T-Beam SoftRF + ADS-B Aviation Tracker
A custom aviation safety device combining a LILYGO T-Beam running SoftRF with an ADS-B receiver and AMOLED display for real-time collision awareness for gliders and small aircraft.
Overview
This advanced build by Marco Zonca combines the LILYGO T-Beam V1.2 running SoftRF firmware with an ADS-B 1090 MHz receiver module and a LilyGO T-Display AMOLED screen to create a compact, battery-powered aviation collision warning device. Targeted at pilots of gliders, paragliders, hang gliders, and small aircraft, it provides three alarm levels with acoustic and visual warnings when nearby aircraft are detected.
How It Works
The T-Beam runs SoftRF firmware and handles LoRa-based OGN (Open Glider Network) position broadcasting and reception, while a separate GNS5892R module receives ADS-B transponder signals from commercial and general aviation aircraft on 1090 MHz. Both data streams are fed to the T-Display AMOLED running the SkyView firmware, which renders a real-time traffic display with bearing, distance, and altitude deviation for each detected aircraft. A BMP280 sensor provides barometric altitude, and an active buzzer provides audio alerts.
Build Details
The project uses a custom double-layer PCB (33×100 mm) to integrate all modules cleanly, along with nine 3D-printed enclosure components. A notable technique involves shortening a standard 868 MHz LoRa antenna to resonate at 1090 MHz for improved ADS-B reception. Full Gerber files, STL files for the enclosure, and Fritzing schematics are provided. Total cost is approximately €80–100 in components. This is a genuinely challenging build requiring SMD soldering, 3D printing, and multi-firmware configuration.
