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JJX edited this page Dec 22, 2024 · 1 revision

Choose a computer for your setup

The core component of every setup is a computer that processes all the data coming from the SDRs.

Consider the following before deciding for a specific model.

Size / space constraints

If you are installing your setup in an outdoor enclosure space is at a minimum.

  • The smallest option is to use a Raspberry Pi
  • Another reasonably small option is to use a Mini PC like a Futro, NUC, ThinkCenter Tiny, ...

Thermal constraints

If you are installing your setup in an outdoor enclosure, under a hot roof or in generally hot climate it is crucial to keep the computer cool enough to avoid stability issues.

  • The easiest option is to use a low power system like Raspberry Pi 1 or 2
  • Another option is to include active cooling in your design, like a fan on a Pi3, Pi4 or Pi5 or choose a Mini PC with an integrated fan

Computing power

The amount of computing power needed varies significantly with the number of services you want to implement

  • ADS-B only does run on a Raspberry Pi 1, but there is not much headroom, so we don't recommended it
  • ADS-B + MLAT + AIS will fine run on a Pi 2
  • Decoding multiple radiosondes at once does require a bit of computing power so you may want to use the fastest Raspberry Pi you can find or even better a Mini PC
  • Mini PCs with x86 CPUs like the Futro with Celeron J4105 do everything of the above mentioned with enough headroom for future software updates and addition of SDRs
  • An old laptop or PC may work as well

USB ports

  • The more USB ports the more SDRs you can connect to decode different signals
  • USB Hubs are not recommended as the bandwidth of the uplink port can not handle multiple SDRs

Power consumtion

  • As the system is running 24/7 this is a factor depending on your electricity costs
  • This is even more important if you build a portable setup which you need to power off the grid with a powerbank

Dependability

You want a system that can run for months completely unattended without crashing.

It is not fun if you need to recover a crashed system every couple of days.

System instability can be caused by a couple of things, here are the ones we have encountered on a regular basis

  • An insufficient power supply or cable that is not capable to deliver the required current and stable voltage is a common problem especially with Raspberry Pi computers. The effects range from CPU throttling over disappearing SDR dongles to stopping systems.
  • Overheating is a common problem especially in outdoor setups in the summer
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