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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 logo

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 Review

6

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Poor

Revainrating 3 out of 5  
Rating 
2.8
📺 External TV Tuners, ⌨️ Computer External Components

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img 1 attached to 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
img 2 attached to 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
img 3 attached to 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
img 4 attached to 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

Details

BrandNooElec
Tuner TechnologyADS-B
Item Dimensions LxWxH4.72 x 1.97 x 0.39 inches
Voltage5 Volts

Description of 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

Premium software defined radio NESDR SMArt XTR in a beautiful silver brushed aluminum enclosure. A wide variety of improvements on other designs, including ultra-low phase noise 0.5PPM TCXO, 2 RF-suitable voltage regulators, custom heatsink, 2 silicone pads and SMA female connector. Designed from the ground up to reduce USB port occlusion. Run multiple NESDR SMArt series devices side-by-side with any USB-compliant device, including tightly-spaced embedded devices like the Raspberry Pi. SDR frequency capability approximately 65MHz-2300MHz. Frequency range can be extended down to 100kHz or lower with the Ham It Up, also available on Amazon (B009LQT3G6). Proudly built by NooElec in the USA and Canada! Full 2-year product warranty.

Reviews

Global ratings 6
  • 5
    0
  • 4
    1
  • 3
    4
  • 2
    0
  • 1
    1

Type of review

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Took less than 6 months and only used twice

Bought to replace the same XTR I used in my GOES receiver. The original lasted a few years on the road (in a box). I got this one in February, it worked twice but the third time it just makes noise.

Pros
  • Excellent overall performance
Cons
  • Empty

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Runs cooler but has a frequency gap.

Works basically the same as other SDR dongles. Runs much cooler than the other type but has an annoying dimming window in the 1090MHz band which I bought it for so I can't use it for ADS-B.

Pros
  • Good workmanship
Cons
  • Only available in black

Revainrating 3 out of 5

What a headache. And it still doesn't work.

Looks nice and high quality, but it's actually a paperweight. It has nothing to do with it. Couldn't get it to work with my Rpi 4, my Android or my Mac. Never showed up as an external device. There were no drivers, no instructions, not even an antenna adapter in the kit. The website also gives you almost no support or information on how to get it working. Don't waste your money, buy what works. 36€ definitely not worth it

Pros
  • Complete set
Cons
  • Reliability

Revainrating 1 out of 5

Very good for FM radio

For FM and Airbands I would suggest these instead of the R820T buttons. This runs cooler and the resulting sound quality is generally clearer.

Pros
  • Quick change
Cons
  • Doubtful

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Non offset tee for external TV tuners

NO TEE. Warning, product names are boiling over and I bought the wrong item. This device cannot power the LNA. Generates a strong artificial signal in the middle of the Sdraharp waterfall (apparently this is normal for some SDRs), but my Rtl-SDR doesn't. I didn't have an altitude tester but it paired well with FM stations and the local AM band, as well as a 2m USB cradle. Unless you're running above 1Ghz I'd go with the cheaper and slightly more user-friendly rtl-sdr, the silver one.

Pros
  • Brilliantly finished
Cons
  • Disappears

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Very nice but not quite perfect

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…

Pros
  • Hands-free operation
Cons
  • Very expensive