Wideband Low Noise Amplifier Bias Tee Powered

Based on the SPF5189Z RF Amplifier IC this device essentially mimics the data sheet specifications according to my tests. I tested it over a voltage range of 3 to 5 volts and it works as advertised, although the gain starts to fall off by a little less than 1 dB from 3 to 3.3 Volts.A great feature of this amplifier is the addition of overvoltage protection to the input. There is a ESD suppressor diode and that is followed by a dual diode in a back to back configuration. That should be plenty of protection.If you are not going to be using this with a Bias T then you can open it up, move a jumper and add some power lads to the provided solder pads.Hooks right up to the V3 or V4 RTL-SDR (Be sure to look for the instructions on how to enable the Receivers Bias-T function before use).Bottom line: I would buy this again.Edit: I added a photo and some RF tests I made. The PCB shot details the circuit and features. The RF Gain shows the measured gain and the Input SWR shows the measured RF Input SWR. Note: On a receiver the input SWR is not all that important and a LNA by definition will have a less than perfect SWR because it is matched for low noise instead of optimizing the SWR, also the inclusion of the input protection will degrade the SWR. All in all the match is fine for all applications that this amplifier is likely to be used in.

My first lna that wasn't already included with the antenna, such as the mla-30+. I hooked this up to a horizontal random wire with 1:9 balun to a rtl-sdr. You do need to download a free sdr# bias tee software to power the lna. By experimentation, I realised all the other sdr software needed to be off before using bias tee on dot bat to power this lna. So, once bias tee on window pops up, activates and pops off, open sdr# and you are good to go. Adjust noise levels as they will increase. And with all this, finally my random wire antenna works as well as my excellent mla-30. Another discovery was , when the rtl-sdr lna is powered, there is a green glow from the interior and can be seen to confirm powered status. I am very glad I added this affordable lna to my collection.

I have several of these, they are good quality, they do a good job helping me boost my reception when I need it.

Works as advertised.

Works Great, I use it on the Aircraft band with an FM filter for ACARS

I've had several LNA's, all more costly than this one, and this little gem is the clear winner. I've used it for weeks side-by-side with the others and this one out-performs even ones from Mini-Circuits on my Uniden SDS200 scanner. A preamp won't work miracles, but it certainly helps pull in signals I otherwise could not receive.

Mine worked. The next one I ordered for my dad arrived DOA. The replacement arrived yesterday and I'll test it this weekend. When working, it does what it's supposed to - using it (turn on the Bias T) brings in signals that were unheard without it. It was the first thing I ordered after getting my RTL-SDR USB stick.

perfect product for what I needed.