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This page is my central list of gear and tools I use and recommend across my tutorials.
Homelab Networking and Security
- Unifi Dream Machine Pro
- Unifi Gateway Device (USG)
- YubiKey Hardware Security Key
- Nginx Proxy Manager Host Hardware (Mini PCs)
Related tutorials:
- Run a Reverse Proxy with Docker
- Split-Brain DNS for Internal HTTPS
- Network Hardening for In-Home Web Hosting
ADS-B Flight Tracking
- RTL SDR (Kit)
- RTL SDR USB Dongle (Standalone)
- Optional SMA Extension Cable
- ADS-B 1090MHz Antenna Options
Related tutorials:
pfSense Build Components
- Intel Core i5-8500
- GIGABYTE B365M DS3H
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
- Thermaltake Smart 500W
- 4-Port PCI-E Network Interface Card
Related tutorials:
Audio and Streaming Tools
- ATEM Mini Pro
- USB Audio Interface Options
- Ground Loop Isolator for 3.5mm Audio
- USB Microphone Options
Related tutorial:
Amateur Radio and SDR
Equipment used in the always-on SDR research stack.
SDR Receivers
- RTL-SDR Blog V4 Dongle Only: The current best RTL-SDR. 1 PPM TCXO, SMA connector, HF-capable via direct sampling. ~$35.
- RTL-SDR Blog V4 Kit with Dipole Antenna: Same dongle with a telescoping dipole kit included. ~$40.
- RX888 MkII HF SDR Receiver (1 kHz–64 MHz): Wideband HF with 16-bit ADC. Required for FT8/WSPR/HFDL. ~$160.
- Airspy Mini (24–1700 MHz, 12-bit ADC): Best performer for 2m. No stable Amazon listing; order direct (~$99).
Antennas
- Diamond X50A 144/440 MHz Dual-Band Base Antenna: 5.6 ft fiberglass, solid gain across 2m and 70cm. ~$100.
- Nagoya NL-770S 144/430 MHz Dual-Band Antenna: Smaller alternative for limited mounting. ~$35.
- MFJ-1984MP End-Fed Half-Wave HF Wire Antenna (40–10m): Compact end-fed, no tuner needed on resonant bands. ~$65.
- 1090 MHz ADS-B Antenna: Dedicated antenna for ADS-B flight tracking. ~$45.
Cables and Adapters
- SMA Extension Cable, SMA Male to SMA Female, 3 ft: Positions the dongle away from USB noise. ~$15.
- SMA Female to BNC Male Adapter (2-pack): Connects RTL-SDR to BNC-terminated antennas or test gear. ~$9.
- SMA Female to PL-259 (UHF Male) Adapter: Connects RTL-SDR directly to SO-239 base antennas. ~$8.
- RG-8X Coax with PL-259 Connectors, 50 ft: Low-loss flexible coax for antenna runs. ~$38.
Accessories
- Nooelec LaNA Ultra Low-Noise Amplifier (20 MHz–4 GHz): Preamp for VHF/UHF on long antenna runs. Bias-tee powered. ~$35.
- SMA Lightning Surge Protector / Arrestor (0–6 GHz): Inline protection between feedline and dongle. ~$18.
- Anker 7-Port Powered USB 3.0 Hub: Required when running multiple dongles; bus-powered hubs cause sample drops. ~$30.
Related tutorials:
Cybersecurity Home Lab Starter Gear
- Raspberry Pi
- Portable USB SSD Options
- Managed Switch Options for VLAN Labs
- USB Flash Drive for Lab/Boot Media
Related tutorials: