Live data from Hacker News

Flightradar24 – how it works

habr.com

11–20 of 160 posts

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#13
If you use macOS you might enjoy my app Max Planes [1]. It displays all the ADS-B data, tracks planes on a MapKit view and allows you to save and replay logs.

Also I have an open source Mac app [2] to act a network server for the USB device. It contains a copy of dump1090 with everything statically linked so you don't need to build anything yourself. Just plug in the dongle and launch the app. It is codesigned, sandboxed and notorized.

You can also use the prebuilt dump1090 binary included inside the App.

[1] https://mtlabs.com.au/planes/

[2] https://github.com/mxswd/dump1090-mac-app

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#15

“Every civilian airliner is equipped with a special device — the so-caller ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) transponder” Not true actually: in the US, ADS-B isn’t required until January 1, 2020 [1]. Also, FR24 uses radar data in the US (probably because not all aircraft has ADS-B) [2]. There are also sites, such as ADS-B Exchange [3] that provide unfiltered flight data...very helpful for tracking mi…

Even after 2020 ADS-B out won't be required in much of the airspace in the US. Only within 30 nautical miles of a class B airport, within the lateral limits of a class C airport, within class D airspace, and above 10k feet (but not below 2500 AGL I think). Even then, its only required for aircraft originally equipped with an alternator and electrical system (except in class B).

Basically, it's optional in most uncontrolled airspace and for older aircraft.

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#16
post #13

If you use macOS you might enjoy my app Max Planes [1]. It displays all the ADS-B data, tracks planes on a MapKit view and allows you to save and replay logs. Also I have an open source Mac app [2] to act a network server for the USB device. It contains a copy of dump1090 with everything statically linked so you don't need to build anything yourself. Just plug in the dongle and launch the app. It is codesigned, sandb…

Very cool - I will try that one, just need an SDR.

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#17
You know what would be a fun experiment with this:

Would be to specifially watch all the planes that fly in and out of a large notable event; such as the superbowl, or davos, g-20 summit etc - and see where all thise private jets come from to get to that event...

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#20

You know what would be a fun experiment with this: Would be to specifially watch all the planes that fly in and out of a large notable event; such as the superbowl, or davos, g-20 summit etc - and see where all thise private jets come from to get to that event...

I've seen people doing this on Twitter. With yachts, too, IIRC.
Post reply on HN