Mode S Transponders - Can ATC tell the difference?

[Doodybutch]

I am the proud owner of a new $5000.00 mode S transponder. I just took my
first long trip with it, and I began to wonder if ATC sees any difference on
their radar screen with Mode S. As you know, Mode S transmits your aircraft
ID as well as your assigned code and altitude.

I did notice that Flight Watch (122.0) knew exactly where I was when I
consulted them - rather frequently due to lousy weather. When I told FSS I
was "about 50 north of SBY", to my surprise he said, "actually, I show you
34 miles north of SBY!". I have never had FSS be so precise before, and
this seemed to be true a couple of other times as well - they knew where I
was without telling them.

I was always flying IFR, however, so maybe I was just "in the system".

SO-O-O...

Does anybody out there know if Mode S appears different on ATC or FSS radar
or if they can't normally tell Mode S from Mode C? I would really like to
hear from a current FAA specialist familiar with current equipment.

Thanks,

DB

[Wayne]

I will try again. Thanks.
Wayne
"SD" <sdatverizondot.net@> wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 7 Aug 2003 23:02:07 -0400, "Wayne" >
> wrote:
>
> > I have been unable to get a tour of the tower due to security
restrictions elft over from Sept
>
> You might want to try again. I just took 5 students into COS Tower
> and Tracon today. We called them 2 days ago and got approval the next
> day. They were very happy to show us around. The center is also on
> a military base at Peterson AFB. They didnt even bat an eye when we
> pulled up to the gate and told them what we were there for.
>
>
> I always like to be able to put a face with the voice when I am flying
> in thier area.
>
>
> Scott Dedeker
>

[JerryK]

As I understand it you are sending out the mode S code assigned to your
plane, but few ATC facilities have been upgraded to use this information. I
bet they just had your position because you were in the system.

"Doodybutch" > wrote in message
...
> I am the proud owner of a new $5000.00 mode S transponder. I just took my
> first long trip with it, and I began to wonder if ATC sees any difference
on
> their radar screen with Mode S. As you know, Mode S transmits your
aircraft
> ID as well as your assigned code and altitude.
>
> I did notice that Flight Watch (122.0) knew exactly where I was when I
> consulted them - rather frequently due to lousy weather. When I told FSS I
> was "about 50 north of SBY", to my surprise he said, "actually, I show you
> 34 miles north of SBY!". I have never had FSS be so precise before, and
> this seemed to be true a couple of other times as well - they knew where I
> was without telling them.
>
> I was always flying IFR, however, so maybe I was just "in the system".
>
> SO-O-O...
>
> Does anybody out there know if Mode S appears different on ATC or FSS
radar
> or if they can't normally tell Mode S from Mode C? I would really like to
> hear from a current FAA specialist familiar with current equipment.
>
> Thanks,
>
> DB
>
>