Build Your ADS-B Receiver on Windows
The easiest and cheapest setup: two Amazon items, a Windows PC you already own, and Flightpatch.
Recommended Windows build
Put the receiver and antenna high in a window, then run the active USB extension neatly back to your computer.
1Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 bundle
RTL-SDR receiver, magnetic antenna base, two-meter feed cable, and three antenna elements.
View receiver kit on Amazon2Cable Matters 5-meter active USB extension
Places the radio and antenna up to 16.4 feet from the PC without a long, lossy antenna cable.
View active USB cable on AmazonBest placement: Keep the radio close to its antenna and put the magnetic base high in the windowsill with the clearest available view of the sky. This bundle is for indoor use.
⇩ Download Flightpatch for Windows
Plug in the receiver, install Flightpatch, and follow the setup prompts.
Amazon controls pricing, availability, shipping, and returns. These links identify the specific components we recommend; purchases remain optional.