How I monitor my Raspberry Pi trackers

In time, I have added several trackers everywhere I could, and I am using several other Pi for other use (Plex media player, home automation, …). In order to deploy and monitor them remotely I am using several tools: GitHub, AnyDesk, Cockpit, Graphs1090 and FlightAware.

GitHub

Github is where I store all the code for my trackers, mainly in Python. I added some scripts on my Raspberry Pi trackers to update to the latest version just in one click on my status page on my website. I am keeping several branches as I am keeping the off-grid Pi in Python 2 until I can get to it (upgrading from Python 2 to Python 3 may require physical access if anything is getting wrong); I also have a development branch and a production branch in Python 3.

I try to manage the evolutions in database structure or the installation of new Raspbian packages through the Python code, to limit manual installation to the minimum. The Python code also manage daily update of Raspbian packages to keep my trackers up to date on that part.

AnyDesk

I am using AnyDesk to access my headless Raspberry Pi trackers remotely. I use it for all the complex tasks that I need to keep manual.

Cockpit

I am using Cockpit to monitor all my Pi, not only my trackers. I can track their loads, upgrade software packages, and even manage everything that can be done through the Terminal feature.

graphs1090 / autogain1090

I am using graphs1090 to monitor and optimise the performance of the RTL-SDR receivers. Autogain1090 is helping to keep the gain optimised.

FlightAware

I am using FlightAware as a backup solution for the capacity to update dump1090-fa, piaware or reboot my trackers, in case AnyDesk doesn’t work.