Maker Jay Doscher has unveiled his newest creation, designed for the radio fanatic on the transfer: the SDR SOLO transportable antenna toolkit.
“I will be the primary to confess a few of my tasks are just a little bizarre — however they normally discover their method to a use for some, or shut sufficient that they are often modified for a unique job,” Doscher explains by the use of background to the mission. “This can be a barely whimsical mission that began off from a random Hackaday remark (no, I will not hyperlink the remark) that appeared to fret a RTL-SDR radio would get scorching sufficient to soften PETG plastic. I am uncertain they might, however as a thought experiment I puzzled, what about 4 radios?”
When you’ve received wants a single RTL-SDR dongle cannot fulfill, how’s a few modular four-dongle rig? (📷: Jay Doscher)
Thus was born the SDR SOLO Equipment, a modular system that permits for as much as 4 RTL-SDR software-defined radio receivers to be put in in a single setup — every with its personal antenna. The {hardware} is housed in a 3D-printed cage, utilizing PETG plastic — and whereas it is designed to permit passive cooling, there’s house for a few followers on the backside if you happen to’d want to maintain issues on the cooler facet.
Above the SDR modules is a powered USB hub, which makes wiring every little thing to a number machine rather a lot simpler. “The USB hub here’s a actual assist, given the facility and connectivity is enough for all 4 SDRs,” Doscher explains. “The opposite merchandise right here that’s designed to be modular is a bracket permitting you to connect a 20×40mm aluminum extrusion for antennas. This may be unstable if you happen to add an extended part or burden with heavy antennas- so watch out and test the capability of your tripod earlier than utilizing.”
Wiring is simplified because of the inclusion of a powered USB hub. (📷: Jay Doscher)
When every little thing is assembled, you have received a four-radio four-antenna setup that may be mounted to a tripod — and which, Doscher says, breaks down with nothing greater than an electrical screwdriver for ease of transportation and storage.
The total mission write-up is accessible on Doscher’s web site; STL recordsdata and Fusion 360 CAD recordsdata can be found to paid subscribers.