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Thread: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

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    Lightbulb How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    Hi Guys,

    Would you like to receive shortwave radio from both AM and SSB stations?

    Would you like to receive SSTV from the space station?

    Would you like to receive weather images from satellites?

    Would you like to receive aircraft transporter data from overhead planes?

    All you need is a USB SDR dongle with the appropriate antenna that is connected to a computer that is running free software.

    So what is SDR?

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software-defined_radio

    Back in the day. Someone accidentally discovered that the DVB-T USB dongle (device for receiving TV signals and feeding it to the computer via USB) can also receive a wide range of frequencies that was the day when SDR exploded onto the scene.

    The cheap SDR technology has moved on since then and now you can get cheap SDR receivers from Aliexpress. Here is what I purchased recently.

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...1a541802C59wOZ

    Click image for larger version

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    So what's the catch? The SDR receiver requires an antenna and a computer with the appropriate software.

    If you're interested in this thread please let me know below.

    Cheers Szymon

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    Lightbulb Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    • CB - Citizens Band Radio On A SDR USB Dongle - How to set up with GQRX in Linux Mint #TECK #LINUX

    Doing NeatO Things in #Linux #CBRadio #SDR #GQRX
    In this video I use a Software Defined Radio to tune the CB radio bands and listen to side band radio!
    My MLA 30 antenna is now in a much better spot for receiving AM, CB, HF and Short Wave Radio

    Other videos on this topic

    Shortwave SDR - Software Defined Radio - HF Upconverter - MLA 30 - GQRX in Linux Mint
    youtube.com/watch?v=JCI9yKdwVDM
    ---
    USB Software-defined radio SDR GQRX in Linux Mint
    youtube.com/watch?v=Xsz9nQCX0RA
    ---
    How to use a USB to Computer Fm Radio - GQRX - SDR Touch
    youtube.com/watch?v=e_vrP520gO0
    ---
    UHF VHF Two Way Radio Scanner - Introduction To Scanners
    youtube.com/watch?v=XnJJwpOpLFI

    --o-O-o--
    • You Need A Cheap USB SDR Radio Dongle ~$25-125:

    Be very careful NOT to put the magnet too close to the USB device or any other USB device!

    • Listen To Almost All Radio Frequencies for $20 | USB RTL SDR Dongle:

    • USB SDR For Beginners - Listening To GMRS Or Ham On SDR & Basic Overview Of SDR Using CubicSDR Software:

    cheers,
    John 🦜🦋🌳
    Last edited by ExomatrixTV; 17th April 2023 at 17:55.
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    Lightbulb Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    • "The Coolest Radio You've Probably Never Heard Of"

    Software Defined Radio (or SDR) is one of those things that I never knew existed as I was getting into the radio hobby. After learning about it, it's one of the coolest radios in my humble communications arsenal.

    In this video I want to introduce you to SDR, and share just the slightest glimpse of what it has to offer in the hope that it inspires others to get into it and learn more.

    SDR Dongle (Affiliated links. The cost is the same to you but if you use this link I may earn a small commission on the purchase from Amazon to help support this channel):

    Amazon Link for RTL SDR V3: amzn.to/3px2eJg
    Amazon Link for Dipole Antenna Kit: amzn.to/3wjEfRO
    Amazon Link for Nooelec NESDR Smart v4 Bundle: amzn.to/3A1prYj
    • Software Defined Radio (SDR) on Android Device:

    Thanks to all the excellent questions, comments and help shared in the comments of my inaugural SDR video, I learned that I could use the SDR on my Android phone. In this video, I share that experience with you in case you're interested in doing the same.
    • 0:00 - Intro
    • 1:35 - Parts List
    • 2:20 - Driver & App Install
    • 2:58 - Hardware Setup & Demo
    • 5:58 - Final Thoughts & Closing
    --o-O-o--
    • Installing RTL-SDR & SDR Sharp on Win10 Made Easy - TheSmokinApe:

    --o-O-o--
    If you use SmartPhone or Laptop with USB RTL-SDR Device + proper Antenna, you can sweep ANY place to look for if a (hotel) room or place being "bugged" or not ... also to see how strong 4G LTE & (partial) 5G frequencies are!

    cheers,
    John 🦜🦋🌳
    Last edited by ExomatrixTV; 17th April 2023 at 17:55.
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    Default Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    Excellent Post by John.

    Here is how you can decode the SSTV (Slow Scan TV) from the space station, using any 2m 144mhz receiver with a phone app.


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    Exclamation Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    • 10 Common Mistakes Made With Software Defined Radio:

    If you're a new comer to the SDR or SWL hobby then here's 10 things which will help get you started and choose the right equipment to use, depending on your requirements. Zadig Driver:zadig.akeo.ie

    00:50 What software
    03:20 Device driver
    04:05 Coax type & losses
    05:21 Signal bandwidth
    06:27 Time of day
    08:00 Modulation type
    09:08 High gain setting
    09:52 Low gain setting
    10:29 Cheap & cloned SDR's
    11:44 Antennas
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    Default Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    • BSIDES CPT Hacking satellites with Software Defined Radio (SDR) - Gerard de Jong:

    Title: Hacking satellites with Software Defined Radio (SDR) Abstract: In this no holds barred down introduction to Software Defined Radio (SDR) you’ll learn how you can write software to hack remote control security gates, track ships at sea, code your own aircraft radar, and ultimately how to download data directly from various satellites in low earth orbit with nothing more than a cheap USB dongle and a makeshift antenna. Speaker: Gerard de Jong Twitter: @GDdeJong Speaker Bio: Software developer and consultant with over a decade’s experience building information systems. Holds a Master’s Degree in IT from the University of Pretoria and is a member of Mensa. Speaker at software development conferences such DevConf, Java Africa, LinuxConf[ZA] etc.
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    Lightbulb Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    If anyone who uses Linux is wondering, the command lines for Debian on the RTL SDR website work perfectly with Mint 21.2 and SDR++.

    • @-Tris- quote:
    "Someone discovered the world of SDR 😁 You will have a lot of fun with it😉
    Not a pro myself, but some tips: If you can, get your antennas outside. That's always the best option. Build or buy a 2m ground plane antenna. You can transmit on it, and they are great for listening to FM Broadcast, aircraft voice, ISS, NOAA weather satellites, 2m ham band, maybe there is something on 4m in your region. And a 1/4 wave 2m antenna is also a 3/4 wave 70cm antenna, so there is even more to receive with this one antenna. To improve reception, filters and maybe an amplifier can help. I still haven't tried decoding weather satellites myself. I like the idea of having a camera in space and getting the pictures directly from it.

    For shortwave, get a magnetic loop antenna like the MLA 30+ or YouLoop for example. Fldigi might be an interesting program for you to decode some stuff. But there might also be more modern software, not sure, it works for me.

    And just as I'm finished writing, the ISS is nearby. Listening to the repeater right now 🙂 "
    unquote
    Last edited by ExomatrixTV; 5th August 2024 at 20:53.
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    Default Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    • RTL SDR V4 - Now with Built-In HF Upconverter + More Features:

    Here we take a look at the brand new RTL SDR V4 Software Defined Radio received which has had vast improvements made over the V3, especially for HF reception. No more Q Branch for HF!

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    Default Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    • Checking Lower Frequencies With the Nooelec "Ham It Up":

    quote: "I've been doing a lot of VHF, UHF, and microwave radio stuff lately, and I almost forgot about the lower-frequency stuff! Most of my Software Defined Radios (SDRs) can't go below 30mhz, which was the hot part of the radio dial a century ago. Fortunately there's a product that will boost these lower-frequency signals up to where an SDR can see them, the Nooelec Ham-It-Up".

    This is NOT a sponsored review, although I did get one of my Ham It Up units from a viewer (thanks!). In addition to that one, I'm also trying the Nano version which I coincidentally bought around the same time". unquote

    Ham It Up Plus v2 - Extend the Range of Your RTL-SDR, NESDR or Other Radio Down to 300Hz. HF/MF/LF/VLF/ULF Upconverter and Panadapter w/TCXO & Switchable LNA/Passthrough Options

    The high-quality Ham It Up Plus v2 will allow you to extend the frequency capability of your SDR all the way down to 300Hz!... The Ham It Up Plus v2 is installed in a heavy-duty, black aluminum enclosure and includes a male SMA to male SMA barrel connector and male SMA to female BNC antenna adapter. Will also work as a panadapter for most radios and can be used for both receiving and transmitting.
    Last edited by ExomatrixTV; 5th August 2024 at 21:54.
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    Default Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!

    • The ONLY SDR Software you’ll ever need.. (Software Defined Radio):

    If you can't hear them - you can't work them! This SDR software is amazing and it will level up your receive capabilities so you can see every weak signal across the whole band!
    Software Defined Radio video playlist 👉 • SDR - Software Defined Radios (Upgrad...
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    Lightbulb Re: How to get yourself a cheap wide band receiver radio for less than $50 AUD, but there is a catch!


    source
    • The Latest HackRF & Portapak Combo - H4M The Flipper Zero Killer?:

    Here we take a look at the latest generation Portapak for the HackRF. With the new hardware features combined with the latest version of Mayhem, this could kill off the Flipper Zero and become dominant in the handheld market.

    The new HackRF Portapack H4M fixes a bunch of issues in the previous versions. It now has a true on/off power button, that isn't accidentally pressed. It has real battery monitoring in the firmware and better charging through USB-C. As well as a built in speaker and microphone, better rotary encoder and buttons and completely new GPIO connections for future hardware expansions.

    The HackRF Portapack H4M in this video has been sent to me for free by OpenSourceSDRLab. I’ve not received any payment for making this video and they haven’t seen it before I’ve published it.

    Ever since I got my first HackRF, I was totally hooked on Radio Frequency research and hacking! I had so much fun with mine that I made 3 videos to try so share my love of the HackRF. When OpenSourceSDRLab reached out to me to review their latest H4M model, I was so psyched to check it out! Introducing the HackRF H4M PortaPack!!

    In this video, signals are captured from a Sub-GHz device to create a Remote on the HackRF One.

    Getting started with your HackRF Portapack H4M Mayhem.

    Install the Mayhem firmware if you haven't already done so.

    GitHub - portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware: Custom firmware for the HackRF+PortaPack H1/H2/H4

    Custom firmware for the HackRF+PortaPack H1/H2/H4. Contribute to portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware development by creating an account on GitHub.
    ...has some fun apps, plus you can switch it to "HackRF mode" and use it like a HackRF without the PortaPack.

    I have heard that the RF amplifier on the HackRF is easily damaged by static discharge or high RF levels. I have not experienced this, I have two of the "official" Great Scott Gadgets HackRFs that are several years old.

    chris451rr quote: "Be careful do not static zapp it through the antenna (the metal whip is the worst) or get an sma limiter from mini-circuits to use with it,

    My favorite use is hunting and recording RF signals, play them back to test digital radios,and they are parked on ADSB and Pocsag reception. Most always i have the limiter or a high pass on them. I figured out how to fix them if the front end gets blown, two of the SiGe preamp chips need replaced. Both of mine are as senstitve as nearly any other radio.

    The ereid thread on github (hackrf mayhem) has many firmware features added each month. You can upload new firmware and add features to the unit. I have worked with them to fix issues with firmware such as frequency holes. When you turn it off use the longest possible slow double tap to do so. There is a PAL chip that has a funny state it will get into that will run down the clock battery if this is done too fast". unquote


    • H4M Spectrum Analyzer ... The new HackRF Portapack H4M fixes a bunch of issues in the previous versions


    The improvements of H4M:
    • Single power on/off switch.
      When powered off, the battey will no longer phantom drain, i.e., the device can be completely powered off.
    • Advanced battery management IC and battery display (battery %, voltage, current/draw, etc...). It is easier to check the battery level.
    • Matte screen. This matte screen can help you see the content of the screen much more clearly in sunny places outside.
    • 360-degree Knob Button. The knob button becomes to be the flat design, going back to the ipod style click wheel. The knob is more convenient to use.c
    • The GPIO port! This new generation H4M adds a GPIO port so users can make their own add-ons for the H4M, just like the flipper zero. This is a big step forward, and it's a design that hasn't been in any previous version of Portapack.
    • Improved charge speeds. The H4M improves the charging quality and speed.
    • Built in microphone and switch toggle. And there is a toggle to switch between the Built-in and the Headphone Microphone.
    • Automatic switching of sound between the headphone and the speakers. Once you plug the headphone, the H4M will automatically switches from speaker mode to headset mode. This is also a feature that the previous Portapack did not have.
    source

    It might not be long before they make it illegal or extremely difficult to buy that ... when that happens and you own lets say 10 of them you can easily sell it with huge profits! As so many may be "too late" buying it on time before the sht storm happens.

    What is most amazing of this device, it can copy/duplicate almost any frequency and broadcast the same frequency when stored ... for example your super rich annoying neighbor has a car or garage door using wireless system top open and close ... you can record that and do the same later and the list is super long of other examples. But it also has tons of "survival" ideas when there is apocalyptic crisis of any kind.

    It can also be used to check if you are "bugged" with surveillance technology in a hotel room or any place else.

    It can be used when a real UFO/UAP is hovering near you and see if anything strange is detected AND record the frequencies for later analyses.

    Or what about seeing/detecting all 4G & 5G signals near you how strong the transmitters are, and pinpoint/locate the source!

    Same goes for detecting ANY WiFi/Bluetooth/Cordless anything near you.

    cheers,
    John Kuhles 🦜🦋🌳
    Last edited by ExomatrixTV; 29th December 2024 at 15:57.
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