QFA2 - LHR to DRW (London to Darwin)

I just noticed a Qantas flight coming in from London (VH-ZNI).  On further investigation I found that it took an interesting route, it seemed to avoid Russian airspace for some reason!.

Data from FlightAware

This diversion added significant time to an already very long flight, coming in at 17h 09m.  The two previous QF2 flights were 16m 27m and 16h 08m respectively.

Photo source: FlightAware

ADS-B signals from Timor-Leste

There are three correction four US Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker over the skys of Darwin at the moment, We recieved one from just off the eastern end of Timor-Leste which is about 500km north of Darwin.

A Loon Balloon spotted from my ADS-B reciever

I have just received a signal from a Loon Balloon which was 562Km away and at an altitude of 18Km (61,000 ft). I think this may be a new distance record!

For more info on Project Loon click here.

Update: - now over 570Km away!

Update (5.57pm) now right on 600Km away and still going!

ADS-B Receiver Upgrade

I've been running a PiAware receiver for a friend for over a year now, and just recently he sent me a new RTL-SDR and antenna, to try. The New RTL-SDR has a built in RF amp and a filter for the 1090Mhz ADS-B band.  The results are very impressive, with regular tracking of planes out as far as 450km. The Pi and RTL-SDR is siting on the floor in the lounge-room, near the front window, with the antenna wedged into the top of a chair on the balcony. We will work of a better option for the antenna!

Screen Shots of the Flight-aware page

 The new RTL-SDR with RF Amp and 1090Mhz Filter

 

 Antenna location (Temporary.... but for how long?)

This is the view out to the West-Northwest!

 Before the upgrade

 After the upgrade!