Here we have a look inside the Flightaware Prostick (Top) and the RTL-SDR.COM v3 (Bottom). At first glance, these look very similar, both use the Rafael Micro R820T2 tuner IC and both use SMA antenna connections but each dongle has features that set them apart. Here is a closer look of the two. The…
R820T2 DVB-T usb dongle SDR comparison.
Some time ago I purchased a couple of R820T2 DVB-T usb dongles for using on 1090mhz with my home adsb monitoring station. When hooked up to a headless raspberry pi they chug away feeding the squitters with no major issues 24/7/365. They are cheap, easy to obtain and are good fun for trying out SDR…
Vintage data scanning : Lowe Airmaster 2000 ACARS Decoder.
Following on from my earlier post on the Realistic PRO-2006 scanner I wonder how many home spotters out there bought a Lowe Electronics Airmaster 2000 ACARS decoding package. Revolutionary in its day, it comprised of some software (freeware I think) on a floppy disk and an demodulator dongle distributed and sold by Lowe Electronics, Matlock….
HF Receiving antenna, The PA0RDT mini-whip.
This is an unusual antenna in my collection, the PA0RDT active mini whip. Normally I would be sceptical about the performance of such a small device for HF use but I read a few favourable reviews on the internet and decided to order one for using with my Tecsun PL-600 ssb radio and I thought it…
HF receiving antenna G-WHIP
I bought this antenna a few years ago for listening to HF airband transmissions. It is made in the United Kingdom by Geoff Brown G4ICD, then propietor of G-Whip. Believe it or not, I bought this item brand new/unused for £25 from here Rosscomm Radio It was the last one remaining of old stock. G-Whip…
HF Propagation Conditions