I’m very interested in the AERO Tracker, mainly because I would much rather connect via Bluetooth than a WiFi hotspot (à la Sky Echo).
However, I’m concerned about being tied into a subscription.
If I don’t go for the Premium/LTE subscription, are there any disadvantages compared to Sky Echo 2? I presume it can still receive appropriate ADS-B (plus more) notifications and send to Sky Demon?
Hello,
Without a SafeSky subscription you won’t be able to receive aircraft in your vicinity detected by other means and ground networks.
For example, MLAT, PAW, FLARM, paragliders etc.
Also, I think a Safesky subscription is required to configure the Aero Tracker with your own-ship details to stop you alerting yourself.
Another very good ability is, if required, the option of mounting the Aero Tracker’s antenna onto an external surface to improve reception/transmission. You cannot do that with an SE2.
I have been testing the Aero Tracker for the past 6 months and am very impressed with it.
Hope this helps…
Further, down here in southern England, I probably see as many MLAT detected aircraft (they would be Mode S transponder equipped) as I do ADS-B Out equipped aircraft. You will only see MLAT detected aircraft if you have a working LTE mobile data connection.
Thanks both of you. Ultimately, if it can pick up ADS-B then it sounds like it offers at least as many features as the Sky Echo without a subscription.
The requirement to stop alerting myself is obviously an important one. I’m quite surprised something like SkyDemon couldn’t just filter this out though.
And thanks @tnowak for the practical information - I appreciate a lot of, especially GA aircraft, are emitting only Mode S without ADS-B (probably because they don’t have GPS, or at least GPS attached to the transponder?)
Also, you need to pay for the licence to receive FLARM via the Tracker, just like you have to for the SE2 with SkyDemon.
Yes, MLAT detection is from MODE S only equipped aircraft that do not send their position. Altitude, squawk code and registration only..