Why we are building the IFT-01
Posted by Ryan Chapman on
The idea behind the IFT-01 is simple: a portable ADS-B In receiver should provide the information pilots need without becoming more complicated than the flight itself.
General aviation pilots already have enough to manage. A receiver should power on, establish its position, connect to the pilot's tablet or phone and deliver compatible traffic and flight information. It should not require a cellular connection or a recurring subscription to receive FAA ADS-B broadcasts.
That philosophy is summarized on our homepage:
Traffic. GPS. Simplicity. Nothing you don't need.
The goals guiding development
The planned foundation for the IFT-01 includes:
- Dual-band reception on 978 MHz and 1090 MHz
- Internal GNSS positioning
- GDL 90 data output for supported aviation applications
- A local wireless connection for multiple cockpit devices
- USB-C power and continuous operation from an appropriate external power source
- A browser-based status page
- A straightforward firmware-update process
- Thermal management designed for the cockpit environment
- A compact enclosure and practical mounting solution
We are also evaluating antenna performance, wireless reliability, heat, startup behavior and Abrupt power-loss resilience and automatic recovery.. These details are not as visible as a feature list, but they are essential to building a receiver that pilots can use with confidence.
Why no internal battery?
An internal battery can add cost, heat, weight and another component that eventually wears out. Our current design direction is to power the IFT-01 through USB-C from an external aircraft or portable power source.
That approach keeps the unit simpler and allows the pilot to select the power capacity appropriate for the flight. Final power requirements and recommended accessories will be published after testing.
Why dual-band?
The United States ADS-B system uses both 978 MHz UAT and 1090 MHz Extended Squitter. FIS-B weather is available over 978 MHz, while aircraft may transmit ADS-B Out on either link depending on their equipment and operating requirements.
Receiving both bands is therefore one of the IFT-01's central goals.
Honest development updates
The IFT-01 is not being presented as a finished or certified product while it is still being developed. Hardware choices, software behavior and final specifications must be tested before we make firm promises.
We will use this blog to document meaningful milestones, explain design decisions and report what changes during testing. When pricing, compatibility and availability are final, they will be published clearly.
The objective is not to build the most complicated receiver. It is to build a focused, useful one.
Important: The IFT-01 is being developed as a portable ADS-B In receiver for advisory situational awareness. It will not replace required ADS-B Out equipment, official weather sources, visual scanning or the pilot's responsibility to see and avoid.
FAA reference:
