I bought/assembled the PiAware ADS-B Kit - 1090MHz PiAware ADS-B Kit – FlightAware. I have it hooked up in an area that should give plenty of coverage - horizon views above an elevated location.
My data is showing only aircraft within 50 miles. I can see KOSH operations during EAA without needing binoculars.
I do not have the graphs1090 installed on this unit. Will do so next time I visit the location.
Thoughts ?
Thanks
Give it a minute. Outside and above “…an elevated location?”
Make sure your pwr supply is good, all connex are tight and you are using decent cable.
Its been running for months…
I have the pi and antenna out on an enclosed porch - no screens. To the west - unobstructed view for 40 miles and we are 300 feet above anything else. To the north, east and south - not elevated but clear horizons, no hills or buildings in the way.
Connectivity is good and tight. My biggest concern is the antenna that came with the package. It is listed as an indoor antenna (weather wise). Considering upgrading the antenna to something a little more robust. The kit also did not have a band pass filter with it.
I have another unit that I build from parts (not a kit) that I have running about 75 miles away from the one above. That setup has an outside antenna (pole mounted) and band pass filter. Reception for that unit is better. I think I could reach out further if I can elevate the antenna more. I don’t have graphs installed on that unit, but it is in my house and on my list to do once I have a few minutes.
A bandpass filter is one of those things you don’t want unless you need it.
Sounds like you are in a rural location and are unlikely to need it,
Did the kit come with the blue dongle? (that on has an amp and filter built in).
Do you have the antenna stuck on a metal base of some sort?
Those are very much a beginners antenna that most people grow out of very quickly.
Definitely a rural setting.
I believe it was the blue receiver. I am working on confirming that.
The antenna is sitting on the wooden window frame of the porch. The magnetic mount is not being used. I would like to mount it higher but need to find a location that has power nearby.
You are going to need a metal item to give your antenna a “ground plane”. I have used a metal plate, a steel pot, an unopened tuna fish can, a strip of steel, etc. A steel cookie can top works well. If possible the “ground plane” should be twice the diameter of the height of the antenna. Try something like that, and you should see a noticeable increase in planes.
KB4ERT
I just got a picture of the setup. It is the orange receiver AND it has the blue band pass filter. I have removed the filter and am already seeing traffic further than 50 miles. Will post an update after if runs for a couple of days.
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