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Tracking tool a joy for planespotters

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:22 am
by gkoutlis
Spotted this article on thewest.com.au


http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa ... espotters/


Very interesting :)

G

Re: Tracking tool a joy for planespotters

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:07 am
by yorky
I would of imagined that access to this program is limited to authorised I'm-not-going-to-blow-you-up airport employees only? Or is that just my imagination? Obviously Airservices Aus provide the free one on the website but delayed for similar reason.

Re: Tracking tool a joy for planespotters

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:12 pm
by w0mbat
We have been running this on and off for the last year.

Works OK around Perth (radar), but outside of that counts on ADS-B data. The kingairs are not fitted out and the NG's need a software upgrade for it.

Re: Tracking tool a joy for planespotters

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:27 pm
by gkoutlis
Question is now, how do Plane Spotters get it working on their PC?

G

Re: Tracking tool a joy for planespotters

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:30 pm
by w0mbat
Get one of these.......
http://www.kinetic-avionics.com/index.php
We have one of these as well, as we were looking at setting up our own ADSB receiver network.

Works great around Perth as you see just about everything :) (S-mode or ADSB)
Bit pricey, about $1K with the accessories.
Image

Re: Tracking tool a joy for planespotters

Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:39 pm
by numloxx
Howdy all,

We use Flight Explorer at Cobham, and a number of other airlines here use it, Skywest and Skippers Aviation included.
It's a fantastic tool, if you're prepared to pay for it ($300-450/month). This of course is for the Professional version. There are also 2 other versions available for the general public. The Private and the Pilot versions. Each with different features.

The only drawback is.... those 2 versions do not currently allow access to Australia data feeds. And I think the Private version is limited to 10hrs/month (Don't quote me on this though).

I have been speaking to the developers of FE and they realise that there is a very strong demand for this type of software in the Plane Spotting Community.

The Professional version is limited to purchase by airlines and aviation related companies only I think.

Hope this helps answer a few questions.

Carsten

Wombat, who do you work for?

Re: Tracking tool a joy for planespotters

Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:14 pm
by Tyranus
RFDS

Re: Tracking tool a joy for planespotters

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:25 am
by w0mbat
Hi Numloxx,

Yes, I work for RFDS.

One of the benefits of being a NFP and charity, is that we get looked after by all manner of suppliers. All of which we are very grateful for. :D
Just so people know we are not just throwing money away that is very generously donated, there are a lot of companies out there that donate their software to charities.

--Steve

Re: Tracking tool a joy for planespotters

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 2:04 pm
by numloxx
Hey that's really great to hear.

And yes It's a wicked program. I had a trial of it for work for a few months, and the first time I used it, I watched the world' traffic for hours in awe.