Steps to use Dual XGPS170 for WAAS GPS and ADS-B Traffic & Weather with Avare

[John SB]

I recently acquired a used Dual XGPS170 ADS-B receiver and set it up with Avare on my Nexus 7 tablet and Samsung Galaxy S4 phone.  I took these notes in the hope they might be helpful for anyone considering a similar purchase or seeking step by step instructions on the setup.  Note that the Android settings will vary from one device and OS version to another, but a google search will quickly turn up how to do specific things like turn on "Developer Options" (to enable external GPS) on most any device and/or version.  The process for the GS4 was so similar and (having already done it on the N7 so quick I did it during preflight), that I haven't specifically written up the process for that device. My guess is that the steps would be identical or very similar for any compatible ADS-B receiver that works with Avare.

I very much welcome any additions, corrections or comments.

Before starting, I enabled "Mock Locations" on my Nexus 7 (N7).  This allows the N7 to use an external device as the source of GPS data for apps on the N7.  To do this, go to Settings, select "About tablet" and then tap 7 times on the "Build number" item.  To me this was a bit funny, but at least I didn't need to chant some secret words!  Next I hit the Back button and got back to the main Settings screen, then tapped "Developer options" and at last selected "Allow mock loactions" so that it has a checkmark.

First Time Connecting XGPS to N7:
A. I turned on the XGPS170.  The lights all flashed together briefly and then went out, then the blue light started flashing about twice per second.

B. On the N7 I tapped the Home button and then the Apps button (icon = six tiny squares inside a circle just above the Home button).

C. I tapped Settings and then Bluetooth.

D. I moved the slider from OFF to ON.

E. I tapped the Nexus 7 line so on the second line it said "Visible to all..."

F. At the right side of the top bar I tapped "Search For Devices."

G. I tapped the new entry that showed up with a headset icon, and it said "Pairing" then after a few seconds the name changed to "XGPS170..."

H. I tapped the Home button and then launched the Avare External I/O Plugin app.  Note that on my N7 it's a square green icon with white arrows pointing left and right and the name beneath is "Avare External ..." (with the Capital I letter in the rest of the name faded out) on my Home screen.

I. In the top row of the Avare External I/O Plugin app screen it said "Avare connected and Linked..." even though I had not yet launched the Avare app.  In the second row it said "Connect to GPS/ADSB..." next to the Bluetooth icon, with a pulldown menu showing the name of one of the other devices I've previously paired with my N7.  I pulled that down and selected the "XGPS..." item.

J. I tapped the "Connect" button next to the pulldown menu that now said "XGPS..."  After a couple of seconds the button changed to "Disconnect."  On the XGPS the blue light changed to steady on, and soon both the green GPS and white ADSB lights were also on steady.

K. In the Preferences screen for Avare I selected the "Use ADSB Weather" along with "AIRMET... ALL" and "Translate Weather" and "Show ADSB Traffic" options.


Using XGPS in Avare after the initial setup is basically a 3-step process:
1. I launched Avare.

2. I turned on the XGPS, Bluetooth on the N7, launched the Avare External I/O Plugin app, selected "XGPS..." in the Bluetooth row and tapped the Connect button, and switched back to the Avare app.  After about 20 seconds the green GPS light on the XGPS stopped flashing and Avare immediately showed the correct location.

3. I flew and enjoyed free ADS-B In with accurate and reliable WAAS GPS.

Note that you can use the Save NMEA option in the Avare I/O app to see the log after each flight (be sure to tap "Stop" on that option at the end of the flight).  Then you can see your flight replay by entering the same file name in the "Feed NMEA/ADSB..." option, or send the log file to report any error you might encounter.

I noticed that the "Avare connected and linked" shows in the top row when everything's working, regardless of whether Avare's running and this is a nice feature of the I/O app.

Note that the ADS-B hardware, software and deployment are progressing very rapidly.  You may find it helpful to ensure that you're using the latest version of firmware for your device and the latest versions of the Avare apps; and keep in mind that the data available in flight is likely to change often as the FAA continues the rollout.

Happy Flying!