RTL-SDR Upgrade, lost a cap.... then lost another one. Im not sure what it does?

[rwgast_lowlevellogicdesin]

Ok so I measured the cap at 280uF before it popped out of my tweezers, there is a weird design on the RTL board im not sure if its an underpopulated component or what, or some kind of pcb rf voodoo! The cap im missing is connected to this strange pattern then ground. The cap is labelled c50 in the picture. So can I slap anything in there? Or is this some kind of filter or something? Ive circled where the cap was and traced it so its easier on to understand

[tautech]

What's the device on the left? IC?
Can you identify C50's function by its pinout?

[frahul]

The device to the left is a USB connector.

[tautech]

Then if C50 is between V+ and Gnd, you won't go wrong with .01 or .1 uF.

[KD0CAC John]

I looked at mine and noticed at least one unpopulated spot also .
My guess is that there is multiple versions using the same board ?

[rwgast_lowlevellogicdesin]

Ya I figured out it was an extra input cap for the 3.3v regulator, which im tearing out anyways... so no biggie. Im just curious if that underpopulated set of pads has the potential to radiate EMI/RF? Im trying to cut all the pieces off this board that are unneeded for SDR functionality the build an enclosure out of copper clad for it.

[Lord of nothing]

Does anyone use it here?
I know there are many forum about that but hey....

[rwgast_lowlevellogicdesin]

Does anyone use what RTL dongles? I do lol... I just got a new r80t2 version im modifying, Im hoping to use a huge dish to get the voyager 1 downlink. Longest DX ever!

[Lord of nothing]

Where are you from?

[Dave]

That definitely wasn't a 280uF capacitor, more likely a 280nF one.
You can put any 270nF cap in its place.

I'd say those unpopulated components next to it are a buck converter. You have a regulator chip, an inductor, two resistors and a capacitor. The output capacitor must be on the other side of the board, where that large via leads. No RF voodoo there.

[Lord of nothing]

Why does nobody build a SDR with 5 of thoes dongle at one PCB and use 1 or 2 Signal Imput?!
That would be buch more handy on Public Transport on a Aircraft.