Do I need to upgrade to Pi 2?

[DavidC]

I'm a bit out of date with the latest developments. Have been using PAW for some time in ADS-B receive mode only and looking forward to getting one of those new bridges.

The current hardware document states that the design in built on a Pi Model 1 B+, but in the Classic model it uses Model 2 B

I can't find the Forum thread that discusses that (I think there was one before about supporting Mode S, which requires more processing power). I recall an earlier explanation that differences in the software libraries mean the software may not work on all models of Pi, and that power consumption on the latest models is considerably higher (so not a good thing for battery life).

Do I need to upgrade my Pi board to make use of those latest features?

Will the same software work on both hardware versions?

Are there any plans to work on the Pi 3, which includes onboard Wi-Fi thus saving component count?

Thanks for any insights and answers. I read elsewhere that the documentation is being updated and recognise its difficult/hard work to keep everything up to date and aligned.

[Admin]

Hi David,

PilotAware does not require an upgrade to Pi 2 to run the features you have been using until now.

When you trade in your Wireless Things ARF you will have the choice to :-
- obtain a discounted Bridge to use with your existing PiB+
- obtain a discounted PilotAware Classic

There are 2 new features on the PilotAware Classic
1. Mode-S detection
2. Audio Alerts for ADS-B/P3I and Mode-S (requires connection into intercomm/headset)

Thx
Lee

[DavidC]

Thanks Lee

Sounds like the same software build will run on either hardware variant.

I also have a Pi 3 model available (with built-in Wi-Fi). Is that supported by the current software too? (I appreciate that you don't want to have to test each new software release on multiple variants).

[Admin]

I also have a Pi 3 model available (with built-in Wi-Fi). Is that supported by the current software too? (I appreciate that you don't want to have to test each new software release on multiple variants).

Hi David,
No looked at PI3, at first glance, a little concerned about its power requirements TBH
Thx
Lee

[DavidC]

In case others read this thread and also aren't up to speed with the latest developments around the Pi 2 board, I found this recent explanation  very helpful.

In summary, it seems that the same software version will figure out whether its running on an older Pi 1B+ or newer Pi 2 and activate the new features (Mode S and audio alerts) or not as appropriate. So I guess older boards will continue to be supported indefinitely but may not benefit from significant new features (well those that need a lot of extra processing power anyway).