Submit a Story/Contact
If you would like to submit something that relates to cheap SDR (a project, blog post, something interesting you have found), please email us at [email protected].
We will look at your submission and if we think it is a good fit for our blog make a summary post about it, making sure to link and credit your original source. If you don't have your own website or blog, don't worry, just write about your project in an email and we will host any images or documents related to your project for you. Usually we will get to your submission within a few days.
Please note that we will not accept payments or incentives in return for any type of post except for product samples for an honest review. If you are interested in writing a non-commercial guest post for us, please also contact us on the above email address.
Product/Shipping Support
If you have a general question about RTL-SDRs or SDRs or third party software we ask you to please ask in our forums. If you email us we may not respond to questions about third party software as this should be asked in the forum.
If you need troubleshooting support please first ensure that you have been through our Quickstart guide and the troubleshooting section on it, as well as our V3 users guide. Common questions like how to use the HF mode and how to activate the bias tee are explained on the V3 users guide.
If you have a question about shipping of an item please first read the shipping policy on our store and see if it answers your question. The shipping information is just under our product listings. If it is a request for tracking details please first check your old/deleted/spam mails for the order confirmation email which contains the tracking details. There will have been two emails from our email at [email protected], the second of which contains the tracking details.
If you suspect a lost postal item please contact your local postal agency first and inquire there. They have more information than we have. If they confirm it as lost or not received after a long time then please let us know and we can open an investigation on this side as well. Usually we must wait at least 6 weeks from the date posted before we can open a lost parcel investigation.
For everything else such as confirmed lost postal items, warranty claims and support inquiries that aren't covered by the quickstart or troubleshooting guide then please contact us at [email protected]. We aim to always reply within 1-2 business days. If we don't respond within 3 business days then the mail may have gone to our spam folder. Please try to email again using different keywords. We do check our spam filter once a week just in case, but some messages could still be missed. Remember, if you have questions about third party software, please ask in the forums only.
Hi, I’ve been trying to reach out to you via email (admin
rtl-sdr.com) regarding bulk purchasing, but no reply so far. How can I contact you if I can’t get any response via email?
What is your email? If you’re from Japan, unfortunately we get too many reseller requests from Japan every week to handle, so we’ve just restricted it to a few resellers and aren’t accepting new ones yet.
Hi.
I have version V4 and the “universal radio hacker” program. In the directory of this program, I replaced the “rtlsdr.dll” file with the one from the “relase” directory. Now “URH” does not see the rtl-dsr dongle…
Leszek
Just tested and URH in Windows with the V4 and it is working fine after driver replacement. Make sure you are copying the correct rtlsdr.dll. If you installed URH x86, copy the rtlsdr.dll from the x86 folder. If you installed URH x64, copy the rtlsdr.dll from the x64 folder.
Any idea when Amazon USA will have the v4?
Still at least a month away, Amazon shipments take some time.
Thank You and I hope they have protection plans like the v3’s do, I bought 2 v4’s from Aliexpress, but they do not offer protection plans so I haven’t ordered the 4 more v4’s that I need.
Hi, just checking if anyone responded to my question. Should I be logging into a forum site (registering etc) for this?
I have run into a problem several times over the years when trying to use multiple sdrs on the same laptop, and, also with a single device on a usb socket extender. Is there a solution to putting multiple “dongles” on a laptop and/or extending the number with an external device as I have tried for both single and multiple (generic?) devices.
You just need a powered USB hub and a laptop that is powerful enough to run multiple units at the same time. The max a single USB controller can support is about 5-6.
Hi admin, I’ll try it. I had been away for awhile.Thanks.
Hi admin (AI?): I tried using external port expander, Belkins model F5U014-OE to add multiple dongles for reception, but, the system said it could not open the device, a Version 3, which I plugged into several different ports on the 4 port Hub. In some positions the software could not “see” the dongle at all. I have another device of more recent vintage and will try it in the near future. I should point out that I thinned the devices connected to the hub, which is powered with a 2 amp adapter,down to the sdr, and, this did not clear problem.
Thanks for support.
I have tried Everything to get this dongle to work.It is Version 3 and I purchased it from Amazon not a month ago. It does not end up starting when RTL-SDR is unzipped and run in SDSharp.Exe. I’m about ready to send it all back to Amazon for a refund.
PLEASE Help me?
Email us at admin
rtl-sdr.com and please provide details about your system, what steps you have followed, and what error messages you get (if any).
I have a Raspberry Pi4 what is the latest to get me up and running
I bought an RTL-SDR v4, it is different from the V3, it’s a shame that the v4 can’t easily connect to applications on Android for example for AIS reading, with the same chip as the v3 it should be easier to use. Can you provide an updated solution, for example for the Ais-Catcher or Sdangel application, please provide instructions
Perangkat tetap terhubung tetapi tidak dapat membaca apa pun di semua aplikasi di Android
The SDR Driver app for Android was updated by the author and now supports the V4.
I bought the RTL SDR V3. I’m running Windows 10 on a device that has plenty of computing power. I’ve downloaded and installed Airspy, Zadig, and added the dll, and it still won’t recognize my device. How can I make this work?
What is the error message? Please email admin
rtl-sdr.com or attach here screenshots of your software settings and Zadig screen with the RTL-SDR entry selected.
At V4
At V3 direct reading
There’s a; little mistake on the page https://www.rtl-sdr.com/v4/
should be
Thanks! That’s fixed now.
Where are the RTL-SDR dongles manufactured?
They are manufactured in China.
Hi,.
Take a look at another one ExtIO TCP streaming software. It is able to stream IQ data over network from any ExtIO capable SDR.
https://github.com/rukhov/ExtIoOverNet
Can you help me on the DMR Plugin?
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/simple-dpmr-decoder-plugin-for-sdr-released/
Link is not working
http://www.rtl-sdr.ru/page/novyj-plagin-simple-dpmr
Hello,
Silver or black enclosures, what are the differences?
only the color? just the color of the enclosures??
thank you!73!
Hello, yes there are no functional differences. The change is only cosmetic from silver->black.
just got my rtl-sdr kit from amazon..everything is downloaded but when the screen comes up if i try to adjust anything(freq or mode) it shuts down.
Did you follow the guide at https://www.rtl-sdr.com/QSG? Recently added is a new step to avoid this crash for the most part. If SDR# keeps crashing on you, please try the SDR++ install guide on the same page too.
Some more info about this crashing issue on this post too https://www.rtl-sdr.com/possible-fixes-for-new-versions-of-sdr-crashing-with-rtl-sdrs/
Hi, I’m using RLT SDR 2832, with R828D and freq maximum 1960 MHz. With this device, I try to connect with Matlab software, but the Matlab can not recognized this device. Previously, I’m using RTL2832U chips with freq maximum 960 MHz and this device running well on Matlab 2021 version. Is there any help ?
EXTIO dll for RTL-SDR Blog V3 R820T2 RTL2832U could please tell me were I can download this file.thanks
A seller named Joybuy Express sold me a fake RTL-SDR on Walmart.com. The refused to honor a return. They used a photo of the genuine article from the RTL-SDR-COM page and they even warned buyers to beware of fakes. Ironically their advertisement on Walmart’s website is taken down : RTL-SDR Blog V3 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF BiasT SMA – but I still have the fake …it does not have the full URL on the case, which is secured with 4 screws one in each corner. I am disputing with my credit card and certainly will prevail but have documented everything.
I have two RTLSDR v3 dongles, one from 2018 and a newer one from 2021. The older dongle can receive signals in the 500kHz range down to -113dB but the new one only gets to -99dB. It seems there was MF band attenuation added to the newer dongles. Is there a way to remove the MF attenuation by changing some components on the newer dongle so that it performs as well as the 2018 dongle? If so, which components do I change?
Hello,
My name is William from Infolinks Media and we are allocating budgets from a few select brands such as Adidas, Under Armour, and Macy’s that we have quarterly placements for. I’m now in the process of evaluating different websites to see which could be a potential fit for our advertisers.
Our research team has reviewed rtl-sdr.com and determined it could be eligible for these campaigns.
I’m trying to lock down these budgets this week. Are you available for a quick call tomorrow to discuss this opportunity? If you prefer, you can schedule a call on my calendar here: https://calendly.com/my_infolinks_call-dr_3_b/30min
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
William
—
William James
Media Supervisor
Infolinks Media, LLC
P: 551-252-1935
E: [email protected]
New Tool
https://github.com/ainfosec/FISSURE/
FISSURE – The RF Framework
Frequency Independent SDR-based Signal Understanding and Reverse Engineering
FISSURE is an open-source RF and reverse engineering framework designed for all skill levels with hooks for signal detection and classification, protocol discovery, attack execution, IQ manipulation, vulnerability analysis, automation, and AI/ML. The framework was built to promote the rapid integration of software modules, radios, protocols, signal data, scripts, flow graphs, reference material, and third-party tools. FISSURE is a workflow enabler that keeps software in one location and allows teams to effortlessly get up to speed while sharing the same proven baseline configuration for specific Linux distributions.
The framework and tools included with FISSURE are designed to detect the presence of RF energy, understand the characteristics of a signal, collect and analyze samples, develop transmit and/or injection techniques, and craft custom payloads or messages. FISSURE contains a growing library of protocol and signal information to assist in identification, packet crafting, and fuzzing. Online archive capabilities exist to download signal files and build playlists to simulate traffic and test systems.
The friendly Python codebase and user interface allows beginners to quickly learn about popular tools and techniques involving RF and reverse engineering. Educators in cybersecurity and engineering can take advantage of the built-in material or utilize the framework to demonstrate their own real-world applications. Developers and researchers can use FISSURE for their daily tasks or to expose their cutting-edge solutions to a wider audience. As awareness and usage of FISSURE grows in the community, so will the extent of its capabilities and the breadth of the technology it encompasses.
Be patient as it takes time for these things to come across the pond. What you have purchased is a very popular item right now. I waited over three months before I got mine. That’s not saying yours will take that long to arrive. I just took one day at a time and when it arrived I was so excited. Now the real problem is I am not getting any sleep because I want to listen to everything I can pick up with the dongle. It will come I hope you enjoy yours as well as I have enjoyed mine. As a matter of fact I was so impressed I have ordered a 2nd one. Good luck and Good Listening. God Bless.
What a pile of @*Tg this store is.
I bought RTL-SDR Blog Active L-Band 1525-1660 Inmarsat to Iridium Patch Antenna Set and Wideband LNA by RTL-SDR Blog from your Aliexpress store and waited over a month.
On checking the tracking it states dispatched for both items.
By accident I found that the order has been cancelled with no notification to me and no refund process started.
DO NOT BUT FROM THIS COWBOY OUTFIT!
Hello, due to the Shanghai COVID outbreak a lot of our shipments were unable to make it out of the city during April. If a package cannot arrive at the Aliexpress shipping warehouse within a certain timeframe, the shipping label is automatically cancelled. Unfortunately because of the way trucking works with the lockdown we have no guarantee it arrives in time.
If it gets cancelled, the order will be automatically refunded by Aliexpress after a few days time. An email from Aliexpress is sent notifying of the cancellation, and the cancelled status is shown in your account.
I’m sorry that this issue has happened to you, but I hope it’s understandable that the Shanghai COVID lockdown is outside of our control, and we are doing our best to work around it.
I agree totally with you. I purchased from them, and I never received the product and they refused to refund my purchase. I disputed it and my credit card company told me they have had this happen many times from this company. I was Fortunate that my credit card company credited my account. I also put in a complaint with the FTC. I have tried to spread the word not to purchase anything from this company. They are a scam.
Hi Ron, may I please know you order ID number to check up and see what happened? All Aliexpress packages that became stuck because of the Shanghai lockdown were fully refunded automatically. Certainly no refunds were ever refused.
Sir i have ordered on item on April 9th but still it’s showing the item is under processing can you please give any updates regarding this
Hello, please recall the shipment delay warnings on checkout. For any order after April 1 the warnings would have been shown clearly. Basically we are still contending with Shanghai COVID lockdown delays which have gone on much longer than anyone ever expected. At the moment things are improving, but we are still only managing to get shipments out every 1-2 weeks as our warehouse is still under heavy lockdown.
my order tracking number is RF778585216SG still dont know the status.
kindly let us know how sooner i will receiv my package
Looks it’s under normal transit conditions: http://track.4px.com/#/result/0/RF778585216SG
Maybe 2-3 more weeks if shipping conditions to your country are normal.
Today Finally I Received my RTL SDR and Product is Awesome. Planning to Buy Karaken… Awesome Product
I hear the dongles work well, but there are better ones on the market today, and I’m beginning to wish I had bought one of those instead. No one mentioned the fact it takes a month just to get an antenna shipped from China.
When did you order the product
on28th March today its 17th April. dont know how much time it will take i was planning to buy more products but the time for delivery is really pathetic and no updates from anyone until u ask
With international air mail the only updates possible are via the tracking link. So you have the exact same details as us the sender.
last tracking update on website is of 4th april then no update since 13 days as hoe much time it will be in transit.
Good day from RSA. I am pensioner and do not have any credit card. What must do to now to register so that I can get SDR going. I got this dongle as a present from a fellow radio ham in RSA. Can please advice what must I do. Thanks Phillip Botha ZS6PMB
I use program called sdr charp. There are others. Just have to do a google search for sdr software and try a few downloads.
Question, I ordered 2 RTL SDR dongle, and pay it with paypal but in the orders it say “Order currently failed” what them mean?
Recently PayPal is being a bit buggy, but we’ll always catch these orders after a few days. If you are the one that emailed us, it’s already fixed. If not, please email us to confirm at admin
rtl-sdr.com
Hi I am an electronic devices manufacturer and I am desesperatly looking for the chipset R820T2 form Rafael Micro. I’am ready to buy 5 000 to 10 000 units of it. Could you think about selling me only this component ? Warm regards, Stéphane.
Keep your geo political interest away from this blog.
Is the RTL-SDR dongle compatible with Windows 11?
yes it is. got mine 2days ago. took 2 months to arrive via china post. i am running mine on windows 11 pc. working fine also with raspberry pi.
HI: I’m new to SDR and would like to purchase from you, as you appear to have a quality company. Please help by telling me which SDR, SDRs or combination of components I ought to purchase which would allow me to pick up the WIDEST RANGE OF FREQUENCIES. From the lowest MHz signals to the highest GHz signals, within the SDR technology. Thank you
Hello, how can I buy your product in Russia? both of your links to legal sellers have not been active for a long time !!!
They are active on Amazon right now and shipping is fast. They also have some items on eBay which I made the mistake of ordering. It takes them over a month by their own estimation, so I’m guessing longer, and that is if they don’t loose it or damage it during transport. I would never order from eBay again. I’ll probably end of ordering another antenna and will be using it long before this one arrives. I can’t imagine how slow it would be trying to get the order to Russia with the conflict going on right now.
Do you have quantity discounts for STEM or Ham clubs ????
I read your web site frequently and have learned a lot from your articles, Now I do not know where to turn so I am emailing you hopefully for an answer to my problem. I have virtual radar on my windows 10 computer, and it is running very well. I just purchased a Dell laptop computer which has windows 11 and I tried to put virtual radar on it but when I try to run it, it gives me a statement that it cannot connect. I have used the exact inputs to set it up that I used for my windows 10 computer. Can virtual radar not run on a windows 11 computer? What may I be doing that is wrong? I would appreciate any advice to correct this situation. I am very frustrated.
Hello,
My name is William from Infolinks Media and we are allocating budgets from a few select brands that we have quarterly placements for. I’m now in the process of evaluating different websites to see which could be a potential fit for our advertisers.
Our research team has reviewed rtl-sdr.com and determined it to be a good fit based on your audience, engagement, past performance, and the quality of the site’s content.
I’m trying to lock down these budgets this week. Are you available for a quick call tomorrow to discuss this opportunity?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
William
—
William James
Media Supervisor
Infolinks Media, LLC
P: 551-252-1935
E: [email protected]
Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/schedule_infolinks_call-dr_3a/30min
Hello, how much does the RTL-SDR Blog Broadcast FM Band-Stop Filter interfere with the airband ?
Sounds like you are trying to receive the signal with the repeater, have the repeater retransmit the signal so the SDR can hear it. If this is the case the repeater out probably overpowers the input to the SDR. Better to use a preamp on the sdr or tap off the signal in the repeater and send some to the SDR if you actually need it repeated for others in the area and not have a separate antenna on the SDR.
we are trying to capture mobile signals, and in areas where the signals are weak, we install a GSM repeater to enhance the signals. but the compatibility between the gsm repeater and the SDR is creating problems. Any suggestions, tips are most welcome
What do you call a repeater? You need a preamp, preselector, or if using a transmitter an amp. A repeater is supposedly something that hears a signal then retransmits it at a higher power or in a certain direction.
hello all, i need to boost the mobile signal recived by the SDR, but when i connected a mobile repeater to enhance the signals, the available frequencies as shown by the software, reduced to just 2-3 . how can i integrate a mobile signal repeater to provide better connectivity to the SDR?