My homebrew ADS-B receiver project finally picked up a plane!

Thomas King · 2026-02-25T19:25:23.582219+00:00

Seeing the data flow in real time is oddly satisfying.

ADS-B reception really depends on antenna placement. @caleb_fisher44 had a similar experience with his roof antenna giving solid signals. I read that even a basic wire antenna can pull in planes from over 150 miles away if there's line of sight. Seeing that data stream must be a great payoff for your project.

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allen.kai7mo ago

My attic setup once mistook a microwave for a plane. I've since learned that line of sight is key.

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murray.caleb7mo ago

How's the antenna setup working?

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caleb_fisher447mo ago

Picked up 15 new HD channels with that antenna on the roof. I always figured it was overkill for our area, but the signal is rock solid now.

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