DEAL: Order the HackRF Pro now and get the new e-book "SDR with HackRF One & HackRF Pro" worth €20 for FREE!
HackRF Pro is latest Software Defined Radio (SDR) from Great Scott Gadgets and the powerful successor to the legendary HackRF One. With a frequency range from 100 kHz to 6 GHz, it covers an enormous spectrum for transmitting and receiving radio signals.
Designed as an open-source hardware platform, the HackRF Pro is the ideal tool for analyzing and developing modern wireless technologies. It can be used flexibly as a USB peripheral or programmed for standalone operation.
Specifications
Frequency: 100 kHz to 6 GHz
Adjustable from 0 Hz to 7.1 GHz
Half-duplex transceiver
Up to 20 million samples per second
8-bit quadrature samples (8-bit I and 8-bit Q)
Compatible with GNU Radio, SDR#, and more
Software-configurable RX and TX gain and baseband filter
Software-controlled RF port power (50 mA at 3.3 V)
SMA RF connector
SMA clock input and output for synchronization and triggering
Convenient buttons for programming
Internal pin headers for expansion
High-Speed USB 2.0 with USB-C connector
USB-powered
Open source hardware
Compared to its predecessor, HackRF Pro offers a variety of new features, including:
Wider operating frequency range
Improved RF performance with flatter frequency response
USB-C connector
Built-in TCXO crystal oscillator for superior timing stability
Logic upgrade from a CPLD to a power-efficient FPGA
Elimination of the DC spike
Extended-precision mode with 16-bit samples for low sample rates (typical ENOB: 9-11)
Half-precision mode with 4-bit samples at up to 40 Msps
More RAM and flash memory for custom firmware
Installed shielding around the radio section
Trigger input and output accessible through clock connectors
Cutout in the PCB provides space for future add-ons
Improved power management
Enhanced RF port protection
Facility to hardware-disable transmit mode
Full Compatibility: Thanks to its proven architecture, existing software for the HackRF One can also be used directly with the HackRF Pro. The HackRF Pro offers seamless backward compatibility while significantly increasing performance.
Note: An antenna is not included. We recommend the ANT500 for the best experience.
Included
HackRF Pro SDR with plastic enclosure
NEW e-book: SDR with HackRF One & HackRF Pro (normal price: €20)
Downloads
Documentation
GitHub
Practical Guide to Modular RF Design
Build Your Own Software-Defined Radio combines RF circuitry with hardware programming and PC-based signal processing. The e-book presents a modular approach to building a complete SDR system using RF Bricks – from the mechanical framework and RF modules to measurement tools, PC software, and FPGA implementations. Practical explanations guide readers through real signal paths, construction steps, and measurement routines, linking hardware and software into a flexible SDR platform.
Key topics include:
Mechanical setup: RF Brick template, chassis, and 19-inch module carrier
Bridges: USB isolator, I²C level shifter, I²C power switch, and practical examples
Signal-chain design with RF Bricks: antennas, band filters, NanoVNA work, preamplifiers, PLLs, demodulators, direct-conversion chains, multiband options, and narrowband bricks
RF measurement Bricks: single- and dual-tone sources, NPR methods, noise generators, notch filters, broadband amplifiers, and impedance bridges
Useful accessories: ATU-100 tuner, X-Phase QRM eliminator, and firmware notes
PC host software: SoapyAudio adjustments, GQRX, SDR++, and added functionality
GnuRadio elements: control blocks, SSB demodulation, GUI components, messaging, and filter handling
FPGA-based SDR: VHDL, toolchains, ADC/DAC blocks, oversampling, and a complete SSB/CW signal chain
With its modular structure and detailed working examples, this e-book offers a practical path to building and extending modern SDR systems.
Downloads
Software
Programming with GNU Radio
HackRF is an open-source hardware platform developed by Great Scott Gadgets and serves as a versatile front end for software-defined radio (SDR). With HackRF One and its successor, HackRF Pro, users can develop their own SDR applications, build powerful receivers and transmitters, and tackle demanding RF measurement tasks.
This book provides a practical introduction to the world of SDR. Step by step, the author shows how powerful SDR projects can be implemented with HackRF – from the fundamentals of RF technology to advanced applications using GNU Radio.
In addition to working with SDR Sharp (SDR#), RadioConda, and GNU Radio, the book also covers the fundamentals of modern digital signal processing. Numerous experiments and easy-to-follow practical examples guide readers through topics such as AM, FM, and SSB reception, digital filters, shortwave radio, amateur radio, signal generators, and custom RF projects up to 6 GHz.
Whether you are a maker, radio amateur, electronics enthusiast, or SDR beginner, this book provides solid knowledge, practical applications, and the motivation to creatively explore the possibilities of modern SDR technology.
Programming with GNU Radio
HackRF is an open-source hardware platform developed by Great Scott Gadgets and serves as a versatile front end for software-defined radio (SDR). With HackRF One and its successor, HackRF Pro, users can develop their own SDR applications, build powerful receivers and transmitters, and tackle demanding RF measurement tasks.
This book provides a practical introduction to the world of SDR. Step by step, the author shows how powerful SDR projects can be implemented with HackRF – from the fundamentals of RF technology to advanced applications using GNU Radio.
In addition to working with SDR Sharp (SDR#), RadioConda, and GNU Radio, the book also covers the fundamentals of modern digital signal processing. Numerous experiments and easy-to-follow practical examples guide readers through topics such as AM, FM, and SSB reception, digital filters, shortwave radio, amateur radio, signal generators, and custom RF projects up to 6 GHz.
Whether you are a maker, radio amateur, electronics enthusiast, or SDR beginner, this book provides solid knowledge, practical applications, and the motivation to creatively explore the possibilities of modern SDR technology.
Program and Build Raspberry Pi 5 Based Ham Station Utilities with the RTL-SDR
The RTL-SDR devices (V3 and V4) have gained popularity among radio amateurs because of their very low cost and rich features. A basic system may consist of a USB based RTL-SDR device (dongle) with a suitable antenna, a Raspberry Pi 5 computer, a USB based external audio input-output adapter, and software installed on the Raspberry Pi 5 computer. With such a modest setup, it is possible to receive signals from around 24 MHz to over 1.7 GHz.
This book is aimed at amateur radio enthusiasts and electronic engineering students, as well as at anyone interested in learning to use the Raspberry Pi 5 to build electronic projects. The book is suitable for both beginners through experienced readers. Some knowledge of the Python programming language is required to understand and eventually modify the projects given in the book. A block diagram, a circuit diagram, and a complete Python program listing is given for each project, alongside a comprehensive description.
The following popular RTL-SDR programs are discussed in detail, aided by step-by-step installation guides for practical use on a Raspberry Pi 5:
SimpleFM
GQRX
SDR++
CubicSDR
RTL-SDR Server
Dump1090
FLDIGI
Quick
RTL_433
aldo
xcwcp
GPredict
TWCLOCK
CQRLOG
klog
Morse2Ascii
PyQSO
Welle.io
Ham Clock
CHIRP
xastir
qsstv
flrig
XyGrib
FreeDV
Qtel (EchoLink)
XDX (DX-Cluster)
WSJT-X
The application of the Python programming language on the latest Raspberry Pi 5 platform precludes the use of the programs in the book from working on older versions of Raspberry Pi computers.
The nRSP-ST is a networked general coverage radio receiver for frequencies from 1 kHz to 2 GHz with up to 10 MHz of spectrum visibility. The nRSP-ST is your own personal remotely accessible SDR which can also be shared with a small number of trusted friends or colleagues.
The nRSP-ST addresses the needs of radio enthusiasts who want a 'plug-and-play' solution for remote reception. As well as achieving this, we have addressed typical internet bandwidth limitations with the creation of a novel IQ Lite mode, which efficiently delivers channels of IQ data. We are also introducing the ability to control and store IQ recordings at the remote location. The nRSP-ST is ideal for anyone wanting a wideband remote receiver without needing computer skills and hours of set-up time and ongoing maintenance at the remote location.
Features
"Plug and play" integrated, networked general coverage receiver:
Combines a receiver, a host computer and a whole lot more – all in one box!
Apply power and connect to the internet (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and the nRSP-ST is automatically accessible from anywhere
Multi-platform SDRconnectTM software supports local operation or remote access on Windows, MacOS or Linux platforms
The nRSP-ST & SDRconnect are configurable for available network bandwidth:
In Full IQ mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data transfer of the visible spectrum bandwidth (e.g. for high-speed LAN or superfast internet connectivity)
In IQ Lite mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data of channels up to 192 kHz wide (e.g. for digital decoding by the client)
In Compact mode the nRSP-ST provides compressed audio (ideal for slower internet connections)
Supports multiple client connections with a simultaneous mixture of connection modes – an admin tool allows you to assign usernames and timeouts to trusted friends or colleagues.
All modes support visualization of up to 10 MHz spectrum bandwidth
Two remote connection options:
Use a remote SDRconnect client or
Use the built-in web-server for remote access from any web browsing capable device, including Android/iOS tablets and phones
The nRSP-ST offers the ability to record IQ and audio files to a NAS (network attached storage) device if available on the LAN.
The 14-bit ADC full featured wideband SDR receiver covers all frequencies from 1 kHz through VLF, LF, MW, HF, VHF, UHF and L-band to 2 GHz, with no gaps
Remotely monitor up to 10 MHz of spectrum at a time from a choice of 3 antennas
Flash upgradable for future feature enhancements
Included
1x nRSP-ST Receiver
1x WLAN antenna
1x Power supply
1x Manual
Downloads
Release notes
Software
The short-wave technique has a very particular appeal: It can easily bridge long distances. By reflecting short-wave signals off the conductive layers of the ionosphere, they can be received in places beyond the horizon and therefore can reach anywhere on earth. Although technology is striving for ever higher frequencies, and radio is usually listened to on FM, DAB+, satellite or the Internet, modern means of transmission require extensive infrastructure and are extremely vulnerable. In the event of a global power outage, there is nothing more important than the short-wave. Amateur radio is not only a hobby, it’s also an emergency radio system!
Elektor’s SDR-Shield is a versatile shortwave receiver up to 30 MHz. Using an Arduino and the appropriate software, radio stations, morse signals, SSB stations, and digital signals can be received.
In this book, successful author and enthusiastic radio amateur, Burkhard Kainka describes the modern practice of software defined radio using the Elektor SDR Shield. He not only imparts a theoretical background but also explains numerous open source software tools.
Program and Build Raspberry Pi 5 Based Ham Station Utilities with the RTL-SDR
The RTL-SDR devices (V3 and V4) have gained popularity among radio amateurs because of their very low cost and rich features. A basic system may consist of a USB based RTL-SDR device (dongle) with a suitable antenna, a Raspberry Pi 5 computer, a USB based external audio input-output adapter, and software installed on the Raspberry Pi 5 computer. With such a modest setup, it is possible to receive signals from around 24 MHz to over 1.7 GHz.
This book is aimed at amateur radio enthusiasts and electronic engineering students, as well as at anyone interested in learning to use the Raspberry Pi 5 to build electronic projects. The book is suitable for both beginners through experienced readers. Some knowledge of the Python programming language is required to understand and eventually modify the projects given in the book. A block diagram, a circuit diagram, and a complete Python program listing is given for each project, alongside a comprehensive description.
The following popular RTL-SDR programs are discussed in detail, aided by step-by-step installation guides for practical use on a Raspberry Pi 5:
SimpleFM
GQRX
SDR++
CubicSDR
RTL-SDR Server
Dump1090
FLDIGI
Quick
RTL_433
aldo
xcwcp
GPredict
TWCLOCK
CQRLOG
klog
Morse2Ascii
PyQSO
Welle.io
Ham Clock
CHIRP
xastir
qsstv
flrig
XyGrib
FreeDV
Qtel (EchoLink)
XDX (DX-Cluster)
WSJT-X
The application of the Python programming language on the latest Raspberry Pi 5 platform precludes the use of the programs in the book from working on older versions of Raspberry Pi computers.
The SDRplay RSPdx-R2 is a wideband full featured single-tuner 14-bit SDR receiver which covers the entire RF spectrum from 1 kHz to 2 GHz giving up to 10 MHz of spectrum visibility. It contains three antenna ports, two of which use SMA connectors and operate across the full 1 kHz to 2 GHz range and the third uses a BNC connector which operates up to 200 MHz.
The RSPdx-R2 is an enhanced version of the RSPdx with further design improvements for use at frequencies below 2 MHz. Housed in a strong steel case, in addition to the functionality of the RSP1B, the RSPdx-R2 provides three software selectable antenna inputs and an external clock input. It offers excellent performance through HF and VHF frequencies all the way up to 2 GHz. The RSPdx-R2 also supports an "HDR mode" optimised for the demanding radio reception conditions below 2 MHz.
The RSPdx-R2, when used in conjunction with SDRplay’s own software, introduces a special HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode for reception within selected bands below 2 MHz. HDR mode delivers improved intermodulation performance and fewer spurious responses for those challenging bands.
Features
Covers all frequencies from 1 kHz through VLF, LF, MW, HF, VHF, UHF and L-band to 2 GHz, with no gaps
Receive, monitor and record up to 10 MHz of spectrum at a time
Significantly improved noise performance below 1 MHz (i.e. for some MF, LF and below)
Improved dynamic range below 2 MHz both in tuner mode and HDR mode
HDR mode below 2 MHz giving overall dynamic range and selectivity advantages
Software selectable choice of 3 antenna ports
External clock input for synchronisation purposes, or connection to GPS reference clock for extra frequency accuracy
Excellent dynamic range for challenging reception conditions
Free use of Windows-based SDRuno software (check website for versions supported)
Free use of SDRconnect SDR and server software for Windows, MacOS and Linux (Check website for versions supported)
Multiplatform driver and API support including Windows, Linux, Mac and Raspberry Pi 4/5
Strong and growing software support network
Calibrated S meter/RF power and SNR measurement with SDRuno (including datalogging to .CSV file capability)
Documented API provided to allow demodulator or application development on multiple platforms
Applications (Amateur)
Shortwave radio listening
Broadcast DXing (AM/FM/TV)
Panadaptor
Aircraft (ADS-B and ATC)
Slow Scan TV
Multi-amateur band monitoring
WSPR & digital modes
Weather fax (HF and satellite)
Satellite monitoring
Geostationary environmental satellites
Trunked radio
Utility and emergency service monitoring
Fast and effective antenna comparison
Applications (Industrial)
Spectrum Analyser
Surveillance
Wireless microphone monitoring
RF surveying
IoT receiver chain
Signal logging
RFI/EMC detection
Broadcast integrity monitoring
Spectrum monitoring
Power measurement
Applications (Educational/Scientific)
Teaching
Receiver design
Radio astronomy
Passive radar
Ionosonde
Spectrum analyser
Receiver for IoT sensor projects
Antenna research
Specifications
Frequency Range
1 kHz – 2 GHz
Antenna Connector
SMA
Antenna Impedance
50 Ohms
Current Consumption (Typical)
190 mA @ >60 MHz (excl. Bias-T)120 mA @ <60 MHz (excl. Bias-T)
USB Connector
USB-B
Maximum Input Power
+0 dBm Continuous+10 dBm Short Duration
ADC Sample Rates
2-10.66 MSPS
ADC Number of Bits
14 bit 2-6.048 MSPS12 bit 6.048-8.064 MSPS10 bit 8.064-9.216 MSPS8 bit >9.216 MSPS
Bias-T
4.7 V100 mA guaranteed
Reference
0.5ppm 24 MHz TCXOFrequency error trimmable to 0.01ppm in field
Operating Temperature
−10˚C to +60˚C
Dimensions
113 x 94 x 35 mm
Weight
315 g
Downloads
Datasheet
Software
RSPdx-R2 vs RSPduo
RSPdx-R2
RSPduo
Continuous coverage from 1 kHz to 2 GHz
✓
✓
Up to 10 MHz visible bandwidth
✓
✓
14-bit ADC silicon technology plus multiple high-performance input filters
✓
✓
Software selectable AM/FM & DAB broadcast band notch filters
✓
✓
4.7 V Bias-T for powering external remote antenna amplifier
✓
✓
Powers over the USB cable with a simple type B socket
✓
✓
50Ω SMA antenna input(s) for 1 kHz to 2 GHz operation (software selectable)
2
2
Additional software selectable Hi-Z input for up to 30 Mhz operation
✓
Additional software selectable 50Ω BNC input for up to 200 MHz operation
✓
Additional LF/VLF filter for below 500 kHz
✓
24 MHz reference clock input (+ output on RSPduo)
✓
✓
Dual tuners enabling reception on 2 totally independent 2 MHz ranges
✓
Dual tuners enabling diversity reception using SDRuno
✓
Rugged black painted steel case
✓
✓
Overall performance below 2 MHz for MW and LF
++
+
Multiple simultaneous applications
+
++
Performance in challenging fading conditions (*using diversity tuning)
+
*++
From Detector to Software Defined Radio
Radio frequency (RF) technology is one of the areas which still allows putting your own ideas into practice. Countless circuit variants with special objectives allow space for meaningful experiments and projects. Many things simply aren’t available off the shelf. Crystal detector radios without their own power source, simple tube receivers with a touch of nostalgia, the first reception attempts at Software Defined Radio, special receivers for amateur radio, all this can be realized with little effort and as a perfect introduction to RF electronics.
For a long time, radio construction was the first step into electronics. Meanwhile, there are other ways, especially via computers, microcontrollers, and digital technology. However, the analog roots of electronics are often neglected. Elementary radio technology and easy-to-do experiments are particularly well suited as a learning field for electronics because you can start with the simplest basics here.
But the connection to modern digital technology is also obvious, for example, when it comes to modern tuning methods such as PLL and DDS or modern DSP radios.
This book aims to give an overview and present a collection of simple RF projects. The author would like to support you to develop your own ideas, to design your own receivers and to test them.
,
by Sebastian Westerhold
The SDRplay RSPdx SDR Receiver Features Frequency Range of 1 kHz up to 2 GHz (Review)
The SDRplay RSPdx is a 14-bit single-tuner receiver with continuous coverage from 1 kHz up to 2GHz. Three input connectors, an ample array of software...