Shortwave radio
Getting started with the RTL-SDR to listen to shortwave radio!
A couple of months ago, I stumbled into the hobby of shortwave radio listening. I discovered the KiwiSDR website, which has a directory of SDR's (software-defined radios) located all around the globe. You can tune into an SDR anywhere in the world and listen to a range of radio frequencies ranging from local AM/FM broadcasts to (depending on the size and quality of the antenna connected to the SDR) international shortwave broadcasts.
Excited to try this out myself, I bought an RTL-SDR Blog V4 Kit from Amazon AU. This contained the SDR itself, a pair of dipole antennas, and some mounting options (suction cup or tripod). I downloaded SDR++ for my Mac and was able to get everything working in no time!
While I did succeed in picking up stronger radio signals like AM/FM broadcast frequencies, I wasn't having a lot of success picking up much else. Unfortunately, I am living in a ground-floor unit, which makes for an environment where radio waves have a hard time making it to the antenna in the first place, not to mention all the RF noise from the neighbours all around me.
After doing a bit of research online, I heard good things about an active magnetic loop antenna, the MLA-30+. This antenna was apparently 1) much more sensitive and 2) more resistant to surrounding RF noise.
I found a bunch of Chinese clones of this antenna on AliExpress and Temu for under $30 AUD, but I decided I would opt for the more expensive, but seemingly more legit option sold on Amazon AU for around $80 AUD. In addition to this, I needed to build a support for the antenna. I opted to make one out of PVC pipe which is relatively inexpensive, and also keeps the antenna portable as it's light and can be taken apart for transport.
The fully assembled MLA-30+
The assembled antenna is around 175cm tall, and even has some hooks screwed onto the back to loop the antenna wire around when packed up. I also found a carry case that perfectly fits all the bits and bobs necessary to connect and power the antenna, along with the RTL-SDR!
The antenna has impressed me; even from my balcony, I've been able to get a wide range of signals!
These are recorded on the RTL-SDR with the MLA-30+ antenna from my unit balcony. Soon, I'd like to take my setup outside and away from all the RF noise I face at home. Hopefully it will be even clearer!
First, I just need to get over my social anxiety and fear of looking like a total weirdo carrying around my PVC antenna - easier said than done!
I also purchased a Tecsun PL-330 portable radio that I can connect the MLA-30+ via an adapter. This has also yielded some great results! Again, I'm hoping that the noise floor will reduce if/when I take everything away from a built-up urban area with less RF noise.
I also want to try out some of the ideas covered in this amazing and informative blog post, Fifty Things you can do with a Software Defined Radio. Number #33 covers receiving images from a weather satellite; so cool!
