RTL SDR 100KHz to 1GHz

Solder the SMA sockets (the correct way up), USB socket & LED to the PCB.See later comments if you don't know which way to fit the LED.

Remove one box end plate, push the PCB into the lower box slot. Offer theremoved end plate up to the SMA sockets and pencil in the centres of theSMA sockets, centre pop and drill two holes of 6.2 mm drill to fit the sockets.

The picture below shows the old version, but you get the idea.

Do the same for the other end to fit the USB socket and the LED (3mm).Suggest you drill the USB hole first with a 3mm drill and then file out to suit..

Take the TV stick and remove the case, infrared receiver, antenna TV coaxsocket and the USB plug. The following method is what I used.........

Mike Bowthorpe ~ G0CVZ ~ Nov 2014

Clip the infra red receiver legs and then unsolder the pins, gently lift the steelcasing off the USB socket and then remove the steel case, then cut the USBpins and gently unsolder the remainder, finally unsolder the TV coax socket.

Mike Bowthorpe ~ G0CVZ ~ Nov 2014

Install all SMT components according to the circuit board identifications. Theinductor is labeled 4.7 so don't confuse with a cap. The SMD LED is fitted withthe green end towards CON2 (but its only needed to show a separate supplyis on i.e. not USB supply).

Mike Bowthorpe ~ G0CVZ ~ Nov 2014

Construct the balun by folding the thin copper wire into 3 legs of about250mm each leg. Then twist the copper wire 3 legs together by hand to forma 3 core twisted cable. Now wind 8 turns of this onto the small core. Wire asshown and tin ends...........

Construct the low pass filters using a 5 mm diameter drill to wind 2 coils of 8to 10 turns. After finishing the coils scrape off the varnish.

Mike Bowthorpe ~ G0CVZ ~ Nov 2014

Solder the balun wires to pins 4 and 5 to RTL2832. This is not easy!

Fit the 2 low-pass filter coils on the circuit board.

If you want check using a frequency sweep meter test.

Fit all the other components on the main circuit board.

Fit the small circuit board into the main PCB and solder in each of the 4corners, both sides.

Wire the balun to the pads on the main PCB.

Fit 2 wires links for the +3.3V supplies to the upper and lower points on thesmall board (see photos)

Mike Bowthorpe ~ G0CVZ ~ Nov 2014

Fit 3 wires to link the USB socket to the small board USB connections.

Fit a wire link to link the incoming UHF antenna connection to the small board(this was connected to the centre pin of the TV socket).

Connect the USB cable to your computer which will detect its existence andload the driver. Test the assembly. Paint clear nail varnish on the balun wires.

Fit the completed board into the box and add the sticky label to finish off. Getthe label the right way round!

Mike Bowthorpe ~ G0CVZ ~ Nov 2014

This shows a completed board with CON2 link plug fitted for USB power.

Mike Bowthorpe ~ G0CVZ ~ Nov 2014