AirNav RadarBox User manual

Copyright 2010 by AirNav Systems
AirNav RadarBox Manual

AirNav RadarBox Manual
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Copyright 2010 by AirNav Systems
Table of Contents
Foreword 0
Part I Welcome 4
................................................................................................................................... 51Main Features
................................................................................................................................... 62ADS-B Background
................................................................................................................................... 73What Will I See?
................................................................................................................................... 94The RadarBox Community
Part II Getting Started 9
................................................................................................................................... 91Installation
................................................................................................................................... 132Hardware Guide
................................................................................................................................... 153Antenna Positioning
................................................................................................................................... 174Quickstart Tutorial
Part III Using RadarBox 21
................................................................................................................................... 211AirNav RadarBox Data Sharing Network
................................................................................................................................... 242Aircraft Details Autopopulate
................................................................................................................................... 253Aircraft Route Autopopulate
................................................................................................................................... 264Creating Alerts
................................................................................................................................... 285MyLog Database
................................................................................................................................... 316Creating Reports
................................................................................................................................... 337Viewing Aircraft Photos
................................................................................................................................... 348 Using Filters
................................................................................................................................... 359SmartView
................................................................................................................................... 3710 Flight Data Recorder/Playback
................................................................................................................................... 3811 Monitor Airport Movements
................................................................................................................................... 4012 Connecting to AirNav ACARS Decoder
Part IV Menus, Windows and Toolbars 45
................................................................................................................................... 451Toolbars
.......................................................................................................................................................... 45Shortcut Keys
.......................................................................................................................................................... 46Maps Toolbar
.......................................................................................................................................................... 47Location Toolbar
.......................................................................................................................................................... 48Weather Toolbar
.......................................................................................................................................................... 49Filters Toolbar
................................................................................................................................... 502 RadarBox Interface
.......................................................................................................................................................... 50MyFlights
.......................................................................................................................................................... 53ACARS
.......................................................................................................................................................... 54MyLog
.......................................................................................................................................................... 55Alerts
.......................................................................................................................................................... 56Reporter
.......................................................................................................................................................... 56Database Explorer
.......................................................................................................................................................... 57Preferences
................................................................................................................................... 663Menus

3Contents
Copyright 2010 by AirNav Systems
.......................................................................................................................................................... 66File
.......................................................................................................................................................... 69Filters
.......................................................................................................................................................... 69Map
.......................................................................................................................................................... 72Tools Menu
.......................................................................................................................................................... 73Window
.......................................................................................................................................................... 74Help
Part V Advanced Users 77
................................................................................................................................... 771Tracking Military Aircraft
................................................................................................................................... 782Displaying Special Country Flags
................................................................................................................................... 823Custom Outline Maps
................................................................................................................................... 834Data Output on Port 7879
................................................................................................................................... 855Timeout Settings
Part VI Troubleshooting 86
................................................................................................................................... 861Hardware Connection
................................................................................................................................... 882Network Connection
................................................................................................................................... 893RadarBox Without an Internet Connection
Part VII Registration and Logon 90
................................................................................................................................... 901How to Order
................................................................................................................................... 902Logon Window
Part VIII RadarBox 3D 91
................................................................................................................................... 931RadarBox 3D Menu Options
................................................................................................................................... 9823D View Settings
Index 106

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1 Welcome
The worlds most Advanced Real-Time Radar Decoder
AirNav RadarBox is the closest you can be to real world aviation without leaving your chair thanks to
next generation Radar decoding. By decoding ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast)
signals, you will be able to see on your computer what Air Traffic Controllers see on their screens.
Flight number, aircraft type, altitude, heading, speed are all updated each second. RadarBox employs
the award winning software interface developed by the world's leader in flight tracking and monitoring
solutions, AirNav Systems.
AirNav RadarBox is equipped to be used in locations all over the world. 3D multi-window maps with
worldwide coverage contain more than 200 thousand geographic points included. Airports, runways,
VOR, NDB, FIX, cities, roads, airways and elevation data.
How does it work?
1. Install the software from the CD
2. Connect the AirNav RadarBox to your computer using the USB cable provided
3. Start Tracking flights in real-time!
RadarBox Network (Data Sharing - Internet connection required)
The AirNav RadarBox Network is an unique feature that allows you to share your aircraft data with
other RadarBox users and see all the aircraft they are seeing, wherever they are in the world. The
RadarBox data sharing Network is the first worldwide flight data network developed developed for use
by non-professional users.

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Copyright 2010 by AirNav Systems
1.1 Main Features
AirNav RadarBox - Main Features
Hardware:
·Real-Time Radar ADS-B decoder
·Superior receiver sensitivity
·Powered by USB - No need for an external power supply
·Plug-and-play USB connection
·Lightweight, small form, portable aluminum box construction
Software:
·Track flights in real-time using the supplied antenna - Free - no subscription required
·Second by second updates of flight number, aircraft registration, altitude, speed, heading and

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vertical speed
·Real-Time retrieval of aircraft details including registration, company, aircraft type, aircraft photo
·Based on the easy to use award winning AirNav Systems 3D multi-window map interface
·Easy plug and play USB connection - easy setup
·ACARS Decoder interface (The AirNav ACARS decoder software is an optional purchase item)
·Data output via port 7879
·Data output in add-on compatible format on Port 30003
·Automatic Import of Outline Files (.out) for custom map display
·Real-Time photos of tracked aircraft
·Real-Time airport weather information including METAR, TAF and decoded Metar
·Screen shot capture to file or clipboard
·MyLog aircraft logging function
·MyLog data export to csv file
·Comprehensive Alert function for specific aircraft or in-range flights with audio-visual alerts
·Highly flexible QuickFilter function to filter by aircraft type, flight ID, Mode S, SSR code etc
·Inteligent Fleet Watch funvtion to follow specific aircraft or fleets
·Record and replay RadarBox sessions. The Replay function is fully interactive with all menus
operational
·Comprehensive callsign and route database
·Autopopulate of aircraft, route and phot database (Internet connection required)
Maps:
·High definition worldwide maps included
·Worldwide aviation data included (Airports, Runways, VOR, NDB, FIX, airways and ATC boundaries)
·More than 1 million map locations including detailed shorelines, country boundaries and cities
·Quick locate feature to find airports and navigational aids
·Worldwide elevation data
Requirements:
·Microsoft Windows
·PC with 400 Mhz processor (higher recommended)
·128 MB RAM
·One Available USB Connection
·50 MB Hard Disk Space Available for Installation
·CD-ROM Drive
Package Contents:
·RadarBox Hardware Receiver Unit
·USB Cable
·Antenna
·Quick Installation guide
·Setup Wizard CD with RadarBox Software
Visit AirNav RadarBox Homepage for more information and Screen Shots.
1.2 ADS-B Background
ADS-B Background
Putting it simply, AirNav RadarBox consists of a hardware receiver that decodes ADS-B data and sends
it to your computer where software processes it and shows it on a 3D interface. Received data may be
shared between users using the AirNav Systems RadarBox network. This way you will be able to see
data received from users all over the world.
What is ADS-B?

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Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (also called ADS-B) is a system by which airplanes
constantly broadcast their current position and altitude, category of aircraft, airspeed, identification,
rate of climb or descent - over a dedicated radio datalink. This functionality is known as "ADS-B out"
and is the basic level of ADS-B functionality.
The current ADS-B system was developed in the 1990s though its lineage dates back to the 1960s. It
relies on data from the Global Positioning System, or any navigation system that provides an
equivalent or better service. The maximum range of the system is line-of-sight, typically less than 200
nautical miles (370 km).
The ADS-B transmissions are received by air traffic control ground stations, and all other ADS-B
equipped aircraft within reception range. Reception by aircraft of ADS-B data is known as "ADS-B in".
The initial use of ADS-B is expected to be by air traffic control and for surveillance purposes and for
enhancing pilot situational awareness. An ADS-B ground system potentially costs less than
conventional radar and permits higher quality surveillance of airborne and surface movements. ADS-B
is effective in remote areas or in mountainous terrain where there is no radar coverage, or where
radar coverage is limited. The outback of Australia is one such area where ADS-B will provide
surveillance where previously none existed. ADS-B also enhances surveillance on the ground at
airport, so it can also be used to monitor traffic on the taxiways and runways of an airport.
ADS-B equipped aircraft may also have a display unit in the cockpit picturing surrounding air traffic
from ADS-B data (ADS-B in) and TIS-B (Traffic Information Service-Broadcast) data derived from air
traffic radar. Both Pilots and air traffic controllers can then "see" the positions of air traffic in the
vicinity of the aircraft, and this may be used to provide an ASAS (Airborne Separation Assurance
System).
Future Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems may make use of "ADS-B in", supplementing the existing
TCAS collision avoidance system by what is called 'hybrid surveillance'.
Airbus and Boeing include ADS-B out (i.e. the information transmission) as standard on new-build
aircraft.
1.3 What Will I See?
What Will I See?
The ADS-B equipment which generates the signals which are detected and displayed by RadarBox, are
fitted to most modern airliners and cargo aircraft. ADS-B is not mandatory, but as airspace becomes
even more crowded, much more use will be made of such modern technology to enhance flight
safety. Aircraft with full ADS-B will show in the RadarBox aircraft list and on the map screen.

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Why can I see aircraft in the list but they do not appear on the map?
Some aircraft, although they are fitted with Mode S transponders, do not transmit full ADS-B
positional information. Without position information, it is impossible to display the aircraft on the
map. In the example below, the first 2 aircraft in the list have Mode S transponders, but they are not
transmitting ADS-B position information. However, it is still possible to see the identity and type of the
aircraft and their altitude. The last 2 aircraft are transmitting full position information (shown by the
Globe in the first column) and will appear on the map. Note that military aircraft will often show in
the aircraft list, but for security reasons, do not transmit their position.
What will not show on RadarBox?
Older aircraft, or small light aircraft and helicopters might not be fitted with the appropriate
equipment and so will not appear in the aircraft list or on the map screen. See Tracking Military
Aircraft for more information.

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1.4 The RadarBox Community
The RadarBox Community
The popularity of RadarBox has resulted in a highly committed group of users, who through their
enthusiasm, have helped with the development of this application. By sharing their data and making
suggestions for additional features, the users have contributed to the success of Radarbox. AirNav
Systems remains totally committed to working closely with the RadarBox community and looks
forward to continued development.
AirNav Systems would particularly like to thank the radarbox.gofreeserve.com website and its
contributors and also contributors to the AirNav Systems Forum, in allowing airline logos and airport
layouts created by them to be added to the official release version of this application.
2Getting Started
2.1 Installation
AirNav RadarBox Installation
DO NOT CONNECT THE HARDWARE USB CABLE TO YOUR COMPUTER BEFORE INSTALLING
THE SOFTWARE
If you need any help during the installation process visit AirNav Systems support page
The AirNav RadarBox system is made up of two parts.
·The hardware - consisting of the receiver, antenna and USB cable
·The software - delivered on CD or downloaded as an update from the AirNav website
You must install the software first. Once the software installation is complete, you can
then install the hardware. RadarBox uses a device driver supplied on the CD. It is vital
that this driver is installed and that Windows is not allowed to install a random driver
form the Internet, otherwise RadarBox will not function. Failure of the RadarBox software
to connect to the hardware receiver is almost always due to failure to install the correct
driver. Follow the below steps to correctly install RadarBox and start tracking flights in
real-time on your computer. For help in troubleshooting the driver installation, see the
Troubleshooting section. Please note that if you change the RadarBox USB connecting
cable to a different USB port, then you will have to install the driver again for that port.
This is a limitation of the way that MS Windows manages USB ports and not an issue with
Radarbox.
1. Run the setup.exe file located on the root folder of the provided CD. Follow registration
instructions paying special attention to the User Agreement.

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2. After the software installation is complete connect the USB cable from the hardware to your
computer. Windows will detect that AirNav RadarBox is connected.
3. When the below windows appears, under "Can Windows connect to Windows Update for
software?" select "No, not at this time". Click "Next".

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4. Under "What do you want the wizard to do?" select "Install from a list or specific location
(Advanced)". Click "Next".
5. Select "Search for the best driver in these locations" and then select "Include this location

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in the search". Browse for the folder that contains RadarBox drivers. It is located on a folder named
"drivers" that is inside the folder where AirNav RadarBox software has been installed.
The standard location of the AirNav drivers is "C:\Program Files\AirNav Systems\AirNav
RadarBox 2009\Drivers". Click "Next".
5. Driver installation will start. If the window below appears click "Continue Anyway".
6. If the window below appears select again the RadarBox driver folder, usually located at:

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"C:\Program Files\AirNav Systems\AirNav RadarBox 2009\Drivers". Click "OK".
7. That's it! The hardware has been installed successfully. Click the "Finish" button.
2.2 Hardware Guide
Hardware Guide
In this section you will find a description of the three LED indicator lights displayed on the front of the
RadarBox receiver.

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RadarBox hardware LED's
Power USB Signal
RadarBox LED Indicator Lights
The RadarBox receiver (hardware) has 3 LED lights displayed on the front of the case. These LED's
are marked Power (Green), USB (Blue) and Signal (White) and give a clear indication of the status if
the hardware and software.
Green LED:
This is the most important light. When on it means that the receiver is properly powered. The AirNav
RadarBox receiver is powered by your PC via the USB connection and there is no need for external
power or batteries. When the receiver is connected to your PC, this light should always be on. If it is
not on, then it indicates that no power is being received and that there may be a problem with your
USB cable. This can be caused by insufficient power being provided by the USB port - this can be an
issue with some laptops and USB extenders. If using a USB HUB, you must use one with a separate
power supply. See Troubleshooting for more help.
Blue LED (USB):
This LED indicates the status of the USB connection as shown below.
·Blue LED Flashing once per second:
When the blue LED flashes briefly once per second, this indicates that the hardware is being
correctly powered by the computer but there is no valid data connection between the software and
the hardware (receiver). This could indicate the USB driver is not installed correctly or that there is
a problem with your USB cable. This once per second flashing will occur whenever the
hardware receiver is connected to your PC, even if the RadarBox software is not
running. If when the Radarbox software is run, there is no change in the once per second flash,
then this is a good indication that the Radarbox driver is not installed. The RadarBox software
interface will show a Red 'Hardware: Unconnected indication'.
However, this condition can also be seen if the receiver is properly connected to your computer
and AirNav RadarBox software is working but no flights are being received. You can see the effect
of this by disconnecting your antenna. If you would normally expect to see traffic, but there is none
visible and the Blue LED is flashing once per second, check that your antenna is connected.
For more information on how to properly install the drivers please go to the Installation section and
the Troubleshooting section.
·Blue LED flashing rapidly (or permanently on)
This indicates that the receiver is correctly connected to your PC via the USB cable and that the USB
driver is correctly installed. The Radarbox Software interface with show a Green 'Hardware:
Connected' indication. In a busy traffic environment, the Blue LED flashes so fast, it appears to be

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permanently on.
White LED (Signal):
The white LED flashes whenever a Mode-S signal is received from an aircraft and decoded with
success. The more this LED flashes the more information is being received by your antenna from
aircraft. In highly congested airspace areas this LED will flash very quickly and it is not unusual in a
busy traffic environment to receive more than 50 Mode-s messages per second. The white LED
Signal cannot be on if the Blue USB is not indicating correctly as above.
Normal Operation:
Under normal operating conditions (hardware connected to your computer, drivers correctly installed
and the Radarbox software running) the green power light will always be on, the blue light will flash
very rapidly when data is being transferred from the receiver to your computer and the white light will
flicker when data is being received from aircraft.
2.3 Antenna Positioning
Antenna Positioning
RadarBox comes with a small magnetic base antenna and this antenna has been selected for its
excellent performance when used with the hardware receiver and AirNav software. Correct positioning
of the antenna is essential in order to gain maximum performance as ADS-B signals are transmitted in
the 1090 MHz Ultra High Frequency band, which is eight times higher than VHF aircraft voice
communications. At this frequency, signals travel by "line of sight" and are affected by any
obstructions such as buildings, trees and hills. This means that if anything comes between you and
the aircraft, then that aircraft will probably not be displayed by RadarBox. In order to achieve
maximum performance and to ensure good range and coverage, the following points should be noted:
·The supplied RadarBox antenna is not intended to be mounted permanently outdoors.
·The antenna should ideally be positioned with a clear view of the sky and clear of obstructions.
·The higher the antenna, the better the performance.
·Performance is enhanced by a "ground-plane" which is simply a metal disk the size of a CD or
larger. Attach the magnetic antenna to the center of the disk
·The longer the feed cable, the poorer the performance.
Whilst RadarBox can work perfectly acceptably with the antenna sitting on a window
ledge, you should always try to find the highest and clearest position. A skylight window
is an ideal location for the antenna. If you have RadarBox installed on a laptop computer,
then you will be able to move the laptop, RadarBox and antenna to find the position that
gives the best performance. An external antenna connected by a long feeder cable can
improve performance, however, the advantage of the high antenna can be completely
overcome by losses in the cable. If you wish to use a long feeder cable, you must use high
quality, low-loss cable. Note that such cable tends to be thick, inflexible and expensive.
A signal pre-amplifier may improve RadarBox performance, however, the amplifier must be capable of
working at 1090 MHz. The performance of a poorly sighted antenna will not be improved by a
pre-amplifier. It is recommended that you experiment with the standard RadarBox antenna before
considering an external antenna and/or a pre amplifier. Moving the antenna only a small distance can
make a significant difference in performance. Remember that height is everything, but not at the
expense of a long 'lossy' feeder cable.
Use the Maximum Range Polar Diagram to see how well you have positioned your antenna. Clear the
polar diagram before starting this test - File | Preferences | General | Clear/Reset Polar Diagram.

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Above: Select Polar Diagram display
Leave RadarBox running for at least 30 minutes to allow the polar diagram to build up.
Coverage is good in all directions except for the west and north west, which partly screened by buildings.

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2.4 Quickstart Tutorial
AirNav RadarBox - Quickstart Tutorial
This set of step by step instructions will guide you through the most important application features.
Note: information between [...] means that the command mentioned can be found in the AirNav
RadarBox Menus.
Example: [Tools|Internet|Download Updated Data Now] points you to click on Tools menu, Internet
topic, Download Updated Data Now subtopic.
Step by Step Tutorial
1- Start the software using the windows Shortcut created on your Start Menu or Desktop.
2. The Welcome Window will be shown. Enter your Username and Password then click the
"Start" button. You can 'tick' the Remember password checkbox to save you having to type your
details every time you start RadarBox. The connection to the Hardware will be started and if you are a
subscriber to the AirNav RadarBox Data Sharing Network, the software will try to download network
data.
3- The first time you run RadarBox, the main software window with a world map will be shown as
illustrated below. Dynamic 3D maps are one of RadarBox's most important features. You are now
going to explore some of the RadarBox functions.

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4- First task: you will center the map at your home location, zoom in and save it as your default map.
To center the map at any location let's use the "Locate" feature. It easily centers the map on any
airport, city or navigation facility all over the world.
Imagine you are located near London Heathrow Airport. Enter "EGLL" in the locate box. This box it
at the top of the main screen as on the screen shot below. After this click the Locate button. The
map will now be panned so that London appears at the center.
You can also enter your exact location using the menu option File > Preferences > Home Station Data
and entering your position directly in the Latitude and Longitude Boxes. Note that lat/lon should be
entered in DECIMAL DEGREES in the form 51.0504 -2.554
In this example, the position is N51.0505 W2.554 as a positive lat represents North, and the negative
lon represents West. Please note that if you have a position in Degrees and minutes, for example N50
25.5 W001 45.6, this is NOT the same as 50.255 -1.456. Either use Google Earth with the position
option set to decimal degrees to find your location, or do a Google search for an online lat/lon
conversion program.
5- Now Zoom in until more detailed view of the London area is shown. You can do this by clicking
the zoom in button on the map toolbar. The easiest way to pan/zoom your maps is by using your
mouse buttons. Left click anywhere in the map and 'drag' the map to the desired location.

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6- Save your map by going to [Map |Open/Save | Save Map]. Answer Yes to the "Are you sure
you want to overwrite your default map file?". This map will be the one that will be always shown
after the application is started.
7- All map functions are located on the map menu or on the map toolbar on the top of the main
window. You can also right mouse click over any map to access map functions in a faster way,
including setting you home location. On these menus there are several map layers that you can
choose to be hidden or visible. This includes aviation related layers (airports, runways, NDBs, VORs,
FIXes as well as airways and ATC boundaries). There are also general interest layers like roads,
geographic coordinates, cities and elevations. See the Maps Toolbar section for more information on
working with maps.
General Map Layers
Aviation Map Layers

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8- Now let's have a look at the RadarBox Interface panel. This is where all the action will take place.
It is divided into 5 tabs.
·MyFlights: where all the flights received using your hardware will be shown. A grid will show as
many flight details as possible, from aircraft registration to flight route. Photos and aircraft details
will appear on the bottom of this tab.
·Network: all AirNav RadarBox Network flights (received from other RadarBox users) will be shown
on this tab.
·SmartView: Selected aircraft list, chosen by registration or flight ID
·ACARS: flights received from AirNav ACARS Decoder interface will be shown here.
·Alerts: you could receive an email each time a specific registration is received by your decoder.
Other types of alerts are available.
9- In addition to the 5 tabs, you can also access the MyLog and Reporter functions.
·MyLog: a collection of all live flights received by your RadarBox will appear on this tab (Network
flights are not recorded in MyLog). Data can be imported and exported from the MyLog Tools menu.
·Reporter: an easy interface for you to share your reports with other mode-s users.
10- At the bottom of the RadarBox interface notice the connection status. You can monitor here if the
hardware is properly connected to your computer and to the RadarBox Network.
11- To connect to the RadarBox Network and see flights being received by other users, first check
that you have your RadarBox unit connected to your computer. After this be sure you are connected
to the Internet. If both conditions are met, go to the Network Tab on the RadarBox Panel Interface
and click on the "Get Flights From RadarBox Network" check box.