ADSB Anonymous Mode?

[snopercod]

Originally Posted by Alan Carroll

I’m mostly interested in how the different ADS-B systems actually work...

I installed a Garmin GDL-82 over a year ago and have been very pleased with it. My transponder is a Garmin GTX-327 and it didn't need to be touched. The GDL-82 is just inserted in the coax line between the transponder and antenna. The GDL-82 installation was straightforward, although in my fiberglass airplane I had to fabricate an 18" ground plane in the tail cone. Getting my body back there was difficult. You also have to supply a GPS signal either from the GA-35 antenna that comes with the kit, or from an existing WAAS GPS source in your panel. Wiring is just two wires for power plus two more if you choose to install the Anonymous switch and Fail light on the panel. Simple. The programming via the USB connector was straightforward. I also had to change out my Archer SA-005 transponder for a Delta-Pop blade type.

The combination of the GDL-82 and my Stratus/Foreflight/iPad for "In" is a great safety enhancement, IMHO. In my area, though, the TIS-B has been a real disappointment. There have been numerous times when approach calls out traffic which doesn't show on my iPad although, in theory, it should have. When most aircraft are ADS-B equipped, that should get better.

FWIW, I never use the Anonymous mode. Unless I decide to start running drugs, I don't see the point.

[rv7charlie]

Originally Posted by snopercod

FWIW, I never use the Anonymous mode. Unless I decide to start running drugs, I don't see the point.

Will you feel the same way when the 'black box' built into all current cars gets datalinked to a DOT data mine, you you get fined every time you slip 5mph over the speed limit or get closer than the car length-per-10mph rule to the guy in front of you?

Just sayin'...

Charlie
;-)

[snopercod]

I only drive old cars and only use old cell phones with no GPS tracking. (wink)

[cdeerinck]

*** Full disclosure *** I didn't read most of this thread.

Here is my concern with ADSB:

1) I build a tiny box that lets me read ADSB data, and picks up traffic all around me. I have already done this. It cost me under $100.

2) I see an N number and look it up online. I can see where the owner of the airplane lives. It also tells me his address. I routinely do this when I see N numbers reported in crashes.

3) Doing 1 & 2 above, a nefarious person could easily determine if the owner is local, and not likely home, but posses money (since he owns an airplane). Little does this person know that due to the true nature of aviation, there will be no money found.

I think the FAA plays fast and loose with our information by making it publicly available, as soon as situations like what I describe above becomes common knowledge, we will all have a problem. It isn't about what you do while broadcasting your information, it is what people will do knowing you are up in the air, and not likely to be down any time soon.

Could you imagine if the DMV released the name and address of every car owner? (They actually do, but you have to request the information for a given plate, and they notify the owner that you inquired.)

[DanH]

The Drivers Privacy Protection Act has been in place since 1994.

As a licensed dealer, I'm also a designated agent for my state's DMV. I can tap the database for an owner's name and address if I know the VIN...but I cannot tell you. It is federally protected information.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2721

[BMC_Dave]

I think most folks are blissfully ignorant about how much information about you is already publically available. Also what kind of enemies do you have that you're worried about someone taking advantage of the fact you're out flying? If that's a realistic concern you have bigger problems than someone tracking you on flightaware. Else you should adjust your foil hat some.

That said I'll be in anonymous mode by default because I do agree the less information you volunteer the better. I won't lose sleep over it though...

[moosepileit]

Edited 19 Feb after learning it takes some amount of time more than the 30 seconds I gave anonymous mode for it to take effect. I'll measure it later.


BLUF,
I am able to see both my ICAO number hex code and N# on the saved files with the Skybeacon EITHER Anonymous mode on or off, at least in ground mode.

I was expecting to see the randomized ICAO number hex code in anonymous mode and suspected I would always see my N#.

Just so new thread readers don't have to track post references, I have a KT-76A that replies to ATCBRS interrogations (flashes reply light) so the Skybeacon fully tests on the ground at my hangar. It wasn't flying weather today.

I have a Skybeacon on my wingtip that PAPR flight passed with no exceptions. I have a USB SDR, the type that feeds Flightaware and other websites and 2 reside in the Stratux devices. My "In" device is a Skyradar DX because it easily pipes into my EFIS and portable devices simultaneously.

My Android phone runs AVARE and found for this thread their SDR App called AVARE ADSB Pro. It reads either 1090ES or 978 UA, streams to AVARE and also records them. The antenna, SDR and OTG USB to phone adapter were under $25.

I am able to see both my ICAO number hex code and N# on the saved files with the Skybeacon EITHER Anonymous mode on or off.

I'll see if this somehow happens in ground mode but not flight mode later.

The recorded fields are no where near inclusive, but are enough for the context-

ICAO (6 figure Hex code),Flight (your N#), Squawk, Altitude, Ground Speed, Heading, Latitude, Longitude

I'd post screenshots, but that's not keeping with where this thread has drifted .

[Toobuilder]

I'll say this and hopefully leave it alone as it has been beaten to death...

It's great that people feel secure enough to not be concerned about bad people doing bad things. Not all of us are in that same boat, however. I happen to live in the Meth capital of the world and near enough to the cesspool of humanity that is the LA Basin that the "Hollywood crime fantasy" is more real than imagined. A simple road rage event can result in gunfire or assault; people are carjacked in broad daylight; a simple Craiglist transaction often results in robbery and assault; and even a shopping trip to Wallyworld sometimes produces an altercation of some kind in the parking lot or inside the store. People are angry, mean and devious. I've seen it first hand often enough to be VERY skeptical about everyone.

Bottom line, personal protection is much like flying- its not risk free, but it needs to be "risk managed". Just because some aspects of my life are not as secure as I'd like does not mean I'm going to hand over everything.

I mean, a determined thief can steal any car, but nobody leaves their keys in the ignition, right?

[BMC_Dave]

Ah yes, the common problem of meth heads robbing houses when folks file IFR, I nearly forgot.

We can expect at least a ten-fold increase when adsb goes live.

Oh the horror...

[Blain]

Originally Posted by Toobuilder

I'll say this and hopefully leave it alone as it has been beaten to death...

It's great that people feel secure enough to not be concerned about bad people doing bad things. Not all of us are in that same boat, however. I happen to live in the Meth capital of the world and near enough to the cesspool of humanity that is the LA Basin that the "Hollywood crime fantasy" is more real than imagined. A simple road rage event can result in gunfire or assault; people are carjacked in broad daylight; a simple Craiglist transaction often results in robbery and assault; and even a shopping trip to Wallyworld sometimes produces an altercation of some kind in the parking lot or inside the store. People are angry, mean and devious. I've seen it first hand often enough to be VERY skeptical about everyone.

Bottom line, personal protection is much like flying- its not risk free, but it needs to be "risk managed". Just because some aspects of my life are not as secure as I'd like does not mean I'm going to hand over everything.

I mean, a determined thief can steal any car, but nobody leaves their keys in the ignition, right?

Well said, Michael.