Brings Weather And Traffic To iPad Through Universal App

Bad Elf has launched a kickstarter campaign seeking backing for an ADS-B receiver that would make free weather and traffic information available on iOS devices.

According to the company, only 10% of pilots fly with ADS-B weather and traffic information today. That is frustrating because ADS-B provides incredible value and improves safety, but current receivers are just too expensive.

In 2010, Bad Elf brought aviation-grade GPS to the iPad. Today, we’re announcing the first affordable ADS-B weather and traffic receiver with universal app compatibility for just $299.

For pilots who want the safety benefits of a backup attitude source, the're offering a model with AHRS for just $150 more.

The company says the goal with the Bad Elf ADS-B receiver is to have seamless integration with your favorite apps, but without the lock-in of a vertical solution. They say they're taking a fresh approach with our receiver in the following 3 ways:

Open Specifications: The interface protocol is based on open standards, and sharing specifications with app developers and other hardware vendors without any restrictions or licensing fees.

Compatibility modes: The receiver implements the same protocols used by several existing receivers, allowing it to work with most of the major apps today. While this is considered a short-term solution, it has allowed us to validate the prototypes without requiring any upfront investment from app developers.

Over-the-top support for our app partners: App developers are very busy. Each additional ADS-B receiver they integrate requires more resources for development, testing, and support. Bad Elf is committed to supporting the app developers by providing the following resources:

• Direct access to our development and support teams
• Remote support, as needed
• Hosting an annual aviation app industry workshop   
• Free beta and production receiver hardware units   
• Access to our bench-top ADS-B tower simulator
• Internet accessible streaming weather and traffic test sources

Bad Elf has set an ambitious goal of $500,000 for development of the system. As of Friday, the company had raised just over $56,500 from 167 individuals.

(Source: Bad Elf Kickstarter Page. Image from YouTube)

FMI: Kickstarter Page