RTL-SDR - RTL2832U - Software Defined Radio

[Fira]

First of all, I'd like to acknowledge that my recent interest in this type of research was born out of watching Darren's video interview with Renderman. So hat doffed, cheers guys!

I found recently that a certain type of radio in some PC TV dongles (RTL2832U) can be used to watch more than free to air TV.

I just ordered one for £7 on amazon, That's mindblowingly cheap.!

The idea is that you use these USB devices to look / listen to the radio waves being broadcast around you within a range of frequencies. It seems that within these frequencies, all the good stuff happens.

This is probably old news to a few of you, but that's cool, as I'd love to invite you all to discuss this here with me and everyone else here on why this is so cool and interesting, and perhaps help us all understand the possibilities of this cheap technology for learning and research purposes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqUPj852FFY

Apart from all the applications that seem to be be here already for Windows and Linux (sorry OSX users!), there are other considerations too.. One of them would be fairly relevant to HAK5 in a way, as a need for the understanding of antennas is something a lot of us are interested in due to the pineapple.

Of course there are plenty more devices which are more capable to do this, but at a cost increase.

here is a couple of links that I have found wealthy in information.

http://rtlsdr.org/

http://sdr.osmocom.org/trac/wiki/rtl-sdr

http://hackaday.com/?s=sdr

http://www.reddit.com/r/rtlsdr

One more thing....

Someone made a way to use a DJ Controller as a way to control the interface of the software.

http://www.dh1tw.de/powersdr-ui

Now, that is awesome!

RTL2832U

DVB-T COFDM Demodulator + USB 2.0

General Description
The RTL2832U is a high-performance DVB-T COFDM demodulator that supports a USB 2.0 interface. The RTL2832U complies with NorDig Unified 1.0.3, D-Book 5.0, and EN300 744 (ETSI Specification). It supports 2K or 8K mode with 6, 7, and 8MHz bandwidth. Modulation parameters, e.g., code rate, and guard interval, are automatically detected.

The RTL2832U supports tuners at IF (Intermediate Frequency, 36.125MHz), low-IF (4.57MHz), or Zero-IF output using a 28.8MHz crystal, and includes FM/DAB/DAB+ Radio Support. Embedded with an advanced ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), the RTL2832U features high stability in portable reception.

The state-of-the-art RTL2832U features Realtek proprietary algorithms (patent-pending), including superior channel estimation, co-channel interface rejection, long echo channel reception, and impulse noise cancellation, and provides an ideal solution for a wide range of applications for PC-TV, such as USB dongle and MiniCard/USB, and embedded system via USB interface.


Features
COFDM complying with Nordig Unified 1.0.3, D-book 5.0, and ETSI 300-744
Supports multiple IF frequencies (4.57MHz or 36.167MHz) and spectrum inversion
Includes Radio Support (FM/DAB/DAB+)
Includes ISDB-T(SBTVD-T) 1-Seg
Supports Zero-IF input
Single low-cost crystal for clock generation (±100ppm)
Automatic transmission mode and guard interval detection
Impulse noise cancellation circuits
Automatic carrier recovery over a wide range offset (±800KHz)
Superior performance with pre/post/long echo profiles
Embedded adjacent and co-channel interference rejection circuit
Delayed AGC with programmable Take-Over Point (TOP)
7-bit ADC for RF signals level measurement
Hardware MPEG-2 PID filters
Infra-red port for remote control and wake-up, protocols supported are:
Microsoft RC6 protocol
NEC, Sony, SIRC, RC-5 protocol
Eight general purpose I/O ports
USB 2.0 Interface
Supports USB Full/High speed
Configurable vendor information via external EEPROM
Passes USB-IF certification
Signal 3.3V external power is required
48-pin QFN (6x6 mm2) Green Package
Applications
Portable DTV device
USB dongle
MiniCard

Edited December 27, 2013 by Fira

[chriswhat]

I was given an SDR (the one from the Hak Shop) for x-mas but I don't know what the hell to do with it. Just plugged it in for the first time yesterday. I'm using Mac OS X. I downloaded GQRX and started messing around with it... but I only receive static, strange spikes (with no noise), and weird bleeps (in rhythmic patterns).

Can I intercept 2-way radio comms or AM/FM broadcasts? Video? What do I do with this thing?

[Fira]

There is A custom Ubuntu distribution which has lots of tools on it. Can't remember the name off hand. My rtl-sdr should arrive this week. I intend to do a write up when it does.

[barry99705]

I was given an SDR (the one from the Hak Shop) for x-mas but I don't know what the hell to do with it. Just plugged it in for the first time yesterday. I'm using Mac OS X. I downloaded GQRX and started messing around with it... but I only receive static, strange spikes (with no noise), and weird bleeps (in rhythmic patterns).

Can I intercept 2-way radio comms or AM/FM broadcasts? Video? What do I do with this thing?

The mode button is what you're looking for. AM, WFM, will give you radio stations.

[chriswhat]

Finally, I started to make some sense of this thing. I intercepted some police comms and lots of strange transmissions. I'm somewhat fixated on it now. I may need to invest in an antenna.

[SteveSi]

You don't need to buy any hardware (or make big aerials) to try SDR - just use the internet - see my blog here.

[psydT0ne]

For Australian dudes:

http://bit.ly/1bzOZvZ