Supported SDR Hardware

OpenStint works best with HackRF One and RTL-SDR v4. RTL-SDR v3 is also supported, but not recommended.

I recommend RTL-SDR v4 due to its price/performance ratio.

To learn more how SDR works, watch Andreas Spiess explaining it.

HackRF One vs RTL-SDR?

The HackRF One has lower noise, better thermal performance, similar dynamic range and a 3x-10x pricetag. Pick the RTL-SDR v4, unless you're a radio nerd with some money to spend.

If you build a track with a permament loop and decoder, consider the HackRF One due to it's beter thermal management (more likely survives an installation in an enclosed electrical box).

HackRF One

HackRF One is an open-source radio. The orignal is manufactured by Great Scott Gadgets, and costs $330. Clones around $130 exists. I have successfuly tested one from Opensourcesdr Labs and Circet. Tips:

• prefer the "clifford version", as it has extra input protection
• do not purchase a portapack, as it is useless for laptiming application
• bare PCBs (w/o housing) are cheaper options which might worth considering

RTL-SDR v3

These devices do not have internal amplifiers for the required frequency range, you have to also buy external amplifiers/attenuators.