Uavionix SkyEcho 2 (SE2)
 

Hi all,

So, any input-advice greatly appreciated.

Does SE2 really see the Mode-S replies? We operate very close to a TMA, and we for sure have radar coverage there. Operating at 7000, but I do not see any of the other aircraft that are replying via Mode-S to radar pings – unless the only thing I can "guess" is that the Mode-S transponder does not respond to pings IF is 7000 or 1200.

Any other ideas?

I am greatly tempted to ditch this and get the new PowerFLARM Flex, but I just want something that would show Mode-S equipped aircraft as a majority of the older (and currently flying) GA aircraft are equipped with Mode-S still!

Any ideas? Much appreciate the help!

And yes, of course, keeping my eyes open!

Yes it does, numbers being squawked are irrelevant
Perhaps you have an airframe masking issue. tbh Youd be better off with a Pilot Aware unit, they pick up a wider variety of traffic and arent as flakey as SkyEcho plus you can easily fit remote antennae

P.S. what are using to display the traffic info?, whatever you use needs to be set up to pick up from the device and set parameters such as range and altitude differences

I'd personally not bother with SE2 in an aircraft with its own transponder, it works, but it's very inferior in showing traffic to PilotAware.

G

Hi 639 and Genghis the Engineer , thanks for your replies.

So, the way I have configured the SE2 is to use it with SafeSky and then also with either Enroute, or SkyDemon.

To be fair, just to test: I switched off the location services and the data services on the mobile, trying to see if the SE2 would just pick up the ADS-B. I could've tried climbing to FL10 but that day it was crowded and did not get clearance. I've heard that PAW has better radio, I already paid ~700e for the SE2.

With the PowerFlarm Flex, don't know which way to go. Too many protocols.

"So, any input-advice greatly appreciated."
My reply:
Don't use "So" as the start of a sentence.

Have a look at PowerFlarmFusion. Much, much better/reliable than any other EC system but not cheap.The best never is!
Direct aircraft to aircraft, no ground stations needed. Will give you Flarm in and out +Mode S in and out. Also ADSB in to compliment the ADSB I assume you have with your Transponder.
No subscriptions ..Ever! Once you have purchased, that's it.
An added benefit also is that there will no no extra subscrition to see Flarm on Skydemon/EasyVfr or whatever system you use unlike other EC systems.

Flarm effectiveness utterly depends on antenna configuration. Things like engines, fuel tanks, metal, carbon fiber and human bodies block transmission. Fiberglass and fabric are mostly transparent to Flarm and radar frequencies.

External antennas on top and bottom can work well on powered aircraft. Many gliders have Kevlar fins and some manufacturers offer an opinion to place antennas there with the necessary coax. You would also want an antenna in the nose. Or antennas can be placed inside the canopy or windows on each side.

Very constructive and helpful comment.

So many posts to read, so little time.