RADIANT Technology is introducing a new radio technology, codenamed SCARP (Software Controlled Aviation Receiver Platform), which allows monitoring of up to eight VHF aviation radio frequencies simultaneously.
“SCARP is a game-changer for aviation receivers,” said James Wiebe, CEO. “In the same way that TCAS and ADS-B allow a pilot to see multiple aircraft on a display, SCARP allows pilots to hear and be aware of multiple aircraft in their vicinity, without adding pilot workload to switch reception frequencies or adjust squelch levels.”
Wiebe points out how the new radio improves pilot situational awareness. For example, a pilot arriving in the northeast Wichita, Kansas, area might monitor Stearman Feld, Jabara Field, Beech Field, and multiple Wichita approach frequencies, giving a more complete understanding of nearby aircraft traffic, he explained.
“All of the features are enabled by a game-changing squelch design,” Weibe said. “The squelch technology contained within SCARP relies on excellent hardware design, coupled with a good software algorithm. As a result, SCARP automatically manages multiple squelch levels for multiple channels, and finds the best squelch level for each channel.”
The project is being made available via Kickstarter, scheduled to begin May 31, 2024, and conclude in late June.
It will allow aviation and electronic enthusiasts to create new use cases for the technology, according to Weibe, who gave some examples of potential uses, including:
- Embedding a SCARP receiver within an open-source glass panel design
- Using SCARP to scan a portion of (or even all) aviation channels
- Using SCARP to automate tasks, such as turning runway lights (at your private runway) off and on
- Using SCARP as a tool for education of RF technology, along with Arduino or Raspberry PI programming skills
Radiant also plans to use SCARP as an element in its future AirLite line of aviation radios, Weibe said, noting that product will be announced during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024.
For more information: RadiantInstruments.com
A very famous car engineer said
‘Simplicate and add lightness’
Maybe aviation should take a page !
GA aircraft from the 60’s and 70’s are simple aircraft;
fixed gear and prop, analog instruments…no electricity needed[ except the turn coordinator]
simple radios and VOR nav. [ a GPS tablet with a moving map is nice.!! ]
Johnson bar flaps.
My high wing Cessna has gravity feed from both tanks, and NO fuel pump to fail.!
So, flying can be simple, if you want it to be that way. ?
Looks like an example of too much tech for me.
Hmmm: Something like that old Radio Shack technology called a SCANNER?