Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:33 pm
#1630157
Today I was fortunate enough to see the new SkyEcho 2 and had a really good look at it. Sorry about the quality of the image, I thought it was better than that when I took it but should have turned on the flash!
It comes in a really nifty zip-up carry case with a space for the device and its suction cup mount. It oozed a far more robust, professional and finished product compared to the other EC devices on the market. This is a quality product that won’t end up in a clatter of bits on the cockpit floor or have wires/antennae all over the place. This is it:
It is exactly the same size and a very similar shape as the Foreflight Sentry (obviously with different features!) but the following video gives an idea of its small size, the mount used and the quality of the product.
So onto the things I found out. The same SkyEcho functionality as before - ADS-B In so you can see other ADS-B equipped aircraft and ADS-B Out so that any ADS-B receiver can see you. It also has a Mode C and Mode S detection capability built in that gives proximity only alerts (like the Surecheck, PilotAware, TrafficScope Micro, etc...). FLARM and P3i options are extra and will be either conducted by connecting your existing units or receive only via some modular units. The ability to receive weather remains as well. Another feature is to detect small drones if they are carrying the increasingly popular DroneAware - not seen in the UK yet. There are several navigation apps that support SkyEcho, but SkyDemon appears to be the leader for UK support and functionality in my humble opinion. Also, the design has potentially different mounting options for the future such as velcro attachments for paraglider lift webs or straps for vintage aircraft like Moths and other open cockpit aircraft.
I did ask about the Mode S trial, which apparently had positive results, but it is for the Authority to decide the level of success, when to announce the results and where this goes next - personally, I suspect this is all playing into the flexible use of airspace and electronic-conspicuity plans that seem to be building within the CAA. However, for now, Mode A and non-transponder users can use it without issue. Apparently, it is expected that some will be at the LAA Rally next month to look at.
A personal thanks to this Forum’s ‘Uavionix Ramsey’ for contacting me and taking the time to show me the SkyEcho2 device. I’m definitely on the waiting list
https://uavionix.com/products/skyecho/
It comes in a really nifty zip-up carry case with a space for the device and its suction cup mount. It oozed a far more robust, professional and finished product compared to the other EC devices on the market. This is a quality product that won’t end up in a clatter of bits on the cockpit floor or have wires/antennae all over the place. This is it:
It is exactly the same size and a very similar shape as the Foreflight Sentry (obviously with different features!) but the following video gives an idea of its small size, the mount used and the quality of the product.
So onto the things I found out. The same SkyEcho functionality as before - ADS-B In so you can see other ADS-B equipped aircraft and ADS-B Out so that any ADS-B receiver can see you. It also has a Mode C and Mode S detection capability built in that gives proximity only alerts (like the Surecheck, PilotAware, TrafficScope Micro, etc...). FLARM and P3i options are extra and will be either conducted by connecting your existing units or receive only via some modular units. The ability to receive weather remains as well. Another feature is to detect small drones if they are carrying the increasingly popular DroneAware - not seen in the UK yet. There are several navigation apps that support SkyEcho, but SkyDemon appears to be the leader for UK support and functionality in my humble opinion. Also, the design has potentially different mounting options for the future such as velcro attachments for paraglider lift webs or straps for vintage aircraft like Moths and other open cockpit aircraft.
I did ask about the Mode S trial, which apparently had positive results, but it is for the Authority to decide the level of success, when to announce the results and where this goes next - personally, I suspect this is all playing into the flexible use of airspace and electronic-conspicuity plans that seem to be building within the CAA. However, for now, Mode A and non-transponder users can use it without issue. Apparently, it is expected that some will be at the LAA Rally next month to look at.
A personal thanks to this Forum’s ‘Uavionix Ramsey’ for contacting me and taking the time to show me the SkyEcho2 device. I’m definitely on the waiting list
https://uavionix.com/products/skyecho/