@nikka93
Here is a photo of the whip antenna modified as described by @geckoVN .
This one uses a thin steel tie wire, not a copper wire, but both steel & copper are OK. Important thing is the wire should be thin so that it’s few turns can be easily wound on threaded stub.
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thanks for the support, I know that those antennas are not the best but for now I would like to optimize what I have.
I don’t have any wire here and I would like to have a stable and reliable solution to keep outside.
With the kit (as in the reference pic) there’s a 433Mhz antenna, did you think that is possible to remove the threaded end, cut the spiral and joint the threaded end with the upper part cut at 67mm??
If you don’t need one of the whips, just try getting the spiral somewhat straight, it doesn’t need to be perfect.
After that, cut to length.
not that easy the metal is really hard.
What is the utility of this spiral?
YES, I faced this but somehow managed to cut 
.
Actually 52mm is required as threaded stub is already 15mm inside the base, so 15mm+52mm=67mm. Measure how much is up to spiral. Most likely you will get 52mm without need to join extra piece. Please see photos below.
.
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thanks a lot, 52mm is exactly what I have before the spiral in the 433Mhz antenna in the kit. gonna try now
If your stick is indeed the Smartee model, be careful with what you connect to it, on the antenna side. There is 5V always present there. Any short and you may release unwanted smoke.
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Thanks yes is the V2 model which has this added power supply on antenna.
I am not really into this world of radio amateur things so any further info about that would be great
You can continue to use the stick, as long as you keep in mind that the voltage is there, always.
People typically use the Smartee when they also use an external pre-amp and/or upconverter, since those need power. If you don’t plan on using either, save the Smartee for that, and order the FA Pro+ stick.
Now I have bought this and I will not buy another one…
Did you think that if I use a filter I will burn something?
Could I change the antenna?
How can I use this power supply to improve my setup?
Thanks
Fair enough.
It depends on the circuit. Hard to say without knowing exactly what it is, and how it was designed.
As long as you don’t use antennas that provide a path for DC your are OK. The one you plan to use is OK, unless the cheap wiring/connections inside short.
For ADS-B, one use would be to power an RTL-SDR Blog pre-amp/filter combo.
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It can power for example this amplifier / filter combination:
New Product: RTL-SDR Blog 1090 MHz ADS-B LNA
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@nikka93
I have RTL-SDR Blog Tripple Filtered LNA and it improved reception considerably when I tested it.
NOTE: The photos below show a bias-t and a 5V dc adaptor to power the “rtl-sdr tripple filtered lna”. With your dongle (Nooelec V2), you will NOT need these two items as your dongle has a built-in biast and provides 5v dc power supply from RPi or PC.
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Is possible to buy it in Europe?
If you mean shipped to Europe, yes. If you mean local purchase, I don’t know.
Buying from the RTL-SDR Blog page is likely cheaper.
@nikka93
The thing which has first priority and biggest impact on performance is a good antenna, and unobstructed outdoor location for the antenna. The Filter & LNA come next.
I use Flightaware 26" antenna which I purchased from Amazon
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I would disagree, the step from no LNA to LNA as in his case is quite big.
Remember he’s not using a blue prostick.
You can get quite a good range with the rtl-sdr LNA and a quarter wave ground plane antenna.
… provided the quarter wave ground plane antenna is located outdoor, or in a window, or in attic.
i will probably put it outside on a 6th floor with no obstruction and almost horizon view ( apart from one side where is the building )
