New to SDR and Digital Decoding

[KA2ZEY]

Greetings,

I have enjoyed using my BCD396xt here in the NYC area. I have kept up with some trends in decoding but not much in the way of open source programs like DSD and DMR. I would like to take my digital monitoring to a new level but I'm a bit baffled by some new developments. As far as hardware, I know that I will need a scanner with discriminator out capability. I've also discovered that there are SDR capable receivers that I'd never heard about such as USRP and now I see that folks are making use of cheap TV tuners that connect to a computer. As far as software, I use MAC and PC but no Linux. Can someone help to understand what route I should go? I would like to be able to have a setup that can stay at the cutting edge of decoding.

Also, does the decoding software that's being written nowadays decode trunking or would I have to also run Unitrunker?

Thanks!

 

[StephenVa]

I have basically the same questions. Tagging along.

 

[KA2ZEY]

I found this:

Getting Started With RTL-SDR

 

[SCPD]

Also, does the decoding software that's being written nowadays decode trunking or would I have to also run Unitrunker?

Here are some links to running Unitrunker with SDR.

Community

 

[KA2ZEY]

After doing more research, I've figured out that Radio GNU is not unlike Maxx/MSP (for music guys) in that you can build just about anything you like if you can program it.

I went ahead and ordered an RTL-SDR because they're so cheap. Seems like something like the USRP will give you way more flexibility and the capability of transmit.

This is really exciting and could bring my love of the hobby to a new level. Time to learn some Python!