Radio Bench
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Connect an SDR source

The Source panel controls the SDR sample stream. Device controls change when you select a different source family.

Radio Bench Source panel with an Airspy HF+ selected and its sample rate and device controls set, before the stream starts.
Configure the source before you start its sample stream.

Start a stream

  1. Connect the SDR or make the network server available.
  2. For a local USB receiver, select Refresh in the Source panel.
  3. Select the source.
  4. Select a supported sample rate if the source provides that control. KiwiSDR chooses the rate at the station.
  5. Set device gain and source options.
  6. Select Connect (Play for an IQ file).

The spectrum and waterfall move when samples arrive. The status bar shows a source error if the stream cannot start.

Select the correct source type

Use RTL-SDR or Airspy HF+ for a local USB device.

Use RTL-TCP or SpyServer for a network server, or KiwiSDR for a receiver with a listening URL. Use IQ WAV to replay a recording.

Stop before connection changes

Stop the stream before you change a host, port, station URL, file, or sample rate. Some gain controls remain available during streaming.

Radio Bench saves controls for each source. An Airspy HF+ keeps settings for its device serial.