Why Wingbits Commissioned Custom ADS-B Hardware

Every decision we make at Wingbits is driven by a singular mission: building a robust, high-quality flight-tracking network that benefits contributors, customers, and the aviation industry. 

One of our most impactful decisions was commissioning HYFIX as the first manufacturer to produce custom ADS-B hardware. Developing specialized hardware creates a foundation for superior data quality and a seamless user experience capable of adapting to the emerging requirements of the rapidly evolving industry.

Here’s why we believe that dedicated custom hardware ultimately benefits the network and our community.

While selling hardware might seem like a lucrative opportunity, 100% of revenue from hardware sales goes to the manufacturer and partner distributors. Wingbits doesn’t make a single penny off hardware sales. 

Adding profit margins to each unit would only raise the cost for participants, increasing the entry barrier. This would be a big disadvantage for the network.

The real value for Wingbits lies in the ongoing data provided by our community. By enabling more stations to come online and stay with our network for years (hopefully forever), we enhance the quality, scale, and utility of flight-tracking data in the aviation industry. 

An out-of-the-box hardware solution ensures more participants can join the network, strengthening its overall value and sustainability.

We initially embraced the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model, which allowed participants to use their own hardware setups. While this approach worked well for early adopters and kickstarted the network, it introduced significant challenges as we grew.

The main challenge in BYOD is support complexity. The sheer variety of devices used in BYOD setups creates a support nightmare:

1. Multiple components to understand: Participants use 5-6 different single-board computers (SBCs), 6-7 types of software-defined radios (SDRs), various filters, and numerous antenna configurations.

2. Hundreds of variations: When you mix and match these components, you get hundreds of unique setups requiring troubleshooting and support. Our small team has to educate themselves about all of them and know them well enough to assist.

3. Skill gaps: Many station participants are unfamiliar with Linux, Raspberry Pi, or basic hardware configurations, leading to frustration and frequent support tickets.

A self-contained, off-the-shelf solution solves these issues by simplifying the setup process and reducing the burden on participants and our support team.

By partnering with manufacturers to produce custom hardware, we ensure that every station meets the minimum data quality standards needed to advance the network and the aviation sector. Hardware consistency improves data reliability and opens up exciting opportunities for collaboration, like our partnership with HYFIX.

Through our partnership with HYFIX, participants benefit from:

1. Dual rewards: One device supports both Wingbits and GEODNET, allowing contributors to maximize their earnings with one setup.

Advanced technology: HYFIX devices leverage cutting-edge technology, such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic positioning), to deliver highly competitive location accuracy and data quality.

One of the most significant benefits of engineering our own hardware is the ability to maintain better control over the network:

1. Automatic updates: A closed system allows us to seamlessly roll out daily updates and configuration changes to improve performance or respond to customer needs.

2. Preventing misuse: While BYOD setups allow participants to modify configurations or disable certain features, a closed system reduces the risk of misuse or attempts to game the network, which we've already seen play out with multiple exploits and cheating attempts.

Customer-centric development: A more homogeneous network allows us to be more agile in responding to customer demands and pilot events, ensuring the network evolves in line with industry needs.

Ultimately, custom hardware is a means to an end, not the end itself. Our mission is to create a reliable, scalable flight-tracking network that serves a wide range of stakeholders. By producing streamlined, high-quality stations, we’re enabling the network to grow in size and value without sacrificing affordability or data quality.

For those who have been with us since the BYOD days, we appreciate your pioneering spirit and contributions to the network’s early success. 

For new participants, a hardware solution makes joining the Wingbits network easier than ever, ensuring you can contribute to the long-term success of our shared mission.