The software “Spektrum” scans from 24 MHz to 1800 MHz, which is the full range of a DVB-T/ProStick’s RTL chip. It is pretty fast, and conducts one complete sweep in less than 5 minutes (depends on speed of Windows computer). If left running, it keeps on repeating the sweep.
This software is available in two versions
(1) For Windows
(2) For Linux
Click the link below, and in page opened, under latest version (currently 2.1.0), click “Assets” to expand it and display Windows & Linux downloads.
https://github.com/pavels/spektrum/releases
How to Use Spektrum on WINDOWS computer
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The DVB-T or ProStick or any other dongle should be plugged into the Windows computer to run the scan. It cannot remotely access a dongle which is plugged into another computer such as a Pi.
Windows requires dongle’s Windows driver “Zadig”. If you have not yet installed Zadig, then please see this how-to (use only the step “1-Driver”):
How-to Install Pro Stick & DVB-T on Windows
(1) Download Spektrum for Windows
Direct Download Link for Current Latest release for Windows: spektrum-win64.zip
Check Download page for Latest Release (on page opened, under latest version click “Assets” to expand and show download links):
https://github.com/pavels/spektrum/releases
(2) This sotware does not need installation. Unzip the file, and inside you will find a file named spectrum.exe
. Double-click it to start the software.
(3) Plug the dongle in your Windows Computer. If you have a dongle without integral filter, it will show all the signal existing in your area.
(4) Connet the antenna to yor dongle. Conduct first scan without any external filter (i.e. antenna directly connected to the dongle). Next conduct scan with external filter inserted between antenna and the dongle.
(5) Double click the file spektrum.exe and the program will start
(6) When the program starts, it will detect and list the dongle as shown below. Click on the dongle name, and wait few seconds for scan to start.
(7) Click on the “Measure” button
(8) On “Measure” window, “Gain” will be by default 50 (it is actually 5 dB). Adjust gain by bringing mouse pointer above 50 and turning mouse’s scroll wheel. Set it to maximum 496 (it is actually 49.6 dB).
(9) Leave her to run for 5 minutes so that it repeats scan several times.
(10) Repeat scan with a filter inserted between Antenna and Dongle.
Here are 3 scans I have done recently:
NOTE-1:
The scans below were done in an urban area with strong Cell/Mobile, TV, FM, Fire, Ambulance, Taxi, and other communication signals at VHF, UHF and Microwave frequencies. Other locations may not have such severe RF interference.
NOTE-2:
The scan 1 shows RF noise picked by antenna and processed without any filter, The scans 2 & 3 were done with filters, and show how filters remove this noise.
Scan 1 of 3 - FA Antenna + Generic DVB-T (no internal or external filter)
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE LARGER SIZE
Scan 2 of 3 - FA Antenna + ProStick Plus (Only Internal filter of ProStick Plus. No External filter)
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE LARGER SIZE
Scan 3 of 3 - FA Antenna + ProStick Plus (with internal filter) + External Filter (FA Light Blue)
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE LARGER SIZE