Software Defined Radio

WebSDR

A WebSDR is a Software-Defined Radio receiver that is connected to the internet by the way of a radio and antenna system, a quadrature mixer or PC soundcard, a computer running Linux, WebSDR software, and a fast internet connection. It allows many listeners to listen and tune simultaneously. SDR technology makes it possible that all listeners tune independently, and thus listen to different signals; this is in contrast to the many classical receivers that are already available via the internet and allow only a single or very limited number of users at one time.

WebSDR was developed for a newly installed 25 meter (82 ft) radio telescope at Dwingeloo (located in the Netherlands) and was made available to radio amateurs for EME reception. For testing without using the dish, a shortwave version of WebSDR was set up on December 24, 2007 by a radio club at the University of Twente. After testing and tweaking, it was officially announced in April, 2008. A beta testing version was released to the amateur radio community in November, 2008. For more info or if you're interested in starting your own WebSDR station, see this FAQ.

Open Web RX

Developed by Daniel Smith of St Bees, England (2E0DNX), this is a great online SDR and very easy to use. One of the main motivations for someone to set up an online SDR using OpenWeb RX would be the really low cost in setting up the receive station, in most cases. The interface works well, however, if you're considering setting up one of these stations, there may be a slight learning curve.

Meanwhile, W9JCA.COM has a good list of active SDR receivers both in the OpenWeb RX format and the WebSDR format as shown below.

• Check out our MagicSDR page!

Lamont, Alberta, Canada:  Hosted by VE6JY located about 31 miles northeast of Edmonton, Alberta, about 1,600 miles from NE Indiana. It's located about 325 miles north of Montana's border.

Virginia, USA:  Located in Warrenton, Virginia and sponsored by the Warrenton Amateur Radio Association.

Marahau, New Zealand:  This SDR seems to receive mainly broadcast shortwave. Experiment and see what you can find. 

Calgary, Alberta, Canada:  Seems to have good coverage of the ham bands. This SDR is also called Canadian Prairies Shortwave.

Fenu-Radio | Kefikon Switzerland :  Great broadband coverage and works very well. You should enjoy this one and make it a favorite.,

N1NTE - MA/CT Border:  This SDR is about 750 miles from our area. Another very well-done station in the Eastern US. Click here to use the alternate receiver.

Bedford England:  Another wide-coverage receiver. Looks like another good one!

Go CRAZY (or just have fun!!!!): This is a link to the Kiwi SDR Network map in which you can find HUNDREDS of online Open WebRX Receivers, plus perhaps other types. 

KIWI-SDR Network: Here's a text list instead of a map as it's shown in the previous entry. A lot but it's possible there are more listed in the Go CRAZY link above.

Northern Utah Server 4:  Covers the 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meter amateur bands using an east-pointing beam antenna. From Corinne, Utah.

Northern Utah Server 1:   Covers the 2200, 630, 160, 80/75, 60 and 40 meter amateur bands, AM broadcast, the 120, 60 and 49 meter shortwave broadcast bands and the 1750 meter LowFER band.  Also from Corinne, Utah.

KFS WebSDR, Half Moon Bay, California:  Covers 160-20 meter bands. 

Wismar, Germany:  Covers 80, 30, 20,  plus 2 Meter.

Washington DC:  Covers VLF, 160, 80, 40, 30, 25, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands.

Milford, Pennsylvania:  Covers VLF, 160, 80, 40, 30, 20 and 2 meters. Operated by Mike (K3FEF) and XYL Tanya - W3TKP.

Nantwich Secret Nuclear Bunker:  Stoke-on-Trent ARS HF WebSdr is located at the Nantwich Secret Nuclear Bunker, formerly R.A.F. Hack Green, England, now a working museum. It covers 160 m to 17 meter bands. SysOps are Joe ZL1PMY, Tony G1HMO and Martin G7CKX.

Phoenix, Arizona SDR Radio:  160, 80, and 40 meter coverage.

Maui, Hawaii SDR Radio:  This SDR Radio in Hawaii covers 60, 40, and 20 meters. Operated by Ron, AI6VN

Ordino, Principality of Andorra:  This SDR, located in Andorra carries 20, 30, and 40 meters plus a bit extra. It's just over 4,200 miles from Indiana to Andorra in Europe.

Lipetsk City, Russia:  If you could hear yourself on this one, it would be a feather in your cap. The Lipetsk City (that's how it's described on their website) is located about 5,000 miles from Northeast, Indiana This SDR carries the 40 and 80 meter bands.

PH4RTM SDR, Netherlands:  One heck of a system. Very good coverage and it seems a great performing antenna.

Qatar-OSCAR 100 Narrowband WebSDR: This WebSDR, hosted at Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall (UK), enables you to listen to the Qatar-OSCAR 100 Narrow band transponder onboard the Es'hail-2 satellite. You can read more about this WebSDR & Spectrum Viewer station at wiki.batc.org.uk/Es'hail-2 Ground Station

N4BUT SDR, Orlando, Florida: Covers 160, 80, 40, and 20 Meters.

SDR-RADIO CONSOLE: I haven't tried this yet, but I will. The author asks for a donation to feed his dog. If it's a good program, it'll be reviewed here. Or perhaps someone else will do it first.