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Hardware Setup Guide

Tested Configuration

Indiedroid Nova ($179.95)

  • Purchase: AmeriDroid
  • Specs: RK3588S, 16GB RAM, 6 TOPS NPU
  • OS: Debian 12 (bookworm) - pre-installed
  • Connection: SSH over local network

RTL-SDR Blog V4 ($39.95)

  • Purchase: RTL-SDR.com
  • Specs: Rafael Micro R828D tuner, 500 kHz-1.7 GHz, 1 PPM TCXO, HF upconverter
  • Driver: Requires RTL-SDR Blog driver fork — stock librtlsdr does not support the R828D tuner
  • USB: Use USB 2.0 or 3.0 port

Total Cost: $219.90

Setup Steps

1. SSH into Nova

ssh debian@<nova-ip-address>
# Default password: 1234 (change this!)

2. Install System Dependencies

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y python3-pip python3-venv librtlsdr-dev git

3. Create Project Directory

mkdir ~/rtl-ml && cd ~/rtl-ml
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

4. Clone Repository

git clone https://github.com/TrevTron/rtl-ml.git
cd rtl-ml

5. Install Python Dependencies

pip install -r requirements.txt

6. Test RTL-SDR

rtl_test -t
# Should show: "Found 1 device(s)"
# Press Ctrl+C to stop

7. Run Quick Start

python examples/quick_start.py

Alternative Hardware

Raspberry Pi 4/5

  • Minimum: 4GB RAM
  • Recommended: 8GB+ RAM
  • Same setup steps as Nova
  • Use Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit)

Orange Pi 5

  • Requires Armbian OS
  • Same setup otherwise
  • Good performance/price ratio

x86 Linux Desktop

  • Any machine with USB ports
  • Ubuntu/Debian recommended
  • 8GB+ RAM for training

Antenna Recommendations

Included with RTL-SDR V4:

  • 2x telescopic dipoles
  • Good for FM/VHF/UHF
  • Mount vertically for best results

Upgrade Options:

  • Wideband: Discone antenna (25-1300 MHz, $50-100)
  • VHF/UHF: J-pole or slim jim ($20-40)
  • Budget: Simple wire dipole (free!)

Network Configuration

Finding Nova IP Address:

# On Nova:
hostname -I

# From Windows/Mac:
arp -a | findstr "b8-27"  # Look for Rockchip MAC prefix

Static IP (Optional):

Edit /etc/dhcpcd.conf:

interface eth0
static ip_address=192.168.1.100/24
static routers=192.168.1.1
static domain_name_servers=192.168.1.1

Storage Recommendations

Minimum:

  • 32GB SD card for OS + captured data
  • Full dataset: 2GB

Recommended:

  • 64GB+ for multiple datasets
  • Fast SD card (UHS-I Class 10 minimum)

Power Requirements

Indiedroid Nova:

  • 5V 3A USB-C power supply (included)
  • RTL-SDR draws power from USB (no external needed)

Raspberry Pi:

  • Official 5V 3A power supply recommended
  • Underpowered supplies cause stability issues

Troubleshooting Hardware

RTL-SDR not detected:

lsusb | grep RTL
# Should show: "Realtek Semiconductor Corp. RTL2838"

Permission denied:

sudo usermod -a -G plugdev $USER
# Logout and log back in

USB bandwidth issues:

Use ARM-optimized sample rate:

sdr.sample_rate = 1.024e6  # Not 2.4e6!

Next Steps

After hardware setup:

  1. Capture your first dataset: python src/capture_validated.py
  2. Train your model: python src/train_validated.py
  3. Classify live signals: python src/classify_live.py --freq 98.7e6

See main README.md for full tutorial.