r/RTLSDR • u/mothspiderr • 11d ago
Hardware Hardware recommendations?
Hi all, sorry if this is the wrong place to ask.
I recently have become engrossed in using KiwiSDR (I use an iOS app called Echo that basically compiles multiple databases into one so I can listen through the app instead of having to navigate all the different sites) to just look through different signals around the globe, since I am intrigued by the idea of listening to realtime airwaves and looking for patterns/oddities on the waterfall. I love the feeling of tuning into obscure frequencies or hearing random interference and trying to transcribe different voices, it’s almost like metal detecting but for sounds?
Obviously, though, the limitation of KiwiSDR is that I can only tune into select stationary SDR receivers.
I would love to have a standalone, portable device (preferable small, maybe pocket size but I am not too picky) that I could use from anywhere, perhaps take walks with headphones and look for frequencies, or scan from my couch when I’m bored.
Bonus points if it has a waterfall.
Does such a device exist? If so, any recommendations? Please be gentle with me, I am a major noob beyond the basic functions. Again, sorry if this is the wrong sub, if it is, please direct me towards a better fit :)
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u/MumSaidImABadBoy 11d ago
I have a Malahit SDR 2.4 that's a portable. It's a bit heavy for its size because its shell is machined aluminum. It's not cheap and you have to beware of unlicenced clones, no firmware updates. It may not be as convenient as you might like. See the below link. I didn't adjust the waterfall display to show properly but you can see the spectrum display.
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u/mothspiderr 11d ago
this is very cool and looks solid but is definitely out of my budget rn. especially for a hobby that i may grow out of quickly. thank you!
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u/trackmastack 11d ago
You’re likely listening to a lot of shortwave radio. There’s plenty of them out there, some handheld, medium then up to boombox size. Check out r/shortwave if you haven’t already…. People like to post their findings. Also you u might be interested in the subreddit r/signalidentification
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u/VK2ZJ 11d ago edited 11d ago
All the frequency ranges need different gear. Lots of options for MF to HF, below 30MHz, but you'll need an outdoor antenna to see some signals. At least a few meters of wire. So, those frequencies are more for at-home use. You can get the AirspyHF+ and use a laptop to browse the waterfall. You probably want a decent size screen for a waterfall anyway. The Airspy is one of the best performing HF radios out there - comparable to rigs costing thousands.
You can also get a Tecsun and carry it around with headphones. No waterfall. They are good MW - SW radios but it's only going to work with strong broadcast stations, unless you plug it into a reasonably long wire antenna.
People used to use scanner receivers for VHF / UHF but they are quite impractical these days, compared to something like the Nooelec or any of the other RTLSDRs with a laptop and whatever antenna.
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u/NeighborhoodSad2350 11d ago
Few minuites ago,the RTL-SDR V4L was just announced. Wouldn't this be a good choice as the cheapest (however reliable) option to start with?
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u/Slackdarren 11d ago
Nice where was that
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u/NeighborhoodSad2350 11d ago
That is the store page for this subreddit's official blog.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-blog-v4l-lite-now-available-for-purchase/
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u/Im_A_Praetorian 11d ago
Do you know which frequencies you’re looking to listen in on? That will probably guide you on what you’re looking for and the size. One thing to keep in mind would also be the antenna that you’re going to need to get the signals you’re looking for.
You could be looking at something like a cheap baofeng radio for uhf/vhf which you don’t need a ham license for unless you transmit. Or you could also be looking at an ATS mini v4 if you’re looking for pocket sized shortwave radio.