New Version: DxPatrol Mk4, The DX-Patrol is a Software Defined Radio (SDR) receiver with a very wide receiving frequency range. In contrast to the usual cheap USB DVB-T sticks this receiver has an additional converter for shortwave. This is the reason for the wide frequency range from 100 kHz to 2000MHz. For operation with the HF converter additional band filters are provided, resulting in a much better dynamic range and good strong signal handling performance.

Another feature is that the entire frequency range is provided without gaps. With two independent antenna connectors (SMA) you can always use the best suited antennas without reconnecting them when changing the bands. The receive range is switched by software (selecting direct sampling or Q-signal sampling in the ExtIO.dll). The maximum sampling rate supported by the hardware is 3.2MS/s, but this is usually limited by the software. The result is a sampled spectrum range of 96 kHz up to approx. 1 MHz, depending on software.

Operation of the DX Patrol SDR receiver is possible with any software which supports the RTL2832 based DVB-T stick. Possible programs are (among others):

HDSDR (Windows)

sdr-radio.com (Windows)

SDR Touch (Android)

Gnu Radio (Linux)

and more

Special purpose programs like rtl1090 or dump1090 can be used to receive the ADS/B beacons sent from airplanes. With this receiver, suitable software and a suitable antenna plus cable a display of the current air situation at the receiving position is easily possible. Further you can participate in networks which provide live flight data to website like flightradar24.com. Other software allows the reception of low orbit NOAA weather satellites on 137 MHz - the possibilities of the Dx Patrol SDR receiver are endless!

Installation of the SDR receiver DX patrol is simple. It is recommended not to use the Windows USB drivers but those provided through the 'Zadig' installer. The most programs mentioned above are free software products, you will find installation instructions on the various websites of the program authors. Own software or drivers are not provided with the receiver. The connection to the computer is done with USB, a cable from USB-A connector to USB-Micro-B is required. This cable is not included. A short micro USB OTG cable is included.

Android Operation

Please note that not every smartphone or tablet computer is suitable for use with an OTG cable. The website of SDR Touch offers an incomplete list of compatible smartphones and tablet computer for use with OTG (english). We do use SDR Touch often to make tests with the DX Patrol and found that it works nicely. Please note that SDR Touch is not free, the full version does cost a few Euro. The free demo version is limited in it's functions.

Version history DX-Patrol SDR Receiver

Changes Mk1 → Mk2

improved filters

improved HF Design

Changes Mk2 → Mk3

Two Micro USB connectors for OTG support. One connector for the power supply, one connector for connection to computer or smartphone.

Micro USB cable (OTG) included, allows the use of a smartphone

improved sensibility on VHF/UHF

Changes Mk3 → Mk4

Range selection HF/VHF via software

On/Off Switch

Solid metal case

Technical Data DX-Patrol

@ 14MHz, CW, 500Hz, SD

Noise Floor-117dBm

AGC Threshold22 µV (wideband 2MHz w/ max RF gain -45dBm total)

100 kHz Blocking Range77 dB (useful range, top-bottom = 77dB)

Reciprocal Mixing Dyn. Range76dB

Narrow spacing dyn. range IMD366dB

@ 50MHz

Narrow spacing dyn. range IMD373dB

@ 144MHz

Narrow spacing dyn. range IMD363dB

Order No.

DXPATROLSDR Receiver 100 kHz - 2000MHz MK499.00 €Buy nowIn stock, shipped in 1 or two days. ⓘ

Info freight charges

With the first production run of the DxPatrol Mk4 the lettering on the device had an error, the On/Off switch positions are reversed. Since early September 2017 we have corrected this. If you need a new sticker label for your DxPatrol Mk4, please let us know. Further the designation of the USB-A and -B sockets have been reversed in the manual... A new manual is in preparation. We apologize for the inconvenience.

USB-A (the connector closer to the edge of the device) is oly for power supply, for example with a USB power bank.

USB-B (the connector closer to the switch) is for data and power. If you use the DxPatrol on a standard computer, please us this connector.