Review on 📻 Discover the Power of RTL2832U Software Defined Radio (SDR) with RTL SDR Blog by Kevin Carr

This is a very valuable item - what it can do for the price is hard to beat. It definitely works as advertised, but be aware that you'll need to read online user guides as no documentation is included with the device. The website printed on the module is a great resource. For those wondering about the HF reception I can confirm that using the Q channel direct sampling setup results in 500kHz tuning as advertised. I have successfully received AM broadcasts and shortwave broadcasts on 49, 31 and 25 meters. I wasn't so lucky with the amateur radio bands, but that's mainly because the supplied antenna is basically not suitable for them. Given that I can pick up the AM and SW bands, I don't see why it wouldn't work on the amateur bands with the right antenna placement. VHF/UHF works great. Weather, public safety, FM broadcasting are easily accessible with the included antennas. I've even had limited success decoding the P25 Phase 1 using DSD+ software with Virtual Audio Device software. Many Windows programs are available to use this module and it's easy to get started with a quick guide on rtl-sdr.com. Unfortunately I wanted to use my Mac. There are several Mac apps, but they're not as full-featured as the Windows apps. However, I can also confirm that it is possible to get the module working on a Mac using the Windows apps HDSDR and SDR# (they tend to be the most popular ones) if you use Wine and install the correct drivers (thanks homebrew). This process isn't for beginners, but if you know macOS, Wine, and Homebrew, you should be able to figure it out. Let's just say I learned a lot from it. In the end, if you have even the slightest interest in trying SDR, you're doing yourself a disservice by giving up such cheap hardware. It works, no problems. UPDATE: I hung a random wire antenna in my yard and can now report great success picking up amateur RF activity out to 160m. With the right software I can decode CW, SSB and many digital modes. I also use the DSD+ software to decode Project 25 and DMR on the UHF public safety bands. I still can't believe this is all possible with a $20 dongle!