radarcontrol.io docs

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Quick Start ​

Get started with radarcontrol.io in 5 minutes.

Your First Script ​

When you open radarcontrol.io, you'll see the default script already loaded. Here's what it does:

javascript
onSpawn((aircraft) => {
  log(`${aircraft.cs} (${aircraft.type}) at FL${aircraft.altFL}`);

  // Set up handover at exit
  aircraft.over(aircraft.plan.exitPoint, (ac) => {
    ac.handover();
  });
});
Load into sim

This code:

  1. Logs when each aircraft spawns
  2. Sets up automatic handover when aircraft reach their exit point

Loading Your Script ​

Press Ctrl+Enter or click "Load Script" to run your code.

Basic Traffic Management ​

Let's add some actual traffic management. Replace the default script with this:

javascript
onSpawn((aircraft) => {
  // Climb to cruise altitude
  aircraft.climb(fl(aircraft.plan.cruiseFL));

  // Set cruise speed
  aircraft.speed(420);

  // Direct to exit point
  aircraft.direct(aircraft.plan.exitPoint);

  // Auto-handover at exit
  aircraft.over(aircraft.plan.exitPoint, (ac) => {
    ac.handover();
  });
});

onTick(({ traffic }) => {
  const flights = traffic.all();

  // Maintain spacing with speed control
  for (let i = 0; i < flights.length - 1; i++) {
    const lead = flights[i];
    const trail = flights[i + 1];

    const dist = distance(trail.pos, lead.pos);

    if (dist < 8) {
      // Too close - slow down
      trail.speed(Math.max(lead.targetIASKts - 30, 320));
    }
  }
});
Load into sim

Load this script and watch the simulation manage traffic automatically!

Understanding the Code ​

onSpawn() ​

Called when each aircraft enters your sector. Use it for initial clearances:

javascript
onSpawn((aircraft) => {
  // aircraft has properties: cs, type, altFL, plan, etc.
  // aircraft has methods: climb(), speed(), direct(), etc.
});
Load into sim

onTick() ​

Called every ~0.5 seconds. Use it for continuous management:

javascript
onTick(({ traffic, time, weather, fixes }) => {
  // Access all aircraft: traffic.all()
  // Get specific aircraft: traffic.byCallsign("AAL123")
});
Load into sim

Aircraft Control Methods ​

Control aircraft using method chaining:

javascript
aircraft
  .climb(fl(350))      // Climb to FL350
  .speed(420)          // Speed 420 knots
  .direct("KMART");    // Direct to KMART

Common Patterns ​

Vertical Separation ​

javascript
onTick(({ traffic }) => {
  const flights = traffic.all();

  for (let i = 0; i < flights.length - 1; i++) {
    const a = flights[i];
    const b = flights[i + 1];

    const lateral = distance(a.pos, b.pos);
    const vertical = Math.abs(a.altFt - b.altFt);

    // If lateral separation is tight, ensure vertical
    if (lateral < 5 && vertical < 1000) {
      a.climb(a.altFt + 2000);
    }
  }
});
Load into sim

Conflict Resolution ​

javascript
onConflict((pair) => {
  const acA = traffic.byCallsign(pair.a);
  const acB = traffic.byCallsign(pair.b);

  if (acA && acB) {
    // Climb the higher aircraft
    if (acA.altFt > acB.altFt) {
      acA.climb(acA.altFt + 2000);
    } else {
      acB.climb(acB.altFt + 2000);
    }
  }
});
Load into sim

Waypoint Actions ​

javascript
onSpawn((aircraft) => {
  // Descend before reaching waypoint
  aircraft.before("KMART", 30, (ac) => {
    ac.descend(fl(240));
  });

  // Change speed at waypoint
  aircraft.over("MERGE", (ac) => {
    ac.speed(320);
  });

  // Ensure altitude constraint
  aircraft.reach("EXIT").altitude(fl(240));
});
Load into sim

Debugging ​

Use log() to output messages to the activity panel:

javascript
log(`${aircraft.cs} is at FL${aircraft.altFL}`);
log(`Distance: ${dist.toFixed(1)}nm`);
log(`Conflict between ${pair.a} and ${pair.b}`);

The activity panel at the bottom shows all your log messages and errors.

Interactive Mode ​

Want to take direct control of aircraft? Switch to Interactive mode using the tabs at the top!

In Interactive mode, you can:

  • Click aircraft to select them
  • Type commands like AAL123 cfl200 s400 dr KMART
  • Use buttons for quick altitude, speed, and routing commands
  • Control aircraft just like a real air traffic controller!

See the Interactive Commands reference for all available commands.

Two Ways to Control ​

radarcontrol.io offers two control modes:

Code Mode (what you just learned):

  • Write Javascript to automate traffic management
  • Handle multiple aircraft with logic
  • Perfect for complex scenarios and automation

Interactive Mode:

  • Take direct control like a real controller
  • Issue commands via text or buttons
  • Perfect for hands-on, real-time control

Switch between modes anytime using the tabs at the top of the sidebar!

Next Steps ​

  • Explore the API Reference for complete scripting documentation
  • Check out Interactive Commands to learn direct control
  • Try different separation strategies
  • Implement custom procedures
  • Experiment with waypoint events

Happy controlling!