RTL-SDR Blog V4 R828D RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit

purchased in 2024, now 2026. This item works well and reliably once it's set up. I have it working on a Linux Debian machine. Be aware that it takes some work to set up and get everything working (knowing nothing about this at start, it took me many hours over several days/weeks), but once that's done it works fine, with good reception on the little antenna. Power/CPU usage on desktop is minimal. Couple notes: - Documentation (at least for Linux) is hard to find and pieces are scattered all over. - Also, this item will basically only cover one frequency or one trunc line. It is supposedly possible to scan two or more frequencies but it is not recommended and I found it not workable as then you're scanning one or another (alternating) not both at the same time. I use it to listen to local PD on digital channel. Did not try truncing lines as there aren't any near me.

I absolutely love the dongle for listening to the local emergency services. The sticky cup works extremely well. Some major things to know though: -this will not work with some AMD processors. It does not work with any of my AMD processors. It acts like it works , but it's constantly failing/flaky/glitchy. I tried all the different USB powered hub blah blah blah configurations. But nope, moving them to intel machines made all the difference. Super reliable on the Intel machines - even the ones that are old. - windows updates will sometimes update the driver disabling it. So you have to use a program to reinstall the driver. Very annoying since Windows 11 requires you to allow updates at least once a month. -The usb end of the dongles is also fragile, and can lose signal if they're jiggled . So putting them on a hub where they are upright is best. Or in an upright USB port on your computer works too. -They get pretty warm, so you're probably not going to want to put them next to each other. -Having one V3 and V4 works better than two of the same kind. Then you don't have to go into the settings and rename it with a special program. And they just work better together. I use sdrtrunk on pc and trunkrecorder on a potato - works great on both. Better signal than my bearcat. Was easy to set up to upload to openmhz and broadcastify.

I’ve spent a lot of time comparing SDR receivers and was specifically interested in how the V4 performs with the antenna stuck to the window for VHF/UHF and airband monitoring. The V4 has excellent sensitivity and does a very good job pulling in weaker signals. The front-end filtering is particularly useful in a busy RF environment-LED lights, literally anything that plugs in caused my HT to only hear static. I’m using it with SDR++ software and the dipole it came with. The difference in reception is noticeable. It performed better than a “base unit” in sensitivity. Pros: excellent sensitivity, good filtering, stable operation, solid construction, easy software integration. Cons: None I received one of the last V4’s, but I’d still buy from this company. The customer service is great! Carl responded very quickly.

I bought RTL-SDR Blog receiver as an affordable intro to Software Defined Radio. - In my exploration of the hardware, I find capable electronics in a quality metal enclosure, for under $100 including antenna kit. This appeals to my sense of frugality as I can begin learning SDR basics with the affordable RTL-SDR Blog receiver. Affordability makes this receiver ideal for beginners learning SDR hardware and software. I recommend the kit antenna, which is worth the extra expense to quickly get started receiving signal. Also, the telescoping dipole antenna design makes it easy to adjust the length of the antenna to better receive specific frequencies. From my experience so far, I do recommend the RTL-SDR Blog receiver to novices entering the hobby, as well as anyone seeking affordable intro SDR equipment. This SDR receiver will likely require some time to learn the basics and configure to your needs. It is not something that is 'plug-&-play' as much as hardware that requires proper installation, and configuration for specific purposes. Buy the RTL-SDR Blog receiver to get started on an SDR learning journey, but expect to invest time learning some necessary basics before use. I find this device a good deal for learning to use current SDR hardware and software. - As an absolute novice, I invested in the RTL-SDR Blog receiver to learn as much as I can about SDR. I chose this as an affordable way to begin learning, and discovered an enthusiastic community of users. This SDR device seems enormously popular with the amateur hobbyist community, with active forums, topical video and web sites. SDR hardware is not 'plug-&-play,' so realistically, expect to invest some time into learning basic setup, device drivers, software configuration. If approached with patience and curiosity, this device is an ideal first SDR. The antenna kit is convenient, and worth the extra cost. I had the antenna assembled, mounted, and attached to the RTL-SDR Blog receiver in less than 10 minutes. I recommend the RTL-SDR Blog receiver to amateurs, hobbyists, and others interested in affordable SDR learning. It is not a, 'plug-&-play' device so expect to invest time in learning hardware, software, and exploration of SDR in general. I have found the hardware is simple to attach to my PC, however software can present learning challenges and opportunities for the curious.

Works great

This thing is super fun to play with. It was a shtf comms project that Grok put together for me. I hooked it up to my linux laptop and was picking up all kinds of transmissions with this and GQRX. Super fun, get it, its works very well and the price is right. I was able to tune it with the app and pick up so much. It sits well on my desk.

This product is a great SDR for beginners, with a lot of resources and help available online. After a short installation of the required drivers and software, everything worked smoothly (on a Windows PC). Its compact size, alongside the telescopic antennas, makes it suitable in many scenarios. The packaging was very good, and all parts are of high quality. It comes with several mounts for the antennas, which is awesome and enables me to use it on different occasions at different settings. To sum it up, a high-quality product, easy to use, and versatile. Easily a strong recommendation.

An excellent software defined radio (SDR) receive only dongle, at a very good price. It is performing very well in monitoring signals in the 10 MHz range. The install, as described in the online quickstart guide, is relatively straightforward, but it is not for the complete novice. There are multiple steps and the behavior of some of the step may vary somewhat from the specifics given in the quickstart guide (e.g. the replace drivers button for zdiag as described in the quickstart was an install button for me). The small dipole antenna in the kit will perhaps get you started, but has relatively low performance. A better antenna, perhaps such s the MLS-30A active loop is probably preferable. But a very nice dongle SDR for learning how to play with software defined radios!

Produit conforme livré a la date prévue, fonctionne parfaitement sur Windows 11

This RTL-SDR works as advertised, and is genuine, despite what other comments may suggest. (You can check the RTL-SDR website for what makes one genuine, and for me, it checked all the boxes.) It works great with several common SDR applications such as SDR++. If you want an RTL-SDR V4, then this is the one to get, just note that you will need to buy a better antenna, as the ones provided aren't the greatest.

No es lo que esperaba porque con esa antena no capta nada

Very good

ラズパイでADSBの受信を無事行えました。 V4は新しくてドライバの設定に手こずりました。 普通にインストールすると旧ドライバーが悪さをするのでご注意ください。 （エラーが無く一見動作している様に見えますが全く受信しません） 受信しない場合は、旧ドライバーを削除もしくは上書きして使いましょう。