Connect Equipment

Use what you have. Build what you want. Start feeding today.

There are three ways to connect equipment to ADS-B Exchange. Choose the option that fits your setup and experience level.

Whether you’re already running an ADS-B receiver, want to build your own, or have purchased a turnkey device, you can connect to ADS-B Exchange in minutes.

Already have hardware?

Already have hardware?

Use existing equipment

Want full control?

Want full control?

Build your own

Bought a turnkey kit?

Bought a turnkey kit?

Power it up

Option 1 -
Use Existing Equipment

Best for:

  • Users already running PiAware, dump1090, readsb, etc.
  • Anyone feeding another network
  • Quick setup without replacing hardware

You can install the ADSB Exchange feed client alongside your existing setup. It does not interfere with your current configuration.

  • Step 1 — Install the Feed Client

    Run the following on your receiver (Debian/Linux-based systems):

    curl -L -o /tmp/axfeed.sh https://www.adsbexchange.com/feed.sh
    sudo bash /tmp/axfeed.sh

    This installs the ADSB Exchange feed client and connects your receiver to the network.

  • Step 2 — Verify Your Connection

    After installation:

  • Optional — Install Stats Interface

    To view a map of aircraft your station sees:

    curl -L -o /tmp/axstats.sh https://www.adsbexchange.com/stats.sh
    sudo bash /tmp/axstats.sh

  • Update Client (Future)

    To update your receiver software:

    curl -L -o /tmp/axupdate.sh https://www.adsbexchange.com/feed-update.sh
    sudo bash /tmp/axupdate.sh

Option 2 -
Build Your Own Receiver

Best for:

  • DIY users
  • User wanting full control

ADSB Exchange provides a preconfigured Raspberry Pi image that includes everything needed.

  • What You’ll Need

    • Raspberry Pi (3, 4, or Zero 2 W recommended)
    • MicroSD card (8GB+)
    • 1090 MHz SDR
    • 1090 MHz antenna
    • Power supply

    Optional:

    • USB GPS (for automatic location detection)
    • Second SDR (for 978 MHz UAT in the US)

  • Step 1 — Download the ADSBx Image

    Latest image:

  • Step 2 — Flash the SD Card

    Use Raspberry Pi Imager:

    1. Choose “Use custom”
    2. Select the ADSBx image
    3. Write to SD card
    4. Insert into Pi

  • Step 3 — First Boot

    • Insert SD card
    • Connect SDR + antenna
    • Power on
    • First boot expands filesystem (~5 min)

  • Step 4 — Network Setup

    If using Wi-Fi:

    • Connect to Wi-Fi network: ADSBx-config
    • Open browser to: http://adsbexchange.local
    • Select Wi-Fi network
    • Enter password
    • Device reboots onto your network

  • Step 5 — Configure Location

    At http://adsbexchange.local:

    • Enter latitude
    • Enter longitude
    • Enter altitude (MSL)
    • Name your feeder

    Use: https://www.freemaptools.com/elevation-finder.htm to determine elevation.

  • Step 6 — Verify Your Feed

    Visit:

    Your feeder should show online status.

    Your receiver is now feeding live aircraft data.

Option 3 —
Turnkey Device Setup

Best for:

  • Fastest setup
  • No flashing or OS configuration
  • Minimal technical work

If you purchased a turnkey feeder:

  1. Connect antenna
  2. Plug into power
  3. Connect Ethernet or Wi-Fi
  4. Wait for boot (~2 minutes)
  5. Visit https://www.adsbexchange.com/myip to verify

Most turnkey kits are live within 15 minutes.

Buy Your Kit

Need Help?

Join our Discord community for:

  • Setup help
  • MLAT troubleshooting
  • Antenna optimization advice
  • Hardware questions
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