Mobile ADSB in for Android?

[towtruck]

Hello everyone

I've been away from flying for about 10 years, but looking to get back in. One big change in that time has been ADSB. I would like to get ADSB traffic information in planes that may not have that capability in the panel, preferably on Android. A pilot friend of mine told me about Avare, and it looks like I can get what I'm looking for if I buy either the Stratus 4 ADSB receiver or the Levil Astro +, both around $800.00

I was hoping some of you had recent experience with one or more of those two combinations and could make recommendations before I drop some coin. It's taken me awhile to learn much online because there doesn't seem to be much more info out there.

Thank you very much!

 

[FORANE]

I run Avare with a Dynon DRX and Garmin GLO 2. The DRX works great if you can find one; Dynon no longer sells them. The GLO 2 is not required but has greater position accuracy than the tablets gps.

 

[AV8R_87]

Avare is great. Build (or buy) a Stratux for it and you're set. They can be sensitive to bad power supplies (common reason for them acting up), but otherwise quite reliable. You should be able to get all the parts for less than $200.

 

[MackMooney]

I use Samsung s24ultra using Garmin Pilot and a gdl50, it should also work with the stratus 4.

 

[SebIp]

Went through stratux, sentry, and now gdl50.

Don’t use android in the plane myself.

Stratux has weak gps reception. It’s big and requires a big battery pack. Cheap though. Don’t like it much.

Sentry. Compact. Also does CO detection. Random lockout requiring reset. Ahrs pooched at some point.

Gfdl50. Only Bluetooth solution. Got it so can use Starlink for internet weather and internet connection concurrently without juggling wifi pass through (statux and sentry pro can do wifi pass through). Keep a CO detector clip on the pilots seat belt anyway for calibrated audio you can’t miss it warning. losing built in CO detector not an issue.

Overall preference for me is gdl50. Most expensive option though.

 

[FORANE]

Some like the stratux, some don't. I love the fact that one can cobble together the parts on their own and the relatively low cost. I very much dislike the lack of reliability on the multiple ones I paid for before discarding them as trash. The ones I had turned out to be a distraction, waste of time, waste of money and in the end just a hassle to deal with. Perhaps bad power supply or not taking the time to power it off after every flight then on at the start of the next flight was to blame? I don't know but in the end it is a mute point when there are other options without the issues.

 

[BillTIZ]

My first ADS-B In device was a single tall antenna STRATUX built on an early Raspberry Pi platform. It did not have wifi on the mother board and used a rather large USB receiver. I upgraded that to the RaspPi3B with the onboard wifi, dual USB Nano receivers and a USB GPS receiver, all fit in the case, with short stubby antennas. Works great. I never paid for a Sentry device or similar. Now a lot of rental aircraft come with ADSB Out and In built into the transponder. iPad connects directly through Wifi or Bluetooth to that ADSB data stream. I carry the STRAUX device for backup. stratux.me

 

[bentmettle]

Flt Pln go might be worth evaluating on your tablet also.

I didn't have big issues w/ the stratux I built, but the antenna size was mildly annoying and it worked better when it had stuck to a window.

How busy is the airspace you expect to fly in? Do you think you will also want to use it for inflight weather data?

 

[towtruck]

I run Avare with a Dynon DRX and Garmin GLO 2. The DRX works great if you can find one; Dynon no longer sells them. The GLO 2 is not required but has greater position accuracy than the tablets gps.

Thanks! looks like DRX was thier entry product, and they've moved on to bigger things now. Too bad...

 

[towtruck]

Avare is great. Build (or buy) a Stratux for it and you're set. They can be sensitive to bad power supplies (common reason for them acting up), but otherwise quite reliable. You should be able to get all the parts for less than $200.

Thanks for this. It looks like the pre-built kits available on Amazon have great reviews. This may be the way to go...

 

[towtruck]

Some like the stratux, some don't. I love the fact that one can cobble together the parts on their own and the relatively low cost. I very much dislike the lack of reliability on the multiple ones I paid for before discarding them as trash. The ones I had turned out to be a distraction, waste of time, waste of money and in the end just a hassle to deal with. Perhaps bad power supply or not taking the time to power it off after every flight then on at the start of the next flight was to blame? I don't know but in the end it is a mute point when there are other options without the issues.

Did you build them all yourself, or buy pre-built units? Thanks!

 

[towtruck]

Flt Pln go might be worth evaluating on your tablet also.

I didn't have big issues w/ the stratux I built, but the antenna size was mildly annoying and it worked better when it had stuck to a window.

How busy is the airspace you expect to fly in? Do you think you will also want to use it for inflight weather data?

Thanks! Yes, Los Angeles airspace is busy, but the weather (apart from haze) is usually not a factor or I don't fly, so I am more interested in the traffic information than in the weather information. But yes, weather would be nice for cross country trips, especially along the northern coast.

 

[Jim_R]

I've been using two DIY Stratuxes with no problems for a long time. I built the one I use in my plane in Oct 2016. I bought the other one from another pilot ~5-6 years ago and use it at home.

Re:

Stratux has weak gps reception.

That's not universally accurate. I have a small GPS puck tucked up into the corner of a rear window and it gets solid reception. I could see a self-contained unit might have trouble if not mounted near a window.

It’s big and requires a big battery pack.

"Big" is in the eye of the beholder. Mine's 6" x 3.5" x 2.5". Not exactly the size of a Greyhound bus. And it'll take power from any adequate USB power supply. I have mine plugged into a USB cigarette lighter adapter.

Stratux devices come in all shapes and sizes, with various GPS options, antenna options, power supply options, mounting methods, etc. I.e., there are lots of variables. Lots of folks have had unsatisfactory experiences, but there are also lots of happy Stratux users out there. YMMV.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I am having a hard time imagining spending $800 for an ADS-B/GPS receiver in order to put weather and traffic on a free EFB app.

I don't use it anymore but my Stratux worked well (probably still does). I had the external GPS puck.

 

[Ed Haywood]

Another vote for Stratux, but you have to be willing to tinker. I mounted mine under the panel so no heat issues. Remote antennas and GPS puck, so reception is excellent. Wired to ships power so no battery.

I learned to replace the SD card every year with a fresh software flash. That keeps it stable.

As far as Android EFB platforms, there are several good ones, and countless debates on PoA over which one is better. The biggest followings seem to be Garmin, iFly, and Avare. Garmin has an infuriating habit of limiting compatibility, so check that closely before buying hardware.

IMO cockpit weather is more useful than traffic.

 

[FORANE]

Did you build them all yourself, or buy pre-built units? Thanks!

Both. I built one then after having issues with it I bought a crewdog prebuilt one. Both worked for a while then didn't work. I spent time fiddling with it, money replacing parts... I don't like to have to fiddle with avionics; I just want them to work, every time.

Thread 'What's wrong with my Stratux?'

Feb 16, 2020

Installed a Stratux a few months ago. Was working well with Avare.
Recently my Avare lost GPS signal from Stratux. WIFI on tablet shows connected to Stratux WIFI with strong signal, but no position or data.
I thought it just needed a GPS antenna upgrade. So, I replaced the internal GPS antenna with a wired, external GPS antenna. That made no change.
Avare works fine when connected to bluetooth GPS receiver.
What is likely wrong with the Stratux?

• FORANE
• Replies: 45
• Forum: Avionics and Upgrades

 

[WDD]

You need two devices - one to get the ADSB signal, and the second to read it. The choice of ADSB In receiving device depends on what ADSB "reading" device/tablet you intend to use. This is because there are two types of ADSB In signal code systems that are used, the "open code" and the proprietary "Garmin code".

If you're using an Android device/tablet to use the ADSB In, you'll need to get an ADSB In device that transits its signal in the "open" code. I suggest the Stratus IV or a used Stratus 3. They will transmit in both the open code as well as the Garmin code.

For reading/seeing the signal on an Android device, I suggest the I Fly app/subscription. That will give you not only a great way to see ADSB traffic and weather, but also do a lot of flight planning, W&B, flight planning, and other in flight features.

Note that the more common ADSB In hardware options such as Sentry and Garmin GDL's will use the closed system to transmit data, limiting your tablet options to ForeFlight (which requires Apple OS) and Garmin Pilot (which has an Android version but from what I've read is very "clunky"). As most people use an Apple tablet and ForeFlight the Sentry's, etc. work well.

Have you considered using an Apple tablet / I Pad instead of Android? That will give you the option of using ForeFlight. You can then get a good used Sentry or Stratus and a used I Pad for your equipment needs. BTW, some folks have great luck with a Stratux, others not. Almost all have no problems with a Stratus. I chucked my Stratux and got a Stratus to get the reliability.

 

[AV8R_87]

I suggest the Stratus IV or a used Stratus 3

If an ipad running FF connects to them it will lock them to the closed protocol.

You then need to use the ads-b monitor utility (search forum) to unlock it.

 

[WDD]

If an ipad running FF connects to them it will lock them to the closed protocol.

You then need to use the ads-b monitor utility (search forum) to unlock it.

Been there, done that a dozen of times. Easy enough to get the "open code" signal back, but it can be annoying.

If a passenger/co pilot turns on his/her I Pad/ForeFlight, it have a friendly box pop up to let them switch your Stratus signal to the "Garmin Code". Your Android device will then disconnect. You'll then have your co pilot/passenger turn off their ForeFlight so you can get the signal back. Easy enough to switch back to the "open code".

 

[Ed Haywood]

You need two devices - one to get the ADSB signal, and the second to read it. The choice of ADSB In receiving device depends on what ADSB "reading" device/tablet you intend to use. This is because there are two types of ADSB In signal code systems that are used, the "open code" and the proprietary "Garmin code".

If you're using an Android device/tablet to use the ADSB In, you'll need to get an ADSB In device that transits its signal in the "open" code. I suggest the Stratus IV or a used Stratus 3. They will transmit in both the open code as well as the Garmin code.

For reading/seeing the signal on an Android device, I suggest the I Fly app/subscription. That will give you not only a great way to see ADSB traffic and weather, but also do a lot of flight planning, W&B, flight planning, and other in flight features.

Note that the more common ADSB In hardware options such as Sentry and Garmin GDL's will use the closed system to transmit data, limiting your tablet options to ForeFlight (which requires Apple OS) and Garmin Pilot (which has an Android version but from what I've read is very "clunky"). As most people use an Apple tablet and ForeFlight the Sentry's, etc. work well.

Have you considered using an Apple tablet / I Pad instead of Android? That will give you the option of using ForeFlight. You can then get a good used Sentry or Stratus and a used I Pad for your equipment needs. BTW, some folks have great luck with a Stratux, others not. Almost all have no problems with a Stratus. I chucked my Stratux and got a Stratus to get the reliability.

Also two different signals. Garmin GDL uses Bluetooth. Everything else uses WiFi.

 

[towtruck]

I am having a hard time imagining spending $800 for an ADS-B/GPS receiver in order to put weather and traffic on a free EFB app.

I don't use it anymore but my Stratux worked well (probably still does). I had the external GPS puck.

I find that puzzling. I want a good EFB. Avare has consistently high reviews. Free does not mean feature-poor or low-quality. I also want a good ADS-B/GPS receiver. Stratux seems to be quite good. Levil Astro+ seems at least as good if not better than any other option (price aside). It is significantly more compact than Stratux (like less than half the size after you add the battery pack) and more compact that Stratus4 as well. Because I will be in rented aircraft, that means its better portability has a lot of value. I can put it almost anywhere in the cabin without obstructing someone's view.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I find that puzzling. I want a good EFB. Avare has consistently high reviews. Free does not mean feature-poor or low-quality. I also want a good ADS-B/GPS receiver. Stratux seems to be quite good. Levil Astro+ seems at least as good if not better than any other option (price aside). It is significantly more compact than Stratux (like less than half the size after you add the battery pack) and more compact that Stratus4 as well. Because I will be in rented aircraft, that means its better portability has a lot of value. I can put it almost anywhere in the cabin without obstructing someone's view.

Well, the quality of Avare is a matter of personal perspective. Mine is this after 15+ years of trying just about every EFB available for the US market for both iOS and Android, including some you've never heard of*:

I think if EFBs never went beyond georeferenced charts and own ship, we'd be thrilled. In the Android world, I don't think anything is as good overall as iFly unless you need Garmin connectivity. I think AVARE is just fine for VFR flight, although it's flight planning - one waypoint at a time - is pretty bad compared to just about every other EFB, free or paid. But I rejected it as even a backup for IFR when I was flying with an iPad and Android phone. If one insists om free, FltPlan Go! is much better for that purpose.

[* ever hear of AvNav? There were two separate tries for that one about 10 years apart, including booths both times and AirVenture. It had amazing potential and it was multi-platform. Its developer had great intentions, but it always seemed to be a personal project and never really took off.]

 

[WDD]

I've been away from flying for about 10 years, but looking to get back in.

Avare has consistently high reviews.

Stratux seems to be quite good.

You asked for personal experience and advice, and you're getting them. I've shared my experience with Stratux (hit and miss), ForeFlight, I Fly, etc. as have others. It sounds like you've decided on Stratux and Avare already. In any case, go forth and good luck, blue skies, what not.

 

[Ed Haywood]

The main difference between Stratux and the others is that Stratux software is on an SD card while the others are firmware. That makes Stratux less stable, but also easier to fix. Performance is all about antennas and location.

EFBs are like arguing soda preference. Or politics. Everyone has their preference.

 

[towtruck]

You asked for personal experience and advice, and you're getting them. I've shared my experience with Stratux (hit and miss), ForeFlight, I Fly, etc. as have others. It sounds like you've decided on Stratux and Avare already. In any case, go forth and good luck, blue skies, what not.

I did indeed ask for experience and advice, specifically WRT Avare + Stratus 4 or Levil Astro +. And I received a lot of great feedback which makes me feel comfortable that those work well for what I need, which is ADSB-in traffic and a fast, reliable "moving map" for VFR flying on an Android (I already have several Android devices). Thanks to everyone for that!

I also received a lot of unsolicited advice which opened my eyes to other possibilities (like Stratux, iFly, and fltplan Go.), for which I am also grateful. While Stratux is interesting because of the price point, I think I would prefer Levil Astro+ mostly due to the much smaller form factor, so no, I haven't already decided on Stratux. With regard to efb's, I can learn fltplan Go and Avare at no cost, and if I decide later that those doesn't work for me, I can always get iFly.

It's been a learning experience for me, and will continue to be so. Thanks everyone!

 

[towtruck]

The main difference between Stratux and the others is that Stratux software is on an SD card while the others are firmware. That makes Stratux less stable, but also easier to fix. Performance is all about antennas and location.

EFBs are like arguing soda preference. Or politics. Everyone has their preference.

Thanks!
Preferences are good, but they should be grounded in some sort of requirements. For a situation where I may be in a different rented plane every time and need to carry the receiver in my flight bag, the small form factor of the Levin Astro+ really make sense. The fact that I usually opt for the lower-cost options when I can, allows me to handle the higher-cost options when it makes sense.

 

[WDD]

Another factor to consider is product support, product longevity, etc. For example, love or hate ForeFlight, Stratus, or Garmin, legitimate reasons for using those platforms are because they have such a large market share, have such a large infrastructure that your product won't be orphaned, will be updateable, and will generally just work. If I save some money by using "Brand X", I may end up spending more money to change to something else when the updates don't work, when I can't get support, when the battery dies and I can't replace it, etc. Been there, done that.

 

[towtruck]

Another factor to consider is product support, product longevity, etc. For example, love or hate ForeFlight, Stratus, or Garmin, legitimate reasons for using those platforms are because they have such a large market share, have such a large infrastructure that your product won't be orphaned, will be updateable, and will generally just work. If I save some money by using "Brand X", I may end up spending more money to change to something else when the updates don't work, when I can't get support, when the battery dies and I can't replace it, etc. Been there, done that.

Funny you should mention that. Levil seems to be very proactive in customer support (not to say that the others are not). They have a Facebook community that seems pretty active, and a pretty impressive product page and support page on their website that has the manuals for all of their products. One bit of info I couldn't find was whether or not the battery in the unit was replaceable. So I sent an e-mail to their support address, and the next day I had a reply stating that yes, the battery could be easily replaced. I like that!

 

[Flyhound]

I had an old DUAL XGPS170 ADSB receiver and it was nothing but trouble. I did not get good support from DUAL when I contacted them. A generic internet search for ADSB receivers doesn't include any models from DUAL. They do seem to be around, but I switched to a STRATUX and I've been much happier.

 

[towtruck]

I had an old DUAL XGPS170 ADSB receiver and it was nothing but trouble. I did not get good support from DUAL when I contacted them. A generic internet search for ADSB receivers doesn't include any models from DUAL. They do seem to be around, but I switched to a STRATUX and I've been much happier.

That probably explains why they don't sell it anymore. That being said, there are a number of videos about using Avare that are put out by someone who has [or had] a Dual unit, and it appears to have worked for him...

(around the 40 sec mark).

 

[Albany Tom]

I have a Dual GPS puck, and I can confirm that it's a pita to initially connect. I have the 160. It's bluetooth, and the directions aren't quite right on setting it up. They do have an app that will facilitate connecting it to the android, and you can do it without any other third party apps. It's tiny, though, and the GPS is sensitive and does WAAS, so it's a step up from the internal GPS in most androids. I like it for that. No idea about ADSB. If anyone has one and has trouble, shoot me a note and I'll see if I can dig up the text doc I put together on connecting it.