Mode S Debden

[dudbaker]

Hi

I picked up what I thought were strange codes.  Some research found them to be Ground stations at Stansted.  


Stansted
43BFBF c/s REF2TOP
43BFBE REF2BOT
43BFC0 TEST1234
43BFC1 SMRTOP
 
The same research found these.

Debden
43BF12 DEBDENA1/2
43BF15 DEBDENB1/2

Why does Debden need these codes?

Dudley

[orkney]

Hello

From what I have found it is probably the radar site where these transponders are based. I have attached a link to an image of it.

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/280029


Andrew

[dudbaker]

Hi

An update on Stansted codes.  The data base has been updated.  43BFC1 now has a registration of <GND>.  Name and Airline show Ground Transmitter.  43BF55 registration is <GND>.  Name and Airline are Ground Vehicle with callsign Ranger.  

Ground vehicles having Mode S codes has been talked about for a while.  Why do transmitters at Stansted and Debden need codes?

Dudley

[ACW367]

The ground transmitters at VOR locations are basically low powered test devices used to calibration purposes by the authorities.  The mode S codes for airfield vehicles mean they show up on ground movement control systems in control towers.  It is part of a wider drive to increase visibility of vehicles to controllers and aircraft movements and to prevent runway incursions by vehicles.

[ACW367]

In our DB we are recording them with registration field  <GND>
This is what is being used for SBS and passes through the Yahoo mode S group parser.  However the field corruption means you currently get a different variation on this like <GRN>

[dudbaker]

ACW367

Thanks for the info on VOR locations.  Stansted does not have VOR.  It has NDB and ILS/DME.  However, your answer could easliy apply to this type of location.  Also, Debden is a radar not a nav aid but again could used for calibration purposes.

It starts to become clear.

Dudley

[dudbaker]

Hi

I am now picking up vehicles at Stansted.  Callsign Ranger.  Why do these vehicles send Mode S without possision data?

[ACW367]

Even without ADS-B they can be seen on ground movement systems which use Mode S multilateration
http://www.eurocontrol.int/msa/public/faq/faq.html

Quote
How should the transponder operate when the aircraft is on the ground?   
 
When switched-on, on the ground, the transponder will respond only to selective addressing. This is important at aerodromes where Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (A-SMGCS), based on Mode S multilateration, are being used. Flight crew should make themselves aware of any detailed on-the-ground Mode S transponder operating instructions promulgated by such aerodromes. See also www.eurocontrol.int/airports/, click-on A-SMGCS