Nooelec Lana - Ultra Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) Module for RF & Software Defined Radio (SDR) with Enclosure & Accessories. Wideband 20MHz-4000MHz Frequency Capability with Bias Tee & USB Power Options

I purchased this to use with a scanner with an attic mounted antenna and long feeder run. The low Noise Figure and decent gain of the LNA made a big difference to reception, for example I'm now able to pickup the control tower at a local airport where previously I could only receive aircraft that were airborne.The device is very well made with an extruded case housing a very nice PCB with the RF electronics inside another screened enclosure.There are options to power feed the device using DC via the coax on the Output connector using an external Bias-Tee or it can be powered via USB connector from a local PSU. But be aware then when you use the USB connector the DC voltage is fed back down the coax which could potentially damage a connected receiver, so when using with a local PSU via USB a coaxial DC block should be used on the Output side. This isn't a product deficiency and it's clear from the spec sheet that it works this way, but it is something to be aware of - I only realized it because the power LED went out when I connected the feeder down the scanner.

Like other Nooelec products that I have purchased, this LANA amplifier is well made and works as stated.You do have to filter out any other interference, like 14.5kW Radio Amor 100.3 FM, or you will end up amplifying interference as well as your signal. However, using the Nooelec broadcast FM filter, I am able to get many more signals in the 1-2GHz range. I use this amp with an SDR Play 1A and I use its bias-T to power the amp. Powering it this way, I do not need to put a DC block in line with the receiver. If you power the amp through the micro USB, you should get the Nooelec DC block or another brands DC block. The amplification range is from 20MHz to 4GHz, so it does nothing for HF signals. I found the amp to be low noise and have low insertion loss. The 85mA low power consumption makes it ideal for the SDR Play. Some reviews said that the amp does not work, but keep in mind that the LED power light should be facing your receiver or you will only see noise and think the LANA does work. This is a well made, general purpose RF amp. I like Nooelec and their well made, high value products with cool names. Get one, it's fun to play with.

The bad and the ugly, I can not power this from a RSP1a SDR because it needs more current than is available. This makes it rough to install it closer to the antenna and power it through the coax, unless you use a separate coax base bias-t. It does work great powered through the USB connection or if I use it on an SDR/RTL V3 or Blog V4. The new V3 LNA (This one) will not feed power back into your receiver.Tech support is great, however the new specifications for this unit had not been published at the time of my purchase. I think they need to update because it is worth bragging about.Gain vs. noise is comparable to the commercial units of yesteryear, in other words, this is not a unit to sneeze at and would have fit the needs of business and emergency personnel in their line of work.These are not even comparable to the 3 or 4 pin chips used in the $5-$6 range of LNA, if you're tech-savvy, look up the cost of a decent RF amplifying integrated circuit (if you have a strong heart that is).Was it worth the cost? With this unit I would say yes, however you still require a signal of some strength for any amplifier to work.

Works well but I still think you should focus on good antenna and unobstructed line of sight. This won’t help if your antenna polarization, SWR and obstacles are the issue. Seems to work well though. I will test in on a VNA when I have a chance.

I own several small radios and SDR dongles that have always been just OK. What a difference one little amp can to to their performance! I was pulling in stations on bands that looked dead but had dozens of signals with this on! I really appreciate the T-power capability as my new Malahit DSP2 has the ability to power this amp directly through the antenna port. Simply enabling it on the radio's menu brings it to life and instantly signals appear! Performance for the price can't be beat! The metal case is sturdy and shiels the internal circuitry from nearby interference. I highly recommend this - I think you'll be impressed!

I'm using a RTL-SDR to do ADS-B flight tracking and this increased the range I can track aircraft by an average of about 30 miles.

I use this LNA to mainly listen to far-away air traffic, and it boosted my range from maybe 40 miles to being able to pick up planes a state away. One thing to note is that you do need to be wary of strong signals nearby, as I live near an airport and their ATIS can "bleed" into nearby frequencies when amplified too much. Not a fault of the product though, that's just how radio work. I've also used it with NOAA satellites and it gets me another minute or so of strong signal during a pass.

I hooked this up to a scanner and also a spectrum analyzer. The resulting signals were worse than without the pre-amp. The pre-amp just raised the noise floor which degraded the actual signal.Stay away from this product.