RTL-SDR V4 - Software Defined Radio (Explained)

[@kb8doa]

Keep in mind, that most aircraft communications (and services for them) utilize the AM mode. In your video, you had it in FM mode. Good job on the video, otherwise. It is nice to see that exploring radio no longer requires expensive radio scanners.

[@RandomTeq]

The feedback is much appreciated. My primary reason to get the device was to capture air traffic signals, and I seem to have a better luck capturing it on the WFM signal. I tried to specifically search for the information you just stated but was presented instead with countless unrelated answers. Hopefully, viewers will find your comment helpful.

[@Graeme_Lastname]

That's what I came here to say. 🤣🇦🇺🖖

[@VelcroElGato]

Thanks for the helpful video. I have played with radios when I was younger but life interferred with doing much with it in a recreational sense. Now that I have been retired for a few years, and it is 50+ years later, I am getting back into the hobby and this is a great way to have some listening fun using my home built computer.

[@RandomTeq]

I wish you a happy and fun retirement. Best of luck to you 👍

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing this video ! I just ordered one on Amazon with delivery estimated in 4 days.. This will be my second SDR.

[@RandomTeq]

Hey Steve, thanks for tuning in! Great hobby with a lot to explore. Once you're comfortable using it, you can explore the wideband LNA, which is a device that works with SDR devices and helps capture satellite images.

[@erin19030]

Send it back its a hoax

[@RicardoTrevisan]

Mine arrives tomorrow. Thanks for the content, helped a lot. Until now, was listening with a UV5R, while studying to obtain the license. I think it'll enhance the experiments.

[@RandomTeq]

Best of luck 👍

[@KD0MMF]

Before I've even seen your video, I appreciate the level of professionalism in your production of the video, not easy, nice work!

[@RandomTeq]

Thank you very much for your support!

[@Stephen-J-in-IA]

This is a very informative video. The installation portion has been especially useful to me. I can that tell you have invested a significant amount of time in research and production. Thank you and 73s!

[@RandomTeq]

I appreciate you, Stephen. Very kind. Thanks for dropping by. 73s.

[@Swede_4_DragonBeliever]

Greetings from Sweden! You, Sir, just got yourself a new subscriber 🎉

[@RandomTeq]

Thank you so much, Phil! Greetings back to my viewers in Sweden 🇸🇪

[@DavidHill-x3u]

Great little tutorial for getting started with the device! Way better than the RTL vendor supplied with the unit. Essential for me to get it working. Thank you.

[@RandomTeq]

Thank you David, best of luck to you.

[@michaelmannel9534]

The antenna is completely in the wrong place! The PC interferes quite strongly on many frequencies. It is better to place the antenna as far away from the PC as possible.

[@RandomTeq]

Hey Michael, Thanks for the advice. I've had a better signal when away from the PC, but I just attributed it to a bad signal. It makes sense.

[@htx5649]

@@RandomTeqIt’s better to put antenna outside

[@nortonis3565]

IS this device shielded, even the antenna is away, the interferance form the EMF must be very high that near a computer, better use usb extend cable ? I mean i remember some soundcards for computers had shielding around them etc against the emf

[@joeyjamison5772]

Good video. I just bought one today and will be back here when it arrives to do the installation.

[@hairypaulmm7wab195]

Have a few RTLSDR dongles. Very handy for general coverage multi mode receive. Easy to setup as secondary receiver for a HAM station to provide a form of diversity reception. Have also been using the V3 RTLSDR with very small vertical antenna to receive local noise signals (QRM) for notch filtering and phase shift noise cancellation when chasing weak signal QRP stations. Another is used with mag loop antenna for 3-way diversity reception on HF. Very handy bits of kit. Have Fun !

[@truck-stop_abortionclinic]

So very cool... I just set mine up and am slowly learning how to use it. What are my chances of listening to the trunked radio signals of my local FL police department? And most specifically, the police helicopter's I often hear overhead at night?

[@jkrjhn8]

Fantastic video, thanks for taking the time to produce it!

[@RandomTeq]

Thank you so much!

[@jcp312]

Many Thanks, you've been most helpful in getting me running 😀

[@RandomTeq]

Thank you so much for the feedback!

[@HellHound___0]

Im going to order this weekend Im excited to start using it

[@RandomTeq]

Order on eBay or Amazon, Aliexpress will delay shipping due to the Chinese spring break. Let us know how it goes once you set it up.

[@HellHound___0]

@@RandomTeq I definitely will and Thanks for sharing the links too I appreciate it I'm going to start using it with my Ubuntu/linux machine

[@RandomTeq]

I have a video coming soon on signal strengthening device for the SDR, more stuff on SDR if you enjoy this one.

[@HellHound___0]

@@RandomTeq Sounds good I will definitely be watching as I'm still new to this stuff good videos by the way

[@erin19030]

Save your money

[@lohitsinghi2674]

could you give advice about the different types of antenna to use, for what frequency. and is there a way to start auto scanning all frequencies ?

[@RandomTeq]

This is an antenna rated for 160KM/ 100 miles. s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkXnTqf As for the auto scanning, it's not built in the software, so it requires a bit of tinkering. Here's an article that walks you through the process. github.com/shajen/rtl-sdr-scanner-cpp

[@markregul]

Colleagues, tell me how to add plugins in new versions (1920)? In old versions there was a Plugins.xml file, and plugins had magic lines and dll files in the description. Please give detailed instructions. Thank you.

[@MJ-lm7ne]

very comprehensive as this stuff seemed very daunting to me as i am a ham and have been for 20 years but digital signals can only be listened to locally by rtl-sd4r

[@newtron9]

Nice job RT. I was wondering if you would be covering or have covered pairing two V4's through one antenna to pickup P25 communications, since most bigger cities are ditching Analog and going digital..........thank you!

[@RandomTeq]

Hey newtron, thanks for tuning in. I'm not familiar with the subject, but I'm up for the challenge.

[@erin19030]

Junk!

[@Ovie2008]

Very nice, concise and straightforward.. thanks a lot

[@RandomTeq]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@vitaliykondrenko742]

Good video to understand principles of device. But what if I need to use it as signal sender in variations of range instead? Is there options available at all or should I look at some different products?

[@RandomTeq]

Hello Vitaly, Just made a video on handheld radios, I would recommend the Quansheng Radio, it covers the entire spectrum and the most range for transmitting signal. amzn.to/3v4NE22

[@KH07734]

I have 2 V3 versions that work fine but the V4 black version does not bring in any signals. Is there any software switches or settings I may be missing?

[@RandomTeq]

Do you mean it turns on, but you can't capture any signal?

[@KH07734]

It turns son and captures signal but nothing strong enough to use. Might have a bad one..@@RandomTeq

[@RandomTeq]

Increase the gain, its low be default.

[@newtron9]

Pretty sure the V4's need it's own driver, not the one for the v3

[@TheQwik512]

V4 requires the rtl-sdr blog driver specifically, generic drivers will not work.

[@tomdonahoe3539]

I'm trying to run in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS but am having difficulty installing SDR Sharp. Any suggestions where to find LINUX instructions?

[@RandomTeq]

Ubuntu always seems to have issues running SDR Sharp since 20.04. Here is a solution I found online: Install WINE via apt. Install dotNET 4.8 via winetricks - force Install the Verdana font via winetricks Here's an article/page, 5 months ago, by a self-proclaimed Linux guys detailing how to run SDR Sharp with screen shots on github.com gist.github.com/grahamwhaley/094d62d88575141377f02fa92342fb7e He doesn't say which version he ran it on, but I will assume it works on the latest linux. Hope this helps.

[@EvertG8086]

Meh just use GQRX.

[@RandomTeq]

I checked it out, It seems like a good option. Clean interface!

[@Cashmere555bab]

Great breakdown and explanation of SDR. 👌

[@RandomTeq]

Thank you very much for your kind comments and support!

[@Cashmere555bab]

@RandomTeq You're welcome. Keep up the good work.

[@davidhollfelder9940]

For HF, you need a LONG, long wire antenna, an SMA to long wire balun, and AM and FM broadcast notch filters.. and know which sampling to use.

[@tckipfe]

thanks .... was able to follow enough of this video to get things installed and working. Now to start playing with it. Mainly interested in listening in to aircraft, walkie talkies and perhaps ham radio communications. All depends on how far I want to take this possible future hobby.

[@RandomTeq]

It gives me pleasure to know I was able to help ☺️. Wishing you the best.

[@MrBecker666]

It ran but I pulled the antenna to make sure is picking up from there now it doesn't work DeviceMgr Says device is fine did I just burned it by pulling the antenna? Update: needed to specifically eject the RTL then it saw it again

[@RandomTeq]

I'm glad it worked out.

[@mandamiddle0278]

Could you please create a tutorial on using ProScan software with RTL-SDR? It would be really helpful for those of us looking to get started with this setup. Thank you!

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

An informative and well produced video, thank-you.

[@RandomTeq]

Appreciate you 🙏

[@PreacherJohn427]

Thank you so much for this great video. Following your instruction I was up and running in about 20 minutes.

[@RandomTeq]

I appreciate you for watching 😀

[@contra1981]

Great video bro! This was really helpful. Thank you!

[@ronclarkson5125]

Great introduction to SDR. I'd like to see some more vidios on this subject. Pulling pictures from NOAA satelites is what I'm currently trying to perfect, with the GEOS satelites being next.

[@RandomTeq]

I made a post on Reddit earlier and got some suggestions that made me realize that the SDR possibilities are huge indeed. Thank you for your encouraging words, very kind of you.

[@rodo19724]

Hi !! Greetings from Argentina !!!!!!! How can I use two Baofeng BF-999 and two arduinos to transmit and receive data over-the-air ?? Thanks !!!!!

[@RandomTeq]

Hello Rodolf, Thanks for dropping by. Unfortunately, your request is beyond my scope of knowledge. Here's a video that I found on how to transmit data via baofeng: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGPLgnSsndarhM0si=YOO_PUCAdJJZX5j2

[@donwon2576]

thanks for getting me up and running...i am HOOKED !

[@RandomTeq]

Pleasure 👍 🙂

[@agustawestland4434]

I got Error ''Cannot access RTL device'' problem. How can I fix that

[@RandomTeq]

I get this message when I forget to plug it to my PC. It simply means that it's not connected.

[@georgeliquor2931]

When i go to open sdrsharp a message says a problem has occured and closes program, im on windows 7

[@RandomTeq]

You need to install an older version of SDR Sharp. Head to the Airspy download page and look for version 1784.

[@harryparis3326]

Great video. Thx a lot 😊

[@RandomTeq]

Much appreciated. Thanks for dropping by.

[@hafez591]

What about the sdr-sharp for android version?

[@RandomTeq]

The company that owns the software "air spy" doesn't make an android app.

[@Demotricus]

SDR++ (SDR plus plus) has an android version that supports many SDRs, (Just google 'SDR++ for android'), though I wouldn't recommend using a phone or tablet unless you're powering it with a PSU. SDR's can be heavy on batteries alone.

[@bobr3541]

Best video I've seen on sdr,.

[@RandomTeq]

Thank you so much, Bob!

[@INFEKTO440]

Can this software work with windows 7? Because in my lenovo t430 are windows 7 and thinking to launch on it🙂

[@RandomTeq]

Yes, it doesn't require rooting and has all the necessary files tlfor it to work independently.

[@INFEKTO440]

@@RandomTeq thanks, thats sound very good. At least then i will be more mobile ✌️

[@RandomTeq]

Best of luck to you.

[@phils4634]

This an excellent dongle, and is a perfect device to get started in SDR. There are better (Airspy immediately comes to mind), but nothing beats RTL in terms of "bang for the buck". I have both, and I still use the RTL dongle with the laptop / tablet when on holiday (using that neat little dipole that came with the RTL kit). Invest in a decent aerial (e.g. the ubiquitous discone) and that little dongle REALLY provides a great time. If you need directionality, there are a lot of Airspy YouLoop antennas out there (that may be easily and cheaply modified to make them completely weatherproof). The RTL dongle DOES get a bit warm if used for a while - however this can be easily managed via addition of two "stick-on" extruded aluminium heat sinks, and a 90 degree USB adapter.

[@RandomTeq]

Thank you, Phils, for your comment and advice.

[@phils4634]

@@RandomTeq You (and your followers) are welcome! Have a look at the Airspy Spyverter - works with the RTL dongle too, and really stretches the useable bandwidth downwards. However to get best reception you are going to need the space to erect a decent length long line (at least 10m), so that'll be a problem for the renter or apartment dweller.

[@pesceenrico9359]

is mac osx supported?

[@RandomTeq]

Yes, it will work, but you need to run it through SDR++, which is a difficult software used than the one you have seen in the video.

[@hippy9835]

Fantastic information and thank you for sharing this information it's very well presented and easy to follow. I had to sub as I would look forward to any rmore vids.

[@RandomTeq]

I appreciate it! I'm glad you liked it 😀.

[@danedewaard8215]

Good information video!!!! This will help others to get started in this wonderful hobby!

[@RandomTeq]

Very kind of you!! Thank you so much.

[@chrisreid8604]

Thankyou very much your video got me through the installations THANKS!!!

[@RandomTeq]

Pleasure Chris 🙏

[@chrisreid8604]

@@RandomTeq I bought this unit so I can get a waterfall display on my trusty FT767GX, yes you tap into the first If and another small buffer board is used, there is a vid out on youtube. BTW my call sign is HS0ZJB.

[@RafalOnVR]

Big thanks for this video !

[@Slimhaven1]

Great Video as I have been struggling to get this to work. I think I found problem but not sure where to find the .zadig file as it doesn't show up in my folder and when I try to run app it says device cant be found. I am a lot closer now with your video and I thank you for that and I too have now subscribed as your explanation is very clear and concise!

[@RandomTeq]

Im glad I could help. Go slow with the installation and be sure to run zadig as an administrator. www.rtl-sdr.com/getting-the-rtl-sdr-to-work-on-windows-10/

[@snuckel4]

well I bought rtl-sdr clone, with the red tip. While inferior, it works the same yes?

[@RandomTeq]

To an extent, there's a distortion with the signal and doesn't last as long as the original.

[@snuckel4]

@@RandomTeq Thats too bad, but I guess it'll do. Im from Southeast Asia and its very difficult to get the original cuz access for international shipment is a mess and I thought I got the real deal. Anyway thanks for the guide lad.

[@RandomTeq]

RTL SDR has an official store on AliExpress, it might be worth a try.

[@KlipschHead281]

I got this kit and signal reception is horrible, I'm close to some powerful stations and all are showing up weak, so far not impressed even a little. Tomorrow I'm going my SMA to N connector should be here so I can try a better antenna but this shouldn't need it for FM.

[@RandomTeq]

It takes a little bit of tweaking. If this is your first time trying it, I would suggest you adjust the settings. If you're using Airspy, make sure you crank up the gain. (Look for a horizontal bar with the heading" RF Gain"). If this doesn't work, share a screenshot of your settings on my Instagram.

[@yannisgk]

what about macs and iphones???i bought an original one from ebay, and after i installed a strange sdr software in my mac, i couldn't "catch" almost nothing!!!...i uninstalled my setup of rtl-sdr, and waits for a gift to a pc user, or a sell!!!

[@RandomTeq]

You may want to try SDR Connect. There's very little information on running SDR Sharp on mac, the available ones are from 8 years ago. Here's a video on how to use SDR Connect: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIGUhXqoi7aho6s Please don't get distracted by any comments suggesting a scam. If you boight your unit from the official eBay seller, you will be fine.

[@yannisgk]

@@RandomTeq thank you very much!!!i'll see the video...thanks again!!!

[@yannisgk]

@@RandomTeq i used sdr++ and i "gave life" to my abandoned rtl-sdr v4 stick!!! please make a video about that for all mac users!!!

[@Lansolot]

Both your computer and monitor most likely are emitting a ton of electronic noise being that close to the antenna

[@RandomTeq]

Correct, moved it away from the computer, and the signal improved. A comment suggested it earlier and it proved effective.

[@Playerpool]

I just ordered from ebay !

[@RandomTeq]

Awesome 👌

[@erin19030]

You just got scammed

[@RandomTeq]

RTL SDR has an official account on eBay, if you buy through the provided link, you should be good.

[@Playerpool]

@@erin19030 no man i got the original product because i went with the link provided in the rtlsdr website. evrything was original 😁😁

[@Playerpool]

I got the original product because I bought the RTLSDR through the link provided in the RTLSDR website 😁😁😁😁

[@jamesslick4790]

In my part of the world (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA) 99% of police, fire and EMS calls are unencrypted analog UHF-FM. This SDR would receive them (and a Baofeng UV-5R is useful as a "scanner" here too!) and It's 100% LEGAL to LISTEN here! (in fact you can get the police frequencies for free from the US FCC database!) In the US it IS legal to monitor UNENCRYPTED police calls. (some states ban MOBILE scanners, But Pennsylvania does NOT).

[@RandomTeq]

US is generally OK, but it never hurts to check your state law. I added that part of the video because RTL SDR did have a similar article. Thank you for tuning in. Best of luck to you.

[@jamesslick4790]

Folks should absolutely check their national and local laws! (I know that some countries outlaw police call monitoring, for example.) Luckily in the US, it's TRANSMITTING without a license (or with the wrong license/equipment) that will get you in trouble. If it's unencrypted over the air radio, you are usually fine LISTENING here. But that might be vastly different world wide.@@RandomTeq

[@newtron9]

The only way to pick up p25 encrypted is with special permission and the code to do so, which is extremely rare. So check with your county and or city to see if theirs is encrypted or not!

[@erin19030]

Give me a 10 tube vintage communication receiver any day.

[@Demotricus]

Until you need to replace an obscure valve/tube...🤦‍♂ I understand the attraction, I love vintage equipment myself, but many of these valves aren't even made anymore, so if you _can_ find one, it's usually prohibitively expensive.😧

[@NoraSimon-v1z]

Darius Lights

[@MosesCarr-g2b]

Rodriguez Mary Johnson Sandra Hernandez Charles

[@okhouri]

Oh my God, this is full of inaccuracies and incorrect information

[@GrandpaMadeMeSwallow]

What did he get wrong?

[@andaroo79]

Like what

[@matturner6890]

KSOWATCHAWANNADOISYAWANNA

[@BarbaraMoore-b8q]

Gonzalez Brian Lee Dorothy Martinez Michelle

[@GunnyWombat]

So many things in this video that are completely, fundamentally wrong. They don't understand the relationship between frequency and wavelength, they don't understand modulation, they don't understand propagation.

[@erin19030]

Its all part of the scam

[@yannisgk]

@@erin19030 what do you mean?i'm interested in that!!!!

[@training2523]

Yep, lacks even the most basic understanding of RF

[@MelissaPerez-d5g]

White Patricia Walker Eric Wilson Linda

[@erin19030]

Lookout for hackers

[@erin19030]

JUNK

[@erin19030]

One real piece of junk

[@stevenbarnhart5954]

Why are YOU the ONLY writing anything negative? YOU actually look suspicious.

[@Cashmere555bab]

You must have bought a fake clone? Or You're a troll. Chill out dude. SDR is great fun.

[@edpodellis]

I believe that SDR will be mainstream very soon , it will be become very popular and quickly accepted .

[@regenadaniels8847]

Hall Mark Martinez Linda Jackson Dorothy