RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO SMA SDR Dongle (Device Only) Review

Interesting technology. Downloading the SDR software was easy, but the sequence of activating three different files to connect the SDR receiver to the network was complicated. Once activated, it is a single file download (SDR#). To get the best display performance, you need a fast computer. I was initially unable to get RF reception until I stopped playback by clicking the square icon, then going to settings and selecting "Q Branch DIRECT SELECT". Then the HF came alive. Hooray. Maybe not as…

I ordered one of these and spent hours and hours upon days getting it to work. I figured from all the positive reviews this must be something I was doing wrong, even though I followed the quick start guide closely. I finally threw in the towel and sent it back for a refund. But I kept thinking about it, so I ordered another one and decided I'd look into it. I'm glad I did because I finished the second one in 15 minutes, have enjoyed it ever since. The first one I received was obviously…

You Won't Believe It! I followed the downloaded instructions and downloaded the free "AirSpy" software. Everything worked for me in 15 minutes. To be successful, do the following: Read the instructions and follow them verbatim. Your antenna decides between success or nothing. I use a better VHF antenna but it worked initially with a simple wire. For other bands you need to learn which antennas to use. The SMA connector is annoying, but Revain has adapter connectors. If you're worried about the…

I really started listening to amateur radio in the early 70's, then CB, but by 1977 computers pushed me to the background and after that I hardly touched the radio anymore. I recently received a pair of Baofeng handhelds and then found out about SDR. I was shocked! It really has come a long way for listeners! The amazing thing is the cost. and SRDSharp software for FREE! So I bought two for $50 and connected one to the antenna with the long cable and the other to the antenna that comes with the

I am very impressed with this receiver. I have been involved in amateur radio and shortwave listening for over 50 years and have been involved in two-way radio communications for almost as long. I have tested the RTL-SDR both on a test bench and at my home radio amateur station. I'm amazed how well it works. One thing has to be understood. It doesn't matter if the radio is a $20 USB dongle or a $5,000 luxury receiver; A radio is only as good as the antenna you connect it to. At home I hooked up

As a radio amateur, scanner junkie, electronics geek and lifelong radio amateur, this has to be one of the greatest 'inventions' I've ever seen have passed on. 30+ years. In the past, if you wanted a broadband, all-mode receiver with a spectrum display and more features than you could count, you had to shell out several thousand dollars for a unit that had to be installed on a 19-inch TV. Now, for about $20, you can plug this little USB device into your computer and get just as good, if not…