Review on NooElec NESDR Smart XTR SDR - High-Quality RTL-SDR with Expanded Frequency Range, Durable Aluminum Enclosure, Accurate 0.5PPM TCXO, SMA Input. RTL2832U & E4000-Based Software Defined Radio by Jordan Epps

I have two basic NooElec SDRs that I'm happy with, but I was drawn to the features of this one. Later in this review I will share a few tips for operation. I hear a noticeable difference in noise level and sensitivity. However, I don't hear anything that I wouldn't hear on the other two - only better. Better antennas in lower-noise locations can make that difference on cheaper radios. However, there is untapped potential caused by poor PCB selection. Bending the USB plug changes the frequency by a few Hertz. I'm not talking about straining it, something like installing something on the coax where it pulls the end of the wrench down slightly is all it takes. The change in frequency is small but sufficient to affect copying of some digital modes. I plug the dongle into a Type A USB extension cable. I've now blown the generator by leaving it plugged into a laptop running my favorite SDR program since I got the radio 10 days ago at the time of this review have received. It only drifted slightly when new (besides what I mentioned above) and now even that at room temperature has improved. If you're using an upconverter, you need to take that into account if you notice any drift. I disable AGC on any SDR software I use as it always boosts the gain much higher than it should. I find it as sensitive as I want it to be with no false alarms. Calibrating the SDR buttons so that WWV or your chosen time/frequency standard stations read the exact frequency to the nearest Hertz is not possible due to the way radios are tuned. All in all I am very happy with this SDR radio as its E4000 tuner is significantly better than the R820T2 tuner found in smaller radios. doesn't help, and changing the software doesn't help (or messing around with software settings), then investing in it may be necessary. Please note that this radio has a coverage gap of approximately 1 GHz which is listed in the specifications. and online description.