SDR software run time issues on Window 10 OS, Restart Windows to get SDR applications to work.

[jphutch60bj]

When I boot my laptop running Windows 10 and start an SDR application it's 50/50 chance the SDR device will start and communicate with the software with no issues.
I have 4 different software packages, and 2 different SDR dongles. The behavior is the same on my laptop.
1. 4, Installed software application packages: HD SDR, Cubic SDR, SDR #, Gnu Radio.
2. 2, SDR dongles : Nooelec NESDR SMART XTR; RTL-SDR.com RTL2832U R820T2+bias T+HF ;
Using any dongle above: When you start any SDR software application package *above* , if it opens quickly there is a 9/10 chance it will play correctly and receive signals. When the software package opens slowly, 99/1 chance it will not play, not receive and decode signals correctly.
The solution I have developed is: STOP the application, Get out of the application, Restart Computer/Reboot windows , Restart the application.
Actions taken :
Only use USB 3.0 ports.
All USB drivers are up to date.
Removed and Re installed drivers for SDR dongles.
Reconfigured the USB ports not to be interrupted: Device Manager, Navigate to USB settings and set USB selective suspend setting to: Disabled.
Any thoughts - Ideas to correct the issue appreciated.

 

[lwvmobile]

Maybe try using rtl_test and see what is says when you are having issues and the dongles aren't working.

rtl_test -d 0

Change the 0 to a 1 to test the second dongle if both are plugged in at the same time.

If you get a bunch of errors, then you may have a bad dongle.

You can find rtl-sdr tools here

https://ftp.osmocom.org/binaries/windows/rtl-sdr/rtl-sdr-64bit-20211031.zip

If you are saying the behavior is the same on your laptop as your computer, I can't help but to wonder if one or both of your dongles are going bad.

 

[PDXh0b0]

Have you tried an older version of sdr# to see if you experience the same issue?
V.1732 is the tried and true favorite with allot of APT satellite users
SdrSharp older versions

 

[jphutch60bj]

IWVMOBILE: rtl_test -d 0 did the trick to detect if the USB communication is up and running to the SDR dongles.

This is an older Second hand, Lenovo WS150 Laptop , Running Windows10 Pro. Connected to the USB 3.0 ports.
Two different dongles exhibit the same issue and work with the same solution, reboot until a good connection is established, on my Laptop.

If the PC shuts down is powered off. The seemingly random issue of spotty coms to the SDR dongle is seen. After 1 or 2 reboots the Errors cease.
boot laptop PC ; run [cmd] cd c:\<enter> C:\-->PATH_TO<--\rtl_test -d 0 <Enter>; if errors continue, reboot Laptop;
Tested after running rtl_test -d0; with errors .... then stopped test, ran HDR software, confirmed choppy reception.
After a quick reboot. retest using rtl_test -d0 few if any errors, ran HDR software, confirmed good reception.....
Additional testing with other applications provide good reception also.....

In addition I am using the latest zdiag-2.6 RTL device drivers.

PDXH0B0: No I have not tried an older version of SDR# application as 3 other SDR applications exhibit the same issues and solution above.
Thanks all for your assistance.

I may reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 10 see if that helps.