Software Defined Radio
SatNOGS can use a variety of SDRs. The most cost-effective solution is to use an RTL-SDR with a Raspberry Pi. More advanced SDRs can also be used, but they require more processing power than what a Raspberry Pi can offer.
RTL-SDR: RTL2832U & R820T2-Based Software Defined Radios
SatNOGS uses the RTL-SDR as the default signal receiver and tuner. The RTL-SDR is based on two chips -- the versatile RTL2832U chip and the R820T tuner. The RTL-SDR is currently the cheapest, most common, and most performing solution available in terms of general sensitivity having a frequency range of 24 – 1766 MHz. A metal enclosure with SMA connector is preferred, along with a stable TCXO (low ppm). HF coverage is optional.
These RTL-SDR "dongles" are known to work with Raspberry Pi 2 or greater:
- NooElec NESDR SMArt
- RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U
- Full band UV HF RTL-SDR USB Tuner Receiver
Advanced Software Defined Radios
The following advanced SDRs are supported by SatNOGS. These may require more processing power than a Raspberry Pi 3b or 4 can offer.
- USRP b200
- USRP2 (not compatible with the SatNOGS client on Raspberry Pi)
- Airspy (not compatible with the SatNOGS client on Raspberry Pi)
- HackRF One (not compatible with the SatNOGS client on Raspberry Pi)
