RTL-SDR Blog V3 R860 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO SMA Software Defined Radio (Dongle Only) (Black)

I can hear ALL the shortwave stations with this I can here on my Satellit 750 Shortwave Radio including SSB (USB/LSB). I do get bleed over and EMI. I hear a close by, strong AM radio station throughout the SDR-RTL spectrum. I understand this and it is NOT a problem as NONE of them are running over any Shortwave Station. I like this rtl-sdr dongle as I can SEE all the broadcasting frequencies in the range I have set on my software (I use CubicSDR). To hear shortwave, dont forget to change your softwares direct sampling settings. MOST rtl-sdr Software (like CubicSDR, HDSDR and GQRX) support direct sampling. It may entail setting a device string, and for the Q-branch, the value should be 2 (or sometimes 3). In GQRX for example, the device string would be rtl=0,direct_samp=2 (without the quotes).

With this USB SDR and the software packages named RTL-SDR and RTL_433 I can intercept and decode all my 319.5 Mhz Honeywell/Interlogix alarm window sensors and send that to my HomeAssistant automation via MQTT. This is the command line I test with decoding for Interlogix. rtl_433 -f 319500000 -R 100 -q -F json Then I use the /usr/local/etc/rtl_433/rtl_433.conf file to actually setup RTL_433 to send the formatted data. Here is the contents of mine for Interlogix: device 0 output mqtt://${host}:${port},user=${username},pass=${password},retain=${retain},events=rtl_433[/model][/id] output json frequency 319500000 protocol 100 convert si report_meta time:tz report_meta level report_meta stats report_meta protocol verbose 1 and my configuration.yaml from HA: mqtt: sensor: - name: Window 1 unique_id: a7d042 state_topic: rtl_433/Interlogix-Security/a7d042 value_template: {{value_json.switch1}}

Product as represented.

I ordered one of these and spent hours and hours over several days trying to get it to work. I figured that, with all the positive feedback, it must be something that I was doing wrong, in spite of following the Quick Start Guide to the letter. I finally threw in the towel and sent it back for a refund. But I kept thinking about it, so I ordered another one, determined that I was going to figure this thing out. Im glad I did, because I was up and running in 15 minutes with the second one, and Ive been having fun with it ever since. The first one I received was obviously defective. If you follow the instructions, and it doesnt work properly, dont waste a lot of time trying to troubleshoot it. Send it back for a replacement. I took off one star for the lack of quality control. Had the first one worked, I would have rated it 5 stars.

What is not to like...it is cheap, works as it should, and it is the best value when it comes to low-priced software defined radios. In my shack I have older multi mode transceivers, pre-SDR. Currently I use 2 RTLs protected by a MFJ 1708b TR switch. I use SDR Console software to give me a decent view of the band Im operating on as well as received signals I may be interested in contacting. It is NOT a substitute for sophisticated transceivers such as a FlexRadio or an Apache, but this configuration works fine for me. In fact, this setup has spoiled me so much, I am not in any hurry to upgrade to a modern SDR transceiver. A SDR is only as good as the software you use. Luckily there are many choices such as SDR Console (my favorite), HDSDR, SDR Sharp, and SDR Uno. Im starting to like Uno but it has more features than I need but it is interesting. I think I may buy a few more just to give as Christmas presents. Go ahead and buy one, you cant go wrong!

You wont believe it ! I followed the downloaded instructions and downloaded the free AirSpy software. I had it up and running withing 15 minutes. For success, note the following: Read the instructions and follow them to the letter. Your antenna will make the difference between success or nothing. I use a better FM antenna but it initially worked with a simple wire. For the other bands you need to research what antennas to use. The SMA connector is annoying but Amazon has adapter connectors. If you are concerned about the dongle getting warm, elevate it so there is ample air flow around it. I bought a 5 pack of 6 USB extension (also from Amazon) since the dongle (and other dongles I own) will partially cover neighboring USB ports; these are relatively cheap. With patience and care this is not hard to get up and running. The waterfall display is really great. There are more costly SDR devices and I am sure they perform for the more sophisticated need but this inexpensive is worth the $21 for long hours of fun and use.

This is like a singing pig, it isnt very good but the amazing thing is it can sing at all. I am reviewing the HF side of this, on VHF and above it seems as good as any of the cheap dongles. For HF it works in direct sample mode, but not that well. I did get my moneys worth, so no complaints, but we all have to know a $20 or so HF receiver is not going to be very good. I will probably move this to VHF and above duty soon.

do it obs

This opens up doors to the world. Instead of purchasing an expensive transceiver/receiver this allows you access to all the different types of radio bands out there (propagation and interference permitting). It works well with trunked scanner frequencies and analog transmission. I can hook up all different types of antennas to it that have a SMA connector or adapter. It is fun seeing how far I can hear radio from on the shortwave bands and listen to ham radio transmission on both HF and 2m bands. It is a great tool to use to get acquainted with radio before getting ones ham radio license or just have fun DXing on the listeners end of things. Very glad this tech is out there.

The website makes it easy to install on windows machines. Linux machines are a bit more tricky, but there is plenty of guides and tutorials to help out. One thing I have noticed is after about 30 minutes of using the dongle does heat up. I’m considering using a heat sink or small cooling fan. Also having different antennas is very helpful. All in all a great value!!