AirNav Systems Forum

AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com => AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com Discussion => Topic started by: chrisd282 on March 08, 2011, 09:11:08 PM

Title: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: chrisd282 on March 08, 2011, 09:11:08 PM
Hello,

I just have a few questions regarding what this software can do with the radarbox.

I am very much one of those classic "spotters", always peering out of the window seeing what I can see. I keep an electronic log with another program of all the planes I see. I currently have an SBS-1 and am bored of the fact the program's not changed in years and it's difficult to update etc.

1) Would it be possible to show on the display the aircraft that I need? I don’t mind having to update an 'internal' database to show this, but does the software have the capabilities to show which aircraft I would need? I know of this "SmartView" thing, would this do the trick? I there a limit on how many items I can put in the smartview 'box'?

2) If I populate this information in the Comments section of the MyLog, is there any way of showing this on the screen instead?

3) Is it possible to use some sort of sqb database program to populate the smartview “database”? Might be a bit quicker to transfer the date from my log database to the radarbox database.

4. I’ve seen on the forum that there’s an update for this, that and everything. (lots about databases etc). When/if I get a radarbox, what will I need to update and how often will I need to do this?

Hope someone can answer some of my questions!

Thanks

Chris
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: ACW367 on March 08, 2011, 11:31:08 PM
Hello,

I just have a few questions regarding what this software can do with the radarbox.

I am very much one of those classic "spotters", always peering out of the window seeing what I can see. I keep an electronic log with another program of all the planes I see. I currently have an SBS-1 and am bored of the fact the program's not changed in years and it's difficult to update etc.


2) If I populate this information in the Comments section of the MyLog, is there any way of showing this on the screen instead?
Hope someone can answer some of my questions!

Thanks

Chris


Can answer this question.  It is not display anywhere else in the airnav software.  But you can export the MyLog into .CSV comma seperated format for viewing in MS Access, notepad etc.  The free type comments field is a full part of that .CSV export.

Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: perezoso on March 09, 2011, 03:23:34 AM
I'd be happy to trade you my Radarbox for your SBS-1!
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: tarbat on March 09, 2011, 09:29:41 AM
SmartView is probably your best option.  There's no "official" limit to the number of items, so how many do you want to use?  Note that you can use a wild-card on the end of entries, and you can enter FlightIDs and/or Registrations.  For example, I have LOG* to look for all Loganair flights, and G-SAS* to look for all Air Ambulance registrations, G-CH* for coastguard aircraft, etc.....

The SmartView list is held in a text file - D006.dat just as plain text, so very easy to generate from your existing list.

If you want to see how the software operates, you can download the latest version and simply run it in demonstration mode.

4. I’ve seen on the forum that there’s an update for this, that and everything. (lots about databases etc). When/if I get a radarbox, what will I need to update and how often will I need to do this?

When you get a Radabox, best to:

1. Download the latest version of the software, from http://www.airnavsystems.com/RadarBox/support.html

2. Download the latest navdata database, which contains the most up-to-date aircraft registration details, etc.

After that, any new aircraft registration details are downloaded automatically by Radarbox, so the only time you'll need to update is if a new version of the software is released.

If you have any other questions, just ask.

ps. Here's my SmartView tab:

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5511831524_b0d4ab68a9_d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarbat/5511831524/sizes/o/in/photostream/)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarbat/5511831524/sizes/o/in/photostream/
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: chrisd282 on March 09, 2011, 10:22:06 AM
Hey
Many thanks for all of your responces!



Can answer this question.  It is not display anywhere else in the airnav software.  But you can export the MyLog into .CSV comma seperated format for viewing in MS Access, notepad etc.  The free type comments field is a full part of that .CSV export.



Many thanks, I dont think I made myself 100% clear in my question. I know that i can populate the user comments section with something, for example an "N" if i need it, but I was wondering whether the software could display this field on the screen?




SmartView is probably your best option.  There's no "official" limit to the number of items, so how many do you want to use?  Note that you can use a wild-card on the end of entries, and you can enter FlightIDs and/or Registrations.  For example, I have LOG* to look for all Loganair flights, and G-SAS* to look for all Air Ambulance registrations, G-CH* for coastguard aircraft, etc.....

The SmartView list is held in a text file - D006.dat just as plain text, so very easy to generate from your existing list.

Perfect, thanks for letting me know! That helps a lot.
Quote
If you want to see how the software operates, you can download the latest version and simply run it in demonstration mode.
I’ve noticed that there’s a different version number for the 3D version and the non 3D version. Apart from the 3D capabilities, is there anything else different in the 4.03 version? (or whatever the version number is)

Quote

When you get a Radabox, best to: …………..
Brilliant, just what I was after..thanks for the info.

Thanks

Chris
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: Runway 31 on March 09, 2011, 10:27:49 AM
Chris

I dont think you can get the N to display on screen.  A new aircraft will populate with a * if you do a report however.

V3.13 is the latest non 3D version and there is no difference other than it doesnt do 3D

I would also add that if you use a 64bit version of windows, to download the 64bit drivers.

Alan
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: chrisd282 on March 09, 2011, 10:32:49 AM
I'd be happy to trade you my Radarbox for your SBS-1!
perezoso
Would it not be better to pm chrisd282, or maybe your making a statement.?

Oh he did send me a PM as well..!


Chris

I dont think you can get the N to display on screen.  A new aircraft will populate with a * if you do a report however.

V3.13 is the latest non 3D version and there is no difference other than it doesnt do 3D

I would also add that if you use a 64bit version of windows, to download the 64bit drivers.

Alan

Thanks for the info about the software.

Are the 64 bit drivers not included on the CD that comes with the box? Do i just download the ones that are on the support site and then install those before i install anything else?
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: Runway 31 on March 09, 2011, 10:43:54 AM
Ignore the troll.

The disc that comes with the kit was done before Windows 7 and doesnt have 64 bit drivers on it. Download the drivers from the support page and install before plugging anything in. 

Alan
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: eyeinthesky on March 09, 2011, 11:33:46 AM
I thought so. CHEERS

I'd be happy to trade you my Radarbox for your SBS-1!
perezoso
Would it not be better to pm chrisd282, or maybe your making a statement.?

Oh he did send me a PM as well..!


Chris

I dont think you can get the N to display on screen.  A new aircraft will populate with a * if you do a report however.

V3.13 is the latest non 3D version and there is no difference other than it doesnt do 3D

I would also add that if you use a 64bit version of windows, to download the 64bit drivers.

Alan

Thanks for the info about the software.

Are the 64 bit drivers not included on the CD that comes with the box? Do i just download the ones that are on the support site and then install those before i install anything else?
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: ACW367 on March 09, 2011, 01:21:18 PM
4. I’ve seen on the forum that there’s an update for this, that and everything. (lots about databases etc). When/if I get a radarbox, what will I need to update and how often will I need to do this?

When you get a Radabox, best to:

1. Download the latest version of the software, from http://www.airnavsystems.com/RadarBox/support.html

2. Download the latest navdata database, which contains the most up-to-date aircraft registration details, etc.

After that, any new aircraft registration details are downloaded automatically by Radarbox, so the only time you'll need to update is if a new version of the software is released.

There are a couple of additional items you will require to be fully up to speed.  You will want to also locate the following that are scattered around various forum threads and have no central location:

Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: chrisd282 on March 09, 2011, 01:36:32 PM
Ok, so when/if i get my new box, i need to update:

1. The 64 bit drivers (as im on windows 7 64 bit)
2. The latest radarbox software
3. The latest navdata database, which i believe contains reg's etc.
4. Country flags (or the dat files, I#m going to have to look in the forum to see exactly what this is..)
5. Logos and outlines (again, a bit of research needed)
6. Silhouettes...dont know if a dat file goes with those, but again, i'll have a nosey around the forums.

phew!
Is there some sort of "Getting started" page that I've missed? I admit I might not have gone through the forums and the website a lot, im just keen to know all the info required.
thanks for all your help though, much appreciated.

Chris
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: tarbat on March 09, 2011, 01:47:07 PM
Ok, so when/if i get my new box, i need to update:

I wouldn't say you need to update all this.  The latest software comes complete, most of these are "nice-to-have" updates.

1. The 64 bit drivers (as im on windows 7 64 bit)
YES

2. The latest radarbox software
YES

3. The latest navdata database, which i believe contains reg's etc.
YES

4. Country flags (or the dat files, I#m going to have to look in the forum to see exactly what this is..)
Not necessary.  I would say the ones that come with the software are 97% complete.  See latest at http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=5797

5. Logos and outlines (again, a bit of research needed)
Not necessary.  The software comes with thousands of logos already, and many airfields have outlines already.
Logos - http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=5404.0
Example of using outlines - http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=2897

6. Silhouettes...dont know if a dat file goes with those, but again, i'll have a nosey around the forums.
Not necessary.  The software comes with hundreds of silhouettes already.

You can add these "nice-to-haves" as and when you think you would like them, and I'm sure we can help when you need it.

Also, I just tested using the SmartView with over 3000+ aircraft registrations, and Radarbox handles it okay, so this would definately work for your "I need" list.
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: chrisd282 on March 09, 2011, 01:57:11 PM
Tarbat, Thanks for the information. When/if i get the new box, then i'll certainly look into whether i need to update them or not. If you say that the mjority of them are fine, then obviously i wont need to update them.

No doubt I'll be back with some more questions...

Cheers again,
Chris
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: tarbat on March 09, 2011, 01:57:52 PM
Also the latest user-provided bits can normally be found at http://rodb.gofreeserve.com/RadarBox/Downloads.htm
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: ACW367 on March 09, 2011, 04:55:45 PM
Tarbat, Thanks for the information. When/if i get the new box, then i'll certainly look into whether i need to update them or not. If you say that the mjority of them are fine, then obviously i wont need to update them.

No doubt I'll be back with some more questions...

Cheers again,
Chris

The main thing with what Tarbat describes as being nice to haves is that like the Navdata contained in the box, they are over 3 years old.  The highlighted areas will give you the updates that have been created for the last few years and will give you a similar level of information currency as you currently have with your SBS.  Of course with a much better visual presentation :)

For example the threads contain Bermudan flags for the VQ-B batches that were not in existence three years ago.  The version that comes with the box gives these batches UK flags.  Rod will also have created logos for airlines that did not exist three years ago, and the same for airport outlines where new runways have been built and opened.  Silhouettes are also around for new types that have been built or allocated new ICAO codes in the last few years like B748.

You asked if ' there some sort of "Getting started" page that I've missed?'.

There is not but it has been highlighted to Airnav previously that this would be useful.  Even if it was just a sticky post highlighting to new users the links to the most relevant up to date exe files, and forum threads.

Regards
ACW367
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: tarbat on March 09, 2011, 05:17:38 PM
The main thing with what Tarbat describes as being nice to haves is that like the Navdata contained in the box, they are over 3 years old.

What's with the "3 years old" bit.  AFAIK, logos and flags were updated in v3.13, which is only just over 1 year old (released Dec 2009).
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: Marpleman on March 09, 2011, 05:27:27 PM
Chris

In answer to your main point regarding spotting:-

As a slight twist, outside of the confines of the RadarBox software,there are other options/databases out there that quite nicely interface with Radarbox.

I have used Aerodata for a good few years now, and have 30 odd years of spotting logged onto this database - this then has a "look up" facility that checks aircraft picked up in My Flights ,on the RadarBox, and compares them to my loggings in Aerodata, and displays those that I have not noted as having seen before before.

This sets in a box on your pc/laptop screen "on top" of the RadarBox display, or on a separate screen if using two screens - you can then automatically log your sightings whilst spotting.

Admittedly, Aerodata comes at a cost also, so its not a cheap alternative, and also takes time to get up to speed with all your loggings etc, but in a roundabout way, it is possible via this external database.

I think ADU may now offer a similar facility, though not certain?

pm me if you need any more details

Regards

Rich
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: ACW367 on March 09, 2011, 06:14:14 PM
The main thing with what Tarbat describes as being nice to haves is that like the Navdata contained in the box, they are over 3 years old.

What's with the "3 years old" bit.  AFAIK, logos and flags were updated in v3.13, which is only just over 1 year old (released Dec 2009).

Yes the V3.13 that is available on the highlighted exe is one year old.  But the version he gets on the CD in the box is still the 3 year old 2.0 version.  This is what I was highlighting.

The 3.13 exe had no updates from the three year old V2.0 to outlines or to silhouettes etc.  And for flags and logos after a 3.13 install they go from being 3 years out of date to only one year out of date.  But you are still out of date and other updates are available if you search for them.  The 3.13 for example still does not include the VQ-B flags or any of the new airlines etc. 

This is what Chris originally asked.
“I’ve seen on the forum that there’s an update for this, that and everything. (lots about databases etc). When/if I get a radarbox, what will I need to update and how often will I need to do this?”

Just doing the 3.13 update will bring him part the way up to date.  But we have told him what he will need to update to get the most current up to date info and that he will need to continue to monitor the forum on various threads for updates from users to logos, flags, outlines and silhouettes in due course, in answer to his query 'how often will I need to do this?'.  He will of course need also to watch for new Airnav releases of Navdatas and software versions beyond the current 3.13/4.03.

Chris has suggested a one stop shop, that is an eminently good idea and one Airnav could provide.
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: CoastGuardJon on March 09, 2011, 06:30:03 PM
Ignore the troll.
Alan

Hi Alan,
Who are you calling a troll now....?
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: Runway 31 on March 09, 2011, 06:47:01 PM
Hi Jon,

The special one.

Alan
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: delconair on March 09, 2011, 07:56:09 PM
Hi,
    Suggest you read the comments " Windows 7 nightmare" on this forum. I cannot get radar box to function correctly on my new laptop using windows 7 (64bit). it will not accept the 64bit driver download it states its not certified. I was told to still load it and ignore the access denial message,  windows wont ignore it. I use it perfectly on my older computer without any problem whatsoever. Please do not think I'm trying to put you off. I'm only warning of the problems I encountered. 
                                                     Delconair.
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: AirNav Support on March 09, 2011, 08:38:17 PM
The 64bit drivers we provide are signed. If its stating it is not signed you are not pointing to the correct drivers. We have 100s of customers using 64bit without any issue now.
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: chrisd282 on March 10, 2011, 01:44:53 PM
Hi everyone,



Silhouettes are also around for new types that have been built or allocated new ICAO codes in the last few years like B748.

 

Ah yeah ok, so the most recent aircraft/airlines/airports/runways or whatever that was created recently might need to be updated. That’s really useful to know, at least now I can pinpoint the updates etc that I’d like.

Chris

In answer to your main point regarding spotting:-

As a slight twist, outside of the confines of the RadarBox software,there are other options/databases out there that quite nicely interface with Radarbox.



I think ADU may now offer a similar facility, though not certain?

 

Hey thanks for the information. I have ADU myself and know that it can populate the comments section of mylog with the seen details. But I was hoping that I could see on screen the aircraft that I Need (ie aircraft with NO details in the comments section) It can be done in SBS database, but I was wondering whether it was here. Now that I know I can use this smartview thing, it will take a little bit more work but I can copy and paste all the reg’s of the planes I need in this ‘box’ and work around it that way.

Wow..that aerodata IS expensive isn’t it!

Hi,
    Suggest you read the comments " Windows 7 nightmare" on this forum. I cannot get radar box to function correctly on my new laptop using windows 7 (64bit). it will not accept the 64bit driver download it states its not certified.  
[…]
                                                     Delconair.

Thanks for the info. I’ll take a look at the forum if I have a problem. Since Airnav said that hundreds of people have the 64 bit drivers, fingers crossed I’ll be problem free, but thanks for pointing it out.



Yes the V3.13 that is available on the highlighted exe is one year old.  But the version he gets on the CD in the box is still the 3 year old 2.0 version.  This is what I was highlighting.


This is what Chris originally asked.
“I’ve seen on the forum that there’s an update for this, that and everything. (lots about databases etc). When/if I get a radarbox, what will I need to update and how often will I need to do this?”

Just doing the 3.13 update will bring him part the way up to date.  But we have told him what he will need to update to get the most current up to date info and that he will need to continue to monitor the forum on various threads for updates from users to logos, flags, outlines and silhouettes in due course, in answer to his query 'how often will I need to do this?'.  He will of course need also to watch for new Airnav releases of Navdatas and software versions beyond the current 3.13/4.03.



Brill, so once I get the box, I’ll update the navdata, logos of new airlines in my area (if I have any), outlines (if I want) and silhouettes (if I want). I’ll stay in contact with the airnav forum and make sure I’ll know when the next updates are around. Is there nothing in the software to tell you there’s an update available if I’m away from the forum for a month say?





Lastly, I have a question.
When I have the newest version of the navdata, what happens when there is a plane built after the release? Will the registration just not show? Will I have to update the record manually so that a reg/airline/flag etc will be shown? For example, G-EZGE was delivered yesterday, since it is after the release of the navdata, will this not show?

Hope someone can help me.



Finally,
 
Ignore the troll.
Alan
.
Hi Jon,
The special one.Alan

Can we keep trolls, goblins or whatever sort of lord-of-the-rings-type things in other threads, I was hoping that this one could just be about my questions I have :) :)

Thanks for all your answers
Chris
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: tarbat on March 10, 2011, 01:58:48 PM
Lastly, I have a question.
When I have the newest version of the navdata, what happens when there is a plane built after the release? Will the registration just not show? Will I have to update the record manually so that a reg/airline/flag etc will be shown? For example, G-EZGE was delivered yesterday, since it is after the release of the navdata, will this not show?

As long as the database update team have details of the new aircraft, it will be added to Airnav's online database.  When your local Radarbox picks up that new aircraft, it interogates Airnav's online database and updates your local navdata database, and also displays the full details on your screen, so no need to update manually.

Database update requests are managed on this thread - http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=5633.0
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: chrisd282 on March 10, 2011, 02:00:53 PM
Tarbat, all undestood, many thanks! It sounds good that hopefully any new aircraft will be updated automatically..very impressive!
Title: Re: A Few questions before I transfer to AirNav Radarbox!
Post by: tarbat on March 10, 2011, 02:03:48 PM
FYI, G-EZGE is on Airnav's online database

Returns:
OK;;4624;Airbus A319-111;easyJet Airline;;;G-EZGE;OK;;;;;;;;