Software Defined Radio is an amazing little device that can act as a radio, scanner, signal finder and alot more. I purchased one to help study for my General Class license but was amazed what this small device is capable of.
My current devices and usage are:
The NESDR Mini currently is used for multiple applications such as ADS-B feeder for ADS-B Exchange, Signal finder and spotting connected via OTP on Oneplus 8T and frequency surfing.
The RTL-SDR R828D RTL2832U Blog 4 is a bit more rugged but the dipole kit is amazing. Currently, this is used to re-broadcast NOAA weather radio for Eastern Kentucky over the internet.
An important note for anyone that is interested in trying out an SDR or maybe you currently have an SDR but find it to be a little weak. As I was able to easily pull in aircraft with these devices in doors to my war room, my signal was being blocked by the brick and concrete walls. It also did not help these small antenna’s are very weak and it is suggested to engineer a bigger antenna. I was able to easily use one of my bigger antenna’s with these devices by using a pigtail coax adaptor. Just like HT or mobile radio’s, SDR does require engineering on both hardware and even software level to get the device working to your liking.
For the re-broadcasting of Jackson weather radio, SDR++ is used both used on Windows and Linux. HDSDR is also used for the NESDR Mini. On Android, SDRangel and SDRTOUCH is used for mobile but also testing other applications as well.