The Spidertracks solution relies on real-time and buffered data being sent by telemetry hardware installed in the aircraft.
Spidertracks recommends Spider X for most installations, however also natively support Flightcell's DZMx hardware which is a better fit for some customers. Refer to the comparison table further below to learn more.
Visit our marketing site to learn more about our hardware pricing, or refer the Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) table below to learn more about our hardware subscription option.
Spider X Features
Designed and engineered by Spidertracks, the Spider X hardware combines global connectivity with advanced sensing and diagnostics—enabling full access to the Spidertracks platform’s capabilities.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Quality by Design | With nearly 2 decades experience building and supporting Spiders, we know the key ingredients to deliver robust products that perform and last exceptionally well in the aviation environment. We are proud of our quality processes, and that we have customers continuing to use and trust products right back to 1st generation. |
| Ordering Made Easy |
We have one product to keep things simple. Global radios and software configurable internal/external antennas take out the guesswork when ordering. Want to try internal antenna before deciding if external is needed? No problem. |
| Quick Self-Activation | Key device details are recorded during factory test and provisioning, enabling customers to register and activate Spiders without being dependent on Support. |
| Simple Installation |
Compact (4.0” x 5.4” x 1.0”) and light weight (0.55 lb, 250 g) Adhesive or screw mount bracket with quick release. Plug-and-play power cable included. Local device settings can be managed via our companion app. These include advanced configuration, such as antenna setup and third-party hardware integrations. |
| Device & Integration Commissioning |
Use our companion app to get real time insights on the health and performance of all core features, from communications links to storage. See local diagnostic streams for wired integrations to short circuit troubleshooting and get your install working quickly. |
| Reporting Configuration | Reporting settings can be managed remotely by an Admin and will be automatically sync'ed on the next Flight. |
| Real-Time Tracking |
Spider X is equipped with both satellite (Iridium) and cellular (4G LTE CAT-1, 3G UMTS, 2G GSM) radios. Our cellular service provider supports roaming to over 800 networks globally. Our tracking algorithms and routing behaviors continuously evolve to push the limits of the real-time situational awareness that can be delivered over these networks. |
| Data Driven Events | Enables detection of engine activity and key phases of flight without physical wiring. Spider X fuses high frequency samples from an array of sensors to power this unique feature. |
| Flight Data Monitoring |
Spider X auto detects installation orientation and streams 1s AHRS (roll/pitch/yaw) and G-force data over cellular to drive features like 3D Flight Replay and our Insights platform. Flight data is transmitted only via cellular networks and is safely buffered in automotive-grade memory for >100 flight hours as needed until back in cellular coverage. |
| Maintenance (auto) |
Our IoT team monitor and remotely manage firmware updates so you don't need to. Spider X supports over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates. These are rigorously tested by our team before rolling out to the fleet so that all customers automatically benefit from the latest features, security and bug fixes. In case cellular is not available, there is a web based wired update utility. |
| Support | Technical diagnostic logs are uploaded by all Spiders to help our development team catch and fix any issues quickly, and to power rich dashboards that empower our customer support team to deliver data driven issue resolution in the fastest possible timeframe. |
| Designed for Aviation |
DO-160G, FCC, CE, RCM compliant. Low profile, matte black enclosure. Wide operating temperature via automotive and MIL spec components. No lithium batteries are used. Instead, Spider X uses safe and durable supercapacitor technology for final transmissions, safe shutdown and extended product life. |
Optional Accessories
| Accessory | Description |
|---|---|
| External Antenna | Options for fuselage mount (TSO approved) or in-cockpit glass/dash mount. |
| Physical Keypad |
Compact keypad with 3 buttons (SOS, Watch, Mark) and status feedback. Useful in the following situations:
|
| Input Cable |
Adds 4-channels of digital input to Spider X for detecting events linked to flight phase;
Note in most cases, Spider X automated Flight Log event detection from internal sensors avoids the need for this accessory. Exceptions could include engine on/off detection on fixed wing turbine aircraft, or detecting more than one engine. |
| USB Power Cables | USB-A and USB-C to M8-4 accessory cables are available for aircraft that are fitted with suitable USB power sources. |
| Bluetooth Tags |
Option to assign to team members and have these identified at takeoff and added to Flight Log manifest. Currently supported only through Air Maestro integration. For support in other platforms, please contact us to discuss upcoming options or custom integrations. |
Spider X Integrations
If you have an idea or need not covered by the below integrations, please contact our team to discuss.
| Integration | Description |
|---|---|
| Fire Mission Logging |
Additional Telemetry Units (ATUs) add support for pump on/off, fill start/end, drop start/end, product type, drop volume events in both in our apps and in our real-time data sharing AFF API. The following ATUs are supported, and enable fire response missions to be recorded for contract and compliance purposes;
To compare supported ATUs, please contact our Sales team. |
| Crew Alerts |
CAS events shown to the pilot/crew on the integrated avionics can be passed to the Spidertracks platform via Spider X in real-time. The following CAS integrations are supported;
Contact Sales to discuss similar integrations with other avionics equipment. |
| Airframe & Engine Data |
Rich 1s data streams from engine and airframe sensors can be passed through the Spider X via the following integrations:
Contact Sales to discuss similar integrations with other avionics equipment. |
| Generic | Framework for third-parties to send real-time events via Spider X |
Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS)
Most customers opt to purchase hardware outright, however a hardware subscription option (HaaS), may be available subject to fleet size and minimum contract terms. The table below highlights the key differences.
| Comparison | Outright | HaaS Service |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Customer | Spidertracks (leased) |
| Warranty | 12 months included | Included |
| Support | Included | Included |
| Hardware Upgrade | - | Typically allowed at no extra cost |
| Firmware Upgrades | Included, managed remotely | Included, managed remotely |
| Benefits |
One-time cost No contract terms |
Predictable operating expense Low upfront cost |
| Tracking Subscription and Modules | Excluded | Excluded |
| Costs | See list price here | Contact Sales |
Hardware Selection: Spider X and Flightcell DZMx
These solutions are complementary within the markets Spidertracks serve. The below summary compares some key differences to assist customers with understanding which product better fits their operation.
In both cases, Spidertracks are able to supply Voice plans and integrated invoicing.
| Comparison | Spider X | Flightcell DZMx |
|---|---|---|
| Telemetry (radios) |
Iridium + 4/3/2G Global coverage |
Two slots; Mix and match satellite and cellular Cellular modems are regional |
| Data Contracts |
Included (cell + sat) No SIM cards |
Satellite tracking included Cellular managed by customer User accessible SIM cards |
| Antennas | Internal (default) or External (configurable, all units support) | External only (GPS + cell + WiFi) |
| User Interface |
Simple status LED, auto dimming App (included) or physical (option) keypad for manual events, Watch and SOS. |
Digital display Integrated backlit keypad Multi-head (option) |
| NVIS | 'Friendly' (default) | Compliant (option) |
| Voice |
Not integrated Can use separate satellite phone |
Integrated (option) Push-to-Talk (PTT) (option) ICS integration (2 channel) |
| Aircraft Interface |
RS-232/485 (standard) Discrete inputs (accessory) |
Discrete inputs (option) ARINC-429 (option) + more |
| Tracking | Adaptive; 15s or better (HD tracking) | (Depends on radios) |
| Events |
Flight Log events (standard) Flight Dynamic (standard) Manual events (standard) Fire events (integration) |
Flight Log events (option) Flight Dynamic (standard) Manual events (standard) Fire events (integration) |
| Flight Data Monitoring | Yes, 1Hz AHRS (roll, pitch, yaw) + accel (lat, normal, peak) | Yes (1Hz) but not yet integrated into Spidertracks |
| Mounting & Installation |
Adhesive or screw mount bracket Plug-and-play power cable included |
Instrument panel or tray options Civilian or Military connectors (option) |
| Physical & Install |
Compact (4.0” x 5.4” x 1.0”) Lightweight (0.55 lb, 250 g) |
Size depends on form factor Weight range (1.21–1.59 lb, 580–720 g) |
| Designed for Aviation |
DO-160G, FCC, CE, RCM compliant. Wide operating temperature via automotive and MIL spec components. No lithium batteries; uses safe supercapacitor technology for final transmissions and safe shutdown. Low profile, matte black enclosure. |
DO-160G compliant. Wide operating temperature via automotive and MIL spec components. IP 54 to IP 65 (option) |
| Peripherals (optional) |
Physical keypad Input cable (4 channel) |
Satphone Cradle Remote Head |
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