Why am I not getting good ADS-B weather reception in ForeFlight Mobile?

3711 May 24, 2023

Pixelation on the radar layer in ForeFlight Mobile is normal when receiving weather information while flying because ADS-B weather is low resolution. However, poor weather reception can be due to a number of other factors.

Outdated Apple iOS, ForeFlight, or Stratus receiver firmware:

See: How do I update my Apple iOS, Stratus Horizon Pro, and Stratus receiver firmware?

You’re on the ground: ADS-B doesn’t work on the ground. You will only get ADS-B reception while in the air.

Connection issues: Verify that the receiver is connected to the Stratus Wi-Fi network.

  1. Tap the Settings icon on your iPad home screen.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi on the left navigation bar.
  3. Ensure that the Wi-Fi switch is enabled.
  4. Tap the Stratus wireless network name under the “My Networks” heading. Some receiver models have the wireless network name on the back of the device. Once your device is connected to the Stratus wireless network, a checkmark will appear next to the network name.

Range or line of sight issues:

If the ADS-B LED is off: This indicates that you may have a range or line of sight issue. Make sure that you have line of sight with the towers. If you do not, your signal will be blocked. This could be due to physical obstacles such as mountains or flying at an insufficient altitude.

If the ADS-B LED is on:

  1. Go to the Stratus Status page in ForeFlight.
    1. Tap “Maps” on the bottom navigation bar.
    2. Tap the settings icon located at the top of the screen.
    3. Tap Stratus V (where the V represents your receiver’s version), located under the “Devices” heading, to open the Stratus Status page. If the pop up menu says “Stratus Status” at the top, you are already on the Stratus Status page.
  2. Under the “Data” heading, look at “Local Radar Update,” “Text Update,” and “Receiving From” to see when you last received data. Stratus portable receivers are not functional in Canada, Mexico or any other country outside of the U.S. Note: A green ADS-B LED on the receiver only indicates that the device is receiving ADS-B signal, and doesn’t directly indicate what weather you will see.

Layer issues: Verify that you have the “Radar” layer selected on the “Maps” page.

Altitude issues: You should be at an altitude of at least 500-1,500 feet AGL and below 20,000 feet AGL.