> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://raia-software-inc.gitbook.io/tacview/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://raia-software-inc.gitbook.io/tacview/real-life-data/real-life-ads-b.md).

# Real-life ADS-B data

Use Tacview to record ADS-B radio signals in real-time.

You will need the following:

* RTL2832U compatible USB radio dongle (<https://www.rtl-sdr.com>)
* 1090MHz antenna
* 1090MHz ADS-B filter (optional)
* WinUSB drivers for your dongle (<https://zadig.akeo.ie>)

In our internal tests, the [FlightAware R820T2 dongle](https://flightaware.store/), which is optimized for ADS-B reception, provided more reliable aircraft tracking than the general-purpose [RTL-SDR Blog V4 (R828D)](https://www.rtl-sdr.com/buy-rtl-sdr-dvb-t-dongles/) under the same conditions. Results may vary depending on antenna, environment, and receiver configuration.

Make sure everything is properly connected to your computer and configured, then connect:

![ADS-B Menu Option](/files/YyWmGyPAPZEWHwDZADn3)

![ADS-B Connect](/files/Liu0hgVIG4wPM7RIPq73)

![ADS-B Connected](/files/t0pR55YY6wkwS29BNgEf)

### Terrain Textures and Terrain Elevation

To add terrain textures and terrain elevation files, see the [customization - terrain documentation](/tacview/customization/terrain.md)