Messages

16

General Discussion / Re: Release notes for latest version.

« on: September 03, 2020, 09:55:40 pm »

Lee and Team
Upgraded one of my PAW.
The process is brilliant! All done in a few seconds and working.
Thanks for all your efforts.
Regards
Gerry

17

General Discussion / Re: Flyer forum... sigh...

« on: August 10, 2020, 12:27:48 pm »

Steve
I think ignorance of the facts comes to mind.
When PAW started out 5 years ago there was virtually no EC about and certainly not a broad audience of users.
PAW was inspired by the need that light aircraft of all sorts needed some Conspicuity beyond the naked eye and at a sensible price.
The CAA/NATS had very little thoughts on it and only expensive solutions were available. Mode S with ES to give ADS-B.
PAW with a price point of £250 and Flarm support through OGN was and is a very workable EC aid for private and often lightweight aircraft.
SkyEcho 2 with ADS-B IN/OUT plus Flarm contacts is nearly £500 and its ADS-B capabilities are confined to ADS-B and FLARM if paid for.
Some of the comments made on PPrune spoke as though ATC had ADS-B capability as a tool.
They certainly don't at Bristol which is an Airport with 72,927 movement in 2019 and ‎8,699,529 Passengers.
Not insignificant for a Regional Airport. I believe we are still in single number figures for ADS-B as ATC Tool. Maybe only Manchester City Airport.
So...... PAW is rolling along nicely, its price is attainable to many Pilots and Owners and in my own practice gives great conspicuity with ADS-B, FLARM and PAW Users.
Not a bad awareness remit.

The Service Lobby argument stated that the RAF had ADS-B on a wide range of aircraft..... so why isn't it implemented or switched in a significant number of instances.
We are not at War so no excuse for not being an ADS-B emitter which is the often the case.

PPrune in some subjects is becoming a type of the new WOKE iniatitive in Aviation matters.

Regards
Gerry

18

Technical Support / Re: Reliable Power Sources and Powerbanks

« on: August 06, 2020, 08:12:37 am »

I'm using a LifePO4 12 Amp Hour Battery in my non-Electric aircraft (No Generator).
The Supply for both iPhone XR (SkyDemon) and PAW are served by a Charge 2.
This arrangement has been is use 4 years and is simpe but solid.
I do have a standby dual USB 20,000 mAh Power Block velcroed to fuselage side.
Rarely used but there in case my SkyEcho 2 runs out of juice or I have forgotten to charge it.
Regards
Gerry

19

Technical Support / Re: Pilotaware firmware updater

« on: June 22, 2020, 11:26:36 am »

Whoa! Nobody has a problem with anyone!!!
Words on a Forum can be and often are misunderstood in inference.
The comment made by Steve was pertinent and if you had been face to face this all would have worked out.
The PAW Organistaion is small and doesn't have huge resources to meet all User demands straightaway.
Older iPhone may have to stay using the older software or maybe it will work using methodology already in place.
Android Users will be OK once the latest system is ported.
Its the way of the IT World. How do I know. I've had 50 bloody years of it!!!
Kind Regards
Gerry

20

General Discussion / Re: Pilot Aware Classic - True DIY Upgrade (NOT the PAW Official One)

« on: June 16, 2020, 06:50:03 am »

Kevin
Get clear Plastic case if you can. It does show RPI status. Also easy to line up any connections sockets for drilling.
My ADS-B is standard Dongle from early days, did get hot. Its still proper warm but survives 90 minute flights.
Connecting it to a socket ready for exterrnal connection is via thin lead. Does this dissipate some heat?
I have NO Fan installed.

You will need some of this stuff to transition connectors from encased RPi and Bridge to allow external connections.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/MCX-Male-SMA-Female-Radio-Communication-Coaxial-Cables-Connectors/48704/bn_7026452826
You are almost there!
Gerry

21

General Discussion / Re: Pilot Aware Classic - True DIY Upgrade (NOT the PAW Official One)

« on: June 15, 2020, 01:14:57 pm »

Kevin
Not sure if it is of use but here's a picture of my PAW Aerial position. Works well!
Gerry

22

General Discussion / Re: Pilot Aware Classic - True DIY Upgrade (NOT the PAW Official One)

« on: June 15, 2020, 01:03:52 pm »

Kevin
Some holes will need drilling.
Its not a big issue, especially with clear plastic version!
Having all connections made externally just helps set up PAW for a more permanent fitment.

Regarding 1090. I use the aerial provided with ADS-B Dongle, cut it to about 3 inches at most and poke through insulated hole in  aircraft skin.
I get scores of ADS-B traffic up to 150km.
At my sedate 75 knots any traffic notified with 5 miles excites me! Never look beyond that!
Regards
Gerry

23

General Discussion / Re: Pilot Aware Classic - True DIY Upgrade (NOT the PAW Official One)

« on: June 14, 2020, 06:25:42 pm »

Kevin
Photo as promised. Not a wonderful rendition though.

The PAW is a external connector out to Aerial via just long enough RG400. From Ground I get 15km range.
The ADS-B is same configuration but with RG58 to a very short aerial on Aircraft top skin. No problems out to 100km easily.
The GPS Dongle is situated at my open cockpit windshield and connects through USB to USB inline connector.
Its rough and ready but works very well.

Power is via Charge 2. That also supplies iPhone XR running Skydemon App.
I deliberately kept 12V supply separate to Yaesu 550. That uses a 12V to 8.4V Regulator Unit.

Couldn't wheel out aircraft so flash photo.

Hope it helps.
Regards
Gerry

24

General Discussion / Re: Pilot Aware Classic - True DIY Upgrade (NOT the PAW Official One)

« on: June 13, 2020, 09:39:35 pm »

Kevin Hi!
I have done exactly what is crossing your mind.
The Case I used was as follows: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XSGHKFP/?coliid=I2RGZUOAVYQ7U1&colid=T0NKVZWFDAJ2&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Unfortunately is out of Stock in 'clear'! It can be found in Black and White at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADS-B-Raspberry-Stratux-Finish-Assembly-Black/dp/B06XS1F645/ref=sr_1_2?adgrpid=52112193486&dchild=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8pH3BRAXEiwA1pvMsdztbFaR9EudnJTfk7NE_DSYxB96QT0mFvEwFumkjHY_V8l-MjC0eRoCDxkQAvD_BwE&hvadid=259138173835&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1007068&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9203242145225061228&hvtargid=kwd-295507780030&hydadcr=25505_1820373&keywords=stratux+case&qid=1592079829&sr=8-2&tag=googhydr-21

When I received mine it was my aim was to make all connections to Case from external connection.
That meant odd fittings needed. The GPS is connected that way. The ADS-B receiver does get hot. I removed mine from its Dongle and then the aerial is connected via external connection.
Tell you what. My PAW is installed in the aircraft out of sight. I will try any and get a photo for you tomorrow.
Final Words tonight. It is working very well!
Photo to come.
Gerry

25

General Discussion / Re: Licence renewal

« on: May 24, 2020, 06:02:21 pm »

Pascal
Not sure if you have missed anything other than License Renewal email.
I certainly had mine last week and it was renewed with seconds.
The Renewal reminder sent on 22nd May for expiry of Jun 4th.
Hope you get it fixed quickly especially with weather so good!
Regards
Gerry

26

General Discussion / G-AWKO - Beagle B121 Pup

« on: April 28, 2020, 10:50:56 am »

Is there anyway that any of the Logs for PAW Ground Stations would have recorded a movement of this Aircraft in past months.
G-AWKO - Beagle B121 Pup - TYPE CODE PUP - MODE S - 4017A0
FR24 has no record over past 12 months.
Regards
Gerry

27

General Discussion / Re: Torn between PAW and SkyEcho

« on: March 02, 2020, 11:37:38 am »

Graham Hi.
You wont be unpopular as thats a valid opinion.
Transponders with Extended Squitter are nice to have. Expensive though. BTW, what is supplying your GPS location for TPx?
As I've said earlier. I have SE2 just for ADS-B OUT. PAW is giving me Flarm, ADS-B IN, some Mode C and S indications and all for around £200.
Less than a set of Plugs in my very old Continental Engine!
True that SE2 with SkyDemon and FLARM subscription gives you a lot but it misses those who only have PAW presence.
Thats my take on it and I'm happy.....well most of the time.
Regards
Gerry

28

General Discussion / Re: Torn between PAW and SkyEcho

« on: March 02, 2020, 04:46:30 am »

Merlin Hi from SW England

My answer wont help with your succinct question....PAW or SE2 but gives another set of thinking.
I operate a single seat, non electric old airplane so power consumption for me is paramount with only a 7AH LIfePO4 Battery.
I have used PAW for sometime and find it very useful but also felt slightly concerned that I had no Transponder ES or ADS-B signature.
The decison I made was to go with SE2 using ADS-B OUT mode only as well as the rest covered by PAW.
Obviously the SE2 is transmitting blind from my prospective but will give ADS-B warning to others.
I check performance on FR24 post flight and from that feel confident that others would have been aware of me.
Yes it would be neater to have ADS-B OUT from PAW but that is a big mountain to climb for the Developers.
In monetary terms the PAW Classic I have cost around £150 including RPi3 and the SkyEcho 2 was at the introduction price of £340. Less than £500 in total.
My only other option would have been TRIG TPx with ES, probably £2000 plus additional power consumption.
I dont fly in airspace that has mandatory TPx so TRIG functionality would be a waste of the facility.
Not sure this helps but it works for me.
Kind Regards
Gerry

29

General Discussion / Re: Aircrew Traffic Display

« on: February 11, 2020, 10:46:34 am »

Thanks Peter.
Good and factual feedback on what looks like a very useful device.
Gerry

30

Technical Support / Re: Is there anyone in Lincolnshire with pilotaware

« on: October 27, 2019, 08:45:53 am »

Aircraft Registration? General Flight Area for PAW reception? Will check FR24 Log as well.
Gerry