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

Ganjor86 711058 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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  • #1441 18383458
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    Another diagram of an L-band antenna (INMARSAT) has appeared in the network, this time a professional antenna, as the author wrote, it is a document used only for educational purposes and only for hobbyists. Any commercial use is prohibited. Commercial use may be restricted by the intellectual property rights of third parties in your country.

    https://uhf-satcom.com/storage/misc/Omnidirectional_Inmarsat.pdf

    I recommend testing antennas for this band as well as sharing your observations.

    Moderated By c2h5oh:

    I remind you that the topic is: " RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector ".
    About antennas you can create your own new topic.

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  • #1443 18471342
    rtvstefan
    Level 11  
    Hello colleagues. I have a question whether sdr scharp will work on windows 10 and possibly you can ask for a link to download the latest program because I have not been in the topic for several years and my laptop with the 7 broke and I no longer have sdr. Regards!
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  • #1445 18472349
    rtvstefan
    Level 11  
    Thanks, and would you have drivers for the blue 820T2 under win10 64bit and do you also need to have a Zading ?. Regards!
  • #1446 18472485
    neo386
    Level 12  
    It was enough to type in google: zading sdr and it came out ====== >>> https://zadig.akeo.ie/
    I guess these drivers need to be installed .... Try it!

    I use GQRX on Linux and connect to USB there and wio! :-)
  • #1447 18473610
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    For the tuner to work, at the beginning you need to install the original drivers for the RTL system, then use the zadig program and replace the file. The drivers are attached.
    Attachments:
    • R820T2.rar (67.4 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #1448 18474646
    rtvstefan
    Level 11  
    Thanks for your help. I'll try, maybe it will work. Regards!
  • #1449 18475786
    rtvstefan
    Level 11  
    Hello.Sdrscharper works and sdrscharp not! Please help! Regards!
  • #1450 18477027
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    You need to add the rtlsdr.dll tuner file to the sdrsharp directory. Then you select the tuner support in the program and it should work. You can copy it from the sdrsharper directory.
  • #1453 18515539
    ArturAVS
    Moderator  
    don_viking wrote:
    A new Beta version has been released, I invite you to test it

    To be honest, I do not like HDSDR because of its graphics, although I use it with RSHFIQ (own design) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hobbypcb...hfiq-5w-software-defined-radio-sdr-tranceiver. I downloaded this beta, and I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of reception on RTL (direct sampling). A photo from a moment ago;

    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
    30m LW antenna at a height of about 5m directly to the RTL (separated by a broadband transformer to the Q RTL input). Compared to SDRSharp, much less noise, but also a lower sound level.
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  • #1454 18527720
    pawinow
    Level 11  
    Hello. How to change the outputs to Dmr
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector


    Added after 2 [hours] 15 [minutes]:

    I cannot change the settings so that the input is on a virtual cable and the output is speakers. Please help
  • #1455 18528332
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    pawinow wrote:
    Hello. How to change the outputs to Dmr
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector


    Added after 2 [hours] 15 [minutes]:

    I cannot change the settings so that the input is on a virtual cable and the output is speakers. Please help


    You need to set the VAC input as main in the recording options in the PC card settings.
    Read my instructions.
    https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3182271.html
  • #1456 18530528
    tygrysss
    Level 21  
    Gentlemen, the question - I put rtl-sdr on lubuntu 18 and run rtl_tcp on it - on the desktop in sdr # I set the server and after connection there are all the cuts. The sound shreds.
    CPU utilization on the server 8%, RAM 20% - LAN connection.

    I also tried on raspberry - same, chopping sound.
    In addition, the sensitivity of the receiver is worse on both, it collects poorly even the local FM radio.
    After connecting directly to the USB client computer, everything is OK.

    Has anyone experienced something like this?
  • #1457 18530808
    antyvlad
    Level 10  
    Hello, I have a problem with Sdr console V3.
    How do I set the mouse to scroll a range? In Sdrsharp, I was able to grab with the left mouse button and move it right or left. Here I only see two buttons on the bottom left and right. It's less convenient.
    Second question: in Sdrsharp I was able to set the bandwidth in NFM to 32kHz, in Sdr console V3 only 16kHz, which makes NOAA reception pointless. In WFM I have a wider band, but the signal is much weaker. Can you somehow set in NFM at least these 32 kHz?
  • #1458 18531009
    pawinow
    Level 11  
    pawinow wrote:
    Hello. How to change the outputs to Dmr
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector


    Added after 2 [hours] 15 [minutes]:

    I cannot change the settings so that the input is on a virtual cable and the output is speakers. Please help

    Hello. Is this channel scrambled or something is wrong?
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
  • #1459 18531776
    internick
    Level 36  
    Looking at the frequency, rather yes.
    But you are not picturing speech here, but a frame, so it's just a guess. Wait for someone to talk. And you will see in the Event window.
    Besides, you have a lot of mistakes.
    What's your antenna?
  • #1460 18532040
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    antyvlad wrote:
    Hello, I have a problem with Sdr console V3.
    How do I set the mouse to scroll a range? In Sdrsharp, I was able to grab with the left mouse button and move it right or left. Here I only see two buttons on the bottom left and right. It's less convenient.
    Second question: in Sdrsharp I was able to set the bandwidth in NFM to 32kHz, in Sdr console V3 only 16kHz, which makes NOAA reception pointless. In WFM I have a wider band, but the signal is much weaker. Can you somehow set in NFM at least these 32 kHz?


    As for the step settings in SDR Console V3, you click Tools, then option, tining and step as in the picture. You set a step for each modulation. Then, while holding the mouse pointer on the spectrum, you spin the mouse wheel.
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector

    As for bandwidth setting, you can manually set the appropriate bandwidth. You click on the left side of the program below the modulation window in the filter window on the three dots. The filter window opens and you can add a new width or edit an existing one and save it as the next one. I suggest using WFM to decode all digital modulations due to the wide bandwidth and the lack of additional filters that cut the top or bottom of the band.
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
  • #1461 18532505
    antyvlad
    Level 10  
    don_viking wrote:

    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector [/url]

    Thank you for your response. Unfortunately, the highest value I can set there is 16kHz :(
  • #1462 18532530
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    antyvlad wrote:
    don_viking wrote:

    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector [/url]

    Thank you for your response. Unfortunately, the highest value I can set there is 16kHz :(


    That's why I recommend using WFM and I guarantee you that this modulation will be the best.
    RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector



    Apart from the topic, there is a new version of SDRSharper v 1.1
    https://www.qsl.net/sdr/SDRSharper_11.zip


    Has anyone tested the new program " Openear "? Links below. I have a problem with my decoded voice breaking.
    Openear

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

    Description
  • #1463 18654553
    piotrek1210
    Level 10  
    Dear Colleagues, could the treatment of a blue dongle armed with a 2m / 70cm double-strand dipole with Baofeng from a distance of 2 meters damage it? PTT button on for 2 seconds at power L (1W). Gain in donglu set to about 8dB. What worried me ... initially the Squelch had to be set around 70, now 15 is enough .... :|
  • #1464 18656354
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    The squelch setting level depends on the width of the NFM or WFM filter. The narrower the filter set, the larger the squelch must be to cut the sound out. Did you play with the width of the modulation filter? For example, from 8000 to 10000 it will already do the job and the squelch will catch with less value.
  • #1465 18660968
    endriu2712
    Level 12  
    Hello, I have this blue rtl sdr tuner and I want to replace it with something better what do you recommend?
  • #1466 18660989
    piotrek1210
    Level 10  
    don_viking wrote:
    The squelch setting level depends on the width of the NFM or WFM filter. The narrower the filter set, the larger the squelch must be to cut the sound out. Did you play with the width of the modulation filter? For example, from 8000 to 10000 it will already do the job and the squelch will catch with less value.

    Thanks Don_Viking. It helped and the squelch "returned" to its place. :D

    endriu2712 wrote:
    Hello, I have this blue rtl sdr tuner and I want to replace it with something better what do you recommend?

    And what are you missing from this tuner or what does not suit you?
  • #1467 18661006
    endriu2712
    Level 12  
    I would like to increase the range because with this antenna, what I have is poor, maybe you can recommend an amplifier or another antenna RTL-SDR - an SDR receiver from a cheap DVB-T tuner on a USB connector
    I have one located on the roof
  • #1468 18661244
    internick
    Level 36  
    On the right you can see something even higher. It's hard to judge how much higher. Make a mast there, e.g. 2m, and hang the Radmor
    32812/1. And before you buy, move that dipole over there. Now you are deaf towards that wall.
  • #1469 18661578
    endriu2712
    Level 12  
    this photo is only illustrative, in fact I have this type of dipole above the roof of the house but to the nearest town 15 km and that's why I ask
  • #1470 18682286
    Koczarq
    Level 2  
    Hi,
    I have a Not Only TV LV5TDLX dongle. It is on the RTL2832u and E4000 chip.

    I connect the dongle, the computer (win 10) sees it in the device manager. I download the package from SDRsharp, everything installs neatly, installs the driver using zzadig. The program sends a message saying that the installation was successful.

    And here comes the stairs ...
    I turn on SDRSharp and quickly select the Source: Rtl-SRD ((USB) settings and click PLAY, even something goes to listen, but after a few seconds the dingle disconnects and you can no longer see it in the manager. If I do not turn on the SDRSharp program, the computer can see it all the time, only when you turn it on, do such things happen.

    Tried disabling power saver on usb.
    I checked on my second computer, also from 10 wines, the same thing happens.

    Do you have any ideas what could be wrong?
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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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