vdl2monitor program =================== Monitors 'MultiPSK' decoder data to support maintaining a VDL2 Ground Stations list. A text file, originally built for 'MultiPSK' decoder, which holds the translation of the VDL2 Ground Station address (hexadecimal number) to location information. 'MultiPSK' decoder program is using this file to log enriched VDL2 GS information. Since there is no public official VDL2 GS list, this program is a tool to support the maintenance of the list with data gathered from the collaboration of aviation enthusiasts. How it works ============ vdl2monitor forwards 'MultiPSK' decoder VDL2 log data to 'https://vdl2info.net/' server. The server aggregates 'MultiPSK' decoder VDL2 log data from participating stations. * As with other similar projects, if many stations participate the better the result will be. * Monitors for "unknown" VDL2 Ground Station address in latest 'VDL2_Ground_Stations' list. (regardless of the file version the participating station is using) * Notifies the VDL2 GS list maintainer (thanks Sergio) with the corresponding information, who does the "processing" in order to "resolve" the Ground Station location. * Note that 'vdl2info.net' server also aggregates VDL2 decoded data from 'dumpvdl2' and 'vdlm2dec' decoder programs for the same purpose. Additionally ============ If participating station owner enables, server offers: * web based 'Enriched log' live streaming with message filters (shows detailed Aircraft information) * a feature for owner to download the enriched log files; station owner sets the Access Key, * and Automatic Updating of station's VDL2 Ground Stations list. (Instructions in 'update-vdl2gs.txt' file) NOTES ===== a. Supported MultiPSK language: English b. The program runs in a console window (command prompt), compatible with both 32bit and 64bit Windows versions c. Will auto-restart upon a failure (trying every 30 seconds) until user intervention, so *#* If MultiPSK stops or its TCP/IP server stops *#* vdl2monitor will resume operation when MultiPSK starts again *AND* its TCP/IP server is activated *#* (FYI) See below a NOTE for how to auto-start the TCP/IP server d. When an updated version is released FIRST perform the UNinstallation instructions before updating Installation ============ Step 1: Setup cooperation of 'MultiPSK' and vdl2monitor program ====== a. In 'RX/TX' screen, open 'TCP/IP' tab, set the 'Port number' (shown up/down arrows), click 'Quit' to your requirement; you will set the value in next step (#3) b. Set, the way you want, the VDL2 monitoring frequency; you will also set this value in next step (#3) Step 2: Install the vdl2monitor program ====== Windows 10 users ---------------- * Open a console window (command prompt): e.g. Click on Windows-Start button. In Search box, type: cmd and press Enter # Assuming that MultiPSK is installed in folder: 'C:\MULTIPSK', type the following commands: a. cd \MULTIPSK b. mkdir vdl2monitor c. cd vdl2monitor d. curl -s -o mpsk.zip https://vdl2info.net/updown/Decoders/vdl2monitor.zip e. tar -xf mpsk.zip f. exit * Open 'File Explorer' application, open assumed 'vdl2monitor' folder, continue/goto Step#3 Windows 7 users --------------- a. Download 'vdl2monitor.zip' file with your browser, from: https://vdl2info.net/updown/Decoders/vdl2monitor.zip b. Open 'Windows Explorer' application # Assuming that MultiPSK is installed in folder: 'C:\MULTIPSK' c. Open MULTIPSK folder d. Create a New folder 'vdl2monitor' e. Open 'vdl2monitor' folder f. Unzip the downloaded 'vdl2monitor.zip' file into this folder: e.g. Right click on the zip file -> Extract All -> Browse to 'vdl2monitor' folder -> Extract Step 3: Configure vdl2monitor for your station participation: ====== a. Right click on 'vdl2monitor.bat' and click 'Send to Desktop(create shortcut)' b. Right click on 'vdl2monitor.conf' and 'open' [select NOTEPAD, then OK] Edit to your station requirements, entering the previous step (#1) port and frequency values along with your other station settings Step 4: Optionally activate the 'VDL2GS file auto-update': ====== * follow this option add-instructions in 'update-vdl2gs.txt' file Start the program ================= When you are done with the installation steps AND receiving VDL2 mode data ('RX/TX' screen) a. open 'TCP/IP' tab, click 'Link opening' to start the TCP/IP server, click 'Quit' *-NOTE-* You may replace the manually starting of TCP/IP server with AUTOstarting: In 'Configuration' screen, at "Miscellaneous" options, click on [TCP/IP server "ON"] b. on Desktop, double click on 'vdl2monitor.bat' shortcut to start the program; a console window will open showing program activity and troubleshooting instructions... #*# Watch your participation status at 'https://vdl2info.net/' pages Stop the program ================ * Open the vdl2monitor console window and press Ctrl+C or Ctrl+Break UNinstallation ============== a. Stop the program b. *** If 'VDL2GS file auto-update' option is activated follow remove-instructions in 'update-vdl2gs.txt' file # Assuming that MultiPSK is installed in folder: 'C:\MULTIPSK' c. Open 'File/Windows Explorer' application, delete 'C:\MULTIPSK\vdl2monitor' files and folder d. delete the Desktop shortcut References ========== 'dumpvdl2' by Tomasz Lemiech 'MultiPSK' by Patrick Lindecker 'vdlm2dec' by Thierry Leconte 'Windows' by Microsoft Corporation Watch for useful information at 'acars-vdl2 group' and at 'MultiPSK group' verion 0.5beta, October 2024 Written by Dimitris Georgiou (SV1LH)