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Skydemon with Safesky.....Again!


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jacoby
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Yes I can confirm that this combination works following a careful test yesterday:

- SkyEcho installed and switched on.
- iPad Mini running SkyDemon connected to SkyEcho WiFi (Go Flying, Use Avionix SkyEcho 2)
- Pixel 7 phone running SafeSky connected to SkyEcho wifi and using cellular internet (Take Off, SkyEcho)

SafeSky-detected traffic appears on SkyDemon. I configured SafeSky to prefix traffic with 'sy' so it was possible to see which traffic was directly detected by SkyEcho (ADSB and FLARM) and which was detected by SafeSky (pretty much anything else).

The SafeSky traffic came and went depending on cellular, and both persons on board connected their SkyDemons for the same view.

I think there is a lot of variability in device capabilities, making the exact device choice important. For example, while I am lucky that the Pixel 7 works in this way, I am unlucky that the old iPad mini (which also has cellular) is too underpowered to run both apps reliably!

jacoby
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Tony N - 8/18/2025 3:39:06 PM
jacoby - 8/16/2025 12:26:23 PM
Tony N - 8/16/2025 7:23:35 AM
jacoby - 8/15/2025 1:49:55 PM
Just a quick note to add to this useful thread about getting SafeSky to supplement SkyEcho traffic shown in SkyDemon.

The process as described by FlappingTiger worked for me too. I'll recap my steps here in case it helps anyone else wanting to get this combo going:

1. Turn on Sky Echo
2. Connect your iPad to the Sky Echo wifi
3. Start SkyDemon, Fly with Sky Echo
4. Connect your smartphone (during flight it can stay in your pocket!) to Sky Echo wifi
5. Start SafeSky (PAID version which as RidgeSkimmer points out is needed to allow traffic sharing)
6. Configure SafeSky "Navigation Software" with Enable Traffic Sharing to SkyDemon.
7. Configure SafeSky "External Traffic Device" with SkyEcho
8. Configure SafeSky "My Aircraft" with the correct ICAO unique hex code
9. "Take Off with SkyEcho" in SafeSky.
10. Now SafeSky supplements the native SkyEcho traffic with its own where possible.

A few observations:

1. When I ran SafeSky on the same old-ish iPad as SkyDemon, it kinda worked but then froze shortly after take-off.
2. Running SafeSky on my smartphone fixed this problem, and the iPad SkyDemon shows its traffic just fine.
3. When running SkyDemon, I choose "Fly with SkyEcho", not "Fly with GDL 90 Compatible Device". I cannot explain exactly why this works and SkyDemon aren't too keen on engaging in technical explanations - but it works as RidgeSkimmer says, and also means the Sky Echo control menu item is retained in SkyDemon while flying (e.g. to turn ADSB-Out off and on). One possibility is that the "Take Off with SkyEcho" option in SafeSky causes it to broadcast its UDP packets on the SkyEcho's standard UDP port, and SkyDemon can't tell the difference. But that's a wild guess.
4. I suspect Android tablets and newer iPads may be better at multitasking, meaning smartphone not required. But I still like the idea of splitting the SafeSky processing load off to a different device (that's the networking/computer nerd in me I guess).

Thanks to FlappingTiger for the useful post detailing all this in the first place, much appreciated. 

There is an issue if trying to do this using an Android smartphone. The phone's Android OS won't allow a mobile data connection when the WIFI link (to the SE2) is active. I haven't been able to find a working solution to this issue for Android users. I am now using the new Safesky Aero Tracker which connects via Bluetooth.

That is an interesting observation, I imagine this behaviour must vary by device. 

My Pixel 7 happens to work in this configuration, successfully connecting to LTE for internet and to SkyEcho WiFi at the same time.

I know that this seems like a stupid question, but are you sure? For a few years I thought I had a good mobile data connection, when using my SE2. That was until trying to test something and I realised that SkyDemon wasn't receiving real time weather updates when the SE2 was connected..
If the Pixel 7 really does work then that is really good to know. I thought all Android devices were, more or less, the same..

I will double check this Thursday when I am flying again, and report back with either a confirmation or an apology! I know from previous experience how easy it is to confuse configurations when switching around to make something work...

Tony N
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jacoby - 8/16/2025 12:26:23 PM
Tony N - 8/16/2025 7:23:35 AM
jacoby - 8/15/2025 1:49:55 PM
Just a quick note to add to this useful thread about getting SafeSky to supplement SkyEcho traffic shown in SkyDemon.

The process as described by FlappingTiger worked for me too. I'll recap my steps here in case it helps anyone else wanting to get this combo going:

1. Turn on Sky Echo
2. Connect your iPad to the Sky Echo wifi
3. Start SkyDemon, Fly with Sky Echo
4. Connect your smartphone (during flight it can stay in your pocket!) to Sky Echo wifi
5. Start SafeSky (PAID version which as RidgeSkimmer points out is needed to allow traffic sharing)
6. Configure SafeSky "Navigation Software" with Enable Traffic Sharing to SkyDemon.
7. Configure SafeSky "External Traffic Device" with SkyEcho
8. Configure SafeSky "My Aircraft" with the correct ICAO unique hex code
9. "Take Off with SkyEcho" in SafeSky.
10. Now SafeSky supplements the native SkyEcho traffic with its own where possible.

A few observations:

1. When I ran SafeSky on the same old-ish iPad as SkyDemon, it kinda worked but then froze shortly after take-off.
2. Running SafeSky on my smartphone fixed this problem, and the iPad SkyDemon shows its traffic just fine.
3. When running SkyDemon, I choose "Fly with SkyEcho", not "Fly with GDL 90 Compatible Device". I cannot explain exactly why this works and SkyDemon aren't too keen on engaging in technical explanations - but it works as RidgeSkimmer says, and also means the Sky Echo control menu item is retained in SkyDemon while flying (e.g. to turn ADSB-Out off and on). One possibility is that the "Take Off with SkyEcho" option in SafeSky causes it to broadcast its UDP packets on the SkyEcho's standard UDP port, and SkyDemon can't tell the difference. But that's a wild guess.
4. I suspect Android tablets and newer iPads may be better at multitasking, meaning smartphone not required. But I still like the idea of splitting the SafeSky processing load off to a different device (that's the networking/computer nerd in me I guess).

Thanks to FlappingTiger for the useful post detailing all this in the first place, much appreciated. 

There is an issue if trying to do this using an Android smartphone. The phone's Android OS won't allow a mobile data connection when the WIFI link (to the SE2) is active. I haven't been able to find a working solution to this issue for Android users. I am now using the new Safesky Aero Tracker which connects via Bluetooth.

That is an interesting observation, I imagine this behaviour must vary by device. 

My Pixel 7 happens to work in this configuration, successfully connecting to LTE for internet and to SkyEcho WiFi at the same time.

I know that this seems like a stupid question, but are you sure? For a few years I thought I had a good mobile data connection, when using my SE2. That was until trying to test something and I realised that SkyDemon wasn't receiving real time weather updates when the SE2 was connected..
If the Pixel 7 really does work then that is really good to know. I thought all Android devices were, more or less, the same..

jacoby
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Tony N - 8/16/2025 7:23:35 AM
jacoby - 8/15/2025 1:49:55 PM
Just a quick note to add to this useful thread about getting SafeSky to supplement SkyEcho traffic shown in SkyDemon.

The process as described by FlappingTiger worked for me too. I'll recap my steps here in case it helps anyone else wanting to get this combo going:

1. Turn on Sky Echo
2. Connect your iPad to the Sky Echo wifi
3. Start SkyDemon, Fly with Sky Echo
4. Connect your smartphone (during flight it can stay in your pocket!) to Sky Echo wifi
5. Start SafeSky (PAID version which as RidgeSkimmer points out is needed to allow traffic sharing)
6. Configure SafeSky "Navigation Software" with Enable Traffic Sharing to SkyDemon.
7. Configure SafeSky "External Traffic Device" with SkyEcho
8. Configure SafeSky "My Aircraft" with the correct ICAO unique hex code
9. "Take Off with SkyEcho" in SafeSky.
10. Now SafeSky supplements the native SkyEcho traffic with its own where possible.

A few observations:

1. When I ran SafeSky on the same old-ish iPad as SkyDemon, it kinda worked but then froze shortly after take-off.
2. Running SafeSky on my smartphone fixed this problem, and the iPad SkyDemon shows its traffic just fine.
3. When running SkyDemon, I choose "Fly with SkyEcho", not "Fly with GDL 90 Compatible Device". I cannot explain exactly why this works and SkyDemon aren't too keen on engaging in technical explanations - but it works as RidgeSkimmer says, and also means the Sky Echo control menu item is retained in SkyDemon while flying (e.g. to turn ADSB-Out off and on). One possibility is that the "Take Off with SkyEcho" option in SafeSky causes it to broadcast its UDP packets on the SkyEcho's standard UDP port, and SkyDemon can't tell the difference. But that's a wild guess.
4. I suspect Android tablets and newer iPads may be better at multitasking, meaning smartphone not required. But I still like the idea of splitting the SafeSky processing load off to a different device (that's the networking/computer nerd in me I guess).

Thanks to FlappingTiger for the useful post detailing all this in the first place, much appreciated. 

There is an issue if trying to do this using an Android smartphone. The phone's Android OS won't allow a mobile data connection when the WIFI link (to the SE2) is active. I haven't been able to find a working solution to this issue for Android users. I am now using the new Safesky Aero Tracker which connects via Bluetooth.

That is an interesting observation, I imagine this behaviour must vary by device. 

My Pixel 7 happens to work in this configuration, successfully connecting to LTE for internet and to SkyEcho WiFi at the same time.

Tony N
Tony N
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jacoby - 8/15/2025 1:49:55 PM
Just a quick note to add to this useful thread about getting SafeSky to supplement SkyEcho traffic shown in SkyDemon.

The process as described by FlappingTiger worked for me too. I'll recap my steps here in case it helps anyone else wanting to get this combo going:

1. Turn on Sky Echo
2. Connect your iPad to the Sky Echo wifi
3. Start SkyDemon, Fly with Sky Echo
4. Connect your smartphone (during flight it can stay in your pocket!) to Sky Echo wifi
5. Start SafeSky (PAID version which as RidgeSkimmer points out is needed to allow traffic sharing)
6. Configure SafeSky "Navigation Software" with Enable Traffic Sharing to SkyDemon.
7. Configure SafeSky "External Traffic Device" with SkyEcho
8. Configure SafeSky "My Aircraft" with the correct ICAO unique hex code
9. "Take Off with SkyEcho" in SafeSky.
10. Now SafeSky supplements the native SkyEcho traffic with its own where possible.

A few observations:

1. When I ran SafeSky on the same old-ish iPad as SkyDemon, it kinda worked but then froze shortly after take-off.
2. Running SafeSky on my smartphone fixed this problem, and the iPad SkyDemon shows its traffic just fine.
3. When running SkyDemon, I choose "Fly with SkyEcho", not "Fly with GDL 90 Compatible Device". I cannot explain exactly why this works and SkyDemon aren't too keen on engaging in technical explanations - but it works as RidgeSkimmer says, and also means the Sky Echo control menu item is retained in SkyDemon while flying (e.g. to turn ADSB-Out off and on). One possibility is that the "Take Off with SkyEcho" option in SafeSky causes it to broadcast its UDP packets on the SkyEcho's standard UDP port, and SkyDemon can't tell the difference. But that's a wild guess.
4. I suspect Android tablets and newer iPads may be better at multitasking, meaning smartphone not required. But I still like the idea of splitting the SafeSky processing load off to a different device (that's the networking/computer nerd in me I guess).

Thanks to FlappingTiger for the useful post detailing all this in the first place, much appreciated. 

There is an issue if trying to do this using an Android smartphone. The phone's Android OS won't allow a mobile data connection when the WIFI link (to the SE2) is active. I haven't been able to find a working solution to this issue for Android users. I am now using the new Safesky Aero Tracker which connects via Bluetooth.

jacoby
j
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Just a quick note to add to this useful thread about getting SafeSky to supplement SkyEcho traffic shown in SkyDemon.

The process as described by FlappingTiger worked for me too. I'll recap my steps here in case it helps anyone else wanting to get this combo going:

1. Turn on Sky Echo
2. Connect your iPad to the Sky Echo wifi
3. Start SkyDemon, Fly with Sky Echo
4. Connect your smartphone (during flight it can stay in your pocket!) to Sky Echo wifi
5. Start SafeSky (PAID version which as RidgeSkimmer points out is needed to allow traffic sharing)
6. Configure SafeSky "Navigation Software" with Enable Traffic Sharing to SkyDemon.
7. Configure SafeSky "External Traffic Device" with SkyEcho
8. Configure SafeSky "My Aircraft" with the correct ICAO unique hex code
9. "Take Off with SkyEcho" in SafeSky.
10. Now SafeSky supplements the native SkyEcho traffic with its own where possible.

A few observations:

1. When I ran SafeSky on the same old-ish iPad as SkyDemon, it kinda worked but then froze shortly after take-off.
2. Running SafeSky on my smartphone fixed this problem, and the iPad SkyDemon shows its traffic just fine.
3. When running SkyDemon, I choose "Fly with SkyEcho", not "Fly with GDL 90 Compatible Device". I cannot explain exactly why this works and SkyDemon aren't too keen on engaging in technical explanations - but it works as RidgeSkimmer says, and also means the Sky Echo control menu item is retained in SkyDemon while flying (e.g. to turn ADSB-Out off and on). One possibility is that the "Take Off with SkyEcho" option in SafeSky causes it to broadcast its UDP packets on the SkyEcho's standard UDP port, and SkyDemon can't tell the difference. But that's a wild guess.
4. I suspect Android tablets and newer iPads may be better at multitasking, meaning smartphone not required. But I still like the idea of splitting the SafeSky processing load off to a different device (that's the networking/computer nerd in me I guess).

Thanks to FlappingTiger for the useful post detailing all this in the first place, much appreciated. 

Robert H
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You can also have a look at "air traffic observer" which is an external unit using the GDL90 protocol. From their website:

To determine your altitude and difference towards other traffic it will use the onboard pressure sensor. The pressure is used to calculate your pressure altitude (QNE).

It is a great little unit, and cheap. Provides ADS-B in as well as traffic over internet as long as your phone have an internet connection. Works well with skydemon. 


I have no relation to the company more than as a customer, just think the unit is great and the customer support (just one person as far as I understand it) is fantastic. 

Tony N
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One thing to bear in mind is that SafeSky app users transmit their GPS derived altitude.
Aircraft equipped with transponders transmit their altitude with reference to 1013.2
So, on a day like today where the QNH is 20 hPa above 1013.2, the difference in transmitted altitude between GPS derived altitude and "transponder" altitude is around 600 ft.
So, the clever algorithms that SkyDemon uses to warn of potential collision risks aren't going to work very well...
SafeSky is aware of this issue and is, I believe, trying to figure out how to fix this issue...

Ridgeskimmer
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To use it as you wish you connect SkyDemon to SkyEcho when you “Fly”. SafeSky is connected to SkyEcho separately. It’s all done in the SafeSky settings. As I said PM me if you wish
FlappingTiger
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Ridgeskimmer - 1/27/2023 7:38:11 PM
I’ve been doing what you are both wanting to do for a long time. Works great. PM me for my number and I’ll talk you through it. Cheers

Thanks for offering individual support! I played around with the Sky Demon, Sky Echo and SafeSky combination and indeed got it to work quite easily. I incorrectly assumed that my tablet can't connect to Sky Echo via Wifi and still access the Internet via cellular mobile network in parallel.

Sky Demon support is technically correct that you can't have Sky Demon receive GPS and Traffic from both Sky Echo and SafeSky as you have to choose one when you activate flight mode. However, Safesky can connect to Sky Echo and combine its own traffic information with Sky Echo data and feed everything to Sky Demon.

The following setup seems to work for me:
Sky Demon and SafeSky (premium for Sky Echo connection and data feed to Sky Demon) installed on the tablet (iPad Mini 5 in my case). Connect the Wifi to Sky Echo. At the same time you need cellular mobile internet connection in the tablet/device. Once connected to Sky Echo over Wifi you should verify that despite non-internet Wifi connection to Sky Echo the tablet can still access the Internet through the cellular connection. SafeSky configured to use Sky Echo and share traffic data to Sky Demon, automatic software detection turned on. Enable 3rd party device GDL90 in Sky Demon settings and choose it when activating flight mode in Sky Demon. Activate flight mode in SafeSky ("Take off") and let it run with location permission in the background. Now Sky Demon should have GPS, SafeSky traffic and Sky Echo traffic data altogether. In SafeSky flight mode you can check with green button if the connections (SafeSky network, Sky Echo, Sky Demon) are working. On the other hand, Sky Demon would show a "waiting for device" message if it doesn't the the GPS/traffic data stream.

What I don't know yet at the moment: in case there is no cellular mobile data connection, does Sky Demon still get the Sky Echo traffic from SafeSky or not if SafeSky doesn't have a working Internet connection. I suppose yes but couldn't verify it so far. Will simulate it by disabling mobile data for SafeSky when I get to it (need Sky Echo traffic in range to verify).

In the Flyer article they suggest that a slightly different setup should also work, presumably for the situation where your Sky Demon device/tablet doesn't have cellular mobile network. They suggest to connect both your Sky Demon tablet/device and your other device with mobile Internet access to the Sky Echo Wifi and run SafeSky on the device with Internet access (similar like above but Sky Demon on a 2nd device without Internet). They suggest the SafeSky-SkyDemon data link still works through the Sky Echo Wifi connection if both devices are connected to it. I haven't tested it, maybe someone using it this way could confirm in this thread if that setup would also work. I'm going for the other option with both applications on the same tablet/device with the cellular and Wifi combination.

Happy flying!


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