Ham Radio and Linux - Building SDR++ on the Raspberry Pi from source code.

Link to the github page:
github.com/AlexandreRouma/SDR...
My modified version of the script:
#!/bin/sh
Script authored by Alexandre Rouma, tested and modified by Kevin Loughin, KB9RLW, Sept 15th 2021
set -e
[ $(id -u) = 0 ] && echo "Please do not run this script as root" && exit 100
echo "Installing dependencies"
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y build-essential cmake git libfftw3-dev libglfw3-dev libglew-dev libvolk1-dev libsoapysdr-dev libairspyhf-dev libairspy-dev libiio-dev libad9361-dev librtaudio-dev libhackrf-dev librtlsdr-dev libbladerf-dev liblimesuite-dev p7zip-full wget
get the source
cd ~/Desktop
git clone github.com/AlexandreRouma/SDR...
cd SDRPlusPlus
echo "Preparing build"
mkdir -p build
cd build
cmake .. -DOPT_BUILD_LIMESDR_SOURCE=ON -DOPT_BUILD_SDRPLAY_SOURCE=ON
echo "Building"
make
echo "Installing"
sudo make install
echo "Done!"

[@SDR-DXobserver]

Kevin, thanks for making this happen. It's nice to see a "real" usefull and comprehensive SDR control program running on a Pi4. I had SDR++ running on Win10 and the Pi version is a real asset. Thanks to you and Alexandre for all the efforts!

[@spytromics]

Great video. Your screen capture software is using 93% of one core, so SDR++ should be OK in normal use. Also, your Raspbian is so old that it's no longer called that! It's now Raspberry Pi OS. The new OS also supports booting from an SSD drive on a Pi 4, which is much faster than a SD card. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks so much!

[@dvcrash]

Love it! Thanks for sharing Kevin. Got to love Linux and got to love those Pi's!!

[@briantooze3415]

Hi Kevin, Thank you for this video. I failed to get the modified script to run so I followed your Command Line instructions which worked great. Like you, I found some dependencies missing but through your guidance worked my way through the problems. I now have SDR++ running on my Pi4. Thanks again. Brian.

[@loughkb]

Glad you found it helpful Brain.

[@davidh5645]

I absolutely love these types of videos from you!

[@ericblaine1316]

Worked perfectly with the quick mods you mentioned to the library. Installed on Pi 4 with a 4” touchscreen. Thanks for the video and instruction.

[@pincus321]

Thank you for your efforts here Kevin, I will try this on my Pi as a result of your encouragement

[@aandpman]

WooHOO! I just did it on 3 of my Pi's! 2 Pi4's * a Pi3. It worked, after I made sure I edited the script to eliminate SDRPlay (I use RTL-SDR's)... I didn't have need to install the SDRPlay api to get my stuff going. Thanks for a great instructional vid. :-)

[@HyyskanPolttaja]

Thanks Kevin! I compiled Sdr++ on my RPI4 and it now works with my SDRPlay RSP2.

[@PaulaBean]

Excellent video. Thanks for fleecing all these things out!

[@derekdowns6275]

Thanks for your work & working with the author! This makes my day!

[@chrisherd991]

Thank you for putting this together, I cant wait to do this for my sdrplay duo.

[@chrisherd991]

Hi Kevin, I have built this and it works, but there is a small issue in your written script. The text in the nots shows " SDR..." when it should be "SDRPlusPlus". BTW I was able to connect wefax using FLDIGI and I can see the audio in the waterfall. Thank you again for your good work.

[@MrWeavis]

Thank you Kevin for a job well done. It's a pleasure to have a great SDR program running on my Pi 4 working with my AirspyHF+.

[@MrWeavis]

Hi Kevin. I just tried to run your SDR.sh on the new Bullseye OS without success. Any thoughts?

[@RESlusher]

@@MrWeavis I'm trying to do the same thing now myself on a RPi 4 B with Bullseye. Did you ever get it worked out?

[@geofham8332]

Hi, enjoyed the video Kevin, many thanks. Still learning here. From Nr Liverpool UK

[@Jake_WY7JMS]

1/21/2022 - I don't see anything referencing his GIT in his RPI script. Glad you emphasized about what you added and included your changes in the description of your video here.

[@StefanMX]

Despite being an absolute beginner to Linux/Raspberry I got it to work. I connected the ADALM Pluto. After reducing the bandwidth to 1Mhz, reducing the audio rate and disabling the waterfall the Pluto is working fine. The Arm processor can not keep up with the default settings. Greetings from Greece.

[@Kensownvids]

Nice job Kevin. How about building cqrlog. Sometimes the posted builds don’t work. I am going to try this build. Beautiful weather here in Yucca Valley CA.

[@PaulaBean]

7:29 the terminal offers 'tab completion', you can just type the first few characters of a filename (enough to uniquely identify the file) and press the TAB key and the terminal supplies the rest of the filename ;-)

[@fjellfrank]

Great video. and it works :)

[@JohnTarbox]

Nice job Kevin.

[@fryslander]

Hi Kevin ,thanks for sharing, it's a great help. 73 Wim PA3GTL

[@larrytaylor7753]

Well done.

[@bobwong8268]

👍👍👍👍👍 Great! Thanks!

[@philhowe5450]

Hi Kevin, great video, I now have SDR++ running. I'm trying to hear audio from the SDR via a XRDP session however there is no audio. I've installed the PulseAudio add on without success, any ideas? Phil VK4IIO

[@mariofazio6006]

Thanks for video building sdrpp, regards from Argentina, Bahia Blanca. LU4EOU

[@derekcopsey6989]

Thanks Kevin

[@panoshountis1516]

Great video. Any idea if I can use the same raspberry pi with 2 SDR dongles, one feeding SDR++ as you presented here and another one picking up ADS-B signal?

[@loughkb]

I doubt there'd be enough CPU to handle that kind of load. Maybe on the Pi 4.

[@jeffreyplum5259]

Could you cover the use of the SoapyRemote SDR server software with SDR++. SoapyRemote is an application for driving an SDR module remotely. It is a remoteserver. SDR++ or CubicSDR would control it on a local machine. I believe SoapyRemote is available for the Pi already. Many thanks for your fine work.

[@Jenko022]

Thanks for this. I now have SDR++ on my Pi4. I wanted this as it has the same look as SDR# but my rtl dongle does work well on the Windows computer. Just one question, I use a Bluetooth speaker but cant get the audio from sdr++ to output to it. Is it HDMI or audio jack only?

[@loughkb]

SDR++ is going to use whatever audio device you pick in the audio sink. The Pi might be defaulting to HDMI, or defaulting to the headphone jack. You can change that in the pi config program. Does other software produce audio? Like youtube in a browser?

[@Jenko022]

@@loughkb Thanks for this. Currently using GQRX with a bluetooth speaker and get good audio. Will go i to SDR++ again but couldnt seem to see any audio options.

[@loughkb]

@@Jenko022 In the menu bars on the left, look for audio sink. If it's not there, add it in the module manager section. Under the audio sink, you can choose from available audio devices for output.

[@Jenko022]

@@loughkb Thanks, working perfect now with sound on my BT speaker. Awesome!!

[@OE8ACT]

Great video Kevin! I installed SDR++ on a PI and got it running with a RTL-SDR (Nooelec NESDR) but I have this crackly audio too. I'm using the audio jack and therefor I disabled the HDMI audio output. It sounds like the PI is on it's limit. Is there a way to optimize it for maximum power? I'm using the latest Raspbian on a Raspberry PI 3 B with a cheap Yosoo 5" TFT from Amazon. shows about 350% CPU usage and 30% memory. Any idea? 73 de OE8ACT - Patrick

[@loughkb]

I even had trouble with gqrx on the Pi 3 series. Just not quite enough horsepower. I don't know what to suggest off hand.

[@sajanduwal3932]

Hello sir, Which version of Raspberry Pi is best for GNU Radio and RTL-SDR operating on Linux OS?

[@loughkb]

Go for the 4. You'll need the extra CPU power. They can run on a 3b+, but only just as the CPU runs near 100% under this load.

[@magicjim11]

I get this error when running your script "Unable to locate package libairspyhf-dev" any ideas how to solve it ? May be it is possible to put working image for rpi sdr++ with sdrplay support? 73 de 4x6ir

[@bern047]

Excellent Kevin, looking to install this on my Pi and you did a great job, is you script all ready to go? I will be using the RSP2, will it be ok?

[@loughkb]

It should work fine. The script is in the video description, just copy and paste into an editor, save to your desktop and make it executable. It works fine on the Pi4, 3 or earlier struggle due to lower CPU horsepower. Be sure you install the SDRPlay API from their site as I showed and your RSP2 should work fine.

[@bern047]

@@loughkb Please help Kevin the script is asking for user and password for Github, I am missing something basic, what do I do? thanks

[@loughkb]

@Bernard Mannas Github shouldn't ask for a password. Maybe they're having trouble right now. They have been a little less reliable since microsoft acquired them. What exactly is on the screen? The lines just before the error and the error itself.

[@bern047]

@@loughkb I have sorted it out Kevin, I copied what you did in the step by step walk through, copied the git web address and it all works fine now, thanks

[@loughkb]

@@bern047 Glad you got it solved.

[@derekdowns6275]

libvolk2-dev is not available for the pi, but libvolk1-dev is, which I see you're aware of, by your script.

[@FlingerFilms]

Haha Ironically.. I wrote a script to do this also.. I mentioned to Alexandre he should have an RPI build script. 😉 He's pretty smart.. very busy.. Definitely support the SDR++ Patreon

[@W4TRI]

Kevin I'm running the same OS as you. Ever had your volume control lock to mute even though you are seeing signals on the screen? What directory do I have to blow away to have a true new install because removing the packages leaves something behind. Thanks!

[@loughkb]

No on the volume control. True new install of what? Removing what packages leaves something behind? I don't follow.

[@W4TRI]

@@loughkb A true new install of the App SDR++ The removal process leaves behind the old config directory at ~/.config/sdrpp and in my case (probably not unique) a total removal of this directory and contents made a reinstall work perfect. Check issue 367 on the SDR++ Github for further. Not sure what the cause was but this cures it.

[@loughkb]

I had a problem over on the laptop and Alexandre told me to delete the config folder. Fixed it.

[@W4TRI]

@@loughkb Yep. I asked him if this could be included later as an option but it's just as easy to delete and reinstall once you know what and where. Working well now.

[@progrockrules9463]

I am pretty new to rasberry pi and SDR. If you already have a SDRplay, which is the receiver, what is the role of the rasberry pi here ?

[@bobwong8268]

In short: the PC or computer. Raspberry Pi is a SBC: Single Board Computer driven by Arm processors like Android smartphones. HTH.

[@jma8352]

whats the advantage over a windows 10 laptop?

[@muddyexport5639]

Good vid and job! BZ (Bravo Zulu, USN jargon acronum/pro sign for Job Well Done). 73 de N5XS. 73 AR BK

[@mrlintonious]

I know thsi is two years late. I have just gotten a Pi5, and SDR++ does not Run. I tried a few Distro's, and got SDR++ installed, it shows in the Menu, but does not Run, and I think the Pi OS, it Installes, but my RSP1/SDRPlay does not show as option to Select. Seems there not any Distro's for Pi5 to fully work as ARM 64Bit. Any help? Perhaps a similar Video like this, with Pi OS, and Ubuntu? Thank you, and really hope you can help. WSJTX, FLDigi and FLrig works, and it "chats" to my Icom Radio. gqrx, also does not see the RSP1/SDRPlay. It is just my RSP1. Used to work fine on my ex Windows Laptop with SDRUno, but that no longer works, hence me getting the Pi5. Thaking you in advance.

[@loughkb]

Follow this one, maybe it'll work for you. Getting the SDR play working under Linux. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5rcp5qberhoZ6csi=FZuMSFdXsiyCOMzc

[@mrlintonious]

Hi. I followed the Script to the T, above, and was able to get SDR++ installed. Only had to change, libvolk1-dev to libvolk-dev, as it did not see libvolk1-dev as a sourse. I then had to Build the SoapySDRPlay for the device to be seen therafter. Thanx once again. Greatly appreciated. This was for Ubuntu 23.10@@loughkb

[@antoniomaldonado9282]

Hola Kevin,tengo instalado el sdr++ con rtl sdr en Raspberry pi 4 y funciona perfecto pero mi pregunta es,pueden convivir en el mismo sdr++ rtl sdr y sdrplay? me gustaria poner mi sdrplay tambien,gracias de antemano,73. EA7KEM.

[@loughkb]

They should work one at a time. I don't know if you can use them at the same time.

[@MixedGril]

welke editor heb je gebruikt(gui)

[@loughkb]

I'd have to rewatch the video to confirm, but I usually use pluma for text editing under Linux

[@Siskiyous6]

I have it on my Linux Mint Desktop, but running it does nothing - sigh

[@derekdowns6275]

Same here, running "Tricia". Haven't tried building from source yet for the Mint box, but building now on the pi4!

[@user-sk8ph6bk2m]

I could install SDR++ for Raspberry Pi OS 64bit(beta) with some modification. API for arm ubuntu (ARM64-3.07.1) should be selected. thanks a lot

[@DiyintheGhetto]

Just a update. It looks like it downloaded everything. But when going to the make install it stops at 71% saying missing api. Then stops

[@loughkb]

If you're using SDRPlay hardware, then you need to install their API first.

[@DiyintheGhetto]

@@loughkb Where do I get that at And how do I install that?

[@loughkb]

@@DiyintheGhetto It's on the SDRPlay web site under downloads. I think I left a link to it in the video description.

[@derekdowns6275]

When I run sdrpp from the command line, I see an error that I think reveals the issue with audio problems: RtApiAlsa::callbackEvent: audio write error, underrun. Anyone else having this issue? Recorded audio seems ok. OS: Raspbian GNU/Linux 10 (buster) armv7l Host: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Rev 1.4 Kernel: 5.10.52-v7l+

[@loughkb]

That could be RTAudio being too old. Build the newer version and try? ----- git clone github.com/thestk/rtaudio && cd rtaudio mkdir build && cd build cmake -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX:PATH="/usr" -DRTAUDIO_API_JACK=OFF -DRTAUDIO_API_ALSA=OFF .. sudo apt remove librtaudio-dev sudo make install

[@jean-pierredesoza2340]

Hi Kevin, you may use the tab key to autocomplete file names once they are no more ambiguous.(Edit) I just realised this is not true within a Linux terminal, it's a known shortcoming when you're coming from macOS or Windows...

[@loughkb]

That depends on what terminal you're using and how it's configured. Tab complete is an option that has to be enabled and isn't always by default.

[@bobwong8268]

@@loughkb 👍👍👍👍👍Exactly! For myself Linux's Terminals and Shell can do more than that. Take for eg, Termux on an Android phone, we simply type first letter of a command like 's' and type [tab] key twice to get a list of all commands started with 's'. We can even [Ctrl][r] to start a reverse search for commands we previously use! Eg1: [Ctrl][r] upd Eg2: [Ctrl][r] upg Now, weekly update & upgrade become a breeze ;) Forgotten to put "sudo" in front of a command say: "apt install xyz"? Simply type: "sudo !!" [Enter] There is really much more to it... Just my 2 cents back.

[@W4BIN]

Kevin, the lighting on you was poor, did you forget to turn a light or two on? Kevin, why do you range and paste windows style ? instead of LINUX style, 1. range with mouse pointer, 2. change focus and 3. press center mouse button/wheel. (Slackware since June 28 1979 3.? to 14.2 just a user!) Ron W4BIN

[@andrewjwhall]

Hi Kevin! Thank you for all your awesome videos! Sorry to posted this here but I don't use facebook anymore! I have started to use Linux again, as a result of your videos, mostly for my SDR receivers. However there is one program that has me banging my head against the wall! "Dream DRM Decoder". The source code is there but there is just SO many ways you could install this program. It needs extra decoders, pulseaudio etc. Most of the install scripts are just out of date and don't fully work. To be quite honest this has got way over my head! Can you help (idea for another video)! I am using Linux Mint 20.2 "Uma" MATE Edition, recommend for beginners like myself. Hope you can help. All the best & 73's, Andrew, QTH, Germany.

[@loughkb]

I looked at Dream a few years ago. At the time, I think I did build it and it was a pain to do. I never did get it to work though. You need a receiver with a very high bandwidth filter since most DRM broadcasts are very wide.

[@andrewjwhall]

@@loughkb Hi Kevin! Thank you for coming back to me! I guess if you had trouble with Dream, with your knowledge, then it must be a nightmare in general to install! Looks like I will have to put that one on the back burner for now. The sad thing is I had a look round for alternatives to Dream but did not find anything else (to my knowledge) for Linux! With regards to my receiver it will do the job as I have run it with Dream on Windows! All the best & 73's!

[@loughkb]

@@andrewjwhall Have you tried the windows version under WINE? It may run just fine.

[@andrewjwhall]

@@loughkb Good idea! I will give it a try! Thanks Kevin!

[@andrewjwhall]

That worked a treat! Thanks for the pointer Kevin! 73's

[@GisleVanem00]

bash, yuk! Bad on Rasberry too.

[@jeffreyplum5259]

It would be nice to know how long the build takes.. Of course, that depends largely on your Pi's memory and boot deviceSSDs and 4 0r8 GB pis may build it faster than 2 GB Pi running off an SD card.. I guess this means I put an SDR module on my Xmas list. I think both Pis and SDRs can be addicting they have so many uses. Many Thanks.

[@edbeckerich3737]

Dude, sudo apt install htop -immediately!!

[@brianbrown4965]

sadly i was lost just a few mins in

[@porcusdiu]

Excuse me, this software support TETRA and DMR decoder? Many thanks, '73 de I T 9 * * *

[@bahathir_]

It is wise to git clone first, change into the directory and start running the rpi installer script. Thank you. 73.

[@loughkb]

Yes, but I wanted to make a single script that would do it all in as few steps as possible. But mostly, walking through things step by step helps people that are learning linux.

[@bahathir_]

@@loughkb Great. In this case, $ cd ~/Desktop $ git clone ...url... $ cd source_directory $ . rpi_install_script.sh Focus I am using ' . script.sh' , In this method I not need to 'chmod +x' the script.sh. Thank you.

[@charlesschindler1971]

👋Hell-o friend!👋 🐈