Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver - Review & Buying Guide
The Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver is a must-have gadget for aviation enthusiasts. This comprehensive kit includes everything you need to receive and display air-to-air traffic, data, and weather information. With high-gain antennas optimized for 978 MHz and 1090 MHz frequencies, the receiver provides reliable and up-to-date information such as NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, and more. Its portability and compatibility with multiple devices make it perfect for pilots who rely on WiFi-only devices. With a 30-day return policy and technical support, the Stratux ADS-B receiver is a reliable and essential tool for any pilot.
Product Description
The Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver is a comprehensive and high-performance aviation weather and traffic receiver kit. Designed for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, this receiver provides reliable information and enhances situational awareness during flights.
The receiver kit includes a range of components that make it a complete package. It comes with AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System), a fan controller, a 10000mAh battery pack, suction mount, strap, SD card adapter, power cable, and support for popular Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) like ForeFlight Synthetic Vision. This ensures that users have everything they need to set up and use the receiver effectively.
One of the key features of the Stratux ADS-B receiver is its high-gain antennas, which are optimized for 978 MHz and 1090 MHz frequencies. This allows users to receive and display air-to-air traffic, data, and FIS-B weather. The receiver provides a wealth of information including animated regional and CONUS NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, AIR/SIGMETs, PIREPs, winds and temps aloft, TFRs, NOTAMs, and SUA information. This comprehensive data helps pilots make informed decisions and stay updated on the latest weather and air traffic conditions.
Portability is another advantage of the Stratux receiver. It is compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 5.32 x 1.12 x 2.48 inches and a weight of 14 ounces. The included suction mount allows for easy window mounting, making it convenient for use in different aircraft. The receiver supports multiple iPads, iPhones, or Android tablets via WiFi, making it perfect for WiFi-only devices.
In terms of power, the receiver is equipped with a rechargeable 10000mAh battery pack. This provides over 4 hours of flying time, ensuring that pilots have a reliable power source during their flights.
Overall, the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver is a top-notch aviation weather and traffic receiver kit. Its comprehensive features, including AHRS, high-gain antennas, and support for popular EFBs, make it a valuable tool for pilots. Its portability and long battery life further enhance
Pros and Cons
After thoroughly analyzing the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver, we have compiled a list of its top pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:
Pros:
Comprehensive Package: The Stratux ADS-B Receiver comes with everything you need to get started. It includes the Stratux unit, antennas, battery pack, suction mount, and strap. The image provided by buyers clearly shows all the components that come in the box, ensuring that you know exactly what to expect.
Responsive Customer Support: Customers have praised the exceptional customer support provided by Crew Dog Electronics. In one instance, a buyer experienced initial issues with the product and was promptly contacted by Sean at Crew Dog Electronics, who provided full support and assistance. This level of customer care is commendable and ensures a positive experience for users.
Value for Money: With a price tag of $389.99, the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver offers great value for money. While some customers mentioned finding similar products for a lower price with minor assembly and SD card preparation, the comprehensive package and the inclusion of all necessary components make this product worth the investment.
Cons:
Lack of Instructions: One common complaint from buyers is the lack of instructions included in the box. While there is an instruction manual for the power bank, customers have noted the absence of detailed instructions for the Stratux unit itself. This can be frustrating, especially for those who are new to using ADS-B receivers.
Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported experiencing connectivity issues after a few months of use. Although this may be an isolated occurrence, it is worth noting that a few customers gave up on the product altogether due to persistent connectivity problems. If uninterrupted connectivity is crucial for your needs, it's recommended to consider
Customer Reviews
With an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1012 customer ratings, the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver has garnered a lot of attention and positive feedback from users. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this aviation gadget.
"The image shows everything that came in the box... The Stratux itself. A suction cup mount with six total cups, two extra after mounting the four to the..." (5 stars)
"This ADS-B Receiver is excellent... The only complaint that I have is that the box doesn't come with any instructions except for the power bank..." (4 stars)
"You get what you pay for... Eventually, I started experiencing connectivity issues in the air, and after about 6 months, I gave up altogether because I..." (4 stars)
"So after some initial issues thought to be Stratux related, no exaggeration, within the hour I was contacted by Sean at Crew Dog Electronics. Full dis..." (5 stars)
"Had I taken the time to do my homework, I would have found that I could have saved $60 (with minor assembly and SD card preparation). Or -would- it ha..." (4 stars)
"Reception isn't very good... It might be where I usually fly though. (Northern NV)" (5 stars)
The majority of customers are highly satisfied with the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver. Users appreciate the comprehensive package that comes with the product, including the Stratux unit, suction cup mount, and extra accessories. Some customers have noted that the lack of instructions in the box was a slight drawback, but the power bank instructions were provided. However, the quick response and support from Crew Dog Electronics in resolving any initial issues have left customers impressed.
While a few users have experienced connectivity issues after extended use, it's important to note that these instances might be due to specific flying conditions or other factors. Additionally, some customers have mentioned that they could have saved money by assembling the device themselves and preparing the SD card. However, overall, the positive feedback outweighs the negative, making the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver is a highly impressive aviation gadget that offers a comprehensive package for pilots. With its built-in AHRS, fan controller, and 10000mAh battery pack, it ensures a smooth and reliable flying experience.
The receiver's high-gain antennas optimized for 978 MHz and 1090 MHz frequencies allow for the reception of air-to-air traffic, data, and FIS-B weather. The display provides a wide range of information, including animated regional and CONUS NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, AIR/SIGMETs, PIREPs, winds and temps aloft, TFRs, NOTAMs, and SUA information.
One of the standout features of the Stratux receiver is its portability. With the included suction mount, it can be easily mounted on any window, making it suitable for use with multiple iPads, iPhones, or Android tablets via WiFi. Additionally, its compatibility with popular EFBs like ForeFlight Synthetic Vision makes it a versatile tool for pilots.
While the battery life of 4 hours may be a slight drawback for longer flights, the rechargeable battery pack ensures uninterrupted usage for most flying scenarios.
Considering its comprehensive features, reliable performance, and excellent customer feedback, the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver is a must-have for any pilot. Its competitive price and 30-day return policy further enhance its appeal.
With all these factors in mind, I highly recommend the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver for pilots seeking a reliable and feature-packed aviation receiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver:
Q: What is ADS-B and why is it important for aviation?
A: ADS-B stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast. It is a technology that allows aircraft to transmit their precise position, altitude, and other data to air traffic control and other aircraft. This information is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient air traffic management. ADS-B is becoming mandatory in many regions around the world, so having a receiver like the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux is essential for pilots.
Q: Does the Stratux ADS-B Receiver come with everything I need to get started?
A: Yes, the package includes the Stratux ADS-B unit, antennas, battery pack, suction mount, and strap. The image on the product page shows everything that comes in the box, so you can see exactly what you will receive.
Q: Can I use the Stratux Receiver outside of North America?
A: The included maps are for North America, but the Stratux Receiver can be used in other regions as well. However, you may need to purchase additional maps or software to ensure compatibility with the aviation regulations and charts of your specific location.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: The battery pack included with the Stratux Receiver has a battery life of approximately 4 hours. This should be sufficient for most short flights. If you need longer battery life, you can also connect the receiver to a power source in your aircraft.
Q: Is the suction mount easy to install and secure?
A: Yes, the suction mount included with the Stratux Receiver is designed to be easy to install and provides a secure hold on your aircraft's windshield or other smooth surface. The package includes six total suction cups, with two extra cups provided after mounting the four primary cups.
Q: Are there any known connectivity issues with the Stratux Receiver?
A: While the majority of customers have reported positive experiences with the Stratux Receiver, there have been a few reports of connectivity issues. However, it's important to note that these issues may be influenced by various factors such as the location of use and external interference. If you encounter any connectivity problems, it is recommended to reach out to Crew Dog Electronics for support.
Q: Is the reception of the Stratux Receiver affected by the flying location?
A: Reception can vary depending on the flying location and environmental factors. One customer mentioned that they experienced weaker reception in Northern Nevada. It's always a good idea to check the coverage maps and consult with other pilots in your area to get a better understanding of the reception quality you can expect.
These frequently asked questions should address some of the common concerns you may have about the Crew Dog Electronics Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to the seller or consult the product's documentation.
