Stratus 2S Compatability

[ejess...@gmail.com]

I am going to install the Appareo ESG for ADS-B out.  It can support a permanent mounted ADS-B in which is the same as the Stratus 2S.  However, if it won't work with Avare, I do not want to waste the money.

[Peter A. Gustafson]

It won't work today.  I asked them at OSH, and they have no plans to
change it.  (In fact, when it was reverse engineered by another app with
a past revision of their firmware, Appareo changed their protocol to
ensure it wouldn't work again.)  Hence, Apps4Av and others are unwilling
to try to reverse engineer their newer protocol to make it work.  It
would be a waste of our time.  Whether it is a waste of money is your
call.  :P

There are many options in the market, I suggest one that uses an
industry standard protocol to ensure broad compatibility. 
(https://www.openflightsolutions.com/flightbox/ is one that I'm familiar
with and works with Avare.  Full disclosure: they sent me a sample of
their portable unit so we could get more familiar with it and hopefully
provide better support to our users.)

Good luck,

[Mike Dwyer]

I installed an ESG out in my plane about 6 mo ago and love it.  It's the best option if your old transponder is on it's last leg as the ESG fits in the same standard hole (AT150...).  Yes, it has no ADS-B In so I built a little Stratux Dual Receiver device (about $135) that Wifi's out to my Android tablet and works great for ADS-B In, works on Apple also but Apps cost more$$.  Google Stratux on Amazon and see the device that many sellers are peddling then build your own!

Mike

[John W SBA]

> I am going to install the Appareo ESG for ADS-B out.

I was tempted too, but wound up with Garmin 335 (Out only). With so
many excellent and inexpensive In options, it just didn't make sense to
me. I already have Avare on several phones and a tablet, and didn't
want to pay several times more for panel In with the added risks of:
obsolescence, incompatibility, another failure point in an expensive to
repair/replace certified device.

I like the 335 ok but dislike their requirement for installation only by
authorized dealer for warranty coverage. The downside there is fewer
installer choices and typically somewhat higher install cost. Upside is
typically careful and high quality installation. Luckily I was able to
find a nearby G-installer who supervised my help and said I'd saved $1k
(total was ~$5k). I'd have waited except for gradually increasing
problems with my old transponder. I'm totally happy with the timing and
decision, free of worries about 2020 and with less worry about unseen
traffic.

> permanent mounted ADS-B in which is the same as the Stratus 2S

I was even more tempted by the Lynx with built-in display, but reason
triumphed with the help of unit and installation costs plus the superior
display and options in Android. :)

> if it won't work with Avare, I do not want to waste the money.

Their alliance with ForeFlight reminds me of Garmin's initial
designed-in incompatibility policy. If you have money to waste, going
that route has many attractions and it's easy to see why so many pilots
just join that religion. Clearly I prefer Avare and DIY. I'm glad we
have freedom of choice. :)

Happy Flying -j

[ejess...@gmail.com]

Stratux it is then.  I wonder if Stratus even realizes that they lost a sale due to their proprietary greed?  Reminds me of how IBM ruled to world while Apple almost disappeared.

[Jim English]

Dang, I wished this had been common knowledge last summer when we made the decision to install the Stratus ESG in our 172. Stratus would have lost another sale. I hate being duped into supporting a product like that who clearly has only their own interest at heart, and not those of us in the general flying community. This explains why I haven't seen any ADS-B data on my cell phone running Avare when it's connected to the Stratus WiFi.