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View Full Version : Do it yourself, Cheap ADS-B, with Raspberry Pi



n85ae
10-08-2015, 08:57 AM
Quite interesting thread over here at the Naviator forum, if anybody's
into computer stuff, etc. This is actually a pretty simple device to build,
and for probably under $100 you can get ADS-B IN for about an afternoon
projects worth of fooling around. It's not totally robust yet, but I bet with
a few more weeks time it will be.

http://forum.naviatorapp.com/viewtopic.php?id=1159

Jeff

rv9ralph
10-08-2015, 11:12 AM
There is a similar project for ADS-B in on the EAA Website, here:
http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-communities-and-interests/homebuilt-aircraft-and-homebuilt-aircraft-kits/resources-for-while-youre-building/building-articles/instruments-and-avionics/live-weather-and-traffic-for-less-than-$120

Ralph

n85ae
10-08-2015, 12:00 PM
Two documents for the same project basically, Raspberry Pi, with Stratux
installed.

Can't wait for somebody to come out with the FAA legal Raspberry Pi
$100 ADS-B "Out" version.

cubtractor
10-08-2015, 12:20 PM
I built one. I have the GPS and AHRS chip wired in to mine. Not that I needed the GPS and AHRS but I like to tinker. It works really well.

n85ae
10-09-2015, 08:51 AM
Lot's of different links, and docs out there. Which did you follow for the AHRS/GPS? Could you post the links?

Thanks!
Jeff

cubtractor
10-09-2015, 09:15 AM
I started with the simplest unit, ADS-B UAT978. I had just under $100 in it. Then added the second dongle for the 1090es frequency. The 1090es isn't really needed for flight below 18,000 ft, plus it takes more power to run it with the second dongle. Supposedly after the end of this year, the FAA will transmit all 1090es information over the 978 UAT frequency anyway. I then added the AHRS chip. I'll add the links I found most useful below. You might search around and find the components cheaper, this is just a easy reference list.
The battery pack listed below is ok if you are running a single dongle but it doesn't provide enough power with 2 dongles. You can search the reddit forums for better packs. I can also run it off of usb power in the plane as long as the usb output is at least 2.4 amps. I'll list the cig adapter I use.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MV6TAJI/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2UOU72/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JM59JPG/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

This article is an easy explanation.
http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-communities-and-interests/homebuilt-aircraft-and-homebuilt-aircraft-kits/resources-for-while-youre-building/building-articles/instruments-and-avionics/live-weather-and-traffic-for-less-than-$120

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VH84L5E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181566850426?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

That should get you started. If you need links to wiring, etc. let me know.
All of the information is at the following 3 links.

https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/3fscia/the_11390_adsb_receiver_for_foreflight_or_pretty/

https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/3g7urb/the_11390_adsb_receiver_for_foreflight_or_pretty/

https://www.reddit.com/r/stratux/

n85ae
10-09-2015, 02:34 PM
Thanks. I've got all those links already, and the parts ordered. However that's
a good consolidated list for people to use tha you posted.

The part I was having a hard time figuring out was the AHRS module itself. I see
you posted the source for the part link, do you have any links for setting
it up?

Jeff

cubtractor
10-09-2015, 02:45 PM
It comes with a usb cable but the best way is to wire it to the GPIO connection.
Wiring is as follows:

Left value is chip circuit -> Right value is GPIO pin location

Power:
VDD -> PIN 02
GND -> PIN 06

AHARS Data:
SDA1 -> PIN 03
SCL1 -> PIN 05

GPS Data:
TXD -> PIN 10
RXD -> PIN 08

Here is the link to the Raspberry Pi GPIO pinout
http://pi.gadgetoid.com/pinout

The software download takes care of any setup. Just wire in the chip, mount it however you want and off you go. There are several people offering plans to download for 3d printing cases. Just search through the Reddit forums under Stratux. For now, I have mounted my AHRS/Gps chip to the top of the case that comes with the Raspberry.

n85ae
10-09-2015, 06:39 PM
So once you wire in the AHRS, then the data out from it automagically gets's
into the datastream along with the weather and traffic info?

I poked around in the Raspbian image they provided, and figured out more
or less how they do it. I'm not that inclined to try doing any programming in
there but it seems straightforward. I'm still not quite sure how they get
the output from the /usr/bin/stratux script, which is using 'screen' out
port 4000 udp, but I guess it's just enough to know it does it.

I also understand they haven't figured out how to shut it down yet,
other than just hope the filesystem survives the power cycling, or are they just
bringing it up readonly?

****ed at Amazon, they shipped two day prime, but elected to use USPS
for final delivery, which means my two day Prime is more likely four day ...
So other than looking at source code, and poking in the Raspbian image
I can't play with it yet. Grr....

Jeff

cubtractor
10-09-2015, 06:53 PM
It all comes through in the same stream. I added WebSSH app to my iPad and added a shutdown option through it.

https://www.reddit.com/r/stratux/comments/3kpzap/how_to_do_a_controlled_shutdown/

cubtractor
10-10-2015, 12:23 PM
I had a chance to really give the AHRS a workout today and it just doesn't work that well. For now, unless you need the gps because your ipad or whatever you are using doesn't have gps, I would hold off on the AHRS/GPS chip until better software comes around. It needs dampening and doesn't truly follow the angle of bank or rate of turn. I'm sure someone will figure it out. I'm trying some different antennas for the ADS-B to clean up the installation a bit. I'll let you know how they work after I fly again.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151419672989?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Paul Z
10-10-2015, 01:45 PM
Mike thanks for the feedback, I will not waist my time or money building one.

cubtractor
10-10-2015, 01:56 PM
Don't get me wrong Paul, the ADS-B weather and traffic works great. It's up to the user if he wants to install the AHRS/GPS chip. Some people may be using an ipad without the internal gps and may want to install the AHRS/GPS chip and only use the gps part. One can either not wire up the AHRS or just switch it off in the user interface. I have gps on my ipad version so I don't really need an external gps. Like I said, I installed the chip because I like to tinker. If all you want is ADS-B weather and traffic, it can be built for under $100 if you find the parts at the right price. It's really simple to build.

cubtractor
10-12-2015, 04:05 PM
I haven't flown with the new antennas yet but it's been working well in the house and at the hangar. I tried it on my cell phone using the Fltplan Go app that Fltplan.com has and it works well. Traffic shows up the same as on Foreflight on the ipad.

n85ae
10-13-2015, 07:58 AM
Interesting, I downloaded this App and plugged the dongle directly into my
Tablet, and presto I get ADS-B for $20 and it works without even the
Raspberry Pi ... Does both UAT, and 1090ES ... Not sure how well yet, I'll
report back on that after I run it for a while. It gets 1090ES very quickly,
so I'll see how it goes in 978 next ... The Features list includes FIS-B and
TIS-B

It only works with Avare though.

http://hiz.ch/index.php/home/adsb-receiver

cubtractor
10-13-2015, 08:23 AM
That's awesome!

n85ae
10-13-2015, 09:19 AM
In order to get more than 500 frames of UAT data, you need to buy the 'pro' version, but
the free version does work ... The 'Pro' version is $2.49

If using Avare, I think it works as well as going through the Raspberry Pi ... With a lot
less expense and hassle.

Android Tablet + Avare + Dongle + Adapter Cable + Avare ADS-B 'pro' App = Approx $30

Flip flops between 1090ES, and UAT very easily also. Need to figure a way to get
power into the equation or else everything has to run of the tablet battery.

Jeff

n85ae
10-13-2015, 10:20 AM
Ok, minor update. Once tablet hit 50% power I started losing the dongle, so looks like
I need to get a micro usb OTG cable with power, so something else powers the dongle.

Jeff

Paul Z
10-13-2015, 10:29 AM
In order to get more than 500 frames of UAT data, you need to buy the 'pro' version, but
the free version does work ... The 'Pro' version is $2.49

If using Avare, I think it works as well as going through the Raspberry Pi ... With a lot
less expense and hassle.

Android Tablet + Avare + Dongle + Adapter Cable + Avare ADS-B 'pro' App = Approx $30

Flip flops between 1090ES, and UAT very easily also. Need to figure a way to get
power into the equation or else everything has to run of the tablet battery.

Jeff

Plus the cost of an Android Tablet.

n85ae
10-13-2015, 10:46 AM
Everybody has an Android tablet, right...?

KFfan
10-13-2015, 11:07 AM
Everybody has an Android tablet, right...?
+ at least one apple... LOL

Paul Z
10-13-2015, 01:14 PM
On my 3 iPad, the only things I use it for are Foreflight, email, the forum & trading stock. I probable should get a Android.

n85ae
10-14-2015, 03:05 PM
A little follow up, if anybody does make a Raspberry Pi based receiver
as described, you should probably also look into putting the dongle and
the wireless adapter on a small powered usb hub. I tried mine that way
here in the house, and it seems to work MUCH better and I'm getting a
lot more traffic and weather now. Best guess is the power out to the
dongle on the pi is not up to the task, and the dongle gets flakey.

I'm not an electrical engineer, but a logical best guesser, however trial
and error has led to what I think is a better solution.

cubtractor
10-14-2015, 04:24 PM
I could run my Raspberry Pi with 2 dongles just on the Kamashi battery pack without any problems. I had to use a double usb cable like the one below. There was absolutely no issues running a single dongle. I'm guessing you could run a single dongle for 10 hours or more on the battery pack. I'll probably go to a single dongle once the FAA switches over the 1090es traffic to display over 978 UAT. Here is the link to their proposed plan.

http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/media/tis-b_service_change_summary_final_508_5-13-15-webv2.pdf

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047AALW6?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

The battery wasn't quite enough with the AHRS/GPS chip attached but just the 2 dongles was ok. I got the 2.4 amp cig adapter and run it on ships power now.

Paul Z
10-14-2015, 05:14 PM
OK, I had a Galaxy Note, it was useless outdoors, the sunlight would wash out the screen, are any of the new Androids go out side? I use a iPad when flying as a backup. It is difficult at best reading in the daylight. Any recommendations on an Android Phone/Small Tablet for use in flying? I use ForeFlight app to navigate & maps.

kitfox2009
10-14-2015, 06:41 PM
Hi Paul
I use a 10 inch Gallaxy Tab S with both Avare and FLTPlan .I hang it from the ceiling with a Ram mount when flying solo.
Flew over 1000 miles to the Yukon this summer and had no issues with washout in the sun.
Must be plugged in to 12 volt for long flights.
I like Avare because of the terrain and tracking . Tracking is excellent especially when on CASARA search and rescue.Very easy to fly an accurate grid.
Cheers
Don

cubtractor
11-22-2015, 02:28 PM
Thought I would throw in a picture of my ADS-B receiver. Dual frequency with single antenna with the RY835AI GPS/AHRS chip. It works great(except the AHRS which is still under development) and the antenna reception is great with both dongles wired to the single antenna. I have mounted it on the aluminum as it slides on to the rear deck of my plane and is powered with ships power. I put white adhesive paper on the top to cut down on the sunlight and green house effect of the clear plastic box. Flew to PNC the other day with a couple other planes and when we were all in radar coverage they showed up on Foreflight right next to me exactly where they were visually. Foreflight even called them out as traffic a couple times, audibly and visually on screen. Scared the crap out of me as I usually only hear that flying for a living, not expecting it in this one, but that's good.

http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/picture.php?albumid=380&pictureid=5504

n85ae
11-22-2015, 07:55 PM
How well does the RY835AI GPS work for you? I'm thinking about adding GPS
to mine. You mentioned the AHRS is a little off yet ... That Stratux Pi, is
worth every penny.

Jeff

Av8r3400
11-22-2015, 08:17 PM
Someday, before ADS-B becomes mandatory, I hope someone will translate this thread from electrical engineer to English...

cubtractor
11-22-2015, 08:23 PM
It works pretty well. I usually receive 10 to 12 satellites. It shows 10 meter accuracy on Foreflight. I thought it would do better due to it being a WAAS capable gps module but apparently it has something to do with the coding to Foreflight. My position visually is always spot on. I questioned them about it and I'll post the link to the comment below. I think eventually they will work the codeing to show WAAS accuracy on Foreflight. It should show 3 meters or less for accuracy.
I have been following the conversation on Github about the AHRS and they are working on it. It's a tough nut to crack as there are several factors that go into making the AHRS work correctly.

https://www.reddit.com/r/stratux/comments/3tibu9/gps_accuracy/

cubtractor
11-22-2015, 08:24 PM
They have posted an instructional page that makes it really simple.

http://stratux.me/

henrysamson
12-24-2015, 07:12 AM
I could run my Raspberry Pi with 2 dongles just on the Kamashi battery pack without any problems. I had to use a double usb cable like the one below. There was absolutely no issues running a single dongle. I'm guessing you could run a single dongle for 10 hours or more on the battery pack. I'll probably go to a single dongle once the FAA switches over the 1090es traffic to display over 978 UAT. Here is the link to their proposed plan.

http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/media/tis-b_service_change_summary_final_508_5-13-15-webv2.pdf



I could not understand the FAA plan but apparently a lot of pilots are confused. The 1090 traffic is not going to be rebroadcast on 978:

https://www.reddit.com/r/stratux/comments/3w34as/psa_the_faa_is_not_turning_on_broadcast_tisb_in/?

n85ae
12-24-2015, 10:42 AM
This doc explains it pretty well:

http://www.avidyne.com/publications/guides/ADS-B-Overview.pdf

jrevens
12-24-2015, 02:57 PM
I could not understand the FAA plan but apparently a lot of pilots are confused. The 1090 traffic is not going to be rebroadcast on 978:

I don't believe that's true, Henry.

jrevens
12-24-2015, 02:59 PM
This doc explains it pretty well:

http://www.avidyne.com/publications/guides/ADS-B-Overview.pdf

That does do a good job of explaining the whole thing... thanks, Jeff.