thebaldgeek

 This blog tries to explain the 'logon' table located here:  https://tbg.airframes.io/dashboard/logon Intro Before an aircraft can send any messages through any of the usual Inmarsat satellites, it has to initiate a log on handshake. A sort of formal introduction. This table, and the Node-RED low-code behind it, attempts to catch those introductions and records the time it takes place and via which satellite. I then add to this 'logon ping' message a lookup on the aircraft HEX used for the log on and see if we have any callsigns or past ACARS for the handshake ICAO. ICAO HEX Did you read those last 6 words carefully? Go back and read them again. Did it sink in? Did a dark light come on? avgeeks using this table along with the other tables on my site have found that when the aircraft logs on to the satellite, more often than not it logs on with its 'real' HEX. Once the connection is approved, the aircraft will sometimes switch to its TACHEX (Tactical or dynamic o...

Quick ‘mini review’ of the Discovery Dish with L-Band ACARS feed. You can see the Crowdsupply campaign here. Crowd Supply Discovery Dish A system for weather satellite reception and hydrogen line radio astronomy Myself and a few others backed it from day zero (or close to it). Took a few more months than expected for it to ship, but turns out, it was worth the wait. Make sure you get the right feed for your end goal. There are two L-Bandish mounts, so take your time and think about what you want to cover. The dish and the feed come really well boxed. image 1669×1017 211 KB On first unboxing its very impressive. Just a really well packed and well-presented unit. Nice multi language instruction book with loads of diagrams and pictures walking you through the assembly and tuning of the dish. Also the feed has some swag in the form of three pretty sweet stickers. image 1812×1024 279 KB The dish is equally well packed with protection foam and booklet. No issues getting it all out and layin...