PilotAware

British Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: straightline on October 15, 2016, 01:04:16 pm

Title: PAW take-up and Coverage
Post by: straightline on October 15, 2016, 01:04:16 pm

I was thinking how widespread the take-up of PAW actually is so here's my attempt at a summary:
 * PAW can detect the range, bearing and relative altitude of nearby traffic using ADS-B (most CAT traffic?)
 * PAW can detect the range, bearing and relative altitude of nearby a/c using PAW (a low % of GA a/c?)
 * PAW will soon be able to detect nearby traffic using Mode C/S but only their relative altitude not their bearing and range (a large % of GA a/c?)
 * PAW can detect a/c like gliders using FLARM but needs a FLARM "mouse" which is expensive 

So best results using ADS-B and PAW as the transmission source but not as good for Mode C/S. ADS-B generates a more powerful signal but this route is pricey. PAW is a the only low-cost alternative so the more a/c that use it the better. 

Is that a fair summary? 
 

Title: Re: PAW take-up and Coverage
Post by: Paul_Sengupta on October 15, 2016, 04:51:17 pm

Mode C and non-ADS-B-Mode-S are available now.

On Sky Demon they display a ring based on signal strength, green and large, amber and mid or red and small to give some idea of the distance from the other aircraft.

The only reasonably-ish priced portable gadget which displayed an approximate bearing for Mode C/S was the Zaon XRX. That was about £800, but the company went bust and you can't get them any more.