DX-Patrol MK4 SDR (Software Defined Radio) Receiver with wide receiving range

The DX-Patrol MK4 is a Software Defined Radio (SDR) receiver with a very wide receiving frequency range. In contrast to the usual cheap USB DVB-T sticks this receiver has an additional converter for shortwave. This is the reason for the wide frequency range from 100 kHz to 2000MHz. For operation with the HF converter additional bandfilters are provided, resulting in a much better dynamic range and good strong signal handling performance.

For operation on HF, a frequency shift of -40MHz must be set.

Another feature is that the entire frequency range is provided without gaps. With two independent antenna connectors (SMA) you can always use the best suited antennas without reconnecting them when changing the bands. A small switch on the side of the receiver controls a low-noise pin diode switch when changing from HF to VHF or vice versa. The current state (HF/VHF) is shown with a multi coloured LED. The maximum sampling rate supported by the hardware is 3.2MS/s, but this is usually limited by the software. The result is a sampled spectrum range of 96 kHz up to approx. 1 MHz, depending on software.

Operation of the DX Patrol SDR receiver is possible with any software which supports the RTL2832 based DVB-T stick. Possible programs are (among others):

• SDR# (Windows)
• HDSDR (Windows)
• sdr-radio.com (Windows)
• SDR Touch (Android)
• Gnu Radio (Linux)
• and more

Special purpose programs like rtl1090 or dump1090 can be used to receive the ADS/B beacons sent from airplanes. With this receiver, suitable software and a suitable antenna plus cable a display of the current air situation at the receiving position is easily possible. Further you can participate in networks which provide live flight data to website like fleightradar24.com. Other software allows the reception of low orbit NOAA weather satellites on 137MHz - the possibilities of the Dx Patro lSDR receiver are endless!

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Installation of the SDR receiver DX patrol is simple. It is recommended not to use the windows USB drivers but those provided through the 'Zadig' installer. The most programs mentioned above are free software products, you will find installation instructions on the various websites of the program authors. own software or drivers are not provided with the receiver. The connection to the computer is done with USB, a cable from USB-A conector to USB-Mini-B is required. This cable is not included. Mk3 version does include a short micro USB OTG cable.

Android Operation

Please note that not every smartphone or tablet computer is suitable for use with an OTG cable. The website of SDR Touch offers an incomplete list of compatible smartphones and tablet computer for use with OTG (english). We do use SDR Touch often to make tests with the DX Patrol and found that it works nicely. Please note that SDR Touch is not free, the full version does cost a few Euro. The free demo version is limited in it's functions.

Version history DX-Patrol SDR Receiver

• Changes Mk1 → Mk2
• improved filters
• improved HF Design

• Changes Mk2 → Mk3
• Two Micro USB connectors for OTG support. One connector for the power supply, one connector for conenction to computer or smartphone.
• Micro USB cable (OTG) included, allows the use of a smartphone
• improved sensibility on VHF/UHF
• New MK4 SDR
  It offers a better connection via micro-USB cable into a PC
  
  or a Android Smartphone and Tablets
  
  The SDR as two micro-USB A and B.
  
  USB-B is data and must be the one connected to PC/Phone/Tablet. USB-A is Power assistance connections. (Charging wile operating)