Neuron Beta Launch Information
Our Story
The UK has a history of pioneering inventions in aviation, from the invention of the jet engine, to the world's first supersonic airliner. Neuron's UK based team felt compelled to continue this long tradition, to solve one of the biggest challenges plaguing the industry...the integration of drones into our airspace.
4 years ago, Neuron's founders assembled a team of experts, and set itself the ambitious target of building a flight tracking network that could meet technical, economic and regulatory requirements, whilst upholding our values of being open, accessible to anyone, and owned by the community.
The journey hasn't been easy! We built products, broke them, rebuilt them, and tested them. We've worked with regulators, airports, drone operators, general aviation pilots, and end users. And we have demonstrated live drone flights to packed audiences at Cranfield University's DARTeC research facility.
This work has all been working towards the aviation singularity...to fulfil the final part of our promise...to hand ownership over to the community. This is now your chance to become part of aviation history!
How It Works?
The Neuron Node SDK turns the Airsquitter sensor and the 4DSKY web application into Neuron Network nodes that communicate peer-to-peer. Both nodes and the explorer are connected to the Hedera testnet that provides a range of decentralised services that ensure the network remains open, and community governed.
Any other software applications (customers) can join the network with an SDK integration (permissionless) or obtain data feeds via the 4DSKY server's APIs with an enterprise account subscription.
The Neuron suite of products comprises of 3 key user interfaces:
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The Customer: 4DSKY Flight Tracking Software
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The Service Provider: Jetvision Airsquitter Sensor
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The Explorer: Registration System & 'Everything Map'
Why are you running a beta?
Neuron is launching its peer-to-peer network on the Hedera public testnet, and is looking for up to 30 participants from around the world to help us:
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Collect feedback on the product and user interfaces
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Improve and develop new features
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Develop a small global presence of sensors
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Test and debug the software to increase reliability
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Improve the incentivisation model before mainnet
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We expect the beta program to last approximately 2-3 months, and once completed, we plan to open the project to anyone.
Am I eligible to take part?
Beta program applications are open to anyone, in any country we can post a sensor to, who can meet the following requirements:
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Be willing to purchase a sensor (£499 + postage)
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Have a suitable installation point (more info below)
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Be able to install the sensor within 3 weeks of receipt
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Have mains power and high-speed broadband internet
The following attributes will be desirable, but not essential:
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You are technically competent with hardware/ Linux command line
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Your location is near drone/ aviation activities
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You like sharing stuff on social media to help spread the word
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You are proactive and like to provide feedback and improve things
Sensor & installation
Neuron has teamed up with German flight tracking sensor experts, Jetvision, to provide you with one of the best aviation sensors you can buy within this price bracket. We have spent years testing a number of sensors to ensure suitability. The sensor can detect mode-S, mlat, ADS-B, and either Flarm (OGN) or UAT (region specific) signals from aircraft.
Please note: This is not a cheap hobby sensor that you may see on other projects you may be aware of. It is a professional sensor, being used at various airports and on drone projects around the world.
The sensor package consists of:
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Airsquitter receiver (red box) integrated with Neuron SDK
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2 x antennas (1090mhz, and 868mhz or 978mhz - region specific)
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Ethernet, power and antenna cables
(Mounting brackets and wi-fi repeaters are not included)
The Airsquitter receiver must be mounted in an indoor environment, ideally close to a power socket and ethernet port. The antennas must be installed in a location with minimal obstructions of the sky, ideally on a roof or mast, although inside an attic roof is acceptable. The antenna cables should not be more than 30m in length (ideally <20m).
Internet should be provided via ethernet, not LTE, either directly into your internet router, or plugged into a wi-fi extender. The device does have its own wi-fi, but using this will limit the number of peer to peer connections you can serve at any one time.
What are the benefits?
Apart from bragging rights for being involved in one of the coolest opensource projects ever, and being part of aviation history, there are a number of other benefits in applying to the beta programme!
Discount on sensors
Due to us making a bulk order, we have managed to obtain a 15% discount off the sensor's online price. We are passing this discount straight onto you . We will not be making any money from selling you these sensors! This reduces the overall cost to £499/ unit + postage (about $620).
Free 4DSKY premium
To thank you for taking part in the beta programme, Neuron will provide all participants with a free subscription to 4DSKY premium for at least 12 months. Upcoming features will include enhanced tools to model sensor coverage, allowing you to evidence your sensors performance.
Improve local coverage
By installing sensors, you will increase surveillance capability in your local area, increasing safety for aviators and helping to enable drone activities. If you fly drones, you can use the sensors on your own projects, or if not, you can help support other peoples projects.
Earn loyalty points
Loyalty points will be earnt by beta participants for contributing high quality data to 4DSKY. Loyalty point rewards will be calculated based on the performance of your sensor. Upon mainnet launch we will airdrop tokens to you based on the number of loyalty points you have accumulated.
In addition to the above, beta testers will be invited to a private Discord channel to help communication, share ideas and provide feedback.