RTL SDR device. Is this worth buying?

[VK4WDM]

Is this device worth buying? Thinking of using it for a wide range scanner. Is the required software easy to get and set up by a computer-challenged semi-geriatric?

73

Wayne VK4WDM

[VK5FA]

Wayne,
I can't comment on that particular device, but I did some time ago buy an $11 RTL-SDR Dongle type "USB Stick" receiver. I am guessing that your unit has a similar receiver back-end?? Perhaps with a HF up-converter and (hopefully) some filtering....

My rtl_sdr worked ok (after I put it in a screened box). But did require a small amount of computer fiddling. I subsequently bought a funcube pro+ dongle, and have to say I find the funcube a much better receiver (especially on 2m), where I use it alot for weak-signal stuff.

Andy
VK5FA

[VK2MUS]

take a look at the NooElec NESDR Nano SDR & DVB-T USB Stick (RTL2832 + R820T) and the Ham It Up v1.2 - RF Up-converter
totaling around $60US
the dongle will give you 25MHz - 1750MHz while the up-converter will cover the HF bands. I have both the dongle and the upconverter connected to an outside wide band receiving antenna and use either HDSDR or SDR-Radio . I use it to monitor JT65 and wspr signals. I have a separate dongle that I interface to Mathlab for DSP

The dongle comes with a small antenna that works well (depending of course where in the world you are)

I bought mine direct for Nooelec - delivery was within 1and a half weeks
http://www.nooelec.com/store/
John

[VK4GHZ]

This seems like an appropriate topic to share this!
From W2AEW:

[VK3BQ]

Emdrc club main meeting Friday 3rd is on SDR's

http://www.emdrc.com.au/event/commerical-sdr-devices/

[VK4GHZ]

Another great video from W2AEW, where open content like this can only help inspire others.

"Using a mixer to listen to HF, shortwave, ham, etc. on RTL-SDR dongle "

[VK2LK]

I was lucky enough to be given a NooElec RTL stick recently at an SDR conference - I'll be keen to have a play and see how it goes!

[VK4GHZ]

More RTL SDR related video from W2AEW;

[VK8VTX]

on the subject of SDR's, the other day i got an SDR from e-bay. it came from Moscow of all places. on the e-bay web site it says
"SOFTWARE (DOWNLOAD FROM WEBSITE)" but i don't see website to go to to get this software, so could someone
help me out with this? i dose say i can e mail them with any questions but before i do, thought i would ask all you guys.

here is what i got

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-1500-MHZ-RECE ... 20ea870963


Joe
VK8VTX

[VK4TI]

on the subject of SDR's, the other day i got an SDR from e-bay. it came from Moscow of all places. on the e-bay web site it says
"SOFTWARE (DOWNLOAD FROM WEBSITE)" but i don't see website to go to to get this software, so could someone
help me out with this? i dose say i can e mail them with any questions but before i do, thought i would ask all you guys.

here is what i got

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-1500-MHZ-RECE ... 20ea870963


Joe
VK8VTX

Did you enquire with the seller as to the site ? as I cannot see it either

[VK8VTX]

no, not yet but i will, just wanted to make sure before i bother the seller with this question. but now i know I'm not the only one that can't see it lol.

i am new to this sdr thing and so i thought maybe it was something everyone is supposed to know? the SDR unit came
with a usb cable and that's it, not even any drivers ? but it powers on but windows can find a driver for it.

but i do get a really cool looking blue light


Joe
VK8VTX

[VK5PJ]

Hi Joe,
before you load any sort of drivers, please look at this web site and read the getting started guides, there is a drivers package with a utility you SHOULD download.

but it powers on but windows can find a driver for it.
but i do get a really cool looking blue light
Joe
VK8VTX

http://www.rtl-sdr.com/

That web site should get you started, it is a great resource for these TV dongle type devices, enabled me to get going from a being a complete novice with these.

regards,

[VK8VTX]

G'day Peter, thank you for the web link, i will have a look read



Joe
VK8VTX

[VK8MS]

Hi Joe,
if you need any help give me a call on 2mt SSB as i use a SDR USB to pick up "IF" of my Yaesu to utilise spectrum scope etc. has been quite fun to expand the FT-920 into semi-modern rig, also have a SDR G11 that I'm building also John 8JM has built SDR G59 so if you give us a call on 2mt SSB or if you have 23cm thats where we are most of the time we regularly are discussing and experimenting with these devices. or i may see you at Nelsons and we can sit down for a cafe'

Cheers,
Mark VK8MS.

[VK5TM]

The software for that SDR is here:

http://nutsaboutnets.com/touchstone/

Well, the software the pictures came from is at that website.

[VK4GHZ]

A shout out for this great local eBayer.

Purchased an RTL2832 based USB TV dongle from a Brisbane-based eBayer yesterday.
It's the $22 listing (+ postage)
http://stores.ebay.com.au/rfoutletaustr ... 6612708014

Prior to clicking the "Buy it now" I enquired if he could dispatch it same day via the Express Post method he offered.
(I wanted it ASAP)
He said Yes.
Later, after I purchased it, he emailed me advising he would not be able to get it out in the mail that day, and if delivering it in person would be ok.
"Yes, that would be great", was my reply.

And sure enough, he delivered it this arvo.

It works like a charm, even with the "portable" antenna (which has a mag base) inside.

click for full-size
Plugged into one of the screen's USB ports

If you're a tight-ass, buy it out of China and wait 3 weeks, or get it from Leo and have it real soon!

[VK5IR]

If you're a tight-ass, buy it out of China and wait 3 weeks, or get it from Leo and have it real soon!

I ordered two from China late last year from different sellers, they both took 5+ weeks.

[VK2FAK]

H all....

Can you buy these USB devices from more local shops around Sydney and Suburbs.....or only from Internet purchases...

I would rather go to a shop and buy something.....

Anyone done such a crazy thing as I am suggesting.....

[VK5TM]

Can't say that I have seen any bricks & mortar stores that sell them.

Checked a couple of computer stores web sites and they don't list any.

Officeworks lists one (Leadtech brand), but not enough info to say what chips it runs and doubt the sales staff would know. Highly unlikely it is the type that can be used as an SDR.

[VK3BQ]

I've never heard a Horror stroy of one not arriving. And if it didn't. It's $10 and you have eBay/PayPal buyer protection to cover you. Pay with a credit card using PayPal and you can also use your bank to recover the $10... A small computer shop might sell one?? But will it use the right chip inside??


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