Notify With Precision: Python Script For Ads-B Hex Code Alerts Using Raspberry Pi

If you're interested in tracking aircraft and want to be notified about specific aircraft using their ADS-B hex codes, then you're in the right place! With a combination of Python scripting and the Raspberry Pi, you can set up a system that alerts you whenever an aircraft with a particular hex code flies over your area. This project is not only fun but also a practical application of programming and hardware skills. Let’s dive into how to set it up, including tips, common pitfalls, and troubleshooting advice.

Getting Started

What You Need

Before jumping into the Python script, ensure you have the following items:

• Raspberry Pi (any model that supports Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
• ADS-B Receiver (like RTL-SDR)
• Python (preferably version 3.6 or higher)
• Internet Connection
• Basic understanding of Python and Raspberry Pi

Setting Up Your Raspberry Pi

1. Install Raspbian: Make sure you have Raspbian OS installed on your Raspberry Pi. If you're not familiar with how to do this, there are many tutorials available online.

2. Update Your System: Open your terminal and run the following commands to update and upgrade your system:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade
   

3. Install Required Packages: You will need a few packages for your script to function correctly. Run:

   sudo apt install python3-pip
   pip3 install pyModeS
   pip3 install requests
   

Understanding ADS-B Hex Codes

ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) provides information on an aircraft's location, velocity, and other data. Each aircraft transmits a unique hex code, which you can monitor to receive alerts.

Writing the Python Script

Now, it's time to write the script that will notify you about your specified hex codes. Open a new file in your favorite text editor:

import requests
import time
import pyModeS

# Replace with your hex code of interest
TARGET_HEX_CODE = "A0A1B2"  # Example hex code

def get_adsb_data():
    # Replace with your ADS-B receiver URL
    response = requests.get('http://localhost:8080/data/aircraft.json')  
    return response.json()

def check_adsb(alert_data):
    for aircraft in alert_data['aircraft']:
        if aircraft['hex'] == TARGET_HEX_CODE:
            print(f"Alert! Aircraft with hex code {TARGET_HEX_CODE} detected!")
            # Here you can implement your alert mechanism (email, text, etc.)

if __name__ == "__main__":
    while True:
        adsb_data = get_adsb_data()
        check_adsb(adsb_data)
        time.sleep(5)  # Check every 5 seconds

Pro Tip: This script assumes you have access to an ADS-B data feed. If you don’t, consider using a local receiver with software like dump1090.

Running the Script

To run your script, open the terminal, navigate to your script directory, and type:

python3 adsb_alert.py

The script will run continuously, checking for your specified hex code. Whenever it detects the aircraft, it will print an alert to your terminal.

Helpful Tips & Techniques

• Customize Alerting: Beyond just printing alerts, consider integrating email notifications or using a messaging app API (like Twilio) to receive alerts on your phone.

• Adjust Check Interval: Depending on your preference and network conditions, you may want to adjust the time.sleep() parameter. A shorter interval will give you faster notifications but may put a load on your network.

• Logging: Implement logging for monitoring aircraft over time. This can help analyze trends or patterns in air traffic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Filtering the Right Hex Code: Ensure you are monitoring the correct hex code. It might be useful to log or print out all detected hex codes for reference.

2. Network Issues: ADS-B feeds depend on reliable network connections. Make sure your Raspberry Pi is well-connected, especially if using Wi-Fi.

3. Ignoring Error Handling: Always implement basic error handling to manage potential issues with requests or data parsing.

Troubleshooting Issues

• Script Not Running: Check your Python installation. Ensure that Python 3 and required libraries are correctly installed.

• No Alerts Triggered: If you’re not receiving alerts, ensure your ADS-B receiver is functioning and streaming data correctly. Test the data feed manually in your web browser or a REST client.

• Slow Performance: If your script is running slowly, try optimizing your code. Also, check your Raspberry Pi resources to ensure it's not being overburdened.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is ADS-B?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>ADS-B stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast, a surveillance technology that allows aircraft to determine their position via satellite navigation and periodically transmit it.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I track multiple aircraft?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes! You can modify the script to monitor multiple hex codes by storing them in a list and checking each one against the incoming data.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What do I do if the script fails to connect?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Check your ADS-B receiver connection and make sure the URL you are using for the data feed is correct. Test the feed in a web browser.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is it legal to track aircraft using ADS-B?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, in many countries, it is legal to receive and track ADS-B transmissions as they are publicly broadcasted information.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

As you can see, setting up a Python script for ADS-B hex code alerts on a Raspberry Pi is both simple and exciting! This project enhances your coding skills while allowing you to engage with aviation technology in a new way.

In conclusion, remember that practice makes perfect! Dive into this project, explore variations, and don't hesitate to look for more related tutorials. The aviation world is full of data waiting for you to uncover it, and who knows what you might create next?

<p class="pro-note">🚀Pro Tip: Regularly check for updates to your libraries and Raspberry Pi OS to keep your project running smoothly.</p>