Getting Started with the RTL-SDR (Software Defined Radio)

[@jamesdurrett3827]

I am an 83 year retired engineer. Your presentation was clean, to the point and in a logical order. I have just purchased my first SDR and your video has definitely aided my learning curve. Many thanks,

[@theamongusbehindtheslaughter]

your cool

[@vesuvianvomit]

hey I don't know if you'll ever read this kid. your an awesome teacher.. I was watching ALOT of vids like this & still failing trying to set up my software.. you were very specific about every little thing as if you were talking to someone majorily technologically challenged (I am). the details helped like running things in administrator & stuff.. some of the other vids seemed like they assumed you knew some stuff. I'm really trying.. I got this rtl-sdr & a baofeng radio & am studying for the ham technician thing.. it's ruff going.. I've always been a d student!!

[@ModernHam]

I'm glad I could help. I tried to break it down as best as I could! This stuff gets more complicated the farther down the rabbit hole you go

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

I just received my RTL-SDR yesterday and have watched two superb videos about how to set it up. Out of the two videos I watched, this one is better. Thanks to you, I feel almost 100 percent confident I will set mine up without much trouble. I am running a dual boot P.C.; one side is Ubuntu, and the other is Windows 10 Professional. First, I will set up my Windows, and then based on my research, I will set up my Linux for the radio scanner. I also have an iMac, which I will set up. It's almost guaranteed that my Windows setup will not be as good as my iMac or Linux. Thank you for the clear and concise instructions. Subscribed and thumb up, Cheers

[@ModernHam]

Glad you liked the video! I find it works more smoothly in linux for me. the rtl_sdr package handles pretty much everything.

[@andrewgardner7104]

Superb , I have watched ten or more videos trying to set this SDR up, yours is the only one which has worked for me. You are a star. Keep safe. from Yorkshire UK. And you have a new sub. Andy.

[@code1017]

Holy shit thanks for this video. I have a lot of hobbies and added RTL-SDR and radio in general to my hobbies. I’m knowledgeable enough to get by with very basic SDR functionalities but your dipole resource and just your basic explanation of the hardware helped me a lot. I know this is easy stuff for the radio kings that have been into this for years but the complete newbies appreciate it. Thanks and keep up the great vids. New subscriber here 🙏👍

[@reengineerit]

First time trying any of this. You got me up and listening in minutes. Thanks man. Be well.

[@ModernHam]

You too! glad it's still working!

[@mbatson13]

Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been battling my stupid SDR (I know, I know, I'm the idiot, not the radio) but that trick you did by widening the bandwith on a station actually got my radio to work!!!!!!! I thought I had a broken antenna. Of course, would have been nice to know that trick about 3 hours ago but better late than never. is there a book or something you can recommend. I can't find anything for beginners... I mean REAL beginners like me. Everything is acronyms and functions, and radio terms and whatever else that has no meaning to me, but no one teaches you what any of that mean. Some how you have to already know it and so nothing makes any sense. Very frustrating, but very grateful you showed that trick!

[@josephjones5608]

Glad to see more younger Hams!

[@josephjones836]

We got the same name

[@du42bz]

Still cant believe that i was a ham since i was 13yo

[@BenTrem42]

@@du42bz I started SWL RTTY at 14 but only got licensed at 19! (VO1LQ, 51yrs ago!)

[@rrh2918]

Wow thanks. I just ordered my sdr and thanks to you I think I can do this. Your step-by-step presentation was the best I've ever seen.I'm kind of a computer dummy and with your helpful instructions.I'm pretty sure I can pull this off

[@ModernHam]

I'm glad it could be helpful. Have fun with your new device!

[@sipukka]

Thanks buddy for a clear, well executed walk through. Ive been a ham for many years, and yours is the most clear concise video out there. Many thanks, Simon 2E0JVT

[@dangriffin5532]

To receive HF you can get 2 nuts that fit the threads where the telescopic elements attach. Then attach a quarter wave length wire for the band you want to use with a lug on one end to both sides by tightening the nuts. So now you have an HF dipole. To receive HF on Dongle there is something in the SDR Sharp that you might have to do so it can receive lower frequencies. Not sure but just a hunch.

[@ProtoNeoVintage]

Let my add my Gorgnard appreciation to the growing list below. I am a 56 yo Tech+ from way back in the 70's. Been out of the hobby for a while now, and coming back I have found that "everything has changed". Can you believe they didn't consult me about the changes? Thank the goddess for KZbin and individuals like yourself.

[@ModernHam]

I'm glad you could fins something here useful!

[@dangriffin5532]

Thank you young man for taking the time to do this. I am waiting to receive mine sometime next month. I will follow your lead in getting mine setup.

[@needlethread4715]

how did it go sir?

[@dangriffin5532]

@@needlethread4715 Works great other than the software getting locked up when you click the stop button after it's been in use a while. Have to do Ctrl-Alt-Del then end task. So just leave it running all the time....lol. I only use it for HF 40 meters mostly. Tried some different solutions recommended but none of them worked. Supposedly some older versions don't have this issue. Any suggestions?

[@needlethread4715]

@@dangriffin5532 thanks for the reply. had this dongle too for a month now. cant remember if i had the same experience using sdr++ or sdr# on my windows 11 desktop. but with the raspberry pi 4 i think there were a few times i encountered the same problem, with gqrx and sdr++.

[@dangriffin5532]

@@needlethread4715 Probably not the fault of dongle more the freeware written for it. Someone took the time to develop it so I thank them. I certainly don't have that skill. But for $20-25 bucks it's hard to beat otherwise. It works better than my SANGEAN.

[@pierpa_76pierpaolo]

With the RTL SDR can I detect someone using it near me? My neighbors have adopted a system for talking especially at night and this has caused me tinnitus. You can hear a micro buzz and as a result it makes me stay focused on this sound all the time\very low voices that spread through the atmosphere. I hope I have explained myself fully. I would appreciate to know more since my neighbors have been acting this way for over four years. Thank you very much.

[@rokfam]

Great video and very encouraging to see younger people enjoying this hobby. Best of luck!

[@ModernHam]

Thank you for your support!

[@EZ-viewing.]

I can’t thank you enough for your clip. I’ve been searching high & low - pardon the pun - for information just as you’ve provided, with no luck. I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot. Thank you again. I’ll be recommending your channel to anyone who asks about this topic. Ps. I’ve subscribed. Thank you again.

[@ModernHam]

Glad I could help!

[@robmoed3877]

Thank you, accidently ordered a generic RTL. sdr, could not get it to work. I followed your video and now up and running, awesome.

[@ModernHam]

Glad I could help out!

[@pierpa_76pierpaolo]

The RTL-SDR Blog V4 interests me but I would need an easily transportable solution without a computer\tablet\smartphone. In fact I was thinking of converting my Baofeng UV5R (since it is illegal to use it to transmit without the license authorizing 'use) but I don't know the procedure to follow. With CHIRP is this feasible? Please let me know. Thank you very much.

[@billlewey6573]

The unit I got from the Amazon link was refurbished and I had to reassemble the antenna connectors. I had bought the last one, but now I see they are in stock again. BTW came without instructions so your video was essential to get started! Thanks for this succinct how to! I am listening to my local weather now. Also my favorite FM station! This is awesome!

[@colinreece3452]

Well I'm new to this side of the hobby, of all the SDR vids this one helped me the most, I was getting annoyed then I found this channel, thank you. I'm waiting for some connectors to arrive for my antenna then hopefully I will be running.

[@colinreece3452]

I'm getting the spikes and the strong sognals showing on the waterfall but just hissing not voice on all bands, I need the other functions explained as I think something isn't checked or unchecked.

[@mqb17]

Just ordered this kit. Can't wait to hook it up.

[@pierpa_76pierpaolo]

Do you need the FM antenna to receive anything? I have a big loop one.

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing your experience and this video & information.

[@vagatronics]

How do I go about decoding things like telemetry from satellites or getting back pictures from NOAA and all these things

[@rachelrakushkin5785]

Love the video! Quick question would it be safe to connect the RTL-SDR directly to a waveform function generator using say a BNC-SMA cable (and avoid using an antenna). I'm just trying to test the software aspect + functioning of the RTL-SDR.

[@jayprojects9693]

Fwiw I've heard of people hooking up their 1-4W HTs to them as a signal analyzer. That said I've read they can be fried, but as to what power is safe I'm not sure.

[@ModernHam]

Depending on the output of the waveform function generator. You want a very minimal signal on the input or you will desensitize the receiver end.

[@amateurspotter2656]

Wow, that’s really something, To be able to scan all frequencies in one place is amazing 😉. Thanks for that.

[@rodrigogalvao3798]

Hi, You look like you know about that, could you help find an answer to something? I want to get my wireless microphones signals so I can make a return for those who use it while singing and those things. Can I use one of those setups to get their frequency and listen to it on the computer? I have 4 microphones, their frequencies go from 623Mhz up to 648Mhz. Thank you so much!

[@orioncampos]

I really like your style of explanation. It is fast, but also complete.

[@davidsearles4636]

Thanks for making the setup simple and understandable. I was getting frustated until I found this.

[@jaroslawgasior394]

hi David, are You using them with R820T2 RTL2832U? Would You tell it's worth to buy?

[@davidsearles4636]

Hello Jaroslaw, I have the RTL2832U R860T. It says it's version 3. I'm still struggling to receive much of anything on it. I sorta wish I had gotten a different dongle. Maybe a different one would have given me better results. So event though I was to finally get it to work, I'm not satisfied with the results. You might want to journey over to Frugal Radio to see if they can give you some info. I've also gone to Kiwi SDR Online. You can listen to SDR indirectly from their website. I've been doing that myself. It's limited frequency covderage but it's still fun and interesting. Good Luck, Jaroslaw

[@jaroslawgasior394]

@@davidsearles4636 Thank You :). Keep Well Man.

[@andychow5509]

To remember which side of the antenna is up, which side is down, after unscrewing it, I attached a rubber band at the side that is supposed to be up, so I remember it. The RTL-SDR kit is the best out there for newbies. I started with Nooelec, and as much as I don't like bad-mouthing companies, their stuff is just subpar. For similar price, RTL-SDR is way better. For a bit more money, the SDRPlay is awesome, especially if you're on Windows. If you're planning on buying an upconverter anyway to get into the 1khz-30Mhz range, the SDRPlay gets you there without an upconverter, and has several built-in filters (which I haven't found how to activate under linux, only windows). If you plan on going the upconverter route, it's worth noting the RTL-SDR has a bias-T which can power many upconverters, while the Nooelec stuff needs another power source.

[@stephencoales1331]

Great introduction, helpd me set things up. Would be interested to see the scanner app that comes with sdr#!

[@dangriffin5532]

The capacitor you showed. I wonder what it's specific purpose is? Filtering?

[@SignalsEverywhere]

Yikes, don't forget to adjust your contrast or you're going to have a really hard time picking out signals. I'd also recommend using manual gain and bring the noise floor up from zero to just when the noise floor begins to rise.

[@ModernHam]

Thank you for this.

[@eoghanm1992]

when i go to select device the rtl2832u shows,shoul i be selecting this instead of built in interface 0 ??

[@aass-q6k]

your advice got mine up and running on airspy, my screen was a bit different than yours but i was able to figure it out. thanks

[@bhamptonkc7]

Device not found when I hit play, the bat file did not have a GUI, just command line

[@timmy9003]

Unfortunately the one with the antenna seem to be sold out what would be a good bit cheaper antenna I could use with this on Amazon

[@nojiratzlaff4388]

There is no link or anything on the AirSpy downloads page that reads "Windows SDR Software Package" so which should I use?

[@ghostindamachine]

What a great video :) Super useful.

[@ModernHam]

Thanks!

[@georgetownsend3700]

Great video. I wish you showed how to get digital modes to print on screen.

[@karthibalaji3817]

Great ! I'm gonna get starting with the sdr soon ... Currently i'm learning about web app pen testing .do more vids It would be helpful thank you!.

[@mUbase]

Thanks for the video. I've just got one of the cheapo 100KHz to 1.7GHz boxes from China. Im a noob when it comes to SDR so your vid was really helpful. Thanks.

[@namesurname4666]

Nooo they are bad !!

[@ihavecojones]

Hello my dude, Yea...that's a high resistance resistor in between the poles (they even say it on the website). It was used on the V3 to discharge any Electrostatic Buildilup on the antenna.

[@tc1uscg65]

FWIW, on a Win10 machine, I was using, it required the .Net installation package from Microsoft.

[@0.0-v7z]

Is there a program that can scan for wireless video feeds

[@nol_yaw]

HI, it's really hard to see but i can't figure out which way is down . my antenna has one side sealed with something clear and the other is naked.

[@ModernHam]

Honestly it's been so long i couldn't tell you. Generally the "core" of the wire goes up and the "shield" will go down if you scan see that much.

[@nathancooper9932]

FYI - great job with this video. I had a significant windows upgrade and had to reinstall the usb driver. The "bulk" reference was not an option but since you called out the ID (OBDA 2838) I was able to reinstall easily. Thanks

[@bigdog911PAradio]

I have a Nooelec sdr , Nesdr mini r820t&dvb-t but can't find software to use it , ughhhh Had it now 7/8 months

[@josemedina1477]

i just bought a nooelec sdr smart hf bundle i have no experience MY QUESTION I WOULD LIKE SEE HOW YOU CONNECT ATENA TO THE 1 9 BULAN ONE IS THEGROUND WIRE ANTHE OTHER IS A ATENA I THINK I AM EXPLAINNING IT RIGHT I KEEP SEEING ONLY PART OF THE SET UP THANK YOU

[@kisho2679]

how could single side band SSB be sent from SDR?

[@Kriden19008]

got to the run part, asking that I need ".NET" to run. installed that, but didn't do anything. Please help. Thx

[@WildWoodlandsSW]

Great info. Just got mine installed and working so will test these tomorrow. Subscribed,and look forward to more videos on SDR. Thankyou 🙂👍🙏

[@matthewmcdowell7027]

When I open the installrtlsdr-bat it says that there is no such command of ‘unzip’

[@dangriffin5532]

8mm Wing nuts be a good choice to attach dipole wires for HF bands. The threads are M5. There ya go.

[@n.w.aicecube5713]

I don't have an anetnna and pretty much does not capture anything. Is there any alternative to buying like TV room antenna ?

[@armaniarmanio9244]

I did everything like you said only when I push play it says No device selected. Am I missing something please let me know thanks.

[@andytomm1]

Thanks for the tutorial, finally managed to get the stick working! AirSpy is pretty neat too.

[@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

[@augustvonhelson3193]

Error cannot access RTL device.. What does this mean?

[@jayant281]

Great video - very helpful Can you please explain difference in antenna calculator between tee half tee etc

[@hugosereno4073]

Hi, I My version is V1.0.0.1811 with different layout; however, I found "RTL-SDR USB" but when I press the play button I get an error "No device selected" My unit is a USB black box with two antenna inputs for low and high band range. Any ideas? (I had got it working in the past on another computer but it kept on crashing).

[@luisalvarez9451]

Hi i have a doubt about the diodes mod. Are they connected in anti parallel? Where diodes are in parallel and facing opposite directions. Regards

[@JbirdlLester]

can someone please help. i get to zadig and when try to set that up i dont have Bulk in interface 0 what could be the issue?

[@RookieLock]

Thank you so much for doing this.. Nice easy to understand quick start guide ! -

[@srinuvs663]

Is it use to intersept calls

[@siim4205]

Hi i am new in this SDR world and i got question. There are tons of information about those SDR dongles but i hadent seen information about coaxial cable lenght. Whats are those recomendation for cable, i know that best type coaxial cable for price is worldwide known RG6. If the coaxial cable are too long, can this blowup SDR dongle? Does there are some amplifiers for SDR's when the coaxial cable is long?

[@funkolog]

to me look like rezistor and I doubt that orientation affects reception..

[@ThinFreddysFlop]

I have one of these: @t I can receive FM stations in 88-108 Mhz range with good sound. When I switch to direct sampling and with long aerial into HF socket I can see many good strong signals in MW and HF bands. But when I tune in to the signal peaks I never get any audio. Maybe just a hum at best. I try all demodulation settings. Any thoughts?

[@malwarevoice]

hello, how can I make you hear less noise on the frequency

[@axjmd]

I'm having problems when I run SDRSHARP.EXE as administrator it's asking that I download .NET after I downloaded the program and I go back to SDRSHARP.EXE it again says I have to download .NET which when I downloaded it it responded that I successfully downloaded .NET . Now what?

[@mojeimja]

You have to run and install that .NET file. And download x86 version.

[@wernerbauer2652]

Brilliant, just what I needed!!

[@lozovoyzoarg2077]

Is it possible to receive a signal from NOAA satellites on this SDR APT using the supplied antenna?

[@caperworld3365]

great video. Certainly helped me

[@ModernHam]

Glad it helped

[@ne1115]

Any idea why i get no device selected on the source, I've selected the RTL-SDR USB (Original) but get that error when i hit the play button. Thanks for the help.

[@alains8795]

Had that problem, I installed driver for both Bulk-In, Interfaces (Interface 0 and 1) problem resolved.

[@amigulus6896]

That was very helpful, Thank you! Is there a way to save the radio station instead of entering its frequency each time?

[@ModernHam]

I wish there were, but I haven't found it yet

[@andrewhamop6665]

CubicSDR has that functionality.

[@ethancorey3742]

It's under Frequency Manager

[@crookeddealer7026]

What was that app for measuring proper dipole antennas you mentioned may I ask?

[@Lcapone]

I also have such a receiver. But I don't like one problem, it gets very hot. And it is felt outside the case, and inside it is even stronger. Have you tried installing a cooling cooler on it and will the holes in the casing affect extraneous parasitic interference?

[@FabioSpelta]

Amazing video, thanks! My dipole antenna though has a resistor (100kohm) and not a capacitor. What could that imply in practice? Thanks.

[@mikeoxbig7806]

Ever find out?

[@FabioSpelta]

@@mikeoxbig7806 nope. :-(

[@bgdamore]

Hi, folks, I came here due to the same doubt... but I can't read the value ( 100K ). After check the resistor value ( barely can distinguish the first band in my antenna ) I've found this, explaining why the resistor is in between. Hope this clears your questions also: "I have the same antenna and it is 100K ohm on mine. This would serve to bleed any static charge (its intended purpose) without impacting performance." Link: forums.radioreference.com/threads/why-is-this-cheap-rtl-sdr-blog-v3-kit-antenna-so-good-and-why-is-it-so-directional.406041/

[@Wittez-ej2iy]

Hey there. Just wanted to ask if you think I got stooged on the antenna when I bought the v4 kit. Not only did the antenna not have any capacitor so I'm not sure what I was looking for, but the wires were not soldered on and the centre wire wasn't even making contact as they left the shield on it. Just going to pull it out and re solder but is it still going to work ok like that? Feel like Just chucking it out and using something else and getting some money back from the seller.

[@ModernHam]

@@Wittez-ej2iy it's hard to say. I haven't bought a new one since this video several years ago, so things could have changed and gotten more efficient. If you used the link I had, it should be a good dealer though.

[@tomwilliams8675]

It's my next purchase. Thanks

[@chetnapatel9700]

Which free download software to use to scan up to 9 ghz n from where to download. And which is the cheapest sdr rtl that caan support?

[@pilotboy]

Why is the spectrum red?

[@Attic-Toy-Design]

Doesn’t work on Windows 10 with RTL.SDR UV-HF USB radio. Error “Device not open” on AirSpy. I have tried all possibles solutions in many forums, blogs, tutorials, etc. It’s a shame.

[@Jan6750]

My windows laptop told me I needed .NET. to run it. This does not work/ not recognized.

[@SkeletonSyskey]

Does SDR Sharp work with any SDR?

[@laszlob3683]

Could you pls do a tutorial with these equipment and dragon OS?

[@BoyTsamba]

Can this rtl-sdr receive shortwave?

[@arpitdoshi6198]

Hi I am looking for L band to SDR, is any device is available? Thanks in advance

[@Drsef50]

I purchased the RTL-SDR with antenna but I'm a MAC user. No luck thus far getting software. Dave

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Thanks for the information!

[@ModernHam]

Glad I could help!

[@apnamomo8883]

On which frequency mobile phone works?

[@kenlewallen288]

Will the RTL-SDR work on Windows-7 64-bit

[@roteroktober360]

how do you screw in the second big antenna, there is no threading on it

[@BoyTsamba]

Can rtl-sdr receive shortwave?

[@robertlucas6426]

How do you install the software if you run linux ?

[@rubenacevedo2484]

Hi, great video. I was wondering , is it possible to scan a band or a memory bank with many frequencies , like a normal Radio Scanner ? Thank you very much. Regards.

[@ON5ALE-Alessio]

Once downloaded the program .. does it works as as stand alone without internet connection ?

[@rrt08]

Yes

[@philosophiaentis5612]

Can I listen to Baofeng radios on VHF and UHF with it?

[@kirknelson156]

have you done anymore videos on antenna configurations and uses? I've been trying to catch a signal from the ISS, finely got some data last night but my signal to noise ratio was too poor for a good decode, I suspect either my antenna or my positioning of it. don't have one with the 2 elements, just a 1 element telescoping with a magnet mount. I've been placing it on a A/C unit to a ground plane, since its the only metal on my roof for it to stick to. and don't worry the A/C is not running. but any tips would be useful, like if i should angle the antenna horizontal instead of vertical, should it be parallel to the flight path of the ISS or at a 90 degree angle to it. hard to experiment with it when you only have 3 to 6 min and they are not transmitting every time they pass. oh and I have one of those 2 element antennas on order.

[@1stevenj83]

Dipole antenna 468 divided by frequency in mhz

[@djal1030]

you forgot to explain abuot .NET5 SDRSharp didn't start it aske to install .NET I did but still SRDSharp doesn't it keep asking to install .NET5

[@alains8795]

Had that problem, I have a 64 bit pc and NET5 was installed but no joy with SRDSharp starting. Uninstalled NET5 64 bit and then installed 32bit version , problem solved.