| Brand | NooElec |
|---|---|
| Item model number | NESDR Mini |
| Item Weight | 2.33 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.72 x 2.76 x 1.18 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.72 x 2.76 x 1.18 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Manufacturer | Nooelec Inc. |
| ASIN | B009U7WZCA |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | October 21, 2012 |
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0.13 mi | Chicago 60602
Nooelec NESDR Mini USB RTL-SDR & ADS-B Receiver Set, RTL2832U & R820T Tuner, MCX Input. Low-Cost Software Defined Radio Compatible with Many SDR Software Packages. R820T Tuner & ESD-Safe Antenna Input
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select your preferred free shipping option
- Drop off and leave!
Purchase options and add-ons
| Connector Type | Mini USB |
| Brand | NooElec |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Color | Black |
| Antenna | Radio |
About this item
- Included: Nooelec USB dongle & antenna
- RTL2832U interface IC & R820T tuner IC on USB dongle
- These are custom USB devices tuned for SDR and include much better components than generics
- Full 1-year warranty & installation support available!
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This Item ![]() Nooelec NESDR Mini USB RTL-SDR & ADS-B Receiver Set, RTL2832U & R820T Tuner, MCX Input. Low-Cost Software Defined Radio Compatible with Many SDR Software Packages. R820T Tuner & ESD-Safe Antenna Input | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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| Price | $34.95$34.95 | $33.95$33.95 | $31.95$31.95 | $41.95$41.95 | $34.95$34.95 | $33.95$33.95 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 14 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Value for money | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.0 | — | 4.1 |
| Stability | — | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.4 | — | 3.9 |
| Tech Support | 3.6 | — | 4.1 | — | — | 3.5 |
| Easy to install | — | 4.1 | 4.1 | 3.7 | — | — |
| Sold By | Nooelec | RTL-SDR Blog | RTL-SDR Blog | RTL-SDR Blog | Nooelec | Nooelec |
| connector type | Mini USB | — | — | — | USB | USB |
| antenna description | Radio | Radio | Radio | Radio | Radio | Radio |
| connectivity tech | USB | — | Radio Frequency | Radio Frequency | USB, Radio Frequency | USB, Radio Frequency |
| platform | windows | windows, android, linux | windows, android, linux | windows, android, linux | windows, linux | windows, macintosh, linux, android |
| video output format | mpeg 4 | mpeg 4 | mpeg 4 | mpeg 4 | mpeg 4 | mpeg 4 |
| remote included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Product Description
The perfect device for learning software defined radio, on the cheap. Amateur radio, ADS-B, police & fire scanning, trunking, satellite images--you name it, this little guy can probably do it. Outperforms many devices 10x its cost!
These units are based on the R820T tuner IC made by Rafael Micro. As such, they have a frequency capability of approximately 27MHz-1700MHz, though this can vary somewhat from unit to unit. There is also an RTL2832U IC on board of course, which acts as the demodulator and USB interface.
The connector type on the antenna and USB board is MCX--male MCX on the antenna, female MCX on the SDR.
We perform extensive QA on every batch sold. As with all our SDRs, we guarantee antenna protection will be present so that your new investment will not be quickly destroyed by spurious ESD.
SOFTWARE DETAILS
Full compatibility with a large array of software packages, such as MATLAB, HDSDR, SDR Touch, SDR#, Planeplotter--too many to list. MathWorks and Nooelec have coordinated to bring MATLAB support for our SDR receivers. The RTL-SDR radio support package enables you to design wireless receivers using real world signals. Using Communications System Toolbox in conjunction with an RTL-SDR USB radio, you can design and prototype systems that process real-time wireless signals in MATLAB and Simulink.
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| Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
|---|---|
| Best Sellers Rank | #14 in External TV Tuners |
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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance and value of the tuner. They mention that it works well to receive signals across a wide span of frequencies and that it's not bad for the price. Customers appreciate compatibility, educational value, and fun. However, some customers have reported issues with the quality and signal strength. Opinions are mixed on ease of installation and signal power.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the performance of the tuner. They say it works well to receive signals across a wide span of frequencies, and works great for software-defined radio applications. Customers also mention that it works fine on local FM stations and some public service activity.
"...So far, these two are working flawlessly! Reception for sdr use? I can't complain. The offset is real close to the mark, and drift is very tight...." Read more
"This works pretty good, but is a little costly compared to other sellers...." Read more
"Hooked up to a raspberrypi and it works very well.Very easy to set up" Read more
"...These models work so well, I now own 6 of them for various purposes. They are fantastic...." Read more
Customers find the value of the tuner to be great. They mention that it works well for the price, is an inexpensive way to get involved in amateur radio, and is a very low cost software defined radio package.
"...Anyway, this is the most interesting $20 gadget that I've bought in a long time...." Read more
"...The word I am looking for is unusually cheap, lots of possibilities and somewhat complicated...." Read more
"...First IF test point on my radio for use as a very effective, extremely cheap panadapter...." Read more
"...And they are free!The default antenna is essentially worthless, although it does work (barely)...." Read more
Customers like the compatibility of the tuner. They say it works great with SDR software, and various SDR programs. Some customers also say it's the best software defined radio for under $25. Overall, customers are happy with the compatibilities of the product.
"...So this tuner seems to be good for ADS-B, but obviously you're going to need an unobstructed outdoor antenna of some sort to receive signals from..." Read more
"...The software I used was relatively good, but I wish it was a bit better...." Read more
"...The unit comes with no software or drivers as mentioned on the sellers web site......NOOELEC however offers options on it's web site....." Read more
"It’s a good entry into SDR, but knowing what I know now I’d spend a little extra for an SMS antenna connection." Read more
Customers find the tuner an awesome hobbyist tool, a great learning tool, and handy for experimenting. They also say it's a good introduction to 21st century radio and a handy tool for learning about SDR. Customers also say the web is full of interesting applications and that it'll not disappoint.
"...Apps has an app called "Radio Receiver" that makes it super simple to listen to your favorite commercial FM radio stations...." Read more
"...The word I am looking for is unusually cheap, lots of possibilities and somewhat complicated...." Read more
"...antenna is just a UHF band 1/4 wavelength magnet mount and is good for starting out. Next step up can be a homemade antenna or simple DTV antenna...." Read more
"Lots of great reference sites out there on this TV dongle showing how to enable a truly broadband programmable receiver...." Read more
Customers find the radio tuner super fun, cool to play around with, and a great geeky toy for radio enthusiasts. They also say it's cheap learning fun and able to listen to many radio stations.
"Fun as heck...." Read more
"...Super fun if you can get past the learning curve. Suggest ARRL.com for more info on the area." Read more
"Such fun, and a rather capable SDR radio receiver. You have to see one in action to believe what all it can do...." Read more
"I love this little device. Fun to play with. Documentation is lacking but found everything I needed on the net." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of installation. Some mention that the radio dongle is easy to setup and use, with no added setup required. The software is pretty straightforward. However, others say that the process is a little involved, the learning curve for the software was steep, and the software and driver was a big pain.
"...a couple of nits: the software that you can get for these is not exactly intuitive...." Read more
"...It's a great little app that is super simple to use...." Read more
"...The learning curve for the software was steep, but worth it. Been using it for the last 4 days with little trouble...." Read more
"Hooked up to a raspberrypi and it works very well.Very easy to set up" Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the signal strength of the tuner. Some mention that it has an incredible range of radio signals, and the antenna is enough for local FM, VHF, and police radio reception. However, others say that the audio is flat, the stock antenna is kind of deaf, and that the dongle without external antenna is virtually deaful.
"...So far, these two are working flawlessly! Reception for sdr use? I can't complain. The offset is real close to the mark, and drift is very tight...." Read more
"...AIR BAND, HAM BANDS UHF and VHF, FM STEREO ... audio sounds a little distorted in SDR# software but I could have something set wrong...." Read more
"...But it's good enough to pull in strong signals to prove the thing works...." Read more
"...This RTL-SDR worked about like I expected, tuning range was as advertised, 24MHz - 1700MHz. Sensitivity was fair and usable...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the quality of the tuner. They say the antenna is useless, the device works poorly, and sends out weak signals. Some customers also mention that the device is buggy and confusing. Overall, some customers feel the antenna may not be great for their location.
"...but before I enabled the auto gain every signal I was getting was very weak...." Read more
"...Let me be clear: the included antenna is seriously cheesy, and it's a very poor substitute for a more substantial, and possibly homemade unit...." Read more
"...Everything seems to be of decent quality, so I would say, you would be happy with the purchase...." Read more
"...As I scanned the frequencies, I found my computer was sending out lots of weak signals down below 50MHz. Again a normal problem...." Read more
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ordered 2 for 2 separate rigs, both had the same offset of 15ppm to dial in, and drift is running at +0.01/0.02 to -0.01/-0.02ppm. I would suggest getting a usb extension cable to move it away from other electronics, as they do receive signals pretty good. Had one fairly close to a tv, and learned I'm going to need a new tv soon..(I noticed some interference when adjusting the tv volume. Gotta love the waterfall in those sdr programs!) So far, these two are working flawlessly! Reception for sdr use? I can't complain. The offset is real close to the mark, and drift is very tight. Much better than some of the other rtl sticks of the same style I have tried! Running them on 6' usb 2.0 extension cables. They run a little warm, but nothing at all drastic. About as expected, and comparable to any other rtl usb stick, as far as the temperature goes... As with any radio signal receiver, the better the antenna, the better the reception, but the included antenna seems to work just fine for general use. Everything seems to be of decent quality, so I would say, you would be happy with the purchase. Both of mine shipped from 2 different locations, and both are pretty identical in every way. I'd have to give the quality control in production a thumbs up!
For use as a cheap scanner, the supplied antenna works fine(depending on your location and surroundings you mileage may vary), ADSB, ACARS, no problem, FM reception is great, if you want to do other things such as listening to HAM bands and such, I'm sure you "could" with the supplied antenna (given the right conditions) , but I would recommend getting the proper antenna for the frequency range you plan to operate it in. The proper antenna for your use, makes a world of difference. Once you dial in the offset, and use the correct antenna for your application, you shouldn't have any problem. I can't stress that enough, not all antennas are created equal. Aside from the proper antenna for your application, would be placement.....Higher the better, more unobstructed the better.
Now, enough with this gibber jabber... I'm going to go play with my new toys some more!
I'm dinging one star because the plastic housing around the USB plug crowds out the nearby USB plugs on a Raspberry Pi (making one completely unusable); that can easily be solved with a USB extender for another $10.
Like most people I'm using SDR# and not any of the vendor's drivers. The thing that took me a little while to figure out was that the USB drivers for this thing have to be installed manually. (There's absolutely no "plug and play" support for this thing at all, because the driver used by SDR# is a very generic low-level USB driver that is only designed to allow applications to essentially talk directly to just about any USB device supporting some serial protocol.)
The easiest way to get this working is to download sdr-install.zip from the SDR# web site, extract it, and run the install script that will download everything you need including zadig (the generic USB driver installer), the RTL chipset plugin for SDR#, and SDR# itself.
Before running SDR# you need to run zadig.exe and use it to install the driver. This requires that you select "show all devices" from the Options menu, select your RTL dongle from the pop-up menu, and tell it to install/reinstall the WinUSB driver for that device. Be careful to select your RTL dongle before hitting install or you may accidentally install this over your mouse driver or some other device. (Like I say, this is a generic driver that installs a really basic software interface for any USB device that supports certain attributes, so there's nothing to stop you from overwriting one of the other drivers on your system if you select the wrong device.)
Once the WinUSB driver is installed you can just run SDR#, select the RTL device as the input, and hit play.
Tip: I'd recommend turning on the auto gain check box for the tuner ("Tuner AGC") in the configuration panel though, unless you want to mess with the manual RF Gain control. (I was able to do pretty well just using the auto gain, but before I enabled the auto gain every signal I was getting was very weak. So you really need some sort of gain adjustment be it manual or auto.)
Without much effort and using only the little included antenna I was able to pick up NOAA weather radio (narrowband FM), a number of commercial FM radio stations (wideband FM), the wideband FM transmission from a Sennheiser RS110 926MHz analog wireless headphone transmitter, and see a bunch of other signals on the spectrograph that I didn't recognize.
I was also able to pick up 2 or 3 ADS-B transmissions from commercial airplanes, even though I was sitting in my basement and using only the included antenna, though all of these airplanes were within the line of sight angle provided by the window in the room I was in. So this tuner seems to be good for ADS-B, but obviously you're going to need an unobstructed outdoor antenna of some sort to receive signals from all directions.
The remote control that comes with the dongle seems to be totally useless since it appears to be an IR device and I don't see how a computer can even receive a signal from it without a separate IR receiver device. (The NooElec dongle doesn't appear to have an IR receiver on it, but I could be wrong.) In any case it would require either the vendor's DTV software or some other software to make any use of it, and I don't know of anyone who's written anything useful that it can be used with.
At some point I'll probably buy a MCX to some sort of coax adapter and wire up a proper antenna for it outside, but for now I'm just messing with the cheapo little included antenna. It seems to work better than I expected.
Anyway, this is the most interesting $20 gadget that I've bought in a long time. I suspect that one day it will come in handy for helping to locate and rectify sources of radio interference.
Chrome Apps has an app called "Radio Receiver" that makes it super simple to listen to your favorite commercial FM radio stations. You can also listen to the NOAA weather channel or flip it into free tuning mode and listen to nearby citizens band radio or ham radio. It's a great little app that is super simple to use.
I'm lowering my rating due to the fact I found the exact same item from IEIK for $12.99. I bought 1 x NooElec and 2 x IEIK dongles and they are all exactly the same thing, minus the NooElec sticker. As for the device itself, it's awesome. I just suggest paying the $12.99 IEIK price rather than the NooElec price.
Very easy to set up
Top reviews from other countries
rtl_433 was able to receive all my temp/hum 433 MHz sensors via the stick w/o issue.
Tested then in docker, no issues either. It's been running now for weeks nonstop.
10/10 would buy again.
Reviewed in Spain on March 13, 2024
























