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I've been experimenting with various enclosures for my Stratux builds over the past year. These cases have included everything from a cardboard box from a KMASHI battery, plastic Chinese take-out containers, plastic RPi cases with bare-board Nooelec Mini SDRs sticking out the back, and /u/strangerwithadvice 's official acrylic case as listed on stratux.me.

For the RV, I had been using the "clear plastic RPi case with bare-board Nooelec Mini SDRs sticking out the back" for about half a year. While functional, it was a rat's nest of cables, and I wanted to get away from having unshucked SDRs tucked under the glareshield. I ran into problems with the MCX antenna connectors occasionally becoming loose in the sockets on the SDRs, and had to be strain-relieved to maintain a good signal path. Since this is a semi-permanent installation, I'm not concerned with battery life. However, thermal management and minimizing RFI / EMI were important.

My main goals for this installation, were therefore:

• Looks good.
  
• Small, but not necessarily minimalist package size.
  
• Robust; able to operate equally well in -20°F and 100°F, preferably without active cooling.
  
• Strong FIS-B reception and decent ADS-B / ADS-R / TIS-B reception
  
• Suitable for use under light IFR (i.e. no noticeable noise emissions)
  
• Compatible with 'gpsattitude' development.
  
  What you see in the linked imgur album is the end result of a couple of days of brainstorming and building. Key difference between this and the stratux.me builds are:
  
  
• Aluminum enclosure for the RPi3. A basic, silver-finish aluminum extrusion. Not terribly expensive ($11), and cutouts fit nicely to the connector shells on the RPi. It's enough inherent shielding to let a VK-172 consistently see 5m accuracy without using an extension cable.
  
• RTL-SDR Blog v3 SDRs. These have metal enclosures and thermal pads -- effectively, the case acts as a heatsink. This removes the need to actively cool the SDRs, like one typically needs to do on the nano-sized receivers. The front end is also designed to handle 1+ GHz signals better than stock SDRs.
  
• Homebuilt USB extension cables for the SDRs. I soldered these up in a couple hours from some connectors I had left over from another project. These allow the SDRs to lie flat on top of the enclosure, with a minimum of wiring.
  
• Generous use of 3M Dual-Lock tape to hold the SDRs to the enclosure, and to hold the enclosure to the glareshield. This gives about 3/16 inch of airspace between components to promote natural convection, and allows components to be easily removed.
  
  With /u/dmurray14 antennas installed directly to the SDRs and oriented parallel to the windscreen, the reception range is phenomenal. I saw 6 towers at 1500' AGL during a test flight near Minneapolis today, and previously had seen as many as 10 towers simultaneously up at 7500' AGL. Traffic (1090 MHz) is visible virtually to the horizon: 150-200 NM.

Thanks!

Im excited to see it in action. Flt Plan Go is incredibly feature-rich, but Naviator has 3D vision and which would be handy if I ever found myself VFR into IMC. I also like how Naviator can import GPX charts which can be plotted on skyvector.com


I am in Vancouver (specifically CYNJ). I will definitely bookmark your amazon page and support a fellow Canadian reseller! I would like to have everything assembled and pre-tested. I like how I have the option to order a larger battery bank with your kit.

Couple questions:

I noticed you're running firmware v1.4r3, where I think the current firmware is r5. Is it easy to flash updated firmware?

Also, is there any hardware differences between your build and the resellers in the US? For example, [this one linked on the stratux homepage.] (https://www.amazon.com/Stratux-Receiver-Aviation-Weather-Traffic/dp/B071HMQY19/ref=pd_sbs_107_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B071HMQY19&pd_rd_r=MVR37SR7JQPHDGARNN18&pd_rd_w=OC368&pd_rd_wg=TSl7b&psc=1&refRID=MVR37SR7JQPHDGARNN18 )

Cheers!

Hello everybody and thank you a lot for your answers ! :)

The aircraft of my students is equiped with a L3 Lynx NGT-9000 and I found this in the manual :

"Traffic Advisory System (TAS) The Traffic Advisory System (TAS) is an optional feature of the Lynx NGT-9000. This feature provides the capability to interrogate nearby aircraft transponders and issue Traffic Advisory (TA) alert as well as a voice audio output that announces Traffic Advisories and relative altitude to the flight crew. This option requires the installation of a directional antenna."

This is what I want to do, it will not be possible with the Stratux ? :(

I have bought his kit of antennas : amazon antennas

I have bought this kit of adapters but they are too big : SMA right angle

I would like the adapters thats fit on the stratux antennas.

Anyways, if there is no way to see the nearby trafic with the Stratux, I will just not use it and ship the parts back.

A Stratux user told me that it will work in the Montréal aera thank to the Burlington ADSB tower.

Do you think it can't do what I want at all ?

Thank you a lot for your precious advices !

hi, I have same issue but solution does not work.

I got everything new as of yesterday from stratux amazon store.

I run 1.5b2 , pi3b board

Antennas and SDRs ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K1GZMM9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )

UAT/Gps runs fine. I can get traffic and see towers in UAT

Web gui shows 2 SDRs connected.

I cannot get any 1090 messages, even under airliners, next to the airport.

I run the SDR serials script (only for v2, no failsafe) no luck

I tried without UAT installed, no luck

Switched Pi3b boards, no luck

​

Shall I return it or is there anything else to troubleshoot?

Thanks!!!

​

-------------------------------------------------------

Found 1 device(s):

0: Generic RTL2832U OEM

Using device 0: Generic RTL2832U OEM

No supported tuner found

Enabled direct sampling mode, input 1

​

Current configuration:

__________________________________________

Vendor ID: 0x0bda

Product ID: 0x2838

Manufacturer: Stratux

Product: LowPowerV2

Serial number: stx:1090:0

Serial number enabled: yes

IR endpoint enabled: no

Remote wakeup enabled: no

> Ok, that did it! Now getting weather... and traffic on 978. Didn't know about the webpage. Thanks Nokomis449! Now a few more questions. 1. Can we use these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018PUYPCA?keywords=NooElec%20micro-SDR&qid=1452895317&ref_=sr_1_fkmr0_3&sr=8-3-fkmr0 2. Is this case a 3D printed case: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1016829/#files 3. Do we need to tune the NooElec to one of the two freqs to get better reception? How do you tune the NooElec? 4. I'm curious as to the difference in the weather resolution between what one gets over ADS-B provide by the gov and what you would get from something like XM. Can anyone provide screen shots of both?
>
>
>
> This is cool stuff!

VK162 $10.34 Free shipping 51.70

Purchased 5 of them. Working Perfect

GPYes 14.99 free shipping $74.95

Startux(gets them from China) just put labels of them it appears.

saved me $23.25

So I offer two kits now.

One is complete including the rPi. Comes with the new case, dual low power SDR's, high gain antennas, SD card, GPYes, and an AHRS module.

The original more basic kit with just the case, SD card, SDR's and antennas for people who already have an rPi or want a different GPS.

And all the other bits and pieces to DIY it however you like.

Cases

Serial adapters

AHRS modules

GPYes

VK-162

Low power SDR's

Dans great antennas

SDR and antenna combo

Preloaded SD cards

This one is slightly longer than what you said but is double the power of the one you have now (20,000mAh):

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Charger-Anker-PowerCore-20100mAh/dp/B00X5RV14Y

Or this one fits in the dimensions you said and is the same power capacity as the one you have now (10,000mAh)

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI

​

But these are literally just two of them. There are ALOT of them. I would recommend Anker but just get on amazon and search for "Anker Portable Charger" and find one that has the power capacity you want, the physical size you want and in your price range. Any Anker will be fine just make sure to say above 10,000mAh or so as we talked about.

​

Edit: Also the 20,000mAh one I linked has two usb ports. That is a MUST for me to have 2-3 ports on it so I can power my Stratux and iPad. Just something to keep in mind to look out for when looking at them.

Awesome. That's all I want! I assume when https://www.amazon.com/Stratux-Sensors-Controller-Raspberry-MPU9250/dp/B06ZZCHBHT/ref=sr_1_35?ie=UTF8&qid=1493845954&sr=8-35&keywords=stratux is available I will be able to run the beta software with it.

For someone new to this whole thing, I assume the installation of the AHRS sensor will be easy enough? Do I require an external GPS to use the AHRS hardware? I have an iPad with LTE, so it has the internal GPS.

Thanks again for answering my questions. All I have to give in return are upvotes, but I will definitely be a new Stratux customer imminently!

im pretty sure the nooelec stuff no one recommends.

i noticed when i used the new antennaes i got better signal and a better gps position. this one

The Anker batteries are GREAT!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-High-Capacity-16750mAh-Portable-External/dp/B00N2T7U90

This is a good start... The 16ah battery should last over 10 hours of stratux

This is what I got...but a Vilros package:
http://www.amazon.com/Vilros-Raspberry-Aviation-Set-Micro-Pre-loaded/dp/B01BX1QSFK?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

With:

http://www.amazon.com/NooElec-NESDR-Mini-RTL2832-Antenna/dp/B00P2UOU72?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01

That is the only thing i have plug in. Power sources i used, what came with the package and a 5v wall plug

hope this helps and thanks for your time, much appreciated

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B015QGW4BU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jackery Titan 20100 mAh 2 port (I also use it for iPhones/iPads when travelling) 3.4A

Works great, love it.

This is the nano2 which is equivalent to the original longer ones used when the project first started. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018PUYPCA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1M8T4D3CJTEI6&coliid=I3URG4QSE8T4US

Here is a pretty good video covering the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rEOJrw4ds8

You could use a Pi with an RTL2832 USB SDR running Raspian with the librtlsdr library installed. Then you can just execute rlt_fm (with the -M option for AM mode) and process the output with a custom audio processing software to detect the microphone clicks. You could use a multitude of methods to activate the requested systems, including GPIO, USB, Eithernet, or any combination of them. For the custom audio processing software, I suggest looking at GNU Radio as a source for examples. You could probably kludge something together fairly quickly.

PM me if you need any help. Sounds like a fun project.

Good point. I have the internal Stratux GPYes u-blox 7 GPS. I'll pull the unit apart tonight and make sure it's installed correctly, but I do recall when doing the build that they were very specific about which devices got plugged into which USB ports, so hopefully I did it correctly.

Actually, I kind of hope I didn't do it right, because that's an easy fix!

Which "new white ABS case"? I'm in the process of some updates and am trying to select a case. I'm tempted to go with the "recommended" case, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072ND582W/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1FY2FJYL6LK7D&psc=1
but, reading the specs, it says it's 5.5" X 2.5" X 3". The photo looks like only 1.5" like most of the cases I've seen. Is the 3" measurement correct? Seems unnecessarily bulky.

Your are correct and my tone in my reply was off last night, apologies. I believe at this time the power draw issue is largely resolved if you use the recommended hardware on stratux.me. The posts you read were earlier posts either before there was a recommended battery or experimentation or cheap/faulty usb cables. I too have your set up, except i have 2 mini's (old and i think draw i little more power) and have no issues with my Anker and good USB cable. If I didn't already have the anker, I'd buy the easyacc since I would like pass-through charging. Here are the ones i use with no issues:

USB Cables - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T33F3DO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Battery - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2T7U90/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

USB port car charger (love this one, 7.2 amps, charges my stratux and ipad at the same time, works in 12v or 24/28v planes) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S739AC6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The current consensus is represented at stratux.me, it is maintained by the software's author and continually updated. If you are looking to just buy the parts, set it up, and be done with it, use that parts list. If you are a tinkerer and see this as an ever evolving project, experiment away and report findings for the benefit of all.

Just ordered this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZCHBHT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_855ezb9PA606E hopefully IFly will support synthetic vision soon
Thanks

I have a Stratux built with a Raspberry Pi 3.  I have flashed it with version v1.4r5 (991f48eaa5).

I am trying to get the serial connection working so I can interface it with my GRT HX.

I purchased this dongle:  USB TTL 232 485 converter serial module from Amazon.$ 9.90📷

USB TTL 232 485 converter serial module

Product document: https://wiki.wit-motion.com/english 1.USB to TTL 232 485 Serial Converter. 2.USB TTL 232 485 c...I have booted the Stratux with the switches on the card in every combination.  At no time do I get a window in the settings page that allows me to enter baud rate.  I get the impression the Stratux software is not seeing the dongle, or might not have the drivers for it.

I attached a keyboard and monitor (hdmi) the the Pi and logged in.  I ran the command to list all USB devices and it is there.

The USB light is on on the dongle.  However, I have not seen the TX light ever.

I have connected the 232T pin and the GND to the GRT unit.  I have tried every baud rate available for the GRT, but have never seen a packet received.

I have little to no experience with Linux.

I would appreciate any help.

I have pictures, but am new to Reddit and haven't figured out how to include them.

​

I am using the GlobalSat BU-353-S4 USB as well. Although I had to make a couple of code changes to v0.5b5 which I flight tested last week and it worked great. I am planning to update to the latest releases and see what else needs to be done to make it a simple auto-detected and auto-configured device.

Stratux "AHRS" is a software implementation based on combining GPS data (of certain supported GPS sources, not all) and "gyro" data from add-on optional chipsets installed to your build.

What MPU unit are using for your gyro data? Often the MPU has a companion BMP unit that supplies the baro data. I expect that STRATUX will not know about the BARO data on your Ipad. Whatever EFb app you use on the Ipad might be able to access the Ipad baro.

The unit below is a common way of getting MPU (for ahrs) and BMP (for baro). It also has the fan controller included:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZCHBHT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Interesting. I'll give the laptop test a shot, that's a great idea that I hadn't considered.

I should have clarified - this isn't using any of the stock SDR parts aside from the SDRs themselves. The splitter is this guy.

On the off chance the Y pigtail is bad I also ordered a hardware T combiner for the two pigtails I got with /u/dmurray's antennas.

This setup contains the following:

• Raspberry Pi 3: http://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Pi-RASP-PI-3-Model-Motherboard/dp/B01CD5VC92
  
• 2x Nooelec Nano2+: http://www.amazon.com/NooElec-NESDR-Nano-Ultra-Low-Compatible/dp/B01B4L48QU
  
• Stratux Acrylic Case w/ Fan: http://www.amazon.com/Stratux-Case-Fan-Tinted-Acrylic/dp/B01ERQCJF6
  
  Note that the stock Nano2+ antenna dongles are too long for the box. I have ordered DMURRY14's antennas from Amazon which have the right-angle cables that shouldn't have this problem: http://www.amazon.com/ADS-B-High-Gain-Antenna-FULL/dp/B01EJUM83S
  
  Just wanted to share for anyone using this Acrylic box.

I have 2 Jackery batteries, a 6Ah and a 12Ah. They both work fine with my loaded Stratux, and Jackery batteries support pass-thru charging. They also have a 20,100 2 port 3.4 amp version:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015QGW4BU/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

EDIT: I meant to add that it's cheaper, too.

These?

Stratux 1090ES & UAT - Radios (Low Power v2+v3) and High Gain Antennas https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K1GZMM9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_azNVCbZ35SWKD

does this unit (https://www.amazon.com/Stratux-Sensors-Controller-Raspberry-MPU9250/dp/B06ZZCHBHT/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496870371&sr=8-3&keywords=stratux) use gps for ahrs or is it a true ahrs sensor?

There are multiple options on Amazon, search CP2102 RS232. Not a lot of prebuilt cables though, you may have to solder or crimp it yourself, it's just 2 wires so an easy job. I built stratux into a case for mounting behind the panel, and brought the power, screen, and serial out connections to a DB15 connector on the side, so I just used a small converter similar in form factor to the SDRs:

USB TTL 232 485 converter serial module https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CNW061U

Be sure as you're picking modules that the output levels are correct for the device you're connnecting -- some of the modules only convert to TTL which may not work with your device's serial port.

I just got one from Amazon. They appear to be back in stock. Stratux AHRS Sensors and Fan Controller / Raspberry Pi MPU9250+BMP280 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZCHBHT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_7RpFzoyjBNMPq

Metal materials scatter and reflect radio frequencies (like Wi-Fi, bluetooth, analog radio & television, GPS, radar, etc.). Since your GPS antenna is inside the aluminum case, it is not going to receive very much signal, and the signal it will receive won't be very good quality.

If you want to keep the metal case you could get the external GPS antenna:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EROIUEW

Or, you could buy the plastic case as you mentioned. I have the plastic case for my Stratux and it's definitely a lot sturdier than it looks!

It was in the description of the Amazon page

> MPU-9250, BMP280, and fan speed controller.

See:

https://github.com/cyoung/stratux/wiki/All-About-AHRS

https://github.com/cyoung/stratux/wiki/Cooling-fan-speed-control

The clear ones will be back in a week or so,

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ERQPPWU

with a minor modification - a hole in the end plate for either Vk-172 or an external Vk-162.

The tinted one, not sure.

I used these: Amazon SDR Kit and I'm running the current version of stable 1.2r2

And here is the Nano 2 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/NooElec-NESDR-Nano-RTL2832U-Compatible/dp/B018PUYPCA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1457956510&sr=8-4&keywords=NooElec

As suggested earlier, sounds like you are missing the radios and antennas. Link below ...

https://www.amazon.com/Stratux-1090ES-UAT-Radios-Antennas/dp/B01M7NMWCD?ref_=ast_sto_dp

Here you go. I am sure there are other options but I believe this is the one they are using to develop AHRS right now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZCHBHT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_Ikgozb8SFGXTT

Here Ya Go

Sub These if you want to go the Nano SDR route.

Here is the mobile version of your link

these are the blog SDRs
http://www.amazon.com/NooElec-NESDR-Mini-RTL2832-Antenna/dp/B00P2UOU72/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450573736&sr=8-1&keywords=nooelec

and this is the new one..

http://www.amazon.com/NooElec-NESDR-Mini-Compatible-Guaranteed/dp/B00VZ1AWQA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450573736&sr=8-2&keywords=nooelec

which one are you ACTUALLY using..

How would I know which version of the radios I have? edit:
I have these

The Vilros complete Stratux kit didn't exist when I built mine so I got everything piece by piece.
I have 2 of the Nano 2's and a RPI 2 for my setup.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018PUYPCA

So, from a software standpoint, is it literally just "plugging in" another RTL-SDR radio, and the software sees it? I guess what I'm looking for is, what are the configuration steps necessary to utilize a second radio on 1090?

EDIT: and is this the micro you're talking about?

http://www.amazon.com/NooElec-NESDR-Nano-Ultra-Low-Compatible/dp/B01B4L48QU/ref=pd_sim_504_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=41sA2fYrK6L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=16GZSQWRCNXA7B9Q7A8K

Anyone used the Nano 2+?

Same here. I switched to:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EROIUEW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(Replaced internal GPS with this dongle)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CJG2ZYM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and had makexyz.com print this file: SuctioncupmountVK162only.STL

from:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1720290

with ABS @ 100% infill. got the suction cups at Lowes.

These are the antennas I purchased...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7NMWCD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is this what you're referring to?

Link

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZCHBHT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_V8XUzb4JGHWRC

I noticed recently that Stratux.me seems to reference a new, white, ABS case in its parts list. Perhaps the acrylic's been discontinued.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072ND582W/

Oh, oh. Am I going to be sorry that I bought the Globalsat? There was one review in December by aerojoe777 who said that he was using it w/ Stratux.

I've been tinkering with designs and now offer a fully assembled Stratux unit complete with DMURRAY14 antennas, low power SDRs, and battery pack. Decided on the white SummitLink case to block light for night flying and allow for the ram mount option. I've found having vertical orientation makes a big difference at high altitude (FL200 and higher). Appreciate any feedback! Products assembled and tested by a couple of military pilots.

Sorry followed your link.

This one on that thread says it can be charged at the same time. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015QGW4BU/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

I've had success with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015ASUJ48
BNC connector on the cable that goes to the external antenna connects to this splitter, then the two other ends each plug into an SDR. (I have the "old"-style SDRs - the big blue ones that folks were using before the nanos became more popular...)

I have absolutely no complaints. I pickup a little 1090 traffic on the ground and start picking up 978 wx & rebroadcast traffic within 100 to 200 feet agl. I stash the stratux under my seat so it's out of the way - wired to ship power, and the mouse-style gps sits out of the way too near a window - don't have to do anything except fire up my tablet!

But is working? I mean are you able to have both on and see any 1090 traffic?

btw, are this the radios that failed? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7NMWCD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm asking because I just bought a set