Blue R820T2 RTL2832U, 0.5 PPM TCXO ADS-B SDR w/Amp and 1090 Mhz Filter, Antenna & Software on Industrial MicroSD

I've got several SBC based USB SDRs and this one makes me the happiest. Excellent range, worked out of the box and comes with the serial number set to 1090 for easy setup alongside UAT. It does run hot, and it does block most of the other USB connections. I have it set up vertically so that the heater air will rise and it seems to be fine that way. I'm replacing my other ADSB SDRs with this as I have the opportunity.

The ADSBexchange.com Blue R820T2 RTL2832U receiver has significantly enhanced my aircraft tracking capabilities, outperforming the well-known FlightAware Pro Stick Plus in every aspect crucial for ADS-B enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed look at why the ADSBexchange receiver is a superior choice for anyone serious about ADS-B tracking. Superior Build Quality: The ADSBexchange.com Blue R820T2 RTL2832U is not just another ADS-B receiver. Encased in robust blue aluminum, it not only promises durability but also superior heat dissipation, which is crucial for long operational hours without the risk of overheating—a stark contrast to the plastic-bodied FlightAware Pro Stick Plus. The technical superiority of the ADSBexchange receiver is evident in its enhanced reception capabilities. With a 0.5 PPM TCXO, the precision in frequency stability is unparalleled, ensuring that even under significant temperature fluctuations, the accuracy remains consistent. This is a game-changer for capturing ADS-B signals under varied environmental conditions. Moreover, the integration of an amplifier and a 1090 MHz filter directly into the device means that it can more efficiently sift through RF noise to capture cleaner and more accurate signals. This capability is particularly useful in densely populated urban areas where signal interference is a common issue. Using the same antenna and cable setup, the ADSBexchange receiver consistently detects more aircraft over broader areas compared to the FlightAware Pro Stick Plus. This is not just about quantity; the quality of the data, including positional accuracy and message integrity, is markedly improved. More messages per second are processed even with automatic gain control (AGC) enabled allowing for seamless data collection without requiring constant manual tweaking. I also see improved distribution of aircraft both over my footprint, and in an enhanced spread of altitudes. For enthusiasts who demand the best in ADS-B reception, the decision is clear: the ADSBexchange.com Blue R820T2 RTL2832U is the superior choice, delivering unmatched performance that enhances the joy and effectiveness of aircraft tracking. I am not affiliated with ADS-B Exchange either directly or indirectly, nor was this review solicited or compensated.

I have a Pi 4 set up for ADSB, which I was previously using a sdr, and it worked great. I really wanted to try having an amp and filter to see if it made any difference in my setup, and it did! My tracking seemed to nearly double. My messages a second went from about 120 to often closer to 250. I also went from about 20 aircraft on average to 50, and reaching about 100 miles to 150. I did swap out the included antenna to a PCB one about a week later that gave me another 50-100 messages/second, slightly increased tracks with more than one message, and added about 10 more (now 60) for average planes. This was a great upgrade, and was very easy to swap out. I started using my old SDR to track 978MHz for smaller planes.

I absolutely love this receiver. The second I hooked it up, my map coverage exploded way more aircraft, smoother data, and better range instantly. The built-in LNA and 1090 MHz filter make a massive difference compared to cheap dongles. I went from “meh” coverage to full-on radar grid in seconds. Totally worth it for anyone running a feeder or just wanting clean, strong signals. I was so impressed, I bought another one the same day. Rock solid performance, great value, and it just works.

This RTL SDR is actually pretty good. I’m getting ADS-B signals from 200 Nm with a 5dBi antenna 5m agl. The internal filter seems to work too. I will be buying another as backup.

Works as advertised, and I've been using it as an ADSB receiver for my Raspberry Pi feeding into FR24. However, NOTE: It gets extremely warm. Like, very warm to the touch, and enough to impact your Pi's overall temperatures as well. My Pi 5 runs fine, but my Pi 3b+ requires external heatsinks when this is connected via USB. As others have done here, I bought 2x heatsinks and pasted them to both sides of the amp (see photo). At least this way, you're removing some of the heat away from the amp and your Pi. Still, my Pi gets much warmer with this antenna. I do with the amp itself had its own heat-dissipating ability, or even passive thermals (or even a fan!).

I've been running flightaware for a few years now using a rtl-sdr. It's worked well but my sdr finally died. I replaced it with this and I'm stunned at the difference. i'm getting 2-3 time more flights. The range is so much better! Very happy with this

I've been contributing to FlightAware and ADSBexchange and others for several years. When I put a new Pi online, I needed an RTL-SDR, and decided to try something other than my old, generic units, or the FlightAware Pro-Stick +. This unit from ADSBexchange is amazing. It is built solidly with a metal casing. It is drop-in compatible with my software, and is a great value. I am now routinely receiving reports from well over 200 miles away, which is a stretch for my older units. As others have noted, this runs very warm. The metal case is obviously dissipating nicely, and it's pretty much the same temperature as my other units (I have 5.) This is a very solid product, which has made a difference in my signal capture and processing. Strongly recommended.