# Aero Tracker without a subscription

**URL:** <https://forum.safesky.app/t/aero-tracker-without-a-subscription/2149>\
**Category:** English\
**Tags:** english\
**Created:** [November 29, 2025, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.safesky.app/t/aero-tracker-without-a-subscription/2149 "2025-11-29T18:49:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![cocodude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@cocodude](https://forum.safesky.app/u/cocodude)\
**Post date:** [November 29, 2025, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.safesky.app/t/aero-tracker-without-a-subscription/2149/1 "2025-11-29T18:49:34Z")

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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?

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**Author:** ![tnowak](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/user_avatar/forum.safesky.app/tnowak/32/351_2.png) [@tnowak](https://forum.safesky.app/u/tnowak)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2025, 8:55am UTC](https://forum.safesky.app/t/aero-tracker-without-a-subscription/2149/2 "2025-11-30T08:55:24Z")

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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…

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**Author:** ![tnowak](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/user_avatar/forum.safesky.app/tnowak/32/351_2.png) [@tnowak](https://forum.safesky.app/u/tnowak)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2025, 10:01am UTC](https://forum.safesky.app/t/aero-tracker-without-a-subscription/2149/3 "2025-11-30T10:01:34Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![cocodude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@cocodude](https://forum.safesky.app/u/cocodude)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2025, 10:12am UTC](https://forum.safesky.app/t/aero-tracker-without-a-subscription/2149/4 "2025-11-30T10:12:39Z")

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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?)

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**Author:** ![tnowak](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/user_avatar/forum.safesky.app/tnowak/32/351_2.png) [@tnowak](https://forum.safesky.app/u/tnowak)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2025, 10:56am UTC](https://forum.safesky.app/t/aero-tracker-without-a-subscription/2149/5 "2025-11-30T10:56:53Z")

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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..