HATs and other add-ons • USB-C power supply with Micro-USB adapter - any ADS-B/RF improvements?

Hi all,
I'm running a Pi 3 B+ for ADS-B flight tracking with an RTL-SDR Blog V4 dongle, and I'm wondering about power supply upgrades for better RF performance.

Currently using the Genuine RPI but now quite old Stontronics DSA-13PFC-05 FCA (ErP Level 5, ~78% efficiency). I'm considering upgrading to the newer 27W RPI USB-C power supply (>91% efficiency) with the official Micro-USB to USB-C adapter for potential RF interference reduction.

Has anyone tried this combination and noticed:

• Improved ADS-B reception range/aircraft count?

• Reduced noise floor on RTL-SDR waterfall?

• Better overall RF performance with sensitive radio applications?

The efficiency improvement alone doesn't justify the cost (~£15 total), but if the cleaner power delivery and better EMC design of the newer supply reduces RF interference, it could be worthwhile for radio projects.

The adapter is only £1 so low risk to try, but curious if anyone has real-world experience before investing in the USB-C supply.

Thanks!

Statistics: Posted by ecotec — Sun Jun 22, 2025 8:01 am

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