2020 SDR Guide Ep 3 : Beginner Budget SDR Shootout (Generic vs Nooelec vs RTL-SDR v3) cheap SDRs!

This is a perfect beginner SDR Guide! In it, we look at the 3 most common budget SDRs. It is usually one of these Software Defined Radios that people start with. Which one would be right for you?
We look at cheap $10-$15 Generic SDRs, and compare them to the $25 RTL-SDR v3 and the Nooelec NESDR SMArt.
SDR Purchase Links :
NooElec NESDR SMArt at amzn.to/2YKlh6p (US*) or amzn.to/32zakH2 (UK*).
NESDR SMArt bundle complete with antennas at amzn.to/2BXPyWg (US) or amzn.to/2WH0LCv (UK*).
You can buy the RTL-SDR v3 at amzn.to/2NIGGGZ (US*)
The RTL-SDR v3 bundle is at amzn.to/3jrNwPP (US*)
Worldwide sales at www.rtl-sdr.com/buy-rtl-sdr-d...
* I make a small commission on Amazon sales if purchased through these links - it just goes to help the channel, and costs you no extra.
Generic dongles can be found on eBay and AliExpress.
Other videos in the series can be viewed using the following Playlist link - • 2020 / 2021 SDR Guide
Thanks for watching the Frugal Radio (FR) channel!

[@tahlularose9267]

Great review, your time and effort is much appreciated.

[@FrugalRadio]

Thanks Tahula. I'm glad to be able to help people.

[@danedewaard8215]

NICE JOB on performing, displaying, and discussing the comparison of the three dongles!!!! The best I've seen on KZbin!!!! I'm subscribing!

[@FrugalRadio]

Great! Welcome to the channel Daniel :-)

[@LungCancer420]

Thank you for this extremely informative and concise video You are actually helping people

[@FrugalRadio]

That's the goal!

[@user-vf7ty7pj1y]

Great vid on inexpensive SDR radios. Made my buying decision easy an RTL-SDR v2. Much thanks for the work you put in to making this vid!!

[@SDWNJ]

Hello from US and thanks for this series. I just got a RTL-SDR v3 (the bundle) and am happy to know I made a good choice for my first SDR device.

[@FrugalRadio]

You sure did make a good choice! Enjoy your new purchase, and thanks for your comment :-)

[@oneroadgoodwalk]

excellent comparison, glad I went with the rtl

[@FrugalRadio]

You'll not be disappointed!

[@navjyotmultani9967]

This is an amazing video, you really cleared my doubts. Thank you sir

[@FrugalRadio]

You're welcome. And thanks for the kind comments :-)

[@terryhodges8947]

I found your channel by accident, as a long time SWL who became frustrated when the international broadcasters went off the air and onto the internet, SDR seems to fill my need to station surf. I love what I have heard and appreciate your insight into SDR dongles for beginners.

[@FrugalRadio]

Well I'm glad you've found us. Welcome to the wonderful world of SDR!

[@tomhobbs6643]

new to SDR. actually waiting on delivery of my RTL-SDR blog V3 dongle kit. learning more with each video. thankyou sir.

[@FrugalRadio]

Good day Tom, and welcome to the channel. You'll notice I use the RTL-SDR V3 a lot. It's a great little SDR. I'm sure you'll be having lots of fun with it once it arrives!

[@blacksmock445]

Very good video. I think you get the right balance between simple explanations and more technical aspects. Marvellous view from your outside tests location. Although I've used SDRs for several years, starting with generic ones from Cosy Cave on Jersey and then moving on to RTL-SDR v3, which I think is an ideal unit to begin with. I've never used its HF feature, always using an upconverter. The Greek SV1AFN one is very good as it uses relays to bypass it on VHF and has a switchable LNA for HF use. Mine was uncased, so cheaper than present model which has case and switches.

[@FrugalRadio]

This is a great tip for anyone thinking of using their RTL-SDR v3 for HF work. Upconverters that provide filtering make for a much more pleasant listening experience!

[@waynekmullenjr3062]

Thanks Frugal Radio, I'm just starting out and these videos are very helpful, I look forward to more. Now onto Ep4

[@FrugalRadio]

I'm pleased to hear you're finding the videos helpful. You are starting out in a fantastic hobby :-)

[@kellynorman7452]

@@FrugalRadio can you please help me out i have the cheap one the blue one I like it regardless but no longer have a desk top but I know cause I've seen it on KZbin making it work on Android phone I have the plug now I had to order it it works but I can't get the ham frequencies I can only hear my local radio stations which I don't mind at least that tells me it works but please how do I get the ham channels to work nothing I do works do I still need to get another piece of something I don't know but I want to hear everything not just the radio stations what do I do

[@FrugalRadio]

Which software are you using?

[@williamwiese9963]

Just watched all 3 episodes, learned a lot that you can do with these, mine is ordered.

[@FrugalRadio]

Great to hear William. Lots more videos on the channel that will hopefully interest you as well.

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Very well put together and informative video.

[@FrugalRadio]

Thank you 😊

[@giovanith]

Very good information! It helps me a lot to decide for my 1st sdr. Thank you

[@FrugalRadio]

That's great. Welcome to the world of SDR!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

This is an outstanding comparison video, thank you !!

[@FrugalRadio]

You're welcome, sir!

[@CYTOTIMUS]

This video deserves way more views.

[@FrugalRadio]

Lol, thanks. Perhaps you can share it with others you know who would be interested.

[@larkop6504]

Thanks Frugal Radio for your Down to earth approach, looking to get started in SDR, also nice to see the hills of home being used in your examples. Would love to see more videos for other SDR equipment as your experience is helpful to complete newbies like myself

[@FrugalRadio]

Well SDR is a great hobby, as is radio in general. If you decide to jump in, I reckon you'll have lots of fun. All the best!

[@larkop6504]

@@FrugalRadio I purchased a RTL-SDR v3 based on your review and others, i was tempted to buy the LimeSDR, but as im only starting i will see how i get on with the RTL before jumping in, are 7ft Mesh Dishes much good for picking up Satellites/Planets/Meteors?

[@FrugalRadio]

Wow, a 7ft dish would be huge. You could use one to receive C band downlinks, but you wouldn't need one that large to receive the GOES images. Just a small wifi parabolic grid antenna can work for those. For other weather satellite signals in VHF, you would not want a dish. It would be a QFH you'd want to use.

[@larkop6504]

@@FrugalRadio 6-7ft Mesh or Metal Dishes are used as standard in the area i will probably setup, 6 Degrees south of the Equator and only £30-40 for the dish and £50 for it fully fitted and setup for TV. If i recall correctly i think there was a Radio club the other side of the hill from your video, out towards Ballyclare i think. Wonder how complex it would be to set-up an array of Dishes. is there much of a difference between 50 Ohm and 60 Ohm Co-Ax in terms of signal quality. Can you recommend any good books to get a grasp of the theory?

[@FrugalRadio]

No recommendations in afraid, that stuff is well beyond anything I have attempted! I haven't even read up about it. But I certainly wish you well in your experiments and hope you report back!!!

[@alannorthdevonuk763]

I've just ordered a RTL-SDR v3 via Technofix here in the UK. Thanks for all those videos.

[@FrugalRadio]

You're welcome. The v3 is still my favourite SDR!

[@davidwalters4540]

Great series!

[@FrugalRadio]

Glad you're enjoying it!

[@alannorthdevonuk763]

Thank you, very useful.

[@davidbee3704]

Another great video 👍

[@FrugalRadio]

Cheers David.

[@stickoutofthemud]

Outstanding information, no bloat, to the point, and 100% useful as I try to find the first vid I watched on this topic ("The Coolest Radio You've Never Hear Of" by Tom the Dilettante). Would have liked to see the SMRTee comparison as well though.

[@FrugalRadio]

Glad the video was helpful. Thanks for your comments Steve.

[@RobertoD91]

Extremely clear! Thanks you

[@FrugalRadio]

You're most welcome!

[@JoshuaJoshua0]

This was a great vid! Thanks!

[@FrugalRadio]

Ha ha, you're welcome!

[@sleepydog223]

I’ve been having fun with my new RTL-SDR dongle starter kit. I’m thinking about getting the Nooelec bundle to have a second SDR and a magnet mount 1/4 wave antenna. Thanks for these great videos.

[@FrugalRadio]

I'm glad if is going well with your first SDR!

[@paulnortham]

This is an excellent review! Very comprehensively and carefully done. You've got a new subscriber and I'm loving all your very informative videos to get me through lockdown. Thanks! Just a quick question on the NooElec: How does it do on shortwave?

[@FrugalRadio]

Hi Paul, welcome to the channel and thanks for your kind words! The Nooelec requires an upconverter to monitor shortwave. Since I've already got a dedicated SDR for HF, I've never purchased an upconverter. So I can't really tell you how it performs in that band. Perhaps some of the other channel viewers who have tried this can comment!

[@robertallen3133]

Fantastic video, thank You

[@FrugalRadio]

Thanks for your comment Robert 😊

[@shotguntalkshow5032]

Awesome video! I’m hooked!

[@FrugalRadio]

Welcome to a whole new world @shotguntalkshow ;-)

[@nessymon]

New subscriber - thanks a mill for easy to understand. Nice to hear a Northern accent!

[@FrugalRadio]

Cheers, and welcome to the channel!

[@brazoon1]

Darn, I wish I had listened to this series before making any purchase. Can't wait to see what the next episodes contain. Rob, I think it's amazing you reply to all your comments but please don't take up your time replying to my comments. ( I mean, unless you really want to) I'm replying as an expression of gratitude and to help with the algo. See you in the next video!

[@FrugalRadio]

Thank you.

[@annierenard5954]

again very good video !!!!!!!!! thank you

[@FrugalRadio]

Thanks Annie. I'm glad you're enjoying the channel.

[@kishor_VU2MZT]

Very good explanation

[@FrugalRadio]

Thanks.

[@BurrBones]

Great video thank you for all this information. As a total noob this was very helpful

[@FrugalRadio]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for taking the time to let me know it was beneficial.

[@TwstedTV]

Subbed because of this video. nice job 😃👍

[@FrugalRadio]

Great. Welcome to the channel. Hopefully you'll find lots of useful info here 🙂

[@TwstedTV]

@@FrugalRadio 😃👍

[@JimOleson]

Nice! Thank you!

[@FrugalRadio]

You're welcome Jim.

[@davey3765]

Got a genuine STL-SDR v3 and for beginners it's EPIC. For the PRICE it's the best launch pad to get *started* and learn SDR before investing into more expensive units.

[@FrugalRadio]

Yes, it's a fabulous unit. I still use multiple v3 dongles every day, several of them run 24/7.

[@Ofsaintsandsinners]

Very helpful thanks.

[@FrugalRadio]

You're welcome!

[@DonzLockz]

Brilliant, made my selection alot easier. RTL-SDR it is! 👍🤓

[@FrugalRadio]

A great little SDR. Still my most used device!

[@funkymonk2254]

Thanks mate.

[@FrugalRadio]

Appreciate the comment, thanks.

[@schoi604]

Thank you!!

[@FrugalRadio]

You're welcome!

[@ronaldzuccala1889]

Hello. Yes Thankyou this series has been a big help to me. Ron. Z.. Pgh Pa.

[@FrugalRadio]

Really glad you've been enjoying it. More episodes coming soon!

[@JCO2002]

I had an RTL-SDR here in Jamaica that I lost in a house fire a couple of years ago. Planning to get another one. The lack of HF on the others is what rules them out.

[@FrugalRadio]

They are a great little SDR, although for HF work I tend to use other SDRs.

[@FabioSpelta]

I wonder how the so called "panadapter" sold on aliexpress compares with those. It is a bit more pricey than the RTL-SDR v3 unit but still quite cheap (under 50 quids) and it claims to have a 12 bit adc. GREAT review by the way, very professional!

[@FrugalRadio]

There are quite a few offerings on AliExpress. I haven't used them personally, but have heard from others that have. Many are 'knock offs', ie clones / fakes. They have looked at a popular unit, reverse engineered it, and more or less copied it. In order to sell for less than the original, certain components are sometimes replaced with lower cost (and quality) ones, or removed altogether. Interestingly there is some confusion over where some of the ICs (chips) originate. In some of the knock off units the ICs look the same as what is in the original - using the same manufacturer name, model number, logo etc. They also work with the same drivers as the original devices, and Windows reports seeing the original devices. I'm not knocking all devices that come from AliExpress, but I am highlighting that many of the SDRs are actually counterfeit, and they are based on other people's intellectual property (IP). The price is good, but sometimes the ethics are questionable.

[@samsousayt]

Great job. Nice analysis. One thing, when you compare SNR, bandwidth should be exactly the same ; you had the chepo one at 12.5K and others at 10K in the London comparaison.

[@FrugalRadio]

Thanks Samuel. Good point about the bandwidth setting. I had been trying to keep them the same, but went off chasing another signal at one point and forgot to reset it!

[@samsousayt]

I don’t think it changes the assessment but in any way , in the end run. So it does not matter that much. Understandable , it’s difficult to be 100% consistent when doing the video, a lot of effort and work put into that so we truly appreciate that you took the time to make this video.

[@debbiramsey4603]

100 kHz. I thought it was lower. Just as I sent this I found the actual details book on what they isn't for installing software. I was surprised because it seemed to be different than I recalled. Remember I'd tried 20 times. This looked different or I'm in error going off my head. Maybe I should just apologize and let me get my steam up again and try it again with the makers install manual. Then you for considering my problems. And thank you sir.

[@FrugalRadio]

No problem. I'm still not quite sure what equipment you've got there, but hopefully you manage to get receiving some signals!

[@fudgesauce]

Thank you for the great side-by-side comparison. When you were doing the SNR measurements, I stopped the video at 13:34 to double check that the BW setting for each was the same, and it turns out the generic had a wider BW than the other two: 13.360 khz vs 12.790 khz. The wider BW can affect the SNR because part of the spectrum which isn't carrying signal is just contributing to the noise floor. I didn't check any of the other measurements, just that one spot.

[@FrugalRadio]

Yes, well spotted! The bandwidth was mostly the same in the comparisons, but at one stage during filming I went off chasing another signal, and forgot to reset it precisely. Thanks for picking up on that!

[@mohammedalbayati6617]

Hello, this is an amazing channel, thank you for sharing! I am new to SDR and was wondering if SNR is the only performance matrix, or there are more? How did you calculate the SNR?

[@FrugalRadio]

Hi Mohammed. Welcome to the channel! I use tools provided in the software. SNR is a good metric to use as it shows the peak level above the noise floor. You can also use S units, but these do not take the noise floor into account, and therefore are not as valuable.

[@TACKRILL]

Hi Rob, Really enjoying your channel. Looking forward to the software episode, when is it coming? 😁. Could you also confirm which model & brand of active multicoupler are you using? Best wishes, Dave

[@FrugalRadio]

Glad you're enjoying the channel. I don't have a fixed schedule for releasing the episodes, so I am unable to give an exact date I'm afraid. There is a lot of software available, so I'll likely do an overview video, then add some more detailed videos on how to use various packages to accomplish certain things. Best way to see when it comes out is to Subscribe and activate notifications. That way you'll know when new content is released. As for the multicoupler, in this video I used a Sdridsberg MCA208. Not a Frugal device by any means! However I also use an 12 port active TV splitter which cost me about $20 and works well too :-)

[@TACKRILL]

@@FrugalRadio Hi Rob, Thanks for taking the time to send such a detailed response. I appreciate the info on the multicoupler. I'll keep supporting the channel😁. All the best... Dave

[@hamrad88]

Another excellent tutorial. I will share your channel on my channel.

[@FrugalRadio]

@hamrad88 Thank you. Having it shared on your channel would be great 😀

[@hamrad88]

@@FrugalRadio Approximately where are you located?

[@hamrad88]

@@FrugalRadio Thanks. Just looking for where your testing was done.

[@hamrad88]

@@FrugalRadio Short video uploaded.

[@FrugalRadio]

Wow, that was fast @hamrad88. Thanks for pointing me out to your viewers!

[@niaz.shovon]

"Nooelec NESDR SMArTee v2" got the bias-t with 0.5ppm TCXO. Bias-t is always on and enabled by default. That's the most perfect SDR dongle. Price: US$ 39.5 with antenna bundle, and it's made in usa.

[@FrugalRadio]

If you are connecting to a device that needs bias t, it can work well. Personally, I prefer to have a switchable bias t on my SDRs. However if you need to permanently connected to patch antennas or LNAs, I agree, the SMARtee is the way to go.

[@nickmad887]

All subed up .Heard about you from hamrad88.

[@FrugalRadio]

Great to have you here with us. Welcome Nick!

[@reactionary]

hi, nice video. you said you would recommend another product for those with $100 to spend. Can you tell me which product that would be. Thanks.

[@tompaull3214]

I'm very late to this discussion. Thanks for this video and your SDR series. It's very helpful. During this video you mentioned if one's SDR budget is getting near $100 (USD, I assumed) you mentioned you'd recommend something else. May I ask, what product would you recommend at that budget?

[@FrugalRadio]

Hi. I actually made a video to answer that question : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJWxdmVmjKeindk

[@tompaull3214]

@@FrugalRadio thanks!!

[@MrDbone75]

Good morning everyone from wellington Somerset in the UK

[@FrugalRadio]

Hi David!

[@mickhurley7305]

New to the amateur radio hobby, really enjoyed your video. What would you recommend as an SDR budget 100-200$ ? Something for me and my teenage boys to play with. You got a sub.

[@FrugalRadio]

Thanks for joining the channel! A lot depends on what you want to accomplish with the SDR. For getting started tracking digital trunk networks, I would go for a couple of RTL-SDR v3 units. They also work well for satellite monitoring, airband, general monitoring. For HF, you could look at an SDRPlay RSP1A or HF+ Discovery from Airspy.

[@mickhurley7305]

@@FrugalRadio Ive ordered a Nooelec SMART V5 and a AirNav ADS-B and antennae. Lets see how it goes. I live near Orly airport in France. Looking forward to trying it out with my kids.

[@FrugalRadio]

Have fun!

[@mickhurley7305]

@Frugal Radio Got my nooelec smart bundle. Came with 3 aerials, telescopic and 2 fixed an ISM and UHF, but no markings. Do you know which one is which and what mode they run in GQRX? By the way I bought the nooelec based on your video .

[@soundmapper]

Thank you. I have a (US) General class license. Although I know a little about digital radio, but do not use it, I somehow did not know about SDR. Bought the RTL package, and will try it at home on PC and with an android phone. Thanks for the quality videos.

[@FrugalRadio]

Great to hear that you are going to be exploring with SDRs. They are a great tool for any Amateur. 73!

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

I’m thinking hard about the RTL-SDR.

[@FrugalRadio]

It's a super little receiver, optimised for the radio hobbyist. I've never looked back since owning one, and now I have 4 of this particular SDR :-)

[@1changi]

I wished I have watched your video earlier before I purchased my first SDR. Using a MegaLoop MLA30+ active antenna but all I could get are FM broadcasts and just lots of noise in the other part of the spectrum.

[@FrugalRadio]

At least you've found the channel now! If you're on HF, it might also be broadcast MW signals that are overpowering your SDR. Have A look at the filter videos, they may also help.

[@1changi]

@@FrugalRadio Thanks a lot for your advice. Much appreciated. Enjoying DXing using SDR

[@bananna7465]

Hi wish i watched this about two weeks ago ..just got foundation licence but want to really start by listening so got the blue sdr. Any android apps that are like sharp software as want to use my tablet. Great channel thanks.

[@FrugalRadio]

Try SDRTouch. And welcome to the channel!

[@omgwtfkthxbai]

I couldn't wait...bought two v3 bundles last week...for the same reasons you recommended it: no hardware mod needed, and switchable bias-t...please tell me that you're going to do an episode on antenna design theory. :)

[@FrugalRadio]

You chose well, my friend. There will be an episode on frugal antennas, but I don't think I'll be going much into theory - maybe just a little at the beginning...

[@omgwtfkthxbai]

@@FrugalRadio at least tell people how to properly use the telescoping dipole that comes with the v3 :)

[@FrugalRadio]

@@omgwtfkthxbai I will do that!

[@FrugalRadio]

@Klickmans I was in your beautiful country earlier this year and stayed in one of the apartments, so I know what you mean. Certainly indoor antennas will be covered :-)

[@JefKazimer]

@@FrugalRadio i am very interested in proper use if the antenna 📡 😀

[@omgwtfkthxbai]

also a software episode!

[@FrugalRadio]

There will also be a "must have" software episode!

[@royrodriguez8856]

thanx for channel !!!! new to SDR ! Quick question ,.., interested in sdr to hear people goofing around all hours of the sneaking around and into our neighborhoods and homes any suggestions for a first time setup ?

[@FrugalRadio]

Honestly, I'd start with the basic SDRs. They pick up a wide range of frequencies. Are the people you want to listen to using walkie talkies, or are you wanting to listen to security / police following them? What country are you in?

[@royrodriguez8856]

@@FrugalRadio US . IT SEEMS THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT HAVE/ARE USING UNRESTRICTED WARFARE TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS IN AN EFFORT TO SAFEGUARD DOING A QUICK STUDY ,, FREQUENCY/SIGNALS EFFORT TO RECORD ANYONE EAVESDROPPING ON HOME ETC.

[@FrugalRadio]

I'd start by doing some searches in the 406-420, and 450-520 MHz bands, but they could be using radios as low as 27 MHz. If you can get security camera footage or photos of a radio, that can help identify what frequencies they could be on.

[@royrodriguez8856]

👍

[@humaxf1]

Hi. Could you do a video on the multi coupler? I'm currently using a very basic splitter used by the likes of virgin media to separate TV and Internet with two dongles. It does the job but could be better I guess. I've seen splitters with N type connections on aliexpress for not alot of money. Could be worth a punt? Thanks.

[@FrugalRadio]

I'll add it to my list for making at a future date, sure.

[@iwazhere7077]

Hey pal, any thoughts on the Nooelec NESDR Mini? Would you recommend it to a first time user?

[@FrugalRadio]

They work, that's for sure. But they can get really hot - so just be ready for that. You'll also need some MCX connectors.

[@geoffreyroberson1055]

I an all in

[@FrugalRadio]

Great. Welcome to the Frugal Radio community Geoffrey!

[@rubenacevedo2484]

I wonder if this SDR scan like like a Radio Scanner, by band or memories. Thank you very much.

[@FrugalRadio]

Yes - providing you use software which supports scanning!

[@rubenacevedo2484]

@@FrugalRadio ahhhhhh, thanks a lot for the info, much appreciated. Regards.

[@paulcohen1555]

Please explain the PPM adjustment. Can read the temperature somewhere inside the unit?

[@FrugalRadio]

Each generic SDR will be off frequency by a certain amount. Every unit is different, even the same model from the same manufacturer. For example, one of my generics needs a 47ppm adjustment, the other needs 88. The quickest way to work out the value for your SDR is to tune to a known signal. I typically use a Weather transmitter or ATIS signal as these transmit 24/7 on a known frequency. Then adjust values up or down until the VFO line (red line) is in the centre of the signal. Now you will have your PPM value. I'll see if I can do a quick video demonstrating it.

[@deuxto]

What do you think about PlutoSDR? You have a RX and TX in the same PCB.

[@FrugalRadio]

I've not used any of the TX/RX SDRs yet. I love the possibilities of them though. There's definitely a lot you can experiment with. As far as using it as a receiver though, I've learned that it has problems with strong signal rejection. So while you gain flexibility on the transit side, you may be compromising on the receive side. That's why I wouldn't want one as a general purpose receiver, despite the fact it has a great frequency range, and even larger if you do a firmware modification.

[@deuxto]

@@FrugalRadio I didn't know that it has a low rejection. Thanks for your reply! I like your channel very much!

[@FrugalRadio]

Glad you are enjoying & learning through the channel @Cristobal Lopez. Maybe check out some other channels to see who has done reviews on the PlutoSDR. @Tech Minds did one for sure - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ27mndjdpeZd5o

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Would like to use it for tv you get tv sight and sound? I hope to use it with android. Which one you recommend?

[@FrugalRadio]

If you are just using it for TV, you can go for one of the generic dongles. They've been designed just for TV and some will come with a remote control as well.

[@omgwtfkthxbai]

I'm loving my two dongles! And hoping my old laptop still loves me! XD Besides FM, ACARS and ADS-B, (and trunking, legally questionable) what am I missing? I know for certain that there are other signals! Please! Teach me!

[@FrugalRadio]

There is an incredible array of signals to pick from. Episode 1 goes into some of the main things people pick up. You can decode all sorts of transmissions, a lot depends on where you live. I have always enjoyed monitoring Emergency Services and trunked systems. You can then map out the system. For example in my old city, I knew every time any radio was switched on. When surveillance cars were out, it popped up on my display. Same with police helicopter, command post vehicles, swat team etc. Then there's satellite. ATC messages, MDT and hospital pager traffic, military aircraft exercises, bombing ranges, bug transmitters, cordless telephones, weather balloons, home weather station transmitters, vehicle key fobs, etc. And that is just VHF & UHF. Shortwave (HF) offers a while bunch more - spy broadcasts, military info, long range aviation, search & rescue, fax, rtty, Morse code and more.

[@omgwtfkthxbai]

@@FrugalRadio even though the v3 has the ability to receive HF, I really doubt the antenna is adequate! XD

[@FrugalRadio]

Certainly not. But all you need is a long piece of wire. Anything over 5m will probably get you receiving! Just attach it to one of the telescopic antennas, or insert directly into the SMA adapter (assuming you don't have a balun).

[@omgwtfkthxbai]

@@FrugalRadio all I have is a laptop and what came in the bundles. I'm assuming that any kind of coax wire won't work. I have a couple of pieces of speaker wire that are probably around 5 m long (maybe longer). Is it really as easy as wrapping the copper around the antenna?

[@FrugalRadio]

@@omgwtfkthxbai give it s try and see. Keep your wire away from sources of electrical noise as much as you can. If it doesn't work well, take your laptop outside into a park or garden and try there. Sometimes it can be surprising. Generally speaking, the longer the wire, the better. A 20m length will work well around 14 MHz.

[@JefKazimer]

Now I am curious which SDR you mentioned about $100 you would recommend?

[@omgwtfkthxbai]

I paid $120 CDN for two RTL SDR bundles. Each bundle includes a RTLSDR v3 dongle, and a dipole antenna with two different sizes of telescopic portions. I strongly recommend this for under $100 because of the included antennae.

[@FrugalRadio]

There are a couple of very strong contenders for your $100, and the choice would really come down to the intended use. For most people though, I reckon the SDRPlay RSP1A would be the way to go. You'll see more details about it when that episode comes out :-)

[@stelluspereira]

Thankyou Sir, very informative,but It seems None of the SDR in your list has Software support on MacOS

[@FrugalRadio]

Cubic SDR would be a good place to start on Mac. You can also use SDR++.

[@stelluspereira]

@@FrugalRadio Thankyou & let me try

[@moserlanny1074]

What is a "DMR CONTROL SIGNAL" ? 16:38 I had heard them before on different frequencies and thought they were just local interference caused by electrical equipment.

[@FrugalRadio]

It is called a Control Channel, and it is a computer signal that is transmitted to all the radios on a trunked network. It tells them which frequency each talkgroup is going to use, since trunked systems split 'channels' across multiple frequencies.

[@moserlanny1074]

@@FrugalRadio Thank You very much for you explanation to something i wondered about for years. Once more i am, head shaking, amazed with the ingenuity of dedicated problem solvers. Who i believe work at problems not for self glory, but rather for the self chalange, and the great feeling they get in serving others.

[@paulnortham]

Hi! Just a quick question: the RTL SDR appears to have rocketed up in price on Amazon UK literally in the last day or two from about £30 to over £80. Do you know why this might be?

[@FrugalRadio]

Hi Paul. Carl, the man behind the RTL-SDR v3 dongles doesn't supply them through Amazon UK. The products you see there are from third party sellers who bring them in to resell. They can set whatever price they like. If you want a genuine unit in the UK, check the RTL-SDR blog for a list of official third party resellers, or consider buying direct from the manufacturer via the China warehouse. Shipping to the UK is free. I received several products from the China warehouse during my time there. Alternatively, the Nooelec dongles are sold by the manufacturer through Amazon UK. If you decide to go that route, perhaps you would consider supporting the channel by using the affiliate links in the video description. Hope that helps!

[@paulnortham]

@@FrugalRadio Thank you so much, that is an really helpful and fulsome answer. I'm so new to this that it's easy to get blinded by the various options. Looking forward to your upcoming videos. P

[@FrugalRadio]

Glad to be of help Paul.

[@unclealig]

couple years ago i used an RTL dongle from an DVB-T usb-stick (with a RTL2832U chip) for listening to ATC radio using SDR#. Now i am trying to set it up all again, but i cant receive ATC radio (now using the current AIRSPY SDR# software). However, i can receive radio broadcasting (FM). any hint what i am doing wrong? thanks

[@FrugalRadio]

Check your gain settings, and receive mode (Broadcast FM uses WFM, aircraft use AM mode). Also make sure your antenna is well positioned and set at the correct length if you can modify it.

[@jack002tuber]

You keep using TCXO and TXCO interchangably.

[@br0k3nilluzion]

what SDR would you recommend for the $100 you mentioned in the video around the 7 minute mark?

[@FrugalRadio]

If I had $100, I'd be considering the AirSpy Mini and the RSP1A...

[@br0k3nilluzion]

@@FrugalRadio are you going to be doing any video's on these two?

[@br0k3nilluzion]

@@FrugalRadio or do you happen to have a recommendation on a video on these two?

[@FrugalRadio]

Yes, I'll be doing a video on devices around the $100 range, but not for a while. I'm moving to another country in 3 weeks, so have to get ready for that!

[@br0k3nilluzion]

@@FrugalRadio Good luck with the move. Looking forward to the videos as well.

[@yogeshkahale9766]

Yes but RTL SDR v3 is not available in India or is way expensive. #GoWithGeneric I'm asking should I go with generic one. I only want to mess up with SDR

[@FrugalRadio]

A generic will definitely get you started. If ordering through the RTL-SDR.com you can get a V3 delivered to India for free.

[@paulcohen1555]

Please help identifying the SMD oscillator to know if it is TCXO or regular XO.

[@FrugalRadio]

Checking the specs from the manufacturer is the best way. The very low budget generics do not have a TXCO. Whereas the 'step up' $25-$30 dongles do.

[@paulcohen1555]

@@FrugalRadio I meant by "deciphering" the markings on the SMD part.

[@FrugalRadio]

Ah, I see. I've never opened a unit up, so can't help with that I'm afraid.

[@bhumijagaikwad6341]

Any thoughts on using RTL SDR as bluetooth? Now ik that maximum frequency range is only 1.7 GHz. Ian's 2.4 GHz. But still is it possible?

[@FrugalRadio]

I suppose if you built a downconverter it might be possible. I also don't know how wide a bandwidth Bluetooth uses. I would suggest going with a device that includes the 2.4 GHz band, as there would be quite a few signals there.

[@bhumijagaikwad6341]

@@FrugalRadio Yes i read on RTLSDR blog about downconverter. but i have to do it in MATLAB. Any suggestion?

[@FrugalRadio]

Sorry, I have no suggestions. I've never experimented with that aspect of the hobby.

[@SilichipX]

I own an NooElec NESDR Mini 2 USB RTL-SDR receiver but how do you calculate the PPM? 🤔

[@FrugalRadio]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pne5hGZjg9mbga8 answers that question!

[@SilichipX]

@@FrugalRadio Thank you very much, your video maybe 2 years old but still relevant today. 😊

[@alandakerharley]

Only just heard about SDR. I KNOW NOTHING, but am interested. Price is very high from Amazon, so can anyone recommend a sales outlet that's not going to break the bank in these hard covid times. Seems the RTL SDR v3 kit would help me get started. I am in the UK near Stansted airport.

[@FrugalRadio]

Technofix are official resellers of the RTL-SDR v3 in the UK. They hear seem to have the dongle only, not the dipole kit. shop.technofix.uk/sdr/usb-rtl-sdr-sticks/super-stable-1ppm-tcxo-r820t2-tuner-rtl2832u-rtl-sdr-usb-stick-version-3 Many UK viewers start with the NooElec dongles as they are generally available with fast delivery from Amazon. amzn.to/2WH0LCv

[@alandakerharley]

@@FrugalRadio many thanks 👍

[@FrugalRadio]

You're welcome Alan. Best wishes, and welcome to the hobby!

[@abp1954]

Hi Bob, I am going to Lanzarote from Manchester Airport Can I take my Uniden 125xlt in my suitcase also my Broadsword Antennas D1000, D902 and D881 Kindest Regards Brian Pemberton

[@FrugalRadio]

Probably. I can't tell you how it will work out, but I've traveled with radios through many countries.

[@n1kkri]

How was the RTL-SDR v3 on HF?

[@FrugalRadio]

I've only tried it with a low gain antenna. You can see my results at kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmacdXeupayFgaM

[@migalito1955]

I'd say just pay a bit more & buy a SDRplay RSP-1A. I have some very nice amateur radios & on receive it is probably the best.

[@FrugalRadio]

Yes, I made a video that included the excellent RSP-1A. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJWxdmVmjKeindk

[@ed-jf3xh]

What software were you using?

[@FrugalRadio]

The SDR software is SDR#. The DMR decoding was done through DSD+, and the DAB software is called Welle and can be downloaded via Welle.io

[@ed-jf3xh]

@@FrugalRadio Cheers Mate. I couldn't tell by looking at your screen. I've picked up a unit from eBay that has separate connectors for above 25 and below 25 but I haven't figured out how to configure GQRX working on HF. Maybe SDR# will work.

[@ctstatepolicelive3957]

RTL-SDR v3 are my fav.. Had for years.. They do get pretty darn hot. I have 4 of them together running my live broadcastify CT Police scanner feed.. Connecticut State Police Troops C,D,E,F,H,K, Norwich, Groton, Coventry Police www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/28978

[@FrugalRadio]

Agreed. They are great receivers, and excellent for use on feeds.

[@user-mf7fb1vj3b]

should i buy Nooelec NESDR SMArt or RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM or Nooelec NESDR Mini in price 7,657.00 rs and 6000.00 rs and 5700.00 rs ( india ) plese reply i want to recieve ham radio and police radio 😅

[@FrugalRadio]

Spec wise, they are all very similar. I don't own a mini, but my friend who uses one likes it. I'm not sure what radios police are using in India (I didn't bring my scanners when I visited). However you can't really go wrong with either the RTL-SDR v3 or Nooelec SMArt. If you might want to use the bias t feature, then the RTL-SDR blog one is the way to go.

[@user-mf7fb1vj3b]

@@FrugalRadio I have bf888s walkie talkie 400 to 470 Mhz but want to listen anything on it but their is no allocation chart so that i can tune it thats why i want a sdr to see avilabel broadcasts i thought to buy mini as its very cheap in respect to another radios will it work for me does it perform well i am still confused after video mainly i want to listen to atc and planes i am busy watching flight radar 24 whole day ! Please help me are the bias t and clock is very important 🙏 and can they track me using something like fox hunting while using sdr not an walkie talkie 😕

[@FrugalRadio]

These particular SDRs are only good for receiving. You can use all of them to monitor ATC and other planes. You can also use them to contribute to FR24, as I do. You can also use them to discover the frequency your BF-888s channels are set to.

[@user-mf7fb1vj3b]

@@FrugalRadio Can police foxhunt me thanks for your all replies 🙏

[@FrugalRadio]

One of these SDRs alone will not transmit, so you would not be creating a signal that could be easily tracked. It is technically possible with sophisticated equipment, but not very likely.

[@debbiramsey4603]

I paid 40 bucks because I wanted very low frequencies. Worked 2o hours, nothing. Power light bar gets light. Installing the thing steps was a mess. I'd just consider something like a ready to go plug it in and listen unit if you had time to suggest. I'm retired. I used to write mainframe computer start up documents, I figured this would go fine. Nothing. I'm wondering if I got scams.

[@FrugalRadio]

Which item did you buy? And when you say very low frequencies, are you referring to VLF, or LW, MW, HF or VHF low band?

[@guidelineuk4876]

What about the new rtl v4 ??

[@FrugalRadio]

The v4 is a limited production run, so I haven't picked one up for testing. The RTL-SDR team were anticipating supply for approximately 1 year.

[@guidelineuk4876]

@@FrugalRadio limited edition sounds tempting hahaha I see from the RTL SDR blog you have to install new drivers or V4 to work properly!?

[@user-sr6pi5lp3q]

In europe RTL-sdr costs now 47€.

[@FrugalRadio]

It's a shame so many of the prices have increased.

[@user-sr6pi5lp3q]

@@FrugalRadio can you tell me something for beginner? The cheapest thing costs 12,5€, i just want to play a little and I don't want to play much more.

[@FrugalRadio]

The cheap SDRs do work, and I still use 2 of them every day. Performance is not as good, and frequency is subject to drifting and needs to be corrected, but they work for listening to different users.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

V3 slams the needle.

[@FrugalRadio]

Yep!

[@sudipkar3018]

Sorry Noolec to my mind is not something that can be trusted. Rather I found the generic and the V3 are much better. My Noolec gave up whereas my collection of the generics is working more than expected

[@FrugalRadio]

Great to hear. Yes, my generics are still going strong. But so are all my NooElec and v3 units, even those that were exposed to very cold temperatures.

[@reactionary]

hi, nice video. you said you would recommend another product for those with $100 to spend. Can you tell me which product that would be. Thanks.

[@FrugalRadio]

Have a look at kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJWxdmVmjKeindk