Smol - Shop now
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows.
Buy new:
$24.95
FREE delivery Monday, June 23 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$24.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, June 23 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 10 hrs 23 mins
Available to ship in 1-2 days
$$24.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$24.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$22.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Excellent condition. No writing or underlining. May show light shelf wear. May not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc... Excellent condition. No writing or underlining. May show light shelf wear. May not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc... See less
FREE delivery Monday, June 23 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Saturday, June 21. Order within 5 hrs 8 mins.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$24.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$24.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Carl Laufer
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Hobbyist's Guide to the RTL-SDR: Really Cheap Software Defined Radio Paperback – June 26, 2015

by Mr. Carl Laufer (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,191 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$24.95","priceAmount":24.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"24","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"XF535u4a2tgeBNUbqnfOLlZ0MmsThkQntuvw%2FKHmQuu3PaEnGjPJp6qp824VzVkipvhB8U67IqvwQ5xBdVjCm5e05FeIDxlY%2BUcdNsBLP4LrdttpCH6SKKzAEG64mDpVILHFQ%2F8pkQV8U0H4BHykTg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$22.00","priceAmount":22.00,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"22","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"00","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"XF535u4a2tgeBNUbqnfOLlZ0MmsThkQn8MZXhFZxNhbBvYVGXj8EwlbTEEgCGLHSVyCwtf5nuEw5MQoT5Rgro%2Fx0xM58CeGvByhqrW%2FexhgBTHhKJJ11h%2FE1MZWOVuJqVqLvCnj4pMu0ohcLqngFTWiTFTdaGrMYG1xrpbhALRJJNbWxktnGFkzeUs7uAxfx","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A comprehensive guide to the RTL2832U RTL-SDR software defined radio by the authors of the RTL-SDR Blog. The RTL-SDR is a super cheap software defined radio based on DVB-T TV dongles that can be found for under $20.

This book is about tips and tutorials that show you how to get the most out of your RTL-SDR dongle. Most projects described in this book are also compatible with other wideband SDRs such as the HackRF, Airspy and SDRPlay RSP.

What's in the book?

  • Learn how to set up your RTL-SDR with various free software defined radio programs such as SDR#, HDSDR, SDR-Radio and more.
  • Learn all the little tricks and oddities that the dongle has.
  • A whole chapter dedicated to improving the RTL-SDR's performance.
  • Dozens of tutorials for fun RTL-SDR based projects such as ADS-B aircraft radar, AIS boat radar, ACARS decoding, receiving NOAA and Meteor-M2 weather satellite images, listening to and following trunked radios, decoding digital voice P25/DMR signals, decoding weather balloon telemetry, receiving DAB radio, analysing GSM and listening to TETRA signals, decoding pagers, receiving various HF signals such as ham radio modes, weatherfax and DRM radio, decoding digital D-STAR voice, an introduction to GNU Radio, decoding RDS, decoding APRS, measuring filters and SWR with low cost equipment, receiving Inmarsat, AERO and Iridium L-Band satellite data, and many many more projects!
  • Guide to antennas, cables and adapters.


Fourth Edition 19 February 2018.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    282 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    June 26, 2015
  4. Dimensions
    8.5 x 0.64 x 11 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1514716690
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1514716694
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

The Hobbyist's Guide to the RTL-SDR: Really Cheap Software Defined Radio
This item: The Hobbyist's Guide to the RTL-SDR: Really Cheap Software Defined Radio
$24.95
Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 23
Available to ship in 1-2 days
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
RTL-SDR Blog V4 R828D RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit
$47.95
Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 23
In Stock
Sold by RTL-SDR Blog and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
RTL-SDR Blog V3 R860 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit
$47.95
Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 23
In Stock
Sold by RTL-SDR Blog and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 26, 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 3rd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 282 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1514716690
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1514716694
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.5 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.64 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,191 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Carl Laufer

Carl Laufer

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,191 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book informative and easy to understand, with detailed directions and links to necessary software. They appreciate its comprehensive coverage of RTL-SDR dongle uses and consider it well worth the money, with one customer noting it serves as an excellent primer for inexpensive SDR devices. The compilation receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a real catalog. While customers find the content fun and entertaining, they note it is outdated.

Select to learn more

Information qualityEase of readingValue for moneySoftware informationCompilation qualityFun ideasScopeDated content
168 customers mention "Information quality"158 positive10 negative

Customers find the book informative, praising its comprehensive collection of SDR information and clear explanations. One customer notes that it guides readers through various uses of SDR technology.

"Good guide to using the RTL radio chips. Has a lot of helpful information." Read more

"...But still useful. It has tutorials for both Linux and Windows, and I think for even more operating systems but still haven't read it completely yet." Read more

"...of the information in the book, it seems to be clear enough and full of information, including links to get the software needed for each kind of..." Read more

"...Alot of tips also." Read more

47 customers mention "Ease of reading"39 positive8 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand and appreciate its detailed directions, with one customer noting it is not too technical.

"...yet implemented any of the information in the book, it seems to be clear enough and full of information, including links to get the software needed..." Read more

"...It even tells you how to install the various (often commercial) pieces of software and where to click to make it all run...." Read more

"Not really a beginner’s book but not too technical either...." Read more

"...detailed but simple written directions, screenshots, and a troubleshooting section (which I needed), the book goes into more advanced topics such as..." Read more

21 customers mention "Value for money"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well worth the money, with one mentioning it serves as an excellent primer on using inexpensive SDR dongles.

"...This book is worth every penny you pay for it." Read more

"...astounded of the capabilities of this $30 dongle and this free kindle book...." Read more

"...Was worth the money to anyone who just got a RTL-SDR dongle and wants a single place to to read how to use it rather than search around for the..." Read more

"...Still, it's worth the money just to have everything in one place." Read more

11 customers mention "Software information"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's software information, which includes links to necessary tools, and one customer notes the inclusion of active links to software and hardware forums.

"...to be clear enough and full of information, including links to get the software needed for each kind of usage. Why not five stars then?..." Read more

"...It tells you which software to download from where to receive basically everything that can be received with the RTL-SDR...." Read more

"...More info than one will ever need is in here . Lots of info on Windows software. Not so much for Mac OSX software...." Read more

"...book a must to understanding the radios and the implementation of the various software packages to make these devices operate properly...." Read more

7 customers mention "Compilation quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the compilation quality of the book, with one customer noting it serves as a comprehensive resource.

"It was a compilation of many articles that I found over the internet in doing research into the topic...." Read more

"Good all-in-one resource for all things about the RLT-SDR TV dongle. Guidance is clear, concise and accurate." Read more

"A real catalog." Read more

"A must have consolidation associated material. Excellent resource." Read more

7 customers mention "Fun ideas"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and full of fun projects, with one customer describing it as a delightful little device.

"...computers this has allowed me to marry both into a rewarding and challenging hobby - Software Defined Radio. I heartily endorse this guide...." Read more

"...Lots of great links and fun ideas to try with these cheap little SDR receivers...." Read more

"This is a fun guide to RTL-SDR dongle and gives some great introductory project ideas." Read more

"...the entire scope of just what can be done with with these delightful little devices." Read more

7 customers mention "Scope"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the comprehensive coverage of the book, with one customer noting its broad range of uses and another highlighting its extensive exploration of the vast expanse of spectrum.

"...RTL-SDRv3 radio and this free kindle book describing an incredible breadth of applications for the RTK-SDRv3...." Read more

"...The range of uses covered is very broad, and I've found all of the information to be reliable and highly useful." Read more

"Software Defined Radio dongle opens a vast expanse of spectrum to inexpensive exploration...." Read more

"Extensive and to the point, this guide gives exact instructions and links to all the software needed to get your receiver up and running." Read more

7 customers mention "Dated content"0 positive7 negative

Customers find the book's content outdated.

"...I’ve only read the first two chapters, some of the material seems outdated. Do not recommend this book...." Read more

"This 4th Edition is horribly out of date and can not be recommended to anyone who is just starting out with SDR...." Read more

"While this book has excellent step by step procedures it is outdate as a few of the recemented suppliers are no longer in business...." Read more

"...The content is older though, not as current as you'll find online...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Henry Freyer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good Radio Guide.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Good guide to using the RTL radio chips. Has a lot of helpful information.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Martin Ramos
    5.0 out of 5 stars A bit outdated but still good.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    It has A LOT of information and tutorials. It was written 10 years ago if Im not mistaken. But still useful. It has tutorials for both Linux and Windows, and I think for even more operating systems but still haven't read it completely yet.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • CWolf177
    4.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Chock-full of How-Tos, with step by step directions
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Although I've not yet implemented any of the information in the book, it seems to be clear enough and full of information, including links to get the software needed for each kind of usage. Why not five stars then? Because the field of SDR is growing and changing so fast that no print document can stay current. I got the downloadable version and there's supposed to be a way to contact the publisher to get the latest update, but it seemed to me there could be a way to assure that the one I bought was the latest--I'm not sure and haven't gone to the trouble to contact the update source.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Mark
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book getting started in SDR
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Very good reading about SDR radio It is a must have to use on listening on shortwave radio. Alot of tips also.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • DJK
    5.0 out of 5 stars Software defined radio
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The book was well packaged and is a must have for SDR newbees.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Pauljs
    5.0 out of 5 stars 'Too Much Sugar For A Dime' or... this is all you'll need to enter into SDR
    Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2016
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book is a compilation of current data in the up and coming world of Software Defined Radio. If there is any doubt in you mind as to the future of SDR, this book quickly displays the possibilities of the science and gets your attention.

    I've noticed that even discrete radios are coming out now with internal SDR functions, allowing for more 'bang for the buck' so to speak, in the purchase of feature rich devices.

    I've been involved in electronics and radio since the days of vacuum tubes. This relatively new science has me fascinated and spell-bound to say the least. Even scanner radios are incorporating software defined functions that make tedious frequency inputting a matter of just entering a zip code! Just imagine that feature.

    Actually, SDR is like adding another dimension to physical radios. Once the physical world is translated into the digital world, the sky is the limit. If you doubt this at all, buy this book and skim through its various paragraph headers; or the detailed table of contents that in itself is the result of software sorting and publishing.

    I have a Kindle, but haven't as yet figured out how to 'move' the book onto it. The author mentions that this is an option, but I'm failing to accomplish that as of this writing.
    44 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars So-so guide. Poor print quality
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Print quality is poor. The font size used on the pages is so small you can barely read it without a magnifying glass. The print is also very light on many pages. I’ve only read the first two chapters, some of the material seems outdated. Do not recommend this book. Most of the information is available online for free.
    Helpful
     Report
  • CB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of information about a wide range of subjects.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is a great place to start learning about sdr. It has tons of information and projects, but nothing too in depth. I find myself skipping around a lot, based on what seems interesting. You might out grow this pretty quick once you start specializing, but I think it will always have a place on my shelf because its a great starting place for most projects the sdr can handle.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Ajay Kashikar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book.
    Reviewed in India on December 29, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Amazing book. Good for first timers to get on using the SDR great for experienced ones to experiment new projects.
    Report
  • Q
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Read!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Good Read! Lots of Information for the Starter and Hobbyist. Well laid out. Yes some of the information is on the net if you search hard and spend lots of time getting it. However is is not as is laid out in this book. The most extensive internet information site on RTL-SDR is from the authors own site. The person that wrote the book also provide lots in information via the net. I recommend the book to New and Advanced users as everybody will get something out of it. I am a long time radio and electronics Tech with a background in automation and control using micro-controllers.
    Report
  • Pietro
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo testo tecnico
    Reviewed in Italy on July 20, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Veramente utile, va ben oltre l'argomento specifico, come uso è l'autore. Ci sono molte nozioni che non riguardano direttamente SDR.
    Report
  • Roberto Landolpho
    4.0 out of 5 stars Novos horizontes na radio-recepção.
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 1, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Eu recomendo este livro para quem quer descobrir novos horizontes na radio-recepção. Dicas de recepção desde as ondas curtas, aviação e até satélites. O livro ainda da dicas de sites, softwares e antenas.
    Report
  • Tarik
    3.0 out of 5 stars Great content but amateur formatting and editing
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on September 7, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The content is really good. I just really dislike the fonts, the formatting and editing. Its just not really book quality but feels more like reading one of those xeroxed highschool readers. Its not a pleasure to read because of it. They should hire a pro editor/distributor
    Report