Getting Started with the RTL-SDR (Software Defined Radio)

This video is an introduction to the cheap RTL-SDR. The RTL-SDR is a $30 Software Defined radio that packs a lot of functionality.

You can buy the whole kit here:

The first thing you want to do once you get your device is familiarize yourself with the parts.

Next you want to setup your software, so download the SDR Software package from this page:

Once the file is downloaded ,extract its contents and run the rtl-sdr bat file.
This will download the drivers needed to use the RTL-SDR.

Plug in your RTL-SDR, and wait a minute.
Open the new zadig file that was created once you opened that bat.

View- Show all Devices.
Select the "Bulk-In, Interface (Interface 0)" Device
Ensure the correct USB Id is shown: "0BDA 2838 00"
Install the WinUSB driver by clicking the install button.

The Drivers should now be installed, and you can open the SDRSharp Program included in the extracted folder.
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[jamesdurrett]

I am an 83 year retired engineer. Your presentation was clean, to the point and in a logical order. I have just purchased my first SDR and your video has definitely aided my learning curve. Many thanks,

[vesuvianvomit]

hey I don't know if you'll ever read this kid. your an awesome teacher.. I was watching ALOT of vids like this & still failing trying to set up my software.. you were very specific about every little thing as if you were talking to someone majorily technologically challenged (I am). the details helped like running things in administrator & stuff.. some of the other vids seemed like they assumed you knew some stuff. I'm really trying.. I got this rtl-sdr & a baofeng radio & am studying for the ham technician thing.. it's ruff going.. I've always been a d student!!

[BladeRunner-tdbe]

I just received my RTL-SDR yesterday and have watched two superb videos about how to set it up. Out of the two videos I watched, this one is better. Thanks to you, I feel almost 100 percent confident I will set mine up without much trouble. I am running a dual boot P.C.; one side is Ubuntu, and the other is Windows 10 Professional. First, I will set up my Windows, and then based on my research, I will set up my Linux for the radio scanner. I also have an iMac, which I will set up. It's almost guaranteed that my Windows setup will not be as good as my iMac or Linux. Thank you for the clear and concise instructions. Subscribed and thumb up, Cheers

[code]

Holy shit thanks for this video. I have a lot of hobbies and added RTL-SDR and radio in general to my hobbies. I’m knowledgeable enough to get by with very basic SDR functionalities but your dipole resource and just your basic explanation of the hardware helped me a lot. I know this is easy stuff for the radio kings that have been into this for years but the complete newbies appreciate it. Thanks and keep up the great vids. New subscriber here 🙏👍

[ProtoNeoVintage]

Let my add my Gorgnard appreciation to the growing list below. I am a 56 yo Tech+ from way back in the 70's. Been out of the hobby for a while now, and coming back I have found that "everything has changed". Can you believe they didn't consult me about the changes? Thank the goddess for YouTube and individuals like yourself.

[andrewgardner]

Superb, I have watched ten or more videos trying to set this SDR up, yours is the only one which has worked for me. You are a star.
Keep safe. from Yorkshire UK.
And you have a new sub.
Andy.

[rrh]

Wow thanks.
I just ordered my sdr and thanks to you I think I can do this.
Your step-by-step presentation was the best I've ever seen.I'm kind of a computer dummy and with your helpful instructions.I'm pretty sure I can pull this off

[mbatson]

I've been battling my stupid SDR (I know, I know, I'm the idiot, not the radio) but that trick you did by widening the bandwith on a station actually got my radio to I thought I had a broken antenna. Of course, would have been nice to know that trick about 3 hours ago but better late than never. is there a book or something you can recommend. I can't find anything for beginners... I mean REAL beginners like me. Everything is acronyms and functions, and radio terms and whatever else that has no meaning to me, but no one teaches you what any of that mean. Some how you have to already know it and so nothing makes any sense. Very frustrating, but very grateful you showed that trick!

[dangriffin]

To receive HF you can get 2 nuts that fit the threads where the telescopic elements attach. Then attach a quarter wave length wire for the band you want to use with a lug on one end to both sides by tightening the nuts. So now you have an HF dipole. To receive HF on Dongle there is something in the SDR Sharp that you might have to do so it can receive lower frequencies. Not sure but just a hunch.

[andychow]

To remember which side of the antenna is up, which side is down, after unscrewing it, I attached a rubber band at the side that is supposed to be up, so I remember it.
The RTL-SDR kit is the best out there for newbies. I started with Nooelec, and as much as I don't like bad-mouthing companies, their stuff is just subpar. For similar price, RTL-SDR is way better. For a bit more money, the SDRPlay is awesome, especially if you're on Windows. If you're planning on buying an upconverter anyway to get into the 1khz-30Mhz range, the SDRPlay gets you there without an upconverter, and has several built-in filters (which I haven't found how to activate under linux, only windows).
If you plan on going the upconverter route, it's worth noting the RTL-SDR has a bias-T which can power many upconverters, while the Nooelec stuff needs another power source.

[reengineerit]

First time trying any of this. You got me up and listening in minutes. Thanks man. Be well.

[robmoed]

Thank you, accidently ordered a generic RTL. sdr, could not get it to work. I followed your video and now up and running, awesome.

[rokfam]

Great video and very encouraging to see younger people enjoying this hobby. Best of luck!

[dangriffin]

Thank you young man for taking the time to do this. I am waiting to receive mine sometime next month. I will follow your lead in getting mine setup.

[billlewey]

The unit I got from the Amazon link was refurbished and I had to reassemble the antenna connectors. I had bought the last one, but now I see they are in stock again. BTW came without instructions so your video was essential to get started! Thanks for this succinct how to! I am listening to my local weather now. Also my favorite FM station! This is awesome!

[EZ-viewing.]

I can’t thank you enough for your clip. I’ve been searching high & low - pardon the pun - for information just as you’ve provided, with no luck. I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot. Thank you again. I’ll be recommending your channel to anyone who asks about this topic.
Ps. I’ve subscribed. Thank you again.

[SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing your experience and this video & information.

[colinreece]

Well I'm new to this side of the hobby, of all the SDR vids this one helped me the most, I was getting annoyed then I found this channel, thank you.
I'm waiting for some connectors to arrive for my antenna then hopefully I will be running.

[amateurspotter]

Wow, that’s really something, To be able to scan all frequencies in one place is amazing 😉. Thanks for that.

[mqb]

Just ordered this kit. Can't wait to hook it up.