ADS-B On Android App Now Supports 978 MHz FIS-B NEXRAD Weather and Traffic
The “ADS-B on Android” app has been updated and now supports the reception and display of 978 MHz UAT FIS-B Weather and Traffic data. The app also receives ADS-B data as per normal. To use the app you will need an RTL-SDR dongle and a USB OTG cable.
UAT stands for Universal Access Transceiver and is a protocol similar to ADS-B that is used mainly by smaller aircraft in the USA. UAT has some extra features for pilots compared to ADS-B. In addition to location information UAT provides a Traffic Information Service (TIS-B) which allows pilots in the air to see what ground control sees on their traditional RADAR system. It also provides a Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) which includes NEXRAD weather data and other information. NEXRAD is an array of ground station weather radars that are used to provide pilots with accurate maps of precipitation and wind.
The free version of the app has ads and does not display NEXRAD weather radar on the default map. The pro version removes the ads and allows you to display a NEXRAD overlay on the map. It costs $2.50 USD.
Free Version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wilsonae.android.usbserial
Pro Version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wilsonae.android.usbserial.pro
I’m looking forward to trying this inflight. Right now I’m seeking out an EFB and this would be a nice addition to whatever I choose. I should get a chance to try in a few days. Ill report back with my results.
Initial results are very positive. I bought the pro version and I am very pleased. On Thursday as part of a flying competition, I was in the pattern at KCPS east of St. Louis, MO, as a passenger on a short flight, I tried it and it worked well operationally. My pilot and I lost sight of traffic to follow and after a quick glance down at the screen, I knew where to look and sure enough we were able to reestablish visual contact with him. Today on a flight from KCPS to KSWO on an IFR flight plan in IMC I was again just an observer, and we used it enroute to update weather (a convective sigmet was issued north of us), and quickly check the status of a few intersecting MOAs on our route. The system is very well thought out and with some polishing (had problems with the OTG cable acting up) this will be a great tool.
Hell yeah! I’m going to hack some in flight weather together. Didn’t enjoy heading towards the vicinity of storms and trying to get a feeble cell signal to update the radar image.