RTL-SDR Frequency List

The RTL-SDR (RTL2832U-based Software Defined Radio) is a versatile device that can tune into a broad range of frequencies.

Depending on the specific model and configuration, the RTL-SDR can typically cover frequencies from 500 kHz to 1.75 GHz.

Here’s a detailed frequency list showing what you can listen to with an RTL-SDR, categorized by bands and types of communication:

General Frequency Coverage of RTL-SDR

  • Lower Bound: Approximately 500 kHz (with the RTL-SDR v4)
  • Upper Bound: Approximately 1.75 GHz (1700 MHz to 1766 MHz, depending on the tuner).

Common Frequency Bands and Uses for RTL-SDR

HF (High Frequency) Band (3 MHz – 30 MHz)

Note: Listening to HF frequencies with an earlier version of RTL-SDR often requires upconverters or direct sampling modifications.

  • 3.5 – 4.0 MHz: 80-meter amateur radio band.
  • 7.0 – 7.3 MHz: 40-meter amateur radio band.
  • 10.1 – 10.15 MHz: 30-meter amateur radio band.
  • 14.0 – 14.35 MHz: 20-meter amateur radio band.
  • 18.068 – 18.168 MHz: 17-meter amateur radio band.
  • 21.0 – 21.45 MHz: 15-meter amateur radio band.
  • 24.89 – 24.99 MHz: 12-meter amateur radio band.
  • 28.0 – 29.7 MHz: 10-meter amateur radio band.

RTL-SDR Blog V4 R828D RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit

VHF (Very High Frequency) Band (30 MHz – 300 MHz)

  • 30 – 50 MHz: VHF low band, used for various communications including public safety and business.
  • 50 – 54 MHz: 6-meter amateur radio band.
  • 54 – 88 MHz: TV broadcast channels 2-6 (not used for TV in many regions anymore).
  • 88 – 108 MHz: FM broadcast band.
  • 108 – 137 MHz: Airband for VHF aircraft communications.
  • 118 – 137 MHz: Civil aircraft communications.
  • 137 – 144 MHz: Weather satellites and data transmission (NOAA satellites).
  • 144 – 148 MHz: 2-meter amateur radio band.
  • 148 – 174 MHz: VHF high band, used for public safety, business, and marine communications.
  • 154.570 and 154.600 MHz: MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) channels.
  • 162.400 – 162.550 MHz: NOAA weather radio frequencies.
  • 156.050 – 162.025 MHz: Marine VHF communication channels.
  • 174 – 216 MHz: TV broadcast channels 7-13.

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) Band (300 MHz – 3 GHz)

  • 300 – 450 MHz: Military, satellite, and various commercial communications.
  • 380 – 400 MHz: Government and military communication.
  • 406 – 420 MHz: Government and public safety.
  • 430 – 450 MHz: 70-centimeter amateur radio band.
  • 450 – 470 MHz: UHF business band and public safety.
  • 462.550 – 462.725 MHz: GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels.
  • 467.550 – 467.725 MHz: GMRS repeater input frequencies.
  • 470 – 512 MHz: UHF TV channels 14-20 (used for various communications in some regions).
  • 512 – 698 MHz: TV broadcast channels 21-51 (in the process of being repurposed in many regions).
  • 698 – 806 MHz: LTE band and public safety.
  • 806 – 902 MHz: Various commercial and public safety communications.
  • 902 – 928 MHz: ISM band (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical).
  • Used for unlicensed communication, including some amateur radio (33 cm band) and low-power devices.
  • 928 – 960 MHz: Paging and commercial communication.
  • 1240 – 1300 MHz: 23-centimeter amateur radio band.
  • 1300 – 1700 MHz: Military and commercial communication, including radar and satellite downlinks.

RTL-SDR Blog V4 R828D RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit

Notable Signals to Explore

Broadcast FM Radio (88 – 108 MHz)

  • Popular music and talk radio stations.

Weather Satellites (137 – 138 MHz)

  • NOAA satellite weather images and data.

Air Traffic Control (118 – 137 MHz)

  • Communications between aircraft and ground controllers.

Marine VHF (156 – 162 MHz)

  • Ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications.

Amateur Radio Bands (Various)

  • Conversations, digital modes, and experiments by ham radio operators.

Public Safety and Business Radio (150 – 174 MHz, 450 – 470 MHz)

  • Police, fire, EMS, and commercial communications.

NOAA Weather Radio (162.400 – 162.550 MHz)

  • Continuous weather updates and alerts.

Amateur Satellite (145.8 – 146.0 MHz and 435 – 438 MHz)

  • Communication with orbiting satellites.

TV Signals (54 – 88 MHz, 174 – 216 MHz, 470 – 698 MHz)

  • Over-the-air TV broadcasts (varies by region).

Digital Modes and Data

Decoding modes like ACARS (aircraft), AIS (ship tracking), and ADS-B (aircraft position data).

Tips for Using RTL-SDR

  1. Antenna: Use the appropriate antenna for the frequency range you are interested in. Multi-band antennas or specific antennas for HF, VHF, or UHF can significantly improve reception.
  2. Software: Use SDR software like SDR#, HDSDR, or GQRX to scan and decode different frequencies.
  3. Adjust Settings: Experiment with gain, bandwidth, and filter settings in your SDR software to optimize signal reception.
  4. Legal Compliance: Always ensure you are compliant with local regulations regarding listening and decoding certain frequencies.

Summary

With an RTL-SDR, you can explore a vast range of frequencies and discover many interesting signals. Whether you’re into listening to aircraft communications, monitoring weather satellites, or exploring amateur radio bands, the RTL-SDR provides a gateway to the fascinating world of radio waves.

RTL-SDR Blog V4 R828D RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit