The cost and hassle of complying with the FAA’s 2020 ADS-B Out mandate is vexing many aircraft owners, but quite a few of us are already enjoying the benefits of ADS-B In: real-time weather, Nexrad radar and traffic information, all for free. There are a number of feature-rich portable receivers on the market, like the Appareo Stratus, Garmin GDL 39 and Dual XGPS170. And for do-it-yourself types or die-hard cheapskates, now there’s an open-source homebuilt option for under $100: Stratux.
How It Works: Build Your Own Stratux ADS-B Receiver
Key Takeaways:
- Stratux is an open-source, do-it-yourself (DIY) system for under $100, offering an alternative to commercial portable ADS-B In receivers.
- It utilizes a Raspberry Pi microcomputer and a software-defined radio (SDR) antenna to provide free real-time weather, Nexrad radar, and traffic information.
- Invented by Christopher Young, Stratux is relatively simple to assemble with kits and preloaded software available online at stratux.me.
- While considered an experimental system and not compatible with all EFB programs (e.g., Garmin, Jeppesen), it offers a significant capability upgrade for pilots.
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