Plane Finder Radar - beginner's questions

[PE2G]

Hello,

I've just started using Plane Finder Radar. This is my first Mode-S receiver, so I can't compare it to other receivers. My first impressions are very positive though, it worked out of the box and I haven't encountered any problems during installation and the first 24 hrs of operation

So far these questions have come up:

1. I'd like to view received traffic in PlanePlotter. For that, PP needs the IP address of the radar box and the port number. I've found its local IP address, but could not find the port it's using. It's not in the (verbose) Log Viewer (anymore?). What port is it using?
2. The Power LED on the client stats page is showing 'Watchdog' info (view below image). What's the watchdog info?
   
   

Thanks for the info.

Cheers,
Frits

 

[Lee Armstrong]

Hello Frits,

The port is 30054, Plane Plotter will work fine with this.

The watchdog is an internal function for us, if the client dies for whatever reason the unit will power cycle and recover the whole unit. You shouldn't see this happen but if you do don't worry, the unit has various health checks and one of the resolutions is to reboot the whole thing and recover!

 

[PE2G]

Hi Lee,

Thanks for your quick reply. PP is using PF Radar data from port 30054 now.
Very nice indeed, since I can view traffic on my own tailor-made maps now!

Cheers,
Frits

 

[Lee Armstrong]

Great news!

I've looked at your coverage just now and the unit I think will almost top our leaderboards too when it's been online for 30 days.

Bit of a gap in some directions, is that geography in the way or a building?

 

[PE2G]

The blind spot is caused by parts of the apartment building where I'm living.
In the coming weeks, I hope to get permission from the housing association to relocate the antenna, which will reduce the size of the blind spot.

Cheers,
Frits

 

[Lee Armstrong]

Awesome! that sounds great, I suspect you will be #1 sharer if that happens!

 

[PE2G]

I hope so! All thanks to the high antenna position: 38 m AGL.
And thanks to a good receiver, not to forget. I believe I'm one of the first who use the PF Radar receiver?

 

[Lee Armstrong]

I hope so! All thanks to the high antenna position: 38 m AGL.
And thanks to a good receiver, not to forget. I believe I'm one of the first who use PF Radar receiver?

We have around 50 out there so far, and they are exceeding our testing in the UK which is great!