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How to use RTL-SDR on a cheap USB DVB-T tuner for HF and 64–1700 MHz?

Ganjor86 722734 1593
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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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  • #781 15442980
    kamilalek1
    Level 13  
    Posts: 294
    Help: 3
    Rate: 41
    The optimal price I can pay for an SDR receiver is a maximum of $ 100-120.

    Second question, is it worth paying more than $ 20 to the tuner above
    http://s.aliexpress.com/BFBNRvEz
    is it better to buy such a cheaper http://s.aliexpress.com/quUZNFfa

    I mean is there any difference between them or is it the same tuner only in different housings.
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  • #782 15443071
    kriss51
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
    Posts: 5630
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    neo386 wrote:
    Hello

    I wanted to ask what core these transformers should be wound on? I have a T37-2 (red)

    I see. For the latter, I have all the parts. How to expand it to All right walked on short waves.


    I feel referenced to the array because I am the author of the converter from the second schematic. You don't have to do anything to work on KF. That's what it was created for. The use of the NE612 in a symmetrical arrangement gives a good "kick". I compared symmetrical and non-symmetrical systems. In a non-symmetrical arrangement, no antenna amplifier will give such an effect. In fact, the amplifier will raise the signal, but also the noise will increase. I just used the cores I had at hand. Others can be used. The point is that they should work in the appropriate frequency range. Both transformers will generally match the I / O to 50 ohms. In a symmetrical arrangement, the NE input has 3K?. I tried to match it with the same 3k? to 50? filters but after connecting to the apparatus, "circuses" came out. Better to wind up transformers :D . It has a nice flat response. Of course, there are better cores than the ones I used. There is a lot to show off in this area.
  • #784 15453130
    lysy1980
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2228
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    Equation 14 + 32 = ??
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  • #786 15455052
    methyl
    Level 16  
    Posts: 183
    Help: 2
    Rate: 32
    Adrian,
    something thinly perceives it as for the antenna you have. To my eye the fault of the settings.
    For convenience, enter the frequency of the generator connected to the converter in the SDR SHARP window. If it is 32MHz, enter -32000000 in "SHIFT". In the configuration window, you have a gain slider. When working under the NE612 converter, the gain is not more than 10 (GAIN), preferably 5-7. Adjust the slider on the right for the contrast on the waterfall.
    You have a nasty signal-to-noise ratio.
    At least it should look like it used to be for me (it's much better now).





    best regards
    SP5MET
    Tomek
  • #787 15455102
    neo386
    Level 12  
    Posts: 689
    Help: 7
    Rate: 78
    I am more of a Linux fan, so I use and recommend Gqrx. And I also have Windows and comparing ... there is no difference. SharpSDR has more goodies and useful extensions that's a fact.

    And this noise / signal ratio is only the fault of the settings.
  • #789 15459370
    tomek10861
    Level 27  
    Posts: 1371
    Help: 13
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    And I'll ask you out of curiosity, did you use a down-converter to catch 2.4GHz? How would such a thing work for measuring garbage at this frequency? What do WiFi networks look like? :)
  • #791 15459667
    tepek
    Level 12  
    Posts: 115
    Help: 1
    Rate: 6
    Thanks for the answer, but you are wrong :) On this antenna you can listen to FM radio in and around 168 and the airport. And I'm asking myself not to waste time on frequencies that I won't hear anyway.

    Added after 1 [hours] 3 [minutes]:

    Ehh Fast Scanner Plugin doesn't work for me, hence http://www.rtl-sdr.com/sdrsharp-plugins/. I also checked the sdrsharp version linked on page 21 of this topic, but it also doesn't work.
  • #792 15459906
    neo386
    Level 12  
    Posts: 689
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    More specifically. You can receive frequencies 174-230MHz on this antenna ......... 470-862MHz

    http://www.sp7pki.qrz.pl/bandplan_UKF.pdf $ Here you have a bandplan of amateur bands. With 2m it may be a problem, but 70cm it is.
  • #793 15461486
    tepek
    Level 12  
    Posts: 115
    Help: 1
    Rate: 6
    Why on the radioscanner.pl forum you have to wait so long for the account to be activated. I started it a few days ago and it is inactive all the time: / And could someone help me with this frequency scanner? Nobody really uses it (two posts back)?
  • #794 15462583
    neo386
    Level 12  
    Posts: 689
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    Give up on that forum. You have an electrode! :wink: . What do you want to hear on this RTL-SDR :?: . We will help in case of need.

    Added after 4 [minutes]:

    tomek10861 wrote:
    And I'll ask you out of curiosity, did you use a down-converter to catch 2.4GHz? How would such a thing work for measuring garbage at this frequency? What do WiFi networks look like? :)


    Ooooo! Buddy ...... Do you have experience with microwave circuits? This is a difficult topic.

    http://www.rtl-sdr.com/tag/downconverter/

    The only thing I can recommend you is HackRF 0.1 MHz - 6 GHz
  • #795 15487275
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #796 15487328
    RAFPOL5
    Level 17  
    Posts: 139
    Help: 23
    Rate: 41
    If you live in a block of flats with cable TV, it is possible.
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  • #797 15487340
    methyl
    Level 16  
    Posts: 183
    Help: 2
    Rate: 32
    I suspect it was a blend product and the actual frequency at which it went was elsewhere. How much did you have the gain set to?

    As for the source, due to the fact that TV is now digital, I suspect that someone from the neighbors has some wireless headphones, speakers or other device that re-transmits the sound. I have a lot of such audio from TV around 860MHz and in my cable TV there is no analog for a long time.

    When this signal appears again, look for it on other ranges.
    Maybe it will be found with much greater intensity :)

    Or someone has a wiretap :D
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  • #798 15487389
    internick
    Level 36  
    Posts: 3081
    Help: 273
    Rate: 555
    I have not met this yet, but according to the list it fits: http://www.dipol.com.pl/wykaz_czestotliwosci_kanalow_tv_bib02.htm
    The most popular copy is probably at 173.7500 :)

    Not all cable networks gave up the analog. My uncle's house has both. People with two or three TVs were pissed that so many set-top boxes, cards and additional fees were needed that the company left a slimmed-down offer without fees with the possibility of dividing as many rooms as you want.

    It's just that the net is tight with him.
  • #799 15487425
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #800 15487547
    angro
    Level 12  
    Posts: 34
    Help: 4
    Rate: 4
    From the frequency and method of communication, it looks like a fire brigade
  • #801 15487599
    tomek10861
    Level 27  
    Posts: 1371
    Help: 13
    Rate: 199
    It looks like a cable cable to me - in my block it is on an analogue ;) However, the network is tight - unless I plugged a piece of wire into the wall socket as a transmitting antenna :D
  • #802 15487635
    methyl
    Level 16  
    Posts: 183
    Help: 2
    Rate: 32
    KamilOc,
    if you want to check if your cable is the source of the signal, the easiest way is to plug into the antenna socket and check what's going there and where :)

    And the buff in SDR SHARP is one of the most important settings and is here:
    How to use RTL-SDR on a cheap USB DVB-T tuner for HF and 64–1700 MHz?
  • #803 15487657
    internick
    Level 36  
    Posts: 3081
    Help: 273
    Rate: 555
    angro wrote:
    From the frequency and method of communication, it looks like a fire brigade


    Box.

    Codename W is Crisis Management.

    The fire brigade has an F, so it would be TF if anything, but they rather say, eg Ostrowiec 998
  • #804 15514810
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #805 15514849
    lysy1980
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2228
    Help: 205
    Rate: 319
    How the sound card allows it, why not. Eg has 2 audio outputs for front and rear speakers, or use SPDIF.
    If you do not have such a card or equipment with SPDIF input, you can buy an Alledrogo USB card - there are a few zlotys + shipping and send audio from the receiving program to it, and default music to the card.
  • #806 15514856
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #807 15515420
    Tommy82
    Level 41  
    Posts: 12141
    Help: 455
    Rate: 1073
    @KamilOc I do not know if it is compatible with all phones, i.e. if the phone will be charged in usb host mode, but there is something like this
    google phrase:
    OTG CABLE ADAPTER Micro USB + Y-cable power
  • #808 15515811
    mariusz9787
    Level 2  
    Posts: 3
    Rate: 1
    Hello, can anyone help me with the bandwidth setting on the RTL2832U tuner with the R820T chipset. I would like to receive unencrypted DSD + mototrbo or GPS location. Can anybody help me?
  • #809 15516006
    internick
    Level 36  
    Posts: 3081
    Help: 273
    Rate: 555
    For the identification on the map to work, LRRP must be configured in the radio. In my experience, nobody in Poland (maybe I don't know something?) Uses it. There are samples on Radioreference, incl. from the Czech Republic or Slovakia, where positioning works. DSD does not decode locations from Hytera.
  • #810 15516057
    mariusz9787
    Level 2  
    Posts: 3
    Rate: 1
    Has anyone tested in the Lublin voivodeship? I also have a question, does the ambulance talk a lot on the radio or does everything go through the terminals?
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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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