FlightAware Pro Stick Plus FA-PROSTICKPLUS-1 ADS-B USB Receiver with Built-in Filter

As an aviation enthusiast and ADS-B data collector, the FlightAware Pro Stick Plus FA-PROSTICKPLUS-1 USB Receiver has become an essential tool in elevating my flight tracking capabilities to new heights.The first thing that impresses me is the built-in filter of this ADS-B receiver. It effectively blocks out unwanted signals and interference, ensuring that I receive clear and accurate data from aircraft in my vicinity.The Pro Stick Plus is designed for ADS-B data reception, making it a top-notch choice for capturing and decoding signals from nearby aircraft, enhancing my real-time flight tracking experience.One standout feature of this USB receiver is its compatibility with various software and applications. It seamlessly works with popular ADS-B tracking software, allowing me to easily integrate it into my existing setup.The FlightAware brand is renowned for its commitment to quality and reliability, and the Pro Stick Plus lives up to that reputation. I trust that I am getting precise and reliable ADS-B data with this receiver.In conclusion, the FlightAware Pro Stick Plus FA-PROSTICKPLUS-1 USB Receiver is more than just an ADS-B receiver; it's a valuable tool for flight tracking enthusiasts and aviation data collectors. With its built-in filter, ADS-B data reception, software compatibility, and trust in the FlightAware brand, this USB receiver has become an essential part of my aviation hobby. For individuals seeking to enhance their ADS-B reception and real-time flight tracking capabilities, the FlightAware Pro Stick Plus FA-PROSTICKPLUS-1 USB Receiver is a top-notch choice. Elevate your flight tracking experience with confidence, thanks to the FlightAware Pro Stick Plus ADS-B USB Receiver!

The FlightAware ProStick Plus is THE ADS-B dongle to choose if you're interested in ADS-B. FlightAware has an orange one, but I really don't know why anyone would want that one - because this one comes with some important features. Foremost, a 1090 mhz filter is inside the case. This filter is very, very important because you ONLY want to pick up a 1090 mhz signal, and there's just so much stray RF floating around out there, it can cause reception issues. Also, the Pro Stick Plus includes a LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) in the circuity. It's my understanding that this amplifier isn't as powerful as an actual add on outboard LNA, but it does give the device a nice little range boost that the orange Pro Stick might not have.Something to keep in mind is that your antenna system is going to be the biggest factor in what you're able to receive. I've tried a couple different antennas. A simple "rubber duck" type that looks like a wifi router antenna, and made a DIY "spider" antenna that you'll likely see if you search for ADS-B antennas online. The spider antenna obviously worked best, but the little rubber duck antenna wasn't "bad". It wasn't "good" either. I've made the choice to go with an outdoor antenna after taking my setup outside and effectively TRIPLING the number of aircraft I was able to receive. That was all I needed to know to go ahead and buy a FlightAware outdoor antenna and some LMR-400 coax.That's something else you want to keep in mind, coax cable is vitally important because at 1090 mhz, regular coax can get very lossy. You want the signal the antenna picks up to get to the receiver! So spend the money and buy the absolute BEST and LOWEST LOSS coax you can afford. Trust me on this.The last thing I recommend is visiting ADSBExchange.com and joining their forum. FlightAware is cool and all, but here's a little secret that you may not know.. FlightAware will take the data you feed them and FILTER IT. That means you will NOT see all of the aircraft your device is picking up on the FlightAware radar view! The guys over at ADSBExchange have developed their own software that you load on your Raspberry Pi that DOES NOT filter data. What you see is what you get!

**TLDR** My Blue FA stick outperforming the RTL-SDR V3 stick and doesn't get hot!About 3 weeks ago I setup a PiAware feeder using a RTL-SDR V3 as a receiver and a home made antenna in my attic. It was fun and interesting and the V3 worked very well but I wanted to improve my range and reception. I chose the FlightAware Pro Plus (the Blue Stick) because it has a built-in amp and 1090MHz filter.After 3 weeks with the V3 I was seeing around 80-120 NM out which I thought was pretty decent for a attic mounted homemade antenna.Today after 5 hours with the blue FA stick and the same antenna I've seen several planes just beyond the 150 NM ring for the first time and have picked up as many signals from 200-250 mile range than the previous 3 weeks total! I realize there are lots of variables and with only 5 hours of data it's awful early to be conculsive but I'm very impressed with the improvement and very pleased with this little receiver.If you are looking to get into flight tracking using a SDR - specifically 1090MHz - then this is a nice little all-in-one package that combines the SDR with a built-in amp and 1090MHz filter for $20.If you want to receive 978MHz you're going to want the Orange FA stick instead for about a dollar less, or maybe the V3.Don't get me wrong I like my RTL-SDR V3. It is more versatile but it was not purpose built specifically for 1090MHz ADSB like the Blue Stick is.