This FAQ pertains to all models of the NESDR SMArt, including the NESDR SMArt, NESDR SMArTee, NESDR SMArt XTR and NESDR SMArTee XTR. If you have a question about a different product, click on the appropriate FAQ on the left!
SMArt v5 | SMArTee | SMArt XTR | SMArTee XTR | |
Product Photo | ||||
USB Interface IC |
RTL2832U |
RTL2832U |
RTL2832U |
RTL2832U |
Tuner IC |
R820T2 |
R820T2 |
E4000 |
E4000 |
Frequency Range |
100kHz - 1750 MHz |
25MHz - 1750MHz |
55MHz - 2300MHz |
55MHz - 2300MHz |
TCXO clock |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Always-on Bias Tee |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Antenna Connector Type |
Female SMA |
Female SMA |
Female SMA |
Female SMA |
Warranty Period |
2 years |
2 years |
2 years |
2 years |
Nooelec SKU |
100701/100700 |
100777/100778 |
100724/100723 |
100726/100725 |
The names of each SDR are so similar! What are the differences?
These SDRs are named based on their features. The NESDR SMArt series got its name from the common female SMA connector used at the antenna input. Models ending in 'Tee' have an always-on bias tee that can be used to power your active electronics. Models ending in 'XTR' have an extended range and can receive more frequencies than their standard counterparts.
The NESDR SMArt is the standard version of this SDR, without a bias tee and with the normal frequency range of RTL-SDRs (25-1750 MHz). This model also have a direct sampling feature, via Q-branch, which extends the frequency capability down to 100kHz. The SMArTee XTR, on the other hand, has both an always-on bias tee and the extended frequency range. The full specifications of each SDR can be found in the table above.
What is the difference between the regular and XTR models?
The primary difference between the standard models and XTR models is the tuner IC. The standard SMArt and SMArTee models use the popular R820T2 tuner, which is capable of receiving from 25MHz-1750MHz with high performance throughout the frequency range. In contrast, the XTR models use the E4000 tuner, which offers a tuning range of 55MHz - 2300MHz, with excellent performance at <500MHz and >1500MHz. There is also a small frequency gap between 1100 MHz and 1200 MHz. Therefore we do not recommend the XTR models for ADS-B applications.
Do you have any reliability information for the SMArt / SMArTee?
The overall failure rate of this model currently sits at approximately 0.1%.
The tuner in my SMArt is showing up on my computer as an R820T, not R820T2. Have I received the wrong product?
We have never sold a SMArt with the R820T tuner, so there is no possibility that you have received the wrong product. All R820T2 tuners will identify themselves as R820T in software. You can only differentiate through the performance differences or by looking on the IC itself.
Please note, we do not recommend opening the SDR! Doing so will void the warranty, and it may prove difficult to reassemble as there are adhesives used during production.
What are the frequency ranges of the antennas that come in the SMArt bundle?
- Telescopic antenna: frequencies vary depending on the set length.
- Short black antenna: 800-2200 MHz, 3G, 5dBi
- Long black antenna: 433 MHz, 3dBi
Is there a way to connect the antennas directly to the SMArt without using the antenna base?
The connector on the antennas included in the SMArt bundle is not an RF connector, it is an M3 screw threading. Unfortunately, we do not sell such an adapter, and do not know anyone who does. You would probably have to make one yourself out of a spare base or spare M3 screw.
My SMArt keeps disconnecting from my computer when it is moved slightly. How can I prevent this from happening?
The SMArt is a bit heavier than most devices and so is generally more sensitive to movement and more likely to disconnect when inserted into a horizontal USB port. The solution is to try to eliminate the downward force causing the disconnect.
First, you can try using the SMArt vertically, by utilizing a USB hub or a port on top of your computer tower. Second, you can try using a high quality USB extension cable instead, allowing your computer to rest on the table.
Is it possible to disable the bias tee in the SMArTee?
No, it is not possible to disable it without physical modification. A software configurable bias tee added unwanted noise and expense that we did not feel was warranted for our customers.
Our recommendation would be one of the following:
• Utilizing a DC block or a DC-blocking capacitor on the input;
• Modifying the SMArTee to permanently disable the bias tee, if you will never utilize it (however, this modification will void the warranty);
• Purchasing an NESDR SMArt (without bias tee) instead.
If the SMArTee is connected to an antenna with end fed (shorted) like J-pole or Folded Dipole, will the SDR burn out or fail?
A zero-ohm (shorted) antenna should not be used with this NESDR or any other product with DC voltage (bias voltage). It will not immediately break the SDR as there is protection built in, but the SDR will heat up and can eventually break with extended usage.
You would need to add a DC block to the output of the SDR before the antenna, choose a different SDR, or choose a different antenna.
Check out our complete NESDR product line in our webstore!
Can’t find the information you need? Contact our friendly Customer Support Team using the Support chat window in the bottom-right corner of the page. One of our Customer Support Specialists would be happy to assist you!
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.