Practical Online Course Using SDR# (SDRSharp)

Course Duration: 4-6 hours (self-paced)

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Prerequisites:

• Basic understanding of radio frequency (RF) concepts.
• A Windows PC (SDR# is Windows-based software).
• A Software Defined Radio (SDR) dongle, such as RTL-SDR or similar.

Course Overview

Software Defined Radio (SDR) is a rapidly evolving technology that allows you to explore the radio frequency spectrum from your computer. SDR# (also known as SDRSharp) is a powerful, user-friendly software that lets you interface with your SDR hardware to receive and decode a wide range of radio signals.

This course will guide you through the practical steps of setting up SDR#, configuring your SDR hardware, and using the software to receive and analyze different types of signals, including FM radio, airband, and digital signals.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to SDR and SDR#

Objectives:

• Understand the basics of Software Defined Radio (SDR).
• Learn about the different types of SDR hardware.
• Get an overview of SDR# software.

Topics Covered:

1. What is SDR?
   • Basics of radio communication.
   • The difference between traditional and software-defined radios.
   • Applications of SDR.
2. SDR Hardware Overview:
   • RTL-SDR dongle.
   • Other SDR hardware options (HackRF, AirSpy, etc.).
   • Antenna considerations.
3. SDR# Software Introduction:
   • Overview of the SDR# interface.
   • Supported SDR hardware.

Practical:

• Download and install SDR#.
• Install the necessary drivers for your SDR hardware.

Module 2: Setting Up SDR#

Objectives:

• Learn how to configure SDR# for your SDR device.
• Understand the basic settings in SDR#.

Topics Covered:

1. Installing SDR# Plugins:
   • Overview of essential SDR# plugins.
   • Installing and managing plugins.
2. Configuring SDR#:
   • Setting up your SDR hardware in SDR#.
   • Adjusting sample rate, gain, and other parameters.
3. Navigating the Interface:
   • Overview of the SDR# controls and display.
   • Waterfall and spectrum views.
   • Frequency and bandwidth settings.

Practical:

• Configure SDR# for your SDR device (e.g., RTL-SDR).
• Tune into a local FM station and explore the controls.

Module 3: Exploring the Radio Spectrum

Objectives:

• Learn how to explore different parts of the radio spectrum using SDR#.
• Understand the different modulation types and how to decode them.

Topics Covered:

1. Tuning to Different Frequencies:
   • VHF, UHF, and other frequency bands.
   • Commonly used frequencies for various services (FM, Airband, etc.).
2. Modulation Types:
   • AM, FM, SSB, CW, and digital modulations.
   • How to select and decode different modulation types in SDR#.
3. Frequency Scanning:
   • Using SDR# to scan for active frequencies.
   • Using the frequency manager plugin.

Practical:

• Tune into airband frequencies and decode AM signals.
• Scan the spectrum for interesting signals (e.g., weather stations, maritime communications).

Module 4: Receiving and Decoding Digital Signals

Objectives:

• Learn how to receive and decode digital signals using SDR#.
• Install and configure external decoders.

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Digital Signals:
   • Overview of common digital signals (e.g., ADS-B, APRS, digital voice).
   • Tools for decoding digital signals.
2. Using Digital Decoders with SDR#:
   • Installing and configuring virtual audio cables.
   • Integrating SDR# with decoding software (e.g., DSD+, WXtoIMG).
3. Decoding Examples:
   • Decoding ADS-B signals from aircraft.
   • Receiving weather satellite images (NOAA).

Practical:

• Decode ADS-B signals using SDR# and ADSB# or similar software.
• Capture and decode a NOAA weather satellite image.

Module 5: Advanced Features and Customizations

Objectives:

• Explore advanced features and customizations in SDR#.
• Learn how to optimize your SDR# setup for specific use cases.

Topics Covered:

1. Advanced Plugins:
   • Overview of advanced plugins for SDR# (e.g., DDE Tracking, TETRA, etc.).
   • Installing and using advanced plugins.
2. Customizing the Interface:
   • Adjusting the appearance of SDR#.
   • Creating custom frequency lists and profiles.
3. Optimizing Performance:
   • Managing CPU usage and optimizing SDR# for better performance.
   • Tips for improving signal reception (e.g., filters, antennas).

Practical:

• Install and use an advanced plugin.
• Customize SDR# for a specific use case (e.g., satellite tracking).

Final Project: Build Your SDR Listening Station

In this final project, you will set up a complete SDR listening station. You will choose a specific use case (e.g., FM radio, airband, weather satellites) and configure your SDR# setup to efficiently receive and decode signals. The project will include:

• Selecting the right antenna.
• Setting up SDR# with the necessary plugins and decoders.
• Documenting the process and results.

Course Wrap-Up

Resources and Further Learning:

• Links to additional resources (forums, communities, tutorials).
• Exploring other SDR software options (e.g., GQRX, CubicSDR).
• Continuing your journey in SDR with advanced topics (e.g., transmitting with SDR, GNU Radio).

Assessment and Certification:

• Short quizzes at the end of each module.
• Practical assignments to be completed and submitted.
• A final project submission for certification.