Unmake it!

Introduction

A computer can be turned into a software defined radio and used to inspect the radiofrequency spectrum.

Material

• Computer
• A software defined radio receiver It should use the RTL2832U+R820T chipset
• Software for the MAC http://eliasoenal.com/2012/09/30/osx-port-of-the-awesome-gqrx-sdr-software/
• and for the PC https://sites.google.com/site/g4zfqradio/connecting-soundcard-sdr-to-computer
• for details see http://spectrum.ieee.org/geek-life/hands-on/a-40-softwaredefined-radio
• for step by step istallation to use the tuner to track aircraft http://www.flightradar24.com/dvbt-stick
• Also there is a good article in the May issue of QST magazine

To Do and Notice

Download and install the software.

Plug in the USB dongle and attach the antenna.

Run the software and inspect the radiofrequency spectrum

What's Going On?

A radiofrequency receiver designed to decode television frequencies can be used to detect and analyze radiofrequencies over a broad band.

Going Further

Once you have the receiver operating, you can use it to detect location signals from Aircraft via their automatic position reporting transmissions known as ADSB at 1.090 GHz.

You can also track ships on their automatic position reporting system known as AIS at 162.025 MHz and 161.975 MHz