Difference between revisions of "Software Defined Radio"

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==SDR==
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Software Defined Radio}}
SatNOGS uses the R820T RTL-SDR as the default signal receiver and tuner.  The RTL-SDR is based on two chips, the versatile [http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/productsView.aspx?Langid=1&PFid=35&Level=4&Conn=3&ProdID=257 RTL2832U chip] and the [https://rtl-sdr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/R820T_datasheet-Non_R-20111130_unlocked.pdf 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.
 
  
==HW Radio==
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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.
The stack allows the use of other receivers as well (like amateur radio transceivers) through rigctld (part of [https://sourceforge.net/projects/hamlib/ Ham Lib project]).
 
  
[https://community.libre.space/t/is-it-possible-to-use-standard-amateur-radios-like-icom-9100/1310 This thread] discusses the possibility of using standard amateur radiosIn general:
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=== RTL-SDR: RTL2832U & R820T2-Based Software Defined Radios ===
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SatNOGS uses the RTL-SDR as the default signal receiver and tuner.  The RTL-SDR is based on two chips -- the versatile [http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/productsView.aspx?Langid=1&PFid=35&Level=4&Conn=3&ProdID=257 RTL2832U chip] and the [https://rtl-sdr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/R820T_datasheet-Non_R-20111130_unlocked.pdf 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.
  
* You should be able to use any rotator supported by [https://sourceforge.net/p/hamlib/wiki/Hamlib/ hamlib]
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These RTL-SDR "dongles" are known to work with Raspberry Pi 2 or greater:
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* [https://www.nooelec.com/store/sdr/sdr-receivers.html NooElec NESDR SMArt]
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* [https://www.rtl-sdr.com/buy-rtl-sdr-dvb-t-dongles/ RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U]
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* Full band UV HF RTL-SDR USB Tuner Receiver
  
* Gpredict support for your radio will make things much easier
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=== Advanced Software Defined Radios ===
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The following advanced SDRs are supported by SatNOGS.  These may require more processing power than a Raspberry Pi 3b can offer.
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* [https://www.ettus.com/product/category/USRP-Bus-Series USRP b200]
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* [https://www.ettus.com/product/category/USRP-Networked-Series USRP2] (not compatible with the SatNOGS client on Raspberry Pi 3)
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* [https://airspy.com/ Airspy] (not compatible with the SatNOGS client on Raspberry Pi 3)
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* [https://greatscottgadgets.com/hackrf/ HackRF One] (not compatible with the SatNOGS client on Raspberry Pi 3)
  
* The satellites you'll be able to decode may be limited; filters have been developed for RTL-SDR, and won't be available for your radio.
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=== References ===
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* [https://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtlsdr4everyone-review-of-5-rtl-sdr-dongles/ Review of 5 RTL-SDR Dongles]
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* [https://hackaday.com/2017/09/05/19-rtl-sdr-dongles-reviewed/ 19 RTL-SDR Dongles Reviewed]
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* [https://www.rtl-sdr.com/review-airspy-vs-sdrplay-rsp-vs-hackrf/ Review: Airspy VS. SDRplay RSP VS. HackRF]
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[[Category:SDR]]
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[[Category:Radio]]
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Revision as of 20:32, 2 February 2019


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:

Advanced Software Defined Radios

The following advanced SDRs are supported by SatNOGS. These may require more processing power than a Raspberry Pi 3b can offer.

  • USRP b200
  • USRP2 (not compatible with the SatNOGS client on Raspberry Pi 3)
  • Airspy (not compatible with the SatNOGS client on Raspberry Pi 3)
  • HackRF One (not compatible with the SatNOGS client on Raspberry Pi 3)

References