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

First of all, I've been a radio amateur since the 80s and have a top class (highest) rating. I was looking for a very portable scanner that I could take on a trip to listen to frequencies from airlines (even private pilots) that wouldn't take up much space in my full under seat bag and wouldn't look suspicious at the airport. like a normal scanner. The good news is that it works, the bad news is that there are some limitations. The idea of sticking a small antenna on it and connecting it to a cell phone or tablet via an OTG adapter is not feasible. The main problem is that SDR radio consumes more power than OTG via USB port. Solution: Buy a self-powered USB cable. This allows you to plug one end into the charger I always travel with, which will power the radio and not drain my phone or tablet. Adapter /dp/B071X8BCFH/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=powered+usb+cable+otg&qid=1552141974&s=gateway&sr=8-3 You will then need a USB extension cable for your phone or tablet so that you can place the device in a convenient place , and any adapters for your specific phone, USB to C, etc. It's easy to make and not expensive. Then the antenna! The beauty of this radio is that it has a very wide frequency range from commercial FM up to 1700GHz and beyond. This covers most commercial bands including airplanes, first responders, most walkie-talkies and even cell phones. Please note that many systems on these tapes are encrypted and not easy to control. The beauty of this SDR radio is the spectrum display or "waterfall" which shows you part of the band and all active frequencies. You can simply move your virtual vernier to a hotspot and control the frequency. In addition, there is a constant visual display of all activity in that part of the spectrum, allowing you to see frequencies with intermittent activity. You can also easily select all common radio modulation schemes such as AM, FM, Narrow FM, SSB USB, LSB and CW amateur radio, etc. Of course you need an antenna and unfortunately the antennas are tuned to the frequencies you want to hear. It is very important when sending, less for receiving. For example, international amateur radio frequencies have a wavelength of about 65 feet (20 meters) the length of a solid wave antenna. 1/4 wave antennas also work at around 16 feet. Inconvenient to take with you, also you need an additional adapter (try it) to receive lower frequencies. On the other hand, 1700 MX signal, near the upper data limit of LTE mobile phones, with a full wavelength of 6 inches 3RCJLW4EP4MW&keywords=wideband+scanner+antenna&qid=1552143429&s=electronics&sprefix=wideband+scanner+antenna+%2Celectronics%2C20 You need a SMA female connector for the antenna. Finally you need software for your phone, tablet or computer are open source and free (donation) while others have demo version and small fee ($5-$10) for Android versions / IOS. Try before you buy! All in all a great product with serious uses.