New rtlsdr Plugin

[rgleason]

So SDRsharp and AISdecodet do not recieve ais signals. Nor does opencpn Rtlsdt_pi. Howevet HDSR automatically finds the ppm and RTLSDR-scanner seems to work.

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[rgleason]

I have installed the zadig2.1.2.exe drivers which are for windows 8 as well.

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[LeoA]

SDR# works with window 8.1 as that is what is on my tablet. I have not been successful getting rtlsdr.pi plugin to work in Opencpn. I usually use rtl_ais program furnished by piluso to get ais data into Opencpn. I used sdr# to set up my rtlsdr dongle initially, as it was the easiest program for me to figure out.
If the file properties that you posted are for the file in the sdr# folder, then it is the correct file.
I would say that your rtl-sdr dongles are not up to the task for vhf band reception. I have 2 Nooelec brand dongles that I use, one for ais and the other I use for fm radio listening. I also have a ezcap dvb-tfm dab dongle that I bought a couple of years ago and could never get it to receive in the vhf band.

[rgleason]

Out of frustration I decided to try the small short antenna that came with the dongle. Using SDRsharp set at 162.527.907 or 162.537.673 I can hear the weather channel voice!! It was very foggy for just 10 minutes.

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[rgleason]

Now I am getting an ok voice on 162.532.481 but it fades in and out. I can discern most of the words when it is good. This is with the small antenna. Now I dont know if our VHF antenna is good enough. It is excellent for VHF we get long distance and can transmit well.

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[LeoA]

Can you post a screenshot of sdr# while you are receiving audio?

[rgleason]

When I use the dongle in the USB hub the signal degrades enough so no boice is heard and the frequency seems to change. It seems like the usb hub may be a part of the problem, so to get GPS I am going to have to use bluetooth maybe. I hope the hub is not a problem otherwise eventually I will not be able to have AIS, Nmea 0183 instrument data and GPS. But that is gor later.

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[rgleason]

Correction: for later.

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[rgleason]

One of the dongles does not get voice at all with sdr# with either antenna. The other dongle only gets voice with small antenna at 162.530000 and it seems repeatable. Using my VHF antenna does not work.
LeoA do you think a Nooelec will help particularly with use of my VH F anyenna?

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[LeoA]

You may need to check your antenna cable connection for the sdr dongle.

[rgleason]

Ok will try to check but the deck connection is in the mast at the deck step. I will try to, but may make a coolinear antenna tined for AIS instead.

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[rgleason]

HDSR auto calib gives 74ppm at 162.475mhz. And 113ppm at 162.550mhz using the small antenna

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[LeoA]

I set my ppm by tuning to a good strong NOAA weather channel 162,550,000, zooming in the sdr# windows - zoom slider top right of screen. Then click on the gear icon top left of window and adjust the ppm number until the yellow and red waterfall graphic in bottom window is centered to the red tuning line in the top window. Do not adjust the frequency numbers, leave them at 162,550,000 and adjust ppm number. The graphic in the bottom window will move as the ppm numbers are changed

[rgleason]

I t


Our VHF antenna should be fine, I think the problem is the $5 dongle to RG58 thin coax connector from the same supplier, coupled with weak or substandard dongles.
I will order Nooelec with new coax connector and see what happens.

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[rgleason]

LeoA
I just learned something else from you. Will try it. Thanks. Still going to get new dongle and coax connector.

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