jetvision.de Radarcape User manual

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Radarcape - High Performance ADS-B-Receiver
Radarcape - Hochleistungs-ADS-B-Empfänger
Art. no. 66006, 66066, 66077

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Important notice
This User Manual is an extract of the comprehensive Radarcape Wiki pages at
http://wiki.modesbeast.com/Radarcape:Contents The Radarcape Wiki may contain
newer information than this User Manual. It is therefore strongly recommended that you
check the Radarcape Wiki against this user manual. Also the Radarcape Wiki contains
additional information and instructions for peculiar cases of operation, that are not listed
in this user manual.
Description
The Radarcape is a highly sophisticated standalone device to receive ADS-B signals.
There are several ways of displaying air traffic with nothing more than a web browser, even from
multiple locations:
● Aircraft list
● 2D Map
● 3D Map (using Google Earth or similar)
Raw data access:
● RAW data access is available, additionally also pre-checked and pre-filtered
● Port 30003 Base station compatible data
● Raw data is available multiple and mixed, from several consumers at the same time, and
with all services in parallel.
● Raw data is timestamped with a GPS synchronized absolute timestamp for high resolution
multilateration.
Low Level Access:
● Several reports of the current air situation are available
● Own applications and programs can be installed in parallel to the operating software.
Data Feeding:
● The Radarcape comes with a feeder for the Flightradar24, FlightAware and OpenSky network
aircraft sharing (switchable)
Remember, that all features above are available at the same time and in parallel.

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The Radarcape connects to your PC via network, as such it is ideal also for remote locations.
Example features
● Raw data streams in various qualities and with different filtering
● Web interface data access and maintenance
● The networking can support all kind of protocols. Currently there is only TCP and HTTP
support, but based on the Linux systems others are no problem. For example, we have
already set up a network based on SSH tunneling which solves some firewall issues.
● There are no longer any DIP switches, instead the configuration can be changed just using a
web browser.
Multilateration
For enhanced multilateration, the Radarcape is equipped with a GPS synchronized clock with an
accuracy in the nanosecond level. This is completely processed in the FPGA without any influence
through the Linux system.
Network Feeding
There are sharing networks for aircraft data. Flightradar24 is using a branded version of the Radarcape
as their device that feeds data into their servers. The Radarcape as delivered from us also contains a
way how to share data with Flightradar24, either anonymously or with a sharing key provided by them.
Easy Usage
With its small size and the low power consumption the Radarcape is ideal for running all time without a
PC behind and collecting data. The application SW on the Radarcape will output collected data in
several ways, like
● raw data formats for second level software on PCs
● HTML tables for personal viewing or computer post processing
● KML files for mapping software, such as Google Earth
Proprietary Software running on the Radarcape
The Radarcape will be open for your private enhancements and SW installations on the Linux part. We will
provide all information required for such tasks and even ways how to write software under Linux, like
interface descriptions, and even some installation guides for compilers and tools.
Specification
The Radarcape consists of:
● Beaglebone board

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● Radarcape Mode-S/ADS-B receiver
● GPS module Trimble Resolution SMT
● Common case
Power Consumption:
● 5V external supply
● Standard 2.1 mm DC connector (plus inside, minus outside) without GPS, operating:
typical 620mA
● with GPS (including antenna): typical 720mA
Case:
● Length approximately 92 mm (110 mm with antenna connector)
● Width approximately 80 mm
● Height approximately 45 mm
● Weight approximately 0.233 kg
Linux Distribution
The Radarcape operates with Angstrom Embedded Linux, it is using the pure root file system, not a
Cloud9 system. Due to that, you may not see internal disk drives when plugging the USB. We do not
guarantee stability with other Linux distributions than the one it became delivered, as there were already
some issues.
Beaglebone Board (Rev. A6A)
● AM335x 720MHz ARM Cortex-A8
● 256MB DDR2 RAM
● 3D graphics accelerator (SGX530)
● 2x PRU 32-bit RISC CPUs
● Connectivity
● USB client (mini B receptacle)
● USB host (type A receptacle)
● 100 Base-TX Ethernet
● 2x 46 pin headers (used by Radarcape board)
● microSD card with Angstrom Linux distribution
More Information: www.BeagleBoard.org
Radarcape Board
● FPGA based Mode-S ADS-B receiver
● SMA Mode-S antenna connector

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GPS Module
● Trimble Resolution SMT GPS module
● SMB male GPS antenna connector
User Interface
Radarcape Front Side
● USB Extension Slot
● Power LED
● Mode-S LED
● GPS LED
USB Extension Slot
This is a USB type A connector. It is available for memory sticks or user extensions. It is fully supported
by the internal Linux system.
Power LED
The power LED is green when power is applied to the backside connector.
Mode-S LED
The Mode-S LED is flashing red on each frame that becomes received from aircraft.
If no frames are received (e.g. no antenna connected), it flashes once per second in order to indicate
working state.

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GPS LED
The GPS LED is flashing green once each second exactly when the second changes. In case of GPS
degradation, it occasionally flashes red. It is set quite critical, so that may happen during normal
operation, too.
Radarcape Back Side
● Mode-S antenna (SMA connector)
● GPS antenna (SMB connector)
● 100Base-TX Ethernet connector (LAN)
● USB Serial (USB mini-B connector)
Note: If there is no label like RC65 on the back side of the device (above the Ethernet connector), your
hostname (DNS name) is Radarcape. Otherwise, this sign is telling your hostname.
Radarcape Hardware Installation
Plug the following connectors into the Radarcape
● Mode-S antenna
● GPS antenna
● Ethernet/LAN cable
● Power cable
Connect the power supply with the electrical outlet.

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Mode-S-Antenna Placement
The Mode-S antenna should be placed as free and as high as possible.
GPS Antenna placement
The GPS antenna should be placed to a point with at least half of the sky in free sight, for example a
window sill. Some users reported running the GPS antenna indoors. This is not guaranteed to work.
Radarcape Software Configuration
In a network environment, there are basically two ways how to access a device
● IP address, something like 192.168.1.157
● hostname, which is a text string, a given name
The IP address is given to your device during startup from either a DHCP server or from predefined fixed
settings. Mostly your DSL or internet router is working as DHCP in your network. You can look into your
router's user interface, IP list, in order to obtain the Radarcape's IP address. Mind that the IP address is
unique only in your network segment. If behind a firewall or router, your devices might be summarized
under one common and different IP address.
Fixed IP addresses are currently only available by reconfiguring the Embedded Linux, you will find plenty of
information hereabout in the internet. Mind that the Radarcape normally runs with Linux 3.8 or later.
The hostname or DNS name is a given name that is stored internally in your device (it is located in the
file /etc/hostname). During the process of getting the IP address, the devices tells the DHCP server its
name. If there is no label on the back side of your Radarcape, the hostname is always Radarcape (or in
exceptional cases Beaglebone). Other names might be rc<nn>, with <nn> being a number.
Advanced Configuration Interfaces
There are two ways how to connect to the Linux system:
● SSH through the network
● Back side Mini USB connector
Set Root Password
In the default configuration, no password is set for the root user (administrator) on the Radarcape. We
strongly advise you to set a password for security reasons in case that you are not sure if externals can

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access your network segment. Please remember your password as there is currently no other
password recovery method than creating a new SD card image for your Radarcape.
First you must login to your Radarcape via SSH.
● Windows users can use the free SSH client Putty.
● Linux/Unix users may use SSH from the command line.
ssh [e-mail]
Please replace rc11.home with the DNS name or IP address of your personal Radarcape.
An initial root password has not been set. Therefore, you can login with user root and no password.
After you have logged in on your Radarcape, you can set a new root password with the following
command:
passwd
Radarcape Password Change
The message passwd: password updated successfully will indicate that the new password has been
set.
Accessing the Service Interface
The Radarcape has 2 USB connectors:
● A standard USB type A on the front panel, e.g. for memory sticks or other extensions

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● A micro USB connector on the back side, next to the antenna connectors. This allows you to
connect to the service interface or linux console. Lets use the word console from now on.
Take a standard USB cable and connect the back side USB. Check in the device manager (german:
Geräte-Manager) that a COM port becomes created.
Device Manager view without a Radarcape
console COM port
Device Manager view with a Radarcape
console COM port
● If it does, skip the FTDI driver installation. Parameters of this COM port are 115200Bit/sec
8N1.
● If not, perform the FTDI driver installation and check if the COM port appears.
Install FTDI drivers
From the FTDI driver web page, download the driver that fits to your system and install it. You should
then see the COM port that becomes created from the Radarcape.
Note: On the rigtht side in the table of FTDIs page, the 'Comments' column, there is a downloadable
install package, which might be easier to use.
Download and execute Putty terminal
We recommend Putty as console terminal, because it also supports SSH network connectivity.
Download Putty from here. There is no need to install, it is directly executable.

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Start Putty and enter the above detected COM port, 115200 and serial into the startup menu:
Once Putty is up, press Enter and you shall see something like below. Enter 'root' into the username
prompt and simply press enter when being asked for your password (or mind your previously set
password)

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Display your Current Network Connection
Once you have established the console connection, you can see your assigned IP address with the
command 'ifconfig'.
Radarcape Configuration
All configuration to the Radarcape can be done with a web browser.
Note: due to feature enhancements and changes, this page is often subject to change
NOTE: The FPGA settings still can be overwritten by external software using escape commands as
described for the Mode-S_Beast:Data_Input_Formats.

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The default password for changing the configuration is "radarcape"
Radarcape Software Features
Web Based Aircraft Table
A list of received aircraft positions can be fetched via a build-in webserver. This list can be sorted
ascending and descending in each column by simply clicking on the arrows. The distances is
automatically calculated from your GPS coordinates.
Radarcape Live Aircraft Displays
2D Display
All received aircrafts with a known position are displayed on a 2D map on any web browser.

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3D Data KML/KMZ Output
Google Earth can be attached to the Radarcape via KML/KMZ files.
Other Web Server Services
● index.html provides a menu of all functions
● deltadb.html outputs a comma separated list of all changes in the internal aircraft list since
the last call or a specified time. This is an efficient replacement of port 30003 functionalities
● gps.html informs about the status of the GPS clock
● connectionlist.html contains a history of events on the internal TCP servers
Data Streaming to Network (TCP) / Prefiltering / Local CRC Check
The TCP streamed data will be prefiltered for CRC correctness of not directly CRC checkable frames.
So the network load is lower than with the pure raw data stream. A port will be provided that streams out
only DF-17 (and probably also DF-11) frames, so with least network load anyone else even behind a low
speed network can have an overview of what's going around.
● TCP port 10002: This is a mirror of the data as it comes from the FPGA, DF-11, DF-17 and
DF-18 are CRC-checked. Includes Mode-A/C data with respect to the setting in the FPGA
(DIP switch). This interface may even be AVR format as long as the supplied FPGA firmware
supports AVR format, but please note that the Radarcape's high level Linux SW may not be
able to process AVR format correctly and with all features.
● TCP port 10003: Binary formatted raw data with all Modes-S data formats CRC-prechecked
(eliminates transmission of the erroneous frames, reduces load on the transmission path). All
data from the FPGA is disassembled into messages and verified if correct. In case that,

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the frame is converted into the binary output format and transmitted over TCP. Includes
Mode-A/C data with respect to the setting in the FPGA (DIP switch).
● TCP port 10004: Binary formatted raw data, pre-checked DF-11, DF-17 and DF-18 only:
minimum load for the transmission path but contains most information. No Mode-A/C data.
● TCP port 10005: Binary formatted raw data, all raw data frames of just those aircraft that
locally no location (latitude and longitude) is known. For special MLAT purposes. No Mode-
A/C data.
The binary and AVR data formats are equal to the ones from the Mode-S Beast and described in the
section Mode-S Beast:Data Output Formats
USB Serial Port Data Access
The Radarcape supports one selectable data stream out of following sources on a virtual serial port via
the backside USB port:
● Raw FGPA data - including Mode-A/C data
● CRC pre-checked Mode-S with Mode-A/C data
● Mode-S Frame types DF-11, DF-17 and DF-18 only
● Mode-S Frames of all aircraft without a known location
● Port 30003 format
The output can be selected in the configuration dialogue. Due to processor load, it is recommended to
keep this feature disabled when not required.
The setting can be changed on the fly and will apply without a Radarcape reset.
PC driver
The interface uses the Linux kernel's USB gadget serial driver. It will create a virtual serial COM port
which you can identify in your device manager. As far as known at the moment, only an INF file is
necessary in order to install it. This can be downloaded here: link g_serial.inf.
The virtual serial port does not require any baudrate and handshake settings, it will work with any
configuration.
Take care that when connecting you will get two serial ports: One that provides access to the Linux
console, and the one mentioned within this feature. If you have doubts which one to select, first try the

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higher number, or use a Putty terminal just to see which one outputs weird binary data (or Port 30003
format if selected). The one that outputs a console screen on 115200 Baud is the wrong one.
Further information can be obtained here:
USB Gadget Kernel Documentation
Some usage and driver hints - this is where the INF file comes from.
Restrictions
1. Currently the serial interface worked with Putty and a test application on Windows. It did
not work with Planeplotter under XP, so don't blame me at the moment.
2. Note that even when a Radarcape receives power through the backside USB, you
anyway need to connect the external +5V for the receiver and decoder to operate.
3. Also note that when powering on, USB must not be connected first before external +5V,
as then the Radarcape will power on with low CPU clock settings.
Port 30003 Server
Port 30003 style output (e.g., SBS Plotter) can be provided standalone and without need of a PC
application.
The date in Port 30003 messages is always the Linux system date. The timestamp instead is a GPS
timestamp when the config is set to GPS timestamps and system time when the Radarcape operates in
legacy 12MHz timstamp mode.

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Due to the low efficiency and high processor load caused by this protocol, please do not use Port 30003
unless really necessary.
A better way of getting about the same data is the deltadb web page.
NTP Stratum 1 Normal
The Radarcape can be used as NTP source for correct time setting. For example, Planplotter requires
such for its own Multilateration.
Software Packages
Starting with November 2013, the release strategy will be Linux installer packages, which include the
Linux software as well as the FPGA firmware.
Release_140412.08.49
New Features:
● none
Changes:
● New FR24 feeder
● Some performance increase with Port 30003 data output
● The flight routes link parser was changed to handle the new structure of the links
Automatic Installation:
● Go to the Maintenance page of the Radarcape, verify if software version field shows above
version, and simply press Update button.
Please note that that it might not work, as it is not yet tested broadly. Below method will work anyway if
failed, so in case of failure, you may try the manual installation.
Manual Install command:
opkg update -V http://www.modesbeast.com/resources/radarcaped-140412.08.49.opk
Note: For updates, your Radarcape must have an internet connection. Manual update requires copying
the update package to the Radarcape by any means and issuing the opkg install command for the
location of the package.

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Other notes
ADS-B reception is strictly line of sight. Trees, buildings, mountains etc. will block the reception. Not all
aircraft transmit ADS-B data. Place your antenna accordingly. If you want to improve your reception
consider buying a dedicated ADS-B antenna from the jetvision.de 1090MHz-Shop at http://jetvision.de.
General notice
Information and data contained in this manual are subject to change without notice in advance.
No part of this user's manual may be reproduced, or transmitted for any purpose, regardless in which
way or by which means, electronically or mechanically, without explicit written approval of Günter
Köllner Embedded Development GmbH. jetvision.de is a brand of Günter Köllner Embedded
Development GmbH.
Disclaimer
1. The Radarcape is a device made for hobbyists and airplane spotters. We ensure quality and
stability and continue testing this in a high number of devices that we are operating by ourselves.
Our product contains third party tools out of our control, like Linux and Linux tools, where updates
are not in our responsibility but by the community or producer of these tools.
2. As a device for above mentioned circle of users, if you intend to use the device for any
commercial task, you are fully responsible for any consequences. The Radarcape does not have
obtained any of the aviation certification neither can we guarantee that the received data is 100%
correct.
3. As you are free to modify the Linux part, such modifications are always in your own full
responsibility. Also we do not guarantee that all Linux distributions are running stable in the
Radarcape.
4. We do not ensure that the Radarcape is fully secure against unforeseen access if running in a
network environment, neither public internet nor even your local network. You should of course
change the root password and remember it, and only then connect it to public internet if you
really know about the consequences.
5. As this is a small embedded device, when running heavy load with plenty of sharers or tools
installed, the device may fail with lack of resources.

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Forbidden Usage
Remember, that this device does not comply with any of the air traffic regulations or specifications and
that it is not certified for aviation use. You must not use it for any usage case that in any part of the world
would require a certification to comply with any rules.
This device must not be used in services like mentioned below
● Operating an aircraft
● Operating an airport
● Operating airport services
● Air traffic or ground traffic navigation
● Air traffic management
● Airport management
● Aircraft management
● Testing of other Mode-S or Mode-AC related equipment
or any other services that are similar to those listed above
Distribution
Günter Köllner Embedded Development GmbH
85256 Vierkirchen
Germany

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Wichtig
Diese Gebrauchsanweisung ist eine verkürzte Version des englischen "User Manual".
Aufgrund der laufenden Entwicklung des Radarcapes und den damit verbundenen
häufigen Änderungen der Gebrauchsanweisung können wir einen redaktionellen Dienst
in deutscher Sprache leider nicht sicherstellen.
Das englischsprachige User Manual ist wiederum ein Extrakt des umfassenden
Radarcape Wiki auf http://wiki.modesbeast.com/Radarcape:Contents. Das Radarcape
Wiki kann neuere Informationen beinhalten als das USer Manual. Es wird daher dringend
empfohlen, das User Manual mit dem letzten Stand des Radarcape Wiki abzugleichen.-
Das Radarcape Wiki enthält außerdem zusätzliche Informationen und Anweisungen für
besondere Betriebszustände des Radarcapes, die im User Manual nicht aufgeführt sind.
Zur Übersetzung des Radarcape Wiki in die deutsche Sprache empfehlen wir
http://translate.google.de
Beschreibung
Das Radarcape ist ein Hochleistungsempfänger, der alleinstehend ADS-B Signale empfangen und
verarbeiten kann.
Nur mit einem Webbrowser können bereits auf mehrere Arten Flugzeugdaten dargestellt werden:
● Flugzeugliste
● 2D Karte
● 3D Karte (mit Google Earth)
Rohdatenzugriff:
● Rohdatenzugriff ist verfügbar, auch mit vorheriger Datenprüfung und -filterung
● Port 30003 Basestation kompatibles Dateninterface
● Rohdaten enthalten einen GPS-Zeitstempel, um hochauflösende Multilateration zu
ermöglichen
Systemzugriff:
● Verschiedene Berichte sind standardmäßig verfügbar
● Eigene Anwendungen können auf dem System installiert werden

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Datennetzwerke:
● Das Radarcape kann sowohl das Flightradar24 Netzwerk als auch das Planeplotter
Netzwerk mit Flugzeugdaten versorgen
Multilateration
Dar Radarcape enthält einen GPS Empfänger zur Bestimmung der Position und Erzeugung eines
hochauflösenden Zeitstempels für Multilateration.
Eigene Software auf dem Radarcape
Das Radarcape hat eine offene Architektur für eigene Verbesserungen und Software Installationen
(Linux).
Spezifikation
Das Radarcape besteht aus:
● Beaglebone Board
● Radarcape Mode-S/ADS-B Empfänger
● GPS Modul Trimble Resolution SMT
● Gehäuse
Leistungsaufnahme:
● 5V DC extern
● Standard 2.1 mm DC Anschluss (plus innen, minus außen) ohne GPS, Stromaufnahme
typ. 620mA
● mit GPS (inkl. Antenne): typ. 720mA
Gehäuse:
● Länge ca. 92 mm (110 mm mit Antennenbuchse)
● Breite ca. 80 mm
● Höhe ca. 45 mm
● Gewicht ca. 0.233 kg
Linux Distribution
Das Radarcape kommt mit der Angstrom Embedded Linux Distribution. Wir garantieren den Betrieb mit
anderen Linux Distributionen nicht.
Beaglebone Board (Rev. A6A)
● AM335x 720MHz ARM Cortex-A8
● 256MB DDR2 RAM
● 3D graphics accelerator (SGX530)
● 2x PRU 32-bit RISC CPUs