Straightline,
In the early days of PilotAware, there were relatively few units operational. These were spread very thinly across the country and only operational when users were testing or flying. This made it extremely difficult for new users to find other units to test their new installations against, so a few individuals - like Eric - volunteered to set up ground stations so that new users could find a reliable local station in a known, fixed location.
Eric has been running his station from his house near Blackpool since May 2016 and likes to keep us updated with regular reports of local PilotAware activity. Transmitted (TX) data 'packets' indicate level of activity from his station since the unit was last rebooted. As this is reported on a (roughly) daily basis, we would expect 'Transmitted data' figures to be relatively consistent, but nonetheless this confirms that the station has continued transmitting reliably. Of more significant interest, when compared on a day to day basis over a longer term and taking into account the effects of varying weather on flying, the RX - (Received) data 'packets' from other PilotAwares give a direct indication of increasing levels of PilotAware activity in the local area which reflects the significantly increased take up of a PilotAware across the UK.
It is important to note that the number of 'packets' received does not directly reflect the number of aircraft recorded, though this could if required be determined from an analysis of the station log files.
Although perhaps of lesser importance these days for 'testing' of new installations as PilotAware usage spreads across the UK, these stations continue to be excellent test beds to demonstrate long term reliability of the equipment used in the PilotAware system.
Hope this helps
Regards
Peter