OpenTube

Software Defined Radio (SDR) on Android Device

Tom the Dilettante

597,093 views

Thanks to all the excellent questions, comments and help shared in the comments of my inaugural SDR video, I learned that I could use the SDR on my Android phone. In this video, I share that experience with you in case you're interested in doing the same.

Video Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:35 - Parts List
2:20 - Driver & App Install
2:58 - Hardware Setup & Demo
5:58 - Final Thoughts & Closing

Affiliated links to components used in video. Note: Though the price and everything else is the same from Amazon, I may earn a small commission on purchases using these affiliated links which helps support the channel:
Nooelec NESDR Smart: https://amzn.to/39assto
Nooelec NESDR Smart HF Bundle: https://amzn.to/2PknMtX
Telescopic Antenna with SMA Connector: https://amzn.to/2OUTP3X
OTG Cable (USB-A to USB-C): https://amzn.to/3vTUiDX

Android Play Store Apps used in video:
RTL SDR Driver (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

RF Analyzer App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

20 Comments

@JamesEdwards780 5 years ago

Greatly appreciate the no bla-bla-bla format of your videos. Straight to the point with great info.

@xtrekadventure8225 5 years ago

It hertz me to say this, but I can't afford another hobby! I have to live this one through your channel!

@ghostmanscores1666 4 years ago

Some of the most fascinating things I've ever learned were in YouTube comments.

@---nw9qu 1 year ago

I know this video is 3 years old, but I just found it. I had a SDR and connected it to an old samsung tablet - was surprised it supported the software. The driver was still in the play store but had to get the rf analyzer from an .apk download site. Having said. It works great.

@drewski119 5 years ago

Dude the "unexpected interest" you discovered in that comments section may have come from appreciation of you boss tier editing skills and clarity I'll watch any topic you make a video on

@Daemon0617 3 years ago

I never heard of it before. Glad that there are devices like this that we can hear radio traffic.

@r1w3d 5 years ago

I just found your channel randomly without watching any RF related anything today, I fucking love this channel and immediately subbed. I'm an RF engineer in north florida that happens to be the youngest at 31.

I want to say your speech is extremely coherent and well put together on top of having a solid voice for speaking. I'm currently binging your videos while building a Ramsey FM transmitter from 1994 that I've had since I was 10 that I never got around to making. 🤣

Keep up all of your awesome videos man and again your voice would be great for the broadcast business 👌👌

@26TM205 4 years ago

Please note the NESDR Smart only goes down to 25MHz wheras Silver V3 you have covers all the HF SW bands. So if you want to listen to Shortwave you need the Silver SDR you have.
Hope that helps

@maincharacter4157 4 years ago

I can't believe this channel don't have more than 60.1k viewers. Keep going Tom, you're a darn good presenter / explainer / teacher.

@FrankFactor 4 years ago

Tom, thanks for these great videos. You really know how to spend my money! I will be buying a diesel heater this week, and I was able to dig out my SDR (that I have had for years and never really figured it out how to effectively use) and start tinkering with it again. I was up and running in no time thanks to your advice. Going to build some bigger antennas next, very excited.
Now you should plug that S9 into an HDMI monitor or TV (using a USB C to HDMI adapter or one with additional power and USB slots) and try out the Samsung DEX desktop. These Androids apps are great full-screen and with a mouse and keyboard, and thanks to being powered by the phone, it makes for a portable option that will make you wanna leave your laptop at home.
Thanks for the great content!

@gerardolebron8838 5 years ago

I sold. You have earn my subscription. Congrats. Thank you for the outstanding insight

@danw1955 5 years ago

Just ran across this video.. I'm going to have to give this a try! I have a couple older NooElec R820T2's that I was using on Linux mainly for aircraft tracking, but it would be nice to explore other bands with them. I have the same model Galaxy S9+, so it should be pretty much identical to what you're working with. I think I may try to design or buy an inline power adapter though, since they will drain the phone battery fairly quickly. ...and yes, those NooElec SDR's run hot! I usually pop the plastic case off mine when I was using them on a PC to keep them from self-destructing when running for extended periods.😉

@boba.9169 5 years ago (edited)

Tom, You've pushed me to make the move to experience SDR inexpensively! Thanks

Pulled the trigger on this stuff today to experience SDR using my android smartphone (5.93" diagonal screen with 1080p x 2160p resolution):

--RTL-SDR Blog V3 dongle (from the official website)
--Micro USB Host OTG Cable with USB Power
(allows dongle to be powered by phone charger or external battery pack rather than cellphone battery)
--SMA Male Plug to BNC Female adapter
(allows me to connect some of my old portable scanner antennas / whips to the dongle)
--SDR Driver Android driver
--SDR RF Scanner Android software

Holding off on this for now:
--SMA Male Plug to SO239 Female Adapter
(allows connection of my outside antennas to dongle)

@daviddoch4872 4 years ago

No blah blah,. to the point and raw, great presentation style

@jamespfitz 5 years ago

This is a well-done how-to video. And that voice!

@dont4450 3 years ago

Hi Tom, you're channel got me hooked. Really informative and very well presented. I ordered what I needed from Amazon and will have it all within a few days. Already downloaded the software. My question is, if I get tired of using my android phone, can this successfully hook up to my windows laptop?

@preyingjaws 4 years ago

Thanks for the quick overview. I just got the SDR dongle for backpacking. For under 2 ounces this is a welcomed addition to my kit.

@cedricerleward 5 years ago

GREAT VIDEO EDITING
You should do a video on the editing tools you use.

@jimaanders7527 5 years ago

This is incredibly interesting, Tom.
I hadn't heard about these devices until I saw your videos.
You're a fast learner and a very good teacher, thanks very much!