Software Defined Everything Archives

Introduction to High-End Software Defined Radios (SDRs)

By Tommy Reed on July 4, 2023July 27, 2023Leave a Comment

Software Defined Radios or SDRs are reshaping the RF spectrum. If you’re completely new to SDRs, check out our beginner’s guide to SDRs here! SDRs leverage the power of the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), and General-Purpose Processor (GPP) to redefine the way radio communication is achieved. These building blocks enable SDRs to offer flexibility, upgradability, and an unprecedented level of customization. With SDRs, the possibilities in the world of radio communication are limited only by imagination and innovation.

However, not all SDRs are created equal. While there are some great options when it comes to cheap SDRs that can be used for a wide range of applications, but high-end SDRs, like FlexRadio, unlock the most potential when it comes to the RF spectrum. Some of the key advantages include ability to transmit and receive (even simultaneously), output power levels, bandwidth, speed, and processing power (needed for complex RF waveforms).

Definitive Guide to the HackRF One Software Defined Radio (SDR)

By Tommy Reed on June 26, 2023July 27, 2023Leave a Comment

As the world of radio communication continues to evolve, the need for versatile and adaptable tools becomes paramount. Enter the HackRF One Software Defined Radio (SDR), a revolutionary device that promises to redefine your experience in exploring and manipulating the airwaves. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the capabilities, features, and overall performance of the HackRF One, aiming to help potential buyers make an informed decision. If you’re just getting started with software defined radios, check out our Beginners Guide to SDRs here!

HackRF One SDR Bundle — HackRF One Software Defined Radio bundle

10 Things to do with your SDR [Great SDR Projects]

By Tommy Reed on November 23, 2020March 8, 2021Leave a Comment

So you did your research and picked up a great SDR receiver or transceiver and are looking for a cool SDR project to get you started. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a collection of 10 killer projects to help you get more familiar with your software defined radio.

Live NOAA Weather with Nooelec GOES Weather SDR Bundle

By Tommy Reed on November 8, 2020November 10, 2020Leave a Comment

Introducing a new SDR radio bundle specifically designed for tuning into weather satellite signals.

SDR Weather Stations

Using an SDR to receive weather data from NOAA’s GOES satellite constellation is one of the most common applications for software defined radio enthusiast. There are a ton of tutorials and videos on how to setup your SDR rig, antenna, and SDR software to receive and decode weather images.

One thing that can slow folks down on their quest for home-brew meteorology is figuring out just what equipment is needed beyond a great SDR radio. There are antennas, LNAs, filters, etc. It can all become a bit overwhelming at times.

That’s where a new SDR bundle from Nooelec comes in. The folks over at Nooelec have taken all the guess work and hours of sifting through forums out of designing the best SDR weather station. They’ve created a bundle that includes everything you need to receive weather satellite images.

Three Aviation Signals for Your Next SDR Project

By Tommy Reed on September 22, 2020December 10, 2020Leave a Comment

This post originally appeared on RS-Online on Sept, 28, 2020.

You’ve scoured all the blogs and forums and finally decided on a great new software defined radio (SDR) rig… now what?!? Choosing your first SDR project can seem daunting, not to mention some of the most interesting signals may seem relatively obscure or unknown if you’re new to software defined radios.

If you’re new to SDRs, check out this post that describes software defined radios
If your just getting started, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to SDRs.
If your ready to buy your first SDR, check out this list of 10 great radios for any budget.

We’ve compiled a list of the most popular aviation related waveforms and signals to explore with your SDR. Before building a new SDR project, be sure to confirm your radio has the appropriate bandwidth and frequency range to detect the signals listed below. Without further ado…

15 Best Software Defined Radios (SDRs) For Any Budget [2021 Edition]

By Tommy Reed on June 22, 2020May 30, 20232 Comments

When it comes to Software Defined Radios or SDRs, the variety of offerings can be overwhelming when trying to pick the right set up. We scoured the web in search of 15 great software defined radios so you wouldn’t have to!

So what is the best SDR receiver or transceiver in 2021? The answer is… it’s complicated! When picking an SDR radio, there are many factors that come into play; frequency ranges, transmit/receive capability, complexity, available firmware and open source projects, and of course cost! The following list of great SDR radios covers this diverse spectrum and we hope any one interested in software defined radios will find something that will work for them.

A Beginner’s Guide to Software Defined Radios

By Tommy Reed on June 14, 2020November 10, 20202 Comments

Software Defined Radios or SDRs offer a high level of flexibility and adaptability compared to traditional hardware based radios. However adding all these 1s and 0s to the already complex and beautiful art of MHz and dBs can be daunting. We wrote this post to help you start your journey using software defined radios (SDRs) in 5 simple steps.

If you’re scratching your head wondering “what the heck are SDR radios or software defined radios anyways?!?” check out this post that describes SDR radios compared to traditional radios.

Without further delay, here is our beginner’s guide to get started using software defined radios!

What are Software Defined Radios (SDRs)

By Tommy Reed on June 9, 2020November 10, 20201 Comment

In this post we’ll explore SDR radios or software defined radios. There’s been a common theme in most things technology related lately and that is a move to Software Defined Everything, or SDx as it is often shortened. Radios and RF communications equipment in general have been moving toward a software-defined existence just the same.

A radio is any kind of electronic device that transmits and receives signals in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. These signals (often called waveforms) are used to transfer information between radios. Radios are ubiquitous today and found in almost every electronic device you own thanks to the proliferation of “smart” and “connected” devices.