iFly GPS Forum

Stratux is built on a Raspberry Pi, which is a SBC (Single Board Computer) that in our case runs a version of the Linux operating system called Raspian, which is a version of the Linux Debian operating system that is specifically modified to run on Rasperry Pi's  (Raspberry + Debian = Raspian; see what they did there?).  Some of the things we talk about, such as expanding the card, are specific to the Raspberry Pi/Linux operating system regardless of whether you are running Stratux software or using the Pi as a home entertainment system.  So expanding the card is not a Stratux step per se, it's just a smart thing to do with *any* Pi project.  There's several ways to get there, the easiest for new users is to connect the Pi to your TV via an HDMI cable, connecting a keyboard and mouse to the USB ports, and powering up the Pi (make sure the TV is turned on FIRST, so the Pi will see it and use it).  After it boots up, log in as user "pi" and password "raspberry" and then type "sudo raspi-config" at the text prompt.  The first option is to expand the card.  Do so and reboot the Pi and you're done!  BTW, since this process is a Linux process and not a Stratux process, you don't have to have the SDR's and GPS plugged into the Pi to expand the card (in case you need those USB slots for keyboard/mouse).  If you're unable to use this method, Google how to ssh into the Pi and you can expand the card in that manner.

The ".sh update", on the other hand, is a quick, Stratux-specific way to update the Stratux software without having to re-image the card and autoexpand, etc.  There's instructions at www.stratux.me on how to update Stratux via .sh files.  Basically, you download the .sh file from the Stratux site onto a computer/tablet that can access the Stratux.  Then you connect to the Stratux, open a browser and navigate to 192.168.10.1, find the Settings tab, find and tap the "Update..." button, select the downloaded file, and tap the same button again.  Give it a full hands-off minute or two to update, and you're done.  It's a good idea to reboot again after you're sure the process is complete.  It's *not* a good idea to do an update right before heading off into the wild blue, just in case something goes wrong.  Also, just because a new .sh update comes out doesn't necessarily mean you need to update to it; the incremental .sh updates are often to test new ways of doing things or adding new functionality that may or may not work.  Once the accumulated updates seem to be stable, the developer releases a new "Stable" .img file as well as a new .sh update file.  Unless you want to help test the latest bleeding edge versions, you may want to wait and only update when new stable releases come out.  Case in point: The developers once added an "auto-expanding" version so users wouldn't have to do it themselves.  Many users complained that the new version "bricked" their Stratux, and they had to start over by flashing the card with the .img file etc.  As it turns out, the problem wasn't the software but rather the fact that many SD cards are counterfeit and in fact have less room on them than advertised, and expanding them to the advertised limits caused the  SD card to become unreadable.

A Google search will find plenty of information on how to do these steps.  Holler back if you get stuck.

Hi, 

I am having problems with the Stratus ADS B device. Most of the discussions here about the device, are a bit over my head, and I used to be a C programmer! Wow! Anyway...

The device worked perfectly till last weekend when upon power up, it failed to "appear" as a WiFi network on my iPad. The device seemed to be working properly, the fan ran briefly, the LED lights are blinking, but, there is no WiFi network to log my iPad onto. I did the usual, powered up and down the device, iPad, reseated the various components, re-inserted the micro SD card, etc. No change.

I have ordered a new pre-flashed micro SD from Adventure Pilot and am awaiting its arrival in the mail. 

But, I am attempting to download the current version of the stratus software (v1.4r3-4de2320803.img.zip). I have been unable to download the image. From both of the web sites that I have located the image, the download will begin and after a few hundred kilobytes, the download crawls to a stop. One of my downloads has been running for four days now and is showing another day till complete (with a download speed of zero at the moment). Odd. Can anyone direct me to a site where I can download the current software? GitHub is not working for me.)

And, anyone have any thoughts on why after three months of perfect operation, the device failed to create the WiFi network?

Thoughts on whether the new software (when it arrives by snail mail) might fix the problem?

And, I see quite a few discussions on details of the operation of the device, a Mac user, how can I access the device in such a way that I can do a little investigation as to what might be going on. Normally, it has been Mac simple. I power it up (using a good 2.1 amp power source) it pops up as a WiFi network. I connect to it. And iFly GPS works perfectly. (Awesome program by the way.)

So, a guy with an antique Swift, using an iPad/iFly GPS and the Stratus device looking for the next step in resolving this problem.

Thanks!

Tom

>Are you referring to a STRATUS ADSB device or a Stratux?

Hi Jim,

I am referring to the device I purchased from Adventure Pilot. I am not sure what the technical device name is since several companies are offering the same device and I assume it uses the same code as the "Stratus" device. So... it is the device sold by Adventure Pilot. It is a rectangular box with the Rasperry chip, internal GPS, two antennas. Similar to the "Flight Box" device I purchased from another vendor (and use in another airplane).

So... the WiFi network is no longer available for my iPad to connect to. All other indicators (fan, LEDs) seem normal. Good powersupply.

Tom