Linux-SDR

Table of Contents

• Interfacing SDR with Linux
• Decoding Tools for SDR
  • GSM/Cellular
  • Satellite
  • AIS and Marine
  • ADS-B and Aviation
  • Digital Voice
  • Others
• Linux Distros for SDR Prebuilts
• SDR Hardware
• SDR Antennas and Accessories
  • Antenna Design Tools
  • Antenna Switches
  • Antenna Rotators
• Tutorials and Documentation
• Community and Support
• Contributing

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Interfacing SDR with Linux

A comprehensive list of SDR tools for Linux covering a variety of applications.

• GNU Radio - A free and open-source software development toolkit that provides signal processing blocks to implement SDR systems. (Open-Source)
• SDRangel - Versatile SDR software with a modular design supporting various devices and advanced signal processing. (Latest Release: v3.12, August 2023)
• SDRplay SDRUno - A powerful SDR application designed for SDRplay’s range of SDR receivers, offering advanced features, an intuitive user interface, and regular updates.
• CubicSDR - A multi-platform SDR application that supports various SDR devices and offers features like spectrum display and waterfall visualization.
• GQRX - An open-source SDR receiver powered by GNU Radio, providing a graphical interface and support for numerous SDR hardware options.
• SoapySDR - A vendor-neutral SDR software abstraction layer enabling compatibility between SDR hardware and various SDR applications.
• LinHPSDR - An SDR application based on the HPSDR Hermes board, providing support for high-performance SDR receivers.
• OpenWebRx+ - A multi-user SDR receiver application that supports various SDR hardware and offers a simple web interface for remote access.
• Thetis - A multi-platform SDR application supporting HPSDR Mercury, Penelope, and Excalibur hardware, offering advanced features and a customizable user interface.
• QSpectrumAnalyzer - A real-time spectrum analyzer integrated with GNU Radio for advanced signal visualization.
• SDRangelino - A lightweight SDR application optimized for embedded systems, offering essential signal processing features.
• DesktopHPSDR - A fork on PIHPSDR made for desktop use with some improvements

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Decoding Tools for SDR

Categorized by application for easier navigation.

GSM/Cellular

• gr-gsm - Decode GSM/3G/4G LTE base stations using GNU Radio.
• gr-lte - Decode LTE base stations with GNU Radio.

Satellite

• gr-iridium - Decode Iridium satellite signals using GNU Radio.
• gr-satellites - Decode various satellite signals with GNU Radio.

AIS and Marine

• gr-ais - Decode AIS (Automatic Identification System) signals using GNU Radio.
• rtl_ais - Decode AIS signals with RTL-SDR.

ADS-B and Aviation

• dump1090 - Decode ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) signals.
• gr-air-modes - Decode ADS-B signals using GNU Radio with RTL-SDR support.

Digital Voice

• dsd - Decode digital voice protocols such as P25 and DMR.
• SDRTrunk - Decode P25, DMR, and other digital voice protocols.

Others

• multimon-ng - Decode a variety of digital transmission modes.
• QRadioLink - A VOIP GNU/Linux SDR transceiver application using Internet protocols.
• WSJT-X - Decode weak signals in amateur radio.
• fldigi - Decode a variety of digital transmission modes.
• flrig - Control amateur radio transceivers.
• xastir - Decode APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) signals.
• RaspberryNoAA2 - Capture NOAA and Meteor-M2 satellite imagery on Raspberry Pi.
• gr-pocsag - Decode POCSAG pager signals using GNU Radio.
• multimode RX - A GNU Radio flowgraph for multimode reception.
• simple_fm_rvc - A simple FM receiver flowgraph.
• python-librtlsdr - Python wrapper for RTL-SDR.
• pyrtlsdr - Another Python wrapper for RTL-SDR.
• rtlsdr-waterfall - Python FFT GUI for RTL-SDR.
• Wireless Temp. Sensor RX - GNU Radio app for wireless temperature sensors.
• QtRadio - SDR graphical user interface.
• SDR# (SDRSharp) - Popular SDR GUI primarily for Windows, with Linux guides available.
• tetra_demod_fft - TETRA trunking signal demodulation using GNU Radio.
• airprobe - GSM sniffer tool.
• Linrad - SDR GUI with DAGC changes applied to librtlsdr master.
• gr-ais (fork) - Forked version of gr-ais for AIS reception.
• GNSS-SDR - Real-time GPS signal processing.
• LTE-Cell-Scanner - LTE scanner and tracker.
  • LTE-Cell-Scanner OpenCL accelerated - OpenCL-accelerated version for enhanced performance.
• Simulink-RTL-SDR - MATLAB/Simulink wrapper for RTL-SDR.
• gr-scan - Scanner flowgraph for GNU Radio.
• kalibrate-rtl - Calibration tool (Windows build available).
• pocsag-mrt - Multichannel real-time POCSAG decoder.
• adsb# - ADS-B receiver guide using RTL-SDR.
• osmo-gmr-rtl - GMR1 receiver setup with RTL-SDR dongles.
• dump1090 - ADS-B receiver.
• rtl_433 - Temperature sensor receiver.
• randio - Random number generator using SDR.
• gr-wmbus - Decode m-bus (EN 13757-4) signals.
• ec3k - EnergyCount 3000 receiver.
• RTLSDR-Scanner - Radio scanner application.
• simple_ra - Radio astronomy application.
• rtlizer - Spectrum analyzer for RTL-SDR.
• FS20_decode - FS20 decoder for home automation signals.
• OpenLTE - LTE toolkit for research and development.
• rtltcpaccess - DAB compatibility layer.
• SDR-J - “Analog” SDR & DAB receiver.
• gortlsdr - Golang wrapper for RTL-SDR.
• gr-rds (fork) - RDS + WBFM receiver using GNU Radio.
• acarsdec - ACARS decoder for aircraft communications.
• rtl-sdr-airband - Air band receiver and ATIS decoding.

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Linux Distros for SDR Prebuilts

A selection of Linux distributions tailored for SDR applications, penetration testing, and digital forensics.

1. Ham Radio Linux - A Linux distribution for amateur radio operators based on Ubuntu.
2. Raspbian Ham Radio - A Linux distribution for amateur radio on Raspberry Pi OS.
3. Kali Linux - A distribution for penetration testing and security auditing with various SDR tools.
4. Pentoo - A penetration testing distribution with integrated SDR tools.
5. Parrot OS - A security-focused distribution including a range of SDR applications.
6. BlackArch - A penetration testing distribution with extensive SDR toolsets.
7. BackBox - A Linux distribution for penetration testing with built-in SDR utilities.
8. Dracos Linux - A penetration testing distribution featuring various SDR tools.
9. NST - A network security toolkit with integrated SDR applications.
10. CAINE - A digital forensics-focused distribution that includes SDR tools.
11. Kali NetHunter - A mobile penetration testing platform with SDR capabilities.
12. Fedora Jam - A Fedora-based distribution with audio and SDR tools pre-installed for music and radio enthusiasts.

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SDR Hardware

A diverse list of SDR hardware options catering to various applications and performance needs.

1. RTL-SDR - A popular, low-cost USB software-defined radio receiver.
2. HackRF One - A wideband transceiver with a frequency range of 1 MHz to 6 GHz.
3. USRP B200 - A versatile SDR with a frequency range of 70 MHz to 6 GHz.
4. FunCube Dongle Pro+ - A high-performance SDR with a frequency range of 150 kHz to 1.9 GHz.
5. Airspy Mini - A compact SDR with a frequency range of 24 MHz to 1.8 GHz.
6. Ettus Research USRP N210 - A high-performance SDR with a frequency range of 10 MHz to 6 GHz.
7. BeagleBone SDR - An SDR module designed for the BeagleBone platform.
8. LimeSDR - A versatile SDR with a frequency range of 100 kHz to 3.8 GHz.
9. ADALM-PLUTO - A portable SDR with a frequency range of 325 MHz to 3.8 GHz.
10. XTRX - A high-performance SDR with a frequency range of 30 MHz to 3.8 GHz.
11. Red Pitaya - A programmable SDR platform with a frequency range of 10 MHz to 1 GHz.
12. Raspberry Pi with RTL-SDR - An SDR setup using a Raspberry Pi and RTL-SDR dongle.
13. SDRplay RSP1A - A versatile SDR with a frequency range of 1 kHz to 2 GHz.
14. Xilinx ZCU102 - An SDR development board with a high-performance FPGA.
15. Nutaq PicoSDR - A compact SDR with a frequency range of 300 MHz to 3.8 GHz.
16. ADALM-2000 - An SDR development board with a frequency range of 0 MHz to 50 MHz.
17. mPCIe SDR - A compact SDR module designed for use with mPCIe interfaces.
18. NI USRP B210 - A high-performance SDR with a frequency range of 70 MHz to 6 GHz.
19. Tango - A versatile SDR with a frequency range of 500 MHz to 6 GHz.
20. Teleradio P104 - A compact SDR with a frequency range of 0 MHz to 1.5 GHz.
21. NetSDR - A high-performance SDR with a frequency range of 10 kHz to 2 GHz.
22. LabSat 3 - A compact SDR designed for GNSS signal simulation.
23. Quake SDR - A high-performance SDR with a frequency range of 10 MHz to 6 GHz.
24. RFSPACE SDR-14 - A high-performance SDR with a frequency range of 10 kHz to 2 GHz.
25. IRIS - A versatile SDR with a frequency range of 10 MHz to 2.6 GHz.
26. KX3 - A portable SDR with a frequency range of 160 meters to 10 meters.
27. FTDI Synchronous - An SDR module designed for use with FTDI synchronous serial interfaces.
28. Siano SMSC - A versatile SDR with a frequency range of 50 MHz to 2.7 GHz.
29. LimeSDR Mini - A compact SDR with a frequency range of 10 MHz to 3.5 GHz.
30. BladeRF 2.0 - An advanced SDR with an extended frequency range, improved performance, and additional I/O capabilities.

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SDR Antennas and Accessories

Antenna Types and Accessories

1. RTL-SDR Blog 1090 MHz ADS-B Antenna - Optimized for receiving ADS-B signals from aircraft.
2. RTL-SDR Blog 1090 MHz ADS-B LNA - A low-noise amplifier to boost ADS-B signal reception.
3. RTL-SDR Blog 1090 MHz ADS-B Filtered LNA - Enhanced LNA with filtering for better ADS-B reception.
4. RTL-SDR Blog 1090 MHz ADS-B Ceramic Filtered Preamp - Preamp with ceramic filters for improved ADS-B signal clarity.
5. RTL-SDR Blog 1090 MHz ADS-B Triple Filtered LNA - Triple-filtered LNA for enhanced ADS-B performance.
6. RTL-SDR Blog 1090 MHz ADS-B Outdoor Antenna - Outdoor antenna designed for optimal ADS-B signal reception.
7. RTL-SDR Blog 1090 MHz ADS-B Antenna Tripod Mount - Mounting solution for ADS-B antennas.
8. LNA4ALL - A low-cost wideband low-noise amplifier compatible with various SDRs.
9. Mini-Whip - A low-cost active antenna suitable for SDR applications.
10. Diamond Discone Antenna - A wideband discone antenna for versatile SDR usage.
11. Youloop - A low-cost passive loop antenna compatible with SDRs.
12. RTL-SDR Blog SMA Pigtail Antenna Set - A set of SMA pigtail antennas for various SDR applications.

Antenna Design Tools

1. 4nec2 - A free NEC-based antenna modeler and optimizer.
2. MMANA-GAL - A free MMANA-GAL-based antenna modeler and optimizer.
3. EZNEC - A commercial NEC-based antenna modeler and optimizer.
4. NanoVNA - A low-cost vector network analyzer for measuring antenna performance.

Antenna Switches

1. DX Engineering - A variety of antenna switches for HF, VHF, and UHF bands.
2. MFJ Enterprises - A range of antenna switches catering to different frequency bands.

Antenna Rotators

1. Yaesu - A selection of antenna rotators suitable for HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies.
2. Alfa Radio - Various antenna rotators designed for different SDR applications.

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Tutorials and Documentation

1. GNU Radio Tutorials - Comprehensive guides for getting started with GNU Radio.
2. RTL-SDR Wiki - Extensive resources and tutorials for using RTL-SDR hardware.
3. SDRplay SDRUno User Guide - Detailed documentation for SDRplay SDRUno software.
4. CubicSDR Documentation - Guides and documentation for using CubicSDR.
5. SDRangel Wiki - Documentation and user guides for SDRangel.

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Community and Support

1. Reddit r/RTLSDR - A community for RTL-SDR users to discuss and seek help.
2. GNU Radio Mailing List - Official mailing list for GNU Radio discussions.
3. SDR Forum - A forum dedicated to SDR enthusiasts and professionals.
4. RTL-SDR Discord - A Discord server for real-time discussions and support.
5. Stack Overflow SDR Tag - Q&A for SDR-related programming and technical issues.

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