Topics

16

French Specific Forum / Welcome

« on: March 19, 2021, 09:15:43 am »

This Forum has been set up to allow discussion between the growing list of PilotAware users in France. Please use it to communicate with your flying colleagues especially those that are not fluent in English. Normal Forum Rules apply courteous and polite please as you always are.

Please note that we will not be able to answer technical questions from the UK unless they are posted on the British Forum in English sorry. However, there are a growing number of champions in France who understand the power of PilotAware and will be able to help you directly.

17

General Discussion / GA Aviation Community Facebook Poll on Electronic Conspicuity.

« on: March 01, 2021, 09:17:40 pm »

Looks like there is a poll on the GA Aviation Community Facebook page to see what Electronic conspicuity you use. It would be rude not to vote.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/380851088752287/?multi_permalinks=1469507796553272&notif_id=1614451503560612&notif_t=group_highlights&ref=notif

18

Latest News / Free Upgrades for Existing OGN Sites

« on: January 30, 2021, 10:37:26 am »

PilotAware Provides Free Upgrades for Existing OGN Stations to ATOM GRID Network.

Following a greater than expected uptake of PilotAware units as part of the 2020 DfT/CAA Grant PilotAware has decided to use its good fortune to give even more back to the General Aviation Community.

To provide greater situational awareness, at and around active gliding sites PilotAware will provide further financial assistance to aviation club and users that have a suitable existing OGN installation to upgrade them to the full functionality of PilotAware ATOM GRID sites.

The upgrade will allow PilotAware users to see the Flarm equipped aircraft in your circuit and beyond thus increasing aviation safety.

The upgrade will also provide a complete Virtual RADAR view of all aircraft detected directly by the site augmented by neighbouring ATOM GRID sites. This will include aircraft transmitting PilotAware,  Flarm, Fanet+, and ADSB in real-time and Mode-S with a small MLAT delay.

Accessing the Virtual RADAR screen via a password protected link, the launch winch or tug master will be provided with real time situational awareness of aircraft in the circuit landing or bandits flying through the zone.

The equipment to be provided free of charge includes 2 antennas, 2 antenna mounts, 2 sets of coaxial cable, 1 software-controlled radio, 1 SMA to mcx pigtail, 1 PilotAware Radio Bridge, and 1 SD card complete with SW.  To complete the installation the club will need to supply the mounting pole and brackets.

An initial 20 sets of upgrade kits have been allocated and help will be provided to configure the software if required.
For more information or to apply for your upgrade kit please contact ATOM@pilotaware.com
For more information on PilotAware ATOM GRID please see the youtube videos at

PilotAware Atom GRID Introduction
https://youtu.be/A8TtscFCRKo

PilotAware Atom GRID Features and Obscuration
https://youtu.be/J1imxhjG8ds

PilotAware ATOM GRID Mode-S 3D
https://youtu.be/wCjRKH3F_Wo

PilotAware ATOM GRID METARS
https://youtu.be/me12z7oLhI4

19

Technical Support / Android Beta Release of PilotAware Now Available

« on: January 29, 2021, 05:36:16 pm »

Thanks to the great work by Neil Hathaway the beta release of the Android version of the Firmware updater has landed. If you are an Android champion give it a whirl and tell us what you think.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=updater.pilotaware

20

Latest News / Android Version of the PilotAware Firmware Updater Now Available.

« on: January 29, 2021, 05:28:21 pm »

Great News for PilotAware Android Users

Thanks to some more fantastic work by Neil Hathaway we now have an Android version of the PilotAware Firmware Updater.
With this new app, you will be able to remotely check what software version is installed, update it if a later version is available, check that your license is current and renew it via the PilotAware site if it is not.
The iOS version has received a great deal of critical acclaim and following significant customer demand we are now releasing the Android version as a beta release.
The app is intuitive with embedded operating instructions.
Devices using Android differ from iOS in that there are many combinations of hardware, software and concurrent apps so this requires an extended test regime.
However, if you are a confident Android user please feel free to download and use the complimentary app available using the following link. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=updater.pilotaware
With both the iOS and the Android Apps, the PilotAware Rosetta or Classic device must be running software at least revision 20190621 or later for the app to work.
The latest public SW release is 20201101.
Please let your flying buddies and your favourite flying forum know the good news and get your software up to date the easy way!
I will open a post in technical support if you have problems so the android experts amongst us can share their expertise.

Enjoy Keith

21

Latest News / New Documents On The Website

« on: January 15, 2021, 05:13:22 pm »

A new document on installing Remote Internal or Remote External Antennas has been loaded onto the website

https://global-uploads.webflow.com/5d56c24810fbfdbe08b488cd/6001b3a02dbe7b9e0f3d2450_Remote%20Antenna%20Installation9d527323c0d80fc22b0daabd1b66361762a92afb252141d65b42887c4dd34bac.pdf


Enjoy

Keith

22

Latest News / New Pilot Aware You Tube Video

« on: December 17, 2020, 08:56:03 pm »

Hi all

A new PilotAware YouTube Video https://youtu.be/u7RgoirQxRs has been posted showing the effects of airframe obscuration and introducing PilotAware VECTOR

Please subscribe, like hit the bell and let your favourite forum know.

Enjoy

Keith

23

Latest News / Introducing PilotAware VECTOR using the Power of the ATOM GRID

« on: December 16, 2020, 07:14:13 pm »

PilotAware Launches PilotAware VECTOR using the power of the ATOM GRID

The UK DfT/CAA electronic conspicuity (EC) grant has shown impressive forward thinking and leadership for UK General Aviation. The grant not only provides pilots with assisted access to their EC hardware of choice, but also shows commitment and drive towards greater safety for all aviators. Well done!

Whilst PilotAware is a low-profit organisation we have obviously benefited from increased sales due to the grant and so have decided to use our good fortune to give more back to UK aviation in a way that benefits everyone.

To do this the PilotAware ATOM GRID ground stations have all been enhanced to track and plot the performance of all EC signals transmitted. These can then be tabulated by each unique aircraft ICAO code. So pilots can now see how well the installed EC is doing.

We call this new and exciting development PilotAware VECTOR.

Verification of Electronic Conspicuity Transmission Obscuration and Range

Using VECTOR all pilots will be able to gain polar diagrams, of their individual EC transmission performance as they fly within the UK. The diagrams provided will show how well the EC signals are being transmitted from the aircraft and whether they are being obscured or attenuated by the occupants or the airframe.

Using the results, carry on EC devices can then be positioned to achieve the best performance possible. Alternatively remote internal or external antennas can be added if required to overcome airframe obscuration.

The last 30 days of data collected by the ATOM GRID network is used to plot the diagrams so the data available will be dependent on the amount of flying you have done in the last month. No flight No data. No diagrams The more flying the better the diagrams.

PilotAware VECTOR is now available on the PiotAware website for you to check your Rosetta installation. VECTOR will also be able to check the performance of all EC devices including; ADSB from a transponder, Flarm and Power Flarm, PilotAware, Cap1391 devices (SKY Echo 1 and 2), OGN trackers and Fanet+. Mode S transponders will be added at a later date.

So to access VECTOR and get your individual charts, visit https://www.pilotaware.com/post/introducing-pilotaware-vector.

Happy Christmas from PilotAware and get VECTORing.

24

Latest News / DfT Provides Funding for Electronic Conspicuity

« on: October 05, 2020, 02:29:13 pm »

Great News from the DfT and the CAA

The CAA has announced that using funding provided by the Department for Transport, they will be providing grants for electronic conspicuity devices up to a maximum of £250.

This is really good news that shows that the government and the CAA are now committed to EC integration in the United Kingdom.

The grant is available to all UK pilots (not aircraft) and includes all types of electronic conspicuity including PilotAware. This initiative shows that there is a recognition that no one electronic conspicuity device can meet all requirements and that financial assistance will help in voluntary equipage of your preferred device or devices.

 As all of our supporters will know PilotAware Rosetta and the ATOM GRID network provides more interoperability than any other device available at any price and we are fully supportive of this initiative to improve aviation safety in the UK.

 The CAA has not wasted the opportunity to produce a chart that shows that ADSB-out gets more yes’s than any other technology but this is of course based on the questions that they have asked which are biased towards ADSB. However there is no mention of a single technology mandate ADSB or otherwise, this is I suggest, because there is not going to be one in the near future.

PilotAware users will all be winners, as whatever technology is chosen by individuals taking advantage of the grant, PilotAware can with the ATOM GRID detect them all and provide value added services not available to the other technologies.

Please spread the news that PilotAware Rosetta and all installation bundles will now be available with up to £250 off making a single Rosetta on its own cost £162.50 including vat with more savings if an installation kit is bought at the same time.  Bargain.

 Also, many supporters have asked if we can provide an extension to the 1st year software license (i) so they don’t forget to re-license and also (ii) to make the process easier for them. (iii) Avoid future price increases. So there is will be an option to do this as well, at today's yearly rate of £12 plus vat.

The full announcement from the CAA s available here.

https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Aircraft-ownership-and-maintenance/Electronic-Conspicuity-devices/

 

25

Latest News / Latest Software Now Available

« on: September 11, 2020, 01:00:25 pm »

Hi All

We are pleased to announce that the latest PilotAware software (20200906) is now available for immediate general release.

What’s New in the latest software revision.

As well as bug fixes and interface updates, the latest version of software contains new features and improvements in the existing functionality.

New features include:

1.   Upload of METAR data when in range of an ATOM GRID (OGN-R) ground station or stations.
2.   Improved connectivity to Electronic Flight Bags using iOS (Apple) or Android devices.
3.   Bug Fixes and software updates identified since the last release. 
4.   Upgrades to cater for third party software changes.
5.   Internal architecture changes to facilitate future upgrades and data transmission.
6.   Introduction of the PilotAware Firmware Updater v1.75 for the easy update of new software releases.
7.   Software update using a Router.


In addition, the PilotAware Firmware Updater† has been released for Apple iOS users making this and future updates very easy. † Courtesy of Neil Hathaway, thanks Neil.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/pilotaware-firmware-updater/id1505146719

Updating your software from the previous release 20190621, is now easy with 4 options to get the new update.

1.   PilotAware Firmware Updater. Currently this is only available for Apple devices but an Android version will be available later in the year. This is the easiest way to update your software from the previous release. The app is very intuitive and instructions are available on how to use it on the home page. There are simple steps to follow described on the App. In essence they are;

•   Using the same single iOS device iPhone or iPad
•   Download and open the app.
•   Whilst still connected to the internet download the latest software as prompted to the iOS device.
•   Log on to your PilotAware unit (Rosetta or Classic) WiFi hotspot
•   Download the new software from your iOS device to the PilotAware unit.
•   Restart the PilotAware unit from the App as instructed
•   Log back in to PilotAware WiFi when the PilotAware unit has restarted


2.   By Memory Stick using update file.  Another popular and easy method is to use a memory stick and downloading the new software via a pgp update file. How to do this is described in the following document.    https://pilotaware.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/180529-Software-upgrade-by-Flash-Memory-stick..pdf

3.   Updata via router. If you have software 20190621 installed then your Rosetta software is ready to be updated by connecting to a Router. This is describe on page 19 of the 20190621 Operating Instructions available from https://pilotaware.com/Documents/Operating%20Instructions%2020190621.pdf?_t=1561197960

4.   Manual Update. If you have not kept your software up to date and it is earlier than 20190621 then you will need to undertake a full manual update. How to do this is described in the following instructions available from the PilotAware Website . https://pilotaware.com/knowledge-base/manual-software-update/

5.   Pre-Loaded card. If you are unable to or do not want to upload the free software for a manual upgrade, we also supply a new 16Gbit SD card pre-loaded with the latest software and with instructions on how to install it. This is now available from the PilotAware.com website .

The Operating Instructions for the latest software release are available at https://pilotaware.com/documents/


Enjoy

Keith

26

Latest News / New You Tube Video

« on: May 17, 2020, 05:02:22 pm »

Another New YouTube Video Uploaded

Another You Tube video has been uploaded. This describes what PilotAware Rosetta is at the highest level in a block diagram format. Most forumites will know this but it does also hint at some of the next developments now we have the support of ATOM GRID.


The previous new YouTube video described what types of Electronic Conspicuity (EC) are available in the UK and Europe and how PilotAware Classic and Rosetta units can see more aircraft than any other device available. There is a clear description of what can and can't be seen and an introduction to ATOM GRID and Mode-S 3D. The video can be seen here

https://youtu.be/zyAfh2xhA50

This seems to follow on straight after  the latest one

Please socialise this new, new one to anyone who is unclear of what can and can't be seen by PilotAware and how the 178 ATOM GRID stations will light up their screens with aircraft when they are in range. Please Subscribe and Thumbs Up if you like the video.

Working on the ATOM GRID Video now.

Cheers

ADMIN

27

General Discussion / PilotAware and ADSB-out

« on: January 26, 2020, 05:57:19 pm »

PilotAWare and ADSB-out

The subject of why PilotAware Ltd does not invest and produce an ADSB-out module for the award-winning PilotAware range has been raised again on a certain forum.

So to remind everyone why this is so, we have produced the following paper to let you all know why we and others do not do this.

Feel free to distribute this further to anyone who is similarly interested.

http://bit.ly/2NYxjDo

Cheers

Keith

28

General Discussion / EASA General Aviation Forum

« on: June 12, 2019, 08:07:48 pm »

EASA General Aviation Forum

Hi All

I just posted the following on the EASA General Aviation Forum to let a wider audience know about our exciting new software release next week.
The EASA General Aviation Forum is worthy of being supported as it provides a genuinely international forum to share your views. In this case how we should all share our views to help to shape genuinely interoperable Electronic Conspicuity for all in Europe at low cost which is the PilotAware mission.

Perhaps you should let your views be known to help us all move forward?

https://www.easa.europa.eu/community/topics/last-mode-s-traffic-can-be-displayed-bearing

29

Latest News / Important CAP1777 And Why We Should All Respond

« on: May 12, 2019, 04:20:39 pm »

IMPORTANT CAP1777 And Why You Should All Respond And Encourage Others To Respond As Well


CAP1777 is the latest document issued by the CAA in their process towards the goal of mandating Electronic Conspicuity at 1090Mhz in all airspace across the UK. As Southampton joins the queue to grab more Class G airspace there is more evidence that sports aviation in the UK is under an increasing threat.  Please take the time to have a look at CAP1777 and respond by the closing date of May 25th 2019. Silence will be seen as acceptance.

There are 6 questions to be answered some open some closed so please let your views be known.

The following document has been produced as a single interpretative precis. This may not be your view but is provided to help frame your response.

Perhaps your other favourite forum(s) should be informed of the imminent deadline and importance of a response.

Here is the document

https://pilotaware.com/Documents/CAP177%20Forum.pdf?_t=1557651028

30

Latest News / Great News For PilotAware Users on the EASA Register

« on: March 15, 2019, 12:04:31 pm »

Great News for EASA Aircraft Owners

There is good news for owners of GA aircraft on the EASA register that have a transponder, which is capable of ADS-B (extended squitter) but has not had a suitable GNSS position source.
Within the next month, EASA will be releasing an update to CS-STAN Standard Changes and Standard Repairs.  If everything goes well, the update should include CS-SC005a, which will authorise aircraft maintenance engineers to connect GNSS position sources to an ADS-B capable transponder to enable ADS-B OUT.
Three configurations will be permissible under this standard change and Configuration 3 allows certified transponder + ADS-B OUT + uncertified GNSreports SIL = 0 and SDA = 0 (for airborne traffic awareness only).
This is great news for PilotAware users who also have aircraft on the EASA Register as you will now be able to have your PilotAware connected to your ES equipped transponder with the blessing of EASA.
This ruling reflects EASA's view that there should be greater interoperability between the various EC devices that are being voluntarily installed by the GA community in Europe.
The next step will hopefully, be a relaxation in the rules for the installation of external antennas to increase the performance of PilotAware.
Dominique Roland, Head of GA at EASA has a very pragmatic and encouraging attitude towards GA and the introduction of fit for purpose Electronic Conspicuity such as FLARM and PilotAware.
Read the discussion that Dominique has opened on the EASA GA Forum.
https://www.easa.europa.eu/community/topics/cs-stan-amdt-3-address-adsb-out-installation

I understand that Dominique has done this to open the debate about Electronic Conspicuity in Europe. So join the EASA GA forum and let them know what you think. Whether you want to continue to use the EC of your choice, hopefully, PilotAware, or prefer an ADSB-out mandate for all.