I've reviewed lots of SDR tutorials, "unboxings" and related videos but this is the most comprehensive and useful video of them all. Keep up the good work and thank you for all of the thought and skill that went into producing this great video.
No Kev , Sorry I am 80 yrs old and I love the challenge of SWLING and this is cheating as it is half transmitted by land line to a computer.. No for me sorry..
Bit of an update. Sdr I have discovered over time has a very poor selectivity. A good radio and external antenna are far superior to sdr. Example: Sdr and receiver run from same antenna. Sdr no received signal. Stand alone radio, signals booming in
Very grateful that you put this video out. I've been reading a great deal about these devices with the aim to buy one. However your end to end overview filled in a lot of gaps including things I needed to understand but didn't realise I hadn't understood. Well done!
I have been using an indoor skeleton discone with a wide band preamp, also suitable for radio scanners. I live on the ground floor, but find this works very well.
Agreed... We've come a long way since the old days of radio. Thank you for the information on various types of radios, antennas, and accessories. Well made video!
Love it! I just bought my first setup and am super excited to get started. On a side note, the whole video I am just waiting for you to say something about 15% and Geicko! Sorry I had to
Another old SWL who detoured into computer apps for writing and web publishing in the '80s and '90s and only vaguely knew that this stuff existed. Thanks for the introduction!
As a newby ( a 62 yr old newby) I find this very helpful. i was looking at the Uniden range of receivers, by my goodness they are expensive for someone on a meagre income, so having found your excellent guide, I shall look into this further- many thanks for a concise and clear description of the hobby and available hardware/software.
I use several Kiwi SDRs regularly which are in a very quiet noise sites, great reception. Much better than locally using my R5000. Now have many logs each day. Am now back fully involved with Intl SW B/Cs
2020: Was just thinking about the use of a Raspberry Pi with many of these to have a relatively self-contained receiver, given a solid 5-volt battery supply. I dislike tying up my phone. Great review!
Excellent and very informative. This is a high quality documentary as they all are from Tech Minds. I wish that many documentaries on You Tube would be as good as this one is. Most of the documentaries and editions are simply rubbish!!! Well done and thank you for your great and logically explanations.
TCXO stands for temperature compensated crystal oscillator. Devices that have temperature control are actually called OCXO - oven controlled crystal oscillators.
As a ham operator who uses a high end version of SDR transceiver, I must say I learned almost nothing except that leaving out the safety aspect of outside antennas does the user a disservice.
Excellent Videos......I’ve just started getting back into scanning used to do a bit in the 90s but having coming across your videos will definitely be starting to use these SDR 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
2:47 - I believe that TCXO stands for Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator, not temperature controlled; that would be undesirable in this application.
I understood some stuff because I have some RF knowledge, but I was expecting a true beginners course, like what is RTL? More in how it differs from a traditional Radio, and how the software actually works in tandem with some of the hardware, etc....I feel this assumed a lot of existing knowledge.
Thanks I've been playing with web sdr and I'm getting curious about what I could pick up from home with my own sdr set up.. really appreciate your vids!
Excellent tutorial...👍 Question: instead of joining back to back those 2 Receivers (NOO Elec NESDR SMArtee 25-1750 MHz and the NOO Elec Ham it up 100 KHz for a total of $66), isn't wiser to just buy the SDR Play RSP 1A 1 KHz- 2 GHz at $99 ? Thanks for answering :).
the rtl-sdr v3 is basically best bang for your buck since it has bias t, txco, some other stuff, goes down to about 20mhz and up to about 3ghz for about 25 euro/ 30 dollars.
Good video but is the only properties that differ quality is an SDR as presented. I was a professional radioman for 20 years and the way we would rate a receiver used completely different specs. Receiver sensitivity and audio quality consisted of a SINAD reading. My RTL-SDR with a amplified loop antenna doesn’t receive well. Unfortunately I don’t have a Motorola 2600 service monitor to measure its sensitivity, And I can’t find these specs in sdr videos to help me decide if my SDR is lame or my antenna. Am I missing something ?
Wonderful video! Thank you so much for putting all this information together. If you would be willing to put together a list of the ideal components for Amateur use, I would almost certainly purchase the items through your Amazon store. Thank you again, 73s
Your videos are awesome man, very informative. I am totally new to SDR, setting up to use it with my HF rig (ICOM 718, took your recommendation on the switch from banggood). Are there any any particular SDRs you recommend for those of us who are only in that end of the spectrum? This is a fun project currently, working through setting up my offshore boat for data, weatherfax, long range com, ect. SDR seems like an obvious part of the plan.
Thanks a lot for the information sir, I want to get started as soon as possible. Btw, your voice reminds me of another youtube channel 'cameralabs' by Gordon Laing... not you?
A WebSDR is a Software-Defined Radio receiver connected to the internet, ( www.websdr.org/ ) allowing many listeners to listen and tune it simultaneously. SDR technology makes it possible that all listeners tune independently, and thus listen to different signals; this is in contrast to the many classical receivers that are already available via the internet.
Thanks for the great beginners guide! What setup do you use to test handhelds for spurious emissions (i.e. harmonics)? I have a few handhelds I'd like to test but don't know what is required outside of an SDR + software.
ok, after the SDR system is running what is the software setup to test some radio stations? Like now what, or just start pushing buttons? Oh no, do I have to read the manual? 😎Thanks.
I bought the NooElec device and it's built like a tank! (I just wanted to be able to receive FM stations in stereo on my PC, to avoid having regular FM radio). I merely use a spare HDTV antenna, via a screw-threaded adaptor. The SDR# (SDR Sharp) software is OK, but installation is unnecessarily clunky and the interface could be a lot clearer. There should be a way to turn off the "waterfall" display, which is not needed for most users. However, I am happy with my purchase.
There are applications which can be used on pc just for listening to FM Radio using the NooElec, without having to use SDR sharp. If your antenna is good enough, you’ll also be able to receive DAB radio too. I might make a video on this topic. Thanks!
You can turn off the waterfall in SDR# Go to FFT display, look for View at the top of that panel. The options are Both, Spectrum Analyzer, waterfall, none. Try the different options to get your required look.
Great video, thank you! Regarding versions: Would you recommend the SMArt v4 or SMArTEE v2? Sounds like the SMArTEE is superior but version numbers are deceiving me.. Thx
Normally the most expensive one would be better, reason I say that is because it would have a better stability and probably have bias tee so you can power things like LNAs.
No "Zadig" link.
zadig.akeo.ie
@@TechMindsOfficialpeople messing with this stuff should be capable of finding referenced software if you provide the name. Great video buddy
I've reviewed lots of SDR tutorials, "unboxings" and related videos but this is the most comprehensive and useful video of them all. Keep up the good work and thank you for all of the thought and skill that went into producing this great video.
Thanks David!
Old sw listener, just found this stuff. Blimey wat I'd have give for this lot 30 years ago...I'm hooked again...the missus is gonna go ape!
No Kev ,
Sorry I am 80 yrs old and I love the challenge of SWLING and this is cheating as it is half transmitted by land line to a computer.. No for me sorry..
Bit of an update.
Sdr I have discovered over time has a very poor selectivity.
A good radio and external antenna are far superior to sdr.
Example:
Sdr and receiver run from same antenna. Sdr no received signal.
Stand alone radio, signals booming in
@@geoffreypowell9220 Agreed. 👍
@geoffreypowell9220 How does a person "cheat" at a listening hobby? Who are they supposed to be competing with?
For real though!!!!
Very grateful that you put this video out.
I've been reading a great deal about these devices with the aim to buy one. However your end to end overview filled in a lot of gaps including things I needed to understand but didn't realise I hadn't understood.
Well done!
Thanks GOD, a channel well explained about SDR loud and clear
Thank you 🙏
Well done that man. I wish others would take as much care and time. Concise, audible,informative. More please!
Thanks Paul!
I have been using an indoor skeleton discone with a wide band preamp, also suitable for radio scanners. I live on the ground floor, but find this works very well.
Agreed... We've come a long way since the old days of radio. Thank you for the information on various types of radios, antennas, and accessories. Well made video!
Love it! I just bought my first setup and am super excited to get started.
On a side note, the whole video I am just waiting for you to say something about 15% and Geicko! Sorry I had to
Another old SWL who detoured into computer apps for writing and web publishing in the '80s and '90s and only vaguely knew that this stuff existed. Thanks for the introduction!
Excellent. Thank you for taking the time to produce a video for starters. Cheers
very good vídeo and explanation SDR complete great informations thank you
As a newby ( a 62 yr old newby) I find this very helpful. i was looking at the Uniden range of receivers, by my goodness they are expensive for someone on a meagre income, so having found your excellent guide, I shall look into this further- many thanks for a concise and clear description of the hobby and available hardware/software.
I’m just getting started. This was very helpful!
Subbed. On the basis of your explanation being very clear without a patronising tone! Many thanks buddy.
I use several Kiwi SDRs regularly which are in a very quiet noise sites, great reception. Much better than locally using my R5000. Now have many logs each day. Am now back fully involved with Intl SW B/Cs
super informative for us nubies
You’re welcome 👌
good explanation of SDR and equipment.....5 Stars!
2020: Was just thinking about the use of a Raspberry Pi with many of these to have a relatively self-contained receiver, given a solid 5-volt battery supply. I dislike tying up my phone. Great review!
Excellent and very informative. This is a high quality documentary as they all are from Tech Minds. I wish that many documentaries on You Tube would be as good as this one is. Most of the documentaries and editions are simply rubbish!!! Well done and thank you for your great and logically explanations.
When I was a tech (back in the crimean war) TCXO stood for "temperature compensated crystal oscillator"
TCXO stands for temperature compensated crystal oscillator. Devices that have temperature control are actually called OCXO - oven controlled crystal oscillators.
As a ham operator who uses a high end version of SDR transceiver, I must say I learned almost nothing except that leaving out the safety aspect of outside antennas does the user a disservice.
At 01:14
The correct SI spelling is MHz and NOT Mhz as I see here.
This may look minor but when you are discussing radio better do it the right way.
Excellent, thank you! Looks like I’m starting a new hobby 😀. Hope you do some videos on making your own antennas. Cheers
Wow! Excellent presentation. Very clear and focused.
HackRF is in $300 range if bought in the US. On Aliexpress, I am seeing a HackRF with metal case, TCXO and antenna as low as $88.
This vid was so GOOD that i am going to go set up the SDR a friend gave me last Christmas.
Very good primer to SDR!You know yourstuff!
73s
Tom
Thank you Sir. This was EXTREMELY helpful for getting me moving in the right direction.
great explanation i am now starting to get my head round this new tech . thanks paul h
You’re welcome Paul, I hope my videos help you along your way learning and if you have any questions feel free to ask! Cheers, Matt
Excellent Videos......I’ve just started getting back into scanning used to do a bit in the 90s but having coming across your videos will definitely be starting to use these SDR 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thanks Scott! Appreciate you watching 👍
thank a lot for this excellent video, clear, objective and very simply to understand all concepts.
Thanks Mate! This Video gave me all the help I was looking for.
Thanks to share!
Amazingly helpful video! Thank you very much!
2:47 - I believe that TCXO stands for Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator, not temperature controlled; that would be undesirable in this application.
You’re right! 👌
There are some crystal oscillators that are actually actively heated in what's called a crystal oven ;)
@@MrOpenGL Yes, I have a couple somewhere in my store of components or as my wife calls 'that pile of rubbish'.
Excellent! Most helpful!
Thanks!
Just starting out really helpful
I understood some stuff because I have some RF knowledge, but I was expecting a true beginners course, like what is RTL? More in how it differs from a traditional Radio, and how the software actually works in tandem with some of the hardware, etc....I feel this assumed a lot of existing knowledge.
Great explanation, Nice job. I applaud the time you put into this, thank you.
I'm new, I' don't know but I love it, going to be your fan!!!
Thanks I've been playing with web sdr and I'm getting curious about what I could pick up from home with my own sdr set up.. really appreciate your vids!
Was waiting for this ;)
Nice Work in Describing SDR!!
Excellent overview
Excellent tutorial...👍 Question: instead of joining back to back those 2 Receivers (NOO Elec NESDR SMArtee 25-1750 MHz and the NOO Elec Ham it up 100 KHz for a total of $66), isn't wiser to just buy the SDR Play RSP 1A 1 KHz- 2 GHz at $99 ? Thanks for answering :).
Absolutely great presentation. Kind thanks for the explanation. Greetings from Alaska.
Thank you 🙏
Excellent presentation!
Great video. Thanks!! You explained it so good, that even I understand it..............
Excellent work sir
Thank you so much matt💟
I subscribed. Wish you get 1000k plus subscirbers 😘😘
You’re welcome :)
Great video, thank you.
Thank you for the video!
Really well done!
the rtl-sdr v3 is basically best bang for your buck since it has bias t, txco, some other stuff, goes down to about 20mhz and up to about 3ghz for about 25 euro/ 30 dollars.
thank you!
You're welcome!
Great video. Just what I needed.
Very clear! Thank you.
Thanks for the info. Sounds like an interesting hobby I will check more into.
Good video but is the only properties that differ quality is an SDR as presented. I was a professional radioman for 20 years and the way we would rate a receiver used completely different specs. Receiver sensitivity and audio quality consisted of a SINAD reading. My RTL-SDR with a amplified loop antenna doesn’t receive well. Unfortunately I don’t have a Motorola 2600 service monitor to measure its sensitivity, And I can’t find these specs in sdr videos to help me decide if my SDR is lame or my antenna. Am I missing something ?
Super useful
The bundle package is now on order, being delivered on Sunday. Hope you carry on with this series 😄. Cheers
Regarding the balun, it is matching the unbalanced coax connection to the balanced antenna. Not the other way as you stated.
You are correct sir, thank you for pointing that out. 👍
very interesting thank you for taking the time to post
Great well done professional video, please make more...lol!
Thank you 🙏
Excellent information
Can you use this equipment to do some backyard radio astronomy?
Yes
Excellente reviews and great infos. Thanks a lot
Thousands of dollars in equipment reduced to $20-50 because the computer does all the work. Amazing!
Great video that buddy. Subbed n thumbed. Just getting in to SDR and need all the help I can get.
Wonderful video! Thank you so much for putting all this information together. If you would be willing to put together a list of the ideal components for Amateur use, I would almost certainly purchase the items through your Amazon store. Thank you again, 73s
You’re welcome 😊
Your videos are awesome man, very informative. I am totally new to SDR, setting up to use it with my HF rig (ICOM 718, took your recommendation on the switch from banggood). Are there any any particular SDRs you recommend for those of us who are only in that end of the spectrum? This is a fun project currently, working through setting up my offshore boat for data, weatherfax, long range com, ect. SDR seems like an obvious part of the plan.
Well Done
Thanks a lot for the information sir, I want to get started as soon as possible. Btw, your voice reminds me of another youtube channel 'cameralabs' by Gordon Laing... not you?
A WebSDR is a Software-Defined Radio receiver connected to the internet, ( www.websdr.org/ ) allowing many listeners to listen and tune it simultaneously. SDR technology makes it possible that all listeners tune independently, and thus listen to different signals; this is in contrast to the many classical receivers that are already available via the internet.
Very informative
Thanks for great information!
You’re welcome 😉
Thank you Kev,
So I am right SDR is a Short cut to Swling , I prefer my End fed and Kenwood R2000 anytime ,Thank you Keve for reply.....
I agree with many others,,,very very well done...thanks
Thanks Gene!
Really nice well presented video thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, thanks for watching :)
load of usb radios or stuff but noone sells in sweden , great video
Thanks dood! Try eBay it amazon :)
Great video, solid, thank you sir 💪🏻💥
Amazing presentation .............
Great video, well done, the best.
Good stuff..thanks for the info
You’re welcome 👍
Very interesting and helpful, thanks loads :)
You’re welcome, thanks for watching! 🙏
Amazing guide.
Thanks for the great beginners guide! What setup do you use to test handhelds for spurious emissions (i.e. harmonics)? I have a few handhelds I'd like to test but don't know what is required outside of an SDR + software.
This looks fun!
nice information video , can you suggest as a beginner what you recommended..
I have a satellite dish and a uhf antenna, and I've always been wondering if i could receive some signals with a satellite dish or something
Great overview.
Thankyou
ok, after the SDR system is running what is the software setup to test some radio stations? Like now what, or just start pushing buttons? Oh no, do I have to read the manual? 😎Thanks.
Well Done & beg you for yearly updates.
thank you this was very useful
great explanation, thank you.
You’re welcome :)
Thnaks
I bought the NooElec device and it's built like a tank! (I just wanted to be able to receive FM stations in stereo on my PC, to avoid having regular FM radio). I merely use a spare HDTV antenna, via a screw-threaded adaptor. The SDR# (SDR Sharp) software is OK, but installation is unnecessarily clunky and the interface could be a lot clearer. There should be a way to turn off the "waterfall" display, which is not needed for most users. However, I am happy with my purchase.
There are applications which can be used on pc just for listening to FM Radio using the NooElec, without having to use SDR sharp. If your antenna is good enough, you’ll also be able to receive DAB radio too. I might make a video on this topic. Thanks!
You can turn off the waterfall in SDR#
Go to FFT display, look for View at the top of that panel.
The options are Both, Spectrum Analyzer, waterfall, none.
Try the different options to get your required look.
can it receive DRM RADIO SIGNALS
@@TechMindsOfficial
Yep, sure can, look for my video on DRM :)
This is a Great Video...
Great video, thank you!
Regarding versions: Would you recommend the SMArt v4 or SMArTEE v2? Sounds like the SMArTEE is superior but version numbers are deceiving me.. Thx
Normally the most expensive one would be better, reason I say that is because it would have a better stability and probably have bias tee so you can power things like LNAs.