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

Ganjor86 722752 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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  • #871 15635341
    Verdis98
    Level 9  
    Posts: 26
    Rate: 2
    I have a question. Because I have a dvb-t Not only tv lv5tz card. From what I read on the internet, it has a Phillips tuner chipset, and more specifically NXP TDA18271. Is it possible for this card to work with SDR Sharp? I choose all possible options and nothing :( I have installed the manufacturer's drivers. Maybe some other program can handle it. Thank you in advance for your answer :)
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  • #872 15635500
    BOOM i ZONK
    Level 22  
    Posts: 596
    Help: 20
    Rate: 72
    It is not possible, but you can give a photo of the guts.
  • #873 15636332
    Verdis98
    Level 9  
    Posts: 26
    Rate: 2
    I opened it. On 2 integrated circuits it is written QTT1010 K4894413064111E and on the other AF9015A-N10918-HLM72

    Added after 9 [minutes]:

    I have one more question. Namely, if I bought something on the realtek system (I do not remember the number), this standard antenna will be good at the beginning, will I have to make / buy an antenna?
  • #874 15636621
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    Posts: 562
    Help: 14
    Rate: 136
    Verdis98 wrote:
    I opened it. On 2 integrated circuits it is written QTT1010 K4894413064111E and on the other AF9015A-N10918-HLM72

    Added after 9 [minutes]:

    I have one more question. Namely, if I bought something on the realtek system (I do not remember the number), this standard antenna will be good at the beginning, will I have to make / buy an antenna?


    Buddy in the post 860 I gave a link to the page where he writes what you need to have systems except RTL2832 for the tuner to work and receive. Link to the page. http://sdr.osmocom.org/trac/wiki/rtl-sdr
    Obviously the original antenna is not suitable for reception unless you are listening to base stations up to 5 km away. It has all been written many times on this forum, you only need to read the topic carefully from beginning to end.
    From this Not Only Tv series, only the tuner LV5TDLX had RTL and FC0012, FC0013 and E4000 tuners, but I do not recommend them better to buy tuners from NooElec http://www.nooelec.com/store/sdr/sdr-receivers/nesdr-mini- 2-plus.html or its cheaper Chinese counterparts with the R820T2 tuner chip in a blue housing available on the Allegro.
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  • #875 15641019
    sq9gk
    Level 11  
    Posts: 7
    I am really interested in sdr tx and there are several projects I found on the internet, including mcHF or Red pitaya or HackRF One. I did not find much about them in the electrode, does any of my colleagues know which of the above-mentioned ones is most suitable for shortwave applications, i.e. the construction of sdr rx / tx?
    Sorry for offTop but I didn't know what topic to ask about it.
  • #876 15641982
    BOOM i ZONK
    Level 22  
    Posts: 596
    Help: 20
    Rate: 72
    For KF, maybe something from YU1LM.
  • #877 15642002
    sq9gk
    Level 11  
    Posts: 7
    I don't know if I feel this way to put together something from YU1LM. I am looking for something a bit more put together, something like this has interested me recently:
    http://www.rtl-sdr.com/building-a-ham-tranceiver-with-an-rtl-sdr-raspberry-pi-and-rpitx/
    http://www.rtl-sdr.com/transmitting-fm-am-ssb-sstv-and-fsq-with-just-a-raspberry-pi/
    https://www.kielydile.com/2014/06/13/raspberry-pi-ham-radio-1-wspr/
    Some input filters and an antenna and to start playing with KF and even more and all kinds of emissions are there.
    The most important thing is that the price is affordable and that is probably my main criterion. I'm just interested if any of my colleagues tried to play with raspberry, red pitaya, or hackrf one, and how much is it suitable for everyday use?
  • #879 15648540
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    Posts: 562
    Help: 14
    Rate: 136
    You do not hear because this is how it should be, there is a so-called "repeater" in the program settings. But I recommend that you download the KG-TONE program from the attachments and turn it on. It is better because, in addition to transmitting sound from VAC to loudspeakers, it also shows DCS, CTCSS and DTMF codes from stations.
  • #880 15650062
    BOOM i ZONK
    Level 22  
    Posts: 596
    Help: 20
    Rate: 72
    @ sq9gk It all depends on what you expect from such equipment. From my point of view, Red Pitaya looks the most attractive because of its capabilities, but its web interface (EEVBlog) may be a problem. As for RB Pi ... well, a good base but for something .... hmmm and this price, and you can always "train" her for some other profession. Just remember that all this magic of SDR ends and also begins when the signal goes to the A / D converter. Then everything (amplifiers, filters, antennas, etc.) is as it was - "analog"!
  • #881 15650177
    Hajna
    Level 24  
    Posts: 478
    Help: 69
    Rate: 145
    As a colleague BOOM I ZONG wrote, you cannot require a scanner from the SDR, which costs a thousand, but you can listen to something, I listen to PKP on 150 MHz, 121 Airport, 149 fire brigade in my area. I use this SDR and I'm happy because it has a scanner. Zodiak is in the directory to install the driver if needed.
    Attachments:
    • SDR.rar (8.47 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #882 15650732
    sq9gk
    Level 11  
    Posts: 7
    Thanks buddy BOOM I ZONG, which is further confusion and confusion. I cannot afford transcivers for 5 or 50 k PLN, although I really like them :) I know that I will not run away from the analog because it is the charm of this hobby. SDR offers a lot of possibilities when it comes to signal analysis (satellites, and decoding and coding). I would also prefer red pitaya, but I don't understand what you meant when you wrote about problems with its interface?
    Oh, and you, my friend Hajna, I don't understand? It seems to me that even this low-cost "toy" tuner for r820t2 and rtl2832u is worth much more than scanners for even a few thousand.
  • #883 15654580
    darek89a
    Level 9  
    Posts: 11
    don_viking wrote:
    You do not hear because this is how it should be, there is a so-called "repeater" in the program settings. But I recommend that you download the KG-TONE program from the attachments and turn it on. It is better because, in addition to transmitting sound from VAC to loudspeakers, it also shows DCS, CTCSS and DTMF codes from stations.
    I did some research and it worked

    Added after 17 [minutes]:

    Today I bought a kit with a 50 MHz up converter How to use RTL-SDR on a cheap USB DVB-T tuner for HF and 64–1700 MHz? How to use RTL-SDR on a cheap USB DVB-T tuner for HF and 64–1700 MHz? How to use RTL-SDR on a cheap USB DVB-T tuner for HF and 64–1700 MHz? and I have a problem after connecting it all and setting the Polish radio on all frequencies How to use RTL-SDR on a cheap USB DVB-T tuner for HF and 64–1700 MHz? I have a mini-whip antenna
  • #884 15717536
    Hajna
    Level 24  
    Posts: 478
    Help: 69
    Rate: 145
    I am asking a wiser than me to insert a scanner into this file, because I don't have the strength anymore. I am from Silesia and I ask the moderator not to stress me with writing about the regulations, etc., etc. I just can't make a scanner with this sdr. Thank you for any help.


    Moderated By kriss51.:

    I am also from Silesia, and I can write correctly in Polish. However, when registering on this forum, you must follow the rules. This time I translated from Silesia into Polish :D

    Attachments:
    • SDR Skaner.rar (8.38 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #885 15720135
    BOOM i ZONK
    Level 22  
    Posts: 596
    Help: 20
    Rate: 72
    It is still unknown what it was about @Hajna , however, when browsing the package, I conclude that it was about adding a plug-in to the program.
    Attachments:
    • SDR#1323 QPSK AUXvfo SCANER(.NET 3.5).7z (2.28 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #886 15720808
    Hajna
    Level 24  
    Posts: 478
    Help: 69
    Rate: 145
    It was about the plugin, because I can't handle it, it's great that you are also from Silesia, so I invite you to visit me in Zabrze.

    Added after 12 [minutes]:

    But you didn't make the plug for me, and I wanted a scanner in this file because I have a lot of these drivers, but I only want the scanner in this.
  • #887 15720900
    BOOM i ZONK
    Level 22  
    Posts: 596
    Help: 20
    Rate: 72
    But what does a message pop up for you? That something is not working or what ??
  • #888 15731347
    mrqpa
    Level 13  
    Posts: 113
    Help: 5
    Rate: 3
    Anyone know where in Warsaw or nearby you can buy an MCX-IEC adapter? Or even better how to do it yourself. My dongle is blue, with "NooElec R820T2 SDR & DVB-T NESDR Mini2" on the housing.
  • #889 15731378
    lysy1980
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2228
    Help: 205
    Rate: 319
    How to make? Either buy MCX plug + cable + IEC socket, or cut the antenna from the set, (leave the cable with the plug) buy an IEC socket for the RG174 cable and clamp or solder.
  • #890 15731634
    mrqpa
    Level 13  
    Posts: 113
    Help: 5
    Rate: 3
    Buying in my case is not that simple, I can't get this adapter anywhere, and I don't really trust various types of auction sites. Cutting the antenna from the set is not an option, the cable that connects the receiver with the antenna is very poorly made and allows a lot of interference. It is interesting that these disturbances are greatest when I listen in on the Windows + SDR # set, and much smaller on the Ubuntu + gqrx set.
  • #891 15732210
    Tommy82
    Level 41  
    Posts: 12141
    Help: 455
    Rate: 1073
    @mrqpa
    It may be that something is working under Windows that is disturbing you. A very interesting observation.
  • #892 15732336
    mrqpa
    Level 13  
    Posts: 113
    Help: 5
    Rate: 3
    The antenna is on a magnetic base. I found that the best reception under Ubuntu is if this stand is placed on some metal surface. The opposite is true for Windows. I have no idea what this may be the result of. In addition, they probably sold me an older version of the dongle, because the housing is supposed to be R820T2, but the software already detects it as R820T. On this antenna from the set I also receive the audio of some channels from the analog UPC cable. I do not know if this is due to the good sensitivity of this device, or rather the "leaky" installation of the cable operator.
  • #893 15732727
    slu_1982
    Level 26  
    Posts: 1093
    Help: 47
    Rate: 335
    mrqpa wrote:
    The antenna is on a magnetic base. I found that the best reception under Ubuntu is if this stand is placed on some metal surface. The opposite is true for Windows. I have no idea what this may be the result of. In addition, they probably sold me an older version of the dongle, because the housing is supposed to be R820T2, but the software already detects it as R820T. On this antenna from the set I also receive the audio of some channels from the analog UPC cable. I do not know if this is due to the good sensitivity of this device, or rather the "leaky" installation of the cable operator.



    Of course, from a leaky cable installation :|

    I understand well that you mean such an IEC connector?
    How to use RTL-SDR on a cheap USB DVB-T tuner for HF and 64–1700 MHz?
  • #894 15732744
    lysy1980
    Level 33  
    Posts: 2228
    Help: 205
    Rate: 319
    Antenna IEC (COAX)
  • #896 15743322
    nasu
    Level 22  
    Posts: 1101
    Help: 11
    Rate: 251
    Hello
    ..... and how to watch TV or listen to the dab radio after replacing the drivers
  • #897 15745141
    Hajna
    Level 24  
    Posts: 478
    Help: 69
    Rate: 145
    For BOOM and ZONK I finally mastered adding plugins, dll applications. the scanner should be copied to the main SDR Sharp directory, while the magician lines to the Plugins directory and of course, open it with a notepad and save the changes, everything works fine, as I dreamed. I tried to write Kriss51 in the language I understood. Thanks to everyone for now, and I attach the PKP file I mean.
    Attachments:
    • PKP.rar (8.38 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #898 15781795
    don_viking
    Level 21  
    Posts: 562
    Help: 14
    Rate: 136
    For those interested in the SDR program, I recommend testing the new SDRUNO program. It is less demanding on the processor, perhaps because the "sample rate" is 0.96 Msps and in fact, as in the description on the website, the sound is clean and better than in SDRSharp. http://rtlsdr4everyone.blogspot.com/2016/07/rtl-sdr-with-sdruno-first-steps.html

    The problem may exist if the signal is put on VAC to decode digital modulations in eg DSD. I put the signal on VAC but probably some filters are set and DSD does not decode the signal. I haven't had time to check all the options yet, but maybe someone has solved this problem and will describe the settings. The downside of the program is that you have to reset the sample rate every time you start the program, the program does not remember it after closing it.
  • #899 15788967
    bogi
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1135
    Help: 103
    Rate: 244
    Hello,

    Does any of the programs from post # 843 z win 10 work. Everything is installed for me, but I have silence in the audio. After replacing the drivers, they disappear in the device manager
  • #900 15801561
    kappav22
    Level 9  
    Posts: 26
    Rate: 4
    I have a problem with win 10, I cannot install the drivers for listening. How to use RTL-SDR on a cheap USB DVB-T tuner for HF and 64–1700 MHz?
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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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