RTL-SDR Blog
RTL-SDR Blog V4 Start a receive-only software-defined radio setup over USB.
Radio Software-defined radio
Radio equipment needs certification where you live (FCC, CE, UKCA, ISED, Anatel). Some devices are uncertified or restricted in Brazil. Buyers are responsible for their local law.
Bring along Compatible V4 driver, receiver software and a band-appropriate antenna.
Keep in mind V4, V4L and generic RTL-SDR dongles are different hardware. Source checked · Sep 16, 2026 Image credit Maker image · original V4 · RTL-SDR Blog
Overview Blueprint 1 Specifications 21 Resources 6
(02) Blueprint
What’s inside RTL-SDR Blog publishes a short datasheet/quick-start PDF with specs but no schematic, PCB, or BOM for the V4 dongle.
Research notes Fetched the datasheet PDF directly: it is a short spec/quick-start sheet, not an engineering schematic. R828D has no public manufacturer datasheet page (Rafael Micro doesn't publish one); the Realtek product-index page was confirmed live for the RTL2832U.
Every link checked 2026-09-27.
Hand this device to your agent. Everything on this page, as clean Markdown and JSON: specs, shops, prices, design files, parts.
Made the RTL-SDR Blog V4? Put the badge on your README; it links here, with every shop that sells it.
Copy Markdown
Receiver 8 Model R828D tuner and 8-bit RTL2832U ADC; receive only. Coverage 500 kHz–1.766 GHz. Capture bandwidth 2.56 MHz stable; 3.2 MHz may drop samples. HF path Built-in 28.8 MHz upconverter; compatible drivers handle the offset. Front end HF/VHF/UHF triplexer with automatic broadcast-band notch filtering. Filtering trade-off Launch measurements show reduced sensitivity on some bands; filters do not prevent all overload. RF port SMA input, typically 50 Ω. Power and antenna 5 USB USB-A male; typical draw 250–270 mA. Bias tee Software-switched 4.5 V, up to 180 mA. Bias-tee load Do not enable into a directly connected DC-short antenna; follow the maker’s bias-tee wiring guide. Cooling Aluminium enclosure and thermal pad dissipate heat. Package choice V4 launched as dongle-only or antenna-set packages; confirm the exact seller bundle. Software and revisions 8 Required drivers Use a V4-aware library; older applications may need their RTL-SDR DLL replaced. Windows driver Quickstart installs WinUSB for the RTL interface, normally Bulk-In Interface 0; verify USB ID 0BDA:2838:00. Application selection Select RTL-SDR USB as the SDR# source after driver setup. Linux and macOS V4 guide covers current librtlsdr installation; packaged old drivers can lack V4 support. Android Maker documents V4 support through updated SDR Driver and supported SDR applications. HF settings Use the upconverter path; V3 direct-sampling setup is not the V4 workflow. V4L is different V4L uses R828S and a diplexed front end; its software-support requirements differ. Stock boundary The 2023 launch page’s production forecast is historical, not a current V4 stock guarantee. No matching specification. Try a chip name, connector or feature.
What still needs checking The reviewed V4 documents do not specify an absolute maximum RF-input power. V4 listing availability and the precise antenna/cable contents need checking at purchase; V4L is a separate design.
Downloads & docs
Source & revision notes Maker listing checked Sep 15, 2026. Detailed documentation reviewed Sep 16, 2026. Not hands-on tested.
Price is a dated listing; confirm with the maker.
This entry covers the R828D-based Blog V4. The maker now also lists V4L, which uses R828S and different input filtering.
V4 requires the updated RTL-SDR Blog driver. Dongle-only and antenna-kit packages differ; neither the antenna nor a computer should be assumed included.
Detailed documentation reviewed 2026-09-16; this does not refresh price or stock checks or establish hands-on testing.
Amazon link points at the listing the 2026-09-17 research identified as official or authorised; this category is full of clone hardware, so never swap it for a search result.
This profile remains for the R828D V4. V4L support or hardware specifications are not substituted.
Build or list hardware with us 
