Raspberry Pi and ADS-B

[Watson-Watt]

I'm contemplating buying a Raspberry Pi to operate with a dongle as a dedicated ADS-B receiver.

I've done a number of searches and there seems to be several ways to set about it.

I wonder if any forum members have successfully configured a system and which method was used?

Hints and tips, especially pitfalls to avoid, would be very welcome.

Many thanks,

W-W

[Anmer]

I setup a Pi and DVB-T receiver (dongle) using RTL1090.exe with Windows as the message decoder and viewed the results on either Virtual Radar Server and PlanePlotter.  There are alternative Linux message decoders

With a masthead antenna the setup produces reasonable results and range except that I couldn't use the DVB-T USB receiver with my Silex USB-Ethernet switch.  My SBS-3 delivered more contacts.

From what I've read elsewhere, the low cost DVB-T can overheat.  I don't use this setup now.

If you're happy to experiment and invest time and possibly get frustrated, the DVB-T is a low cost option but I prefer specialist receivers and software.

[Watson-Watt]

Thanks, Mike.

At the moment I have a dependable old Dell laptop which trudges on uncomplainingly for about fifteen hours a day. The SBS-1 isn't quite as old, but it too continues to provide sterling service.

The thoughts at the back of my mind are that neither will last forever. When the time comes I'll probably replace the laptop but might just use my PC which tends to gobble up electricity and I couln't justify running it all day every day.

Laptops, in general, seem to produce an enormous amount of heat and I wouldn't be comfortable leaving one running for hours on end. I have a Novatech (Lenovo) laptop that becomes frighteningly hot. I think that I just struck lucky with my Dell as it never gets too warm. It's for that reason that I thought about a Pi + Dongle as I don't want to buy another laptop that could warm a small room.

Thanks again, for your response Mike. I'll give the subject some further thought.

W-W

[IanH]

Take a look under the DVB-T Dongles section for comments about running with Rpi.

If the dongle is connected to the Pi, Mike's problems with the USB-Ethernet switch go away since the Pi provides network connectivity.

[Watson-Watt]

Take a look under the DVB-T Dongles section for comments about running with Rpi.

Many thanks Ian. On my way there now.