Stratus 2 is an all-new dual-band ADS-B AHRS receiver that is shipping the last week in April. When connected to Stratus 2, ForeFlight Mobile 5.1 will display air-to-air, ADS-R, and TIS-B traffic. ForeFlight’s traffic system supports mixed-mode traffic display of both directional and nondirectional targets, and our TrafficTrend™ technology shows the predicted path of traffic and is dynamically updated as target information is received.
Even though the new Stratus has more capability, it features a smaller case size, better GPS performance and better ADS-B reception. It's also more heat-resistant, with a built-in fan.
ForeFlight Mobile 5.1 will also unlock traffic on the first generation Stratus portable ADS-B receiver. With certified ADS-B out options now available for aircraft, pilots can equip with an “out” transponder – such as the FreeFlight Ranger TX - and get a very useful traffic picture. Without this “out” equipment, however, pertinent traffic is rarely visible since ADS-B towers remain silent until contacted by an aircraft equipped with ADS-B “out” capability.
Stop by our booth at Sun ‘n Fun (C-092 and C-093) to see Stratus 2 and a demonstration of the latest features from ForeFlight Mobile 5.0.
ForeFlight Mobile 5.1 and Stratus 2 will ship the last week in April. You can purchase a Stratus 2 online directly from Appareo or Sporty’s for $899. The first-generation Stratus is now priced at $699.
Both the first and second generation Stratus are capable ADS-B weather receivers. The second generation Stratus adds a second (1090 MHz) radio for receiving more air-to-air traffic, adds an AHRS to support the Appareo Horizon app, and gives the pilot the ability to remote the GPS antenna to provide for additional mounting options. The case on the second generation Stratus also includes a fan inside the case to make it more heat-resistant.
Yes, the first generation Stratus receives traffic on the 978 MHz (UAT) frequency and the second generation receives it on both the 978 MHz and 1090 MHz (ES) frequencies.
The traffic you see on ForeFlight Mobile is only ADS-B traffic. ADS-B traffic only includes the air-to-air traffic received directly from another aircraft and traffic rebroadcast to your aircraft from an ADS-B ground tower. Air-to-air traffic reports are only reported from ADS-B Out equipped aircraft. ADS-B Out must be installed in your aircraft, and cannot be provided by a portable device like Stratus. Few aircraft are currently ADS-B Out equipped.
You will only receive ADS-B traffic from a ground tower if two things are true:
1) your aircraft, or another one nearby you, is ADS-B Out equipped, and
2) you are in communication with an ADS-B ground tower.
Remember, ADS-B traffic, even at its best, is not a complete picture of nearby traffic and is not a substitute for looking out the window when fulfilling your responsibility to see and avoid.
Stratus receives and transmits to ForeFlight Mobile CONUS NEXRAD, regional high-resolution NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, NOTAMs, pilot reports, and winds/temperature aloft. Each product is nicely integrated with ForeFlight Mobile's Airports and Maps features.
Yes. In fact, every iOS device running ForeFlight Mobile in the cockpit can connect to Stratus and see the same weather unfold.
We strongly recommend an iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, or the latest generation iPod touch.
An iPad 2 or later is required.
Yes. Stratus includes a WAAS GPS receiver and will provide GPS information to ForeFlight Mobile. Since Stratus is battery operated and can operate for up to 8 hours, Stratus will keep a constant GPS signal and make that available to ForeFlight Mobile. Stratus will not provide GPS information to other applications.
No. However, Stratus does require a current ForeFlight Mobile subscription, which you can purchase here. ForeFlight Mobile Pro subscribers will enjoy improved position accuracy when using Stratus as a GPS source.
Only $899, available for order exclusively from Sporty's and Appareo.
You connect to Stratus via WiFi. Each Stratus creates its own WiFi network, to which you can connect multiple iPads, iPhones, or iPod Touches.
No. The products provided by Stratus and the ADS-B network differ. XM Weather offers a wider array of products and more coverage. This table will help you compare and contrast ADS-B and XM and help you decide which in-flight product is right for you. Many pilots will find adequate ADS-B coverage within the areas they fly most frequently. Refer to the coverage map above to determine if there is coverage for your mission. ForeFlight Mobile also supports XM Weather via the Baron Mobile Link.
Stratus includes a battery that will provide continuous power for up to 8 hours, which contributes to making Stratus operation "wire-free" for most pilots. You can charge stratus using the included wall charger or using an accessory like the Scoshe 12V DC power adapter. Some laptop USB ports will also provide sufficient power to recharge Stratus.
Most pilots will not require an external antenna and can thus operate completely "wire-free". Stratus includes a specially tuned, high-performance internal antenna that will get good reception in many aircraft. Some aircraft, however, may require an external antenna due to signal attenuation caused by the aircraft. If you find you need an external antenna, you can pick one up from Sporty's.
The external GPS antenna is an optional accessory for your second generation Stratus. Stratus contains an internal GPS antenna that will be sufficient for many pilots. The external GPS antenna; however, provides many more options for placing Stratus in your aircraft and resolves reception issues caused by heated windshields. You may purchase an external GPS antenna.
A snap-in mount is included with Stratus. Additionally, a suction cup mount is available for purchase from your Stratus retailer. Both the ADS-B and the GPS antennas are inside your second generation Stratus allowing for no wire operation. However both antennas can be remoted if desired which offers a wide variety of mounting options. If using the snap-in mount to place Stratus in your aircraft, the mount should be placed on the glareshield as close as practical to the pilot and copilot seats to help prevent overheating as it will be easier for Stratus to draw the cool air from the cabin through its fan. If you are using Stratus with the AHRS app Stratus Horizon, you should mount Stratus so that it is perpendicular to the back of the aircraft; perpendicular to the aircraft’s centerline.
Version 5.1 or higher is required to support Stratus 2.
Yes
Yes, operating and storing a lithium-ion battery when it is too hot will cause permanent damage and void Stratus’s warranty. A fully charged lithium-ion battery stored at 60 C for three months can permanently lose as much as 40% of its capacity. Because of this it’s important not to leave Stratus in a hot aircraft or automobile when it’s not being used.
Yes, Stratus contains a Lithium-ion battery. If stored and operated in its published temperate range its battery should last a long time and be capable of being fully discharged about 300 times before requiring service.
Yes, Stratus will still charge its battery when running but only if it is plugged into a high-capacity 2.1 Amp charging source and only if the battery temperate is between 0 and 40 degrees C. If it is plugged in but the battery is too hot or too cold then Stratus may continue to operate but the battery will no longer charge to protect it from damage.
Yes, the included 3 foot USB cable is designed to enable optimal charging speed. Many other 3 foot USB cables contain lighter gauge wires and they will not be able to deliver as much power resulting in longer charge time. Similarly, a longer cable is not able to supply as much power as a shorter one and will also result in longer charge times.
No, laptops generally only supply up to 1 Amp of power per the USB 2.0 standard. Stratus, like an iPad, requires a 2.1 Amp power source for it to properly charge.
The FAA expects to have full coverage in the United States by early 2014. Information regarding the location of future ADS-B stations is not shared with ForeFlight, however.
Although the GPS function will work anywhere, the Stratus receives ADS-B data from ground-based towers broadcasting on UAT (978). This service is not available outside of the United States.
No. Currently, we only support Stratus.
No. The GPS signal can only be used by apps like ForeFlight that communicate directly with Stratus.
Yes, Stratus is usable in a helicopter, provided there adequate ADS-B coverage in the area you are flying to mitigate potential signal blockage due to flying at low altitudes.
Yes, you may dim or brighten the LEDs using the LED Brightness slider on the Stratus status page within ForeFlight Mobile. That can be found in the More view, under the Devices option.
Yes, Stratus will turn itself off if the battery temperature reaches -20 C (- 4 F) or + 65 C (+ 149 F) to prevent battery damage. It is designed to be operated between 0 C and 35 C. The battery is located in the bottom of the unit, so avoid placing on hot surfaces when able.
ADS-B behaves similarly to a VOR. Generally, unless you have an ADS-B station on the ground at the airport, you will need some altitude to begin receiving. Usually, 1000 AGL is sufficient, depending on proximity to the ADS-B stations.
Hear are a few items to check:
Yes, in order for ForeFlight Mobile to receive and save weather and NOTAM data from Stratus, it must be running. If the iPad/iPhone screen is turned off using the sleep/wake button on the top of the device, ForeFlight Mobile will no longer receive ADS-B data. ForeFlight Mobile must be shown on the device screen to be able to receive data, but screen brightness can be turned down to save battery.
More FAQs and information are available on our Stratus Support page and the Appareo product information page.