Wingbits Approved Hardware Program
On August 5th 2024 we announced (Discord, Medium) our plans for the future of the Wingbits network, especially as it relates to hardware and the quality and security of data feeding into the network. The reasons for this transition and the importance to the network are discussed in more detail in the linked articles. This page is to introduce the “Wingbits Approved” hardware program and application process.
Hardware and Software
The hardware requirements will be:
RTL-SDR or equivalent ADS-B receiver (FPGA or dedicated ADS-B module based hardware is also accepted). This can be either directly onboard or via an mPCIe module or similar. It is mandatory that this supports 1090MHz “Mode S Extended Squitter” (UAT at 978 MHz is optional but recommended where possible).
Cryptographic security chip (Microchip ATECC608 recommended) which will need an ECC P-256 compact keypair and the ability to sign and verify data. The "animal names" for the ADS-B stations will be generated automatically based on the public key using angry-purple-tiger.
GNSS chip - must at a minimum support GPS (ideally also Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou). The higher the precision the better, but the current minimum requirement is 2.5m (CEP50) positioning precision. RTK and Galileo OSN-MA capability not required but recommended where possible.
Must have Ethernet connection (WiFi is optional but recommended).
The software requirements will be:
Must be able to run Wingbits on-device agent (this is used for location proofs using the GPS and security chip so if running in a docker container this application will need access to these hardware items as well as the ADS-B radio). This tool is still in development but will be available online once ready.
Must be able to run readsb or equivalent ADS-B decoder software and be able to output the resulting data to Wingbits backend over a web socket.
Ability for easy updates OTA either directly through Wingbits or via your own system. BalenaCloud, openBalena or other docker-based solutions are known to work well.
PLEASE NOTE: the current architecture installed by the config scripts uses Vector on the client side to ingest the data from readsb in JSON format and forward this to the Wingbits backend. If your device is released before we move to the new on-device agent mentioned above, it will also need to support this existing architecture.
The following software is optional but highly recommended:
tar1090 or similar local web visualization interface.
graphs1090 or similar performance graphs.
A web interface for changing tuner gain as well as any other configurable settings.
Availability of debugging logs and other information for support.
Manufacturing Data
The following manufacturing information is required to onboard the device to the Wingbits network. We ingest this data from a CSV file and also require that it is printed onto a label on the device and optionally on the product packaging. Devices will only work once whitelisted on Wingbits backend by providing this information.
Public key from ECC keypair.
Animal name (generated from public key using angry-purple-tiger).
Ethernet MAC address.
(if available) WiFi MAC address.
(if available) GPS chip serial number.
(if available) any other identifiable hard coded info from chips.
(optional) Manufacturer specific serial number.
Application Process
In order to verify potential hardware manufacturers, we will require any potential vendors to submit KYC documentation for proof of identity and proof of business as well as signing a partnership agreement.
At this time, the application process is simply to reach out via an email to hi@wingbits.com to introduce yourselves.
We do want to have a good range of different hardware options and price points available, however please note that we reserve the right to turn down any applications without giving a reason as well as to limit the number of hardware vendors.
Fees
There will be no onboarding fee or hardware enablement fee for at least the first three approved manufacturers. We reserve the right to change this in the future if necessary.
Other information
Wingbits Approved manufacturers cannot sell and/or collect pre-orders for hardware without prior written approval from Wingbits for the specific revision and model being sold.
Wingbits name, logo and trademarks can only be used on a limited basis for the purpose of hardware sales and only once granted written approval of the same.
The hardware and software that runs on the device will need to be tested and vetted by our team. You will need to provide a minimum of 2 hardware samples for this purpose.
Wingbits currently has no plans to sell our own hardware (other than the GeoSigner dongle) however we reserve the right to change this at any time without prior notice.
We expect Wingbits Approved hardware manufacturers to do shipping/order support and technical support for their hardware. For Wingbits specific software we can provide support directly to your tech team behind the scenes, but you are responsible for the customer support of your hardware.
Wingbits reserves the right to temporarily or permanently suspend any individual ADS-B station or all stations from a certain manufacturer if gaming issues, security issues, or anomalies are identified. Wingbits is not responsible for any damages as a result of such suspensions.
Currently in-progress hardware
Last updated