Tracking Planes with RTL-SDR

Follow commercial flights and map their exact locations in the sky with an inexpensive software-defined radio

Written by David Scheltema

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Hep Svadja

Time Required: 1 Hour Cost: $65–$100

Materials

» BeagleBone Black single-board computer Maker Shed item #MSGSBBK2, makershed.com

» RTL-SDR software-defined radio with RTL2832U chipset, such as Adafruit #1497

» Power supply, 5V 1A, or USB mini cable

SOFTWARE-DEFINED RADIOS (SDR) ARE GAINING IN POPULARITY, AND IT’S NOT HARD TO SEE WHY — using them, your computer can tune into in an enormous range of frequencies, including FM radio, unencrypted police and fire bands, aircraft ...

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