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Cheapskate SDR

The document discusses a low-cost entry into the Software Defined Radio (SDR) world using a DVB-T USB stick and a simple HF adapter. It outlines the components needed, including a laptop, power source, and specific software, while emphasizing the importance of using the correct chip set for the USB stick. Additionally, it provides guidance on setting up the hardware and software for effective SDR operation.

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bruceratoff
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4 views22 pages

Cheapskate SDR

The document discusses a low-cost entry into the Software Defined Radio (SDR) world using a DVB-T USB stick and a simple HF adapter. It outlines the components needed, including a laptop, power source, and specific software, while emphasizing the importance of using the correct chip set for the USB stick. Additionally, it provides guidance on setting up the hardware and software for effective SDR operation.

Uploaded by

bruceratoff
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A Cheapskate’s SDR

“On a stick”
Bruce Ratoff, KO4XL
Why?
 Low cost entry to SDR world
 Experiment with SDR without a major investment
 Free software
 Receive only
 Compact and Portable
 Small laptop computer
 DVB-T USB stick
 Simple HF adapter (in an Altoids can, of course!)
 Simple
 Works reasonably well with random wire antenna
 VHF/UHF does not need adapter
 Inspired by article in July 2015 Nuts and Volts
What is a Software Defined Radio?
 A radio system where traditional analog circuits (mixers,
filters, detectors, modulators, etc.) have been replaced by
software algorithms running on a PC or embedded processor
 Not a new concept, but has become much more feasible as
LSI and PC technology has advanced
 Typical configuration:
 PC with sound card - mainly for audio out
 RF front end – converts RF to a stream of digital samples
 Software
 Control front end
 Mathematical algorithms for signal processing
Antenna

HF Signal Converted RF Signal Digital Samples


<25 MHz >25 MHz via USB Port

DVB-T Tuner PC Signal


1-30 MHz Audio
R820T + Processing
RF Converter Out
RTL2832U Software

Ground
DVB-T Tuner
 Originally intended for European TV / FM reception
 Can tune ~24 MHz - ~1.7 GHz
 USB 2.0 output
 Weird antenna connector (MCX) – requires pigtail
 IMPORTANT: Must be the right chip set!
 Rafael Micro R820T tuner
 Realtek RTL2832U controller / USB interface
 USB stick and pigtail ~ $10 on ebay
RF Converter
 Shifts HF signals up into the VHF range so that the DVB-T
can receive them
 3 basic sections:
 Power supply
 Provides regulated 5v from battery or wall wart
 Input filter and FET preamp
 Reduces interference from strong out-of-band stations
 Improves sensitivity
 Oscillator / Mixer in a chip (SA612)
 Frequency conversion by traditional heterodyning technique
 Crystal based local oscillator for stability
• Created board using Eagle CAD free edition
• Layout is important
•Top and bottom layer ground planes
• Keep all connections short
• Isolate functional areas
• No sharp bends
• Send CAD output to proto board house
• Inexpensive and way less hassle than
etching your own board
•2-sided
• 1.6mm fiberglass
• Solder mask both sides
• Silk screen both sides
• Board cost: $2 to $5 depending on quantity
Other essential items
 Power Source
 9v battery for converter
 Laptop’s power

 Headphones or ear buds (optional)


 Cables
 Pigtail adapter for USB stick
 Antenna wire (and lead-in)
 Connectors, connectors, connectors!
PC Software
 DO NOT install the software that came with the stick!
 SDR# (“SDR Sharp”)
 Includes correct USB drivers
 Provides “virtual radio” user interface
 Designed for Windows, but will run under Linux using Mono
 Websites:
 www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-quick-start-guide
 www.rtlsdr.org/softwarewindows
 inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~ee123/fa12/rtl_sdr.html
 airspy.com/download/
What about linux?
 GNU Radio
 Ongoing “virtual radio” project
 Powerful but very complex
 More of a build-it-yourself kit than a ready to go app
 GQRX
 Ready to go app powered by GNU Radio
 http://gqrx.dk
 Run SDR# on linux using Mono
 Not guaranteed, but works in current version
Questions?

Tks es 73 de KO4XL

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