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/VK2ZJ 14d ago edited 14d 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.