The brain of PiLNK. The Pi 5 handles ADS-B decoding, ATC audio streaming and the web interface simultaneously with headroom to spare.
✓ Used in PiLNK — EpsomPi runs on Pi 5 8GB
ESSENTIAL
📡
FlightAware Pro Stick Plus
The best ADS-B dongle for aircraft tracking. Built-in 1090MHz filter and amplifier — tracks planes up to 300nm away.
✓ Used in PiLNK — ADS-B receiver (serial 00000001)
ESSENTIAL
📻
RTL-SDR Blog V4
The second dongle for live ATC audio streaming on VHF airband (118-137MHz). The V4 has a built-in bias tee for powering an LNA.
✓ Used in PiLNK — VHF audio receiver (serial 00000002)
ESSENTIAL
🔌
Raspberry Pi 5 Power Supply (27W)
The official 27W USB-C power supply. Running two SDR dongles demands good power — don't cheap out on this one.
✓ Required for stable dual-dongle operation
RECOMMENDED — MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
RECOMMENDED
📶
RTL-SDR Wideband LNA
Low noise amplifier that dramatically improves ATC audio quality. Powered directly by the RTL-SDR V4 bias tee — no extra cables needed.
✓ Used in PiLNK — ATC audio is crystal clear with this
RECOMMENDED
💾
Samsung 256GB NVMe SSD
Boot from NVMe instead of SD card for 10x faster performance and much better reliability. Night and day difference on Pi 5.
✓ Used in PiLNK — EpsomPi runs from NVMe
RECOMMENDED
🗄️
Pi 5 NVMe HAT
Connects your NVMe SSD to the Pi 5's PCIe slot. The official Raspberry Pi NVMe HAT is the easiest option.
✓ Required if using NVMe SSD
RECOMMENDED
🏠
Pi 5 Case with Fan
Running two SDR dongles generates heat. A good case with active cooling keeps everything stable during long sessions.
✓ Keeps temps under control
OPTIONAL — NICE TO HAVE
OPTIONAL
📡
1090MHz ADS-B Antenna
A dedicated outdoor antenna dramatically increases your aircraft tracking range. Worth it if you want to see planes 200+ nm away.
OPTIONAL
🔌
USB Hub (Powered)
If you want to connect keyboard, mouse and both dongles simultaneously, a powered USB hub keeps everything stable.
OPTIONAL
💾
SanDisk 32GB MicroSD
For a basic SD card setup or as a backup. Our installer supports both SD and NVMe boot.
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