Hardware suggestions

Please see links to suggested Wingbits project "build your own device" related hardware below (mostly sourced on Amazon), broken down by region.

This information remains as reference for existing BYOD station owners looking for replacement hardware.

No new BYOD stations can be onboarded and no more GeoSigners can be purchased as of Oct 14th, 2024. Please see the approved hardware program page for a list of currently available hardware for use on the Wingbits network.

Unless you already have a component, you need to choose an option from both the Raspberry Pi section and ADS-B components section. ADS-B component options may require you to pick an item from multiple categories (making sure you end up with a receiver, antenna, and cable).

Please make sure that if you use a Raspberry Pi that you use their official power supply block/cable. An underpowered Pi (using a two amp / 2A phone charger block, for example) may be able to boot up, but does not provide enough power for the USB receiver also. This is a very common mistake people make.

United States

Raspberry Pi

This is a ready to assemble kit with the Pi 4 (4GB version), case, microSD card, fan, heatsinks, power switch, and USB card reader. The 2GB version is only a few dollar less. So the 4GB is better bang for the buck, especially if you intend to use for other purposes as well.

https://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-4GB-Starter-Kit/dp/B07V5JTMV9

ADS-B component suggestions

ADS-B USB Receiver (pick one)

There are other SDR sticks that are not ADS-B specific (lack 1090 MHz filter and amp). Those will likely require additional components beyond the scope of this page, in order to compete with the above. Discord server's #hardware channel is a good place to discuss those options.

1090 MHz Antenna (pick one)

Do not choose an antenna that is <= 3dBi or over 6dBi unless you know why you are doing it.

Cable (if not already included w/ chosen antenna):

You will want a cable that is an appropriate length for your install without having too much excess. Excess cable will add to signal loss (ADS-B messages lost). Ideally you want the best quality within your budget for the length needed. We suggest LMR400 or other 400 trademarked model for least loss. LMR 240/195 is reasonable for shorter runs (less than 15 feet). Don't use RG58 if you can help it, as it has the most loss per foot of all the typical cables you will find. TLDR: Buy the best (highest type/number option of 58/195/240/400) cable you can afford for the length you need.

Europe

Raspberry Pi

This option would be for sourcing most of the components you would find in a kit. You will save some money but it won't come with instructions on assembly (check YouTube) and it won't be warrantied by a single company. This is most helpful if you already have some of the items and a kit would result in duplication.

ADS-B components

ADS-B USB Receiver (pick one)

There are other SDR sticks that are not ADS-B specific (lack 1090 MHz filter and amp). Those will likely require additional components beyond the scope of this page, in order to compete with the above. Discord server's #hardware channel is a good place to discuss those options.

1090 MHz Antenna (pick one)

Do not choose an antenna that is <= 3dBi or over 6dBi unless you know why you are doing it.

Cable (if not already included w/ chosen antenna):

You will want a cable that is an appropriate length for your install without having too much excess. Excess cable will add to signal loss (ADS-B messages lost). Ideally you want the best quality within your budget for the length needed. We suggest LMR400 or other 400 trademarked model for least loss. LMR 240/195 is reasonable for shorter runs (less than 15 feet). Don't use RG58 if you can help it, as it has the most loss per foot of all the typical cables you will find. TLDR: Buy the best (highest type/number option of 58/195/240/400) cable you can afford for the length you need.

Asia

Raspberry Pi

ADS-B components

PreviousHardware neededNextGeoSigner FAQ

Last updated