Linrad
Linrad is an advanced software-defined radio application optimized for weak-signal reception. It can decode a variety of digital modes like JT65 and FT8 as well as analog signals like SSB and CW.
sdr
software-defined-radio
weak-signal
jt65
ft8
ssb
cw
Linrad: Advanced Software-Defined Radio Application for Weak-Signal Reception
Linrad is an advanced software-defined radio application optimized for weak-signal reception, supporting digital modes like JT65 and FT8 as well as analog signals like SSB and CW.
What is Linrad?
Linrad is a software-defined radio application designed specifically for weak-signal reception, such as on the VHF, UHF, and microwave bands. It was created by Leif Åsbrink and first released in 2003.
Some of the key features of Linrad include:
- Very high sensitivity and dynamic range, making it excellent at pulling weak signals out of the noise
- Support for a wide variety of SDR hardware from companies like Perseus, Airspy, RTL-SDR, and LimeSDR
- Advanced DSP features like padding, windowing, filtering, noise blanking and reduction
- Decoding support for digital modes like WSPR, JT65, JT9, FT8, and FSK441
- Spectrum and waterfall displays with dual receivers
- Automated reception of meteor scatter signals
- Scripting interface for customizing and automation
Linrad runs on Windows and Linux platforms. The source code is open source and released under the GPL. It has an active community supporting and further development of the software.
Overall, Linrad is considered one of the premier SDR applications for hobbyists and enthusiasts focused on pulling weak HF, VHF, and UHF signals out of the background noise.
Linrad Features
Features
- Software-defined radio
- Supports many common modes like AM, FM, SSB, CW
- Built-in decoders for digital modes like WSPR, JT65, FT8
- Spectrum analyzer and waterfall display
- Signal processing tools like noise reduction, filtering
- Supports many SDR hardware like Airspy, RTL-SDR, SDRplay
- Open source and cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS)
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Powerful signal processing capabilities
Free and open source
Cross-platform compatibility
Supports many modes and decoders
Active community support
Cons
Steep learning curve
Manual configuration required
No graphical user interface
Limited documentation
Official Links
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