Every plane overhead. Every flight number. Live ADS-B data on a 2,048-pixel LED matrix, wrapped in solid maple. No app. No device subscription.
Built on ESP32-S3 with a full-color 2,048-pixel LED matrix. Pulls live ADS-B data for overhead tracking, follows specific flight numbers, and supports multiple display modes, scenes, brightness settings, and filters — no app required.
| Display | 2,048-pixel LED matrix |
| Processor | ESP32-S3 |
| Data Source | Live ADS-B |
| Power | USB-C / 5V |
| Modes | Overhead, specific flight, Departure Board, scenes |
| Controls | Brightness, filters, tracking area |
| Updates | Free OTA, over Wi-Fi |
| Setup | Browser-based, no app |
| Frame | Solid maple |
Turn your tracker into a personal airport FIDS — showing live departures from any airport, right on your desk. Specific flight tracking and Departure Board mode use a low-cost FlightAware AeroAPI key that you add in the dashboard. If you do not want to create one, reach out and I will help make it work.
"I live under the SFO approach. Within 5 minutes I was reading every single plane. The LED display is incredibly crisp."
"The wooden frame looks amazing on my desk. My kids love pointing out the planes. Setup was genuinely under 5 minutes."
"Bought it as a gift for my dad who's a retired pilot. He was speechless. The detail — aircraft type, altitude, speed — is remarkable."
A short note on why some first-generation FlightTrackerLED boxes stopped updating, what changed, and the two ways I can help.
The first Flight Tracker boxes were Raspberry Pi based and used an earlier API path. Over time, the amount of API traffic those boxes generated became too expensive for me to keep paying for in the background.
The original data setup worked for a long time, but the cost and request volume kept growing. I had to move the platform to something more sustainable so I could keep supporting the boxes without the API bill getting out of hand.
Mach 2 now uses Airplanes.live as the main overhead data source, and the newer firmware is built around redundancy: documented data-source options, configurable providers, and a provider toggle in settings so the user can switch data sources if one API changes, gets expensive, or goes away.
I also have guides for open aviation APIs and alternate data sources, so owners are not locked into one backend forever. If a provider stops making sense, a new one can be switched on from settings without replacing the box.
The focus now is simple: no single data provider should be the whole product. If one API becomes too expensive or stops working, the box has another documented path, and OTA updates give me another way to keep it supported.
Get your Mach 2 connected and tracking flights in a few minutes. All you need is the included USB-C cable and a computer running Chrome or Edge.
Flight Tracker Mach 2 uses USB Web Serial for setup — no app downloads, accounts, or Bluetooth pairing needed. When the display first powers on, it cycles through setup instructions on the LED matrix.
The display will restart and connect. Once online, the LED matrix confirms the connection. You can unplug the USB cable from your computer — the tracker runs on its own from any standard 5V USB-C power source.
Open the built-in settings dashboard at the tracker's IP address, shown on the LED matrix at startup. You can use any device on the same Wi-Fi network for this step, including a phone or tablet.
Option A — Search by Address
Option B — Custom Area
Specific flight tracking and Departure Board mode need a FlightAware AeroAPI key. It is usually inexpensive for normal personal use, and it lets Mach 2 request live flight status and airport board data. Keep it private, just like a password.
Specific Flight Tracking
Departure Board
Your Mach 2 receives free OTA updates automatically — new features ship straight to your display over Wi-Fi.
The main Mach 2 scene. Set your home location, define the sky you care about, and watch nearby aircraft appear as live snapshots arrive.
Overhead Scanner uses your saved tracking area, altitude filters, and display preferences to show nearby flights on the LED matrix. The box publishes your settings, the cloud builds a fresh flight snapshot, and Mach 2 renders the current aircraft list locally.
Your dashboard stores a home point, a tracking boundary, airport code, brightness, and filters. When settings are saved, the box republishes them and waits for the next cloud snapshot.
Use the location search for a simple 20-mile area, pick the 40-mile preset for more traffic, or paste a bboxfinder.com boundary if you want precise control.
Adjust brightness, altitude range, distance, aircraft detail fields, and other display preferences from the local settings dashboard.
Give it a moment after saving. The box has to publish settings, receive a fresh snapshot, and apply it to the display.
Expand the area. If traffic is light, try the 40-mile preset or a larger custom boundary.
Check filters. A narrow altitude range or distance limit can hide flights that are otherwise available.
Check Wi-Fi and sync. If the dashboard says the box is waiting for a snapshot, leave it connected and refresh status after a few seconds.
Lock Mach 2 onto one flight number and follow its route, timing, status, aircraft, altitude, and speed as live data becomes available.
Enter a flight number like UA970, UAL970, AA100, or DAL123. Mach 2 saves the request, switches to the tracker scene, and updates as the cloud resolves the live flight and publishes status back to the box.
The tracker stores your requested flight number, uses the shared FlightAware cloud key when needed, and then follows the active flight as live data comes in.
Open the dashboard, go to Track Flight, enter the airline code plus number, and press Track. The scene may show searching while the first live snapshot loads.
Depending on the data available, the display can show callsign, route, aircraft type, flight status, estimated time remaining, altitude, and speed.
Give the scene time after switching. The box changes scenes first, then waits for the cloud to resolve and publish the live flight snapshot.
Check the identifier. Try the flight number exactly as shown on FlightAware, including the airline code.
Confirm the flight is active today. Future, canceled, or completed flights may not have live position data yet.
Check the cloud key. If the dashboard shows no FlightAware key, use Secure Submit or contact me and I will help get it working.
Turn Mach 2 into a small airport board for one airport and airline, with live departure status delivered through the shared FlightAware cloud key.
Choose an airport, choose an airline, pick a refresh interval, and start the scene. Mach 2 requests the latest departure board data and lays it out on the LED matrix like a miniature terminal display.
The dashboard asks for a 3-letter airport IATA code, like ORD, and a 3-letter airline ICAO code, like UAL. The board shows matching departures by time.
Enter the airport, airline, and refresh interval, press Save Settings, then start Departure Board. The first live result can take a moment to appear.
Start around 10-15 minutes for a normal desk display. Shorter intervals feel fresher; longer intervals reduce FlightAware API usage.
Wait after switching scenes. Departure Board may take a second before the box updates and the first live results appear.
Save settings first. Airport, airline, and refresh interval still need Save Settings before the scene has the latest values.
Check code types. Use airport IATA codes like ORD/LAX/JFK and airline ICAO codes like UAL/AAL/DAL.
Check the FlightAware key. If you do not want to create one or hit a snag, email or text me and I will help make it work.
FlightTrackerLED uses live aircraft data from Airplanes.live, an independent ADS-B and MLAT community built by aviation people, for aviation people.
A flight display is only as good as the network behind it. I chose Airplanes.live because they are independent, community-driven, and focused on keeping aircraft tracking useful for hobbyists, builders, researchers, journalists, emergency services, and anyone who simply loves watching the sky.
They are not trying to turn a shared hobby into someone else's locked-down asset. Their organization is structured around long-term access, community trust, and unfiltered aviation data instead of a quick exit to the highest bidder.
Most of us got into this because it is fun to look up, wonder where a plane is going, and share that curiosity with other people. Airplanes.live feels aligned with that version of the hobby: open, useful, enthusiast-led, and built to last.
Airplanes.live was formed by aviation enthusiasts and coders who wanted a stable home for aircraft tracking data. Their public commitment is that ownership cannot simply be sold, transferred, or taken over by one person.
Their network aggregates ADS-B, Mode S, and MLAT data from enthusiast receivers and makes it available through a live map and API, with a strong stance against unnecessary filtering or obfuscation.
The point is not to squeeze the hobby for maximum profit. The point is to keep the data accessible, useful, and available to the people who feed it, build with it, and care about it.
Mach 2 turns aircraft data into something physical: a small display on your desk, shelf, or nightstand that reacts to the aircraft moving through your sky. Airplanes.live provides the kind of independent aviation data backbone that makes that experience feel connected to the wider tracking community.
I want FlightTrackerLED to support groups that protect the hobby rather than extract from it. Airplanes.live is one of those groups.
FlightTrackerLED started as a personal project. It turned into something others wanted on their desks too.
I live under a busy flight path, and I have always looked up when a plane passes over — wondering where it is going, what airline it is, and what aircraft is making that sound. I wanted something on my desk that answered those questions the moment a flight appeared overhead.
Hardware, software, and carpentry have all been long-running passions of mine, and Mach 2 sits right at that intersection. The first prototype ran on a Raspberry Pi. It worked, but it was slow to boot, unreliable, and fussy to set up. I rebuilt it from scratch on ESP32-S3 for faster startup, lower power, and no SD card to corrupt, then built a maple enclosure because the object deserved to feel as good as the data.
There is no team, no office, and no factory line. It is just me. I hand make every single box, program each display, test it, pack it, and ship it myself. The best part is that I can keep building new scenes and features after it leaves my shop, then send them straight to your Mach 2 with OTA updates.
If the FlightAware key for specific flight tracking or Departure Board ever feels like a barrier, please email or text me. I care more about people getting to enjoy this than about making setup feel complicated, and I will help find a way to make it work.
Can't find your answer? Contact us and we'll help.
The original boxes used an earlier API path. Over time the request volume and API costs kept growing, and I needed a more sustainable setup so I could keep supporting customers without the bill getting out of hand.
Yes. Mach 2 uses Airplanes.live as the main overhead data source, runs on much more powerful hardware, and has OTA updates so fixes and provider changes can be shipped over Wi-Fi.
The newer setup has provider settings built in. A different data source can be switched on from settings, like a toggle, without replacing the box.
That is the goal. I am committed to keeping these boxes running as long as I can, and redundancy is the best path forward: multiple data options, open API guides, and OTA updates.
Flight Tracker Mach 2 is a handmade ESP32-S3 LED matrix display that tracks flights in real time. It shows planes flying overhead, lets you follow specific flight numbers, supports multiple display modes and scenes, and receives free over-the-air updates so it keeps improving after it arrives.
Plug the included USB-C cable into any standard 5V USB-C power source — no separate computer connection is needed after Wi-Fi setup.
There is no FlightTrackerLED device subscription, monthly fee, or hidden device cost. OTA updates and support are included. Some optional advanced modes, such as specific flight tracking and Departure Board, use a FlightAware AeroAPI key that you manage through FlightAware.
Every Mach 2 is individually assembled, programmed, tested, and quality-checked by hand before shipping. These are not mass-produced units; each display is built with care around the maple frame, LED matrix, and pre-installed controller.
Chrome and Edge on desktop support Web Serial. Safari, Firefox, and mobile browsers do not. After initial setup, any browser works for the settings dashboard.
The initial Wi-Fi setup requires a desktop or laptop running Chrome or Edge because mobile browsers do not support Web Serial. After the tracker is on Wi-Fi, you can open the settings dashboard from any device on your network, including a phone or tablet.
Search by address for an automatic 20-mile area, or go to bboxfinder.com to draw a custom boundary and paste the URL into the dashboard.
The tracker automatically re-enters setup mode when it can't connect. Plug it in via USB and re-enter your credentials at setup.flighttrackerled.com.
Yes. Enter any active flight number (e.g. UA123, BA456) in the settings dashboard. Your display follows that flight in real time — altitude, speed, route — until it lands.
Your tracker monitors live ADS-B flight data inside your configured tracking area. It shows nearby aircraft with details like airline, flight number, aircraft type, altitude, speed, and route as planes enter and leave your area.
Mach 2 supports multiple apps, scenes, and display modes from the settings dashboard, including overhead traffic, specific flight tracking, ambient scenes, and airport-style board features. New modes can arrive through free OTA updates.
The tracker checks for updates automatically over Wi-Fi. New features, modes, and fixes download and install in the background — no action required, always free.
Yes to both. Brightness is adjustable from the dashboard. You can also filter by altitude, distance, and aircraft type to see exactly what you want.
Yes. Departure Board and specific flight tracking use a FlightAware AeroAPI key that you add in the dashboard. For normal personal use it is usually a cheap key, and you can start with a 10-15 minute refresh interval to limit API usage. If you cannot afford one or simply do not want to create one, email or text me and I will help make it work for you.
Worldwide. Each unit is handmade to order — please allow a few business days for assembly and testing. International orders may be subject to customs duties.
We want you to be completely happy. If something isn't right, contact us and we'll make it right.
USB-C, 5V. Any standard USB-C charger works — phone charger, computer, or USB wall adapter. Once Wi-Fi is configured, it runs on its own with no computer attached.
Every Mach 2 includes direct lifetime support from me. There is no outsourced support queue. If you run into setup, configuration, FlightAware, or tracking issues, contact me. I am available day and night and will help you get sorted.
Still have questions?
Plain-language order, shipping, return, and support terms for FlightTrackerLED.
Please note: Every FlightTrackerLED display is handmade to order by a single maker. Each unit is built, programmed, and tested by hand before it ships, so processing times can vary depending on order volume and component availability. I always work to get orders out as soon as possible.
Because each FlightTrackerLED is built individually, please allow 3-10 business days for your order to be assembled, programmed, and tested before it ships. Most orders ship sooner, but during periods of high demand or limited component supply, processing may take longer. If your order requires extended processing time, I will contact you by email at the address provided at checkout.
Once your order ships, you will receive a shipment confirmation email with the carrier and tracking number. Please allow 24 hours for tracking updates to appear in the carrier system after the label is created.
It is the customer's responsibility to provide a complete and accurate shipping address at checkout. FlightTrackerLED ships to the address provided on the order. If a package is returned as undeliverable because of an incorrect or incomplete address, the customer is responsible for the cost of re-shipping.
If tracking shows your package as delivered but you have not received it, please first check with neighbors, family members, your front desk or building manager, and your local post office. If you still cannot locate it, contact john@flighttrackerled.com within 7 days of the marked delivery date so I can help open a carrier investigation.
If your package arrives damaged, contact me within 7 days of delivery with photos of the packaging and the product. I will work with you to repair, replace, or otherwise make it right.
Every FlightTrackerLED is tested before it ships. If you run into setup difficulty, please reach out. I respond as quickly as possible and will help you get your display working.
Because each unit is built individually for the customer, FlightTrackerLED does not maintain a same-day shipping inventory. Thank you for your patience and for supporting a small, owner-operated maker business.
FlightTrackerLED displays are handmade to order by a single maker. Each unit is built, programmed, and tested by hand for the customer who ordered it. I stand behind every unit shipped and want every customer to enjoy theirs.
You may request a return or refund within 30 days of the delivery date of your order. Requests received after 30 days from delivery are not eligible for return or refund except where required by applicable law, or at my discretion in cases of clear product defect.
If your unit arrives damaged or has a manufacturing defect, please contact john@flighttrackerled.com within 7 days of delivery with photos of the packaging and the product. I will repair, replace, or refund as appropriate at no additional cost to you.
Many "it doesn't work" reports turn out to be straightforward setup questions. Before requesting a return, please contact me. I routinely walk customers through setup, and where a customer's unit cannot be made to work remotely, I will offer a free repair, replacement, or upgrade. Most setup issues are resolved without any return being necessary.
Once a returned unit is received and inspected, I will notify you of the outcome. Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method, typically within 3-7 business days of inspection. Original shipping charges are non-refundable.
Customers who experience an issue are asked to please contact john@flighttrackerled.com first. As a small, owner-operated maker business, I will always work in good faith to repair, replace, or refund promptly. Filing a chargeback before contacting me, or while remediation has already been offered and accepted, prevents me from helping resolve the issue and may delay the resolution.
For any return question or special request, please email john@flighttrackerled.com. I aim to respond within one business day.
A finished handmade flight tracker display for live overhead tracking, specific flight tracking, Departure Board mode, scenes, filters, and free OTA improvements.
Live ADS-B flight tracking on a 2,048-pixel full-color LED matrix. Watch overhead aircraft, follow specific flight numbers, open Departure Board mode, switch display modes, adjust brightness, and filter what appears. Set up in minutes, configure from any browser, and get free OTA updates for life.
Track individual flights by flight number, watch planes overhead in real time, open Departure Board mode, or switch to one of the built-in display modes. Mach 2 runs on ESP32-S3 and gets free OTA updates so it keeps improving after it arrives.
Enter a flight number and follow a specific flight in real time, or let Mach 2 scan for aircraft passing through your area automatically.
Switch between apps, scenes, and visualizations, including Departure Board, clock, weather, custom text, and more.
New features and improvements ship over the air. Your display keeps getting better long after it arrives.
Adjust brightness, filters, tracking zones, and display preferences so the display fits your space exactly.
Mach 2 connects to Wi-Fi through the browser setup tool at setup.flighttrackerled.com, then pulls live flight data from ADS-B sources and displays it on a 2,048-pixel LED matrix. After it is on your network, use the built-in settings page to configure location, modes, filters, and brightness.
Plug Mach 2 into your computer with USB-C, open setup.flighttrackerled.com in Chrome or Edge, then connect the display to Wi-Fi.
Once Mach 2 is online, open its settings page from the same Wi-Fi network to set your location, tracking zone, brightness, filters, display mode, and Departure Board preferences.
Aircraft data streams in real time from ADS-B sources, including flight numbers, airlines, altitude, speed, and aircraft type.
Enter any flight number to follow a specific plane. The display shows its route and status until it lands or leaves range.
A replacement ESP32-S3 controller and USB-C power setup for people who already own a legacy FlightTrackerLED box and want the newer Mach 2 electronics.
For owners of the legacy Raspberry Pi-based FlightTrackerLED box. Keep your existing LED matrix and enclosure, remove the Raspberry Pi wiring, connect the HUB75 ribbon and power leads to the new ESP32-S3 board, then power it up over USB-C.
This kit is only for existing owners of the legacy FlightTrackerLED box. If you are unsure, message me first with your order number before purchasing.
The Drop In kit is meant to make the upgrade as simple as possible for legacy boxes. You are not rebuilding the enclosure or replacing the LED matrix. You are moving the existing HUB75 and power connections from the Raspberry Pi setup to the Mach 2 ESP32-S3 controller.
Power down the box, then disconnect the current HUB75 ribbon and power wiring from the Raspberry Pi hardware.
Plug the existing HUB75 ribbon and display power leads into the new ESP32-S3 controller board.
Connect USB-C power, boot the board, and use the current setup flow to get it onto Wi-Fi.
Set your location, modes, filters, brightness, and FlightAware key, then keep getting Mach 2 OTA updates.
The same handcrafted wood display hardware as a blank canvas for your own code. No pre-loaded apps. No refunds. Built for developers and makers.
Your canvas, your code. This is finished hardware — screen, frame, controller, and power — ready for you to build whatever you want. Flash your own firmware, build your own apps, or use the included development infrastructure to get started faster.
Dev Kits are sold out right now. Tell me what you want to build and I will get back to you within 12 hours.
Questions about setup, your order, or anything else — we'll get back to you fast.
Every Mach 2 comes with direct lifetime support from me. If you need help with setup, FlightAware, a specific flight, Departure Board, or anything else, email or text me. I am available day and night and will always help, which is not something every flight box on the market can say.
The Mach 2 Drop In kit is sold only to people who already own a legacy FlightTrackerLED box. Please verify your purchase before checking out.
Dev Kits are limited and built by hand. Send your name, email, and what you plan to do with the box. I will get back to you within 12 hours.