The SBS-1 is a receiver for Mode-S/ADS-B beacons of commercial airliners,
sent on 1090MHz. This beacon transmits data like position, flight level,
identification and other information of the aircraft. With the supplied
software the received data is displayed on the PC in tabular and graphic
format, showing the current traffic situation of the region. The max.
distance up to which an aircraft can be monitored is approx. 400km,
but is strongly influenced by local circumstances like obstructions etc.
The SBS-1 is connected to the PC with an USB cable, i.e. the computer must
support USB (1.1 or 2.0). A version with Ethernet is in preparation. The
supplied software works with most Microsoft Windows™ OS from Windows 98SE
(second edition) up. According to the manufacturer the support of USB
interfaces was limited and incomplete with Win98SE, so there might be
problems installing the required drivers. Earlier versions of Windows
and other OS are not supported at the moment.
The antenna connector on the SBS-1 is BNC, the supplied antenna
comes with 5m cable. Others antennas can be used as long as they
are suitable for 1090MHz, e.g. scanner antennas like discones or
the Diamond D-707 active antenna. The supplied magnet base antenna
performs best when installed on a metallic surface.
The received data is displayed in tabular and graphical format.
The table shows identification, nationality, callsign, position,
ground speed, heading, rate of ascend/descend etc. The graphical
map displays the position and tracks of aircraft together with
selected data for each a/c. Descents/Ascents are coloured differently,
representing an up to date situation of the regional airspace.
Various zoom levels allow detailed display of smaller regions,
e.g. a nearby airport. An elevation view shows the vertical
movements of tracked a/c.
The map also displays country boundaries and coastlines as well
as waypoints, cities, airports etc. The these waypoints are stored
in a simple text file format and can be easily extended.
Supplied with the SBS-1 comes:
1. SBS-1 Receiver
2. 240V Cable Euro
3. 240V switching power supply
4. USB cable 1.5m
6. CD with Software and documentation (english)
7. Magnet base for antenna
8. 1090MHz antenna
9. Coaxial cable 5m
