FlightAware Pro Stick® and Pro Stick® Plus - High Performance USB SDR ADS-B Receivers
A Revolution in USB ADS-B/Mode S Receivers
FlightAware has revolutionized the world of USB SDR ADS-B Receivers 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, and is less expensive than any other RTLSDR USB receiver in the world. The Pro Stick Plus adds a built-in 1090 MHz bandpass filter for increased performance and range of reception in areas with moderate RF noise as is typically experienced in most urban areas.
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.
| Features | Pro Stick | Pro Stick Plus |
|---|---|---|
| R820T2 Chip | ||
| On Board Amplifier | ||
| SMA Female Connector | ||
| On board 1090MHz Filter |
USB Pro Stick with SMA F Connector
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
- Less Expensive
- 30% less expensive than alternative receivers
- Lower shipping costs due to no unnecessary parts (e.g., remote control)
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
Availability / Obtaining a Pro Stick
Your country not listed?
Setup and Tuning
-
Due to the high amount of RF amplification, it is necessary to install a 1090MHZ filter and/or reduce gain on your
receiver (e.g., PiAware/dump1090). Read more about setting up your FlightAware Pro Stick
for optimal reception.
Pro Stick Links
USB Pro Stick Plus with SMA F Connector
Pro Stick Plus Features
- Higher Performance for ADS-B and MLAT
- Increases range 10-20% over Pro Stick when filtering is beneficial
- A 1090 MHz bandpass filter (whether built-in or a separate external part) is generally recommended for users in urban environments or with known high power radio transmitters nearby such as cell phone towers. Filtering is generally not recommended for users in rural environments. Filtering benefits may vary and are dependent on the installation location.
- Adds Built-in 1090 MHz filter with R820T2 SDR and 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
- Less Expensive
- Over 40% cheaper than a Pro Stick and FlightAware external filter
- Lower shipping costs due to no unnecessary parts (e.g., remote control)
Pro Stick Plus Specifications
- Chip: R820T2
- Amplifier: 19dB with 0.4dB noise figure and OIP3 +39dB
- TCXO: 0.5 ppm
- Filter: 1,075 MHz to 1,105 MHz pass band with insertion loss of 2.3 dB; 30 dB attenuation on other frequencies
- Power Draw: 300 mA
- Weight: 17 g / 0.6 oz
- Dimensions: 95 mm x 32 mm x 13 mm
- Antenna Port: SMA female (requires SMA antenna cable and optionally N-male adapter for large antenna)
- Range: Over 300 nm/550 km depending on installation quality
- Performance: 10-20% more Mode S messages in installations where filtering is beneficial
- Computer: Raspberry Pi 3 running PiAware recommended
Availability / Obtaining a Pro Stick Plus
Your country not listed?
Setup and Tuning
-
Most users will not need an external 1090 MHz filter, however in very high RF environments users may still benefit from an external 1090 MHz bandpass filter. Read more about setting up your FlightAware Pro Stick
for optimal reception.
ADS-B and FlightAware MLAT displayed on PiAware
Raspberry Pi with Pro Stick and 1090MHZ filter
20-100% range improvement
