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Flightradar24 – how it works

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Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#63

Is there a simple solution to get a basic offline map (OSM maybe) and use a pi without internet as a radar display at my local non-towered airport?

Yes. A cheap DVB-T dongle supported by RTL-SDR along with https://github.com/MalcolmRobb/dump1090 or similar will allow this, but bear in mind that something like this should really not be used in any situation where flight safety depends on it.

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#64
post #56

In Germany receiving ADS-B used to be illegal (I don't think it has changed, but I did not verify.) In Finland receiving as such is not illegal, but forwarding the information is. In both cases the reasoning is that this information is not directed to the public. Whether anybody has ever been prosecuted I have no idea.

That seems very odd. Somewhat similar to putting up a billboard then saying it's illegal for people to read it, as the billboard wasn't intended for them.

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#65

Rtl-sdrs are great, probably one of the best accidental discoveries I've seen. So many things being sent out from 0-1.5GHz that you can sniff. One that I see often are the unencrypted pagers broadcasting patient details, hotel security information etc. Then you've also got amateur radio, air traffic control, GSM, key fobs, weather stations, satellites, all within the reach of anyone with $15 to spare.

I want[ed] to get one but the options are overwhelming. I dislike buying not-the-best product. I also dislike eBay, which seems to be one of the main methods of purchasing a setup (have been burned too many times by sellers).

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#67
post #26

Not a big fan of "data monopolies" like Flightradar24. It's as if OpenStreetMaps was a private company that capitalizes on being first into the space and having a community of contributors willing to supply data to a private company for free. I hope an open data project such as https://www.adsbexchange.com/ wins in the long-term.

Is there an open version for ship data as well?

Last I checked there AISHub was the biggest reusable source of AIS data. Coverage map here: http://www.aishub.net/coverage. They are used by various sites like https://www.vesselfinder.com/

MarineTraffic has a more comprehensive monitoring network but they keep the data to themselves. Details at https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/p/expand-coverage

As noted by another comment, AIS signals are being broadcast line-of-sight from the ground so you need more receivers than you do to track airplanes. OTOH you only need the receivers on the coastlines and on major inland waterways, not over the whole earth's surface. (If you want to track a ship mid-ocean, you'll need a satellite. Those exist but cost $$.)

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#68

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It seems possible to make AIS receiver using RTL-SDR + RPI. I am about to make it, there's a couple of guides online.

AIS isn’t long range though. You’d need an incredible amount of base stations for any sort of decent coverage of frequented areas.

50k radius if not more off a 10 sailboat mast. In context of sailing boat that you only meed couple of kilometers.

BTW new Iridiums are capturing AIS and ADS-B from satelite.

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#69
post #65

Rtl-sdrs are great, probably one of the best accidental discoveries I've seen. So many things being sent out from 0-1.5GHz that you can sniff. One that I see often are the unencrypted pagers broadcasting patient details, hotel security information etc. Then you've also got amateur radio, air traffic control, GSM, key fobs, weather stations, satellites, all within the reach of anyone with $15 to spare.

I want[ed] to get one but the options are overwhelming. I dislike buying not-the-best product. I also dislike eBay, which seems to be one of the main methods of purchasing a setup (have been burned too many times by sellers).

Buy the kit from rtl-sdr.com -- no need to use ebay and they are the best option for a beginner

Re: Flightradar24 – how it works

#70
post #64
post #56

In Germany receiving ADS-B used to be illegal (I don't think it has changed, but I did not verify.) In Finland receiving as such is not illegal, but forwarding the information is. In both cases the reasoning is that this information is not directed to the public. Whether anybody has ever been prosecuted I have no idea.

That seems very odd. Somewhat similar to putting up a billboard then saying it's illegal for people to read it, as the billboard wasn't intended for them.

Someone putting a car in the middle of nowhere doesn’t leave it there for anyone ti pickup.
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