Tech

RTL-SDR: Getting Started

Using a $25 device can give you access to AM/FM/SW/WX radio bands as well as Ham radio and many other uses on your computer or phone.

Snoozey

27 Dec 2020 • 3 min read

The RTL-SDR USB dongle was originally marketed as a DAB and DVB-T receiver for use in Europe. It was quickly discovered that by modifying the driver, you could process radio signals anywhere from 500 kHz up to 1.7 GHz. This encompasses AM/SW/FM/WX/TV, Ham, tracking airplanes and ships, and many others if you want to get complicated. For the sake of brevity, this article will stick with analog transmissions of AM, SW, FM, and WX.

My first experience finding out about RTL-SDR. Keep watching the following videos in the playlist for more uses of RTL-SDR devices.

I got started using these dongles by watching Hak5. There were many good informational videos about it on Hak5. As time went on, hardware became better and software became easier to use. RTL-SDR dongles can be found on Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.

Another thing to keep in mind is that these dongles do not have an 'F' type coaxial connection that is common with 'rabbit ear' or aerial TV antennas. You will need an adapter to go from either SMA (for v3) or MCX (for v1) to F. Also note the gender of the adapter as well. You will more than likely need a male SMA to female F connector if you bought a RTL-SDR v3 dongle.

My setup with a coaxial cable with male 'F' connector (L), female 'F' to male SMA adapter (C), RTL-SDR v3 USB dongle with female SMA connector (R).

The first step after you get your RTL-SDR is to modify the driver and disable xor remove the original driver that is intended to work with them. RTL-SDR.com's website has a lot of good information to get started whether on Windows or Linux.

On Linux, I recommend using Gqrx or CubicSDR for listening to audio on FM, while on Windows, SDR# is preferred.
For receiving commercial broadcast FM stations, tune in to your favorite station between 88 MHz and 108 MHz. Select WFM (wideband FM) as the modulation type, and press play.
If the station broadcasts RDS (radio data system) information, you can receive that as well. That data usually includes the station name, song title, clock, and programming type.
The WX band includes NOAA Weather Radio (US) and Weatheradio (Canada). This can be accessed by going to 162.400 MHz up to 162.550 MHz using NFM (narrow FM).

Gqrx window — Example screenshot of Gqrx on Linux. The radio spectrum is shown as well as bookmarks on the left side of program. Settings are located on the upper-right side. The RDS tab is located on the lower-right corner.

Only v3 of the RTL-SDR dongles will allow you to receive AM (mediumwave) and SW (shortwave) frequencies in direct sample mode - Q branch. The link in the previous sentence will take you to a guide on how to use RTL-SDR v3 devices correctly.

Using RTL-SDR on AM (mediumwave) and shortwave frequencies

If you enjoy playing around or just listening to your local radio station, then give RTL-SDR a try. It really is fun to experiment with and learn about.
Websites:
RTL-SDR Quick Start Guide - https://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-quick-start-guide/
RTL-SDR v3 Guide - https://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-blog-v-3-dongles-user-guide/
RTL-SDR Linux Guide - https://www.rtl-sdr.com/a-good-quickstart-guide-for-rtl-sdr-linux-users/

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