When I decided to get into this hobby, did some research and wanted to start low but not too cheap. Got my a GNS5890. Wasn't too happy with the my perceived lack of customization. So I went out and got me an SBS3.
Decidedly, an improvement because of the SDR radios included.
Recently, I began to read more about S mode and Mlat. If most aircraft are equipped with transponders, and as such, are capable of transmitting mode S, then I think I'm missing traffic.
So that got me searching for Mlat capable receivers...and now I'm confused. Are there really Mlat capable receivers out there?
Even if they were, would this be somewhat pointless since in order for Mlat to work you need more than one receiver triangulating to get an accurate position?
Am I correct to assume that the SBS-3 is unable to be used alone as Mlat capable?
Your SBS-3, along with most Mode-S receivers, is "MLAT" capable. They receive Mode-S messages which don't include positional data.
But, MLAT requires data from several receivers to plot the position of an aircraft sending non-positional Mode-S messages. A single receiver doesn't make this possible.
http://www.multilateration.com/surveillance/multilateration.html
For the aviation enthusiast, it was PlanePlotter that first delivered MLAT. Kinetic Avionics had been offering MLAT for commercial customers using a network of SBS-2 receivers and software.
The important thing to note is that a server is requited to calculate the aircraft position using Mode-S messages from synchronised receivers.
PlanePlotter requires precise time-stamped messages which the AirNav Systems RadarBox cannot provide. It stood out as being "non-MLAT capable".
More recently, MLAT has become possible using messages from receivers that don't have precise time-stamping.
https://github.com/mutability/mlat-server
This approach uses the precise time stamps from Mode-S ADS-B messages and is the method adopted by FlightAware.
So, in summary, your SBS-3 can contribute data to a remote server MLAT software. For example PlanePlotter and private networks such as 360Radar (http://www.360radar.co.uk/)
On its own, it cannot.
As always, much thanks for your reply. Currently attempting to instal PP on my virtual machine. Ran across a snag where during set up, I get a script error. Posted the question to the PP users group in Yahoo. Awaiting a response. Tried PP in the past, before I lapsed in the hobby, and was working fine. However, stopped using PP due to the degree of difficulty in customizing the display the way I wanted to. Seeing as how PP offers mlat capability (?) thought I would give it another try.
what is the script error during install?
Currently at work so I'm unable to give you a reply. Soon as I can I will post it here. However, this is only happening when running the installation wizard. I come to the part where I have to select a position on the map. I'm able to zoom in the general area where I live. Then, when I place the cursor again over the map area, immediately the error pops up. I have closed the app, re started Windows and the wizard, yet the error persists.
Here's the shot...
[Attachment deleted by Admin to save file space]
That's the graphical way of entering your location. It's so long since I set up PlanePlotter for the first time that I can't remember if that is essential if you already know your location and can type in the latitude and longitude.
You can find those values from something like: http://itouchmap.com/latlong.html and enter them under Options/Home Location/Home Location Setup. Use the first result from the website (decimal degrees).
Edit: found similar errors to this reported on the web for other applications (not PlanePlotter). I don't know what browser you are using (suspect Internet Explorer?), but you might want to try another to see if the error goes away.
Strange because just the other day I upgraded the browser to IE 11. Hate this Windoze crap, no wonder I switched to Mac 10 years ago. Whilst doing all of this, the Windows drivers decided to crap on my again so that BS showed the message "Not Connected". Left it like that overnight and now, wouldn't you know it, it's working!
Ok so I installed an older version of PP that someone kindly provided me with. Clicked on start but not seeing any traffic even though I have BS running and actively seeing targets. I'm sure there must be something in the settings but gonna have to sit down and sift thru all of this.