The place for technical discussions about GA and flying.
Forum rules: Technical discussions about GA only, please.
By kevkdg
#1776854
Hi,

I have a Pilot Aware Classic. I would like to enclose it a new Stratux case rather than pay out again for a Rosetta.

Has any one done this, if so do you have a link to the particular Stratux case/box you used and any tips?

Couple of other queries:

The supplied PAW Classic rtl-sdr dongle gets very hot.... I have tried to source a stratux low power rtl-sdr v2, but cannot find stock anywhere. Has anyone managed to source a similar low powered one that runs cooler? If so any links please. I'm not keen on enclosing the PAW in a new case with this hot running dongle.

Final query, I am looking at either the NooElec 3dBi or 5dBi 1090MHz antenna, I know the 5dBi is longer and therefore guess it offers greater range as an aerial (as PAW only receives ADS-B) , but any recommendations would be great. The length is not an issue as the 5dBi is a similar length to the Pilot Aware signal antenna.

I shall post this on the Pilot Aware forum too, but have registered and am awaiting approval, been a few days now!

Thanks
Kevin
User avatar
By PaulSS
#1776914
These are the new low-power RTL SDR dongles they are using. They work very well, don't seem to get too hot and use less power than the other dongles:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/NooElec-NESDR-Nano-RTL2832U-Compatible/dp/B018PUYPCA

I use the Nooelec 5dBi antenna for ADSB In and it gives good results, despite it sitting in the aluminium cage that is the baggage compartment. I can't comment on them for PAW as I have an external antenna for that.

Presumably you are upgrading from a Pi2 to a 3B (+). They seem to be good bits of kit and have the advantage of a built-in WIFI, so no need for a USB slot to be used for a WIFI dongle. You'll need to get a new licence code from PAW as the mac address will obviously change. It's not a snag and they do it very quickly.
By kevkdg
#1776918
Thanks for the reply @PaulSS .

I must admit I am in two minds on whether to upgrade the Pi, I understand a 3B+ will NOT work but a 3B will. Not sure if it's worth the extra ££ to upgrade the Pi itself.

I'd be happy with the cooler RTL SDR dongle and 5dBi antenna IF I can get the whole thing into a new case that makes it easier to carry on and off aircraft.

Cheers

Kevin
User avatar
By Paul_Sengupta
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1776998
The Rosetta case is this one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADS-B-Raspberry-Stratux-Finish-Assembly-Black/dp/B06XS1F645

Though this one is slightly larger and has a fan for the dongle compartment, powered from a USB port. I've got a Stratux which uses this case:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stratux-ADS-B-Module-GPYes-Black/dp/B07649YCV9

Both available in other colours. You'll need to remove the fan from the Pi compartment either way as the PAW module fits where the fan is placed. Note that the new Rosetta "bridge" board has a notch cut out so that the antenna connector fits properly. The old one will work but you may need to squeeze things in.

You'll also need something like this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000765285443.html

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Newset-MCX-Male-to-SMA-Female-RG316-Low-Loss-Pigtail-Adapter-Cable-21cm-8-3in/192683605030

Rather than buy a new SDR dongle, just take the plastic case off the existing one. Insert a sharp knife either on a corner or just along the USB connector and twist, the black plastic case will pop off. This should aid cooling. You can do the same with the GPS which gives a bit more dongle room, though heat isn't an issue with the GPS.

The Wifi dongles get a little unreliable sometimes, so rather than updating the SDR dongle, my first preference would be to go for a Pi 3. The 3+ will work but will take more power, so the standard 3B is recommended, especially if you're running off a battery. But if you're not having any issues with the Wifi dongle, you might want to skip that for the time being.

Regarding antennas, I wouldn't worry too much about the gain, it'll just mean the difference between receiving aircraft 150 miles out and 170 miles out! :D
User avatar
By Rob P
#1777042
kevkdg wrote:Hi,

I have a Pilot Aware Classic. I would like to enclose it a new Stratux case rather than pay out again for a Rosetta.

Has any one done this, if so do you have a link to the particular Stratux case/box you used and any tips?


Yes I have done this successfully. I have been searching for the instructions I used, but as yet have been unable to turn them up. I shall keep trying.

Rob P