165 - This is Why You Need an SDR

Free SDR webinar! Our new webinar will introduce you to Software Defined Radios. "Why Every Scanner User Needs an SDR: The #1 Underrated Tool that should be in your setup" will be February 23, 2021. Register now at www.scannerschool.com/webinar --------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, Phil walks through the basics of what an SDR is, its history, and how you can get set up with one. The perfect introduction to his upcoming SDR webinar and course.   What you will take away from this week's podcast: An SDR means that anything normally handled by the hardware of the radio is now handled by the computer, and the physical hardware serves as an interface. The only limitation on the SDR hardware you buy is the frequency range and the amount of RF it can digest. SDR receivers have come a long way since they were first hacked into existence. SDRs used to be difficult to set up, but that's no longer true. You don't need advanced computer skills to run SDR software. SDR software can run on PC, Linux, Mac, Raspberry PI, and even Android. An SDR is more flexible and less expensive than a traditional radio. You can turn a $30 USB stick into something as powerful as an SDS200 in an afternoon. All you need to get started is an SDR USB stick, a computer, and the free starter software SDR Sharp. Once you get set up with FM broadcast stations, aviation, and other analog systems, Phil's SDR course will go into how to set up digital reception. If you download DSD+ Fast Lane or Unitrunker you can monitor trunking systems. All session notes with links to the items we talked about an be found on our website at www.scannerschool.com/session165 --------------------------------------------------------------- Would you like 1 on 1 help? If you need help with your scanner and are looking for some one on one tutoring, I'd love to help you out.  Visit www.scannerschool.com/consulting to book your one hour appointment today! Help support Scanner School You can help support Scanner School by visiting our support page at www.scannerschool.com/support