ADS-B · aircraft
Aircraft equipped with ADS-B broadcast position and other flight information. A suitable 1090 MHz receiver and decoder can provide aircraft data to Layer400.
Connect an aircraft feed →The signals, explainedTwo kinds of broadcast.
Two kinds of broadcast.
One place to explore them.
Aircraft ADS-B and drone Remote ID can both contribute to Layer400. They use different radio equipment and carry different information.
Aircraft & drones
Know what you’re listening for.
Remote ID · drones
Compatible drones broadcast identification and flight information over supported radio modes. Layer400’s current public release supports qualified Wi-Fi Remote ID reception.
Check Remote ID hardware →A closer look
Different radios. Different results.
| Aircraft ADS-B | Drone Remote ID | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | An aircraft’s ADS-B equipment. | A drone or Remote ID broadcast module. |
| Receiver input | Dedicated SDR/decoder or a compatible existing aircraft feed. | Supported dedicated capture hardware and radio mode. |
| Local conditions | Antenna, terrain, aircraft height and radio visibility affect reception. | Radio mode, obstructions, interference and distance affect reception. |
| What not to assume | Every aircraft transmits usable ADS-B positions. | Every drone broadcasts Remote ID, or every Bluetooth/Wi-Fi mode is supported. |
Common questions
The details that matter.
Is this active radar?
No. These receiver inputs listen for broadcasts. They do not illuminate an object with radar or detect every object in the air.
Does a drone need to join Layer400 to be received?
A compatible broadcast can be received independently of a Layer400 account. The receiver owner uses an account to commission the contributing receiver.
Can I identify the person flying a drone?
A broadcast identifier is not automatically a verified person’s identity. Do not treat received identifiers or positions as proof of who is operating a flight.
Should I buy a Bluetooth adapter?
Not for capture with the current public release. Check the current compatibility page before buying hardware; a detected controller is not proof of supported capture.