OK Chaps - here goes
I'm not saying anything different to the website basically with respect to what Aerodata does, so apologies if I'm speaking out of turn, but reckon it's more useful to give a users perspective.
I've been spotting for the best part of 35 years, and became totally fed up of going through the annual process of buying expensive registers,fleet lists etc etc which were immediately out of date,couldn't be updated, hence requiring manual or basic computerised records to record frames not listed etc etc - and then spending a good few monotonous months transfering data - also this way of recording didn't really facilitate the upkeep of when and where seen - I think you all get the jist?
Took the plunge with Aerodata about 7 or 8 years ago after seeing a demo at Waddington.
Basically is a powerful database with approx 1.5 million individual frames detailed, covering around 8 thousand types
For each record, it holds:
current and past reg details (date history)
con number/line number
full type details
operator
base
any mods/re-build/disposal details
mode s code
ability to record all sightings
also has facility to enter your own notes ete etc
Logging can be done in a number of ways, either individually with reference to the reg or con number, by easy upload of excel spreadsheet, or more importantly, via the Radarbox Analyser - more of which later!
The database is kept up to date by picking up updates from the Aerodata website and loading them into the database - these updates very in frequency, but generally there are around 3 or 4 every week.
The updates are generally compiled by specific specialist editors, based on known changes or requests from users, who's info can be invaluable wrt sightings and base updates etc
The database is loaded from a cd, is easily backed up, and Aerodata have a very busy forum for users which is great to ask fellow users questions and get tech advice, much the same as this forum
all types have full production lists
other search functions are obvious,but cover
airport/field resident lists
airline/airforce fleet lists
individual country registers
ete etc
Can't really speak more highly of it - even before I purchased my RadarBox, Aerodata had totally changed my hobby for the better.
Now onto the analyser - as GeoT says above, the analyser is a relitavely inexpensive addon that enables the user to immediately see which "frames" currently being picked up in "my flights" have not been seen before, with reference to your loggings within Aerodata - this covers "paint-scrapes" as well as new frames if required.
so, based on what the analyser tells you, when you actually see the aircraft based on your normal spotting via RadarBox, you simply click on the reg in the analyser screen and the frame is automatically logged within Aerodata - I re-iterate that it only lists required frames and doesn't give the facility to capture everything seen in a "session" - to enable this type of log to be kept. you'd have to modify the normal RB log.
In simple terms, it gets rid of the "mass panic" of attempting not to miss sight of anything your RB picks up, by concentrating only on new frames!!!
I've gone on long enough!!
Please pm me with any more detailed questions
If you've already got Aerodata, then you will not believe how much impact the analyser has - it's fantastic and perfectly compliments RadarBox
They (Aerodata) also provide a similar add-on for SBS too
GeoT makes a very good point as to the issues with the RB database and its current inaccuracies - however, by using the analyser, I have made many useful edits to the RB database by using info from the analyser.
Guys - sorry for the long winded detail,but it's difficult to put it into a couple of paras!!
Hope this is of some use to you
Regards
Rich
