1.1 SDR Dongle
The RTL-SDR dongle is the core component of our setup.
Selecting the right device can make a big difference in reception performance.
- Not every DVB-T stick is compatible, we need one with the RTL2832U chipset
- Not every stick is equipped with the right tuner. We need a 820T, 820T2 or R860 (which is practically the same as a 820T2) tuner. Nowadays it is likely that you get a Fitipower tuner, that is unfortunately not working for ADS-B and while it may theoretically work for other SDR purposes its performance is far from what we call usable
- An SMA connector is the best option, do not buy IEC or MCX equipped sticks
- An integrated bandpass filter is helpful with ADS-B reception
- An integrated bandpass is better than no bandpass
- A dedicated bandpass is usually better than the integrated one
- The combination of an integrated and an external bandpass filter is possible and sometimes helpful with crowded frequencies
Not every SDR is usable for every service, especially those with integrated bandbass filters. We tested a lot of SDRs in the past years and based on our experiences compiled a list of our favourite dongles for each task.
- ADS-B -> AirNav RadarBox FlightStick
- AIS -> ShipXplorer AIS Dongle
- Radiosondes -> Nooelec Smart
This stick is our go-to choice for ADS-B reception. It is small, affordable, has an integrated bandpass filter, sma connector and good performance.
This stick is our go-to choice for AIS reception. It is small, affordable, has an integrated bandpass filter, sma connector and good performance.
inside there are quite a number of components for such a small footprint
This is the Rafael Micro R860 tuner chip which is very well suited for the purpose
If you check the output of rtl_eeprom it should look like this:
Found 1 device(s):
0: Generic RTL2832U OEM
Using device 0: Generic RTL2832U OEM
Detached kernel driver
Found Rafael Micro R820T tuner
Current configuration:
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Vendor ID: 0x0bda
Product ID: 0x2838
Manufacturer: SHIPXPLORER
Product: AIS
Serial number: 00000060
Serial number enabled: yes
IR endpoint enabled: yes
Remote wakeup enabled: no
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Technically en par with the RadarBox stick but 2 times as big and usually a bit more expensive. If you get one at a decent price it is a no brainer
Like the blue one but without integrated filter. A very good universal stick good for ADS-B reception when combined with a filter and a solid choice for AIS or radiosonde tracking
Decent universal stick with small and sturdy casing. Very effective cooling due to full aluminum enclosure. Good for ADS-B reception with additional filter or for AIS or radiosondes. Performance comparable with the Flightaware Pro Stick but more costly.
Like the normal Nooelec Smart but with BiasT. Only needed if you want to use a low noise amplifier (LNA) or active antenna. You can use it for AIS or radiosondes and it works quite well.
The only point going for this stick is the small form factor. Performance wise every stick mentioned before is much better. How much is much you may ask? Think about doubling your plane count with every other stick.
A good universal but relatively expensive stick. If you can get it for a decent price, just buy it. For ADS-B add a filter. For AIS or radiosondes you can most likely go without a filter.
Beware of the many cheaply made clones which will not perform that good if at all. You need to buy it from a verified source.
We have not tested this one since it is fairly new, needs a modified driver and is only a limited edition. It may work but better be safe and buy a proven V3.
Most of those sticks are equipped with a cheap Fitipower tuner these days which makes them pretty much unusable for SDR purposes. Even if you can get a stick with the right tuner you do not want the flimsy MCX connector and the temperature induced Frequency drift.
Do not buy cheap!
