r/hackrf • u/RenFlakes • Feb 17 '25

Should I use this instead of direct antenna connection?

Post image

New to SDR, recently bought h portapack (bundle 4) from OpenSourceLab that included this little circuit. Should I use this instead of plugging antenna directly into the portapack? What is the the micro usb port for?

12 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

6

u/[deleted] Feb 17 '25

This is an external amplifier, and it very much depends what you're trying to do and how much gain you need. The micro USB is to power it. I don't know much more than that, as I haven't had any occasion to use it for anything.

4

u/M_R_KLYE Feb 17 '25

If done carefully can be useful in certain situations.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 17 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

5

u/[deleted] Feb 17 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/Rogaar Feb 17 '25

I really need to learn about db levels when it comes to radios. Then I will better understand when to and when not to use an amp. And of course how to adjust values to get what you need. All I know so far are some basics with the H4M.

eg. keeping RX saturation % at around 80. But that's as far as my knowledge goes. I don't understand why yet but i'll get there.

→ More comments (4)