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

Ganjor86 711070 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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  • #1141 16527133
    internick
    Level 36  
    tygrysss wrote:
    ... 27,190 ...


    The popular 19 corresponds to 27.180 MHz.
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  • #1142 16530862
    tygrysss
    Level 21  
    Hmm, the page was 190, but on the spectrum I can't see any signal even in the area. I will try on Sunday because I left now and I will throw a screen.
    Thank you gentlemen for the answers.
    Best regards.
  • #1143 16535270
    methyl
    Level 16  
    If you want to listen to the more active frequency that is the 19th channel, it is a frequency of 27.180 MHz. At 27.190 MHz there is the so-called inter-channel hole and you will probably never hear anything there.

    Tomek
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  • #1144 16537137
    tygrysss
    Level 21  
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector

    This is what it looks like. I know that the frequency was bad - I checked what was on it, but only some interference. The spectrum shows that there is silence on CB ...

    Added after 21 [minutes]:

    Something caught, but badly. Probably the antenna's fault. I've heard people two times.
  • #1145 16537207
    BOOM i ZONK
    Level 22  
    Show what you have on frequencies without an antenna connected: 28.800MHz and 57.600MHz (without zooming). As well as the SDRSharp settings.
  • #1146 16588116
    Arek_v1
    Level 15  
    Today I received a call from people with flying paragliders on ~ 434.604MHz, from what I can see, PMR and FRS operate on a different frequency, what have these people used and can they use this section of the band ??
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  • #1148 16588180
    Arek_v1
    Level 15  
    15km with 10mW and such a strong signal ... I don't know.
  • #1149 16588194
    lysy1980
    Level 33  
    I gave you what works on this frq. And who, with what and with what power there is another fairy tale and not my business.
  • #1150 16588634
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    Most likely, these paragliders have a ham radio license because it is part of the amateur band. When it comes to low power range, the higher the range is. An example are conversations in the PMR460 band from the peaks of the Tatra Mountains, even near Kielce, with a power of 0.5W. As for paragliders, if you want to talk to them, they have three frequencies and you can talk there if you belong to the paragliders association. Description at the link.
    http://psp.org.pl/starańenie/instrukcja-uzytkuje-sieci-radiowej-psp/
  • #1151 16588755
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    If they gave signs (which I doubt), they were in fact shortwave.
    The chances of the above are like hitting a six in the lottery. Well, maybe Fridays.

    Btw. PMR460? What is this?
  • #1153 16588992
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    These 460 in the US are called FRS ;)
    Anyway, on this type of bands there is - nomen omen - a free American. Of course, with us too. Nobody is watching this.

    You described the SDR installation nicely. I have already referred many reluctant people to your post.
  • #1154 16589821
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    Thanks for the appreciation. But believe me, there are people who need to explain everything despite the instructions, step by step and clicking after clicking. I often have private messages on that topic just for help with the installation. The main thing is that the manual is useful. I greet everyone and still help.
  • #1155 16595996
    seba_x
    Level 31  
    Hello

    Colleagues, can you explain to me how to make the RTL-SDR V3 dongle in the SDR # program to receive from 0.5MHz, here is a link to the device Link
    Apparently it is supposed to work without any additional converters.
  • #1156 16596004
    lysy1980
    Level 33  
    It says Direct Sampling clearly. Switch in receiver settings in SDR #
  • #1157 16596015
    seba_x
    Level 31  
    Thanks for your help, there are two options to choose from (I branch) and (Q branch), does it have any meaning which I choose?
  • #1159 16596717
    Arek_v1
    Level 15  
    Have any of you ever had such a dash through the middle of the sdr? This bar is always regardless of what band I set, it is possible that this bar appeared after uploading some mods from the don_viking package. RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
  • #1161 16596780
    Arek_v1
    Level 15  
    Now it's ok :D what is correct IQ for at all?
  • #1162 16598214
    igord
    Level 12  
    I have a DVB-T usb tuner, I bought an adapter for it. Thanks to it, I was able to connect a previously purchased indoor antenna for DVB-T reception. The program shows me squelched at - 99 dB. Only the analogue FM radio is available for reception. Everything is fine on the wire attached to the tuner, but I do not receive anything except the FM radio. I have the tuner connected in my apartment, the antenna is not exposed to the window. What do I need to do to hear anything except the radio?
  • #1163 16598220
    yes2mike
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Click the "gear" in the upper left corner and increase the gain.
    I don't want to be a malicious booty, but think why RTV antennas are usually mounted on the roof?
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  • #1166 16609785
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    The link is signed 0.5L but the version is 0.6L. You download it and you will see.
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
  • #1167 16616026
    Kubas
    Level 12  
    Gentlemen, I have a problem with running SDRSharper, the program crashes during startup, I tried on several different versions and it is the same on all of them, probably something wrong with my computer, but how to locate the problem .....?
  • #1168 16616182
    tomiok
    Level 33  
    don_viking wrote:
    The link is signed 0.5L but the version is 0.6L. You download it and you will see.

    I checked you are right.
    Although I think it's better to change the name.
  • #1169 16616412
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    You have to start with the correct mask. I added an already set program in the attachment.
    Attachments:
    • SDRSh-06l.rar (3.88 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #1170 16618659
    Kubas
    Level 12  
    Thanks, I downloaded it, I will test it soon, I will let you know what came out of it.

    Added after 1 [minutes]:

    Unfortunately the same, ie the program won't start.
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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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