August 31, 2013

LNA4All Low Noise Amplifier Review

Over on the SDR for Mariners blog, author Akos has reviewed the LNA4All low noise amplifier. The LNA4All is a 25 euro amplifier designed to improve the performance of the RTL-SDR.

His results show that the LNA works very well. Akos tested the LNA4ALL on multiple frequencies and applications including commercial radio, airband, NOAA weather satellites, AIS and ADSB. As an example of the improvement, his ADSB reception was improved from 83km to 94km. In his review Akos also shows how to provide power to the LNA, and puts the LNA through some simple stress tests.

April 22, 2013

LNA For All – Wideband Low Noise Amplifier

Amateur radio enthusiast and blogger 9A4QV has released a new wideband low noise amplifier (LNA) circuit that would work well with the rtl-sdr. It amplifies from 28MHz to 2500MHz with a 1dB noise figure. Check it out on his page here. At 20 Euros plus 5 Euros worldwide shipping for a fully assembled LNA, it is quite a good deal.

This small gadget can lower and improve you DVB-T SDR stick noise figure and improve the sensitivity. Adding the LNA in front the front end of your receiver can open another dimension in your reception. Receiving HAM radio satellites should not be a problem even with the small setup and portable antennas.