REFLECTOR: Transponder and Radio issues

Scott Derrick scott at tnstaafl.net
Sun Apr 12 15:25:22 CDT 2009


Flight following without a transponder can be done.  I've done it many
times. It is discretionary on the part of the controller, but then all
flight following is. 

I would say that usually I would not provide services without a
transponder, but there are many circumstances where it is  desirable, or
you know the flight and give um some slack, or your traffic is light. 
The ATC computer can and will track a primary target, though if it
crosses/overlaps another primary target it may get confused and swap
targets.  Re-identification is usually  mandatory to verify you are
still tracking the correct primary target.

For altitude information, you just ask the pilot and input it manually. 
Usually the controller will then ask you to report any altitude changes
so he or she can update the data block.

Scott

Dave wrote:
> ATC only provides flight following to aircraft with functioning
> transponders. They do not and really CANNOT provide the service to
> aircraft without a transponder.. otherwise how would they be able to
> differentiate that aircrafts primary target from other primary
> targets. A functioning transpoder in Mode A uses the ATC assigned 4
> digit code. Mode S uses a unique identifier specific to that
> particular airframe article.
>
> Mode C, as others have said.. is the altitude reporting, which is a
> separate function within the transponder, and is dependent on an
> altitude encoder feed from within the aircraft.
>
> This information is available to 3rd parties such as FlightAware.
>
> nmflyer1 at aol.com wrote:
>> John,
>>
>> FlightAware doesn't use your transponder. It uses your flight
>> following info that you provide to Center/Approach. You would not
>> believe who can watch you and how. If you were getting flight
>> following, your info is being tracked by the computers, even without
>> a mode c.
>>
>> Kurt
>>
>> P.S. some interesting stories & tricks on this subject.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: aminetech at bluefrog.com
>> To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
>> Sent: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 10:51 am
>> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Transponder and Radio issues
>>
>> One thing I forgot to mention is that the airport manager at my
>> destination had followed my flight on flightaware.com (I was on
>> flight following) for the entire trip.  How is that possible if the
>> mode C is not being received?
>>  
>> John
>>
>> --- nmflyer1 at aol.com <mailto:nmflyer1 at aol.com> wrote:
>>
>> From: nmflyer1 at aol.com <mailto:nmflyer1 at aol.com>
>> To: reflector at tvbf.org <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org>
>> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Transponder and Radio issues
>> Date: Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:11:15 -0400
>>
>> Don't forget to check the Ground side as well. If there is a common
>> ground between these 2 pieces of equipment, that would do it.
>>  
>> Kurt
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Scott Derrick <scott at tnstaafl.net <mailto:scott at tnstaafl.net>>
>> To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org
>> <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org>>
>> Sent: Sat, 11 Apr 2009 8:57 am
>> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Transponder and Radio issues
>>
>> 1- connector problem on main bus. Check battery, buss and alternator
>> connectors.
>> 2- battery going south.  check battery voltage engine not running, with
>> no load(12.6-13.0), with radio transmitting(12+)
>> 3- alternator/regulator failure.  check battery voltage with engine
>> running, no load(13.8-14.2), with radio transmitting(13.6-14.2)
>> 4- noise on battery buss.  check sound of radio transmitting, engine not
>> running, then engine running.
>>
>> I doubt your  transponder and  com  radio  are going south  at the same
>> time, unless your system experienced a serious voltage spike, even then
>> I'd be surprised.
>>
>> Scott
>>
>> aminetech at bluefrog.com <mailto:aminetech at bluefrog.com> wrote:
>> > This past week on my return fllight from Corpus Christi to MS, I was
>> > told by 3 ATCs that they weren't receiving my mode C.  One received it
>> > briefly.  Also I was told that my radio was weak.  I receive
>> > transmissions fine, but have noticed when transmitting that the volume
>> > in my headset is very loud and distorted.  My plane is 10 years old
>> > with 670 hours.  Is this something to get repaired, or is it tme for
>> > new equipment?
>> >  > John
>> >
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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