Nooelec Flycatcher - dual-channel RTL-SDR Raspberry Pi HAT for ADS-B (1090 MHz) and UAT (978 MHz)
Quick take
The Nooelec Flycatcher is a compact dual-channel RTL-SDR in a Raspberry Pi HAT form factor for aviation monitoring, with dedicated reception for ADS-B at 1090 MHz and UAT at 978 MHz. It is a good fit if you want a cleaner “one hardware platform” approach instead of multiple USB dongles. The main caveat is that results can depend heavily on antenna choice and overall setup, and at least some buyers felt a different USB approach outperformed it in their specific configuration.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dual-channel design for both ADS-B (1090 MHz) and UAT (978 MHz) on a single HAT.
- Preamplifier support with optional LNA bypass, useful for situations close to a strong transmitter.
- Pi HAT form factor with included headers and standoffs to simplify Raspberry Pi integration.
- Reviewers frequently report strong ADS-B tracking ranges when paired with an appropriate antenna.
Cons
- Review evidence is mixed for real-world performance, suggesting setup and antenna compatibility matter a lot.
- Raspberry Pi GPIO is not used for the core SDR pathway (it has a passthrough for other projects), which may affect expectations for GPIO-based workflows.
- Some buyers may prefer a dedicated USB solution if they want a simpler path to comparable performance in their environment.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence for the Flycatcher is limited, but a few recurring themes show up. Several reviewers are satisfied with ADS-B reception and report meaningful tracking distance when using a capable antenna (for example, a discone). Others like the idea of replacing separate dongles, describing a cleaner setup and more messages per second than their previous multi-dongle arrangement. However, there is also at least one strongly negative experience claiming another device (a USB-based FlightAware-style setup) outperformed the Flycatcher in the same general workflow, even after trying multiple antennas on a Raspberry Pi.
Overall, the review pattern suggests the Flycatcher can perform well for aviation monitoring, but buyer outcomes are not uniform and are likely influenced by antenna selection, installation, and the rest of the receiver stack.
What the Nooelec Flycatcher is, and why it exists
The Flycatcher is designed for people building flight tracking and aviation monitoring setups using software-defined radio (SDR). Instead of using separate receiver dongles for different aviation bands, it combines two dedicated reception paths into a single Raspberry Pi HAT. One side is tuned for ADS-B at 1090 MHz, and the other is tuned for UAT at 978 MHz. That combination matters if you want broader coverage across common North American transmissions without reorganizing your hardware later.
Key specs that affect real-world use
Dual-band coverage in one HAT
If your goal is to monitor both ADS-B (1090 MHz) and UAT (978 MHz), the Flycatcher’s dual-channel approach is the core differentiator. It is particularly relevant for home-based receivers where consolidating hardware reduces clutter and simplifies configuration.
Low-noise preamps with bypass options
Each receiver path includes separate preamplifiers with ultra-low noise levels. You can bypass them either using an external switch or software GPIO0. This is a practical feature for situations where being “too close” to a strong transmitter can overload a front end, or where you want to experiment to find a stable signal chain.
Pi HAT integration, plus flexibility
It uses a Pi HAT form factor for compatibility with Raspberry Pi, but it is not limited to a Pi in terms of host platforms. It also supports Windows, Linux, Android, and macOS host devices. The package includes the HAT hardware (standoffs and headers) and two USB cables to connect to your host device.
Pros and cons for your specific setup
Who it is a good buy for
- You want a single hardware unit to handle both ADS-B (1090 MHz) and UAT (978 MHz).
- You are building a Raspberry Pi-based receiver and prefer a cleaner Pi HAT style install over multiple USB dongles.
- You are willing to put effort into selecting and installing a good antenna, since buyer outcomes appear tied to antenna performance.
- You want the option to experiment with preamp bypass, especially if you expect strong nearby transmissions.
Who should consider other options instead
- You want a “plug in and it just wins” experience with minimal experimentation.
- Your primary goal is only ADS-B, and you do not care about UAT. In that case, dual-channel value may be less compelling than a simpler, single-band approach.
- You have a workflow that depends on Raspberry Pi GPIO lines for the core radio function. The design notes that Raspberry Pi GPIO is not used for the SDR due to bus speed limitations, though a passthrough is included for other projects or additional HATs.
Performance expectations: what to plan for
Based on the available buyer-review themes, the Flycatcher can deliver strong aviation monitoring results, including long-distance ADS-B tracking when paired with a suitable antenna. At the same time, real-world performance is not guaranteed across all environments, because reception quality depends on the full chain: antenna type, placement, cable quality, and how your software stack is configured. If you are selecting this model, plan to treat antenna selection and installation as part of the “buy,” not an afterthought.
Price and availability
The Flycatcher is sold as a standalone Pi HAT receiver, and pricing can vary by retailer and time. Check current availability and the latest price here: Buy on Amazon.
Bottom line verdict
The Nooelec Flycatcher is a solid option for aviation monitoring builders who want dual-channel ADS-B (1090 MHz) plus UAT (978 MHz) support in a Raspberry Pi HAT setup. It also offers practical preamp bypass control, which can help with gain management. The main risk is that performance varies by setup, and review evidence is not uniformly positive, so you should be ready to dial in antenna and installation for your location.
FAQ
Is the Nooelec Flycatcher good for ADS-B only?
It is built for both ADS-B (1090 MHz) and UAT (978 MHz). If you only care about ADS-B, you may find simpler single-band receiver options are better value, but the Flycatcher still works if you want the extra capability for later.
Does the Flycatcher replace multiple USB dongles?
That is one of its main practical benefits. The dual-channel HAT design aims to consolidate reception hardware into a single setup, which can reduce clutter compared with running separate receivers.
What antenna factors matter most?
Buyer feedback points to antenna quality and suitability as a key factor for stronger tracking range. If you care about distance and reliability, plan to choose and install an antenna well matched to ADS-B/UAT reception.
Can I bypass the preamps?
Yes. The Flycatcher includes preamp bypass options, using either an external switch or software GPIO0, which can be useful when conditions suggest you may want less gain.
Is it compatible with non-Raspberry Pi hosts?
Yes. It is designed as a Pi HAT, but it also supports other host operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Android, and macOS.
Should I buy it or choose a dedicated USB receiver?
If you value dual-channel (ADS-B plus UAT) capability and a cleaner HAT-based build, the Flycatcher is a strong match. If you want the simplest path to performance in your exact environment and prefer not to experiment, a dedicated USB receiver may be worth considering since real-world performance feedback is mixed.
What is included in the box?
You typically get the FlyCatcher dual-SDR Pi HAT, standoffs and headers for Raspberry Pi connection, and two USB cables for connecting to your host device.
Specifications
| Product Title | Nooelec Flycatcher - High Performance Dual-Channel RTL-SDR Raspberry Pi HAT for Flight Tracking & Aviation Monitoring. ADS-B 1090MHz and UAT 978MHz Software Defined Radio w/Local & Remote LNA Bypass |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Aviation Electronics > Aviation GPS |
| Brand | NooElec |
| Manufacturer | Nooelec Inc. |
| Model Name | FlyCatcher |
| Model Number | 100848 |
| Item Weight | 48 Grams |
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Aircraft |
| Additional Features | High-Performance Dual-Channel RTL-SDR with Low-Noise Preamplifiers |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Map Types | North America |
| Mounting Type | Panel Mount |
| Operating System | Multiplex |
| Display Type | No Display |
| Human-Interface Input | Keyboard |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone, Tablet |
| Control Method | App |
| Are Batteries Included | No |
| Supported Satellite Navigation System | GPS |
| Built-In Media | FlyCatcher Pi HAT, Headers & standoffs, USB cables |
| UPC | 628693723060 |
| Mfr Part Number | 100848 |
| Warranty Description | 2 year manufacturer warranty |
| Item Type Name | ADS-B Receiver |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Vehicle Service Type | Aircraft |
| Special Feature | High-Performance Dual-Channel RTL-SDR with Low-Noise Preamplifiers |
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