Hi
I picked up what I thought were strange codes. Some research found them to be Ground stations at Stansted.
Stansted
43BFBF c/s REF2TOP
43BFBE REF2BOT
43BFC0 TEST1234
43BFC1 SMRTOP
The same research found these.
Debden
43BF12 DEBDENA1/2
43BF15 DEBDENB1/2
Why does Debden need these codes?
Dudley
Hello
From what I have found it is probably the radar site where these transponders are based. I have attached a link to an image of it.
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/280029
Andrew
Hi
An update on Stansted codes. The data base has been updated. 43BFC1 now has a registration of <GND>. Name and Airline show Ground Transmitter. 43BF55 registration is <GND>. Name and Airline are Ground Vehicle with callsign Ranger.
Ground vehicles having Mode S codes has been talked about for a while. Why do transmitters at Stansted and Debden need codes?
Dudley
The ground transmitters at VOR locations are basically low powered test devices used to calibration purposes by the authorities. The mode S codes for airfield vehicles mean they show up on ground movement control systems in control towers. It is part of a wider drive to increase visibility of vehicles to controllers and aircraft movements and to prevent runway incursions by vehicles.
In our DB we are recording them with registration field <GND>
This is what is being used for SBS and passes through the Yahoo mode S group parser. However the field corruption means you currently get a different variation on this like <GRN>
ACW367
Thanks for the info on VOR locations. Stansted does not have VOR. It has NDB and ILS/DME. However, your answer could easliy apply to this type of location. Also, Debden is a radar not a nav aid but again could used for calibration purposes.
It starts to become clear.
Dudley
Hi
I am now picking up vehicles at Stansted. Callsign Ranger. Why do these vehicles send Mode S without possision data?
Even without ADS-B they can be seen on ground movement systems which use Mode S multilateration
http://www.eurocontrol.int/msa/public/faq/faq.html
Quote
How should the transponder operate when the aircraft is on the ground?
When switched-on, on the ground, the transponder will respond only to selective addressing. This is important at aerodromes where Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (A-SMGCS), based on Mode S multilateration, are being used. Flight crew should make themselves aware of any detailed on-the-ground Mode S transponder operating instructions promulgated by such aerodromes. See also www.eurocontrol.int/airports/, click-on A-SMGCS