AirNav RadarBox Featured ADS-B Feeder for October 2023: Reuben Tilley from Auckland, New Zealand (EXTRPI579333)

Reuben Tilley and his dog directly from Auckland, New Zealand

In Auckland, New Zealand, known as the "City of Sails," Reuben Tilley, our dedicated ADS-B and AIS data feeder, actively contributes to the AirNav RadarBox ADS-B community.

Reuben Tilley's dog

We enjoyed conversing with Reuben, delving into his experiences, obstacles, and valuable perspectives as a contributor to our global ADS-B community. 

Reuben's RadarBox Journey

Reuben Tilley, currently residing in Auckland, has been actively feeding RadarBox with ADS-B data since 2020. He initially embarked on this journey while living in the City of London, UK, during the pandemic. His motivation stemmed from a desire to observe the impact of the pandemic on air traffic, particularly around the numerous airports that intersected the central business district. Additionally, he sought to investigate any potential improvements in air quality during this unique period.

Reuben Tilley's setup

Reuben expanded his contributions to include AIS data upon his return to New Zealand in 2021, further enriching the ShipXplorer network with valuable maritime data.

Antenna Elevation and Location

Reuben's commitment to data feeding is evident in his ability to adapt to challenging circumstances. Although his current living situation as a renter presented limitations, he found an innovative solution. Reuben's antenna is mounted approximately 2.5 meters above the ground, attached to the carport, and secured to a wooden block.

Reuben Tilley's ADS-B antenna

"Sadly, the antenna isn't currently mounted at the ideal location (looking at your palm tree) as we aren't our property. It is about 2.5 meters off the ground, attached to the carport nailed to a wood block." - Says Reuben. 

Setup and Mounting Advice

He recently underwent significant software and hardware reconfiguration, which has enhanced the efficiency of his data-feeding setup. In the past, he encountered issues with dedicated Raspberry Pi Zero devices, including overheating and power-related problems. Reuben transitioned to a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with 4GB of RAM to address these challenges, significantly improving performance. Notably, he manages his operations within Docker containers, achieving remarkable stability. Tilley highlights the contributions of SDR enthusiasts and their containers, which have been instrumental in optimizing his setup. His experience underscores the importance of adaptability and a willingness to embrace technological advancements.

EXTRPI579333 ADS-B Station 

Discovering RadarBox

Reuben found out about RadarBox through the discovery of ShipXplorer in 2021. While exploring Raspberry Pi projects, he found the allure of contributing to a global data-feeding community impossible to resist.

The Benefits of Being a RadarBox Feeder

For Reuben and others like him, having a RadarBox station is an opportunity to connect with a global network of data feeders. His location in New Zealand, far from many other contributors around the world, offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of our world.

Auckland, New Zealand - Photo courtesy of Reuben Tilley

Auckland, New Zealand - Photo courtesy of Reuben Tilley

Reuben's dedication to data feeding serves as a reminder of the power of technology and collaboration in bridging geographical gaps and fostering a sense of unity within the global community.

We at RadarBox applaud Reuben Tilley's commitment and appreciate his outstanding contributions to our network. We look forward to continued collaboration with Reuben and the ever-growing RadarBox community.

30,647 ADS-B Stations Around the World!

RadarBox Stations - Ranking

AirNav RadarBox has achieved a significant milestone, with 30,647 ADS-B Stations now operational in over 184 countries across the globe. In the past 30 days, we've added 207 new ADS-B stations to our network, enhancing our worldwide coverage. Our network handles a staggering 6.807 billion ADS-B messages daily, utilizing 6.77 terabytes of bandwidth in the last 30 days. Thank you for being a part of our global aviation community.

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