# [EN] Virtual Radar Server — legacy Push Feed

This method is intended for **Virtual Radar Server** users who want to send data without installing an additional feeder application. VRS opens an outbound TCP connection and sends a BaseStation stream directly to ADS-B.Pro.

> **Recommendation:** feeder v2 is more secure, uses TLS, and provides a local status page. The VRS legacy method remains available for compatibility and for computers where feeder v2 cannot be used.

## Important information

- server: `feed.ads-b.pro`;
- port: `48581`;
- format: **BaseStation**;
- connection type: **Push feed**;
- the ADS-B.Pro token in Passphrase is optional;
- the legacy connection does not use TLS.

When an ADS-B.Pro token is entered as the Passphrase, VRS sends it once while establishing the TCP connection. It is not added to every ADS-B message. Because port `48581` is not encrypted, the token is transmitted over the Internet in clear text.

Leaving Passphrase empty still allows an anonymous data feed, but the feed will not be associated with a user account.

## Step-by-step configuration

1. Start Virtual Radar Server.
2. Open **Tools → Options**.
3. Expand **Data Sources** in the tree on the left.
4. Select **Rebroadcast Servers**.
5. Click the button to add a new server.
6. Configure the fields as shown below.

| VRS field | Value |
|---|---|
| Enabled | enabled |
| Name | `ADS-B.Pro legacy` — this is only a local label |
| Receiver | the Receiver or Merged Feed that you want to send |
| Format | `BaseStation` |
| Push feed | enabled |
| Address | `feed.ads-b.pro` |
| Port | `48581` |
| Passphrase | the complete `ADS-...` token or an empty field |
| Max. message age | `3` seconds |
| Send keep-alive packets | may remain disabled |
| Idle timeout | `30` seconds |

> **Important:** the **Name** field is only a description of the configuration. Naming it `feed.ads-b.pro:48581` does not configure the destination. The actual **Address** field must contain `feed.ads-b.pro`, and **Port** must contain `48581`. Do not use `127.0.0.1` or port `30003` here.

7. To associate the feed with your account, copy the complete token from your ADS-B.Pro account into **Passphrase**.
8. Paste the token itself, for example `ADS-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx`. Do not add `TOKEN:`, quotation marks, or spaces.
9. Save the configuration with **OK**.

VRS will automatically try to connect to ADS-B.Pro. No additional script is required.

## Verify the connection

Find **Rebroadcast server status** in the main VRS window.

A working configuration should have all of the following:

- an `ADS-B.Pro legacy` row is visible;
- **Bytes Sent** keeps increasing;
- **Bytes Discarded** remains at `0` or does not increase;
- the selected receiver is Connected and its Total Messages counter increases.

When a correct token was supplied, the account should receive feeder status after the first valid message. The account update can take up to approximately 60 seconds.

The legacy method does not provide the local `:54321` status page. That page is available only with feeder v2.

## Do not send the same receiver twice

Do not leave both of these enabled for the same data source:

- VRS Push Feed to `feed.ads-b.pro:48581`;
- feeder v2 connecting to `feed.ads-b.pro:48582`.

Sending the same receiver using both methods creates duplicates and wastes bandwidth.

When switching to legacy, stop feeder v2 after confirming that VRS **Bytes Sent** is increasing.

Windows PowerShell opened as Administrator:

```powershell
Stop-Service ADSBProFeeder
Set-Service ADSBProFeeder -StartupType Disabled
```

Linux:

```bash
sudo systemctl disable --now adsbpro-feeder
```

## Troubleshooting

### VRS shows a configuration but ADS-B.Pro receives no data

Check the actual **Address** and **Port** fields first. The configuration name does not set the destination.

The correct values are:

```text
Address: feed.ads-b.pro
Port: 48581
```

### Bytes Sent does not increase

The selected Receiver is not producing data or the wrong receiver was selected. Check its Connection Status and Total Messages in the main VRS window.

### Data is visible but the account has no feeder status

- make sure Passphrase contains the complete `ADS-...` token;
- remove spaces before or after the token;
- do not add a `TOKEN:` prefix;
- allow 60 seconds after the first message is sent;
- an empty Passphrase creates an anonymous feed.

### VRS cannot connect to the server

Check DNS, Internet connectivity, and the firewall. VRS must be allowed to open an outbound TCP connection to `feed.ads-b.pro:48581`.

### Bytes Discarded keeps increasing

Set **Max. message age** to `3` seconds and check the network connection. Old messages discarded by VRS are not sent to ADS-B.Pro.

More information about Rebroadcast Servers is available in the [official Virtual Radar Server documentation](https://www.virtualradarserver.co.uk/Documentation/WebServer/RebroadcastServersParentOptions.aspx).