August 12th to August 18th, 2024 – ADSB TAK Server and Preparing the DragonDrone

In a recent two-part video on YouTube, Cemaxecuter walks through the process of setting up a TAK server to receive cursor on target (COT) messages from a client to visualize aircraft data collected via ADSB. Part 1 walks you through how to configure the TAK server itself. While a TAK server could be run on a computer like the WarDragon which only has 8GB of RAM, using a computer with more RAM will allow your TAK server to run smoother and easily accomodate larger data flows. If you are just looking to experiment with ADSB, the WarDragon is probably enough to get started and learn the ropes. The video walkthrough is below and Cemaxecuter’s process for installing a TAK server can be found here: https://github.com/alphafox02/tak-server

Part 2 of the video shows how a client, such as a WarDragon, can use TAR1090, PyTAK, and adsbcot to send data to the TAK server that was set up in the first part. Specifically, Cemaxecuter used the Airspy R2 on the WarDragon to detect aircraft in his area. This video just shows one client connected to the server, but you can begin to imagine the utility of multiple clients feeding in ADSB information from different regions to generate a smaller version of an application like AirFrames.io or ADSB Exchange.

Furthermore, the TAK server is not necessarily limited to only receiving ADSB data. These COT messages can contain data from custom applications, enabling visualization of a variety of information on your TAK server. For instance, it would be possible to overlay ADSB flight data with drone detections from the DragonTooth.

Over on X, you can follow along as Cemaxecuter adds capability to the DragonDrone built by Canine Defense Technologies. Three key modifications were added this past week:

1. Adding National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) video streaming capabilities – funny enough, Cemaxecuter actually recorded a video 4 years ago showing the ability to decode NTSC with a SDR. NTSC is an old television format that works well for drones, but it sacrifices refresh rate for resolution – unlike its partner signal Phase Alternating Line (PAL) that transmits higher resolution at lower frame rate. PAL is widely used outside the US while NTSC is predominantly used in the US. Check out the video here: https://x.com/cemaxecuter/status/1824023422541664691.
2. Adding Epiq Sidekiq for SDR capabilities. The Epiq Sidekiq is a very high end SDR that will prove useful in a variety of applications. https://x.com/cemaxecuter/status/1824567268950356359

3. Adding HaLow mesh capabilities via stripped down Alfa HaLow-U. By itself, the HaLow-U would be a little too bulky for drone applications. However, the PCB inside is much smaller than the shell containing it, allowing for the HaLow-U to neatly fit in the SDR bay that is within the drone. The HaLow-U should provide a good data link for retrieving drone-generated information from a ground-based control station.

Stay tuned for some fun and interesting SDR applications with this drone!

• DragonOS Source for x86_64 systems: https://sourceforge.net/projects/dragonos-focal/
  • Download the latest release of DragonOS for x86_64 systems, ask for support, and read about the history of DragonOS.
• DragonOS Source for Pi64 systems: https://sourceforge.net/projects/dragonos-pi64/
  • Download the latest release of DragonOS for Pi64 systems, ask for support, and read about the history of DragonOS.
• Cemaxecuter on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9U2kaqhE716J2WNSTcOghg
  • Follow along with Cemaxecuter himself as he walks you through how to use specific SDR tools within DragonOS and explains why they are valuable.
• DragonOS Discord Channel: https://discord.com/invite/cYuS3E3k
  • Join the community of DragonOS users to share your work, ask for help, or lurk for content
• Cemaxecuter on X: https://x.com/cemaxecuter
  • Recent updates from the creator of DragonOS
• DragonOS Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cemaxecuter
  • 100% of contributions fund advanced features, videos, and hardware. As a thank you, Cemaxecuter will ask for your feedback on experimental features.
• For collaboration please contact cemaxecuter directly at cemaxecuter@protonmail.com