MarcusM is just stating that there is no way to meaningfully differentiate between:

If only people would focus their attention, and budgets, on -being- conspicuous rather than trying to see every last piece of traffic on their tablets, the situation would soon resolve itself. ;-)

Very wise words, Graham!

+x

 

tnowak - 2/14/2019 8:27:09 AM

MarcusM is just stating that there is no way to meaningfully differentiate between:

1. A high power Mode C transponder transmission from a CAT aircraft, say 50 miles away

2. A low power Mode C transponder transmission from a GA aircraft that may be just 1-2 miles away.

Yes, you can filter transponder returns by altitude but if you are flying in a busy environment it could be confusing/misleading as to what the true threat is.

Tony

No way? Is that a conclusion after analysing the PAw algorithm?
For instance, how quickly could the strength of a signal from 200 miles away change, aircraft doing 140-250kn, vs a signal from 5 miles away @120kn?

Since the last post PAW has implemented Mlt or as they call it mode S/3D to show a position to a bearingless Mode S target. I have been checking their accuracy and nearly all targets have been within 5 degree of bearing error, which is pretty good. 

This thread is about voice alerts, which are the safest way to be aware of traffic around you. PilotAware are correct that SkyDemon does not draw so-called "circles of ambiguity" around aircraft; to use these effectively would require you to look at your tablet screen far more than is safe to do.

Hi Folks,

Hi John,

IIRC the PowerFlarm audio warnings comprise a series of ‘bleeps’ increasing in frequency (and possibly pitch) as the aircraft close towards collision point - but starting only from something like ‘18 seconds to collision’, which IMO is too close for safety in normal GA use. If you have the PF (Positional) traffic data integrated through PilotAware, this will automatically be covered by SkyDemon’s anti-collision alerts, as will PilotAware Positional P3i, ADSB and MLAT Traffic, I’m pretty sure you can turn the PF audio off by resetting your configuration using the PowerFlarm Configuration Tool.

Assuming the above to be correct, the only potential conflict for ‘known position’ aircraft alerts will be that the PilotAware alerts are based on position, whereas the SkyDemon ones are based on probability of collision. You can, however, happily use either, - or both via a mixer, as with a little practice, the alerts are easily separated by the different voices used, providing you keep the volume levels as near EQUAL as possible, and RELATIVELY LOW.

The mistake most people make when trying to listen to multiple audio sources, is turning the volumes UP. If you keep them low, your brain learns to separate multiple sound sources - even through the same headset. If you turn the volumes UP, you have no chance! I know, because I taught this system for over 10 years for multi-channel / multi-frequency / inter- agency Command and Control at major incidents in the Fire and Rescue Service.

The only ‘Fly in the Ointment’ in using SD’s audio exclusively in my experience, is the issue of Bearingless Traffic, where no audio warnings whatever are provided by SD and if using GDL90, we get no visual warnings either. I understand Tim’s reasoning for this (though disagree at least in part). Having tested the options extensively, I have, however, learned to cope with Bearingless Traffic without visual warnings provided I still get reliable audio alerts (currently from my PilotAware feed).

Best Regards
Peter
(PilotAware Development Team)

You'll find that the SkyDemon verbal traffic facilities are designed to be intelligent, and to replicate what an actual controller would say to you based on what other traffic is doing. Unless it's going to come close to you, we don't talk to you about it. This solution is quite far apart from other available solutions that just speak to you based on other traffic being contained inside simple rings around you, not actually analysing trajectories.