Which receiver ?

[RobinB]

Hi

I am currently looking to purchase a receiver, OK I know everyone here probably has a radarbox.

But what do you think several months down the line.

Is the 3D version the one to get ?

What made you chose this over over other brands ?

Would you still do same again ?

I live down by Alicante in Spain so I do not have the option of popping into local dealer to see them working, nearest dealer I can find is about 400 miles away.

So looking for some constructive comments.

(yes I do have demo software)

many thanks

Robin...

[Allocator]

Hi Robin,

Everybody here will know that I'm totally biased towards RadarBox - however, here are my thoughts anyway!

I used an SBS-1 for a year and then I got a RadarBox for the shared Network data.  I kept using both the SBS-1 and RadarBox side-by-side for the next 6 months, then I stopped using the SBS-1.  I've still got it as I hate selling my old kit but I don't use it any more.

I subscribed to the RadarBox real-time data as soon as it was available. At last!  This was what I wanted when I got the SBS-1 and it never happened.

I've got 3D too now.  I tend to have the 2D map on for about 80 percent of the time and the 3D display the other 20 percent for watching specific traffic.

Oh yes, I actually have 2 RadarBoxes, one at home and one where I work near Heathrow - so that I'm sure not to miss anything!

My advice (not surprisingly) would be to get a RadarBox as the software is being constantly updated and many of the functions I've asked for have been incorporated.

I've set my RadarBox FTP upload to Spain - I'll leave it like that for a couple of hours so that you can watch it :-)

http://www.ruyton.demon.co.uk/html/radarbox_screenshot.html

[Allocator]

I forgot to mention this site that I run - there is more info and some 3D screenshots.

http://radarbox.gofreeserve.com/index.html

Edit:  Looks like I haven't got around to uploading the 3D screenshots yet!!!

[DaveG]

Hi Robin,

Reading Allocator's reply I'm almost the same.

Had SBS-1 for over a year and was happy with the hardware, but not so happy with the software and the constant need for third party utilities and no network option built into the system.

I was a pre-order customer for Radarbox and the reason I ordered was because its software had everything included in one system including network option.

Not saying that the Radarbox software is perfect, it is better I think than SBS-1 basestation but can still be improved.

Not as yet purchased the 3D option of Radarbox or for that matter the live network, but this maybe something I'll look at soon and only because I had a year out of monitoring due to other commitments.

If I was to purchase a unit for the first time now what would I go for, more than likely Radarbox.  Again for the same reasons based on software, although mlat would be a feature that I'd have to think about hard.

At the end of the day all units are doing the same thing and the biggest difference (for me anyway) is the software. 

I sold my SBS-1 when I was happy with Radarbox, but I do wish I'd kept it, but the only reason I'd be using it now would be for Mlat, with Radarbox still being the main set.

[juangelb]

Hi RobinB

I am in Brazil and also started with SBS-1 but 6 mounths lather, just when radarBox was released i bought the first RB

At his time I own 3 RBs, two to drive my site with live radar :
http://www.maquinasvoadoras.com.br
and the third for me to play around with it, travel, testing, etc.

I still have SBS-1 (same reason of Allocator) but seldom using it.

The only additional  thing I would like on RB, since I have remote locations, would be an Ethernet interface.

best regards : juan

[RobinB]

Thanks guys for your input.

One thing just occurred to me is on the data flow when sharing data, what is the bandwidth UP and Down needed ?

I have a reasonable down BW, but up in Spain is severely limited by telefonica.

Thanks

[Allocator]

Robin,

I've just moved my FTP upload back to cover Spain as you are back on line.

It auto updates every 60 seconds.

http://www.ruyton.demon.co.uk/html/radarbox_screenshot.html

[RobinB]

hi, yes I looked at it earlier, looks great.

Had to go for out for a bite to eat :-)

Any idea on the Bandwidth of sharing data ?

[Allocator]

I really don't know the actual numbers, but when I'm away from home I use a 3G mobile broadband dongle and I haven't busted my 3Gb per month limit yet.  That's using RB for 4 or 5 nights a week for 5 or 6 hours a night - plus my normal internet browsing and podcast downloads.

[AirNav Support]

hi, yes I looked at it earlier, looks great.

Had to go for out for a bite to eat :-)

Any idea on the Bandwidth of sharing data ?

Setups around London which get a high level of traffic upload about 15mb of data per day when used 24/7.

[RobinB]

I am not on a usage tariff but telefonica puts sever limits on upload.

SO would like to know what sort of Bandwidth is needed.

Thanks

[RobinB]

hi, yes I looked at it earlier, looks great.

Had to go for out for a bite to eat :-)

Any idea on the Bandwidth of sharing data ?

Setups around London which get a high level of traffic upload about 15mb of data per day when used 24/7.

So I guess on a 20 hour day (allowing for some dead time) about 750Kb per hour.

Alicante is not going to be that busy in comparison.

I presume there is a way to pause/stop upload (other than closing program) if I need the bandwidth ?

thanks

[Blincodave]

Robin,

I've sent you a PM.

Dave

[anorak]

Hi Robin, I will be in Gran Alicante in May, I could sneak mine in to the bags and bring it to see if you haven`t got one by then. Be warned though, it`s addictive!!
Best wishes  Dave.

[RobinB]

Hello Dave.

Excellent idea, keep in touch.

May need a driving lesson or 2 from expert.

cheers

Robin..