Robinson R44 G-CIMZ not showing on radar ADSB or MLAT

Discussion in 'Other technical not related to ADSBx Feeding' started by PSIMPSON, Oct 16, 2021.

  1. PSIMPSON

    PSIMPSON Member

    Robinson R44 G-CIMZ currently operating callsign London eye 14 between Redhill and London bridge is not showing up on any radar. I can hear the traffic on airband radio and see it visually but not on radar.
    Any idea why that is? I have also had this with some RAF Vortec callsign flights hearing and seeing visually but not on radar. They can obviously be seen on radar by the London and Thames radar controllers, but not showing on ADSB radar as MLAT or ADSB.
     
    PSIMPSON, Oct 16, 2021
    #1
  2. wiedehopf

    wiedehopf Administrator Staff Member

    Mode C most likely.
     
    wiedehopf, Oct 16, 2021
    #2
  3. PSIMPSON

    PSIMPSON Member

    OK thank you wiedehopf, that would explain.
    I honestly thought MLAT would pick up all aircraft or helicopters that are not full adsb.
    So i have learnt today that Mode C only aircrafts / helicopters will not be pick up even by MLAT.
    I guess ATC Radar allows them to see mode c traffic that is not available to normal adsb radar?
     
    PSIMPSON, Oct 16, 2021
    #3
  4. wiedehopf

    wiedehopf Administrator Staff Member

    https://www.radartutorial.eu/13.ssr/!sr01.en.html

    You only get squawk as an identifier but that's not unique.
    So it's a real hassle to try and do MLAT.
    It's not impossible but it's not interesting beyond knowing "some" aircraft is at some location.
    You'll never know type / registration.
     
    wiedehopf, Oct 16, 2021
    #4
  5. PSIMPSON

    PSIMPSON Member

    Thanks for the mode c insight and radar tutorial link.
    It's not impossible but it's not interesting beyond knowing "some" aircraft is at some location
    I would be happy with that for traffic in the London area..
     
    PSIMPSON, Oct 16, 2021
    #5
  6. wiedehopf

    wiedehopf Administrator Staff Member

    Multiple people have expressed interest, doesn't change that i won't work on it as it's a major project to code.
    It would also cost continuous processing power.

    As such your interest is irrelevant. (no offense, just saying how it is)
     
    wiedehopf, Oct 16, 2021
    #6