Build Your SkyTracker

Turn any Linux single-board computer into a multi-signal ground station — ADS-B aircraft tracking, satellite reception, and Inmarsat ACARS. Join the SkyTracker Network in minutes.

Whether you're building your own SDR rig or unboxing a plug-and-play SkyTracker station, setup takes less than 10 minutes.

Build or Buy

DIY

Build Your Own

$50–80

estimated total

  • Raspberry Pi 4/5 — $35–80
  • RTL-SDR Blog V4 — $30
  • 1090 MHz antenna — $15–30
  • USB GPS dongle (optional) — $15

Full control, fully open source

Perfect for tinkerers and makers

Start Building
VS
PRE-BUILT

SkyTracker Station

$249

everything included

  • Pre-assembled & pre-configured
  • Plug in, connect WiFi, done
  • No soldering, no terminal
  • Premium enclosure with built-in display

Includes everything — ready out of the box

Join Waitlist

What You Need

Going the DIY route? Start with ADS-B — the core setup. Add satellite and ACARS receivers later through device onboarding.

Linux SBC

Raspberry Pi 4/5 recommended. Any Linux SBC with USB works.

Raspberry Pi 4 (2GB+) or Pi 5 recommended. Also works on Orange Pi, BeagleBone, or any Linux SBC with USB.

RTL-SDR Dongle

USB software-defined radio receiver. ~$30 on Amazon.

RTL-SDR Blog V4 ($30) or FlightAware Pro Stick Plus ($25). Any RTL2832U-based dongle works.

1090 MHz Antenna

Tuned for ADS-B reception. Comes with most RTL-SDR kits.

Any 1090 MHz ADS-B antenna. Indoor works but outdoor + elevated = dramatically better range. Line of sight is everything.

One Command Install

SSH into your device and run:

curl -sSL https://get.skytracker.ai | sudo bash

The installer sets up readsb, downloads the SkyTracker agent, and starts the service.

How It Works

1

Install

Run the install script on your device. It handles all dependencies.

2

Claim

A QR code appears on your device display. Scan it to link to your skytracker.ai account.

3

Track

Aircraft appear on your device radar and on the community map at skytracker.ai/map.

Optional Extras

GPS Dongle

USB GPS receiver for automatic positioning. No manual coordinates needed.

7" Touchscreen

Dedicated display for the radar UI. Perfect for a desk or shelf setup.

Second SDR for Satellites

Add a V-dipole or QFH antenna and a second RTL-SDR to receive NOAA and Meteor-M weather satellites.

Inmarsat ACARS SDR

Add an L-band SDR and patch antenna for oceanic aircraft tracking, dispatch messages, and SAR alerts via Inmarsat.

3D Printed Case

Clean enclosure for your SkyTracker build. STL files coming soon.