ADS-B Partial vs ADS- Full

robreese

New Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2012
Messages
2
Location
Austin TX
In my RV-12 with Dynon Mode-S and ADS-B receiver, the lower right of the map indicates either "ADS-B FULL", "ADS-B PARTIAL" or something else--like "ADS-B None" (I can't remember exactly). The Version 6.0 N pilots user's guide doesn't appear to mention this FULL or PARTIAL, let alone define them. My experience was that the PARTIAL seemed to still include the NEXRAD weather/storm display, but may not have included any traffic (though, flying across the vast boondocks of New Mexico and Utah, there very well may not have been any traffic). What exactly does FULL and PARTIAL ADS-B mean on the Skyview display???

Related query: All of the ADS-B coverage maps I can find on the web show two states--Utah and Wyoming--with no ADS-B ground equipment, and therefore I would assume no coverage. However, flying from the Four Corners area to the civilized portions of Utah (Wasatch front/SLC/Provo area), we had PARTIAL coverage which appeared to accurately display NEXRAD weather. What is to be believed? Are there ADS-B ground stations in Utah, or was I picking things up from stations on the Utah-Colorado Border???? Any noted ADS-B coverage authorities out there?
 

dynonsupport

Dynon Technical Support
Staff member
Joined
Mar 23, 2005
Messages
13,226
Page 7-24 of the Pilot's Guide covers what partial and full mean. The whole ADS-B traffic system starts on page 7-20. Take a look over this section and then let us know if you still have questions.

Our ADS-B receiver is pretty sensitive and can pick up a tower from pretty far away. So you may be in Utah but can get one of the CO towers, especially if you are up high. Also, ADS-B towers are being brought on all the time, so there may be a working tower that isn't on the map yet.

Partial/Full has nothing to do with NEXRAD, the NEXRAD status in the left is what you need to look at. If this says you are getting data, you are, no matter what a map says. This status is based on an actual signal getting to the plane, right now, as you fly.

The most up-to-date map we know of is the FAA's, here, but it is about 4 weeks old as of right now:
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/flashmap/
 
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