Nooelec SAWbird+ Premium SAW Filter with LNA Module

Nooelec SAWbird+ GOES Barebones – Premium SAW Filter and Cascaded LNA Module with Ultra Low Noise for NOAA Applications (GOES/LRIT/HRIT/HRPT). Center Frequency 1688 MHz

Dual LNA module with an integrated high-performance SAW filter. Designed for NOAA applications (GOES/LRIT/HRIT) with a frequency of 1.688 GHz.

The module is fully EMI shielded and offers three different power supply options (3-5.5 V DC). 1-year warranty!

SAWbird+ GOES is a standalone LNA module designed to capture high-quality weather images available from NOAA GOES satellites. It has high out-of-band attenuation of 80 MHz, with a center frequency around 1.688 GHz and a minimum gain of 30 dB in the passband. Nominal current consumption is 180 mA.

The SAWbird+ series includes 2 ultra-low noise LNA modules placed around a specially designed high-performance SAW filter focused on the target frequency. Each LNA module features 2 EMI shielding layers that separate the LNA modules from external interference. It also includes M3 mounting holes for PCB mounting into your own enclosure or project with standard hardware.

Each module allows for 3 different power supply methods, but you should only use one power supply method at a time! The recommended power supply via the SMA output port (for SDRs that support bias, such as NESDR SMArTee XTR) is 3-5 V DC. However, if you do not have an SDR with biasing capability, you can use the external power supply option via the micro USB port or input power header (0.1" header).

The recommended external power input is 3.3-5.5 V DC. Since the SAWbird has protected circuits for overvoltage situations and voltages up to 12 V DC, it should continue to function without damage. However, long-term use under these conditions is not recommended. Please note that damage caused due to overvoltage is not covered by the standard two-year warranty.

Since the frequency of this device approaches the maximum frequency capacity of R820T-based SDRs, we recommend using it in conjunction with our NESDR XTR series to ensure proper operation at the target frequency 24/7. We recommend using the NESDR SMArTee XTR v2, which has biasing support capable of powering the SAWbird+ GOES module. It also uses a different IC tuner than other low-cost SDRs, allowing it to handle frequencies exceeding 2 GHz. A good alternative is the HackRF, but it comes with a significantly higher price tag. It also offers many useful features, such as transmission capability and operation up to 6 GHz.

It is important to note that with some SDRs, such as the currently produced version of NESDR SMArt, external power to the LNA may cause the ESD protection diode to shut down. Of course, you can use the LNA with these SDRs, but you will need to install a DC block between the LNA and the SDR. This can be very simple if you prefer a DIY solution; just use a quality low-distortion capacitor with RF path.