Mode S, enhancements
 

As a mere pilot I would appreciate clarification as to which ATC facilities can monitor the extra data, and just which data the enhanced Flight ID provides.

Can you see the setting of my ALT select for example, and can you tell if I take sugar in my coffee.

Glf

there is no such thing as a mere pilot!!!

Hi Gulfstreamaviator
WE can't see how much sugar you take in your coffee - yet...:)
In the LTMA we have mode "S" read out and if the aircraft is downloading all parameters then we can see the following:
The allocated Mode "A" squawk
The aircraft altitude
The heading that the aircraft is flying NOTE: not the heading selected.
The IAS from the ASI: NOT the speed selected
The Selected Flight Level from the autopilot
The rate of climb/descent of the aircraft
We cannot yet see the individual Mode "S" address of the airframe but that will come when everyone has mode "S"
AS far as I know we are the only unit worldwide that can see all these parameters. If I am wrong I am sure someone will tell us!

Well you've got all the money, us airfields can't afford to install the necessary equipment.

Hey Chevvers - it isn't even at LACC.....yet. TC is the only unit with the ability to read Enhanced Mode S in the UK I believe.

Where's TDM when you want him; someone's asked a question about Lasham on another thread

Well, I am not exactly an ATC facility,but looking at the display now on the laptop connected to my SBS-1 which is reading the data live from the various aeronautical objects passing within 140 miles of my house, I can see all the parameters listed above, including the airframe numbers.

(Try a search for SBS-1 on the forum, there have been several threads).

Cheers,

Ian.

Alt select
 

I still maintain I am a mere driver......PIC rated on PS2.

The aircraft altitude: I assume references to QNE, except when below "your" preset transition level.
The heading that the aircraft is flying: Is this computed by "your" system, or it a feed from my ADC.
The IAS from the ASI: I assume you get this data from my ADC.
The Selected Flight Level from the autopilot: This I assume is the altitude preselect. Assume that I am descending from FL510, and directly cleared to 6000ft, I would be technically correct in setting 6000 in the alt select, and changing my altimeter to QNH, as I leave FL510. Does this not cause confusion to the system.
The rate of climb/descent of the aircraft: again I assume from my ADC.

ADC: Air Data Computer.

Thanks for the increase in my knowledge base.

Lastly: would the down link data bandwidth, be able to take a 1fps video feed, then you would know my coffee preferences.

IWS: what package are you running.

ps I dont take sugar in my coffee.

This is the link for the SBS1 to monitor aircraft.
http://www.kinetic-avionics.co.uk/sbs-1.php

Hi Gulfstreamaviator,
Altitude - yes
Ias - I am not sure but it is the actual Ias of the aircraft and I have remembered we also get a download of the aircraft groundspeed so I guess it comes from the ADC. when it is not available we get a computer generated ground speed from radar returns.
SFL - All correct!
Rate/climb descent - I think so, it is an instantaneous readout of the rate when the mode "S" transponder was interegated.
As for video I think that the bandwidth is available because there are alot of partameters that could be downloaded that we don't:)

In Germany, ACCs currently only use Elementary Surveillance, which is a data block consisting of the 24-bit a/c ID, the Flight ID (which is usually set via the FMS), Mode A code and Mode C altitude in 25ft increments.
The controller can actually see Mode A, Mode C and Flight ID read-out (the latter being a surprise to pilots who still enter crap for the Flight ID).

Enhanced Surveillance is not used as of now. Once it is in use, it will probably only contain the data which is standard as per ICAO: Roll Angle, True Track Angle, Ground Speed, Track Angle Rate, True Airspeed, Magnetic Heading, Indicated Airspeed, Mach, Barometric Altitude Rate and Inertial Vertical Velocity.
What will actually be displayed on the controller's display though hasn't been decided yet (and will probably be subject of very lengthy discussions :E).

Regards,

Robert

Mode S at TC is worth its weight in gold IMHO. Certainly an extra safety net when you can see what FL is selected as it helps to avoid potential level busts/losses of separation.
Had a situation a while back where a pilot was heading 312deg. On initial contact, told him to "turn right 3 deg, heading 315deg". Bit of stunned silence ensued....then he asks me if I can see his heading. As it was a nightshift I had time to explain to him all the virtues of Mode S and what data was available...
"WOW" says pilot....
"I know" says me, "I can tell if your telling porkies on your speed restrictions"
"Bugger" sniggers pilot.

Good banter, kept me smiling for a while


MODE S....TOP KIT :ok::ok::ok:

Spamcan

The Mode S clever bits at LTCC will be coming to MACC in the very near future, and to the new Prestwick Centre on day one. It'll take a little more effort to sort out the LACC RDP dinosaur :}

Oh and as for bandwidth for 1FPS video - don't even thing about it, theres enough SSR, Mode S, Extended Squitter, TCAS and ADS-B on 1090....we dont need streaming video as well! :)

So you can see the IAS too. Is it a big problem if the platform doesn't fly by reference to IAS but uses TAS? How does the system cope with this or is it not deemed to be a major issue?