Real-time aircraft tracking for your desktop — powered by OpenSky Network. Based on a project from MakerWorld.com, FlightDeskRadar Pro by KORNect: https://makerworld.com/en/models/2893782-flightdeskradar-pro#profileId-3233701
- [DEVICE PIN: 1234 ]
- Overview
- Features
- Hardware Requirements
- Software Requirements
- First-Time Setup
- Settings & Customization
- Usage
- Troubleshooting
- License
DeskRadar Pro is a desktop aircraft tracking device that displays live flight data in real time using the free OpenSky Network API. It renders nearby planes on a customizable map grid centered on your configured coordinates, making it ideal for aviation enthusiasts, hobbyists, and desk setups.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 🛩️ Active Plane Tracking | Live aircraft data via the free OpenSky Network API |
| 🔢 Custom Plane Count | Display between 5 and 20 planes simultaneously |
| 📡 Adjustable Range | Track aircraft within 50 km to 300 km of your location |
| 🟦 Square Grid Toggle | Enable or disable the map grid overlay with a toggle switch |
| 🔲 Grid Transparency | Fine-tune grid opacity using a dedicated transparency slider |
| 📍 Custom Coordinates | Set any latitude/longitude as your tracking center point |
| 📶 WiFi Connected | Connects to your home WiFi network for live data |
| 🔑 API Key Support | Placeholder slot for your OpenSky API key on first-time setup |
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Board / Display | ESP32-2432S028R ("Cheap Yellow Display" / CYD) |
| Processor | ESP32 dual-core, 240 MHz |
| Display | 2.8" TFT LCD, 240×320 resolution, ILI9341 driver |
| Connectivity | Built-in WiFi (2.4 GHz) & Bluetooth |
| Touch | Resistive touchscreen (XPT2046 controller) |
| Power | USB-C power cable and adapter |
| Network | WiFi-enabled home network (2.4 GHz) |
| Mounting | Stable surface or compatible 3D-printed enclosure |
- DeskRadar ProUp firmware (pre-installed)
- OpenSky Network account (free — for API key generation)
- Compatible mobile or desktop configuration app (for initial setup)
- Power on your DeskRadar Pro device.
- On first boot, the device will broadcast a temporary setup hotspot named
DeskRadar-Setup. - Connect your phone or computer to this hotspot.
- Open a browser and navigate to
192.168.4.1. - Select your home WiFi network from the list and enter your WiFi password.
- The device will reboot and connect to your home network automatically.
Note: DeskRadar Pro supports WPA2/WPA3 secured networks. Guest networks with client isolation may prevent API communication.
DeskRadar ProUp uses the free OpenSky Network API for live aircraft data. An API key is optional but recommended for higher request limits.
To generate your free API key:
- Visit https://opensky-network.org/ and create a free account.
- Log in and navigate to My Profile → API Credentials.
- Copy your username and password — these serve as your API credentials.
- In the DeskRadar Pro settings menu, locate API Configuration.
- Enter your OpenSky credentials in the provided fields:
OpenSky Username: [ YOUR_USERNAME_HERE ]
OpenSky Password: [ YOUR_PASSWORD_HERE ]
Tip: Without credentials, DeskRadar Pro will use the anonymous OpenSky endpoint, which has lower rate limits (≈ 400 requests/day). Registered accounts receive significantly higher limits.
Set your tracking center point using latitude and longitude coordinates.
- Open Settings → Location → Custom Coordinates.
- Enter your desired coordinates:
O'Hare Airport
Latitude: [ e.g., 41.979774 ]
Longitude: [ e.g., -87.909093 ]
- Tap Save & Apply. The map will re-center on your new location immediately.
Tip: Use Google Maps or latlong.net to look up precise coordinates for your location.
Control how many aircraft are displayed at once.
- Range:
5to20planes - Default:
10 - Location: Settings → Display → Max Planes
Planes are prioritized by proximity to your center coordinates. When more aircraft are in range than your set limit, the closest ones are shown first.
Adjust the radius around your center point that DeskRadar Pro monitors.
- Range:
50 kmto300 km - Default:
150 km - Location: Settings → Radar → Detection Range
Larger ranges increase the number of aircraft visible but may reach API rate limits faster on anonymous connections.
DeskRadar ProUp includes a square map grid overlay for spatial reference.
- Location: Settings → Display → Grid Overlay → Enable/Disable
- Flip the toggle switch to instantly show or hide the grid.
- Location: Settings → Display → Grid Overlay → Opacity
- Slide left for a more transparent grid, right for a fully opaque grid.
- Range:
0%(invisible) to100%(fully visible) - Default:
40%
Once setup is complete, DeskRadar Pro operates automatically:
- Power on the device — it connects to WiFi and begins fetching live data.
- The display renders all aircraft within your configured range on the grid.
- Each blip shows:
✈️ Flight callsign / ICAO identifier- 📍 Current position on grid
- 🔼 Altitude (meters or feet, configurable)
- 🧭 Heading direction indicator
- Data refreshes automatically every 15–30 seconds depending on your API tier.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No planes displayed | Out of API rate limit or no flights in range | Wait 60 seconds or reduce tracking range |
| Device not connecting to WiFi | Incorrect password or unsupported network | Re-run WiFi setup via the setup hotspot |
| Stale / frozen data | Lost internet connection | Check WiFi connection; reboot device |
| Grid not appearing | Grid toggle is off | Enable via Settings → Display → Grid Overlay |
| Coordinates not saving | Input format error | Use decimal format (e.g., 41.979774, -87.909093) |
| API key not accepted | Incorrect credentials | Double-check username/password on opensky-network.org |
DeskRadar Pro is a personal/hobbyist project. All flight data is sourced from the OpenSky Network, which is made available under the OpenSky Network Terms of Use.
README last updated: July 2026 · DeskRadar Pro