Satellite receiver as SDR?

[DaveNF2G]

Has anyone tried this?

I have an opportunity to acquire 2 such receivers. One is a DirecTV branded receiver and the other is RCA FTA.

 

[prcguy]

Neither are software defined radios as we know them for SW or amateur use.

The DirecTV receiver is completely useless for anything other than receiving DirecTV. The only thing the RCA would do is tune to an FM modulated or digital DVB satellite signal in the 950 to 1450MHz range or possibly up to 2150MHz if its a real current model and give you a picture and sound from an unencrypted satellite signal.
prcguy

 

[DaveNF2G]

Thanks for the response. This information will guide my decision as to whether or not to buy.

 

[k9rzz]

The older Direct TV receivers usually go for around $3 at the Good Will stores. I occasionally see some old C band receivers there as well, but those are getting pretty rare.

 

[jazzbassNick]

Not as SDR (as stated previously), but not sure if would work for this project:
Simple ADS-B Decoder