Orange R860 RTL2832U 0.5 PPM TCXO SDR w/Amp - Unfiltered UAT Receiver

Our review of the Orange R860 RTL2832U 0.5 PPM TCXO SDR w/Amp finds it best suited to enthusiasts and hobbyists who need an unfiltered software defined radio for 978 MHz UAT reception and a wide VHF range. The bottom line: this stick trades the 1090 MHz filter found on other models for broad, unfiltered coverage and a metal case that helps with heat and interference, making it a practical choice when you want flexibility to receive UAT, VHF ACARS, and other signals without being limited by an on-board filter.

Key Features

• Unfiltered reception: Allows direct reception of 978 MHz UAT ADS-B and VHF signals without an on-board 1090 MHz filter restricting input.
• Standard RTL2832U / R860 chipset: Uses a common and well-supported chipset which makes it compatible with many SDR applications and community tools.
• 0.5 PPM TCXO: Provides stable frequency reference to reduce drift as temperature changes, improving long-term accuracy for continuous monitoring.
• Aluminum case: A metal enclosure helps dissipate heat and reduces local interference compared with plastic cases, aiding reliable operation.
• Plug-and-play with ADSBexchange image: Works directly with the ADSBexchange SDcard software image on Raspberry Pi for easy addition of 978 UAT reception to existing feeders.
• Amplifier included: On-board amp improves sensitivity for weak signals across the unfiltered range when paired with an appropriate antenna.

Who It's For

This device is ideal for ADS-B enthusiasts and radio hobbyists who need a flexible SDR that can receive 978 MHz UAT in the US and a variety of VHF signals without being limited by a 1090 MHz filter. It is also a good fit for Raspberry Pi users who want a quick plug-and-play path to UAT reception using the ADSBexchange SDcard software image.

Users who require best-in-class 1090 MHz performance for 1090 MHz ADS-B may want a filtered stick instead, since the unfiltered design here is intentionally broad and not optimized for filtered 1090 MHz operation. Professionals needing certified calibrated equipment should also consider specialized receivers rather than this hobbyist-grade SDR.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unfiltered design receives 978 MHz UAT and a variety of VHF signals that filtered sticks cannot.
• 0.5 PPM TCXO limits frequency drift for more stable long-term reception.
• Aluminum case helps with heat dissipation and reduces interference.
• Works plug-and-play with the ADSBexchange SDcard image for easy UAT integration on Raspberry Pi.

Cons

• Not optimized for 1090 MHz ADS-B because it lacks the on-board 1090 MHz filter.
• Some users report mixed experiences with programming accuracy, so initial configuration beyond the ADSBexchange image may require additional setup time.

Specifications

Model	Orange R860 RTL2832U
Chipset	RTL2832U with R860 tuner (same as R820T2)
Frequency coverage	Unfiltered - includes 978 MHz UAT and VHF ranges
Frequency stability	0.5 PPM TCXO
Case	Aluminum SDR case
Included amplifier	On-board amp for improved sensitivity
Compatibility	Plug-and-play with ADSBexchange SDcard image for Raspberry Pi; other software requires user setup

Our Verdict

The Orange R860 RTL2832U 0.5 PPM TCXO SDR w/Amp is a practical, value-focused choice for hobbyists who need unfiltered reception for 978 UAT and a range of VHF signals; the metal case and TCXO add reliability for continuous monitoring. Those focused mainly on 1090 MHz ADS-B should choose a stick with a dedicated 1090 MHz filter instead, but for flexible UAT and VHF use this unit represents good value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this receive 978 MHz UAT?
Yes, the stick is unfiltered and can receive 978 MHz UAT effectively, and it integrates with the ADSBexchange SDcard image for Raspberry Pi.

Is this suitable for 1090 MHz ADS-B?
It can receive 1090 MHz signals, but because it lacks a 1090 MHz filter, a filtered stick is recommended for optimal 1090 MHz performance.

Does it work out of the box with other SDR software?
It uses a common RTL2832U/R860 chipset compatible with many SDR programs, but users must install and configure software themselves unless using the ADSBexchange image.