Review on 📻 Nooelec NESDR Smart v4 SDR: Premium RTL-SDR with Aluminum Enclosure, 0.5PPM TCXO, SMA Input - Software Defined Radio Review by Shawn Torres

I am using the NESDR as a pan adapter with a Yaesu FT450D ham radio transceiver. I installed the first IF buffer board and backplane connector on the FT450D. When connected to this dongle via the HDSDR software, this allows the HDSDR software to display a broadband view around the tuned frequency on the transceiver. The device is very suitable for this. The temperature-compensated TXCO improves frequency stability compared to the cheaper base unit. This ensures that the frequency displayed on the transceiver and panadapter is consistent. The problem with this model is that the four USB pins in the USB connector's metal shell are too far from the tip of the connector. The connector socket does not provide sufficient contact for a reliable connection. The slightest movement of a button or an extension cable disconnects the device from the computer. Contact is very sporadic. This problem occurred with any USB port or extension cord. Other users reported the same problem. I contacted Nooelec. While somewhat helpful, they seemed unaware of the issue. Eventually I solved the problem myself by filing a few millimeters off the end of the USB connector with a flat file. This allows the key plug to be pushed further into the socket, creating a secure connection. No more shutdowns.