Post overview
- What is RTL-SDR
- Assemble
- Test
- What I can do
What is SDR
SDR refers to Software Defined Radio, and it is a versatile way to receive wide band RF signal. Usually the SDR products are just receivers and can not transmit.
RTL-SDR referes to RTL2832U chip based SDR, which is a budget-friendly SDR solution for entry level people, like me. Also, RTL-SDR has many “edition”, and the most famous one may be the kit designed by BA5SBA, who extend the reseive band from VHF to HF~VHF, then you dont need upconverter to receive HF band signal.
Assemble
It took me 3 hours to assemble the kit. Not because how hard it is, but soldering tiny wires really takes a lot of time.
Here is a link I found that is helpful: BA5SBA RTL-SDR
If you have problem in step 9, here is hint: The purpose of two fly wires is connecting the side capacitor with the power/VCC, so two wires are soldered on the pins of regulators on the both sides.
Test
I have a 900MHz(From my XBee Pro 900MHz) and a ~100MHz(came with RTL-SDR) antenna that can be used with RTL-SDR.
(Test has been done, but this page is pending for update)
What I can do
One of the most amazing application is receiving NOAA satellite images.
Receiving NOAA Weather satellite Images
Four of the NOAA satellites broadcast Automatic Picture Transmission in analog signal on 137MHz band, which is just within the best receive band of SDR, and I can receive such picture where ever I go on my car, with a circularly polarized antenna.