> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.wingbits.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.wingbits.com/wingview/introduction.md).
# Introduction
Build a live aircraft display with WingView.
## WingView
**A desk radar for live aircraft on a round touchscreen.**
Elecrow device on left, Waveshare device on right
WingView shows aircraft above any place you choose. Use your street, a nearby airport, or a former hometown. It draws aircraft on a local street map.
Turn the knob to change the range. Choose from three to 100 nautical miles. Touch an aircraft to view its identity, altitude, speed, and climb or descent.
The firmware is free. You supply an off-the-shelf device costing about $45–55 USD. Wingbits provides the flight data.
### What it does
* Shows live aircraft at ranges from three to 100 nautical miles.
* Offers a street map, classic radar scope, and controller-style text list.
* Lets you save eight locations, each with maps stored on the station.
* Provides local web pages for settings, nearby traffic, logs, and firmware updates.
* Shows a clock or dark screen while idle.
* Updates overnight and restores the previous version after a failed update.
### What you need
* One supported board.
* A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. These boards do not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
* A phone or computer on the same network for setup.
* A Wingbits API key. Wingbits station operators can obtain one at no cost. Details are coming soon.
* USB power. After setup, any USB charger works.
### Supported boards
One firmware runs on both boards. WingView detects the board during startup. You never need to choose a firmware version.
| | **Waveshare 1.8 inch** | **Elecrow CrowPanel 2.1 inch** |
| ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Screen | 360 × 360 round display | 480 × 480 round display with a larger physical screen |
| Body | Metal case with an integrated stand | Bare board that needs your own stand |
| Cable | USB-C in the base | Supplied clip-on connector with USB-A. No USB-C socket. |
| Knob | Metal knob with stronger detents. It does not press. | Pressable, clickable knob. |
| Vendor name | ESP32-S3-Knob-Touch-LCD-1.8 | CrowPanel 2.1inch-HMI |
| Buy | [Waveshare](https://www.waveshare.com/esp32-s3-knob-touch-lcd-1.8.htm) · [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDL4FJ13) | [Elecrow](https://www.elecrow.com/crowpanel-2-1inch-hmi-esp32-rotary-display-480-480-ips-round-touch-knob-screen.html) · [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0G5PQYM98) |
Choose based on your preferred form factor. Both boards support every documented feature.
The Waveshare is a more finished object. The Elecrow has a larger screen and pressable knob.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Board difference:** The Waveshare knob does not press. Use touch controls where guides mention a knob press.
{% endhint %}
### Where to go next
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[Setup Guide](/wingview/setup-guide.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/spaces/2Ym95m3jp5iEzcC3Pj55/pages/7e0d548ed57bd88bc609cb2d564189df916d455d" %}
[User Guide](/wingview/user-guide.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/spaces/2Ym95m3jp5iEzcC3Pj55/pages/F1hqzt0za3OR6D18rw2T" %}
[Troubleshooting](/wingview/troubleshooting.md)
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{% content-ref url="/spaces/2Ym95m3jp5iEzcC3Pj55/pages/dnjMct6ZbesXjZYQaqck" %}
[Privacy and Security](/wingview/privacy-and-security.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/spaces/2Ym95m3jp5iEzcC3Pj55/pages/VMFXW6JQlVB83flkLZel" %}
[Recovery Guide](/wingview/troubleshooting/recovery-guide.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
---
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