Javions is a project developed to facilitate air traffic control by decoding and displaying real-time ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) messages transmitted by aircraft and other aerial vehicles like helicopters or balloons. ADS-B messages provide critical information such as identity, position, velocity, and flight direction of the transmitting aircraft.
This project involves writing a program that decodes ADS-B messages received via a software-defined radio (SDR) and displays the detected aircraft on a map. The AirSpy R2 SDR is used to capture these messages, which are transmitted on a frequency of 1090 MHz. The system provides real-time tracking of aircraft in the vicinity of the receiver, based on the quality of reception and environmental conditions.
Capturing ADS-B messages using an SDR. Decoding the messages to extract information such as the aircraft's identity, position, and speed. Displaying the aircraft on a graphical map interface in real-time.
Software: The project was developed in Java.
Hardware: The AirSpy R2 software-defined radio and an appropriate antenna are required to receive ADS-B messages.
Operating Environment: The system works best when the antenna has a clear line of sight to the sky, ideally placed on a rooftop or elevated surface.
Signal Reception: The AirSpy R2 SDR captures radio signals transmitted by aircraft on the 1090 MHz frequency.
Signal Processing: The SDR digitizes the received signal and sends it to the computer.
Message Decoding: The program decodes the digital signals into ADS-B messages.
Visualization: Aircraft positions are plotted on a map, providing real-time air traffic visualization for the Lausanne area and its surroundings.
Due to the curvature of the Earth, the reception range is limited to a few hundred kilometers. To track aircraft over larger distances, it would be necessary to integrate data from multiple SDRs spread across a wider geographic area. However, this project focuses on processing data from a single SDR without interfacing with external ADS-B data sources.
Connecting with online ADS-B aggregators like ADSBHub or flightradar24 for global tracking. Optimizing the graphical interface for smoother visualization. Enhancing the decoding algorithm for better accuracy and range.
This project was developed during our first year at EPFL and involved utilizing a software-defined radio for signal reception and real-time aircraft tracking.