guides/rtl-sdr-for-orcsdr
Which RTL-SDR works with OrcSDR
The RTL-SDR Blog V4 is the tested baseline. Here's what matters when you pick one, and how well each receiver has actually been tested with OrcSDR.
what matters
1. OrcSDR support status
This beats every spec sheet. OrcSDR talks to the dongle through its own driver, so a dongle that works on a PC might not work here yet. Check the receiver table first.
2. HF coverage below 24 MHz
The V4 has a built-in upconverter, so OrcSDR covers AM broadcast and shortwave without extra parts. The V3/V3c reach AM through direct sampling instead, and the V4L can't tune below 24 MHz on OrcSDR. If HF matters to you, this decides it.
3. Frequency stability
Better dongles use a temperature-compensated oscillator (TCXO), so they drift less as they warm up. That matters for narrow signals like P25, pagers and LoRa. OrcSDR's release notes record measured carrier offsets per dongle if you want the details.
4. Bias-T
Some dongles can send DC power up the coax to an active antenna or LNA. OrcSDR has bias-T control with per-dongle rules. Leave it off unless your antenna or amplifier needs power.
5. Physical fit
The dongle plugs into the Tab5's USB-A port. A short USB extension can keep a fat dongle from straining the port; it's general advice, not something OrcSDR has tested.
tested pick
RTL-SDR Blog V4. Longest-tested, full receiver path including HF. Hard to find in some places.
Tested baseline.
Link: TODO · Price: not shown (write "check current price")
experimental
RTL-SDR Blog V3c: RF-verified on one unit; AM via direct sampling; 29 gain steps.
RTL-SDR Blog V4L: recognised from v0.3.0-beta.1 and checked on one unit; no HF below 24 MHz on OrcSDR.
Nooelec NESDR SMArt V5: provisional; mixed reception reports.
Experimental. Say so next to the link.
Link: TODO · Price: not shown (write "check current price")
Experimental. Say so next to the link.
Link: TODO · Price: not shown (write "check current price")
If you try another dongle, a report with a serial log helps everyone: OrcSDR issues.
Facts about OrcSDR from the OrcSDR README, user guide and release notes (2026-10). General radio advice is rule-of-thumb, not OrcSDR test data.