Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome! This guide shows you how to set up Wi-Fi, manage settings, and get secure support for your Flight Tracker LED Matrix.

 

Quick Start (Wi-Fi Setup with Remote.it)

1. Power on
Plug in your Flight Tracker and wait about 60–90 seconds for it to boot.

2. Get Remote.it ready

3. Scan for your device

  • In the Remote.it app/browser, choose Add Device / Set Up Wi-Fi via Bluetooth (BLE Onboarding Guide).

  • Tap Scan for Bluetooth devices.

  • You should see Raspberry Pi appear in the list.

  • Select it to begin setup.

4. Enter Wi-Fi details manually

  • Important: The Wi-Fi scan does not work. You must manually type in your Wi-Fi SSID (network name) and password.

  • Make sure the SSID is exact (case-sensitive, no typos).

5. Register your device

  • Tap Register after entering your SSID/password.

  • Do not close or click away from the Remote.it app/browser until registration completes.

  • If you exit early, the setup may fail.

6. Verify connection

  • Once registration finishes, your Flight Tracker will connect to Wi-Fi.

  • From there, open http://raspberrypi.local:5000 (on the same Wi-Fi) to access your settings dashboard.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

  • Change Wi-Fi later → Repeat the Bluetooth onboarding steps in Remote.it, scan for your Raspberry Pi, and re-enter your new SSID/password.

  • Wrong password → The device will return to setup mode after ~1–2 minutes. Just scan again and re-enter.

  • Device not showing → Ensure the Pi is powered for 90+ seconds, toggle Bluetooth on your phone/computer, and scan again.

 

Helpful Links

How to Share Your Device for Support (No SSH)

If you ever need to share your Flight Tracker with us for troubleshooting, you can do this securely in the Remote.it app. No SSH setup is required.

  1. Open Remote.it

    • Use the Remote.it mobile app (iOS/Android) or log in at app.remote.it.

    • Make sure your Flight Tracker device is already paired and visible in your account.

  2. Go to your device

    • In the device list, select your Raspberry Pi / Flight Tracker.

    • You’ll see the services (like SSH, web, etc.) attached to the device.

  3. Choose “Share”

    • Next to the device or service, click Share.

    • Enter the email address we provide you for support.

    • Set the access level and duration (temporary access is recommended).

  4. Confirm and send

    • Once shared, the device will appear in our Remote.it account and we’ll be able to connect through Remote.it only.

    • You can stop sharing at any time from the same menu.

🔗 For detailed instructions with screenshots, see Remote.it’s official guide: Sharing Individual Devices/Services

Settings & Customization

Access the dashboard at http://raspberrypi.local:5000 (must be on the same Wi-Fi network).

  • Home Coordinates: Enter latitude/longitude and altitude.

  • Display Area (Boundary Box): Paste a GeoJSON rectangle and extract coordinates.

  • Altitude Filter: Set minimum/maximum flight altitude.

  • Brightness: Use the slider to adjust instantly.

  • Weather Location: Auto-detect or type your nearest major city.

  • Airport Emphasis: Bold flights to/from a specific ICAO (e.g., KORD).

  • Timezone: Pick your local timezone (e.g., US/Central).

Updates & Reliability

  • Automatic Updates: Devices can receive remote software improvements and fixes.

  • Network Resilience: If Wi-Fi drops, the device will re-enter setup mode so you can reconnect quickly.

  • Power Cycles: You can safely unplug/replug. On boot, it will try your saved Wi-Fi first.

Troubleshooting

I can’t reach http://raspberrypi.local:5000.

  • Make sure your phone/computer is on the same Wi-Fi.

  • Try the device’s IP address from your router’s client list.

  • Power-cycle the device and wait 90 seconds.

Bluetooth onboarding isn’t showing.

  • Toggle Bluetooth on your phone/computer.

  • Reboot the device.

  • If you previously set Wi-Fi, repeat onboarding to replace the old credentials.

Still stuck?
Grant temporary support (see Secure, Permissioned Support) and we’ll take a look. You can revoke access immediately after.

General Questions

What is the Flight Tracker LED Matrix?

The Flight Tracker LED Matrix is a custom-built device that displays real-time flight information for aircraft flying over your specified location. It combines innovative technology with a retro aesthetic to provide aviation enthusiasts with a unique way to monitor air traffic.

How does the Flight Tracker work?

The device tracks flights within a defined geographical area (boundary box) that you set. It uses your home coordinates and altitude to pinpoint your location and displays flights that are within the specified altitude range. Flight details continuously scroll at the bottom of the display, and if multiple flights are overhead, the device cycles through them, indicating the sequence (e.g., 1/2, 1/3).

Setup and Configuration

How do I access the Flight Tracker settings?

To configure your device settings, navigate to:

Ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer or mobile device.

How do I set my home coordinates?

  1. Find Your Coordinates:

    • Use a website like Google Maps to drop a pin on your exact location.
    • Note down the latitude and longitude values.

  2. Enter Coordinates on the Device:

    • Access the Flight Tracker Settings page at http://raspberrypi.local:5000/.
    • Input your latitude and longitude in the respective fields.
    • Enter your altitude in feet.
    • Click on Set Home Coordinates to save.

How do I configure the boundary box?

  1. Generate GeoJSON Data:

    • Visit a GeoJSON tool like GeoJSON.io.
    • Navigate to your location on the map.
    • Select Draw Rectangular Polygon and draw your desired boundary box.

  2. Copy the GeoJSON String:

    • Ensure you copy the entire GeoJSON string, including the curly braces.
    • Remove any extra pins or overlapping elements to avoid errors.

  3. Input GeoJSON into the Device:

    • On the Flight Tracker Settings page, paste your GeoJSON string into the Paste GeoJSON here field.
    • Click Extract Coordinates to populate the boundary box fields.
    • Review the extracted coordinates:
      • Top-Left Latitude and Longitude
      • Bottom-Right Latitude and Longitude
    • Click on Set Boundary Box to apply the changes.

How do I set the minimum and maximum altitude?

  1. Navigate to the Altitude Settings:

    • On the Flight Tracker Settings page, locate the Configure Min and Max Ceiling (Altitude) section.

  2. Enter Altitude Values:

    • Input your desired Minimum Altitude and Maximum Altitude in feet.
    • This sets the altitude range for tracking flights.

  3. Save the Settings:

    • Click on Set Min and Max Ceiling to save your altitude preferences.

How do I adjust the brightness?

  1. Locate Brightness Settings:

    • Find the Adjust Brightness section on the settings page.

  2. Set Brightness Level:

    • Use the slider or input field to select your preferred brightness level (0-100).
    • The Current Brightness value will display your selection.

  3. Apply Changes:

    • Click on Set Brightness to update the device display.

How do I set the weather location?

  1. Find Your Weather Location:

    • The device attempts to detect your location automatically.
    • If the detected location is incorrect, manually enter the nearest major city.

  2. Update Weather Settings:

    • In the Weather Location section, input your city name.
    • Click on Set Weather Location to save.

  3. Note:

    • If weather information is displaying incorrectly, try entering a nearby large city for more accurate data.

How do I bold specific airport codes?

  1. Access the Airport Code Settings:

    • Locate the Bold Airport Code section on the settings page.

  2. Enter the Airport ICAO Code:

    • Input the four-letter ICAO code of the airport you wish to highlight (e.g., KORD for Chicago O'Hare International Airport).

  3. Save the Preference:

    • The device will now display the specified airport code in bold for all flights to and from that airport.

How do I select the correct timezone?

  1. Timezone Selection:

    • In the Select Timezone section, choose your timezone from the dropdown menu (e.g., US/Central).

  2. Apply Timezone:

    • Click on Set Timezone to update the device's time settings.

Using the Device

How do flights appear on the display?

  • Flight Information:

    • The device displays the ICAO airport codes for flights within your boundary box and altitude range.
    • Flight details, such as airline and flight number, scroll continuously at the bottom of the display.

What do the numbers like 1/2 or 1/3 mean on the display?

  • Multiple Flights Indicator:

    • If multiple flights are overhead, the device cycles through each one.
    • The numbers indicate the current flight's position in the sequence (e.g., 1/2 means the first of two flights).

How does the scrolling flight details work?

  • Continuous Update:

    • Flight details scroll at the bottom of the display, providing real-time updates.
    • Information includes flight number, airline, and other relevant data.

When does a flight stop displaying?

  • Boundary Exit:

    • A flight will stop displaying once it exits your defined boundary box.
    • The device automatically updates to reflect only the flights currently within your specified area.

Additional Troubleshooting

I can't access the Flight Tracker settings page. What should I do?

  • Ensure Device is Connected to Wi-Fi:

    • Confirm that the device is connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
    • Verify by checking if the display shows the current time and temperature.

  • Access via IP Address:

    • If http://raspberrypi.local:5000/ doesn't work, try accessing the device using its IP address.
    • You can find the IP address by checking your router's connected devices list.

Weather information is incorrect or not displaying. How do I fix this?

  • Update Weather Location:

    • Enter the name of the nearest major city in the Weather Location settings.
    • Click Set Weather Location.

The airport code isn't displaying in bold. What can I do?

  • Verify ICAO Code:

    • Ensure you've entered the correct four-letter ICAO code in the Bold Airport Code section.
    • Click Save to apply changes.

The display brightness isn't changing.

  • Adjust Brightness Settings:

    • Confirm you've set the brightness level between 0-100.
    • Click Set Brightness after adjusting the slider.

Additional Questions

Can I track flights outside my immediate area?

  • Yes:

    • By adjusting the boundary box coordinates and altitude range, you can customize the area and flights you wish to monitor.

How do I update the device firmware or software?

  • Updates:

    • Instructions for updates will be provided as new versions become available.
    • Stay tuned for announcements regarding software enhancements.

Is there a way to reset all settings to default?

  • Factory Reset:

    • A factory reset option may be available in the device settings.
    • Refer to the user manual or contact support for assistance.

How do I get support if I'm experiencing issues not covered here?

  • Free Lifetime Support:

    • Reach out to our support team via email or phone.
    • We're committed to assisting you with any questions or issues you may have.

Thank you for choosing the Flight Tracker LED Matrix. We hope this FAQ has helped you set up and enjoy your new device. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.