SBS-1 Virtual Radar

[Radarspod]

Almost all Mode A/C transponders design since late 70s / early 80s are capable of providing replies to Mode C interrogations - and its helpful for TCAS.

The Mode C replies will be empty (framing pulses only) on those installations with no encoder source or ALT switched off, so to the controller all that is presented will Mode A responses to the Mode A interrogations, hence that is what you will see.

[Sallyann1234]

Just curious, does anyone have one of these? If so, are they any good and are they worth the money?

It entirely depends on what you want it for.
I found when studying for PPL that watching the SBS while listening to ATC gave me a very useful understanding of what and why I was being taught and speeded up my spacial awareness.

If it's just for entertainment, don't bother.

[Oshkosh George]

FinDir, I would advise you you to visit a dealer who has one running,or a friend who has one,then you you can form your own opinion,as everyone's needs and expectations are different.

As I said,to me,worth double the selling price.

George

[7of9]

If you want to see one working, head out to Manchester airport aviation viewing park, there is one on display working showing live aircraft movments. It's at the Burger van, i saw this working there 18 months ago & got myself one.


I got mine from here;

SBS-1e Virtual Radar

These do next day delivery.

Seems to have gone up in price a bit though, mine was £385.00 this time last year.

Just had a look around at other dealers & they are all selling them at £449.95 even on E-bay.

Cheers Trev

[Robin400]

I am suprised how may large public transport aircraft do not use the full capability by not transmitting ADS-B information.
I would have thought that mode s installation appproval would have required the transponder to be supplied with lat/long info from the nav sets.

[crispey]

I saw the unit in use at EGCC last summer.On a very clear day it was very impressive to be able to identify all those vapour trails heading northwest to various USA and Scottish locations.Also to see the approaches and departures in and out of Manch.I reckon a roof mounted antenna is essential for best performance but at those frequencies it's not a monster.

I rather fancy one but not sure I could justify it.To those that have them and enjoy them,good on you.

[Satcomuk]

I have had SBS for about four years..........best value item ever bought...HOWEVER if you dont want to shell out 500 quid , then for just £25 ( One off fee ) you can join the Planeplotter network and get full european coverage , in near real time.

PlanePlotter from COAA

In addition , planeplotter now has a facility which allows the approximate location of non plotting a/c to be determined......full swqk naratives plus two stage SSR code history.

For an idea of coverage , have a look at my website

The SATCOM satellite consultancy and click the "Marathon" button to see a still frame of PP in action.
There's also a flow animation here :

http://i42.tinypic.com/35irmuq.gif


Individual SBS is limited by your line of site , Planeplotter isn't , but does depend on SBS users ( and radar box users ) to input their data.
Planeplotter has full user support via a Yahoo group.

Brilliant all round product.

John