Nooelec SAWbird+ ADS-B: Premium, Dual-Channel, Cascaded Ultra-Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) & Filter Module for Airplane Tracking Applications. 1090MHz (ADSB) and 978MHz (UAT) Center Frequencies
$84.95
Price: $75.89 - $84.95
(as of Nov 03, 2025 11:42:31 UTC – Details)
FOR FULL SPECIFICATIONS AND DETAILS, PLEASE REVIEW THE PRODUCT PAGE AT NOOELEC.COM
Introducing the Nooelec SAWbird+ ADS-B Dual-Channel Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) – the ultimate solution for enhancing weak signals in ADS-B and UAT applications. This premium SAW filter and cascaded LNA module is designed to improve the noise figure of each channel, providing unparalleled performance for your reception needs.
With center frequencies of 1090MHz and 978MHz for ADS-B and UAT respectively, the SAWbird+ ADS-B LNA module delivers approximately +35 dB gain for each side, with an ultra-low noise figure of less than 0.9dB. Boost your weak signals and improve reception range with ease.
Each module allows for 3 different power options, but you should only power with one option at any given time! The recommended power input through the SMA output port (for bias-tee capable SDRs like the NESDR SMArTee) is 3V-5V DC. Alternatively, if you don’t have a bias-tee capable SDR, you can use the external power options–the micro USB port, or DC barrel connector via the included micro USB to DC barrel connector adapter. The recommended external power input is 3.3V-5.5V DC.
With the Nooelec SAWbird+ ADS-B LNA, you can take your plane tracking to new heights. Enhance the performance of your surveillance, monitoring, and communication systems with the best-in-class noise figure optimization. Experience unparalleled signal quality and reliability. Order yours today!
This product is designed to massively increase plane tracking signal strength (SNR) compared to competing products. Drastically outperforms all available, low-cost ADS-B amplifiers and filters!
SAWbird+ ADS-B increases SNR, and therefore signal range, by providing an industry lowest-in-class noise figure (0.9dB or lower) and substantial gain (34dB or higher) for BOTH ADS-B and UAT applications
Your purchase includes a fully assembled SAWbird+ ADS-B module pre-installed into a beautiful black custom aluminum enclosure, two male to male SMA adapters, and a micro USB to DC barrel connector adapter cable
NOTE: Like any other amplifier, you MUST LOWER YOUR GAIN LEVELS AND/OR REMOVE OTHER AMPLIFIERS IN YOUR SIGNAL CHAIN to see the resulting reception increase! Otherwise, you WILL OVERLOAD YOUR RADIO, RESULTING IN REDUCED OR ZERO RECEPTION! When set up as intended, SAWbird+ ADS-B will greatly increase the performance of nearly every flight tracking setup
Both sides of the device offer a bias tee power option (3 to 5V DC and 140mA or higher current availability). Alternatively, a micro USB port is available to provide external power when bias tee power is unavailable or unsuitable
Exceptional out-of-band rejection levels of +85dB for cleaner signals
50Ω matched input/output for optimal signal transfer
Proudly made in North America, ensuring exceptional quality and reliability. Backed by a generous 2-year warranty for peace of mind
For more information review the product page or datasheet: https://www.nooelec.com/datasheets/100847
Customers say
Customers report that the amplifier increases their ADS-B reception range, with one noting a 46 dB signal gain, and they find it works well with their stations. The product receives positive feedback for its strong amplification, fantastic quality, and plug-and-play installation. However, the lifespan is concerning, with multiple customers reporting it failed within two weeks of use. The gain adjustment feature receives mixed reviews.
13 reviews for Nooelec SAWbird+ ADS-B: Premium, Dual-Channel, Cascaded Ultra-Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) & Filter Module for Airplane Tracking Applications. 1090MHz (ADSB) and 978MHz (UAT) Center Frequencies
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Ben D. –
Large gain in range and detail.
I’m not usually a review writer, but seeing as this is new and unreviewed, I’d add mine.Bottom Line: It works. It’s easy. See the images one is “before” and one is “after” adding the unit. It basically doubled my range. (Your mileage may vary based on location).I’ll start by saying my unit arrived and had the silkscreens on the “output” side reversed. I sent an email direct to Nooelec with this, and they replied within an hour saying it was a known thing on the first batch, apologized and explained how to get it connected correctly. Well done.Performance: I just plugged and played. I didn’t change anything in my setup. The antenna coax goes to the LNA, and then a 6″ cable to my SDR. I’m currently only using the ADS-B/1090mHz side. I’m powering the unit thought the micro USB with a standard Pi wall wart PSU. I have the antenna mounted on my chimney with about a 15ft run of cable. I live in a heavily wooded area and this really helped reception. I basically went from 50nm to right above 100nm. It also picks more lower level traffic closer to my location as well. On the average afternoon I went from ~10 visible aircraft on average to 25+.I’d say it’s worth the investment.
Jayme –
If you’re serious, get this
I wanted to simplify my setup and add 978mhz. This increased my 1090mhz range slightly and works well for UAT. I have no doubts this is one of the best LNA’s on the market. You get what you pay for. Range is as far as 275nmi with a roof antenna.
peterfram –
Good quality, good results
I am using this mounted at the antenna for UAT 978 MHz with an FA orange SDR stick. It is powered by a Jetvision Bias-tee injector powered by the Raspberry Pi 5 USB port 75 feet on the other end of the cable. Compared to my old Uptronics filtered pre-amp, this Nooelec LNA/filter has much stronger amplification. 30 db stronger than the Uptronics. With the Orange stick I had to reduce dump978-fa gain setting nine 3db steps down from 16.6 (uptronics) to 1.4 (Nooelec) to get about the same minimum signal strength and noise floor. That equates to 27 db more gain with the Nooelec LNA, but I also have this LNA mounted at the antenna which is possible due to it’s small size. If I mounted at the Raspberry Pi 5, the gain is 30 db stronger than the Uptronics in the same location since there is no cable run signal loss. I lose maybe about 3 db gain mounting the Nooelec at the antenna (heavily water seal taped) over around 70 feet of Airborne 10 cable.Performance mounted at the antenna is a bit better than when mounted at the Pi end. So kudos for this device’s small size that makes that possible with some MacGyvering. It’s nice the Nooelec can be powered through the COAX cable by bias tee injector at the Pi. However I’d give it 5 stars if it were a) housed in a water tight enclosure for easy antenna mounting, and b) also sold in a 978 Mhz only version since mounting it at the antenna while using separate 1090 MHz and 978 MHz antennas isn’t really realistic with this combined 978/1090 LNA. Filtered LNAs mounted at the antenna will always perform better over longer cable runs. It’s sad that we still have few practical options to mount filtered LNAs at the antenna. And this device isn’t cheap.I hope Nooelec can understand this and produce some filtered LNAs that are waterproof and designed for at the antenna mounting.So, good quality, good results. But for the price, the implementation of this device for optimal antenna mounted performance is cumbersome at best. I’m not certain my tape sealed enclosure mounted at the antenna will be reliable over the upcoming PNW 9-month rainy season. We shall see!
Benny –
Plug and Play for my setup!
Using this to run both 1090 and 978 mhzs SDRs off a single antenna, worked perfectly off the bat with no adjustment needed for my previous dual antenna setup on my Pi.Testing this before hooking it up to a single antenna though, I did see a noticeable improvement on range as I did not have any bias tree power or filter in line on my setup before.
AJ –
Great LNA!
Works great huge improvement over other LNAs I have used for ADS-B
Louis Y –
Improved range of ads-b.
Small and powerful. Filtered unwanted noise while extending range another 75 miles. At only 35’ in the air, the antenna has limited range without this device.
Dave P –
Very Modest Improvement In Signals, But Failed In Less Than Two Weeks
I had high hopes for this preamp, but unfortunately in my situation it barely improved signal strength and then after less that two weeks it failed entirely. My setup is a Raspberry Pi running the ADSBExchange image, connected to both the 1090 Blue and 978 Orange ADSBExchange SDR dongles. I was running 42 dB gain on the blue stick and then after installing the SawBird lowered the gain on the SDR to about 3 dB (using higher gain on the SDR’s internal LNA, and using no gain, both resulted in worse performance than no SawBird at all. You can see in the performance graph attached the results — it’s difficult to see an improvement but it seems like it’s there. Likely I’m limited by surrounding terrain, and despite being in an urban area I don’t have enough out-of-band signals to make the SAW filters help much. In any event, I was happy with the very slight improvement, however after less than two weeks performance suddenly dropped. I checked and both white indicator LEDs were dark despite the unit having good USB power. Removing the SawBird and going back to the SDR’s internal LNA restored the signals to previous levels. So — like one of the reviews below, it looks like mine burnt out after a few weeks also. I’ll see if I can return it for a refund!
Scott Tuning –
Worth Every Penny
I bought this because an outdoor antenna wasn’t an option. This filter did amazing things for by ADS-B station. It nearly doubled the number of aircraft seen in a 24 hour period (800 before to 1400+ after) and it dramatically increased my max reception range (70 miles before to 126 miles after).
patrick blancquaert –
Werkt goed, maar niet langis defeckt na 2 maand gebruik
John –
If you’re serious about ADSB this is a must have.I combined this with a good antenna and I went from 50nm to over 200 nm.Obviously you need a good antenna with clear site, nothing will change that, but this filter/amp takes you ADSB to a whole new level.March 25 update, disappointed as the unit appears to be dead. LED’s stopped working and signal is rubbish. Reception is better with the unit removed from the line. Disappointing when only 9 months old. Worked well when it was working.For $145 Aud you would expect better.
Moi –
Réception grandement améliorée, rien à voir par rapport à avant. Rayon de couverture ainsi que nombre d’avions placés sur la carte plus que doublés.
Gerhard Steinwedel –
Bevor man Geld für einen besseren Empfang von ADS-B investiert, stellt sich die Frage, ob sich die Investition rentieren wird.Hier die wichtigsten Ergebnisse bei mir:Anzahl der Flugzeuge: 30% mehrAnzahl der Messages: 17% mehrReichweite noch einmal deutlich verbessert.Fazit: Investition hat sich gelohnt.Ob sich die Investition lohnt, hängt von der Konfiguration des Systems ab. Wer beispielsweise nur 15-50 Flugzeuge empfängt, darf von dem Filter keine Wunder erwarten. Die Probleme liegen vermutlich woanders. Wer einen relativ guten Empfang hat und auch große Reichweite hat, wird von dem Filter am meisten profitierten. Grund ist, dass andere Signale (z.B. GSM-Mobilfunk ) den Empfang stören kennen. Gerade bei großen Reichweite ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit von den Störeinstrahlungen groß. Auch Empfänger, die sich nahe an Störsendern stehen, profitieren. Damit sollte abgeschätzt werden können, ob sich ein Filter lohnt. Für mich hat es sich eindeutig gelohnt.
david –
Surpris, vraiment surpris, c’est quelque chose. Ca fait plus que la job. 👌👌👌 Yeah!!! merci