PPRuNe Forums - Mode S Transponder

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TheOddOne (Post 11570196)

This is really interesting. The 'intended recipient' of my ADS-B 'out' transmissions is anyone in the vicinity who is airborne or another agency on the ground using the information for my benefit. This includes someone in the clubhouse looking at FR24 to see when the aircraft will be back for sortie planning purposes. In order for this to work, the information needs to be presented on a web site via the internet.
Someone needs to bring a test case to see if transponder transmissions are covered by the definition 'wireless telegraphy'. Strictly, 'telegraphy' means 'the long distance transmission of written messages' (from the ancient Greek).
It's also interesting that in the US (and Canada it seems) we can listen to ATC voice transmissions and get an instant replay on social media whenever there is an accident or incident, whereas in the UK, you never hear a peep - probably due to people being afraid of the WTA 2006.
Freedom of Information seems a lot free-er in some places than others...
TOO

No test case required. The UK Wireless Telegraphy Act, 2006, Section 116 states:

(1)In this Act “wireless telegraphy” means the emitting or receiving, over paths that are not provided by any material substance constructed or arranged for the purpose, of energy to which subsection (2) applies.

(2)This subsection applies to electromagnetic energy of a frequency not exceeding 3,000 gigahertz that—

(a)serves for conveying messages, sound or visual images (whether or not the messages, sound or images are actually received by anyone), or for operating or controlling machinery or apparatus; or

(b)is used in connection with determining position, bearing or distance, or for gaining information as to the presence, absence, position or motion of an object or of a class of objects.

Receiving ADSB-out and Mode-S signals, unless you are an intended recipient (as a Flying Club clubhouse would be) is definitely covered by the Act and hence illegal in the UK. Previous versions of the Act only using the information gained was an illegal activity, but the 2006 Act made receiving the information illegal as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger4 (Post 11573808)

No test case required. The UK Wireless Telegraphy Act, 2006, Section 116 states:

(2)This subsection applies to electromagnetic energy of a frequency not exceeding 3,000 gigahertz that—

(a)serves for conveying messages, sound or visual images (whether or not the messages, sound or images are actually received by anyone), or for operating or controlling machinery or apparatus; or

(b)is used in connection with determining position, bearing or distance, or for gaining information as to the presence, absence, position or motion of an object or of a class of objects.

I see nothing in the quoted section that prohibits reception. This section seems to only define what is meant by "wireless telegraphy".

There was an extract of the 2006 act quoted earlier (48 Interception and disclosure of messages) and it specifically relates to "disclosure". What section prohibits reception?

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXDAC (Post 11573878)

Although Section 48 of the Act is titled "Interception and disclosure", 48 (1) goes on to make it clear that the offence is either (a) obtaining information, or (b) disclosing it. Interception is the same thing as obtaining.

How often do UK Short Wave Listeners (SWL) get charged with violating section 48? Should I report any of them that send me a QSL card confirming that they heard my amateur radio transmissions that were clearly not directed at them?

There is clearly a difference between what the Act says is illegal, and what the authorities choose to enforce/prosecute.

Anyone watching enthuiasts at more or less any UK airport will see many using scanners to listen to ATC, and the FR24/ADSB etc websites have large numbers of UK contributors of data in order to give the coverage that they do. There don't appear to be any laws prohibiting the sale of scanners or home ADSB receivers in the UK, so enforcement of the Act looks to me to be a near impossible task.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXDAC (Post 11569251)

I don't know the rules in UK but, in USA, it is illegal not to operate an installed ADS-B Out system or transponder. The penalties for intentionally turning it off may be more severe then the penalities for the infraction you hoped to hide.

The only legal option in USA is to have the system removed from the aircraft and have the removal recorded in the aircraft log by a qualified person. Not an option for me as ADS-B Out is required a my base airport.

ADSB, not sure havnt heard a requirement, but re Transponder, if you have one fitted and its working then legally you MUST switch it on in the UK.

Personally I have a Mode S Transponder fed with GPS that squits out ADSB and one of those Pilot Aware jobs, I switch the lot on every flight not from fear of being technically illegal but because it would be daft not to
Im happy to be tracked in the air, grateful in fact

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyingmac (Post 11562873)

I can't move without FlightAware and ADS-B picking me up. I appear to be in stealth mode as far as FR24 is concerned.
No idea why.

Is it a f.u.n.k.e. XPDR?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 639 (Post 11584816)

Is it a f.u.n.k.e. XPDR?

Trig TY91.

Weird I have the Trig fitted and always show up on FR24, I only asked as I've come across a few Funke transponders that defied all attempts to get them outputting data reliably