A low cost radio receiver

If you have a Windows or Linux computer, laptop or even a Raspberry Pi (with mouse or keyboard, and a screen) then an RTL-SDR “Dongle” (or stick) could provide a relatively low cost radio receiver for Amateur radio use.

An RTL-SDR Dongle

This solution has the advantage in that it covers a greater range of frequencies and modes than many traditional receivers.

RTL-SDR devices are available from many sources including Amazon and E-Bay. In early 2022, these devices seem to cost between £20 and £50.

When buying an RTL-SDR device, ensure that it includes the RTL2832 & R820 chips. As far as we know, this includes all variants such as RTL2832U and R280T

For Windows based systems, you will also need a software package called SDR-Sharp (SDR#). This is FREE and available from www.airspy.com. Download the ‘zip’ file and unzip it. Then run the install-sdtrtl.bat file and follow the instructions.

Linux based systems, need a package called GQRX that is available from gqrx.dk. The driver needs to be downloaded separately and we recommend watching the YouTube video Installing RTL-SDR on a Raspberry Pi (Linux) for full step by step details.

There is some confusion over whether these devices will work on Apple based systems and we have no information on using them with Android.

IMPORTANT Do not connect the device to the computer, laptop or Pi until you have loaded the software to the point that you are told to insert the device and do NOT use the CD/DVD provided with the device under any circumstances. This will load the wrong driver and set up the device to receive domestic radio and television only.

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