I have a Yaesu rotator, computer controller, RPi3, and RTL-SDR, and a UHF/VHF antenna. What is the best LNA to order to use? Links would be helpful as well, just wanting to make sure I get the right one! Also, is there anything else I should add to my setup? Thanks!
An LNA can be used to reduce the noise figure of your receiver and to add gain before filtering the input signal. I just ordered a couple of “70cm 430-440MHz Filter | RTL-SDR” from E-bay. I’m going to amplify and filter right at the antenna before incurring the losses from the feeder coax.
Antenna --> LNA (+10-15 dB & low noise figure) --> SAW Filter --> Bias Tee ====>Coax===>
Coax===> Bias tee to supply LNA (and filter if it’s active) ==> RTL-SDR.
Hey @elkins_ka ! Also given you have a directional antenna setup with a rotator, you could probably try some first results without an LNA. You could still get some nice observations and decodings from it (especially if you have a good latest rtl-sdr)
I’ll note that my ground station is about 35m from the SDR using LMR-400 with the LNA mast-mounted, so it helps to push through any coax loss. Your configuration may differ and as pointed out already you might not need one. Try without one first!