Research Lab Kit 5 RF Signal Processing
Demodulate Real-World RF Protocols — Research Lab Kit 5 with RTL-SDR & GNU Radio
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Turn a Raspberry Pi 4 and an RTL-SDR dongle into a multi-protocol RF receiver that captures live FM broadcasts, tracks aircraft via ADS-B transponders, and decodes amateur radio APRS packets. This kit replaces scattered component orders with a single, fully compatible system that lets you build complete GNU Radio demodulation pipelines for three distinct protocols — ideal for lab coursework, research projects, and competitive engineering challenges in India.
What You'll Build
You’ll construct a working RF signal processing station that uses the RTL-SDR as a wideband receiver, feeding IQ samples into GNU Radio Companion on a Raspberry Pi 4. The final build demodulates and displays FM audio, plots real-time aircraft positions from ADS-B messages, and prints decoded APRS location and weather beacons from nearby VHF amateur transmissions — all from the same physical setup.
What You'll Learn
- Design GNU Radio flowgraphs for FM, AM, and digital demodulation
- Capture and process raw IQ data from an RTL-SDR across 24–1766 MHz
- Implement an ADS-B decoder to extract aircraft callsign, altitude, and position
- Decode AX.25 frames used in APRS to interpret amateur radio telemetry
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4 8GB | 1 |
| RTL-SDR Dongle | 1 |
| Wideband Antenna | 1 |
| VHF Antenna | 1 |
| MicroSD Card 64GB | 1 |
| USB-C PSU | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Designed for B.Tech ECE/EEE students and research scholars working on RF communication, embedded systems, or signal processing projects. It aligns with final-year project requirements, Smart India Hackathon problem statements related to radio monitoring, and advanced lab courses at IITs, NITs, VIT, and BITS Pilani. Instructors can use it to demonstrate real modulation schemes in classroom settings.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code to start a chat with the AI companion, which understands every component and step of this exact RF kit. It can debug flowgraph errors, suggest antenna placement, and if needed, our team responds within hours on WhatsApp.
Can I use this kit to receive signals other than FM, ADS-B, and APRS?
Absolutely. The RTL-SDR covers 24–1766 MHz, and with GNU Radio you can add new flowgraphs for POCSAG pagers, ACARS, AIS, and even NOAA weather satellites by substituting a suitable antenna. The kit provides the core, and the AI companion can help adapt it.
Is the included VHF antenna sufficient for APRS reception in India?
Yes, it is tuned for the 144–148 MHz amateur band where APRS operates. In urban areas, nearby digipeaters and weather stations are easily copied; for rural locations, the antenna’s gain is adequate with a clear line of sight.
Will I be able to track flights over my location with ADS-B?
The wideband antenna and dongle reliably receive 1090 MHz Mode-S/ADS-B transmissions, covering a typical radius of 100–250 km depending on altitude. You’ll see aircraft positions, flight numbers, and altitudes plotted in real time using open-source tools like dump1090.
RTL-SDR captures FM, ADS-B and APRS signals — GNU Radio implements demodulation pipelines for each protocol.
What's in this kit
- Raspberry Pi 4 8GB
- RTL-SDR Dongle
- Wideband Antenna
- VHF Antenna
- MicroSD Card 64GB
- USB-C PSU
Ask Soldr above what you can build with this — it knows every Compoden kit this part appears in.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items