Easiest SDR rig for Unitrunker or similar activity logging

[Tito515]

Hello,

I’m looking for some advice on a simple and inexpensive SDR based setup for Windows to do control channel logging for mostly P25 systems. Something easily compatible with Unitrunker since I have some experience there but if there is a better equivalent with easier configuration I am open.

Are any of the basic and cheap online SDRs going to easily interface into UT or would it require tuning and extra hardware? If not, is there a similar option? This would be an initial configuration to first experiment with CC logging via SDR using UT, and maybe eventually learn how to use that to SDR scan.

Very limited SDR knowledge but have unitrunker experience via discriminator tap.

Thanks for basic info.

 

[Unitrunker2]

Here's a list of supported SDRs:

http://www.unitrunker.com/SDRs.html

Consider upgrading to version 2.1

http://www.unitrunker.com/download.html

Which ever SDR you purchase, get it working with your favorite SDR software (for example, SDRSharp). The biggest hassle with the relatively cheap Realtek based SDRs is you have to use Zadig to assign the driver to the device. This is generally a one-time effort. After which you're good to use whatever software you like.

 

[dave3825]

inexpensive SDR based setup for Windows to do control channel logging for mostly P25 systems.

If you look at the list @Unitrunker2 posted, the first 4 dongles have the least bandwidth. I do use a NooElec and have had Unitrunker logging 4 different control channels (on same and different systems) at the same time because they all fit in the dongles bandwidth. I generally use one NooElec to monitor a smartzone and p25 system daily.

 

[Tito515]

If you look at the list @Unitrunker2 posted, the first 4 dongles have the least bandwidth. I do use a NooElec and have had Unitrunker logging 4 different control channels (on same and different systems) at the same time because they all fit in the dongles bandwidth. I generally use one NooElec to monitor a smartzone and p25 system daily.

I had issues getting the nooelec mini to work. It was configured correctly but was not tuning

 

[Tito515]

Is there a benefit other than more bandwidth with some of the more advanced or pricey sdrs (easier to tune or more plug and play friendly)?

 

[dave3825]

I had issues getting the nooelec mini to work. It was configured correctly but was not tuning

Can you elaborate on that a little more?

 

[Tito515]

I got the driver downloaded then used one of the default software programs. It was allowing source to be identified as the dongle. All settings were the default suggested.

I was unable to tune to a specific frequency to test functionality, even when trying secondary frequencies that are known to be consistent.

Specifically, I would get audible noise but just of general noise blasting the chosen test frequencies and I was not able to get the raw, understandable audio from it.

These were tested on a conventional vhf and a FM station.

Playing with the settings did not get me far.

Is there any easier option with the pricier sdrs for a more streamlined config other than than having the benefit of the wider bandwidth?

Edit: this was with the stock antenna and basic elements included with the purchase. The software used was the manufacturers suggestion when you go to their page to follow the steps in the quick start guide

 

[dave3825]

I got the driver downloaded then used one of the default software programs.

The driver they list for download is actually a program called Zadig.
Drivers
NESDR Driver Installer for Windows
(Size: 4.9 MB)

Nooelec - Getting Started with NESDR

A short 'Getting Started' guide for your NESDR

www.nooelec.com

If so, did you raise the gain? Some progs default to 0 gain. The antennas that come with them are not that great either.

Is there any easier option with the pricier sdrs for a more streamlined config other than than having the benefit of the wider bandwidth?

More bandwidth lets you cover more spectrum. Also software dependant as some software can follow a control channel and tune to a voice channel, and return to the control. Other software, all freqs need to be in the dongles bandwidth. There are different requirements for different situations and is based on what software is being used.

 

[Unitrunker2]

Start with something simple like broadcast FM. If you post an image of your software with the SDR controls visible, we can give a critique.

 

[Tito515]

Confirming the Nooelec NESDR Mini is in fact compatible with Unitrunker?

 

[Unitrunker2]

Trying to confirm your SDR works with some generic SDR program like SDRSharp.

 

[Tito515]

Start with something simple like broadcast FM. If you post an image of your software with the SDR controls visible, we can give a critique.

I'm able to get an FM radio station well. Test on a standard conventional frequency needs some tuning to eliminate excess noise. This is not with using unitrunker.

When I go to Unitrunker using first time set up instructions, the dongle does not even show under receivers. I know the device is assigned correctly via Zadig because I am able to get the (untuned but receivable) audio on the default software recommended on the Nooelec instructions but it is not coming up on Unitrunker.

I Did buy the NESDR Mini, and now looking at your list of compatible SDRs I noticed the mini was not on there. Could this be as simple as the mini is not supported and I made a stupid mistake? If this isn't the issue, suggestions? New model dongle? TIA

Sorry for the basic issues and questions. I am knowledgeable in most things radio but have absolutely zero background in SDR and need my computer skills have aged slightly.

 

[Tito515]

Trying to confirm your SDR works with some generic SDR program like SDRSharp.

it does work, tested on FM radio station, pretty good receive. Needs a little tuning on a conventional repeater when tested, but it is working and connected. The default software I tried after installing the driver was a suggestion form the SDR's instructions, called CubicSDR. The problem is unitrunker recognizing it in receivers to even start there. I have tried UT reboot and refresh. No receivers are populating.

 

[Unitrunker2]

Please share an image of the device as selected in Zadig. This will tell us the driver name, driver version, vendor ID and product ID.

https://www.unitrunker.com/fga-zadig.html

 

[Tito515]

issue resolved. I reinstalled the driver via zadig and started from scratch. All info in the zadig install was the same as during the firsdt install so I don't know what was wrong the first time, but UT is smoothly operating. Thanks for the help!