ADS-B Antenna 1090Mhz Antenna MCX Plug 2.5dbi Magnet Base ADS-B Aerial Receiver with RG174 1M &MCX Female to SMA Male Adapter 1090MHz ADS-B RTL SDR Software Defined Radio USB Stick Dongle Tuner

This 1090 MHz magnetic-base antenna is a compact, ready-to-use solution for ADS-B aircraft tracking with RTL-SDR dongles and dedicated ADS-B receivers. The antenna is tuned specifically to 1090 MHz — the Mode S transponder frequency used by commercial and general aviation aircraft for ADS-B Out broadcasts — and delivers 2.5 dBi gain over a standard isotropic radiator. The magnetic base allows rapid repositioning on any steel surface, making it suitable for desktop use, vehicle rooftop placement, or attachment to metal window frames for improved line-of-sight to aircraft.

The 1-meter RG174 cable provides enough length to position the antenna near a window or on a metal surface while keeping the receiver/SDR dongle at a comfortable desk position. An MCX female to SMA male adapter is included in the package, allowing connection to both MCX-port receivers and SMA-port RTL-SDR dongles without needing a separate adapter purchase. The VSWR below 1.5 indicates good impedance matching at 1090 MHz, ensuring efficient signal transfer from the antenna to the receiver.

This antenna is tuned for 1090 MHz reception only and is not optimized for 978 MHz UAT (the alternate ADS-B frequency used by some US general aviation aircraft). For dual-frequency 978/1090 MHz coverage, a wideband antenna or two separate antennas are required. The MCX connector on the antenna itself is a snap-on type — press straight in to connect, lift the outer collar to release. The included SMA adapter converts the MCX female end of the cable to SMA male for use with RTL-SDR Blog v3 and similar SMA-port dongles.