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[[File:Rtl-sdr.jpg|thumb|Four RTL-SDR devices, two of them with the popular SMA style brass connectors, used to interface with antenna. Note the writing on pink tape on one citing that device's particular parts-per-million clock offset, referenced by the operator when preparing the device for use.]] | [[File:Rtl-sdr.jpg|thumb|Four RTL-SDR devices, two of them with the popular SMA style brass connectors, used to interface with antenna. Note the writing on pink tape on one citing that device's particular parts-per-million clock offset, referenced by the operator when preparing the device for use.]] | ||
An inexpensive option for those wishing to build a quality receiver for their long-range antenna project is working with RTL-SDR devices and compatible tuners. RTL-SDR devices are low-cost digital video tuner (DVB-T) USB sticks using the Realtek RTL2832U controller that can be repurposed for receiving a broad spectrum of radio signal<ref>https://www.rtl-sdr.com/</ref>. The project is maintained by a radio enthusiast group called Osmocom<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmocom</ref>. RTL-SDR drivers exist for GNU/Linux, Windows and OS X, and can be tuned with several different popular interfaces. One of them, which is recommended for beginners, is the cross platform visual tuner and de-modulator GQRX<ref>https://gqrx.dk/</ref>. | An inexpensive option for those wishing to build a quality receiver for their long-range antenna project is working with RTL-SDR devices and compatible tuners. RTL-SDR devices are low-cost digital video tuner (DVB-T) USB sticks using the Realtek RTL2832U controller that can be repurposed for receiving a broad spectrum of radio signal<ref>https://www.rtl-sdr.com/</ref>. Some RTL-SDR models will provide reception from 500 kHz up to 1.75 GHz. For those wishing to work with lower signals, for instance in the MW, an 'upconverter' can be used. A popular upconverter is the Nooelec 'Ham it up'. | ||
The RTL-SDR project is maintained by a radio enthusiast group called Osmocom<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmocom</ref>. RTL-SDR drivers exist for GNU/Linux, Windows and OS X, and can be tuned with several different popular interfaces. One of them, which is recommended for beginners, is the cross platform visual tuner and de-modulator GQRX<ref>https://gqrx.dk/</ref>. | |||
[[File:Full-wave-loop-listeners.jpg|thumb|A group of radio enthusiasts in Aotearoa New Zealand listening to an AM radio broadcast from Austria, received on a 20M Full Wave Loop wire antenna connected to an RTL-SDR tuned by the GQRX software on an Ubuntu Linux system.]] | [[File:Full-wave-loop-listeners.jpg|thumb|A group of radio enthusiasts in Aotearoa New Zealand listening to an AM radio broadcast from Austria, received on a 20M Full Wave Loop wire antenna connected to an RTL-SDR tuned by the GQRX software on an Ubuntu Linux system.]] | ||
When working with RTL-SDR devices it is important to use a reference tone to determine the amount of 'clock shift' (in parts-per-million) that the device in use has, and shift it using your chosen tool before use. They will differ from device to device. | |||
== Citations == | == Citations == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||