A few confusing references in RB Windows Help

[DaveReid]

These aren't specifically related to the operation of V3.0, so I won't clutter up that thread by including them there, but the following references in the current Help file are potentially confusing:

1)  There are a couple of references, in "Main Features" and "Data Output" to the socket output being on Port 40004

2)  The Hardware Guide section has two contradictory explanations re what it means when the blue LED blinks once per second

3)  There's a reference in "What Will I See" to some aircraft appearing in the list which have ADS-B equipment but aren't transmitting position information.  That's fine - but the two examples used as illustrations are AAC helicopters, which have Mode S but don't have ADS-B.

4)  Also in "What Will I See" it refers to "Older aircraft or small light aircraft and helicopters might not be fitted with ADS-B equipment and so will not appear in the aircraft list or on the map screen" - that's presumably meant to be a reference to aircraft that don't have Mode S at all, rather than ADS-B.

HTH
Dave

[nortonbeak]

A key confusing statement in the "Help" is

The RadarBox antenna is not an internal antenna.

The above statement has been confirmed by AirNav as being incorrect, but remains present.

[Allocator]

A key confusing statement in the "Help" is

The RadarBox antenna is not an internal antenna.

The above statement has been confirmed by AirNav as being incorrect, but remains present.

I'm sure that the Help reference is trying to indicate that if you use the standard antenna indoors, you will be disappointed with the performance.  I remember one user who had it sitting on his CRT monitor and wondered why he wasn't seeing any aircraft.

We all know that you need to provide the antenna with an unrestricted view of the sky for best results.  I would use 'common sense' here, but I don't want to get flamed - lol

[fatkat]

sometimes if the manual is not writen in house they need to collect a number of corrections before there done in one go ....as the subcontractor may charge per correction ..

no idea if thats the case ...just an option that I've come across before several times 

[CoastGuardJon]

Hi all, as the manual is an on-line document, corrections and up-dating should be extremely prompt and more efficient than current performance would testify.   In view of certain problems, the standard antenna description and use should have been tackled immediately.    Irrespective of whether the manual is produced in-house or by a contractor, AirNav should have the rights and ability to modify, at will.    I have to agree with Nortonbeak that the "Help" bit on the antenna is very misleading and can lead to problems, as new users would be using the manual as the first and authorative reference work, not looking through the thousands of threads and replies in here.

[AirNav Support]

Thanks, we will change these. Bear with us.

[Allocator]

In view of certain problems, the standard antenna description and use should have been tackled immediately.   

If I'm using the standard antenna, I ALWAYS use it outside - right now it is sitting outside on the window ledge as the double glazing glass cuts the signal by 80% - quite an amazing amount really!

However, when I shut down the laptop, I always bring the antenna in overnight.  When I'm home, I use the BS1100 external antenna, although I did use the standard antenna outside on the Velux roof-light for about 4 months when I first got my RB as the SBS-1 was hooked up to the external antenna.

[Fenris]

If I'm using the standard antenna, I ALWAYS use it outside - right now it is sitting outside on the window ledge as the double glazing glass cuts the signal by 80% - quite an amazing amount really!

Depends which direction(s) you want the poor performance due to the glass, if the signal is coming through the house structure and then through the glass you exchange one problem direction for a subtly different one.

[Allocator]

I still get much better all-round coverage with the antenna outside rather than inside.

[malc41]

Yes have to agree. My reception also goes up by 50-60% with the aerial positioned outside the bedroom window, upside down using the mag mount to stick to the bottom of the double glazing

[Spaice]

Do you think there would be any mileage in a optional better quality mag mount antenna, with longer, but good quality coax, allowing more variations on whre it could be sited and does not mind spending its life outside.  I,m thinking of those who are unable to erect a fully fledged antenna system.

[malc41]

Spaice, I personally think this is an excellent idea.

[CoastGuardJon]

Do you think there would be any mileage in a optional better quality mag mount antenna, with longer, but good quality coax, allowing more variations on whre it could be sited and does not mind spending its life outside.  I,m thinking of those who are unable to erect a fully fledged antenna system.

Definitely, AirNav how about it?    Better still produce a standard one with mag-maount, stainless steel whip, a good quality co-ax terminated with N-type and a 450mm N - SMA patch lead, and make sure it's DC blocked!    When we're paying out £400 for an RB, you could, at least, offer us an optional upgrade, instead of the standard.    I, for one, would've happily shelled out another £25 or so.    My standard antenna has been outside for the last 2 - 3 months or so, and is now quite rusty and knackered - not very clever for a mag-mount (which in itself, would indicate it's for use on a car roof and out in the elements).

" The RadarBox antenna is not an internal antenna.
 The antenna should ideally be positioned outdoors and clear of obstructions.
 The higher the antenna, the better the performance.
 Performance is enhanced by a groundmagnetic antenna to the center of the disk
 The longer the feed cable, the poorer the performance.


Whilst RadarBox can work perfectly acceptably with the antenna sitting on a window ledge, you should always try to find the highest and clearest position. A skylight window is an ideal location for the antenna. If you have RadarBox installed on a laptop computer, then you will be able to move the laptop, RadarBox and antenna to find the position that gives the best performance."

Quoted from the on-line manual.    I think that would actaully put AN in the unenviable position of supplying goods not fit for purpose, contrary to, and an offence under Trade Desciptions Act!

[RodBearden]

Jon

Would this not do the job? http://www.airbandonline.co.uk/kapl_sbs1_aerial_co.htm

Rod

[Allocator]

CoastGuardJohn,

You do seem to have a fairly major issue with the use of words here :-)

There is nothing factually incorrect in the piece from the manual that you have quoted as far as I see it.  Sure, it's not a good idea to permanently mount the supplied antenna outside, even though this is what I did for a few months until I connected RB to my existing external antenna.  The important thing is to get the message across that if you site the supplied antenna on the dinner table downstairs, then the coverage is going to be c**p.  I think that there would be more complaints if the manual said that this was 'for use indoors only'.

For the sake of the forum and to prevent a degree of repetition, I think that we can take it as read that the build of the antenna does not allow for permanent outdoor installation.

As they say in the films 'Enough Already'

Interestingly enough, I've used the SBS-1 mag mount outside as well - for about 6 months - and although the magnet is much bigger and the cable thicker (at least it was on the Mk I) and the build quality is pretty much the same.  I don't recall the manual giving any advice on location at all - so maybe the RB manual is just trying to be too helpful ;-)