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ASDE-X

An ASDE-X display
Fig. 1 - An ASDE-X display

Airport Surface Detection System - Model X (ASDE-X) is a ground radar system used at major airports across the NAS. CRC's ASDE-X displays closely simulate the real-world system used by the FAA. It is intended for use by clearance delivery, ground, and local controllers at equipped facilities.

Contents

Display Map

The ASDE-X Display Map depicts the airport's runways, taxiways, ramp areas, and structures.

To reposition the Display Map:
  1. Hold down the right mouse button and drag the Display Map to the desired position

or

  1. Left-click the MAP RPOS button on the Main DCB menu or the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Use the mouse to position the Display Map to the desired position
  3. Left-click

or

  1. Press F8
  2. Use the mouse to position the Display Map to the desired position
  3. Left-click
To change the Display Map's range:
  1. Use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom in or out from the display's center

or

  1. Hold Alt and use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom in or out from the cursor's position

or

  1. Left-click the RANGE button on the Main DCB menu or the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Scroll to set the desired range
  3. Left-click or press Enter

or

  1. Left-click the RANGE button on the Main DCB menu or the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Type the desired range (6-300)
  3. Press Enter
To change the Display Map's orientation:
  1. Hold Shift and use the mouse scroll wheel to rotate the display

or

  1. Left-click the ROTATE button on the Main DCB menu or the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Scroll to set the desired orientation
  3. Left-click or press Enter

or

  1. Left-click the ROTATE button on the Main DCB menu or the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Type the desired orientation (0-359)
  3. Press Enter

The night color scheme
Fig. 2 - The night color scheme

The Display Map can be shifted between day and night color schemes.

To change the Display Map's color scheme:
  1. Left-click the DAY/NITE button on the Main DCB menu

or

  1. Press F10

Targets

There are four types of radar Targets displayed in ASDE-X:

Table 1 - ASDE-X Target icons
Unknown Aircraft Heavy Aircraft Suspended
Unknown target Aircraft target Heavy aircraft target Suspended target

An unknown Target is displayed when no information is known about a Target, such as when an aircraft's transponder is in the off/standby mode.

An aircraft or heavy aircraft Target is displayed for an aircraft based on the aircraft's category (field G of the aircraft's Data Block).

Boeing 757s are depicted by heavy aircraft Targets.

A suspended Target is displayed for a suspended Track. The suspended Track's letter ID (as displayed in the Coast/Suspend List) is also displayed on the associated suspended Target.

Target History

A Target history trail
Fig. 3 - A Target history trail

Target history trails are enabled by left-clicking the HISTORY ON/OFF button on the Tools DCB submenu.

To set the number of displayed history data points:
  1. Left-click the HISTORY button on the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Scroll to set the desired value
  3. Left-click or press Enter

or

  1. Left-click the HISTORY button on the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Type the desired value (1-7)
  3. Press Enter

Target Vector Lines

A Target with a velocity vector line
Fig. 4 - A Target with a velocity vector line

Target velocity vector lines are enabled by left-clicking the VECTOR ON/OFF button on the Main DCB menu.

To set the length of Target velocity vector lines:
  1. Left-click the VECTOR button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Scroll to set the desired value
  3. Left-click or press Enter

or

  1. Left-click the VECTOR button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Type the desired value (1-20)
  3. Press Enter

Data Blocks

A Data Block displaying all standard fields
Fig. 5 - A Data Block displaying all standard fields

Data Blocks are attached to aircraft and heavy aircraft Targets and contain information regarding that aircraft's Track.

To toggle an aircraft's Data Block:
  1. Left-click on the aircraft's Target
To toggle all Data Blocks:
  1. Left-click the DB ON/OFF button on the Main DCB menu

or

  1. Press F6

An aircraft's Data Block is hidden if the aircraft enters a Data Block Off Area.

To set the length of all Data Block leader lines:
  1. Left-click the LDR LNG button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Scroll to set the desired length
  3. Left-click or press Enter

or

  1. Left-click the LDR LNG button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Type the desired leader length (1-15)
  3. Press Enter

or

  1. Press /
  2. Type the desired leader length (1-15)
  3. Press Enter

Leader lengths cannot be set on a per-Data Block basis, though an aircraft's Data Block's leader length may be altered if the aircraft enters a Data Block Trait Area.

To set the position of all Data Blocks:
  1. Type one of the valid inputs from Table 2
  2. Press Enter
To set the position of a single Data Block:
  1. Type one of the valid inputs from Table 2
  2. Left-click the Data Block's Target
Table 2 - Data Block positions
Input Data Block Position
1 SW
2 S
3 SE
4 W
6 E
7 NW
8 N
9 NE

An aircraft's Data Block's position may be altered if the aircraft enters a Data Block Trait Area.

Data Blocks contain the following fields:

Table 3 - Data Block fields
Field Line Field Content
A Line 0 Track status
B Line 1 Callsign
C Line 1 Beacon code (hidden if under field B)
D Line 1 Altitude
E Line 1 Sensor coverage
F Line 2 Aircraft type
G Line 2 Aircraft category (timeshares with fields J and K)
H Line 2 Paired fix or departure gate information (timeshares with fields J and K)
I Line 2 Velocity (timeshares with fields J and K)
J Line 2 Scratchpad area 1 (timeshares with fields F, G, H, and I)
K Line 2 Scratchpad area 2 (timeshares with fields F, G, H, and I)

Field A - Track Status

If ASDE-X detects a new Target with a beacon code identical to one already associated with another Target, then field A of both Data Blocks displays DUP BCN.

Field B - Callsign

When an aircraft squawks the beacon code assigned to its flight plan, field B displays the aircraft's callsign (ACID).

Field C - Beacon Code

If an aircraft is not squawking the beacon code assigned to its flight plan, or if no flight plan exists for the aircraft, the aircraft's currently squawked beacon code is displayed.

To temporarily display an aircraft's beacon code:
  1. Press F7 to initiate a Multifunction command
  2. Press B
  3. Left-click on an aircraft Target

Field D - Altitude

The aircraft's altitude in 100s of feet. If no altitude is available, XXX is displayed.

Field E - Sensor Coverage

For the purposes of VATSIM, an aircraft's sensor coverage is always FUS unless the Track is coasted, in which case CST is displayed.

If an aircraft's Track is coasted, field E is always displayed, even if disabled on the Data Block Edit DCB submenu or by a Data Block Trait Area.

Field F - Aircraft Type

The aircraft type filed in the aircraft's flight plan.

Field G - Aircraft Category

An aircraft's category is assigned as listed in Table 4 for facilities without CWT, or Table 5 for facilities with CWT. The aircraft category also dictates which Target icon is displayed.

Table 4 - Aircraft categories - no CWT
Category Description Target Icon
T TCAS (Traffic Alert & Collision Avoidance System) Aircraft
B Heavy and TCAS Heavy Aircraft
L B757 and TCAS Heavy Aircraft
J Super Heavy Aircraft
V VFR Aircraft
W Heavy and VFR Heavy Aircraft

For the purposes of VATSIM, all non-piston aircraft are assumed to have TCAS.

Table 5 - Aircraft categories - CWT
Category Description Target Icon
A Super Heavy Aircraft
B Upper Heavy Heavy Aircraft
C Lower Heavy Heavy Aircraft
D Non-Pairwise Heavy Heavy Aircraft
E B757 Heavy Aircraft
F Upper Large Aircraft
G Lower Large Aircraft
H Upper Small > 15,400 lbs Aircraft
I Lower Small < 15,400 lbs Aircraft

Field H - Paired Fix or Departure Gate Information

An aircraft's three-letter fix ID is determined by the routing and destination in the aircraft's flight plan.

Field I - Velocity

The aircraft's ground speed in 10s of knots.

Fields J and K - Scratchpad Areas 1 and 2

Scratchpad areas are free form fields for up to seven alphanumeric characters.

To edit a Data Block's scratchpad:
  1. Right-click on the Target and modify the Data Block.

or

  1. Press F7 to initiate a Multifunction command
  2. Press Y to edit scratchpad area 1, or H to edit scratchpad area 2
  3. Left-click the Target
  4. Type the desired scratchpad value
  5. Press Enter

Manually Tagging An Unknown Target

An unknown Target can be manually tagged to associate a Data Block with the Target.

To manually tag an unknown Target:
  1. Type the Target's aircraft ID
  2. Left-click the unknown Target

For the purposes of VATSIM, it is not possible to tag an unknown Target with the incorrect aircraft ID.

Manually tagging an unknown Target is not the same as initiating control of a coasted or suspended Track.

Terminating a Track

ASDE-X Tracks can be returned to an unknown Target by terminating the Track.

To terminate a Track:
  1. Left-click the TERM CNTL button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Left-click the Track

or

  1. Press F5
  2. Left-click the Track

To re-establish a Track after termination, the unknown Target has to be manually tagged.

Additionally, a coasted or dropped Track can be terminated (removed from the Coast/Suspend List) prior to ASDE-X automatically removing it after 45 seconds.

To terminate a coasted or dropped Track:
  1. Left-click the TERM CNTL button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Left-click the Track

or

  1. Left-click the TERM CNTL button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Left-click the entry in the Coast/Suspend List

or

  1. Press F5
  2. Left-click the Track

or

  1. Press F5
  2. Left-click the entry in the Coast/Suspend List

Modifying Data Block Fields

Modifying a Data Block's fields in the Preview Area
Fig. 6 - Modifying a Data Block's fields in the Preview Area

To modify a Data Block's fields:
  1. Right-click the Data Block's aircraft Target
  2. Use the mouse scroll wheel, the Up and Down keys, or Enter to navigate through the fields
  3. Use Backspace to clear existing data and type in new value(s)
  4. Press Enter after scratchpad 2 to save

Editing an aircraft's Data Block fields (such as assigning an aircraft type to TYP) does not edit an aircraft's flight plan.

For the purposes of VATSIM, an aircraft's ID (A/C) cannot be edited. However, if an aircraft is not squawking its assigned beacon code, the aircraft's ID can be manually entered. Only the correct aircraft ID can be entered.

Display Control Bar

The Main DCB menu
Fig. 7 - The Main DCB menu

The Display Control Bar (DCB) contains various settings and functions for ASDE-X in the form of buttons contained on a toolbar. By default, the DCB is placed at the top of the ASDE-X display.

The DCB contains multiple submenus. To return to the previous menu, left-click the DONE button, or press Esc or Backspace.

If the window containing the ASDE-X display is not large enough to fit the DCB, the DCB is collapsed to a minimized state.

The Main DCB menu (Figure 7) contains the following buttons:

  • RANGE: controls the Display Map's range. The display's current horizontal range is displayed in hundreds of feet.
  • MAP RPOS: repositions the Display Map
  • ROTATE: controls the Display Map's orientation
  • UNDO: executes the undo function
  • DEFAULT: restores the default display settings
  • PREF: opens the Pref Sets submenu. The current Pref Set's title is displayed.
  • DAY/NITE: toggles the Display Map's color scheme
  • BRITE: opens the Brightness submenu
  • CHAR SIZE: opens the Character Size submenu
  • SAFETY LOGIC: opens the Safety Logic submenu. The current safety logic runway configuration is displayed.
  • TOOLS: opens the Tools submenu
  • VECTOR ON/OFF: toggles display of Target vector lines
  • VECTOR: controls the length of Target vector lines
  • TEMP DATA: opens the Temporary Data submenu
  • LDR LNG: controls the leader length of all Data Blocks
  • LOCAL: not simulated
  • DB AREA: opens the Data Block Area submenu
  • DB ON/OFF: toggles display of all Data Blocks
  • INIT CNTL: initiates the initiate Track control function
  • TRK SUSP: initiates the Track suspend function
  • TERM CNTL: initiates the terminate control function
  • DCB ON/OFF: toggles display of the DCB. When disconnected from the VATSIM network, the DCB ON/OFF button timeshares with a red ASR OFF and MLAT OFF error.
  • OPER MODE: not simulated

Undo Function

The following functions can be reverted using the undo function:

  • Brightness
  • Character Size
  • Coast/Suspend List On/Off
  • Coast/Suspend List Reposition
  • Cursor Speed
  • Data Blocks On/Off
  • DCB Reposition
  • Default
  • History Trails Length
  • History Trails On/Off
  • Leader Line Length
  • Map Reposition
  • Preview Area Reposition
  • Range
  • Rotate
  • Vector Length
  • Vector On/Off

F9 executes the undo function.

Pref Sets Submenu

The Pref Sets DCB submenu
Fig. 8 - The Pref Sets DCB submenu

The Pref Sets DCB submenu contains 32 slots to store Pref Sets. The active Pref Set is indicated by a yellow label. To view additional pages of Pref Sets, left-click the 1-16 or 17-32 button.

The Pref Sets submenu also contains the following buttons:

For more information on Pref Sets, please see the Pref Sets section of the documentation.

Brightness Submenu

The Brightness DCB submenu
Fig. 9 - The Brightness DCB submenu

The Brightness DCB submenu contains the following buttons to control the brightness of various elements on the display:

To change a brightness setting:
  1. Left-click the brightness setting button
  2. Scroll to set the desired brightness
  3. Left-click or press Enter

or

  1. Left-click the brightness setting button
  2. Type the desired brightness setting (1-99)
  3. Press Enter

Character Size Submenu

The Character Size DCB submenu
Fig. 10 - The Character Size DCB submenu

The Character Size DCB submenu contains the following buttons to control the character size of various text elements on the display:

  • DATA BLOCK: controls the character size of Data Blocks. Note that Data Block Trait Areas can also change the character size of the Data Blocks for aircraft within the defined area.
  • DCB: controls the character size of the DCB. Note that the DCB's character size is automatically decreased to fit smaller window sizes.
  • COAST SUSPEND: controls the character size of the Coast/Suspend List
  • TEMP DATA: controls the character size of Temporary Map Text
  • Preview Area: controls the character size of the Preview Area
To change a character size setting:
  1. Left-click the character size setting button
  2. Scroll to set the desired size
  3. Left-click or press Enter

or

  1. Left-click the character size setting button
  2. Type the desired character size setting (1-6 or 1-3 for the DCB)
  3. Press Enter

Safety Logic Submenu

The Safety Logic DCB submenu
Fig. 11 - The Safety Logic DCB submenu

The Safety Logic DCB submenu contains the following buttons:

To change the system volume:
  1. Left-click the VOL button
  2. Scroll to set the desired volume setting
  3. Left-click or press Enter

or

  1. Left-click the VOL button
  2. Type the desired volume setting (1-99)
  3. Press Enter

Closed Runway Submenu

The Closed Runway DCB submenu
Fig. 12 - The Closed Runway DCB submenu

The Closed Runway DCB submenu contains toggle buttons to open and close each runway. The current state of a runway is indicated by a yellow label (OPN or CLSD).

For more information on closed runways, please see the Safety Logic Closed Runways section of the documentation.

The Closed Runway submenu is only populated while connected to the VATSIM network.

Runway Configuration Submenu

The Runway Configuration DCB submenu
Fig. 13 - The Runway Configuration DCB submenu

The Safety Logic Runway Configuration DCB submenu contains buttons for up to 60 safety logic runway configurations. The active configuration button is indicated by a yellow label. To view additional pages of configurations, left-click the 1-20, 21-40, or 41-60 buttons.

For more information on safety logic runway configurations, please see the Safety Logic Runway Configurations section of the documentation.

The Runway Configuration submenu is only populated while connected to the VATSIM network.

Tower Configuration Submenu

The Tower Configuration DCB submenu
Fig. 14 - The Tower Configuration DCB submenu

The Safety Logic Tower Configuration DCB submenu contains toggle buttons to turn each tower configuration position on or off.

For more information on safety logic tower configuration positions, please see the Safety Logic Tower Configuration Positions section of the documentation.

The Tower Configuration submenu is only populated while connected to the VATSIM network.

Arrival Alerts Submenu

The Arrival Alerts DCB submenu
Fig. 15 - The Arrival Alerts DCB submenu

The Safety Logic Arrival Alerts DCB submenu contains a toggle button to turn arrival alerts on or off for each tower configuration position.

For more information on safety logic tower configuration positions, please see the Safety Logic Tower Configuration Positions section of the documentation.

The Arrival Alerts submenu is only populated while connected to the VATSIM network.

Tools Submenu

The Tools DCB submenu
Fig. 16 - The Tools DCB submenu

The Tools DCB submenu contains the following buttons:

  • RANGE: controls the Display Map's range. The current horizontal range is displayed in hundreds of feet.
  • MAP RPOS: repositions the Display Map
  • ROTATE: controls the Display Map's orientation
  • NEW WINDOW: initiates the new window function
  • RESIZE WINDOW: initiates the resize window function
  • DELETE WINDOW: initiates the delete window function
  • WINDOW RPOS: initiates the reposition window function
  • HISTORY ON/OFF: toggles display of Target history trails
  • HISTORY: controls the number of data points displayed in a Target's history trail
  • COAST ON/OFF: toggles display of the Coast/Suspend List
  • COAST RPOS: initiates the Coast/Suspend List reposition function
  • PREVIEW RPOS: initiates the Preview Area reposition function
  • CSR SPD: not simulated
  • CSR HOME ON/OFF: not simulated
  • DCB TOP: repositions the DCB to the top of the display
  • DCB LEFT: repositions the DCB to the left of the display
  • DCB RIGHT: repositions the DCB to the right of the display
  • DCB BOTTOM: repositions the DCB to the bottom of the display
  • CHG PWD: not simulated
  • PLAY BACK: not simulated

Temporary Data Submenu

The Temporary Data DCB submenu
Fig. 17 - The Temporary Data DCB submenu

The Temporary Data DCB submenu contains the following buttons:

Stored Global Temporary Data Submenu

The Stored Global Temporary Data DCB submenu
Fig. 18 - The Stored Global Temporary Data DCB submenu

The Stored Global Temporary Data DCB submenu contains 88 slots to store global Temporary Data Presets. Active Preset buttons are indicated by yellow labels. To view additional pages of Presets, left-click the 1-22, 23-44, 45-66, etc. buttons.

For more information on Temporary Data Presets, please see the Temporary Data section of the documentation.

The Stored Global Temporary Data submenu also contains the following buttons:

Data Block Area Submenu

The Data Block Area DCB submenu
Fig. 19 - The Data Block Area DCB submenu

The Data Block Area DCB submenu contains the following buttons:

For more information on Data Block Areas, please see the Data Block Areas section of the documentation.

Data Block Edit Submenu

The Data Block Edit DCB submenu
Fig. 20 - The Data Block Edit DCB submenu

The Data Block Edit DCB submenu contains the following buttons to toggle fields displayed in Data Blocks

  • FULL/PART: toggles between full Data Blocks and partial Data Blocks. Partial Data Blocks only display the aircraft's ID or beacon code (field B or field C).
  • ALTITUDE: toggles display of the aircraft's altitude (field D)
  • TYPE: toggles display of the aircraft's type (field F)
  • SENSORS: toggles display of the aircraft's sensor coverage (field E)
  • CAT: toggles display of the aircraft's category (field G)
  • FIX: toggles display of the aircraft's paired fix ID (field H)
  • VELOCITY: toggles display of the aircraft's velocity (field I)
  • SCRATCH PAD: toggles display of the aircraft's scratch pad(s) (fields J and K)

Settings in this submenu are only applied to Data Blocks for aircraft outside of Data Block Trait Areas.

The Sensor coverage field is automatically enabled for the Data Blocks of coasted Tracks.

Preview Area

The Preview Area
Fig. 21 - The Preview Area

The Preview Area displays system information and serves as the input and feedback area when executing functions. Dot commands can also be entered into the Preview Area. The Preview Area displays lines of text in the following order:

Table 6 - Preview Area lines
Line Description
1 Active runway configuration
2 Tower configuration
3 System response line
4 Safety Logic status line 1
5 Safety Logic status line 2
6 Functional feedback line 1
7 Functional feedback line 2

Safety Logic status line 1 displays a list of tower configuration positions with disabled arrival alerts. Safety Logic status line 2 displays the message TRK ALERT INHIB when alerts are inhibited for one or more Tracks.

When disconnected from the VATSIM network, the message CRITICAL FAULT START is displayed in the Preview Area. When reconnected, this message is replaced with the CRITICAL FAULT END message.

The runways assigned to the enabled Safety Logic tower configuration positions can be displayed in the Preview Area.

To display tower configuration runway assignments:
  1. Press F7 to initiate a Multifunction command
  2. Press T
  3. Press C
  4. Press Enter

Ctrl+Shift+C displays the cursor's x, y position in feet from the air traffic control tower in the Preview Area.

To reposition the Preview Area:

  1. Left-click the PREVIEW RPOS button on the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Use the mouse to move the Preview Area to the desired position
  3. Left-click

or

  1. Press F7 to initiate a Multifunction command
  2. Press P
  3. Use the mouse to move the Preview Area to the desired position
  4. Left-click

Coast/Suspend List

The Coast/Suspend List
Fig. 22 - The Coast/Suspend List

The Coast/Suspend List contains a list of Tracks in the coasted, dropped, or suspended states. The header of the Coast/Suspend List displays the current Zulu date and time in DD/MM/YY and HHMM/SS formats, respectively.

Entries in the Coast/Suspend List are grouped and displayed in the following order:

  • Coasted Tracks
  • Indicated by a C
  • Assigned a unique three-digit ID
  • Suspended Tracks
  • Indicated by a S
  • Assigned a unique single-letter ID
  • Dropped Tracks
  • Indicated by a D
  • Assigned a unique three-digit ID

When there are more than five entries in the Coast/Suspend List, a down arrow appears on the right side of the bottom entry, indicating additional entries are in the list. Left-clicking the arrow advances to the next page of five entries and an up arrow appears on the right side of the top entry. Left-clicking the up arrow returns to the previous page. Left-clicking the Coast/Suspend List's header (date/time) expands the current page to fill the rest of the display's vertical space.

To reposition the Coast/Suspend List:

  1. Left-click the COAST RPOS button on the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Use the mouse to move the Coast/Suspend List to the desired position
  3. Left-click

or

  1. Press F7 to initiate a Multifunction command
  2. Press C
  3. Use the mouse to move the Coast/Suspend List to the desired position
  4. Left-click

or

  1. Middle-click the Coast/Suspend List's header (date/time)
  2. Use the mouse to move the Coast/Suspend List to the desired position
  3. Left-click

Coasted and Dropped Tracks

When ASDE-X no longer detects a previously tracked aircraft Target (typically due to a pilot disconnecting from the network), the Track enters a coasted state and the aircraft's ID or beacon code is added to the Coast/Suspend List. If the flight plan associated with a disconnected aircraft lists the current ASDE-X facility as the aircraft's destination, the aircraft's Track instead enters a dropped state. Coasted and dropped Tracks remain in the Coast/Suspend List for 45 seconds, or until the Track is re-associated with a Target.

Coasted Tracks display CST in field E of the Data Block, even if that field is disabled on the Data Block Edit DCB submenu or applicable Data Block Trait Area. Dropped Tracks do not display associated Targets.

Suspending a Track

To suspend a Track:
  1. Left-click the TRK SUSP button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Left-click a Track

or

  1. Press F4
  2. Left-click a Track

The suspended Track's aircraft's ID or beacon code is added to the Coast/Suspend List. The suspended Track's letter ID is displayed on the suspended Target icon. Tracks remain suspended for one hour, or until re-initiated.

Initiating Control of a Coasted or Suspended Track

To initiate control of a coasted Track:
  1. Left-click the INIT CNTL button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Type the three-digit identifier for the coasted Track from the Coast/Suspend List
  3. Left-click the unknown Target

or

  1. Press F3
  2. Type the three-digit identifier for the coasted Track from the Coast/Suspend List
  3. Left-click the unknown Target
To initiate control of a suspended Track:
  1. Left-click the suspended Track

or

  1. Left-click the entry in the Coast/Suspend List

or

  1. Left-click the INIT CNTL button on the Main DCB menu
  2. Type the letter identifier for the suspended Track from the Coast/Suspend List
  3. Press Enter

or

  1. Press F3
  2. Type the letter identifier for the suspended Track from the Coast/Suspend List
  3. Press Enter

Initiating control of a coasted or suspended Track is different than manually tagging an unknown Target.

Pref Sets

Pref Sets allow controllers to store up to 32 sets of display settings under their operating initials.

To set the current operator:
  1. Left-click the OP INITS button on the Pref Sets DCB submenu
  2. Type the two letter operating initials, or three number controller ID
  3. Press Enter

or

  1. Press F1
  2. Type the two letter operating initials, or three number controller ID
  3. Press Enter

Each operator has a four-digit PIN that is used to save and delete Pref Sets.

The default PIN for every operator is 1234.

To change a PIN:
  1. Left-click the CHG PIN button on the Pref Sets DCB submenu
  2. Enter the operating initials or controller ID
  3. Enter the old PIN. If no PIN has been set, the default is 1234.
  4. Enter the new four-digit PIN
  5. Confirm the new four-digit PIN
  6. Press Enter
To save a Pref Set:
  1. Left-click the SAVE AS button on the Pref Set DCB submenu
  2. Enter the set ID. By default, the first available set ID is prefilled.
  3. Enter a title for the Pref Set
  4. Enter the current operator's PIN
  5. Press Enter
To load a Pref Set:
  1. Left-click the Pref Set's button on the Pref Set DCB submenu

or

  1. Press F1
  2. Enter the Pref Set's ID, such as RI01
  3. Press Enter
To delete a Pref Set:
  1. Left-click the DELTE button on the Pref Set DCB submenu
  2. Enter the set ID, or left-click the set's button
  3. Enter the current operator's PIN
  4. Press Enter

Safety Logic

An active Safety Logic Alert
Fig. 23 - An active Safety Logic Alert

ASDE-X is equipped with a Safety Logic system that helps prevent collisions on the airport surface. The Safety Logic system alerts controllers when one of the following events is imminent:

  • An aircraft landing on a closed runway
  • An aircraft landing on an occupied runway
  • Two aircraft landing on converging runways
  • An aircraft landing on a runway converging with an aircraft departing from another runway
  • An aircraft departing on a closed runway
  • An aircraft departing on an occupied runway
  • An aircraft taxiing onto a runway occupied by an arrival or departure
  • An aircraft landing on a configured taxiway

When an alert is generated, the following indications occur:

  • A red octagon appears around each Target involved in the alert
  • Each Target involved in the alert flashes between red and its normal color
  • Full Data Blocks are displayed for each Target involved in the alert
  • Partial Data Blocks are displayed for all other Targets
  • The Alert Message Box appears with an alert description
  • An audible alert is played

F12 silences the active audible alert

Alert Message Box

The Alert Message Box
Fig. 24 - The Alert Message Box

The Alert Message Box contains descriptions for up to five concurrent alerts. If more than five alerts are occurring simultaneously, you should seek additional training.

An Alert description contains the following information:

Table 7 - Alert description lines
Line Description
1 Runway or taxiway identifier(s)
2 Callsign(s)/beacon code(s)/unknown(s) for involved Targets
3 Alert description
To reposition the Alert Message Box:
  1. Left-click the ALERT RPOS button on the Safety Logic DCB submenu
  2. Use the mouse to move the Alert Message Box to the desired position
  3. Left-click

Closed Runways

A closed runway's threshold
Fig. 25 - A closed runway's threshold

Runways can be closed to generate alerts for aircraft attempting to land or depart on a closed surface. Closed runways are depicted with white X's on both ends of the runway (Figure 25).

To close a runway:
  1. Left-click the appropriate button on the Closed Runway DCB submenu

Opening or closing a runway is a global function that affects all other ASDE-X controllers in the facility.

Hold Bars

An occupied runway's hold bars
Fig. 26 - An occupied runway's hold bars

When ASDE-X detects an aircraft landing or departing on a runway, hold bars are displayed at runway intersections. Hold bars are not displayed at the intersections of other active runways (determined by the active runway configuration), unless the configuration is configured for land and hold short operations (LAHSO).

Runway Configurations

A Safety Logic runway configuration contains definitions for which runways are active and inactive, as well as land and hold short operation configurations. The active runway configuration determines which alerts are generated by the ASDE-X Safety Logic system and is displayed on the first line of the Preview Area.

All ASDE-X facilities contain a LIMITED runway configuration which only generates alerts for arrivals or departures on closed runways.

To change the active runway configuration:
  1. Left-click the appropriate button on the Runway Configurations DCB submenu

or

  1. Press F2
  2. Type the numeric runway configuration ID
  3. Press Enter

Setting a runway configuration is a global function that affects all other ASDE-X controllers in the facility.

Tower Configuration Positions

A Safety Logic tower configuration position contains a list of runways assigned to that position. Only alerts on runways assigned to an active position are displayed. The active positions are displayed on the second line of the Preview Area.

All ASDE-X facilities contain a default position that is always enabled, therefore alerts for runways assigned to the default position are always displayed (unless the LIMITED runway configuration is active).

To active or deactivate a tower position configuration:
  1. Left-click the appropriate button on the Tower Configuration DCB submenu

Enabling or disabling a tower configuration position is a local function that does not affect other ASDE-X controllers in the facility.

Inhibiting Alerts

ASDE-X provides a variety of ways to inhibit Safety Logic alerts.

To temporarily inhibit or enable arrival alerts for a position's assigned runways:
  1. Left-click the appropriate button on the Arrival Alerts DCB submenu

Positions with inhibited arrival alerts are displayed on the fourth line of the Preview Area. Arrival alerts are inhibited for three minutes, until the runway configuration is changed, or the alerts are manually reenabled.

Enabling or disabling arrival alerts for a tower configuration position is a global function that affects all other ASDE-X controllers in the facility.

All alerts involving an individual Target can also be inhibited.

A Target with alerts inhibited
Fig. 27 - A Target with alerts inhibited

To inhibit or enable alerts for an individual Target:
  1. Left-click the TRACK ALERT INHIB button on the Safety Logic DCB submenu
  2. Left-click the Target

or

  1. Press F12
  2. Left-click the Target

When alerts are inhibited for a Target, a square is drawn around the Target (Figure 27).

When alerts are inhibited for one or more Tracks, the message TRK ALERT INHIB appears on the fifth line of the Preview Area.

To reenable all individual Target alerts:
  1. Left-click the ALL TRACKS ENABLE button on the Safety Logic DCB submenu

Alerts can be disabled between two or more aircraft by inserting MIL in the applicable aircraft's scratchpads. This is useful for military or other aircraft formations.

Temporary Data

ASDE-X allows temporary polygons and text annotations to be defined on the Display Map. Temporary Data is shared across all ASDE-X displays and windows. Up to 88 Temporary Data objects can be stored.

Editing Temporary Data is a global function that affects all other ASDE-X controllers in the facility.

Temporary Map Areas

Closed and Restricted Temporary Map Areas
Fig. 28 - Closed and Restricted Temporary Map Areas

There are two types of Temporary Map Areas: closed areas and restricted areas (both depicted in Figure 28). Closed areas are depicted as red polygons filled with red parallel lines. Restricted areas are depicted as yellow polygons filled with yellow parallel lines. Temporary Area polygons can have up to 20 sides and cannot be edited after creation.

To define a Temporary Map Area:
  1. Left-click the DEFINE CLOSED AREA or DEFINE RESTR AREA button on the Temporary Data DCB submenu to define a closed or restricted area, respectively
  2. Left-click the Display Map to place polygon points in the desired locations
  3. Middle-click to complete the polygon. The polygon is automatically completed after 20 points are placed.

Temporary Map Text

Temporary Map Text Annotation
Fig. 29 - Temporary Map Text Annotation

Temporary Map Text Annotations are depicted as a star icon anchor and attached Data Block with one or two lines of text. Each line can contain up to 16 alphanumeric characters. Temporary Map Text Annotations cannot be edited or moved after creation. Temporary Map Text Data Blocks can be interacted with in many of the same ways as aircraft Data Blocks, such as toggling display by left-clicking the Target, changing the leader line length, and changing the Data Block position. Additionally, Temporary Text is affected by Data Block Trait Areas.

To define Temporary Map Text Annotations:
  1. Left-click the DEFINE TEXT button on the Temporary Data DCB submenu
  2. Type one or two lines of text
  3. Press Enter
  4. Left-click the desired location on the Display Map

Managing Temporary Data

Temporary Data is visible to all controllers in the ASDE-X facility. Temporary Data can be hidden on a single ASDE-X display without hiding the data for other controllers.

To hide Temporary Data:
  1. Left-click the HIDE DATA button on the Temporary Data DCB submenu
  2. Left-click to select the desired Temporary Data to hide
  3. Middle-click
To show hidden Temporary Data:
  1. Left-click the SHOW HIDDEN DATA button on the Temporary Data DCB submenu
To delete Temporary Data:
  1. Left-click the DELETE GLOBAL button on the Temporary Data DCB submenu
  2. Left-click to select the desired Temporary Data to delete
  3. Middle-click

Deleting Temporary Data is a global function that affects all other ASDE-X controllers in the facility. Deleting Temporary Data is irreversible if the data is not saved in a Preset.

If the deleted Temporary Data is stored in a Preset, the Preset is deactivated but not deleted.

To save a Temporary Data object to a Preset:
  1. Left-click the SAVE button on the Stored Global Temporary Data DCB submenu
  2. Left-click the desired Temporary Data object to save. Only one Temporary Data object can be saved to a Preset.
  3. Type the desired set number. By default, the first available set number is prefilled.
  4. Type a name for the Preset
  5. Press Enter
To activate or deactivate a Temporary Data Preset:

  1. Left-click the desired Preset button on the Stored Global Temporary Data DCB submenu

  2. If a Preset is inactive, the Preset is activated and the associated Temporary Data object is displayed for all controllers in the facility.

  3. If a Preset is active and the associated Temporary Data is visible, the Preset is deactivated and the associated Temporary Data object is hidden for all controllers in the facility.

  4. If a Preset is active and the associated Temporary Data is hidden, the associated Temporary Data object is displayed.

To delete a Temporary Data Preset:
  1. Left-click the DELETE PRESET button on the Stored Global Temporary Data DCB submenu
  2. Left-click the button of the desired Preset to delete
  3. Press 2 to confirm
  4. Press Enter

or

  1. Left-click the DELETE PRESET button on the Stored Global Temporary Data DCB submenu
  2. Type the numeric Preset ID of the desired Preset to delete
  3. Pres 2 to confirm
  4. Press Enter

Deleting a Temporary Data Preset is a global function that affects all other ASDE-X controllers in the facility. Deleting a Temporary Data Preset is irreversible.

Data Block Areas

Data Block Trait and Off Areas
Fig. 30 - Data Block Trait and Off Areas

Data Block Areas are defined geographic areas that alter the Data Blocks of Targets within the Area. The Area's outlines are only displayed while inside the Data Block Area DCB submenu (Figure 30), but the Area are always active. There are two types of Data Block areas: Data Block Off Areas and Data Block Trait Areas. Each Data Block Area is a polygon with up to 20 sides. Data Block Area polygons cannot be edited after creation. Data Block Areas are defined independently per window, with each window supporting up to 25 Data Block Areas. Data Block Areas may not overlap.

Data Block Areas are local and do not affect other ASDE-X controllers in the facility.

Data Block Off Areas

When an aircraft enters a Data Block off Area, its Data Block is hidden until the aircraft exits the Area. The Data Block can still be toggled by left-clicking on the aircraft Target.

To define a Data Block Off Area:
  1. Left-click the DEFINE OFF AREA on the Data Block Area DCB submenu
  2. Left-click the Display Map to place polygon points in the desired locations
  3. Middle-click to complete the polygon. The polygon is automatically completed after 20 points are placed.

Data Block Off Areas are displayed with red outlines when in the Data Block Area DCB submenu.

Data Block Trait Areas

When an aircraft enters a Data Block Trait Area, its Data Block inherits the traits defined by the Area until the aircraft exits the Area. If a Data Block is repositioned while its aircraft is within a Trait Area, the Data Block returns to the position previously set prior to entering the Trait Area once the aircraft exits the Area.

To define a Data Block Trait Area:
  1. Left-click the DEFINE TRAIT AREA on the Data Block Area DCB submenu
  2. Left-click the Display Map to place polygon points in the desired locations
  3. Middle-click to complete the polygon. The polygon is automatically completed after 20 points are placed.
  4. Modify the Trait Area's traits
  5. Left-click the DONE button

Data Block Trait Areas are displayed with green outlines when in the Data Block Area DCB submenu.

To modify a Data Block Trait Area:
  1. Left-click the MODIFY TRAIT AREA button on the Data Block Area DCB submenu
  2. Left-click in the Trait Area to modify
  3. Modify the desired Data Block traits using the following buttons:
    • FULL/PART: toggles between full Data Blocks and partial Data Blocks. Partial Data Blocks only display the aircraft's ID or beacon code (field B or field C).
    • ALTITUDE: toggles display of the aircraft's altitude (field D)
    • TYPE: toggles display of the aircraft's type (field F)
    • SENSORS: toggles display of the aircraft's sensor coverage (field E)
    • CAT: toggles display of the aircraft's category (field G)
    • FIX: toggles display of the aircraft's paired fix ID (field H)
    • VELOCITY: toggles display of the aircraft's velocity (field I)
    • SCRATCH PAD: toggles display of the aircraft's scratch pad(s) (fields J and K)
    • DB SIZE: controls the character size of Data Blocks
    • DB BRIGHT: controls the brightness of Data Blocks
    • VECTOR: toggles display of Target vector lines
    • LDR LNG: controls the leader length of Data Blocks
    • LDR DIR: controls the position of Data Blocks
  4. Left-click the DONE button
To delete all Data Block Trait Areas:
  1. Left-click the DELETE ALL AREAS button on the Data Block Area DCB submenu
  2. Press 2 to confirm
  3. Press Enter
To delete a single Data Block Trait Area:
  1. Left-click the DELETE ONE AREA button on the Data Block Area DCB submenu
  2. Left-click in the desired Trait Area

Deleting Data Block Trait Areas is irreversible

Secondary Windows

An active Secondary Window
Fig. 31 - An active Secondary Window

The ASDE-X system can display up to four secondary windows with independent display settings, such as Display Map positioning, Data Block characteristics, and Data Block Trait Areas. Secondary windows are insets that are placed over the main window. Secondary windows cannot overlap, nor can they extend outside of the main window's display. These windows can be helpful for viewing traffic in congested areas of the airport, such as at the departure end of a runway or a ramp area.

If the ASDE-X display is resized such that a secondary window is no longer contained within the display, or the secondary window would overlap another secondary window, the secondary window is hidden.

To add a new secondary window:
  1. Left-click the NEW WINDOW button on the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Left-click the main window's Display Map at the desired location for the first corner of the new window
  3. Left-click the main window's Display Map at the desired location for the opposite corner of the new window

or

  1. Press F11
  2. Left-click the main window's Display Map at the desired location for the first corner of the new window
  3. Left-click the main window's Display Map at the desired location for the opposite corner of the new window

Many display settings are unique to each window. The DCB always displays and edits the settings for the currently active window, indicated by a green border, unless the setting is global.

To change the active window:
  1. Left-click in a window

or

  1. Hold Shift and middle-click when in a DCB submenu
To reposition a secondary window:
  1. Activate the secondary window
  2. Left-click the WINDOW RPOS button on the Tools DCB submenu
  3. Use the mouse to place the secondary window in the desired position
  4. Left-click

or

  1. Middle-click in the secondary window
  2. Use the mouse to place the secondary window in the desired position
  3. Left-click
To resize a secondary window:
  1. Activate the secondary window
  2. Left-click the RESIZE WINDOW button on the Tools DCB submenu
  3. Left-click the desired side or corner of the secondary window border
  4. Use the mouse to obtain the desired new size of the secondary window
  5. Left-click

or

  1. Hold Shift and middle-click in the secondary window
  2. Left-click the desired side or corner of the secondary window border
  3. Use the mouse to obtain the desired new size of the secondary window
  4. Left-click
To delete a secondary window:
  1. Left-click the DELETE WINDOW button on the Tools DCB submenu
  2. Left-click in the secondary window

Deleting a secondary window is irreversible and there is no confirmation prompt after left-clicking the window.

Command Reference

Implied Commands

Table 8 - Implied Commands
Implied Command Function
<1-9> Enter Sets the position of all Data Blocks
<1-9> then left-click a Target Sets the leader line direction for the Target's Data Block
/ <0-15> Enter Sets the leader line length for all Data Blocks
<callsign> then left-click a Target Manually tags the unknown Target
Left-click a suspended Target or left-click a Coast/Suspend List entry Un-suspends the Target
Left-click a Target Toggles the Data Block for the Target
Right-click a Target Modifies the Data Block fields for the Target
Shift middle-click a window, then left-click a window border Initiates the resize window function for the selected window
Middle-click a window Initiates the reposition window function for the selected window
Shift middle-click Changes the active window (when in a DCB submenu)

Keyboard Commands

Table 9 - Keyboard commands
Keyboard Shortcut Function
F2 Initiates the set runway configuration function
F3 Initiates the initiate control function
F4 Initiates the suspend Track function
F5 Initiates the terminate Track function
F6 Toggles display of all Data Blocks
F7 Initiates a Multifunction command
F8 Initiates the map reposition function
F9 Executes the undo function
F10 Toggles the Display Map's color scheme
F11 Initiates the new window function
F12 Initiates the Track alert inhibit function
F12 Silences the active aural alert
Ctrl+F6 Inserts FP into the Preview Area to recall a flight plan
Ctrl+F9 Inserts VT into the Preview Area to set an aircraft's voice type
Ctrl+Home Restores the default display settings
Ctrl+Shift+C Displays the cursor's x, y position in feet from the air traffic control tower in the Preview Area

Multifunction Commands

A Multifunction command in the Preview Area
Fig. 32 - A Multifunction command in the Preview Area

Multifunction commands are initiated by pressing the m=Multifunction (F7) key.

Table 10 - Multifunction Commands
Multifunction Command Function
MULTIFUNC B then left-click a Target Temporarily displays the aircraft's beacon code
MULTIFUNC C Initiates the Coast/Suspend List reposition function
MULTIFUNC H, left-click a Target, then <scratchpad> Enter Sets the aircraft's scratchpad area 2
MULTIFUNC P Initiates the Preview Area reposition function
MULTIFUNC TC Displays the runways assigned to each active tower configuration position
MULTIFUNC V <number> Sets the system volume
MULTIFUNC VT Plays the system test message
MULTIFUNC Y, left-click a Target, then <scratchpad> Enter Sets the aircraft's scratchpad area 1

Settings

ASDE-X display settings
Fig. 33 - ASDE-X display settings

The ASDE-X Display Settings window is accessed through the controlling window's menu (hamburger icon on the left of the top toolbar) by selecting the Display Settings option. The ASDE-X display settings contain the following options:

  • Show DCB: displays the DCB
  • Status text font size: the Status Text font size
  • Show status text: displays the Status Text
  • Show full METAR: displays the full reported METAR in the Status Text. When disabled, only the reported wind and altimeter setting are displayed.
  • Status text at top: displays the Status Text at the top of the display. When disabled, the Status Text is displayed at the bottom of the display.
  • Disable mouse pan/zoom: disables panning and zooming with the mouse

For more information on the Status Text (an unrealistic addition to ASDE-X), please see the Status Text section of the Tower Cab documentation.

Ctrl+D opens the Display Settings window.