RTL SDR Blog V3 Radio - Sand, software and sound

Based on my positive experience with the nooelec Nano 2+ software defined radio, I bought an RTL-SDR Blog V3 receiver bundle. I meant to write a quick review of the RTL-SDR Blog V3 (henceforth, the “V3”), but I wound up having too much fun with the new toys!

For $35USD, you get the USB receiver stick, a dipole antenna kit with telescoping elements, cables, a tripod and a suction mount. The V3 uses SMA connectors everywhere. In comparison, the nooelec Nano 2+ bundle includes a small magnetic mount telescoping antenna and uses tiny MCX connectors.

RTL SDR Blog V3 Software Defined Radio bundle

If you want to mix and match components between bundles, you will need adapters. SMA connecters thread onto each other and provide a more firm and reliable connections than MCX. On that basis, I give the V3 points.

Further points go to V3 for its build quality. The V3 is somewhat larger, but the electronics are mounted in a metal (shielded) case. The case is also the heat sink. If you want metal shielding in the nooelec line, you should purchase the nooelec Nano 3. Both the V3 and Nano 2+ run warm, so heat dissipation is important.

Both units make adequate low-cost VHF/UHF receivers when used with their respective bundled antenna system. If you’re most interested in broadcast FM or aircraft band, you can’t go wrong either way. I give the V3 points for the option of HF reception and the ability to tune antenna length for the radio band to be monitored. You can see the effect of tuning with your own eyes. Dial in a weather station, for example, and adjust the antenna elements. You’ll see the signal increase and decrease in strength as you change element length.

Tips: The V3 antenna system is a dipole, so you need to make both elements the same length. Divide the frequency (in MHz) into 468 to get the total antenna length (in feet). Then divide the total length by two to obtain the length of each element. Pop the cap on the central Y junction and find the element which is connected to the coax shield. Orient the shield-side element down towards the earth.

So far, the V3 is winning on points. Then consider HF. The V3 receiver is HF capable, but you will need to build or add an HF antenna. This is where life gets a little bit tricky. Short story — Yes, the V3 receives HF. I’ll save the longer story for a future blog post.

Bottom line. If you are only interested in VHF/UHF, then either unit will do the business. If you prefer a magnetic mount antenna, go with a nooelec Nano bundle. If you want to optimize tuning for a VHF/UHF band, then go with the V3 bundle. If you want to get your feet wet with HF and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then pick up the V3 bundle, a nooelec balun and at least 23 feet of wire.

Even though the V3 won this match-up, nooelec won my respect as a solid citizen. They make the Ham It Up HF up-converter which adds HF reception to a VHF/UHF only SDR. Based on my experience with the Nano 2+, I would give the Ham It Up a try without trepidation.

Most of all, have fun!