# AirScout Integration

> 🇬🇧 You are reading the English version | 🇩🇪 [Deutsche Version](de-AirScout-Integration)

AirScout (by DL2ALF) is a program for detecting aircraft for aircraft scatter operation. KST4Contest is tightly integrated with AirScout and shows reflectable aircraft directly in the user list.

> **Aircraft Scatter** enables very long-distance communication on VHF and higher – even for stations with low altitude above sea level or unfavourable topographic conditions.

---

## Downloading AirScout

Download AirScout from:
- http://airscout.eu/index.php/download

---

## Aircraft Data Feeds (ADSB)

Public aircraft data feeds on the internet are often unreliable and limited in use. A recommended alternative is the dedicated ADSB feed service provided by **OV3T (Thomas)**:

- https://airscatter.dk/
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/825093981868542

An account is required for this service. Please consider donating to Thomas – the server costs are not free!

---

## Setting Up AirScout

### Step 1: Configure the ADSB Feed in AirScout

1. Start AirScout.
2. Enter your OV3T feed account details (username, password, URL) in the AirScout settings.
![AirscoutStep1](as_plane_feed_1.png)
![AirscoutStep2](as_plane_feed_2.png)
3. Test the connection.

### Step 2: Enable UDP Communication for KST4Contest

In AirScout, enable the UDP interface:

- Activate the corresponding checkbox in the AirScout settings (only one checkbox needed).
- Do not change the default ports unless there is a specific reason.

### Step 3: KST4Contest Settings

In KST4Contest Preferences → **AirScout Settings**:
- Enable AirScout communication
- Leave IP and port at their default values (unless changed)
![AirscoutStep3](as_plane_feed_3.png)



---

## Communication Between KST4Contest and AirScout (from v1.263)

**Improvement in v1.263**: KST4Contest now only sends stations to AirScout whose QRB (distance) is less than the configured **maximum QRB**. The query interval has been extended from 12 seconds to **60 seconds**.

**Benefits:**
- Significantly less computation load for AirScout
- Significantly less message traffic
- The tracking issue with the "Show Path in AirScout" button is greatly improved
- Less overall CPU usage

Additionally: The name of the KST4Contest client and AirScout server was previously hardcoded (`KST` and `AS`). From v1.263, the names configured in the Preferences are used.

---

## Multiple KST4Contest Instances and AirScout

> **Note**: If multiple KST4Contest instances are running simultaneously and AirScout communication is enabled on both, AirScout will respond **to both instances**.

This is not a problem if:
- Both instances use the same locator, **or**
- Both instances have different login callsigns.

Otherwise, it may result in incorrect AP data.

---

## AP Column in the User List

After setup, an **AP column** appears in the user list showing up to two reflectable aircraft per station.

Example display:

| Station | AP Info |
|---|---|
| DF9QX | 2 Planes: 0 min / 0 min, 100% each |
| F5DYD | 2 Planes: 14 min / 31 min, 50% each |

AP information is also available in the **private messages window**.

The percentage indicates the reflection potential (aircraft size, altitude, distance).

---

## AP Variables in Messages

Aircraft data can be inserted directly into messages:

- `FIRSTAP` → e.g. `a very big AP in 1 min`
- `SECONDAP` → e.g. `Next big AP in 9 min`

Details: [Macros and Variables](Macros-and-Variables#variables)

---

## "Show Path in AirScout" Button

In the user list there is a button with an arrow showing the direction (QTF) to the selected station. Clicking it maximises AirScout and shows the path with reflectable aircraft to the selected contact.