SoftRF
A DIY, multi-functional, sub-1 GHz radio-based proximity awareness system for general aviation, compatible with multiple protocols.
What is SoftRF?
SoftRF is a DIY, open-source proximity awareness system for general aviation that uses sub-1 GHz radio to detect nearby aircraft and enhance flight safety. It supports multiple aviation protocols like FLARM, ADS-B, and OGNTP, and comes in various hardware editions for different applications. The project enables pilots, drone operators, and enthusiasts to build affordable, customizable situational awareness devices.
General aviation pilots, drone (UAV) operators, amateur radio enthusiasts, and electronics hobbyists interested in DIY aviation safety systems. It's also suitable for educational purposes in aviation technology and radio communication.
Developers choose SoftRF for its extensive hardware flexibility, open-source nature, and broad protocol compatibility, offering a cost-effective alternative to commercial systems. Its modular design and active community support make it ideal for custom implementations and experimentation.
Overview
:airplane: Multi-functional, compatible DIY general aviation proximity awareness system
Use Cases
Best For
- Building a DIY aircraft proximity warning system for gliders or light aircraft
- Adding situational awareness to drones (UAVs) for BVLOS operations
- Creating a portable, wearable traffic alert device for pilots
- Educational projects teaching aviation safety and radio communication
- Developing a low-cost ADS-B receiver for general aviation
- Integrating with Raspberry Pi for expanded aviation data processing
Not Ideal For
- Operations mandating fully certified, commercial avionics with guaranteed regulatory compliance
- Teams needing out-of-the-box, full-featured compatibility with all aspects of protocols like FLARM or ADS-B without DIY tuning
- Users seeking a single, unified hardware platform without navigating over 20 different editions and configurations
Pros & Cons
Pros
Supports FLARM, OGNTP, P3I, FANET+, ADS-B (978 UAT & 1090 ES), and APRS, enabling interaction with diverse aviation systems, as shown in the detailed compatibility table.
Offers numerous editions like wearable Badge, portable Airventure, UAV-mounted Nano, and certified Prime Mark III, catering to specific use cases from DIY to rugged applications.
Several editions hold CE/FCC marks and feature IP65/66/67 ratings, such as the Solaris (IP65) and Pocket (IP66) editions, ensuring reliability in harsh environments.
Provides full source code and modular designs, allowing customization for educational projects or niche applications, with active community support via Gitter.
Cons
The README explicitly states it implements only a 'reasonable minimum' of specs without 'bells and whistles,' potentially limiting full interoperability with some systems.
With over 20 editions spanning ESP32, nRF52840, RP2040, and other platforms, selecting and configuring the right combination is daunting and time-consuming for newcomers.
Documentation is scattered across individual Wiki pages for each edition, leading to a disjointed setup experience where users must piece together information from multiple sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
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