I’m new to running my own ADS-B receiver and am looking to further improve my setup.
I’m running dump1090-fa on a Raspberry Pi 4B 8GB, my hardware setup looks something like this:
RPi → 2m USB 2.0 Cord → NooElec NESDR SMArt → FA Dark Blue Filter 1090 MHz → 30cm RG316 → 1m RG174 → 4 radial spider antenna on my windowsill (I don’t have access to the roof)
I’m running adaptive gain as I live right in the approach/departure path to EDDF (currently departure) and usually expect aircraft within a sub 1nm range.
This is my scan before and after adding the filter:
810-990 MHz:
1050-1120 MHz:
And my graph1090 plots, but I’m not too sure how to read/interpret them 100%:
The range seem to be a bit limited. But it depends on the area. Some other receivers (incl. mine) are reaching up to 220 nm in range for EDDF, but that has nothing to say.
Can you share a range plot? Maybe you have obstacles around you.
A good antenna is always worth to try. An LNA can improve, but as said it depends on the area.
If you have close mountains or other things around you, an LNA can’t do “miracles”.
Are you west or east of EDDF?
This is my map, living around 50 km West of EDDF (don’t be confused about the different map, i am using a Jetvision device, but the performance to a Pi is similar)
I’m definitely restricted towards the North due to my building, but I feel like there might be room to improve every other direction judging by the range plot?
You need to mount it better so it’s a bit above that brush, the center portion is metal.
Are you pinching that in the window?
If you are it’s likely to cause major signal loss.
Also that coax isn’t great, it will have quite some loss at 1090 MHz, even if it is just 1m.
If you’re running an USB extension anyhow, just have SDR directly connected to the short antenna coax? It should do ok with that fancy plastic bag over it
That makes sense, my anti-pigeon brush was a quick and dirty way to get it up and running. I’ll definitely look into a better solution. Would a vertical PVC pipe and spider on top with a proper base work?
I’m pinching the little RG316, and I think I should be able to shorten the 1m RG174 further down / swap it with another shorter RG316. I figured the cable quality with a length sub-5m would be fine but I’ll play around and adjust!
Can’t run my USB extension through my window unfortunately
Is there any point in running both the dark blue 1090 MHz filter and a filtered LNA? I kinda dislike the idea of “paying twice” for a filter // having paid for a filter I wouldn’t have needed if I end up getting a filtered LNA
Do you happen to know how the NooElec NESDR SMArt ranks up against your linked SDR?
The linked SDR is at least the best value for money right now.
I found that using a cavity filter + the FA blue dongle (also has filter + lna like the one linked) had good results, but that all depends a lot on antenna, location etc.
Good point. I had an earlier setup with such a window cable connector. Everytime i closed the window signal got weak by > 50%
Another case of decreasing the performance can be the USB cable between Pi and stick (if in use). Some are really bad and should not be used.
I have tested several things which included a filtered LNA plus the dark blue FA filter.
I did not get any improvement by using both together. If the filtered LNA is optimized for 1090 MHz, there is no need or benefit for the dark blue filter any longer.
Ah that makes sense, I’ll keep that in mind if I ever upgrade my SDR itself. I feel like there should be different things that are lacking and could use an upgrade over my current SDR.
No idea, i simply stopped using it. Maybe there are better ones, but i don’t know.
After that experience i have now the whole receiver outdoor on my balcony.
It should not have that much improvement. Be aware that not all of them are for longer outdoor use.
I have an 8dB Vinnant and replaced the original Jetvision 5dB, but finally no real change or improvement in reception as long as nothing else is changed. I am simply limited in some directions due to the geographical location.
The more “noise” devices (e.g. other antennas, mobile provider stations etc.) are around you, the better the filter works.
additional note: Make sure you are using the right antenna cable. Some have a wrong impedance and should not be used (e.g. cables which are for TV signals)
Oh how I wish I’d have a balcony… I think I might be able to put my SDR and filter on my windowsill inside a junction box (?) and feed a flat USB cable through my window instead of any coax. So far no change with/without it being pinched in my window tho.
All of my cables should have 50ohms, just lossy apparently.
I just ordered the COL1090/5-SU and their H155 cable.
I also ordered the SDR @wiedehopf recommended just to play around a little, I’m curious how it’ll stack up to my current setup and the new antenna.
