LiveATC Discussion Forums
Air Traffic Monitoring => Listener Forum => Topic started by: bord141 on July 31, 2008, 09:26:19 PM
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Hello,
Looking to start a feed here at GFK. Is there any feeds out there that are based in the tower? I'm guessing probably not, but thought I'd give it a shot. Trying to get through some hoops so I can start one here. Thanks!
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I think that would be awesome. If not in the tower itself, then at some other location within its ATC facility. This would ensure the best possible signal & clarity of the feeds.
Possibly this has already been discussed before, but if not, are there any ATC controllers/staff on here that can comment on this subject? Curious too if this has been done/tried before, and if not, is there any reason why not?
Thanks in advance.
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That's the exact reason why I want to start it here. The airport is outside most 'normal' antenna range to provide a good quality feed.
I'm a controller at GFK and I've asked managment about this and a few of them are for it, but they want to know if other feeds out there are based in the tower. Basically to set a 'precedent' and to see if they have gone through the proper chains of command. I do have a couple other options that I can explore if this doesn't fall through, but this would be the easiest.
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Same sitution here. I'm 8 miles from the airport, with quite a bit of terrain in between. I've ordered what's supposed to be a very good antenna with a lot of gain, so hopefully I'll get half-decent reception.
Keep us updated as to how you make out, as I'm following this with interest.
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I think that would be awesome. If not in the tower itself, then at some other location within its ATC facility. This would ensure the best possible signal & clarity of the feeds.
Possibly this has already been discussed before, but if not, are there any ATC controllers/staff on here that can comment on this subject? Curious too if this has been done/tried before, and if not, is there any reason why not?
Thanks in advance.
There is no real precedent for this (in towers). Two issues that immediately come up:
1) There is such a thing as *too* close. A receiver right next to a transmitter can easily overload and produce distorted audio. We have had better luck putting receivers at FBOs, which are right on the field but frequently far enough to prevent overload and still get all the benefits of "being right there."
2) IT issues arise immediately. Network access from those facilities typically goes through the FAA's network. I am confident that they would not approve, despite feeds taking a tony amount of bandwidth (16kilobits/second - possible to feed over dialup). For (contract?) facilities that perhaps run their own network it might be possible.
Hope this helps shed a little light.
Dave
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Thanks for the responses,
I brought my scanner in to test the quality of the feed and it wasn't shabby, but it probably could be a little better.
As far as network access, the plan was to use the local NATCA internet connection to host it. So that would alleivate all concens about piggy backing on FAA's own network.
So Dave, do you know of any feeds that are hosted within the tower on here?
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None that I am aware of. There are several "on the field" or close but none "in the tower" as far as I know.
As an observation, it is frequently easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission.
Good luck - hope you can get the feed going.
Dave
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As a FAA controller, and a NATCA representative, I can tell you that in today's environment, it is NOT adviseable to ask for forgiveness afterwards.
As far as having the equipment in the building, I doubt very seriously that this would be allowed. While some NATCA locals have been able to get wireless networks set up, the usual answer today is "No." In fact, some locals are being told to remove their high speed internet connections totally, even if they are buying it from an outside source. The stated reason is that the FAA doesn't want to have an outside company's equipment in the building for security reasons. however, most feel that this is the FAA's way of making a local deal with dial-up service, just to make things more difficult for the local.
Yes, one can always ask. The worst answer they can give is no. And if they say yes, then great. Personally, I don't see a problem with passive equipment like this.
But I would not recommend installing any kind of electronic equipment without permission. To many good people are getting fired over the most idiotic stuff these days.
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Good advice.
This is why we always like to work with FBOs and flight schools, and people who just happen to live close to airports.
Saves a whole lot of grief.
So don't go getting yourself in trouble, guys. But if you do somehow, give me a holler. I have a few strings I can pull. ;-)
Dave
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Thanks again for all the help.
We are in the final steps on getting this feed going. The University of North Dakota once had the feed on its own website awhile back, but found out the other day that the reason why it stopped is because the scanner was stolen. There was never any interest to get it going again until now. I think UND will host the feed on it's own, but I'm pushing to get it on Liveatc as well.
I'm going to donate my scanner to the University tomorrow and the ball will start rolling very soon. We are looking forward to starting this feed before the Fall semester begins in a few weeks.
There are alot of people that have wanted this feed for a long time. Should be pretty popular!
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Looking forward to the feed and how you guys do it at GFK. Let us know if it gets on Liveatc.net or if it is on one of the UND aerospace websites!
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If you guys need any help please let me know. GFK is a great place. I was out there 5 years ago to pick up and ferry a Piper Arrow for the flight school I'm associated with. It was a trip to remember. Got to tour your flight line and maintenance shop.
Dave