Radarcape:Installation Guide: Difference between revisions

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__TOC__
__TOC__


=Connect Radarcape Hardware=
=Radarcape Hardware Installation=


[[File:Radarcape-back.png|450px|Radarcape backside explained]]
[[File:Radarcape-back.png|450px|Radarcape backside explained]]




Plug the following connectors into the Radarcape
Plug the following connectors into the Radarcape:
 
* Mode-S antenna
# Mode-S antenna
* GPS antenna
# GPS antenna
* Ethernet/LAN cable
# Ethernet/LAN cable
* Power cable
# Power cable


Connect the power supply with the electrical outlet.
Connect the power supply with the electrical outlet.


=Antenna placement=
=Mode-S-Antenna Placement=
 
==Mode-S Antenna==


The Mode-S antenna should be placed as free and as high as possible.
The Mode-S antenna should be placed as free and as high as possible.


==GPS Antenna==
Make sure the Mode-S antenna has a conductive connection with protective ground. Otherwise, static electricity may cause damage to your Radarcape.


The GPS antenna should be placed to a point with at least half of the sky in free sight, for example a window sill.
==GPS Antenna Placement==


Some users reported running the GPS antenna indoors. This is not guaranteed to work.
The GPS antenna should be placed to a point with at least half of the sky in free sight, for example a window sill. Some users reported running the GPS antenna indoors. This is not guaranteed to work.


=Software Configuration=


==The Radarcape as a network device - the hostname or DNS name==
=Hostname and Network Address=


Network devices can be accessed in two ways:
Network devices can be accessed in two ways:
* via '''IP address''' (e.g., ''192.168.1.157'')
* via IP address (e.g., ''192.168.1.157'')
* via '''hostname''' (e.g., ''radarcape'')
* via hostname (e.g., ''radarcape'')
 
The '''IP address''' is provided to your Radarcape during startup via the http://en.wikipedia.org Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol] (DHCP) service. Usually, your Internet router provides the DHCP service in your network and
assigns an IP address to your device. A fixed address can be configured via the Linux command line.
 
{| class="wikitable"
|[[File:dhcp_ddwrt.jpg|500px|thumb|DHCP listing of a DD-WRT router showing hostnames RC70 and RC71 as 192.168.1.180 and 192.168.1.133]]
|[[File:dhcp_fritzbox.jpg|500px|thumb|DHCP listing of a Fritzbox showing hostname RC23 as 192.168.178.36]]
|}
 
Fixed addresses can be assigned configured via the Linux command line. For the configuration of a fixed IP address, please refer to one of the Linux manuals you can find in the Internet.
 
The hostname is a given name that is stored internally in your device (see /etc/hostname). If there is no
label on the back side of your Radarcape, the hostname is '''radarcape'''.
 
''Note:'' Some router models require appending the '''.local''' to the hostname. In this case '''radarcape.local''' must be used instead of simply '''radarcape'''.
 
 
=Linux Command Line Interfaces=
 
For some special cases it is necessary to access the linux system console.
There are two ways how to connect to the Linux system:
* SSH through the network (recommended)
* Back side Mini USB connector (only hardware versions with SN 1302-XXXX)
 
==SH Access to the Radarcape Using Putty==
 
We recommend Putty as SSH client on Windows.
Download the Putty executable from [http://www.putty.org http://www.putty.org].
Start Putty, set the Connection Type to '''SSH''', and the Host Name to '''radarcape'''.
 
TODO IMAGE


The '''IP address''' is provided to your Radarcape either during startup via the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_Host_Configuration_Protocol Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol] (DHCP) service or a fixed address can be set on the device. Automatic configuration via DHCP is the default configuration of the Radarcape. Usually, your internet router provides the DHCP service in your network and assignes an IP address to your device. Fixed addresses can be assigned configured via the Linux command line. For the configuration of a fixed IP address, please refer to one of the Linux manuals you can find in the Internet.
Click on the Open button and the login screen appears. Enter the username '''root''' and press enter
when being asked for your password (or the password if you have set one).


The '''hostname''' is a given name that is stored internally in your device (see ''/etc/hostname''). If there is no label on the back side of your Radarcape, the hostname is either '''''radarcape'''''.
TODO IMAGE


Most internet routers provide the DHCP and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System Domain Name System] (DNS) services for local network devices. The DHCP service automatically asignes IP adresses in local networks. DNS is used by clients (e.g., your browser) to resolve host names to IP addresses. During the boot sequence, the radarcape requests an IP address from this DHCP service. It also reports it's hostname to the DHCP service on the router. At this stage, most routers automatically update their DNS database with the hostname and the IP address of your radarcape. This is strongly required if you want to access your Radarcape via the hostname.


If you are not able to access your Radarcape via the hostname, usually the DNS service has not been updated. Some internet routers do not support this feature. In this case you can access the Radarcape via it's IP address. To obtain the IP address, open the Web interface of your internet router. Usually, it will contain a page that lists all IP addresses that were assigned by the DHCP service.
==Accessing the Linux Console via USB==


This is how you identify your device in the network. Take care on an probable issue with Windows, described here [[Radarcape:ConnectivityFailures]]
The Radarcape has 2 USB connectors:
* A standard USB type A on the front panel, e.g., for memory sticks, DVB-T sticks or other extensions
* A micro USB connector on the back side. This allows you to connect to the Linux console via a virtual serial device


We will develop a Radarcape finder pretty soon, so you don't have do obtain it in this manual ways.
''Note:'' The Linux console via the micro USB interface is only available on hardware versions with serial number SN 1302-XXXX


{| class="wikitable"
Take a USB cable and connect the back side USB. Check in the device manager that a COM port becomes created.
|[[File:dhcp_ddwrt.jpg|500px|thumb|DHCP listing of a DD-WRT router showing hostnames RC70 and RC71 as 192.168.1.180 and 192.168.1.133]]
 
|[[File:dhcp_fritzbox.jpg|500px|thumb|DHCP listing of a Fritzbox showing hostname RC23 as 192.168.178.36]]
TODO TWO IMAGES
|}
 
* If it does, skip the FTDI driver installation.
* If not, perform the FTDI driver installation and check if the COM port appears.
 
Parameters of this COM port are 115200 Bit/sec 8N1.
 
==Install FTDI Drivers==
 
Download the driver from the FTDI driver Web page ([http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm]) that fits to your system and install it. The COM port should appear when the driver has successfully been installed.
 
==Using Putty as Client for the Serial Console==
 
The software Putty can also be used to access the Radarcape via the virtual serial device.
 
Download the Putty executable from [http://www.putty.org http://www.putty.org].
 
Start Putty and enter the above detected COM port, 115200 and serial into the startup menu:
 
TODO IMAGE
 
Click on the Open button and the login screen appears. Enter the username 'root' and press enter when being asked for your password (or the password if you have set one).


==Software Configuration==
TODO IMAGE


The Radarcape configuration can be modified via the Web interface.


===Basestation and Flightroute Databases===
=Installation of Basestation and Flightroute Databases=


The Radarcape can use external databases for displaying additional information to the 2D map and the aircraft list.
The Radarcape can use external databases for displaying additional information to the 2D map and the aircraft list.


* '''basestation.sqb''': aircraft ''type'' and ''registration''.
* ''basestation.sqb'': aircraft type and '''registration'''.
* '''flightroutes.sqb''': flightplan information (''origin'' and ''destination'')
* ''flightroutes.sqb'': flight plan information ('''origin''' and '''destination''')


These databases are not installed when we ship the Radarcape. Users can download and install them from third-party sources. This can be done via the ''Software Maintenance'' menu.
These databases are not installed when we ship the Radarcape. Users can download and install them
from third-party sources. This can be done via the '''Software Maintenance''' menu.


[[File:Radarcape Software Maintenance.png|550px|none|thumb|Radarcape Software Maintenance]]
[[File:Radarcape Software Maintenance.png|550px|none|thumb|Radarcape Software Maintenance]]


The databases can be obtained from these sources:
The databases can be obtained from these sources:
* Plane Base NG (basestation.sqb, [http://planebase.biz http://planebase.biz])
* PP Routes Yahoo Group (flightroutes.sqb, [http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PP-logs-and-routes/files http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PP-logs-and-routes/files], registration required)


* [http://planebase.biz Plane Base NG] (basestation.sqb)
As both databases contain information that is subject to change, we recommend you to update these
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PP-logs-and-routes/files PP Routes Yahoo Group] (flightroutes.sqb, registration required)
databases in regular intervals.


As both databases contain information that is subject to change, we recommend you to update these databases in regular intervals.


===Settings Web Page===
===Radarcape Configuration===


Various configuration settings can be made on the ''Settings'' menu.
All changes of the Radarcape configuration can be done via the Web interface.


[[File:Radarcape-webconfig.jpg|550px|none|thumb|Radarcape Settings Web Page]]
[[File:Radarcape-webconfig.jpg|550px|none|thumb|Radarcape Settings Web Page]]


The settings menu also provides the posibility to configure and enable Mode-S feeding to the following services:
If all settings have been made, scroll to the bottom of the page, enter the password, and press “Save Changes” to store the configuration. The default password for changing the configuration is '''radarcape'''.


* Flightradar 24
''Note:'' Due to feature enhancements and changes, this page is often subject to change.
* Planeplotter
* Planefinder
* Flightaware


Feeding credentials must be obtained from these service provides.


===Advanced Configuration Interfaces / Commandline Access===
===Advanced Configuration Interfaces / Commandline Access===
Line 100: Line 146:
* Back side Mini USB connector
* Back side Mini USB connector


==Set Root Password==
 
==Set/Change Root Password==


In the default configuration, no password is set for the root user (administrator) on the Radarcape. We strongly advise you to set a password for security reasons.
In the default configuration, no password is set for the root user (administrator) on the Radarcape. We strongly advise you to set a password for security reasons.

Revision as of 16:44, 19 April 2015

For Beginners Required computer skills to execute these tasks: Beginner

Radarcape Hardware Installation

Radarcape backside explained


Plug the following connectors into the Radarcape:

  • Mode-S antenna
  • GPS antenna
  • Ethernet/LAN cable
  • Power cable

Connect the power supply with the electrical outlet.

Mode-S-Antenna Placement

The Mode-S antenna should be placed as free and as high as possible.

Make sure the Mode-S antenna has a conductive connection with protective ground. Otherwise, static electricity may cause damage to your Radarcape.

GPS Antenna Placement

The GPS antenna should be placed to a point with at least half of the sky in free sight, for example a window sill. Some users reported running the GPS antenna indoors. This is not guaranteed to work.


Hostname and Network Address

Network devices can be accessed in two ways:

  • via IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.157)
  • via hostname (e.g., radarcape)

The IP address is provided to your Radarcape during startup via the http://en.wikipedia.org Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol] (DHCP) service. Usually, your Internet router provides the DHCP service in your network and assigns an IP address to your device. A fixed address can be configured via the Linux command line.

DHCP listing of a DD-WRT router showing hostnames RC70 and RC71 as 192.168.1.180 and 192.168.1.133
DHCP listing of a Fritzbox showing hostname RC23 as 192.168.178.36

Fixed addresses can be assigned configured via the Linux command line. For the configuration of a fixed IP address, please refer to one of the Linux manuals you can find in the Internet.

The hostname is a given name that is stored internally in your device (see /etc/hostname). If there is no label on the back side of your Radarcape, the hostname is radarcape.

Note: Some router models require appending the .local to the hostname. In this case radarcape.local must be used instead of simply radarcape.


Linux Command Line Interfaces

For some special cases it is necessary to access the linux system console. There are two ways how to connect to the Linux system:

  • SSH through the network (recommended)
  • Back side Mini USB connector (only hardware versions with SN 1302-XXXX)

SH Access to the Radarcape Using Putty

We recommend Putty as SSH client on Windows. Download the Putty executable from http://www.putty.org. Start Putty, set the Connection Type to SSH, and the Host Name to radarcape.

TODO IMAGE

Click on the Open button and the login screen appears. Enter the username root and press enter when being asked for your password (or the password if you have set one).

TODO IMAGE


Accessing the Linux Console via USB

The Radarcape has 2 USB connectors:

  • A standard USB type A on the front panel, e.g., for memory sticks, DVB-T sticks or other extensions
  • A micro USB connector on the back side. This allows you to connect to the Linux console via a virtual serial device

Note: The Linux console via the micro USB interface is only available on hardware versions with serial number SN 1302-XXXX

Take a USB cable and connect the back side USB. Check in the device manager that a COM port becomes created.

TODO TWO IMAGES

  • If it does, skip the FTDI driver installation.
  • If not, perform the FTDI driver installation and check if the COM port appears.

Parameters of this COM port are 115200 Bit/sec 8N1.

Install FTDI Drivers

Download the driver from the FTDI driver Web page (http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm) that fits to your system and install it. The COM port should appear when the driver has successfully been installed.

Using Putty as Client for the Serial Console

The software Putty can also be used to access the Radarcape via the virtual serial device.

Download the Putty executable from http://www.putty.org.

Start Putty and enter the above detected COM port, 115200 and serial into the startup menu:

TODO IMAGE

Click on the Open button and the login screen appears. Enter the username 'root' and press enter when being asked for your password (or the password if you have set one).

TODO IMAGE


Installation of Basestation and Flightroute Databases

The Radarcape can use external databases for displaying additional information to the 2D map and the aircraft list.

  • basestation.sqb: aircraft type and registration.
  • flightroutes.sqb: flight plan information (origin and destination)

These databases are not installed when we ship the Radarcape. Users can download and install them from third-party sources. This can be done via the Software Maintenance menu.

Radarcape Software Maintenance

The databases can be obtained from these sources:

As both databases contain information that is subject to change, we recommend you to update these databases in regular intervals.


Radarcape Configuration

All changes of the Radarcape configuration can be done via the Web interface.

Radarcape Settings Web Page

If all settings have been made, scroll to the bottom of the page, enter the password, and press “Save Changes” to store the configuration. The default password for changing the configuration is radarcape.

Note: Due to feature enhancements and changes, this page is often subject to change.


Advanced Configuration Interfaces / Commandline Access

There are two ways how to connect to the Linux system:

  • SSH through the network
  • Back side Mini USB connector


Set/Change Root Password

In the default configuration, no password is set for the root user (administrator) on the Radarcape. We strongly advise you to set a password for security reasons.

Please remember your password as there is currently no other password recovery method than creating a new SD card image for your Radarcape.

First you must login to your Radarcape via SSH.

  • Windows users can use the free SSH client Putty.
  • Linux/Unix users may use SSH from the command line.
ssh root@radarcape

An initial root password has not been set. Therefore, you can login with user root and no password.

After you have logged in on your Radarcape, you can set a new root password with the following command:

passwd
Radarcape Password Change

The message passwd: password updated successfully will indicate that the new password has been set.


Radarcape:Contents