What is the NES Radar project?

NES Radar is an open-source project by [k6lcm] that transforms an original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) into a live air traffic scope, displaying real-time flight data on a television screen.

How does the NES get real-time flight data?

The NES uses its second controller port as a serial connection. A Python script on a nearby computer fetches real-time aircraft positions via free APIs and sends this data to the NES through a 5V FTDI USB serial cable.

Can the NES Radar track flights from any airport?

Yes, users can input a four-letter ICAO code to track flights near any airport worldwide. However, the software is limited to displaying 8 aircraft sprites simultaneously, so very busy airports will not show all traffic.

Old NES Console Transforms Into Real-Time Flight Tracker

Technology

Old NES Console Transforms Into Real-Time Flight Tracker

Photo by Jay Moon on Pexels

A new open-source project, “NES Radar,” has made it possible to transform an original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) into a real-time air traffic visualiser. Developed by [k6lcm], the system allows users to see live flight data displayed on their television screens, offering a novel second lease of life for the retro console.

How the NES Tracks Live Flights
Open-Source Development

The innovative project, detailed by Hackaday, involves a custom NES cartridge containing the necessary software and a specially constructed cable. When powered on with the cartridge inserted, users can input a four-letter International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code for an airport, such as KLAX, to view nearby aircraft traffic.

How the NES Tracks Live Flights

Contrary to initial assumptions that it might involve hidden modern hardware, the NES Radar system uses the console’s second controller port as a serial connection. This ingenious method allows the NES to receive data from a nearby computer. According to XDA, a Python script running on the computer fetches aircraft positions in real-time, based on Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data available through free APIs. This data is then sent to the NES via a 5V FTDI USB serial cable connected to the controller port.

Once the ICAO code is entered, aircraft currently flying near that airport appear as moving targets on the TV screen. While it works for airports worldwide, the software is limited to displaying 8 sprites simultaneously, meaning very busy locations like Atlanta (KATL) will not show all traffic.

Open-Source Development

The NES Radar project is entirely open-source and available under the GPL on GitHub, inviting enthusiasts to explore and even build their own versions. The creator, [k6lcm], also developed a similar concept for the Commodore 64, called c64u-radar, which uses that console’s LAN port for data acquisition.

This project highlights the enduring appeal and versatility of classic gaming hardware, demonstrating how older systems can be re-purposed with creative technical solutions to interact with modern internet-based data.