FlyCatcher

FlyCatcher is a Raspberry Pi Hat equipped with a dual-channel software defined radio. One side is dedicated to receiving ADS-B signals at 1090MHz, and the other side is dedicated to receiving UAT signals at 978MHz. 

Assembly

1. Press the white switch caps onto the LNA switches
2. Optional but recommended: attach the heatsinks to the bottom of the FlyCatcher board using the provided adhesive. There will be guide lines showing where to attach the heatsinks.
3. Install the PCB metal spacers to the FlyCatcher and Raspberry Pi computer

Driver Installation

Install the NESDR SDR drivers for your FlyCatcher. For driver installation instructions, please visit our Getting Started with NESDR page.

Operation

1. Connect your FlyCatcher via the provided USB cable, into an available USB port on your Raspberry Pi or host device
2. Attach your dedicated UAT or ADS-B antenna to your FlyCatcher via the SMA connector
3. Open your SDR software, select the side of the FlyCatcher you are using, and tune to your frequency of choice. Enjoy!

LED Meanings

• Red - the device is powered
• Blue - the amp is active
• Green - GPIO control is activated (this enables the LNA to be controlled in software via bias tee function)

• Blue / green - the amp is being controlled by the GPIO

   

Notes

• Both UAT and ADS-B sides can be powered and operated simultaneously
• The LNA switch must be pressed down in order to control the LNA via software

Software

Stratux, PiAware, dump1090, dump978, tar1090

⚠ User Safety

• The maximum recommended input power is 10 dBm
• Ensure voltage input does not exceed 5.3 V
• Comply with local regulations and laws
• This device is not weatherproof. Weatherproofing precautions should be taken if installing outdoors
• Contains small parts not suitable for young children

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