The most frequency stable RTL-SDR

[AB5ID]

Who currently make the most frequency stable RTL-SDR?
I'm considering setting up Trunk Recorder for 800 MHz range and wondering what dongle has the least amount of drift over time and temperature.
Thanks!

 

[GTR8000]

The Nooelec NESDR SMArt uses a 0.5 ppm TCXO vs the RTL-SDR.com which uses a 0.5-1.0 ppm TCXO.

I own a couple of both. The Nooelec I can normally run without having to apply any correction, whereas the RTL-SDR.com I often have to correct up to ± 3 ppm at times. Both are pretty stable once you apply correction, but my nod goes to Nooelec (it's also a more compact housing).

 

[jonwienke]

The RTL-SDR units may be a ppm or two off, but they don't drift significantly. So whatever correction you apply only has to be done once.

 

[GTR8000]

Pretty sure I already stated that.

Both are pretty stable once you apply correction

 

[jonwienke]

I was agreeing with you.

 

[DRL-XM43]

Nooelec NESDR SMArt I use these they are right(enuff) on the money and reliable and fit usb spacing's great.

 

[mtindor]

The Nooelec NESDR SMArt uses a 0.5 ppm TCXO vs the RTL-SDR.com which uses a 0.5-1.0 ppm TCXO.

I own a couple of both. The Nooelec I can normally run without having to apply any correction, whereas the RTL-SDR.com I often have to correct up to ± 3 ppm at times. Both are pretty stable once you apply correction, but my nod goes to Nooelec (it's also a more compact housing).

I haven't used a SMArt. I briefly used a Nano because I could easily fill up four ports with Nanos. But the Nanos were first generation Nanos and overheated seriously. Looks like the SMArt's (at least the v4) not only allow one to plug a bunch in without them interfering with each other, but it sounds like they have eliminated issues with overheating. I'm going to consider a couple of those.

m

 

[GTR8000]

The aluminum housing still gets a bit toasty, but I've been running mine 24/7 for over two straight years. Got a buddy of mine setup with a couple of them which have been running for even longer. And I should say, have a few RTL-SDR.com (silver aluminum housing) which have also been running for years, never had any issues with overheating or performance. You really can't go wrong with either brand at this point if you're looking for a ~$25 RTL based dongle and don't want to spend the money for Airspy or other pricey alternative.

Just be sure to order them from a reliable vendor. Both manufacturers prefer U.S. sales go through Amazon, however I believe you can also order direct from them. I've ordered my Nooelec through Amazon with no issues.

With antennas: Amazon.com: Nooelec NESDR Smart v4 Bundle - Premium RTL-SDR w/Aluminum Enclosure, 0.5PPM TCXO, SMA Input & 3 Antennas. RTL2832U & R820T2-Based Software Defined Radio.: Computers & Accessories
Dongle only: Amazon.com: NooElec NESDR Smart v4 SDR - Premium RTL-SDR w/Aluminum Enclosure, 0.5PPM TCXO, SMA Input. RTL2832U & R820T2-Based Software Defined Radio: Computers & Accessories

PS - There is currently a coupon on the Nooelec, save either $2 or $3 depending on which you order.

PPS - Nooelec offers a model with the E4000 tuner (vs the more popular R820T2 tuner), but beware that the E4000 may not work with all software (Unitrunker does not support the E4000, for example).

 

[jonwienke]

Other than frequency accuracy, is there any significant performance difference between the Nooelec and RTL-SDR units?

 

[DRL-XM43]

I deal direct with Nooelec - their support staff are fabulous, registered with them and they do up an invoice for me (e-mail) and a couple of clicks later I am ordered and confirmed, I even asked to have mine shipped from their Canadian location which is just down the road from my location, the price is still US but I receive the goods within 4 working days.

 

[Ubbe]

I have two RTL-SDR and temperature doesn't seem to make them drift. I check against basestation sites that have gps controlled frequency referencies and my RTL-SDR drift less than 100Hz, as low as I am able to determine frequency accuracy.

As most sdr sticks use the same receiver chip and they are designed to receive a huge frequency span, they don't have any filters, the antenna signal goes directly to the chip, so it's probably only tolerances that make them perform differently. They should behave the same and are extremly easy to overload if too much gain are used and no external filters or using a broadband antenna that picks up FM radio and other broadcasts signal with huge signal levels.

/Ubbe

 

[maus92]

My Nooelec NESDR SMArt SDRs TCXO require less warp / ppm correction than my silver RTL-SDR v3. I have 5 or 6 of the Nooelecs doing various things. I have only one RTL-SDR. My Nano burned up and is inop.

 

[air-scan]

My Nooelec SDR Smart is pretty rock solid. I also bring to the table The orange colored Flightaware Pro. It is also rock solid. It's case is plastic. The down side is it's deaf below 350MHZ because it has a built in LNA that operates 350MHZ to 3GHZ. Gets hot. Both dongles sport a 0.5ppm TCXO. My Flightaware Pro Stick has lasted me over a year so far. costs less than the Nooelec. Doesn't come with antenna. A RTL-SDR with 0.5 ppm TCXO and a built in LNA for $17 usd sure is a good buy in my opinion! Does real well for trunking system despite it being advertised for ADS-B. I can monitor my local trunked system with 2.7dbm very low noise floor.

Amazon.com: FlightAware Pro Stick USB ADS-B Receiver: Electronics

Amazon.com: FlightAware Pro Stick USB ADS-B Receiver: Electronics

www.amazon.com

 

[AB5ID]

Not to hijack my own thread but does Nooelec or RTL-SDR.com dongle work better with OP25 and Trunk Recorder???
Thanks for all the great info!

 

[a417]

I have noticed no perceptible difference between the two.

 

[AB5ID]

I have noticed no perceptible difference between the two.

Thank you! Didn't know if compatibility with different programs would cause any issues.

 

[a417]

Thank you! Didn't know if compatibility with different programs would cause any issues.

I'm running it natively on linux. Are you running it in a VM or on Windows?

 

[AB5ID]

I'm running it natively on linux. Are you running it in a VM or on Windows?

Fumbling my way through Skywave linux which looks like it's built with Ubuntu 16.04?

 

[a417]

I feel your pain.

I really detest derivative distros like that, because someone new comes along says "Hay!? We don't have this new hotness, why don't I make a streamlined distro with it and like, OMG it works!?" What you have there (after some research) is apparently a derivative (skywave) of a derivative (ubuntu) of a distro (debian), which can make problem solving difficult if your use-case does not dovetail with what the distro supports.

I ditched derivatives, learned a lot about the mainstream ones (and mostly use debian or arch) and have had much better success.

 

[a417]

(how did 30 minutes pass?)

Then when you run into incremental updates, or try to roll in new features or software, you get arcane error messages, poor support, and end up fighting with poorly documented changes or 3 separate sources of conflicting info.