Laptop help

[gldavis]

I purchased a couple RTL-SDR Dongles for use with Unitrunker V2, Ham Radio Deluxe, & other things. Well, the SDR's don't work with my current laptop, so I think I need a new laptop. But I'm not that program "literate", so I need help in purchasing and setting it up. I place my help add here in the Utah forum as I'd like help from the Salt Lake/Davis Co area. PM me if you can help. Thanks.

 

[Ravenfalls]

Try buying a new sdr & try setup again. I accidentally installed wrong driver & only fix was buy another. Bought a 2nd & also was able to use it after installing correct driver.

 

[gldavis]

No, I have an old Laptop. It was asking me about updating to Windoze 10, a while ago, and I think I need an updated version/model.

 

[gldavis]

I've decided to walk in to PCLaptops and have them "make" me a laptop to work with RTL-SDRs, Unitrunker V2, and HRD. A lot easier for me, that way.
I do thank all, for their input.

 

[jaspence]

Windows 10 was and still can be installed on a Windows 7 or 8.1 laptop free. I am running Windows 11 on a 10 year old HP Elitebook with no problems, and that is also a free upgrade. As far as a custom built laptop you should be prepared for sticker shock if you can find anyone to build it. The Framework laptop is the only model right now that is truly flexible, but SDRs are not one of the modules when I last checked. The Framework Laptop is an upgradable, customizable 13-inch notebook coming this spring

 

[cmjonesinc]

You shouldn't need to "make" a laptop specifically to run sdr's. They don't require some crazy resources or anything. I run 4 at once on my old lenovo t520 on windows 10, i7-2460m, 16g ram. Nothing special about that laptop and they are super cheap these days. Guess I should also mention I run both versions of Unitrunker along with dsd+fl and sdr# and have no issues.

 

[a417]

No, I have an old Laptop. It was asking me about updating to Windoze 10, a while ago, and I think I need an updated version/model.

Need or want?

I can (and have as a proof of concept, not proud of it) run 2 simultaneous RTL SDR dongles on XP, on a Dell D830 (Core 2 Duo, release date 2007). The actual hardware requirements for them is very low. I would hate to see you spend unnecessary money over a misconception.

 

[gldavis]

Partly misconception and partly it is about time I got something new. I have several laptops set up for portable AREDN nodes, and one that I use for Unitrunker V1. And now I figure I should get one set up just for SDR usage.
That said, I'm an RF tech and have worked very hard to stay away from Computers. I value my sanity to much to try programming.

 

[a417]

Don't worry, there's very little programming required for SDRs...unless you're really trying to go off label.

For RTL-SDRs, my travelling hardware is an older laptop that still has the USB Type A ports. (also makes it relatively easy to source parts on the ebay). Newer devices out there have fewer of them, and are providing more USB-C receptacles. Dongles plug in w/o jumper, minimizes what I have to carry... The ports can be fixed in minutes with a soldering gun (don't need hot air) and all the current RTL-SDRs are still in that USB 2 form factor.

If they started pumping out USB 3/C devices, then I'll have to change things up.

 

[N7YUO]

My Unitrunker version 1.0.33.6 runs on a Winbook TW801 tablet. (circa 2015)
Originally with Windows 8.1
I stripped all programs and data, and installed Windows 10
Works great, but I almost need a magnifying glass to read the Unitrunker text.
It has a full-size usb port, but I have to use a 4 port usb hub to connect
SDR, Keyboard, Mouse, and wifi adapter.
The tablet comes with wifi, but most of the time, it can't find any wifi.

I would like to get a newer reliable small tablet sized computer that I can run
Unitrunker on in my vehicle.
Any recommendations?

 

[cmjonesinc]

My Unitrunker version 1.0.33.6 runs on a Winbook TW801 tablet. (circa 2015)
Originally with Windows 8.1
I stripped all programs and data, and installed Windows 10
Works great, but I almost need a magnifying glass to read the Unitrunker text.
It has a full-size usb port, but I have to use a 4 port usb hub to connect
SDR, Keyboard, Mouse, and wifi adapter.
The tablet comes with wifi, but most of the time, it can't find any wifi.

I would like to get a newer reliable small tablet sized computer that I can run
Unitrunker on in my vehicle.
Any recommendations?

I'm running a cf20 toughbook when mobile. The keyboard and the screen detach so you can go full tablet as needed. The cf20 isn't as rugged as the cf18/19 but it definitely is more portable and lightweight. They can be bought used at a pretty reasonable price. I paid just shy of $500 for one with 16gigs of ram and a 1tb ssd. They can be had for a good bit cheaper with less ram and a smaller hard drive. Plenty of usb ports and great battery life.

 

[gldavis]

thanks for the info. Not sure yet, witch way I'm gonna go.