# FlightAware Feeder/USB stick **URL:** \ **Category:** FlightAware\ **Created:** [September 30, 2026, 1:41pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-feeder-usb-stick/100799 "2026-09-30T13:41:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![khotaar14](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/khotaar14/32/136617_2.png) [@khotaar14](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/khotaar14)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2026, 1:41pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-feeder-usb-stick/100799/1 "2026-09-30T13:41:17Z")
Hello, I am trying to find ways to get my antenna higher. It is current mounted outside and I have options to go higher with it but the cable length of course is my issue. One way would be able to place the usb dongle in my attic. However, I notice it already runs pretty warm inside my house and I am afraid it will get to hot in the attic. Does anyone else have their equipment in the attic? ---
**Author:** ![JamieMckerral1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/jamiemckerral1/32/136872_2.png) [@JamieMckerral1](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/JamieMckerral1)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 8:36am UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-feeder-usb-stick/100799/2 "2026-10-13T08:36:38Z")
Hi, yes all my equipment is in the attic, the raspberry pi has a fan on it, which rarely spins up using an official cooler… ---
**Author:** ![Socrammmfreitas](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/socrammmfreitas/32/137080_2.png) [@Socrammmfreitas](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/Socrammmfreitas)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 4:28pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-feeder-usb-stick/100799/3 "2026-10-13T16:28:26Z")
You can leave your dongle outside the casing or add a heatsink. ![1783375876537](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/1/6/1652498bf831bbe299ccc56ddfe060367124379f.jpeg) It would end up looking like a sort of sandwich: heatsink + thermal paste + thermal pad + thermal paste + dongle board, secured with screws if possible. Mine runs with the IC temperatures around 45°C and the heatsink at 41°C. If your SDR is an RTL-SDR with an aluminum case, you can attach a heatsink and a thermal pad and secure it with zip ties. ---
**Author:** ![SHIRAKAMI](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/shirakami/32/137523_2.png) [@SHIRAKAMI](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/SHIRAKAMI)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2026, 7:57am UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-feeder-usb-stick/100799/4 "2026-10-15T07:57:53Z")
Just a rambling thought from an older guy who no longer worries about pushing sensitivity to the maximum limits… I have fixed my setup directly onto the aluminum railing on my 2nd-floor balcony. ![unnamed (50)](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/4/c/4c148f8612c9c0df647e5ab7460ef2e1b9750cf1.jpeg) I am hoping this gives a decent heat-dissipation effect (acting like a big heatsink) and maybe even a slight grounding effect. What do you all think? ---
**Author:** ![Socrammmfreitas](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/socrammmfreitas/32/137080_2.png) [@Socrammmfreitas](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/Socrammmfreitas)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2026, 4:44pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-feeder-usb-stick/100799/5 "2026-10-15T16:44:07Z")
Have you measured the temperature of the device in isolation and compared it to the current temperature? I think using a thermal pad would be more advantageous, as it would ensure good heat conduction between the device and the metal structure. OBS: Are you worried about the heat? The average temperature in Japan right now is below 20°C. Here in northeastern Brazil—specifically in the city where I live—it’s 31°C.🥵 ---
**Author:** ![SHIRAKAMI](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/shirakami/32/137523_2.png) [@SHIRAKAMI](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/SHIRAKAMI)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2026, 10:55pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-feeder-usb-stick/100799/6 "2026-10-15T22:55:55Z")
Thanks for the tip about the thermal pad! To answer your question, no, I haven’t measured the exact temperatures. I’ve never touched the device and felt it was “hot!”, so I just haven’t got around to measuring it. You’re right—it’s getting pretty cool here in Japan now, so it’s not urgent. But summer here can get quite hot, so I wanted to think ahead for next year! Wow, 31°C in Brazil is intense! Stay cool, and greetings from Japan!