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RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector

Ganjor86 711076 1593
Best answers

Can I turn a cheap DVB-T USB tuner into an SDR receiver, and how can I make it receive shortwave too?

Yes: with an RTL2832U-based DVB-T dongle you can use it as an SDR receiver after replacing the stock DVB-T drivers with the prepared Zadig/libusb drivers and running SDR software like SDR Sharp or HDSDR [#11182116] In normal mode these tuners work roughly from 24 MHz up to about 1700 MHz, so VHF/UHF services, airband, CB, ADS-B, etc. are fine [#13168529] [#12073526] For shortwave below that range, do not connect the antenna straight to the RTL chip; direct sampling is possible but is considered risky and can damage the RTL28xx [#12073526] The safer and better-performing solution in the thread is an upconverter on the antenna input, e.g. based on TA7358/LA1185/LA1186, which users report can extend reception down to roughly 100 kHz–40 MHz [#13135481]
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  • #1051 16162354
    flinc
    Level 29  
    There is a new receiver on e-bay New RTL2832 820T RTL-SDR 100KHz-1.7 GHz
    Thank you on the forum
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  • #1052 16179267
    flinc
    Level 29  
    Jezzman
    In Configure Sample rate, change to 1.024 MSPS or lower
    USB TV tuners need a processor of at least 2.GHz and more memory
    In Sample rate, try different values
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  • #1053 16181711
    Hajna
    Level 24  
    Asking colleagues if I did everything right when it comes to dsd + in RTL-SDR, I attach screenshots after switching DSD on and during work, but I still hear a whirr. RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector unless something is wrong?
  • #1054 16184553
    internick
    Level 36  
    Record and upload 48,000 or 96,000 Hz, 16-bit, mono, wave samples.

    The second frequency should be x, 3625.

    Correct the channel spacing to 12.5 kHz.
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  • #1055 16184880
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    And you will hear a growl or gibberish. This company uses a key.
  • #1056 16188703
    PalomaBlanka
    Level 10  
    Could I get answers to three questions:
    1. Connecting the dongle to the tablet causes a quick discharge of the battery (such information can be found in the threads), can you significantly extend the working time thanks to the "OTG HOST micro USB + POWER power" cable? Or is it better to use a laptop with external power supply.
    Can all available cables be purchased or are special ones needed?
    2. Will replacing the oscillator or buying a dongle with "1 PPM temperature compensated oscillator (TCXO)" significantly improve the parameters of the device?
    3. Is it worth buying a device with a built-in upconverter, or is it better to buy an external one with time?
    I will be grateful for your response
  • #1057 16188875
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    1 - yes, because the tablet has an external power supply.
    Of course it's best to use a laptop. The tablet solution is more mobile and you do not need to carry your laptop for the walk.
    The cables are available for purchase.
    2 - according to me, it makes average sense, unless you can not stand these few moments until the dongiel warms up. In the software you can set the ppm just in case.
    3 - if you want to listen to KFu, it's worth it. There are also SDRs that can range from 100kHz without an upconverter.
  • #1058 16195394
    PalomaBlanka
    Level 10  
    @ yes2mike Thanks for the answer!
    As for point 3, I found a receiver receiving from 3kHz. It is based on Soft66Q software.
    Just what, where and how to listen? You can definitely eavesdrop on audiophile equipment.
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  • #1059 16195764
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Bandplan will help: http://www.sp5py.pl/viewpage.php?page_id=9
    Overall, I recommend the password "bandplan" uncle google ;)
    If you want to listen to something not necessarily related to amateur radio, I recommend the permit search engine: http://uke.kurylowicz.info/

    And here http://www.rtl-sdr.com/big-list-rtl-sdr-supported-software/ you literally have a plug-in wagon and software from which you can create wonders on a stick.
  • #1060 16197444
    PalomaBlanka
    Level 10  
    Thanks!
    I already have plenty of literature and bookmarks. There is not enough time to read it all.
    I got hold of Soft. However, I need an antenna, because the attached one is only suitable for testing and checking the device.
    Dongiel has an MCX antenna input, today I was offered an adapter for almost PLN 40. It seems to me that it is definitely too much, but there is a stock exchange tomorrow, so I should buy not only adapters at an affordable price.
    What are the most evolving SMA connectors they can be? I also mean passing the cables through the windows so that you do not need to drill, I saw flat adapters, or it seems to me that maybe a thinner cable will be better and will pass without any problems with thin seals. Am I right, am I wrong?
  • #1061 16198095
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    This is a receiver, so what the adapter offers is basically insignificant. MCX adapter - an "ordinary" TV socket costs up to PLN 7. with the package.
    I suggest either a USB extension cable, or a cable with an MCX angled plug.

    I do not know what SDR you have, but some of them do not have a diode protecting the antenna input and it is very easy to make a neck pendant from a dongle.
    Cable? RG-174 has a diameter of 3mm.
  • #1062 16198898
    PalomaBlanka
    Level 10  
    I bought the adapter for PLN 5 and this is the right price.
    I have a usb extension cable.
    I unfolded the dongle attached photo does it have a protective diode? RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
    Do you need a crimper for the RG-174 cable or can you earn it without any hassle?
  • #1063 16198961
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    It has a protection - it is the element behind the socket.
    The crimper is supposed to be useful, but with a little cunning you can tighten it with pliers.
  • #1064 16199748
    mrqpa
    Level 13  
    And for VLF listening, what would be more suitable?
    SDR dongle with upconver or a good sound card?
    And above all, does it make sense to play it in an urban environment where the disruptions are significant?
  • #1065 16199956
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    VLF in the city is virtually impossible to do. You can, but you have to use filters or there is drama.
    in this topic, unfortunately, I will not say much, because if I listen to VLF, I listen to websdr (i.e. I can).
  • #1066 16203585
    PalomaBlanka
    Level 10  
    What connector to order for the antenna on the RG174 cable?
  • #1067 16210894
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    The kind you like and embrace. This is a lot and it's hard to advise specifically.
  • #1068 16213036
    mrqpa
    Level 13  
    yes2mike wrote:
    VLF in the city is virtually impossible to do. You can, but you have to use filters or there is drama.
    in this topic, unfortunately, I will not say much, because if I listen to VLF, I listen to websdr (i.e. I can).


    Assuming I would use these filters or listen in a remote area - what would be better for it: a 192kHz soundcard or an upconverter dongle?

    Another thing - I read about the use of upconverters in this topic, and I haven't read anything about downconverters. Nobody has done anything like that to receive signals, e.g. in the 10 GHz band?
  • #1069 16231623
    tomek10861
    Level 27  
    Definitely a sound card. I played without filters - it's a bit of a shit but above 6kHz it's okay. I received transmissions.
    Here's a video from it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfKeouUHw3w

    Recently, I plugged into the RTL ADC - after applying the audio signal, it is normally visible and heard in the 0 - 20 kHz range. I wonder if it is possible to use RTL as an oscilloscope. Does he accidentally provide the PC with the spectral characteristics?
  • #1070 16236915
    endriu2712
    Level 12  
    Hello, I will join the topic. So I have an SDR tuner in a blue housing, and an antenna constructed according to the Czakos post No. 768, with a 75ohm cable. I live in the village and the antenna is placed in the attic. I would like to replace the antenna with a better one to improve the range. So what kind of antenna do you suggest, colleagues?
  • #1071 16237110
    internick
    Level 36  
    I do not know what this structure is, but ... maybe start by elevating it above the roof?
  • #1072 16237121
    endriu2712
    Level 12  
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector

    but the attic is empty

    Added after 2 [minutes]:

    made as in the photo
  • #1073 16237171
    internick
    Level 36  
    Buy a Radmor 32812/1 and hang it over the roof.

    Although on this dipole it should be better if you expose it to the world.
  • #1074 16237351
    endriu2712
    Level 12  
    Thanks for the advice to show it outside. And at a height of 3m, it is enough because it is impossible to get to the roof, there is no way to enter
  • #1075 16237381
    lysy1980
    Level 33  
    It is impossible to visualize better - ANTENNA WILL RECEIVE LIKE IT VIEWS - stand in the place where the antenna will be and look around, this is how much the antenna will see and receive so much, reflected waves and penetration are not taken into account.
  • #1076 16237430
    endriu2712
    Level 12  
    ok thanks for the advice, the idea of placing the antenna
  • #1077 16250280
    PalomaBlanka
    Level 10  
    Hajna wrote:
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector

    I will ask:
    What is the function of the waterfall timestamps in the pictures above?
  • #1079 16250845
    PalomaBlanka
    Level 10  
    Thanks @Hajna!
    How to improve the voice quality of the stations you are listening to so as to eliminate interference.
    I eliminate the noise with the Squelch setting. Can the voice quality be improved by configuring other parameters?
    I skip the better antenna.
  • #1080 16251506
    Hajna
    Level 24  
    PalomaBlanka, add the city in which you live to your profile, take a RTL screenshot, also try the program in the attachment and the picture.
    Attachments:
    • RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector RTLsharper.jpg (387.5 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    • SDR 05.rar (2.39 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers on using inexpensive DVB-T USB tuners, particularly those based on the RTL2832U chipset combined with various tuner modules like the R820T and E4000, as software-defined radio (SDR) receivers. These devices, originally intended for digital TV reception, can be repurposed for wideband SDR reception from approximately 25 MHz up to 1.7 GHz, covering amateur radio bands, FM broadcast, airband, ADS-B, and more. Modifications such as direct antenna connection to the RTL2832U chip pins enable reception of lower frequency bands (below 30 MHz), including shortwave, though precautions against electrostatic discharge and signal surges are necessary. Upconverter circuits based on chips like LA1186, LA1185, and TA7358AP are commonly used to extend reception down to HF and VLF bands by frequency shifting signals into the tuner's range. Various software solutions including SDR# (SDR Sharp), HDSDR, and dump1090 are recommended for Windows and Linux platforms, with driver installation often requiring tools like Zadig to replace default DVB-T drivers with RTL-SDR compatible ones. Users report challenges with driver installation, device recognition, and antenna selection, especially for frequencies outside the FM broadcast band. Amplifiers such as the FP6L and antennas like Discone or long wire are suggested to improve reception quality. Mobile and embedded platforms like Raspberry Pi and Android devices with USB OTG support are explored for portable SDR setups. The community shares detailed schematics, installation guides, and troubleshooting tips, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and versatility of RTL-SDR dongles for radio experimentation and monitoring.
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FAQ

TL;DR: A US$13 RTL-SDR dongle with an R820T tuner covers 24-1762 MHz “Band 24-1762 MHz (no holes)” [Elektroda, zabex, post #12073526] and can be pushed to ≈100 kHz with a 50 MHz up-converter [Elektroda, sb8gapi, post #13074101]

Why it matters: One stick lets hobbyists scan HF, VHF, UHF and ADS-B without big radios.

Quick Facts

• R820T native span: 24–1762 MHz [Elektroda, zabex, post #12073526] • Direct-Sampling mod: ≈0.1–28 MHz [Elektroda, methyl, post #13657048] • Typical dongle cost: US$13–15 incl. whip [Elektroda, Ganjor86, post #12076142] • PC spec: USB 2.0 + ≥1.2 GHz CPU [Elektroda, Serwis1, post #13206155] • TA7358 up-converter parts ≈ PLN 15 [Elektroda, sb8gapi, post #13074101]

What frequencies can an un-modified RTL-SDR with R820T cover?

About 24 MHz to 1.76 GHz without gaps [Elektroda, zabex, post #12073526] That spans airband, AIS, ACARS, ADS-B, VHF FM, UHF trunked, LTE and more.

How do I install drivers on Windows XP?

  1. Plug dongle, let Windows load Realtek driver.
  2. Run Zadig v2.1 XP, Menu → Options → List All Devices, choose "Bulk-In Interface 0".
  3. Click Install WINUSB driver. After 5 s SDR# sees “RTL-SDR/USB”. [Elektroda, lysy1980, post #13511327]

I get no DVB-T after installing SDR drivers—normal?

Yes. WINUSB replaces Realtek’s TV driver. Switch USB port or reinstall OEM driver when you need DVB-T reception [Elektroda, lysy1980, post #13511327]

What’s the simplest way to receive 0–30 MHz?

Add a 50 MHz HF up-converter using TA7358 or LA1185. It mixes HF to 50–80 MHz, cost under PLN 15 and sensitivity beats direct sampling [Elektroda, sb8gapi, #13074101; Elektroda, zabex, #12073526].

Can overheating freeze the dongle?

Yes. R820T can reach >60 °C and USB disconnects appear. Resoldering the USB plug and adding small heatsinks stopped lock-ups [Elektroda, mkpl, post #13635115]

Which antenna works best for wideband scans?

An outdoor TV log-periodic or discone on 50 Ω feed covers 50–1300 MHz. For HF add Mini-Whip or 20 m long-wire plus the up-converter [Elektroda, methyl, post #13657048]

Edge case: why does FM broadcast appear at 30 MHz?

Strong local FM images alias into 26–40 MHz when the front-end overloads. Use 88–108 MHz notch or reduce RF gain [Elektroda, mkpl, post #13583266]

Can I scan automatically like a hardware scanner?

Yes. Install the ‘Frequency Manager Scanner’ plug-in for SDR#; it hops user lists at 20 channels /s and logs activity [SDRSharpPlugins].

Is spectrum-analysis possible?

RTL-SDR plus ‘RTL-Power’ or ‘Spektrum’ sweeps 24 MHz–1.7 GHz, 2 MHz steps, ~30 dB dynamic range—handy for EMC checks [majek, 2013].

How do I add HF direct sampling without removing the tuner?

On R820T boards, wire a 1:10 transformer to RTL pins 4-5, select “Direct Sampling Q” in SDR#. This keeps VHF/UHF intact [Elektroda, BOOM i ZONK, post #13914702]
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