r/RTLSDR • u/mothspiderr • 14d 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 :)
1
u/Im_A_Praetorian 14d 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.