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Let's analyze Next-Gen:
FR24/Gunter has improved the miniADSb and FPGA Based Decoder, interfaced it with GPS for accurate location and timing with a POE port bypassing the need for a computer. MLAT uses several of these tracking the same UFO target and the FR24 server does the number crunching to triangulate the target which is then displayed on their map. Identification is from the transmitted ICAO24 information. Routing is probably unknown. Ownership is probably unknown. Speed, direction of travel is determined by successive plots. Things that do go wrong, include internet latency.
PlanPlotter on the otherhand accepts MLAT information from anyone that opts-in regardless of the hardware and accepts or rejects packets that don't meet the servers criteria for extracting and calculating MLAT. Packet timing and network latency are factors in accepting or disregarding packets. Timing by client computer NTP correction eliminates that factor with only leaving decoding errors and network latency issues.
MLAT is in the "Wild Wild West" stage where there are not any standards.
FR24/Gunter are to be commended for their excellent hardware work on improving what is. They're efforts in designing, building and distributing superior equipment and implementation has been risky and we thank them.
Where do we Go from Here?
Feeders are a disparate group from all walks of life, of Means and No Means that live and die in all corners of the earth. Life or death of our hobby is in the hands of our governments. Until ADS-b is universal for both international and domestic aircraft, we will have to rely on MLAT schemes to identify UFOs. Pilots must be mandated to fully use the ADS-b capabilities of their aircraft in their pre-flight procedure.
The using ADS-b for short flights will be a pain in the backside for general aviation and pilots of low passenger puddle jumpers but the UP side of safety is worth it. We have to get this message to our boards and regulators.
Europe and the USA have the highest cost manufacturing in the world. China, Vietnam, Indonesia have the lowest costs. FR24/Gunter need to examine licensing their technology to bring down the costs that those of limited means can afford. Foxconn and Iphone are examples. All successful global European and U.S. companies are realizing great success shifting manufacturing from high cost to low cost countries. Nationalistic pride shouldn't get in the way of succeeding.
Rather than concentrating on a high cost limited box solution, add-on FPGA decoders need to be developed for what is, obsolete ADS-b receivers and dongles. The upside for FR24 is that Feeder quality would increase exponentially. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION and antenna orientation are the only things that will allow ground to ground take-off and landing at airports. FR24 site selection can do that.
From my vantage point that is just my opinion.
John
T-RPVD1
FR24/Gunter has improved the miniADSb and FPGA Based Decoder, interfaced it with GPS for accurate location and timing with a POE port bypassing the need for a computer. MLAT uses several of these tracking the same UFO target and the FR24 server does the number crunching to triangulate the target which is then displayed on their map. Identification is from the transmitted ICAO24 information. Routing is probably unknown. Ownership is probably unknown. Speed, direction of travel is determined by successive plots. Things that do go wrong, include internet latency.
PlanPlotter on the otherhand accepts MLAT information from anyone that opts-in regardless of the hardware and accepts or rejects packets that don't meet the servers criteria for extracting and calculating MLAT. Packet timing and network latency are factors in accepting or disregarding packets. Timing by client computer NTP correction eliminates that factor with only leaving decoding errors and network latency issues.
MLAT is in the "Wild Wild West" stage where there are not any standards.
FR24/Gunter are to be commended for their excellent hardware work on improving what is. They're efforts in designing, building and distributing superior equipment and implementation has been risky and we thank them.
Where do we Go from Here?
Feeders are a disparate group from all walks of life, of Means and No Means that live and die in all corners of the earth. Life or death of our hobby is in the hands of our governments. Until ADS-b is universal for both international and domestic aircraft, we will have to rely on MLAT schemes to identify UFOs. Pilots must be mandated to fully use the ADS-b capabilities of their aircraft in their pre-flight procedure.
The using ADS-b for short flights will be a pain in the backside for general aviation and pilots of low passenger puddle jumpers but the UP side of safety is worth it. We have to get this message to our boards and regulators.
Europe and the USA have the highest cost manufacturing in the world. China, Vietnam, Indonesia have the lowest costs. FR24/Gunter need to examine licensing their technology to bring down the costs that those of limited means can afford. Foxconn and Iphone are examples. All successful global European and U.S. companies are realizing great success shifting manufacturing from high cost to low cost countries. Nationalistic pride shouldn't get in the way of succeeding.
Rather than concentrating on a high cost limited box solution, add-on FPGA decoders need to be developed for what is, obsolete ADS-b receivers and dongles. The upside for FR24 is that Feeder quality would increase exponentially. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION and antenna orientation are the only things that will allow ground to ground take-off and landing at airports. FR24 site selection can do that.
From my vantage point that is just my opinion.
John
T-RPVD1
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