Difference between revisions of "Aircraft Tracking"
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| [http://aprs.velocityxl.com/ Example Track-N44VF]<br/>[http://www.hamtestonline.com/ HamTestOnline] | | [http://aprs.velocityxl.com/ Example Track-N44VF]<br/>[http://www.hamtestonline.com/ HamTestOnline] | ||
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| − | | [[Image:spot_logo.png]] | + | | SPOT |
| − | + | | [[Image:spot_logo.png]]A satellite based signal will track you anywhere in the world with a subscription. | |
| It's satellite based, so coverage is excellent, and can provide improved search and rescue over a standard ELT (similar to 406 ELT with a GPS input). | | It's satellite based, so coverage is excellent, and can provide improved search and rescue over a standard ELT (similar to 406 ELT with a GPS input). | ||
| It's a separate unit that you must carry, and typically must have battery power and subscription to work. | | It's a separate unit that you must carry, and typically must have battery power and subscription to work. | ||
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| [http://www.spotadventures.com/ Spot adventures] <br/> [http://www.findmespot.com/en/ SPOT] | | [http://www.spotadventures.com/ Spot adventures] <br/> [http://www.findmespot.com/en/ SPOT] | ||
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| − | | [[Image:FlightAware.png]] | + | | FlightAware |
| − | + | | [[Image:FlightAware.png]]Website that provides online tracking of United States IFR flight traffic, including SMS or email alerts for file, departure, divert, and arrival. | |
| Most tracking services are free, all you have to do is file an IFR flight plan and then tell people to go to the website. | | Most tracking services are free, all you have to do is file an IFR flight plan and then tell people to go to the website. | ||
| You '''must''' be on an IFR flight plan to be tracked. | | You '''must''' be on an IFR flight plan to be tracked. | ||
Revision as of 16:03, 29 April 2010
There are several ways of tracking (from the ground or air) airplanes, and we'll try to summarize the options here as well as summarize the pros and cons of each.
| Option | Overview | Pros | Cons | Cost | Websites |
| APRS | HAM Radio enthusiasts have erected a network of APRS () repeaters throughout the country that relay your signal. This is aided by some stations acting as "iGates" and forwarding this signal to the internet, making for a wide range of useful applications. Free sites like OpenAprs provide tracking, or you can setup your own website to allow folks to track you from anywhere in the world. | Cheap. Buy a transmitter, like the MicroTrack for about $150, install it, and it operates for free. | You need to get a Technician Class or higher HAM radio license. It's not hard (especially if you use sites like HamTestOnline), but you need one. Also, coverage can be an issue, particularly out west, where there are fewer people (and HAM radio operators) or significant terrain that might impede your line-of-site to a ground repeater. | $150 APRS Transmitter, "Free" - network provided by Hams, free online tracking, just test prep and "low-cost" transmitter | Example Track-N44VF HamTestOnline |
| SPOT |  A satellite based signal will track you anywhere in the world with a subscription.
|
It's satellite based, so coverage is excellent, and can provide improved search and rescue over a standard ELT (similar to 406 ELT with a GPS input). | It's a separate unit that you must carry, and typically must have battery power and subscription to work. | $100 personal tracker, $100/year basic service, $50/year for "Track Progress" Service | Spot adventures SPOT |
| FlightAware |  Website that provides online tracking of United States IFR flight traffic, including SMS or email alerts for file, departure, divert, and arrival.
|
Most tracking services are free, all you have to do is file an IFR flight plan and then tell people to go to the website. | You must be on an IFR flight plan to be tracked. | "Free" - Just be IFR qualified, with an IFR aircraft, file, and fly. | FlightAware Live Tracking |
