FlightFeeder Pro - ADS-B Flight Tracker (PiAware) - 1090 MHz

Introducing the FlightAware FlightFeeder Pro: A New Way to Track the Skies with FlightAware

We're thrilled to announce a new addition to the FlightAware family: the FlightFeeder Pro! This new device is now available for purchase and offers a ready-to-run ADS-B receiver option for aviation enthusiasts and data feeders, building on the same trusted technology as our original FlightFeeder. Here’s everything you need to know about this new device and what it means for the FlightAware community.

What’s in a Name? FlightFeeder vs. PiAware

To make it easier to understand our offerings, we’re changing some of the names. We have the PiAware software which is the software that runs on a Raspberry Pi so you can use it as an ADS-B receiver, DIY PiAware kits which were hardware kits designed to build your own PiAware-based flight tracker, and FlightFeeders which are assembled PiAware-based feeders that FlightAware provides at no cost to qualified hosts. 

While our FlightFeeders were provided at no cost to qualified applicants, they weren't available for purchase before now. This presented a problem when it came to trying to explain the difference between a PiAware kit and a FlightFeeder. 

From now on, “FlightFeeder” refers to all of our physical ADS-B receiver devices -- not just the one device we provide to hosts -- while “PiAware” will continue to describe the software that runs on these devices. This clear naming distinction is designed to simplify our platform, and we’re working hard to update all documentation to reflect this change. We know there may be some confusion on our website and elsewhere as we implement these updates, and we appreciate your patience as we make everything consistent.

FlightFeeder Pro vs. Traditional FlightFeeders

The FlightFeeder Pro is built using the same reliable components as our traditional FlightFeeder models, with a few design tweaks. For instance, the software-defined radio (SDR) - the FlightAware Pro Stick - connects externally via a USB port rather than being enclosed inside the case. While the “Pro” name distinguishes it as our purchasable option, the FlightFeeder Pro is not better than our other FlightFeeder devices; it's using the same components. It simply offers another way for you to access FlightAware’s flight-tracking technology.

FlightFeeder Basic vs. FlightFeeder Pro

In addition to receiving requests to purchase our traditional FlightFeeder we have also had many requests to sell a ready-to-run version of our existing PiAware ADS-B Kit. This is the DIY kit that comes with everything you need to build your own ADS-B receiver, but it does require some know-how to get it running.

We are now calling that kit FlightFeeder Basic. It will be available in the same DIY kit as before, as well as a ready-to-run version that is great for those who don't want to build it themselves and mess around with getting it flashed and setup. 

The FlightFeeder basic and FlightFeeder Pro serve the same function, but with a few differences:

Purchase Options and Ownership

With the FlightFeeder Pro, you now have the option to own a built and ready-to-run FlightFeeder outright! When you buy a FlightFeeder Pro, you own the device and can use it as you wish. By contrast, our traditional FlightFeeders (the ones provided at no cost to qualified hosts) remain the property of FlightAware and are meant to be used within specific guidelines.

Interested in hosting a free FlightFeeder? Apply here!

Limited Availability

While we plan to offer the FlightFeeder Pro going forward, our initial supply is limited. This first release will only be available while supplies last, so if you’ve been wanting to join the FlightAware network with a ready-to-use FlightFeeder, now’s the time to act.

With the FlightFeeder Pro, we’re excited to make ADS-B tracking accessible to more people in a way that fits their preferences—whether through a free FlightFeeder, a build-it-yourself kit, or this new, ready-to-run FlightFeeder Pro.

The FlightFeeder Pro will initially only be available in the 1090 MHz version. 

What You Get

A ready-to-run FlightFeeder Pro which can be used as an ADS-B receiver. Simply plug in the necessary cables, power it on, claim the device to add it to your network, and you're ready to go!

It will allow you to track aircraft up to 250NM away. Using FlightAware’s open-source software you can receive data from 1090MHz equipped aircraft and have it displayed in a web-based radar-like interface.

Included:

• Built and ready-to-run FlightFeeder Pro
  • Custom FlightFeeder case
  • Raspberry Pi 3 B+
  • Flashed Micro SD Card
• FlightAware Pro Stick Plus SDR
• Micro USB Power Supply
  
• USB Extension Cable
  • Used to plug your Pro Stick into the case. 
  • This case is the same one from our traditional FlightFeeder which has the Pro Stick installed inside the case and wasn't designed to have the Pro Stick installed externally. To solve this, a small USB extension cable is provided. It must be installed in the top USB port, and then the Pro Stick plugs in to it. 
    
• Indoor Antenna with 9' Attached Cable
• SD card reader is included with the DIY kit only
• Note: actual SD Card reader and USB extension cable may vary slightly from the pictures

Available add-ons:

• Indoor/Outdoor antenna and various cable lengths [Replaces indoor antenna]

For more information on the difference between a Pro Stick and a Pro Stick Plus, or information on the difference between 1090 MHz and 978 MHz choices, please check our FAQ.

For installation instructions please visit https://flightaware.com/adsb/piaware/build/

Please note that you will not need to follow the steps to build the unit or flash the SD card as this unit comes ready-to-run. We are working hard to get all of our documentation updated.