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New to PilotAware Start Here

Introduction to the PilotAware Classic ready to go Unit.

If you are new to PilotAware then you may be confused by the technical bias of most of the information that you have found so far. If this is the case, then fear not this document will help you understand PilotAware what it does and why you should have one.

In this document, we have tried to keep the technical jargon down to a minimum whilst also recognising that a certain level of technical understanding is required to fly an aircraft, so even though this article could be entitled ‘PilotAware for Dummies’, it assumes that you are a pilot and therefore not a dummy.

PilotAware has been initially developed for use in the European Union. If you intend to use it in another country, please ensure that it is legal to do so. As a minimum 868MHz must be an open, license free frequency. In Europe PilotAware meets the ETSI standards for this type of equipment.

The Pilot Aware Classic unit is an inexpensive electronic positional awareness system that is carried onto your aircraft to help you see other aircraft and you to be seen by other aircraft. This can be a GA, permit aircraft, microlight aircraft, hang glider or paraglider.

It is very important to understand at the outset, that PilotAware will provide advice on the position of suitably equipped aircraft in the vicinity of your aircraft, however it contains no algorithms that calculate the best or any action to take to avoid a collision. Any action taken is your responsibility as Pilot in Command. PilotAware should only be used as a secondary aid to your primary visual scan.

What will PilotAware Classic Detect?

So what aircraft will PilotAware Classic detect.

i. Aircraft equipped with a PilotAware Classic unit ii. Aircraft transmitting ADSB.* iii. Aircraft using a Mode S transponder (with ALT selected)

*A technical bit that you don’t need to know but which may be useful. ADSB is the next generation transponder specification that provides positional awareness in the form of GPS co-ordinates to ATC and other suitably equipped aircraft. ADSB transponders transmitting at 1090MHz are available now, however they are not mandatory and they are currently very expensive. In the UK some Mode S transponders can be connected to an uncertified GPS source to provide some of the functionality of ADSB but without the expense. Pilot Aware will pick up both of these ADSB sources.

The following diagram, fig 1, will help to show what suitably equipped aircraft will ‘see and be seen’ by an aircraft equipped with a PilotAware Classic unit. This shows that the aircraft in the middle (you) will receive ADSB signals (the green ones) from aircraft transmitting ADSB signals at 1090MHz. At the same time you will transmit and receive PilotAware signals using a separate unlicensed, radio frequency P3I (868 MHz)* so you can see and be seen by other aircraft with PilotAWare Classic units. In addition, aircraft that are equipped with a Mode S transponder will also be detected but with less accuracy than ADSB or P3i transmissions as Mode S gives no GPS based position coordinates. Usable information is therefore limited to identification code information height and signal strength.

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Fig 1

What is the PilotAware Classic Hardware?

To keep costs down we don’t use retailers so PilotAware Classic is only available to buy on line from pilotawarehardware.com. The following picture shows what is included in PilotAWare Classic. We call it a kit but in reality it needs four screws and 4 plug in units to complete. You can then say you built it!

PilotAware classic must be powered from a USB power source capable of supplying 2A. If you also intend to power your tablet from the same source then please ensure the supply has sufficient capacity to power both. This can be derived from a dc/dc converter (good quality car cigarette lighter type) or rechargeable battery pack. *Note these are not supplied with the PilotAware Classic.

Included with PilotAware Classic are the following items pre tested ready to be connected together. The processor (Raspberry Pi P2B) P3I transmitter and receiver ADSB Receiver Glonass GPS Wi-Fi interface 1 metre power lead. SD card with the software pre-loaded

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PilotAware Classic is classified as a temporary installation and therefore does not need installation approval. This is similar to the fitting and using of a hand held radio in your aircraft. The interface for PilotAWare Classic is achieved through the use of a tablet device either iPad or Android, plus a navigational software package such as SkyDemon, Runway HD, Easy VFR, Air Navigation Pro, Sky Map and XC Soar.

So for a fully operational conspicuity device you will need

1. PilotAware Classic 2. A Power Supply 3. A Wi-Fi enabled tablet 4. Navigational Software

The highest level description that we can give to describe the functionality of PilotAware Classic is that it enables your chosen tablet not only to show you where you are but also show you where other, suitably equipped, aircraft, in the immediate vicinity are in relation to you. If you are using Sky demon this will look something like this

How does it work?

PilotAware Classic should be located in your aircraft so that the antennas and the GPS can see clear sky. Information on how and where to locate the unit for maximum performance is available on the pilotawarehardware.com and pilotaware.com websites.

Once the USB power is applied the unit will power up and set up a local Wi-Fi hotspot. Please note this is used to connect to up to 4 tablets but it is not an internet connection. This takes about 1 minute to set up after which the Wi-Fi hotspot will be discoverable from your chosen tablet. It is not password protected. Once there is a connection then PilotAware Classic will communicate with the tablet navigation software and provide GPS and aircraft location information. Each navigation software package will be similar but subtly different, however we have found most to be very intuitive.

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What are the latest functions that I can get with PilotAware Classic?

Audio Warnings.

This much requested feature has been introduced with PilotAware classic. The audio warnings are output on a 3.5mm socket so that you can present them to your headset, intercom or other audio equipment as required. The volume of the output is adjustable from the configuration page of the web pages described below.

Audio warnings differ dependant on whether they are triggered by an ADSB, P3I or Mode S source.

For ADSB and P3I triggers, the audio warning will be of the format “Traffic 2 o’clock, Above, 10 Kilometres” This is possible because both ADSB and P3I transmissions give GPS positional information. For Mode S triggers the audio warning will be of the format “Warning Traffic” No location can be given as Mode S transmissions do not give GPS positional information. Mode S Detection

As well as ADSB and P3I signals, PilotAware Classic can also pick up Mode S transmissions. These do not have positional information but do provide height information. This can be converted into a message that can be forwarded to your navigational device. This will only show height at best and an estimate of the proximity. How this is presented on the tablet will differ between navigational packages.

How do I Configure PilotAware Classic?

For those of us who currently use navigational software on your chosen tablets you will know that they are very powerful and configurable to suit your personal requirements. PilotAware Classic is also configurable and this can be done by gaining access to the software through a web page. This is done very simply by accessing the PilotAware Classic through its Wi-Fi hotspot and typing in 192.168.1.1 into the address bar of a web client. This will give you access to the set-up, configuration, updates and information pages. Here you can configure PilotAware Classic as your own by putting in your ICAO code and aircraft registration. You can even identify yourself as Fred if you want to. An example page is as follows:-

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Don’t worry what all the fields mean it will be explained in the operational documentation. If you don’t like fiddling don’t worry, once the configuration is set up you need never go near it again. If, however you want to get the most out of PilotAware and connect to other systems then this gives you the ability to make changes accordingly. As can be seen at the top of the page there are several pages to choose from.

How much does PilotAware Classic Cost and where can I get one from?

The pre-tested PilotAware Classic unit with pre-loaded software was launched in May 2016 and can be bought from the website pilotawarehardware.com. Initial demand is high for the first 500 units that are being built. A pre-payment service is available if you want to join the queue.

The PilotAware Classic introductory price is £159.99 plus vat and p&p. This includes the latest software download, latest functionality and 1 year’s license. The operating license for subsequent years is £12 plus vat.

What is all this talk of Bridges ARF’s and Licences?

You may have read about Bridges, ARF’s and licences and may have some confusion on what all this means. Well, although you may be new to PilotAware about 300 pilots in Europe have been involved in PilotAware for some time, up to a year in some cases. If you are buying a complete PilotAware unit then you don’t necessarily need to know this. It is however provided for information.

The Bridge is the name given to the new certified PilotAware radio unit, and the ARF is the old uncertified and unsupported radio unit purchased from Wireless things.

These pilots who took part in the early beta trial will have PilotAware units in various states of development that need various levels of upgrade. This includes upgrades to Raspberry Pi units from PiB+ to Pi2B (not necessary but if done will be capable of providing the latest functionality, Bridge and new licence required), or if the original functionality is required then only a Bridge is required with no license upgrade.

Do I need to connect PilotAware classic to a transponder for it to work?

You do not need to connect your PilotAware classic to a transponder for it to work. However, we have provided an RS232 interface for technically aware users to connect it to third party equipment if they want to. Caveat emptor.

This is usually done so that the GPS available in PilotAWare can be used as a positional source to convert a Mode S transponder with ES (Extended Squitter) to one capable of outputting ADSB signals. If this sounds like too much technical jargon don’t worry you don’t need it now but it may be useful later if the take up of ADSB becomes anything more than an expensive dream or expensive mandate. However if you have a Trig or Funke transponder or other suitable transponder then this is a real advantage that PilotAware gives you.

Where can I get more information.

To buy a PilotAware Classic or read more on Installation, Antennas, Power supplies Pilotawarehardware.com For Technical information and further information on Installation, Antennas, Power Supplies Pilotaware.com For technical discussion and to share hints and tips on installation, operation, further developments Forum.pilotaware.com

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PilotAware Classic High Level Specification

Traffic Data

• ADS-B In • P3I (PilotAware) Transmit and Receive • Flight Identification (Navigation Display Call sign) Call sign • Group Identification (Navigation Display Group Tagging)

Mode-S

• Relative Height Filters • Sensitivity Selection • Saved Track & Traffic Information

WiFi Hotspot and Web Server (Firefox, Safari, Chrome)

Traffic Data Table

ADS-B Verification (Used by LAA & BMAA Approval Process

Configuration settings

Track Download

Audio Output Warnings

• Examples • “Traffic 2 o’clock, Above, 10 Kilometres” ADSB P3i • “Warning Traffic” (Mode-S)

Automatic Updates from your Home Router

Supported Interface (Wi-Fi)

• iPad, iPhone, Android (Galaxy, Nexus), Kobo mini…….

Navigation Systems (WiFi)

• SkyDemon • EasyVFR • RunwayHD • Air Navigation Pro • SkyMap • XC-Soar

Transponder (ADS-B / ES Out over RS-232)

• Trig Avionics • Funke • Dynon • Audio output 3.5mm jack

PilotAware Team May 2016