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

With this model and the V2 I can receiving Outernet with excellent results as well as other L-Band signals from Inmarsat (1.5 GHz band) -- both Safety Net and AERO signals. Not using an elaborate antenna - the patch sold by Outernet works well. I use an older version of SDR# (1361) and the only issues I have are USB related and nothing to do with the RTL-SDR. I also run a receive only iGate for APRS on VHF with an older RTL-SDR and have received all sorts of digital modes in the HF bands, too many to mention. When anyone decides to delve into the world of software defined radio be prepared to do a lot of experimentation with software and hardware, antennas etc. Trial and error is part of the game, and patience will pay off, but there seems to be the notion that a lot of experience with traditional radios will produce quick results. Some of the low scores are probably due to expecting a plug and play device, which this is not. I am a radio amateur, but that per se wont necessarily guarantee results. Almost forgot to mention that the TCXO, metal case, and the bias-T (remote powering of an LNA) are features that give this a higher rating than many RTL-SDRs..

This is the RTL-STL dongle to get for sure. I had a previous one that finally burned out. But this one the frequency is perfect. I no longer have to use offsets to get it set correctly to match my yaesu rig. Works fantastic.

This flavor does not include any antennas, so if that is important to you make sure you order one that includes it. Works as expected. Im currently running this on a Raspberry Pi as an APRS iGate. This does get warm, hence the metal enclosure on it. I had an antenna to use with this, but still needed to purchase an adapter cable to get this to mate up to the antenna. This was my first adventure into an SDR, so I have to say overall I am happy with it. I bought this, built something with it, and it worked, so I have mark that as a successful first attempt.

On windows or Android this device has some amazing capabilities. It merges the analog world of radio communications with the digital world. It allows frequencies to be isolated via a “waterfall display” that visually indicates radio traffic, signal strength, frequency and modulation bandwidth. This is a great cost effective way to start listening to short wave, you will also need a good antenna and I recommend putting this device as close to your external antenna as possible using to a USB extension cable to isolate it from external noise and forgo the signal loss in RF cable. My antenna and SDR device are in my attic… enjoy.

Here it is attached to my Raspberry Pi acting as an ADS-B station. The design of the CPU allows the device to hang in mid-air letting it stay cool running 24x7. According to the stats pages, it is doing exactly what it is supposed to.

Miss the boat anchors, but this requires no tubes!

A few years ago, I had a previous model of this SDR dongle which wasnt capable of tuning HF without the purchase of additional hardware. The current version does not have this limitation. Just remember to switch to Q Branch Direct Sampling in your favorite SDR software and youll be tuning in HF signals in no time with the proper antenna. So far, Ive just used SDRTouch on my Android phone and received everything from the local FM Rock station to amateur radio VHF/UHF repeaters and broadcast shortwave stations. Ill install the SDRTouch app on my Samsung Galaxy tablet later and then try out SDR# again, after several years, on the Windows computer. I was amazed at how full featured the Android app was while using the RTL-SDR dongle. Being able to use this dongle with an Android app makes it quite portable. The best $30 Ive spent in a very long time!