Your first receiver

Listen to a local FM broadcast station with an RTL-SDR. You need the receiver, an antenna, and an installed copy of SDR--.

1. Connect the RTL-SDR

Attach the antenna and plug the receiver into the computer running SDR--. For a remote setup, plug it into the server.

Open SDR-- and select your RTL-SDR on the Device node. A new installation also includes a connected Scope and a Speaker. If these nodes are missing, add them from + Node and connect Device IQ to Scope IQ.

If the radio is missing, open Check hardware on Device. The hardware guide covers driver requirements and USB permissions.

2. Tune a broadcast station

On Device, set the sample rate to 2.4 MS/s and tune to a local FM station's frequency. For example, enter 100.0 MHz only if a station broadcasts there in your area.

Start with moderate tuner gain. Adjust it until the station is visible on the Scope without clipping or a large rise in the surrounding noise.

3. Add a WFM channel

Choose + Node, search for WFM, and add it. WFM is the mode for broadcast FM. Connect the nodes:

Device IQ → Scope IQ
Device IQ → WFM IQ
WFM audio → Speaker audio

Set the WFM channel to the station's frequency. The Device dial selects the received frequency range; the channel dial selects one station inside it. Both must cover the station.

Changes apply automatically. Press Apply patch if the node requests it.

4. Start audio

Start playback on the Speaker and adjust the volume. If audio stays silent:

Turn off channel squelch temporarily.
Check that the channel marker covers the station on the Scope.
Click the page to allow browser audio, and check the system output device.

See audio troubleshooting if needed.

5. Arrange your receiver

Select the controls you use most and press p to pin them to Rack view. Press v to switch between Patch and Rack. Your layout is saved automatically.

To display station names and radio text, connect WFM events to a Readout. RDS appears when the station transmits it and reception is strong enough.

Next steps

Learn workspace controls and keyboard shortcuts.
Use Library → Templates for other receiver setups.
Record IQ or audio for later use.
Explore the channel catalog.

Keyboard shortcuts