AirNav Systems Forum
AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com => AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com Discussion => Topic started by: E14 on January 27, 2011, 04:02:37 PM
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Got me thinking the other day what the next big step is from 3D? After downloading the Flightradar24 app I wondered what new projects might be in the pipeline from AirNav?
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Many things :)
Thats why we have a hand-full of products releasing this year. Keep posted to this forum for news soon.
Obviously we won't be letting the cat out of the bag till nearer the release dates for each project.
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Hi E14 and ANS, sorry but I don't find the 3D option a big step, and have no interest in it at all - just seems very gimmicky to me, but that's just my view and it's a good job we don't all think the same! Multilateration (using the existing ANRB hardware) is the big one for a lot of us, I believe. Like a lot of others, I find the continual promises but no action or results, very frustrating and a real spoiler. As for the "we can't say anything as the competition will know what we're planning" line totally unacceptable and trite. My Network subscription runs out in April, and I certainly won't be renewing it unless things look up very quickly. Getting rid of the 5 minute delay network subscription, making the real-time option available at the standard price would be a sweetener instead of making it unaffordable. I can't see any justification paying out that sort of money for 5 minute delayed then real-time sub on top is over the top in my opinion. Horses for courses I know!
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Hi E14 and ANS, sorry but I don't find the 3D option a big step, and have no interest in it at all - just seems very gimmicky to me, but that's just my view and it's a good job we don't all think the same! Multilateration (using the existing ANRB hardware) is the big one for a lot of us, I believe. Like a lot of others, I find the continual promises but no action or results, very frustrating and a real spoiler. As for the "we can't say anything as the competition will know what we're planning" line totally unacceptable and trite. My Network subscription runs out in April, and I certainly won't be renewing it unless things look up very quickly. Getting rid of the 5 minute delay network subscription, making the real-time option available at the standard price would be a sweetener instead of making it unaffordable. I can't see any justification paying out that sort of money for 5 minute delayed then real-time sub on top is over the top in my opinion. Horses for courses I know!
Agreed CoastGuardJon i have no 5 minute delay i see now its not worth it.
Fred
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Good post CoastguardJon which closely reflects my views as well.
While I agree that Multilateration would be desirable, my priority would be for the databases to be sorted out. I honestly can't see how much longer we can go on without getting those back on track and then ensuring they are regularly updated.
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Feature preferences always depends on the type of user: some users prefer the MyLog feature / Databases, others the network and it being real-time and some other the graphical aspect of the software / 3D (BTW RadarBox 3D sales are higher than RadarBox Pro).
Regarding further developments: we understand some users get impatient but one more time we confirm that we are involved in 5 different projects for 2011. We can't disclose any details for now unfortunately and we understand your frustration because of this. The RadarBox database problems will be sorted out as soon as ShipTrax software development finishes (ShipTrax will be released in mid April and the software will be ready a long time before that).
One more time be patient as 2011 will be a great year for this hobby: we will never stop working and developing new systems but it takes time, a lot of investment and effort to have something ready.
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Totally agree with Bratters
Cannot disagree with either MLAt or an updated database.
The database is and always will be an issue - until a service is provided either professionally or (as is of now) voluntarily, whereby at least quarterly or preferably in my mind ,monthly updated navdata files are issued.
When I was involved in the Updater team, the suggestion of asking users to request database updates via this forum was spawned - as a temporary measure initially. I don't think any of the team expected this to still be effectively the only medium to address this issue so many months down the line, with still no fix or revised file being issued.
I don't believe I'm speaking out of turn on this or being anyway disrespectful to the other guys in the team, but some closure is needed on this.
We hear of the possibility of new database files becoming available, but I still can't believe the real annoying issues which the team continually have to "bat away" regarding ICAO/silhouettes/photos seems no nearer completion??
I think there is a resignation from many users ,to use other databases which supplement the current situation, so although the info on their screen is not accurate, they are still able to deduce what the upto date info for the aircraft is?
To have a database two years at least out of date on such a product is ridiculous, and it's ridiculous that we're still debating all this.
MLAT, for me is a much much attractive addition, and I would personally put it ahead of the database in so far as product development, especially given my earlier point on reliance on other product for an accurate database.
Given the possibilities of MLAT being incorporated within similar competitior products, it will be interesting to see where this goes with RadarBox.
It's encouraging to hear of "five different products" being considered, but we all know the major gripe is the database - so why can't we get a fix, given all the hard graft that's been undertaken, rather than wait and wait and wait???
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As a prospective purchaser of Radarbox Pro will the new projects require new hardware or work with the existing Radarbox?
I would not want to make a purchase today and find in a few weeks/months it was incompatible with any new release planned for 2011.
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I'm also looking to buy Radarbox Pro but I'm concerned,after trawling through various forum threads, that if I do so in the next few weeks the unit will not be suitable for any possible 2011 releases.
I'm particularly interested in Mlat capability. Could someone please at AirNav re-assure me that my purchase will not be in vain.
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I'm also disappointed about the long time it takes for Airnav to provide updates which correct simple bugs in their software. Last July I told them about a bug in the Radarbox3D-Software. The altitudes of the aircraft are interpreted as meters instead of feet for the 3D visualization. It's just a simple multiplication which they would have to add in the software and they could provide a path.
But nothing has happened for half a year. This bug is still an open point in the list of known bugs (www.airnavsystems.com/bugs).
So I'm not sure if I would buy a Radarbox again.
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I was to make my purchase today but will now hold off because £400 is a lot to pay if the hardware is not compatible with future updates proposed during 2011.
Paying for a software upgrade I would accept if necessary, but not if that meant my hardware would no longer be compatible.
I need some reassurance from the Airnav team although I don't need to know what features they are planning. I don't want to shell out £400 for an old model if a newer one is around the corner.
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I agree completely with Marpleman's post. Radarbox is potentially the best product on the market but the database issue for me is THE critical issue. Until this is resolved properly by the opportunity to download updates on a regular basis, I could not condone anybody purchasing a Radarbox despite my very positive review of the product which I posted on Amazon UK a long time back. BTW, a big thankyou to the work carried out by the updaters - let's hope your efforts are turned into this major enhancement very soon.
Dave
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I was to make my purchase today but will now hold off because £400 is a lot to pay if the hardware is not compatible with future updates proposed during 2011.
Paying for a software upgrade I would accept if necessary, but not if that meant my hardware would no longer be compatible.
I need some reassurance from the Airnav team although I don't need to know what features they are planning. I don't want to shell out £400 for an old model if a newer one is around the corner.
If that happened everybody's RB would have to be replaced. The 'upgrades' will be in the software I would imagine and so will be downloaded to your PC. If I was you, I would be more concerned about a two year old + database.
Dave
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If that happened everybody's RB would have to be replaced. The 'upgrades' will be in the software I would imagine and so will be downloaded to your PC. If I was you, I would be more concerned about a two year old + database.
Dave
Hi Dave
I understand your response but for me software issues can be fixed but if the hardware is not compatible with a future release this year then I feel that what I would have paid if I had purchased today would have been wasted.
I will keep my money in the bank for now and use virtual radar unless Airnav can give me some reassurance. I like the product but not that much I am prepared to lose out ;-)
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I agree completely with Marpleman's post. Radarbox is potentially the best product on the market but the database issue for me is THE critical issue. Until this is resolved properly by the opportunity to download updates on a regular basis, I could not condone anybody purchasing a Radarbox despite my very positive review of the product which I posted on Amazon UK a long time back. BTW, a big thankyou to the work carried out by the updaters - let's hope your efforts are turned into this major enhancement very soon.
Dave
I too agree with Dave's sentiments.
The fact that I have had to resort to 3rd party add-ons in order to get a reliable database and FlightDisplayLite route finder makes a lie of the "No third-party apps with hidden costs required. All-in-one package" claim.
Teejay
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I am glad I read Airnavs post yesterday about the planned projects I would have felt mifted if I had purchased today then read about it.
If I get a response to say what is planned for 2011 will work with the existing platform then I will go and buy one as planned.
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The RadarBox database problems will be sorted out as soon as ShipTrax software development finishes (ShipTrax will be released in mid April and the software will be ready a long time before that).
Does this mean the database architectural problems will be worked on after ShipTrax software development finishes,or will this just be the release of a new database with the same problems pulling info back from the server??
I suppose a new navdata file that reflects the updaters hard work would at least hopefully be a start over the next couple of months???
If it merely means that development work will start on existing issues after ShipTrax software is launched, then where does this leave us?
I work for a large US semiconductor manufacturer who make and sell both analogue and discrete chips - I see both sides of the business progressing with new ideas,upgrades and challenges at the same time.
I'm not so sure our analogue customers would remain too pleasured with having to wait for work to be completed on the discrete side of the business before ongoing old issues were adressed with the analogue product!
Admittedly, it's all down to economies of scale,and available resource, but frankly I don't care a jot about ShipTrax, and can't for one moment believe the market for maritime enthusiasts is anywhere as expansive as that of RadarBox - maybe I'm wrong?
However, if I knew there were five ground breaking developments awaiting with a product i used, on an existing platform, without the need to re-purchase the hardware, I'd at least expect to be put in the picture as to what, or at least if they included a new working, reliable database, and an already available "add-on" (and I use the term carefully!) such as MLAT, then I would be very much more interested.
Until a more commercial announcement is made as to the strategy of the product, then I can't blame anyone from hedging their bets and keeping hold of their money?
The problem is, customers have a tendancy to shop elsewhere, as we all know that money burns a hole in peoples pockets???
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The RadarBox database problems will be sorted out as soon as ShipTrax software development finishes (ShipTrax will be released in mid April and the software will be ready a long time before that).
The problem is, customers have a tendancy to shop elsewhere, as we all know that money burns a hole in peoples pockets???
You are correct with that statement, I was going to wait but I have already started looking elsewhere. It's a shame really I was so interested in the Radarbox.
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However, if I knew there were five ground breaking developments awaiting with a product i used, on an existing platform, without the need to re-purchase the hardware, I'd at least expect to be put in the picture as to what, or at least if they included a new working, reliable database, and an already available "add-on" (and I use the term carefully!) such as MLAT, then I would be very much more interested.
Very much agree with your comment Rich, if only Airnav could see how much respect they could gain by explaining what those five projects are and more important if new hardware would be required. No need for any great detail or release dates, we know projects can slip and require more time.
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I've had no reply to my earlier post regarding forthcoming radarbox purchase so I assume Support are on holiday
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I've had no reply to my earlier post regarding forthcoming radarbox purchase so I assume Support are on holiday
Don't think so binky - they were on here talking about 3D buttons yesterday and they are normally very responsive to prospective customers.
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We aren't on holiday binky :) no such thing for support.
Firstly a few of the posters in this thread (and another started this weekend) have been temporarily not been allowed to post until they explain why they have two accounts on the forum and why they are claiming to be new customers interested. We suspect some foul play here, till they are answered we won't be allowing them to post.
Regarding our projects, we would absolutely love to tell you what we have planned the exact details etc.. but it doesn't make commercial sense. Any sort of advancement of a project when it is released has a commercial advantage over another product or competitor. We would not want to loose this advantage by saying xyz will be released in six months while our competitors use those six months to catch up.
As enthusiasts and customers of other products we understand that you want to know what is around the corner but as a business you have to understand we cannot disclose them. Vast majority of companies won't disclose there new products until very close to there release date. This is the method we are following as well.
binky regarding your question, as above we cannot disclose those details, however we are company which looks after our customers and if an upgrade occurs to any product line being we provide a sensible upgrade deal.
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Thanks for reply. I guess I had better just wait for further announcements on this forum.
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Airnav - re Mlat - ignoring for the moment the actual technicalities of whatever system you have in mind, am I right in assuming that in order to pinpoint an aircraft we shall need a minimum of 3 "boxes" in operation simultaneously and in reasonable proximity?
What I'm thinking is that whatever the final price is, it shouldn't be so high that we can't get a sufficient number of buyers/users to make the system work - if you see what I mean?
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bratters,
Yes that is correct and we are aware of that fact. This also does mean that many customers in locations without many RBs around won't see any benefit of MLAT at all.
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Airnav - yep, understood. Thanks for reply. The sooner the better for me.
PS a thought for you - not knowing the maximum distance apart the boxes will have to be, is it not possible to have some "fixed" 24 hour operational boxes in use, either run by yourselves or maybe "subsidised" in some way?
That would mean you could promote a virtually guaranteed network.
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bratters,
Yes that is correct and we are aware of that fact. This also does mean that many customers in locations without many RBs around won't see any benefit of MLAT at all.
Then why not just ensure the box can "also" be used with third party mlat options, thus giving the end user greater coverage?
Also
Note your reply above to blinky reference new hardware, would it be too much to ask if "new" hardware will be required? Were not asking what that new hardware can do, just if it will be required, no details needed, just yes or no answer is good.
Why will be very sad is if this topic drags out for months (as it already has) only to fine you will need new box. would seem like being strung alone!