Do I need an RTL-SDR dongle to use Helioclock?

[helioclock]

No – it’s entirely optional. Helioclock runs fully featured without
any SDR hardware at all.

If you do add an RTL-SDR dongle (sold separately, not by Helioclock),
it unlocks a few extra things: actual reception confirmation at
WWV/WWVH and NCDXF beacon frequencies (so propagation gets confirmed
because your own hardware heard the signal, not just because another
station reported a spot), plus the ability to open a full interactive
SDR receiver on the same device.

Think of it as a bonus layer for operators who want it, not a
requirement for the core product.

[Noork]

I have Helioclock running with an rtl-sdr (v3). i have the drivers for it installed as well, what else is required for functionality?

[helioclock]

That should be all you need. If it’s giving you the SDR display, you are golden!

Anthony
KA9NWM

[N6DKI]

I purchased the:
SMArt V.5 SDR receiver.
Currently not working due to the v.5.
Anthony getting me the updated drive so it should be good soon.
I purchased this one due to the better specs. Same chip set, but it needs a,slightly different driver.
HELIOCLOCK has been VERY responsive to questions. Amazing how Anthony is keeping up after the very successful launch in Huntsville.
-73

[helioclock]

Subject: Re: SMArt v.5 SDR driver

Thank you, genuinely, this kind of message means a lot given how overwhelming the last few weeks have been.

I’ll get that updated driver over to you as soon as it’s ready so the SMArt v.5 is working for you, same chipset, just needs the right build to match. I appreciate you bearing with the slight hardware variation in the meantime.

Glad Helioclock is living up to what you were hoping for, and thanks again for the kind words about Huntsville. It’s been a wild ride keeping up with it.

73,
Anthony Watts
KA9NWM
Helioclock

[Author]

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