraft on the map.
If you want to send data to places like FlightAware most of them don't let you do it from Windows anymore, after a few days I went and got a Raspberry Pi and installed PiAware on it, and since that doesn't do logging I installed VRS on a second Pi just to keep a local database of flights (and I like the look of VRS better than Skyview on the Pi).