Detailed Guide to Using PlanePlotter with rtl1090 by Jetvision:

1. Installation and Configuration of rtl1090:

• Download and Install rtl1090:
  • Visit the official rtl1090 website and download the latest version of the software.
  • Extract the ZIP package files into a dedicated folder on your computer.
• Install Necessary Drivers:
  • Download and launch Zadig, a tool to install the necessary USB drivers for the RTL-SDR dongle.
  • Connect your RTL-SDR device to a USB port.
  • Open Zadig and select the RTL-SDR device from the dropdown list (it may appear as "Bulk-In Interface").
  • Install the WinUSB drivers by clicking "Install Driver". This step is crucial for rtl1090 to communicate with the device.
• Start rtl1090 and Verify Reception:
  • Launch the rtl1090.exe file from the folder where you extracted the software.
  • In the main window:
    • Select your RTL-SDR device from the dropdown menu.
    • Configure the sampling frequency (usually preset to 1090 MHz for ADS-B).
    • Press the Start button to begin decoding Mode-S and ADS-B signals.
  • If data is being correctly received, you will see a list of messages and aircraft identifiers in the rtl1090 window.

2. Installation and Configuration of PlanePlotter:

• Download and Install PlanePlotter:
  • Visit the official COAA website and download the latest version of PlanePlotter.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
• Set Initial Location:
  • Open PlanePlotter.
  • Go to Options > Home location > Home location setup.
  • Enter your latitude and longitude (easily found using Google Maps) to accurately set your location.

3. Configuring PlanePlotter for rtl1090:

• Connect rtl1090 to PlanePlotter:
  • Ensure that rtl1090 is running.
  • Open PlanePlotter and go to Options > I/O settings.
  • Configure the following parameters:
    • Input: Select Mode-S/ADS-B.
    • Receiver: Select the rtl1090 option that best fits your receiver (dongle stick and rtl1090 program).

• Start Data Reception:
  • Return to the main menu of PlanePlotter.
  • Click on Process > Start.
  • If everything is configured correctly, aircraft will start appearing on the map.

4. Customizing the PlanePlotter Interface:

• Maps and Display:
  • Go to Options > Chart to load custom maps or enable specific visualizations.
  • Activate overlays, routes, and flight levels for a more detailed representation.
• Data Sharing:
  • Check the legislation of the country where you want to receive and share data. In Germany and the UK, reception is not allowed.
  • You can also enable the data sharing feature in Options > Network > Share data.
  • Connect to the PlanePlotter network to receive and contribute data from other users, improving coverage.
• Multilateration (MLAT):
  • Synchronize your computer's clock with an NTP server (e.g., pool.ntp.org).
  • Enable MLAT to calculate the positions of aircraft that do not transmit ADS-B, based on data shared by other users.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Issue: PlanePlotter is not Receiving Data.
  • Check that rtl1090 is running and receiving messages.
  • Ensure that port 31001 is not blocked by the firewall. Add an exception for this port.
• Issue: RTL-SDR Device Not Detected.
  • Check the drivers with Zadig and reinstall them if necessary.
  • Try changing the USB port or use a higher quality USB cable.
• Issue: Windows Defender Blocks Installation.
  • Add an exception in Windows Security for PlanePlotter or rtl1090 files.
  • Refer to the guide to create an exclusion in antivirus settings.

Conclusion: Setting up PlanePlotter and rtl1090 is a somewhat complicated process. By following this guide, you can monitor air traffic in real-time and customize the display according to your needs. The combined use of these tools is an excellent solution for monitoring ADS-B and Mode-S.