logo elektroda
logo elektroda
X
logo elektroda
Advanced Search
logo elektroda
Build faster with M5Stack »
Build faster with M5Stack » Stick • Unit • Cardputer
ADVERTISEMENT
Dostępna jest polska wersja

Czy wolisz polską wersję strony elektroda?

Nie, dziękuję Przekieruj mnie tam

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

Ganjor86 711034 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]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT
Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
Report a violation of the law
Reply | New topic
  • #1381 17832275
    Ukasiuuup
    Level 2  
    Hello,

    I changed and now I have such a situation that still a mistake.

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

    What else can I improve?
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #1382 17832338
    internick
    Level 36  
    This is because you did not follow the basic advice, i.e.
    - we are listening on Line3, you have Line1 active - to improve the VAC settings, as well as the Windows settings according to the link: https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3182271.html
    - the output should be loudspeakers, i.e. device 1
    - you do it unnecessarily from the DSD plugin. Paste it again, but do not configure anything except turning on the audio and moving the slider between the 2nd and 3rd bar. Run DSD yourself from .exe
  • #1383 17832475
    Ukasiuuup
    Level 2  
    And the continuation of problems.

    I changed, I run DSD.exe

    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 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 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 RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #1384 17832522
    internick
    Level 36  
    Please turn off unused devices as advised by my friend don_viking.
    Also replace the DSD plugin with one that will have default settings, i.e. no track, etc.
    It does not set itself up at all. I will repeat a third time. You have the correct voice level, audio output, so forget about configuring it and check only enable aux audio.
    Manual DSD does the rest.
    And I can see it's okay.
    The repeater sends frames, e.g. so that the radios log in while roaming to stronger stations. And that's what the picture shows.
    Previously, you had a conversation on an amateur repeater only that it didn't go over the speakers.
    And mistakes? What antenna are you using?
  • #1385 17841152
    mrqpa
    Level 13  
    At the frequency of about 862-863 MHz (WFM modulation), using the antenna, I receive TVN24 audio (without picture). At first I thought it was a breakthrough from one of the cable TV stations, but after checking it turned out that none of them has this channel in the offer of analog TV and on such high frequency.
    Where could this signal come from?
  • #1386 17841294
    Hektar Zahler
    Level 34  
    @mrqpa

    863-865 MHz these are the so-called electronic baby monitors, AV senders and wireless headphones.

    These are the so-called classes 1/48 - Link

    Directive attached.
    Attachments:
    • 2000-299-EC.pdf (7.25 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #1387 17841601
    mrqpa
    Level 13  
    At first I was thinking about a wireless microphone and an electronic nanny (the neighbors upstairs have a small baby), but it must be NFM modulation. This device works all the time and broadcasts TVN24 audio all the time, it's strange.
  • #1388 17845089
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    Like a colleague Hektar Zahler he said there are devices that transmit stereo audio in the 860 MHz band and use wide FM for this. In this case, it will likely be the stereo headphones link below and a photo of the offer. Usually the cheap versions have regular wide FM in the 860MHz band, not a digital 2.4GHz broadcast over bluetooth. It can also be broadcast to wireless speakers.

    https://www.amazon.com/Headphones-Wireless-Transmitter-Charging-Compatible/dp/B07MKFCHWS

    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
  • #1389 17849128
    mrqpa
    Level 13  
    However, I would bet that for unknown reasons, the cable TV transmits analogue TVN24 audio. When I still had a cable, I received this signal on the proverbial wire, and now I have to put the antenna out the window. In addition, this signal is 24/7 since I have a dongle (less than 3 years) and there is always TVN24. Therefore, with these speakers and headphones it is probably not a good lead.
    On other things, someone in the neighborhood is using PLC transmitters and it is virtually impossible to listen to signals in the frequency range down to around 70 MHz. You can see how the amplitudes of the interfering signals increase as the link is used more intensively, the sound then more wheezes and "farts". Actually, I can forget about listening to CB radio and the amateur bands 40 m / 80 m.
  • #1390 17851187
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    mrqpa wrote:
    At the frequency of about 862-863 MHz (WFM modulation), using the antenna, I receive TVN24 audio (without picture). At first I thought it was a breakthrough from one of the cable TV stations, but after checking it turned out that none of them has this channel in the offer of analog TV and on such high frequency.
    Where could this signal come from?


    You yourself wrote in this post that it will not be cable because you checked and none of it is on offer. He doesn't understand what you are writing and what you are changing your mind about and why. Or are you just interested in earning points for posting in a topic? But ok, I don't go into it and I'm not interested in it.
    Best regards and I wish you successful listening sessions.
  • #1391 17898954
    fnusb
    Level 7  
    Serwus, it is possible to do something in SDR Sharp like in Baofeng UV 5r, that we have two listening frequencies to set and when one is active, it starts, when one stops and something is talking on the other, the other one starts, it is simply listening to two frequencies. I tried to do it with a plug called AUX Vho but it cannot be done, I wanted to listen to, for example, 145 and 179 MHz frequency at the same time, anyone has any ideas? Thanks.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #1393 17899161
    fnusb
    Level 7  
    Sumar wrote:
    Using the Frequency Manager you can create a small group containing these two frequencies and scan them.

    http://www.freqmgrsuite.com


    Got it, installed, would you help me configure it correctly?
  • #1394 17900750
    Sumar
    Level 16  
    In SDR Sharp:

    Frequency Manager + Scanner -> Tools -> Edit groups -> click on the field, enter any name, enter. The group is created, we close the window.

    You set the selected frequency and Frequency Manager + Scanner -> Edit
    In this window, in the Groups field, you should see the previously created group - select it. Change other parameters, e.g. Description, as needed. Click Add.

    Repeat the above for the second and subsequent frequencies you want to monitor.

    Then, Frequency Manager + Scanner -> Scan A Group -> Select Scan Group -> select the name of the group you previously created -> Scan.
  • #1397 17901260
    fnusb
    Level 7  
    Sumar wrote:




    Thanks for the detailed instruction :) I set it up as you showed, on the right only one frequency is scanning, although in group 1 there are two marked :D I don't know what this is about :D

    EDIT: it's already working, I'm scanning :D can it be set at a certain time? The DVB-T set-top box is not affected by such frequency switching constantly in the background.
  • #1398 17901354
    ArturAVS
    Moderator  
    fnusb wrote:
    The DVB-T set-top box is not affected by such frequency switching constantly in the background.

    It "hangs" for him. It is to do what the software tells it to do.
  • #1399 17909957
    fnusb
    Level 7  
    Hi, I have SDR Sharp, I'm looking for a plug-in to receive two frequencies simultaneously? There is such a thing? I have the SDR version v1.0.0.1361, I used the Frequency Manager Suite plugin but on this version it doesn't work for me, I don't know why ... error loading plugin pops up like this.
  • #1401 17918601
    wwd
    Level 10  
    I would like to buy an RTL-SDR receiver for listening and the Moonraker Scan King antenna. Will this antenna be good? You can't really find reviews about her.
  • #1402 17919028
    Sumar
    Level 16  
    There are no miracle antennas working in the 25-1500 MHz range. I would definitely not pay 190 zlotys for it. Think about what you want to listen to, but simply look for something short on VHF / UHF - this includes airband and bands 144-174; 430-470 MHz, plus separate antennas for other bands that interest you. If you want to listen to CB, buy a CB antenna. Service at 66-88 MHz? There must be something separate too.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #1405 17919487
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    I would recommend making 2 collinear antennas and connecting through a duplexer.
    I have several collinear antennas according to one scheme for different bands. The length for each strand is converted according to the parameters given in the drawing. Most importantly, they are open antennas, thanks to which they work quite widely when it comes to reception. The antenna is made for the 430 MHz band and it receives good signals from 160 MHz upwards, even at 868MHz I receive signals quite well. The 145 MHz antenna also receives the CB band, but not as well as the original antenna for this band. If someone has time and an old RG213 cable, I recommend testing this antenna.

    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
  • #1406 17928580
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #1408 17934320
    fnusb
    Level 7  
    Hey, is it possible to stream from the computer from the SDRSharp program of the appropriate wave? For example, after setting up the server on a laptop and opening it on the phone in a browser?
  • #1409 17943818
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    Hello. Once upon a time, I included a description in this topic regarding the reception of a signal with a frequency of 1500MHz.
    https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic2353101-1320.html#17681243
    Now I am adding a diagram of the antenna from the VAISAL probe GPS receiver, which I found on the network. The only error in the drawing is the direction in which the antenna elements are bent.
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
    The direction of the bending of the elements is shown in the photos on the page below.
    http://jcoppens.com/ant/qfh/fotos_gps.en.php
    Today, with full cloud cover and the antenna in the room, I had very strong signals visible in the photos on this antenna. 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
    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 RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector

    Here are links to interesting programs
    http://jontio.zapto.org/hda1/jaero.html
    http://www.tekmanoid.com/egc.shtml
    https://bitbucket.org/scytalec/scytalec/src
    Description of the sdrsharp plugin here
    If anyone has any interesting programs for receiving signals on this frequency, he can add some links.
    Good luck and good reception.



    Recently, I did a little modernization on the antenna. You can see the changes in the photos. Behind the antenna there are 2 cable sections connected by a barrel, the first is H155, the second is RG58. I tried to connect the antenna to the amplifier with different lengths of different cables, but this combination was the best. Most likely it is about a filter or choke between the antenna and the amplifier. Then I have an Amplifier connected as you can see in the picture, then about 10 m of H155 cable, then another amplifier and about 1.5 m of H155 cable to the separator and tuner. The antenna is still facing south in the room in front of the window, but I added a sheet metal screen behind the antenna, in this case a chocolate lid. The effects are satisfactory. In the sdrsharp program, of course, only "AGC Tuner" is selected.
    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
    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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
  • #1410 18018283
    flinc
    Level 29  
    For TM85
    Spectrum analyzer

    Added after 5 [minutes]:

    Annex Spectrum analyzer
    Attachments:
    • Argo_V1b145_setup.exe (1.43 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
Reply | New topic
Report a violation of the law

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.
Generated by the language model.

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]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT