© Mike Cogan 2012
Would I Buy an SBS-3?
I get quite a lot of emails asking this question. The answer, as always, depends what you want to do.
The SBS-3 is Announced
The SBS-3 replaces Kinetic's SBS-1 range of receivers which were launched in 2005. The SBS-1 quickly gained an excellent reputation for build quality and reliability, often outperforming other receivers in decoding Mode-S data. It shipped with the Basestation software and soon established itself as the market leader with reported sales of 12,000 units.
Then in late summer 2011, Radio User (http://www.radiouser.co.uk/) magazine ran an exclusive about Kinetic's SBS-3, a new Mode-S receiver with an inbuilt VHF/UHF software defined radio (SDR). The article said the SBS-3 would also include an AIS (Automatic Identification System) receiver and a marine band SDR.
Reading on, we were told the SBS-3 would output data without requiring a PC connection and, if connected to the internet, the SBS-3 would work as a stand-alone unit that could be controlled by a separate screen interface via the Ethernet or RS232 ports. All for less than £500, it sounded very impressive.
Just before Christmas 2011, Kinetic announced that the SBS-3 was available for £499.94 including VAT but excluding shipping.
What Can it Do?
Well I don't have one but like many others, I want to know what it can do before I spend £500. So where can we find out?
The first place I went was the Kinetic website (http://www.kinetic.co.uk/) where it states:
The twin SDR tuners each provide an 8MHz tuning band and 4 channels of demodulation are offered in the current firmware release as well as a number of built-in decoders. Each channel output can be mixed onto both analog and digital output streams.
A further release of Basestation, the included software package, is in testing and the API (Application Programming Interface) document is being finalised. A published list of intended features will also be maintained online as well as feedback from the development teams.
Dedicated 1090 MHz Receiver
Twin SDR tuners
Digital and Audio Streaming
High Speed Ethernet and USB
Built-in Demodulation and Decoding
GPS Input and RS232 Radio Control
I2C Auxiliary Control Port
Software API Available
Next I went to the website of LAM Communications (http://www.lamcommunications.net/shop), one of Kinetic's main dealers where I found the features listed:
3 Receivers in one box.
ADS-B / UAT / AIS / Marine band / Air bands (VHF and UHF) Capable Multi-Device - Multi-Band - Multi Channel Software Defined Radio Receiver / Decoder
The SBS-3 features include:
An improved design 1090Mhz Mode-S , ADS-B receiver.
Dual independent 27Mhz to 980Mhz SDR Tuners with 8Mhz Bandwidth per tuner.
Listen to multiple stations at the same time.
Listen to VHF on one tuner, UHF on the other and digitally mix the two together.
Full speed 100M Ethernet interface with concurrent multiple sockets.
On board digital audio mixing plus stereo output DAC and audio interface.
Audio output over Ethernet
Raw Data output for Mode-S, AIS, and all other demodulations such as ACARS.
Onboard processing and demodulation - NO PC REQUIRED.
Ideal for remote site monitoring
SBS-3 will ship with 1090 ADS-B decoding and VHF/UHF tuning.
Additional decoder protocols will be available as firmware downloads as and when they are released.
I2C Options interface for external controllers and peripherals.
LCD Touchscreen controller (due December 2011)
The SBS3 is a true stand-alone SDR receiver, unlike the majority of so-called SDR receivers on the market, which are, in reality, just digital tuners!
The SBS3 performs all demodulation and decoding operations internally, without the need for any third-party software or any other PC software , enabling genuine stand-alone operation. This unique design means that numerous audio/data streams can be monitored simultaneously and remotely.
The SBS-3 works as either a Client or a Server which enables you to either connect to it, or it can connect to a designated server over the local network or indeed the internet, for true stand-alone use.
The SBS-3 is powered via the USB connector, either by a PC, a standard USB Hub or an in-car charger outlet.
The SBS-3 is a flexible design with a phenomenally large FPGA, allowing for future additional on-board decoders for formats such as ACARS, POCSAG and many others.
The SBS-3 is a revolutionary hardware product that combines with the included display software and allows aviation, marine professionals and enthusiasts worldwide, the ability to monitor the skies and seas in an unprecedented fashion.
It provides a true Real-Time Virtual Radar display on a PC or MAC screen showing Mode-S/ADS-B equipped aircraft and AIS equipped vessels immediately around them.
The SBS-3 follows on from the very successful SBS-1, SBS-1 Mk2, SBS-1e and SBS-1eR and it adds the new features of SDR AM/FM receiver covering a wide range of frequencies including the VHF and UHF Air bands, the VHF Marine band and the broadcast FM band.
The SBS-3 has been designed to protect your investment for the years to come and is backed by Kinetic's traditonal commitment to never charging for firmware updates.
Then I tried Martyn Lynch & Son (http://www.hamradio.co.uk), the original distributor of the SBS-1 to see if they were offering any more information but the only extra bit was this:
The SBS-3 is also compatible with PlanePlotter and ShipPlotter including their latest functionality.
The only other product announcement I could find was a post by Kinetic's David Goodman (http://www.kinetic-avionics.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=14574&p=118014#p118014) on 14 November 2011:
As for the meaning of the word optional in the wording on our website SBS-3 page - It is our intention to provide numerous decoders built into the firmware of the SBS-3 but we will reach a space limit and therefore may well end up in a situation whereby users will need to choose a firmware load depending on their own pastimes. Additionally, there may well be releases of decoders where a cost will be levied due to third party licence requirements and uptake of firmware with this chargeable code would be optional. For the record, the UAT decoder, when released, will be a FREE OF CHARGE upgrade. I'll be in the USA this week testing it.
Despite our best efforts, we don't have a crystal ball which is a problem when you are trying to build a reasonably future proof device and in today's litigious society, disclaimers are a de-facto requirement.
As for the metal box, the times they are a changing. With two SDR tuners in the device, a dedicated 1090Mhz receiver and a host of other devices, both screening and heat dissipation are part of the design - and it looks nice too.
We've also added an I2C port for add-on peripherals such as remote touchscreens ( the one in our office is very cool) and memory device etc.
Roughly Translated
Having tried to digest the promotional blurb, what's really new or diffferent? Well this is how read it:
1. It's a Mode-S receiver similar to the SBS-1 models.
2. It has USB and Ethernet ports, same as the SBS-1e/eR.
3. The SBS-1 models included a dedicated Mode-S antenna but does the SBS-3?
4. The SBS-1eR shipped with a flexible radio antenna, does the SBS-3 have one?
5. It has two Software Defined Radios. The SBS-1eR had just one radio.
6. Each SDR can receive a frequency span of 8 MHz within a range of 27 MHz to 980 MHz and can tune up to 4 stations within the frequency span.
7. Digital audio output over Ethernet. This was possible with the SBS-1eR.
8. The Radio User article made reference to the SBS-3 having an AIS receiver. But does it? Or are we expected to use the SDR to tune into AIS frequencies? Not too clear about this but early reports suggest the AIS receiver isn't included.
9. It's claimed that one can tune the two SDR independently and mix the output.
10. It's claimed that Raw Data output is available for Mode-S, AIS and other demodulations such as ACARS. What's the definition of Raw Data and is there a spec?
11. "Ideal for remote site monitoring". What does this really mean? The SBS-3 needs a USB power supply when using the Ethernet port.
12. LCD Touchscreen controller (due December 2011). Has this been released?
13. I2C Options interface for external controllers and peripherals. Is there a spec for this interface?
14. When using an Ethernet connection, the SBS-3 must be powered by an exteral USB supply rated at 1.0 Amp (1000 Ma) or greater. You cannot use the PC connected USB cable.
15. The SBS-3 has 6 connectors: SMA for 1090 MHz antenna, SMA for SDR antenna, 3.5mm audio out, RJ45 Ethernet, USB, RS-232 for I2C bus.
16. There's supposed to be a published API (Application Programming Interface) but I haven't found one yet.
The Aviation Interest
So standing back, what does the SBS-3 offer the aviation enthusiast? I've deliberately avoided any of the AIS related issues, of which there appear to be a few!
Well it's a Mode-S 1090 MHz receiver for a start. Some early reports suggest the SBS-3 is more sensitive than the SBS-1 but I'd like to see a comparative test.
UAT decoder. That could be of particular interest to North American users but I've not found any further information since Goodman's forum post in November 2011.
The two SDR could be of interest to those wanting to listen to VHF and UHF airband transmissions and decode ACARS transmissions. I've seen good reports about the quality of these SDRs whereas the SBS-1eR didn't get ecstatic reviews.
Digital audio streaming will be useful when the SBS-3 is some distance away from the PC. One of the advantages of the SBS-1e/eR was the Ethernet connectivity which most other receivers don't support.
"Client or Server for true stand-alone use". Sounds interesting but how stand-alone is it in reality?
The SBS-3 ships with Basestation Version 164. The previous release for the SBS-1 was Version 161. I've not seen Version 164 (it's not available from the Kinetic eStore) so have no idea if there is new functionality (other than controlling the SDRs) but nothing I've read suggests there is. But will future releases of Basestation be compatible with the SBS-1 models?
Raw data output for Mode-S. I know this will appeal to those wanting to track non-Mode-S traffic, especially as PlanePlotter's Beamfinder Plus wasn't supported by the SBS-1. But reports suggest that nothing's changed and only Beamfinder is currently supported.
User Feedback
I decided to check out the forum feedback from early SBS-3 customers. It was quite illuminating.
First reports suggest the SBS-3 was released without adequate testing and sparse documentation. To the best of my knowledge the existing Beta team was not invited to carry out any pre-launch testing.
The digital audio streaming only appears to work on the SDR left channel.
Tuning the SDRs (there is no scanning feature) can only be accomplished via Basestation. Closing Basestation purges the set frequencies. So much for a "true stand-alone" receiver.
The SDRs do not store any frequencies, nor do they work with the Basestation frequency list.
Raw binary data is available on port 30006. Port 30003 data is only available via Basestation. Port 10001 is encrypted data.
It appears that the SBS-3 Ethernet connection will only support one connection at a time, in much the same way as the SBS-1. Consequently PlanePlotter cannot make use of the SDR output and port 30006 data at the same time.
One useful addition is the ability to set the SBS-1 IP address and ports via Basestation rather than directly via a browser. This can be done when connected to the SBS-3 via Ethernet or USB but not without starting Basestation.
Would I Buy One?
This is my personal opinion, formed without the benefit of seeing an SBS-3 "in action". But it's all I have to go on, especially since Kinetic has avoided all questions posted on it's own forum since the SBS-3 was released. I find this silence worrying.
That aside, would I buy one?
If I didn't have a Mode-S receiver and my primary interest is to track Mode-S aircraft, the answer is "Yes". It's competitively priced, includes Ethernet connectivity and two SDRs. The Basestation software is well established and offers lots of customisation. Kinetic's reputation is good and the SBS-1 model range was a quality receiver.
Whilst there are other products on the market, only the Beast offers the extra capability to support PlanePlotter's Beamfinder Plus though, for me, this is a marginal benefit.
The promotional blurb mentions lots of new features which don't appear to have made it through the door for this initial release, such as the dedicated AIS receiver which would have offered strong competition for AirNav's new ShipTrax.
Knowing Kinetic, as I thought I did, I'd have been fairly confident that these "missing" features would soon materialise. But I haven't had any contact with Kinetic for months and the lack of response on its own forum is a worry.
I hope my fears prove to be groundless.
But would I replace my SBS1 with an SBS-3? No. There's nothing extra for me. I'm not into ACARS and definitely not ship spotting.
And by the way, does the SBS-3 include a 1090 MHz antenna?
I'd be interested to hear what others think?
UPDATE 3 February 2012
Kinetic has released Basestation 165 which seems to fix many of the reported issues. Well done Chris.
http://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php?topic=112.msg541#msg541
Very well put together and informative description of the SBS-3 as it stands to date for those who are/were considering to purchase this product with limited amount of information available.
I also am not into tracking shipping or have an interest in ACARS so my present set up along with two Icom SDR's is more than adequate.
If I was starting from scratch I would have looked into buying SBS-3. However I would require a " plug and play device " of which this,as it stands at the moment, is not! Reading the amount of hassle some have had trying to set up the SDR's is most off putting as is the lack of interest by the Kinectic Team on their forum.
In conclusion with the available information I will not be buying a SBS-3.
Just my opinion.
This SBS3 thing unfortunately seems to have an 'airnavesque' aura about it :( . The non-responsiveness is very disconcerting for me & I can only hope that Kinetic haven't been taken over by airn... :P .
Agree with most of what Mike says, I have both models, my SBS1er1 once 'networked' which mind you took along time to achieve on a Mac system running parallels has been fantastic. Utilsing Lantronix for me was a nightmare, given I actually have two SBS1er1 and one of them just didnt want to play ball trying to get IP address' changed etc...
While my SBS3 was incrediably simple to network and change if needed. From that perspecitve I have at least one plus!!!
Was it a good buy? Im still sadly to be convinced.
CAM
TVL2
Quote from: BigRed on February 03, 2012, 03:17:55 AM
Was it a good buy? Im still sadly to be convinced.
So, how does the range/number of aircraft compare between the -3 and the -1er? Is the ability to listen on VHF and UHF airbands not a plus?
Tom
QuoteIs the ability to listen on VHF and UHF airbands not a plus?
As a base station yes. But if out and about at a military site i would say no. A good old handheld set with the required freq's in memory would serve you better
Quote from: mhm on February 03, 2012, 07:38:59 AM
As a base station yes. But if out and about at a military site i would say no. A good old handheld set with the required freq's in memory would serve you better
You would need two handheld sets to listen (not just scan) on two frequencies simultaneously.
Depends on what you are doing Tom. I normally take 4 scanners with me, 2 base and 2 handheld. Always keep Tower, Approach, Radar, as main freqs. Not interested in air to air chatter unless its Red Arrows, and i always get decent photos.
Hi Mike and Tom,
Agree with Tom, depends on what you wont to do. I use Winradio for listening at home, so the whole listening via SBS3 hasnt quite excited me ...yet. ACARS same.
Where I live my house is right on finals for the local airport so I listen primarily to Approach while at work (as I work on the same said airport / base) I listen and use Ground to listen.
Some say the sensitivity of SBS3 is better, I think I would agree, but Im waiting to redo my antenna setup where I can see if this is true or not.
The Plane Plotter useasbility / interaction though is good. SBS3 doesnt need BS and as I cant at this point of time fully utilise my SBS3 I can use it via ethernet on its own IP address send data to PP while my SBS1 is been used as my primary on MMS2. Yep its an experiement at the moment :-)
CAM
Thanks Cam.
Since you already had an SBS-1eR, what prompted you to buy the SBS-3? That's a genuine question as I'm trying to understand what interests people.
Good question Mike,
I guess I was sucked in originaly that the SBS3 would be suited to the Mac!! I remember reading from a reputable stockist stating the SBS3 would be compatiable. You know the dramas I've had setup wise (not withstanding antennas!) I figured this would be a long standing investment as I travel allot I wonted to use my other SBS1er1 for this purpose. And have a properly setup basestation at home connected to MMS2. By the time the order was placed and monies rmeoved from my account it became aparent this was not going to be the case. While for me, my paralles setup is working very well, it is at the end of the day a pain in the backside.
I was probably like many too, who to be honest, were caught up in the hype, up to recent times there was no reasons to doubt Kinetic as product wise things had been great. However, I cant say that for certanity from expereince any longer.
CAM
Hi Cam and Mike,
I ordered an SBS-3 last night and this morning I had a phone call from Chris to update me. How's that for service?
I've always missed the BaseStation display and edit panel and the lack of compatibility between the standard Basestation.sqb file and PP resulting in the lack of sessions and the inability to use Active Display to update the .sqb file.
In my study I have a couple of scanners and an ICOM IC-PCR1000 with three PSUs to power them. The SBS-3 will allow me to hear four airband stations, 2 UHF/2VHF, at the same time on one antenna and one power supply (if the USB ports on my Lenovo Touchscreen PC prove unable to provide enough power for the -3 with the SDRs running).
Tom
Thanks Cam. I'd overlooked that early claim that it was supposed to run on a "native" Mac.
I'm off to find that claim.
Quote from: viking9 on February 03, 2012, 01:53:38 PM
I ordered an SBS-3 last night and this morning I had a phone call from Chris to update me.
So Chris is still working for Kinetic. Perhaps he could find some time to answer the dozens of SBS-3 questions posted on the Kinetic forum?
Well, I can't speak for Chris but I expect he'll get around to it. He's probably too busy getting SBS-3s out of the door. He does have a job to do, servicing the hundreds of paying customers first.
Tom
Quote from: viking9 on February 03, 2012, 02:09:45 PM
He does have a job to do, servicing the hundreds of paying customers first.
They're the ones asking the questions. >:(
Quote from: Anmer on February 03, 2012, 01:54:16 PM
I'm off to find that claim.
Found it in the Radio User article:
"A final point worth mentioning is that the SBS-3 will be supplied with software for both Apple Mac and Microsoft Windows based computers"I also recall a Kinetic employee saying something similar last year.
But now I see Kinetic is only claiming:
"It provides a true Real-Time Virtual Radar display on a PC or MAC screen (requires Parallels on Apple Mac) showing Mode-S/ADS-B equipped aircraft and AIS equipped vessels immediately around them."One might argue both statements are correct but if I were a Mac user the first might be interpreted as being "native" Mac OS?
QuoteThey're the ones asking the questions.
cheers Anmer!
Quote from: Anmer on February 03, 2012, 02:33:52 PM
They're the ones asking the questions. >:(
So why don't they ask the supplier by phone/email?
Do you ask questions about your new car on a forum?
I've always found Chris to be helpful when I phone or email him direct.
Quote from: viking9 on February 03, 2012, 02:47:00 PM
Quote from: Anmer on February 03, 2012, 02:33:52 PM
They're the ones asking the questions. >:(
So why don't they ask the supplier by phone/email?
Do you ask questions about your new car on a forum?
I can't afford a new car. :-[
In all seriousness, surely it's more efficient to address recurring issues via the forum rather than answer the same question every time the phone rang? I'd also be concerned about the negative impression these unanswered posts create.
Chris has made only 10 posts on the Kinetic forum in January, none of which addressed the outstanding questions about the SBS-3 SDRs. And since these are the "new" features, surely the reported issues need addressing?
I suppose I'll now be accused of working for AirNav. :D
Chris was rolling out the information fairly well, and where the product was going in the forum. You know he was telling you what he saw was happening. This time frame was before he worked for Kinetic directly up his first couple weeks working for them.
Maybe your right Viking maybe there is a change back to the older days of Kinetic where you did not know if the lights where on in the office during the work day. I hope this is not the case.
I bought my sbs-3 not just for all the new features, But I believed that Kinetic was heading in the right direction and where responsive to there customers. I know it take money and support to push a new advance product forward. I believed that people that buy a first gen product with its bugs and problems are big supports of the company. I hope the people at Kinetic start releasing information again soon!
Later
Well, I bought the -3 at this time because Kinetic has always given me the best support of any of the VR vendors and I believe they will come up with the other features that they promised soon. In the meantime the -3 in its present configuration is a highly useable receiver which to me is well worth the price even in its current configuration.
Tom
Quote from: viking9 on February 03, 2012, 03:36:30 PM
In the meantime the -3 in its present configuration is a highly useable receiver which to me is well worth the price even in its current configuration.
On this we agree Tom. I just hope Kinetic will respond and resolve the reported issues. The silence is my worry.
Agree everyone has they're opnions - the sudden change of 'business' behaviour lets say was strange.... I think we would agree on that.
From what your saying Tom seems to suggest they're might be now be a reverting back to the previous Kinetic code of business practice??
Just a thought.
April 4th is the next holiday in the UK, maybe we will here something by then. They always seem to let us know something at a bank holiday. ;D
Quote from: BigRed on February 04, 2012, 12:11:44 AM
Agree everyone has they're opnions - the sudden change of 'business' behaviour lets say was strange.... I think we would agree on that.
From what your saying Tom seems to suggest they're might be now be a reverting back to the previous Kinetic code of business practice??
Just a thought.
Indeed. I think the recent difficulties were understandable; SBS-3 is a major upgrade of the SBS-1er and, as usually happens in these cases, Kinetic have had some problems. But I am confident that they will soon be back to normal and Chris will be a regular on the forums again with his usual mix of help, advice and banter. ;D
Tom
Quote from: viking9 on February 04, 2012, 10:15:38 AM
SBS-3 is a major upgrade of the SBS-1er and, as usually happens in these cases, Kinetic have had some problems.
Not helped by what appears to have been a rushed release without adequate testing and user documentation. Then exacerbated by a deafening silence in response to the early customers posting valid questions.
Maybe a lesson to be learned?
AirNav Systems would have been castigated.
Agreed Mike, and this is where this forum becomes so vitally important, and where people like you give good and indepth perspectives which I for one appreciate.
Quote from: Anmer on February 04, 2012, 10:38:35 AM
AirNav Systems would have been castigated.
I would imagine that Kinetic are very concerned and have worked to get the software sorted out. AirNav? Can you really believe that castigating them would yield anything? They don't give a monkey's. As you well know, they haven't sorted out bugs in their software that have been there for over five years.
There's absolutely no comparison between Kinetic and AirNav when it comes to listening to their customers, as you and I and many other former AirNav forum members taking refuge here know to our cost.
Tom
I totally agree Tom and, as I mentioned in my piece, Kinetic has a fine reputation. However, everything about the SBS-3 release was so out of character especially the silence and reputations that take years to build can be lost so quickly.
In drawing the comparison to AirNav I'm only suggesting that Kinetic should know better.
Having said that, the release of Basestation 165 demonstrates that David, Chris et al do respond - eventually. ;)
The SBS-3 promises much and every product has a life span. Clearly the SBS-1 has run its course.
"The SBS-3 promises much and every product has a life span. Clearly the SBS-1 has run its course."
Oh I do hope not!
I'm fortunate enough to have the use of an Icom R8500, Signal R535 and Yupiteru 7100 in my study here. So I don't need two more receivers for airband and I don't live close enough to the sea to use primary AIS. So apart from a direct feed into PP, I don't think that SBS3 would offer me much more than my SBS1eR (whose integrated airband radio I have never needed to use incidentally). If I were buying new from scratch then SBS3 would be the logical choice and I'm sure it's a great product with lot's of development potential. But until it can offer me £500 worth of extra functionality, I'll plough on with the SBS1eR and I hope that Kinetic continues to support it for the foreseeable future. There is a pretty significant user base out there after all.
Quote from: tiga1050 on February 18, 2012, 04:53:01 PM
Oh I do hope not!
The SBS-1 will still deliver but clearly Kinetic has moved on and it's no longer available.
Like you I don't see the need to upgrade the receiver but who knows what new features are around the corner?
Ever since they announced the SBS-3, I have sent several e-mails requesting more information. I have also asked Kinetic to place me on their mailing list.
I have not had a single reply.
I am getting a Radarbox
Quote from: FACTflights on April 08, 2012, 04:04:09 PM
I am getting a Radarbox
I'm sure you'll find AirNav more responsive.
Quote from: FACTflights on April 08, 2012, 04:04:09 PM
Ever since they announced the SBS-3, I have sent several e-mails requesting more information. I have also asked Kinetic to place me on their mailing list.
I have not had a single reply.
I am getting a Radarbox
What exactly do you want to know about the SBS-3? Have you looked through the SBS-3 postings on here?
Quote from: FACTflights on April 08, 2012, 04:04:09 PM
Ever since they announced the SBS-3, I have sent several e-mails requesting more information. I have also asked Kinetic to place me on their mailing list.
I have not had a single reply.
I am getting a Radarbox
What is your email I will take a look (Send me an email or pm)
I can not tell you much more than the manual,software and api which are all available on the support section of our site but I seldeom miss an enquiry
Regards
Hi all. Will I buy another sbs-3? Yes I WILL so can run AIS along side Basestation on a separate screen
Billko
Anmer. Does the sbs-3 have a Discriminator tap?
Billko
Quote from: shakysen on April 14, 2012, 09:35:56 AM
Anmer. Does the sbs-3 have a Discriminator tap?
You'll have to explain what one of those is ???
I get the feeling that the answer may be "No".
Quote from: shakysen on April 14, 2012, 09:35:56 AM
Anmer. Does the sbs-3 have a Discriminator tap?
Billko
There isn't one on the back panel of mine. There may be one inside, perhaps Kinetic Chris can tell us.
Tom
Hi Anmer& Tom. would be a nice surprise if there was.
Regards Billko
Discriminator Tap
There is a point in the receiver circuitry where the audio may be extracted from the modulated carrier, before it is fed into the AF amplifier to drive the speaker.
It's useful to take the audio at this point if you are trying to receive data before the AF amplifier will change the "sound" of the data.
Such tapping modification needs precautions as presenting an additional load and usually accomplished with resistor and capacitor.
The output is high impedance, lowest powerlevel, AND NOT constricted by any AF filters.
Such a tap will feed the high Ohm Line In of a Soundcard of a PC e.g. for ACARS or AIS or POCSAG or similar.
N.B. there is a famous Dutch page dealing with Tapping Modifications for quite a number of scanners,
sorry dont have that handy at present though.
And here it is:
http://www.discriminator.nl/index-en.html#
look left under receivers
As the SBS-3 uses SDR radios, implementation of a discriminator tap will require a software/firmware update (unless it's already present internally).
Hi All.I installed A Discriminator tap into a pro 2045 a couple of years back. To receive AIS and other things I wont go into. works 100% .With having AIS in the box .That's why I Asked about a tap I look forward to the future with the sbs-3 .The AUX port has me wondering.
Billko
Quote from: shakysen on April 15, 2012, 12:25:12 PM
........
The AUX port has me wondering.
Billko
well... if SBS-3 had a tap to be put out on AUX
Kinetics would sure enough have proudly advertized that.
But having some sort of an AUX at least is giving hope for the future
that there is something in the pipeline
Hi Klaus. Lets hope the future brings some nice surprises regards the AUX Side. NMEA 0183 OR NMEA 2000
Billko
Quote from: FACTflights on April 08, 2012, 04:04:09 PM
I am getting a Radarbox
By the way, did you receive the "free" Radarbox that you requested of AirNav before you posted here? Why buy and SBS-3 when you can get a free RadarBox? 8)
Re: 50 Free RadarBox Units to Expand Network Coverage
« Reply #62 on:
April 05, 2012, 10:22:21 pm »
In Reply #37, you say a box has been sent to South Field, South Africa. I presume that would be mine. If that is so, then please note that it is Southfield - not South Field. It has not arived here yet.
John Haycox
http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=6835.msg78428#msg78428
Still going to buy 2ND sbs-3 .When I get abuyer for this YAESU TX
I believe many improvements have been made to the SBS-3 since Feb 2012.
What items are included in the SBS-3 box ?
Should I dump my AirNav RadarBox 3D and buy the SBS-3 or not - since i am treated like dirt by AirNav System ?
Any expert here to advise me ?
In my opinion the Kinetic receivers are of higher quality than RadarBox and pull in more aircraft on a comparable setup. The SBS-3 is the best one yet.
But the RadarBox software has some nice features and does offer a paid-for network. Personally I prefer Basestation which can be customised and I can share with others for free.
It depends on your interests and preferences. If you want to explore Basestation you can "test drive" my SBS-3.
But if you don't care about the SBS-3 SDR radio, maybe wait for the Puck to be released. You should benefit from the superior Kinetic receiver for a lot less than the price of an SBS-3.
Others will have different views.