SoftRF Badge Edition on T-Echo
The LILYGO T-Echo running SoftRF Badge Edition acts as a low-power aviation proximity awareness device for glider and paraglider pilots, detecting nearby aircraft via FLARM, OGN, and ADS-L protocols on its e-paper display.
Overview
SoftRF Badge Edition is a specialized variant of the SoftRF open-source aviation safety firmware, combining the SoftRF radio engine with SkyView's e-paper display system into the compact LILYGO T-Echo form factor. Designed for pilots of gliders, paragliders, and ultralight aircraft, it detects nearby aircraft broadcasting FLARM, OGNTP, P3I, FANET+, and ADS-L signals, displaying a radar view and collision warnings on the device's 1.54-inch e-paper screen.
Why the T-Echo?
The nRF52840 SoC in the T-Echo makes it uniquely suitable for aviation use: it draws only ~42 mA active (with display backlight off) and just 0.25 mA in sleep mode — far better than ESP32-based alternatives. The SX1262 radio's sensitivity and +22 dBm output power provide excellent range. The Quectel L76K GNSS receiver acquires GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou signals simultaneously for fast, accurate fixes. LILYGO has shipped the T-Echo with SoftRF pre-installed by default since June 2021, making it an out-of-the-box aviation proximity device.
Key Features
Six display screens cycle through: Radar (with nearby aircraft positions), Text traffic list, System Status, Barometric altitude and pressure, UTC Clock, and G-load (with IMU module). Bluetooth LE outputs NMEA sentences, making it compatible with flight apps like XCSoar, LK8000, and Avare. An optional aircraft database (OGN DDB) can identify registered gliders by registration. The T-Echo Plus variant (2025) improves on this with a 2400 mAh battery, longer antenna, built-in BHI260 IMU, and buzzer for audio alerts.
