Custom RTL SDR

[KC8ESL]

NAUSB-W - Neutrik
this is the actual part I used. The are tons of supply houses that will carry this product locally.

The BNC connector was just a standard Tessco purchase for about $1.95. I could probably drum up the part number if you really prodded me.

I'm glad to see this thread taking off again. I wonder if the Jan copy of QST spurred this?

 

[Your_account]

this is the actual part I used. The are tons of supply houses that will carry this product locally.

How much do you pay for?

The problem is i am from Europe and i cant get the same Products but i find quit the same.
Can i use an Aluminum Case or does i need an Steel one?
THX

 

[KC8ESL]

You can use a plastic case If you wanted. The reason I chose aluminum was the ease of drilling out holes and the fact that there was a hole in the spot I wanted... The other consideration was that it was destined for the dumpster. I've been setting holes on my newest box which is quite a bit more large but with the functionality I am asking of it, it's worth the additional desk real estate. I should get a bit further tonight and will hopefully post some pictures tomorrow.

You should be able to find the NAUSB from Mouser for $6.30.

 

[Your_account]

You can use a plastic case If you wanted.

This is no electro magnetic shield...

I should get a bit further tonight and will hopefully post some pictures tomorrow.

I whis you can post it now...?
Do you know this page:
Software Defined Radio for Mariners: Reducing electrical noise

 

[KC8ESL]

It had no shield anyways... Adding an external case can only help and isn't required. I will look into that website as I have not yet seen it. Hopefully I'll get some pictures up by noon. Didn't get as far as I had hoped.

 

[Your_account]

Adding an external case can only help and isn't required.

I use 2 Soup Can and it help a lot. The Signal is bether now. My Pc Case is open and generate a lot of noise.
I want to built and profession case for that dongel.

The question is does i can take Alu for shielding or does i need Steel?

 

[Your_account]

So i will start my projekt now.
The question is which Enclosure i should take?
Hammond Mfg. - Small Enclosure Index
ALU
I need a tough Case Steel or Alu.

 

[KC8ESL]

I'm big on aluminum enclosures. Another good mfr is Bud Industries which is where my new box is from. I should have pictures soon. Been busy! !

 

[Your_account]

So i looking for an Antenna Connector. The huge problem is i want to put the Box in my Backpack for Travel and a big Connector is not the best. So the question is there an Connector who is is flat?
Thanks

 

[Your_account]

I cant see any new pictures...

 

[eorange]

Two RTL SDRs in 1 Box

I was also tired of the miserable MCX connector and the strain on the connections every time I hooked up my RTL SDRs. So taking cues from this thread...I put my 820T and 820T2 into one box. At first I thought the box was too big (it still looks big), but I did need the room for routing the short length of coax to the BNC connectors.

I constructed mine much the same way as KC8ESL, but I also mounted the LEDs on the front panel. Red = 820T, Green = 820T2. I used RG-58 A/U, which didn't allow me to put the original cases back on. Everything is sturdy and I used heat shrink tubing on the critical connections.

The last photo shows both RTL SDRs in action: the 820T attached the RS 800 whip listening to NOAA Wx radio using SDR#, and the 820T2 attached to my homebrew collinear for 1090 MHz using ADSB# and ADSBScope.

 

[KC8ESL]

Win!

 

[Your_account]

i see you dont do the USB Modding why?

 

[eorange]

What USB modding?

 

[Your_account]

Updates to Shielding the RTL-SDR with an Aluminium Case - rtl-sdr.com

 

[KC8ESL]

I've noticed no noise issues with my sdr in either the stock plastic enclosure or my modified aluminum enclosure. I can pretty much run the gain very hot with minimal side effects.

Your_account, do you live in a high noise area? Eorange, I bet our sdr's would freak out if we took them mobile down by Highland Hills on 271. Would sure be interesting to see Intermod alley with a SpecAn!

 

[eorange]

LOL that would be funny, and interesting to do. I took my PSR-500 down there once and it went completely insane. The 500 didn't have the greatest front end anyway, and I didn't know about that area...I was like, wth...?!