I've kept using a mini dongle myself as I've put an SMA connector on it, but....
You can also get "premium" R820T dongles with SMA connectors. They're normally used for other SDR (Software Defined Receiver) work, but I don't see why they won't work with a PilotAware.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw=r820t+sm&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xr820t+sma.TRS0&_nkw=r820t+sma&_sacat=0
Hi Paul/All,
Intrigued as always, I ordered one of these 'Premium' dongles for testing, complete with set of antennas from Paul's 'NooElec'' e-Bay link. Mysteriously,........ it arrived yesterday (Sunday) afternoon .... from AMAZON!!!!!, though the order definitely only appears on my e-Bay account!
I tried it last night at home and can report that it seems to work fine with PAW, though I did experience some 'dropping out' on SkyDemon of ADSB aircraft inbound to Edinburgh - which was probably due to geographical (terrain) interference rather than any problem with the dongle.
Like the 'supplied' dongle, it does run fairly hot, though in this case because it
deliberately uses its aluminium casing as a 'heat sink' to dissipate heat from the receiver chip.
The biggest problem, however is that, as I suspected, the dongle is much 'thicker' than the mini version and completely precludes the use of the USB port above (or below) it in the Raspberry Pi
In view of the increasing likelihood that this port will be needed for USB updating or connecting to FLARM in or for ADSB out, this would preclude the use of this dongle unless you don't intend to use any of these functions.Another lesser concern is that the supplied antenna lead (if you buy the version with the antenna pack) uses RG58 coax, which is considerably heavier and stiffer than the coax supplied with the 'standard' dongle. As a result of this and the fact that the dongle itself is longer/heavier, I noticed significant 'loading' on the USB socket and have some concerns that the dongle could become separated from the USB socket in flight unless it can be adequately supported. The answer might be to 'glue' it into the socket using a couple of 'dabs' of silicone sealant and/or ensure the coax is supported as it leaves the unit to take the load off the dongle/USB socket. Alternatively, if you can use a lighter co-ax, the risk of accidental disconnection will be lower. This does not however address the loss of one of the USB sockets if this dongle is used.
A great pity, as it otherwise looks like a well made unit. Out of interest, I will give it a test in the plane anyway and will report back further once I manage to do so.
Regards
Peter
