Tagged: plutosdr

Open-Source 0.1–3 GHz Network Analyzer using ADALM Pluto SDR

Thank you to RTL-SDR.COM reader MAKA for writing in and sharing his project with us, an open-source 0.1 - 3 GHz network analyzer using an ADALM PlutoSDR and a $15 RF bridge. The system allows you to measure S21 (insertion loss/gain) and S11 (return loss) with real-time visual feedback. MAKA writes:

Key features include:

  • FFT-based FIR filter for precise measurements
  • Simple S21 and S11 calibration workflows (LOAD & OPEN)
  • Real-time plots with smoothing and raw-data toggles
  • Interactive markers for easy dB/frequency annotations
  • Automatic export of calibration data to .xlsx for offline analysis
  • Fully open-source

The complete open-source code for the project is available on GitHub at  https://github.com/fromconcepttocircuit/pluto-network-analyzer

Over on his YouTube channel, MAKA has also uploaded a video demo and walkthrough.

RF Bridge Turns Your Pluto SDR into 0.1-3GHz Network Analyzer(Pt.1: S11/S21 Fund. & Filter Test)

Pluto Network Analyzer Pt. 2: S11 Calibration, Python Code & RF Bridge Performance

SDR Television: DATV TX and RX Software for the PlutoSDR

Recently, Simon Brown (G4ELI), best known for being the author of the popular SDR-Console software, has released a new program called "SDR Television (Beta 2)". SDR Television is a program designed for transmitting and receiving Digital Amateur TV (DATV) signals.

At the moment, the software supports DATV on the QO-100 satellite, but in the future, further terrestrial DATV support has been promised. The software is designed to be used with a PlutoSDR (or PlutoSDR clone or spinoff), but also supports Airspy or SDRplay for receive only.

Over on YouTube, Tech Minds has also posted a great video demonstrating the software's setup and use.

SDR TELEVISION V1.0 - Game Changing DATV Software From G4ELI!

ADALM PlutoSDR Spectrum Analyzer: Sweep from 100 MHz to 6 GHz

Thank you to RTL-SDR.COM reader Maka for sharing his latest software for the ADALM PlutoSDR, "ADALM PlutoSDR Spectrum Analyzer." The software is a sweeping spectrum analyzer that uses the 'lock-in amplifier techniques' and it allows you to view the entire 100 MHz to 6 GHz tuning range of the PlutoSDR.

The program is an open-source MIT-licensed Python script that can be run on Linux systems. Instructions to install and connect to the PlutoSDR are available on the program's GitHub page. Maka has also provided a YouTube video (embedded below) demonstrating the software and explaining the lock-in amplifier technique used in his software, as well as two other videos, one explaining the code, and another showing how to measure a filter with it.

Maka writes:

I built an open-source real-time spectrum analyzer using the ADALM Pluto SDR and Python. It allows you to sweep across wide frequency ranges (100 MHz to 6 GHz) and visualize RF signals like Wi-Fi, LTE, GSM, and Bluetooth in real-time.

It includes a custom PyQt GUI with:

  • Adjustable sweep parameters
  • Peak hold
  • Threshold alerts
  • Draggable markers
  • Highlighted known bands
  • Data export to CSV
See Invisible Electromagnetic Waves Around You with ADALM Pluto SDR Spectrum Analyzer + Code

Tech Minds: Reviewing the LibreSDR / ZynqSDR 70 MHz to 6 GHz PlutoSDR Clone

The LibreSDR is a relatively new software defined radio on the market. It is based on the AD9363 radio transceiver chip and an AMD XC7Z020 FPGA, and appears to be an upgraded/modified Chinese clone of the PlutoSDR. It can be found on marketplace sites like Banggood for US$319.99. (The Tech Minds YouTube description box also notes coupon code BG91c241, Exp:8/31, which brings it down to US$$259.99)

In his video, Matt from the Tech Minds YouTube channel introduces the LibreSDR / ZynqSDR, and explains how to set up the LibreSDR firmware, which is an unofficial port of the PlutoSDR firmware.

He then tested the SDR with SDR++ on Windows for receiving the air-band and found that it worked well, except that it only worked over USB, and did not work with the ethernet connection. Next, he tries SDR-Console V3, and finds that he is able to connect to the LibreSDR via ethernet with this software. Matt goes on to test his QO-100 setup, replacing his PlutoSDR with the LibreSDR, noting that the VCTXO in the LibreSDR works great to prevent any signal drift.

Finally, Matt tests transmission of DATV with the LibreSDR, but finds an issue with a center spike causing issues with decoding. He notes that the center spike does not occur with his PlutoSDR.

LibreSDR / ZynqSDR Software Defined Radio - 70 MHz to 6 GHz

Building a Drone Tracking Radar with the ADALM-PHASER and PlutoSDR

The ADALM-PHASER is a kit designed to provide experience with phased array beamforming and radar concepts. The kit consists of a PlutoSDR, mixers, LO synthesizer, ADAR1000 beamformer chip, LNAs and array of patch antennas. It operates between 10-11 GHz, has 500 MHz BW FMCW chirps, and has 8 receive channels and 2 transmit channels. It is an open source kit that costs US$2800, and it is produced and available from Analog Devices. Currently the kit appears to not be in stock, but they note that they are working on getting more stock in soon.

The ADALM-PHASER a phased array kit for implementing radar and other phased array experiments.
The ADALM-PHASER a phased array kit for implementing radar and other phased array experiments.

Over on YouTube, Jon Kraft who appears to be affiliated with Analog Devices, is working on a series of videos that will ultimately result in a drone tracking radar being built with the ADALM-PHASER. Currently two videos have been released.

The first is an overview of radar concepts, giving an explanation of pulsed vs CW radar, and the various hardware options we have to implement low cost versions of these methods.

The second video covers more radar concepts like range resolution and shows us how to build a CW radar with the ADALM-PHASER system.

The three remaining videos are yet to be released, so keep an eye on his channel for updates.

Build Your Own Drone Tracking Radar: Part 1

Build Your Own Drone Tracking Radar: Part 2 CW Radar

DATV-Red: An Interface for Controlling PlutoSDR in Node-RED

Thank you to Ohan Smit (ZS1SCI) for submitting news that he has published his software called DATV-Red over on GitHub. The software is open source and is design to be an interface for controlling a PlutoSDR in Node-RED.

The PlutoSDR is a low cost RX/TX capable SDR with up to 56 MHz of bandwidth and 70 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range (with mods). Node-RED is a visual programming tool for creating JavaScript functions.

Ohan writes:

I've built an interface for controlling the plutosdr in Node-red.

It works on the latest PlutoDVB firmware.

It is cross platform since it is web based.

Currently the scope is focussed on QO-100 use, yet with the latest addition of the RX spectrum from the Pluto's onboard web socket, the focus would shift to a general spectrum analysis and RF operation with special operational DATV features

[It is] a work in progress.

DATV-Red: An interface for controlling the PlutoSDR in Node-RED

TechMinds: Reviewing the ANTSDR E200

A few days ago we posted about the upcoming crowdfunding campaign of the MicroPhase AntSDR E200, an SDR that is very similar to the PlutoSDR, but with a much larger FPGA and more stable TCXO. One interesting feature is that it can run PlutoSDR or USRP firmware, allowing it to work with software that supports either hardware.

Over on YouTube Matt from the TechMinds YouTube channel has received an early unit and uploaded a video review.

In the video Matt explains the features and specifications of the ANTSDR E200, shows how to set it up with either the PlutoSDR or USRP firmware, and then demonstrates it working in SDR Console and SDR Angel as an emulated PlutoSDR. He goes on to show how to install and run the USRP UHD firmware, where the ANTSDR emulates an USRP b205mini.

MicroPhase ANTSDR E200 UHD USRP & PLUTO SDR SUPPORT

ANTSDR E200 set to begin Crowdfunding on CrowdSupply soon

The AntSDR E200 is a software defined radio from Microphase which will come in two flavors. The first is the 'AD9363" version with 2x2 RX/TX and a 325 - 3.8 GHz tuning range, 20 MHz bandwidth and 12-bit ADC. The second is their higher end 'AD9361' version with 2x2 RX/TX, 70 MHz - 6 GHz tuning range, 56 MHz bandwidth and 12-bit ADC.

It is currently in the prelaunch phase on CrowdSupply.

The AntSDR E200 is is based on the AD9363 / AD9361 RF SDR chips which are used in many existing mid-range software defined radios like the PlutoSDR, bladeRF and Ettus USRP's.

The design itself is very similar to the PlutoSDR and Errus B205mini, and in fact the developer has ported firmware from PlutoSDR and the Ettus UHD that allows the device to work just like those devices. It is not yet known if the AD9363 frequency range extension hack available on the PlutoSDR, and the bandwidth overclock hack on the bladeRF will be possible with the AntSDR E200 as well.

Pricing is yet to be displayed on CrowdSupply, however the the AD9363 version appears to already be available for purchase on Aliexpress for US$364.25. Update: Microphase have explained that the units on Aliexpress are not officially authorized units and the Aliexpress price is much higher than what they will charge during the crowdfunding phase.

The AntSDR E200
ANTSDR-E200 demo video

Also, over on YouTube DragonOS creator Aaron has already been testing his AntSDR with srsRAN, which is an open-source program that can create 4G and 5G basestations with compatible SDRs like the USRP. Using the modified UHD firmware, Aaron was able to get up and running with the AntSDR E200 very quickly.

DragonOS FocalX E200 w/ Osmo-Nitb-Scrips, srsRAN, and SDRAngel Preview (ANTSDR, b205mini, R29+)