Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a technology that enables aircraft to determine their position via satellite and then broadcast it. This information can be received by ground stations enabling aircraft to be tracked. With FlightAware, you can build and run your own ADS-B ground station that can be installed anywhere and receive real-time data directly from airplanes on your Raspberry Pi!
The FlightAware Pro Stick is a USB SDR ADS-B Receiver with the FlightAware Pro Stick and Pro Stick Plus, high-performance USB R820T2 Software Defined Radios (SDR) with a built-in RF amp for maximum ADS-B/MLAT performance. The first of its kind, FlightAware's Pro Stick is compatible with PiAware or any other device that supports USB RTLSDR receivers.
The Pro Stick and Pro Stick Plus are roughly the size of a traditional USB stick and require no external power. There are no moving parts.
Pro Stick Features
Higher Performance for ADS-B and MLAT
20-100% range improvement vs traditional USB SDR sticks
R820T2 SDR combined with FlightAware RF Amplifier (USB powered)
Native SMA connector yields reduced loss due to antenna cabling/adapters
Easier to Setup
SMA F connector for easy connectivity to high-performance antenna
No MCX adapters required
No external amplifier required
Pro Stick Specifications
Chip: R820T2
Amplifier: 19dB with 0.4dB noise figure and OIP3 +39dB
TCXO: 0.5 ppm
Power Draw: 300mA
Weight: 17g / 0.6oz
Dimensions: 95mm x 32mm x 13mm
Antenna Port: SMA female (requires SMA antenna cable and optionally N-male adapter for large antenna)
Range: Over 275nm/500km depending on installation quality
Performance: 20-100% range improvement for Mode S message vs traditional RTL SDR
Computer: Raspberry Pi 3 Running PiAware Recommended
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