Random traffic?

[Andy H]

We have noticed a broken orange circle centred on our aircraft with a code C-067B or similat c- *** code. see the attached screen shot.
It appears at random times both on the ground and in flight, always centred on our aircraft.

The Hex code has been checked on G-info so its not that.

[Admin]

This is a Mode-C Proximity detection using relative altitude
Can you share the settings on your configure page

[Andy H]

Here is the config page. How can I improve the settings?

[Ian Melville]

The only thing I would change is the vertical and horizontal range of positional contacts from 'All' to a figure beyond which you are not that interested in the traffic. e.g +- 2000 feet to match your bearing less targets, and less than 10Km range.
You also need to undestand what the rings are telling you and decise if you want that info displayed.

Cheers
Ian

[grahambaker]

Mode ‘C/S+Filter’ needs selecting. It’s probably your own Mode C which is being displayed.

[Admin]

as Graham indicates if you have a transponder ModeAC or ModeACS you need to set the option for 'filter'

BTW, your PilotAware performance is stunningly good


Thx
Lee

[exfirepro]

Hi Andy,

I echo most of what has been said above. Your initial screenshot indicates the reception of a Mode-C response from a transponder. This could be from another aircraft fitted with an actual Mode-C transponder, or a Mode-C (altitude) response from any nearby Mode-S transponder. If you are running a transponder of any sort in your aircraft, your ‘Bearingless Contact Setting’ for Mode-C/S MUST be set to ‘Mode-CS + Filter’. If - as in your case - the filter is not set there is a high probability that the ‘Random’ Mode C responses are from your own transponder.

If you wan’t to reduce Bearingless Alerts from Mode C/S aircraft generally, you could try reducing the Mode-C/S Horizontal Sensitivity to ‘Short Range’ and or the Mode-C/S Vertical Display Range to +/- 1000ft - if you are happy to accept the increased level of risk as these aircraft will be considerably closer by the time you get warnings. (In reality, it is perfectly acceptable to fly on the Short Range and +/- 1000ft settings, but DO NOT risk using the Ultra Short Range Setting unless you are fully aware of the potential effect on warnings.)

My second comment (sorry Ian) is that the Positional Contacts Settings Horizontal and Vertical Display options should ONLY be used if your Electronic Flight Bag (Route and Traffic Display System) doesn’t have it’s own Horizontal and Vertical Display Range Settings (most do - in which case you should leave the PAW ones at ‘Display All’ and set your chosen restricted ranges in your EFB Settings). The ‘Select Audio Warning Zones’ ranges BTW only control transmission of PilotAware Audio Alerts, and will have no effect on audio alerts generated directly by EFB’s such as EasyVFR or SkyDemon.

Hope this helps clarify the situation.

Congratulations on your PilotAware Performance - an excellent example. I take it you have external antennas fitted to your Eurostar. Well done!

Best Regards
Peter

[Andy H]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions I'll make the changes.
You're right the external antennas are mounted to the underside of the wing, in the fillet between the wing and fusalage.

[Andy H]

Hi, I have switched on the C/S +filter option as advised as you will see in the settings screenshot.

Can anyone explain the screen from the nav app showing a mode C target 1109 feet below us as we depart the ATZ at around 1,100. therefore the traget is on the ground within the ATZ so it's highly unlikely to be another aircraft. Was it a drone? or something else?

Also, what does the code C-194A mean? or is it a randomley generated code as Mode C does not transmit a callsign.

Thanks for your help!

[steveu]

Can anyone explain the screen from the nav app showing a mode C target 1109 feet below us as we depart the ATZ at around 1,100. therefore the traget is on the ground within the ATZ so it's highly unlikely to be another aircraft. Was it a drone? or something else?

Not an explanation but only brief comments. The distance to the Mode C emission is only an estimate based on received power. The altitude comes from the mode C which is hopefully accurate on 1013.2 standard pressure setting but again, I wouldn't put money on the accuracy of it. Mode C/S is, for me, just a reminder to take a second look around.

I wouldn't look at either number on that mode C target as gospel...

[Admin]

Mode C codes are auto generated, as there is no code emitted
I would say this is an aircraft on the ground, responding to an interrogation
Unlikely to be a drone
Thx
Lee

[Andy H]

Hi, Is there a list of or instructions relating to the traffice information Pilotaware sends to Nav apps?
I appreciate each nav app is a little different in how it interprets and displays the information.
Any guidence appreciated.

[Admin]

there are 2 specifications

- GDL90
- Flarm dataport specification

these detail data sent to the EFB