# RTL-SDR Extension Board with USB HUB and RTC **URL:** \ **Category:** uConsole\ **Tags:** tinkering, hardware\ **Created:** [November 3, 2024, 12:02pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804 "2024-11-03T12:02:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![jutleys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/779978/32.png) [@jutleys](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/jutleys)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2025, 11:21am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/223 "2025-06-16T11:21:30Z")
So here are two Uconsoles CM5 with production SDR Extension boards talking to each other via meshtastic. Huge thanks to Rex & Vileer for their amazing works. ![1000005620](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/0/032ce07cd399bfd04cdf216c48385f13f110fd32.jpeg) ![1000005622](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/4/4db999c9a4fc697af0cd220ef1fa2b8f89238086.jpeg) ![1000005624](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/9/924cca0b9c2d57082f1b7cc7a05d3a9cc41d0d05.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Brutal\_Pidgeon](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/brutal_pidgeon/32/11870_2.png) [@Brutal\_Pidgeon](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Brutal_Pidgeon)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2025, 2:45pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/224 "2025-06-16T14:45:02Z")
When I said OK maybe I was too much optimistic. Commercial radio is barely listening with the board, as you can hear on the 2 YouTube videos I posted. Tomorrow I will try to modify bandwidth and test again with the USB stick and with the expansion board. ---
**Author:** ![Talos](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/talos/32/11104_2.png) [@Talos](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Talos)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2025, 3:35pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/225 "2025-06-16T15:35:40Z")
Next stop - Range tests. ---
**Author:** ![alpixdotro](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/alpixdotro/32/11107_2.png) [@alpixdotro](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/alpixdotro)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2025, 8:06pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/226 "2025-06-16T20:06:46Z")
Anyone else having the random issue where, after a restart I get this error: pi@clockworkpi:~ $ meshtasticd Portduino is starting, VFS root at /home/pi/.portduino/default Set up Meshtastic on Portduino… Using /etc/meshtasticd/config.yaml as config file MAC ADDRESS: D8:3A:DD:93:08:3A Warning, cannot claim pin GPIO26St16invalid\_argument Error setting pin number 26. It may not exist, or may already be in use. Running on CM4 8GB, Bookworm latest from Rex. Config file: ### Many device configs have been moved to /etc/meshtasticd/available.d ### To activate, simply copy or link the appropriate file into /etc/meshtasticd/config.d ### Define your devices here using Broadcom pin numbering ### Uncomment the block that corresponds to your hardware ### Including the “Module:” line! * * * Lora: Module: sx1262 # HackerGadgets RTL-SDR/LoRa extension board DIO2\_AS\_RF\_SWITCH: true DIO3\_TCXO\_VOLTAGE: true IRQ: 26 Busy: 24 Reset: 25 spidev: spidev1.0 GPIO: # User: 6 ### Define GPS GPS: SerialPath: /dev/ttyS0 ### Specify I2C device, or leave blank for none I2C: I2CDevice: /dev/i2c-1 Webserver: Port: 443 # Port for Webserver & Webservices RootPath: /usr/share/meshtasticd/web # Root Dir of WebServer ---
**Author:** ![Partypyrate](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/partypyrate/32/10825_2.png) [@Partypyrate](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Partypyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 12:38am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/227 "2025-06-17T00:38:23Z")
Thanks again for the board. Was nice getting to listen to 40m today. ---
**Author:** ![TechSR2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eb9ed0/32.png) [@TechSR2](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/TechSR2)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 6:55am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/228 "2025-06-17T06:55:21Z")
Got my board and antenna mount kit yesterday, but forgot to order antennas before it shipped. Ordered antenna kit from Hacker Gadgets. Now the wait is on again. 😳 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![vileer](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/vileer/32/10337_2.png) [@vileer](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/vileer)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 7:01am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/229 "2025-06-17T07:01:08Z")
If the order does not contain the aio board, it will be shipped within one or two business days. ---
**Author:** ![Brutal\_Pidgeon](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/brutal_pidgeon/32/11870_2.png) [@Brutal\_Pidgeon](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Brutal_Pidgeon)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 8:39am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/230 "2025-06-17T08:39:33Z")
You solved my problem. Now It works like a charm both the expansion board and the USB rtl. [expansion board](https://youtu.be/IkEUZ2aXjyw) [usb rtl](https://youtu.be/QwUd_1D7Bbw) ---
**Author:** ![TechSR2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eb9ed0/32.png) [@TechSR2](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/TechSR2)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 9:17am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/231 "2025-06-17T09:17:25Z")
Awesome news, Thanks!!! ---
**Author:** ![snipeytje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2bfe46/32.png) [@snipeytje](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/snipeytje)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 11:10am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/232 "2025-06-17T11:10:23Z")
Is there a list somewhere of the which pins on the pcie connector are in use on this board? for if you want to add a fan or something? ---
**Author:** ![vileer](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/vileer/32/10337_2.png) [@vileer](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/vileer)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 1:04pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/233 "2025-06-17T13:04:02Z")
You can use the usb pin header on the board, it exposes the 5v and find and got labels on it. ---
**Author:** ![vileer](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/vileer/32/10337_2.png) [@vileer](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/vileer)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2025, 1:07pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/234 "2025-06-17T13:07:03Z")
Glad to hear that. But you still need to be aware of the difference when operating below 30 MHz between this board and the RTL-SDR blog V4. ---
**Author:** ![snipeytje](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2bfe46/32.png) [@snipeytje](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/snipeytje)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2025, 4:10pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/235 "2025-06-18T16:10:55Z")
since the antennas are shipped unlabeled, for clarification, which one is the lora and which one is the wifi antenna? ---
**Author:** ![Rex](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/rex/32/16852_2.png) [@Rex](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Rex)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2025, 4:42pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/236 "2025-06-18T16:42:13Z")
The straight one is 433MHz, the cone (tapered plug shaped 😏 ) is the WiFi. ---
**Author:** ![E.M](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/e.m/32/12779_2.png) [@E.M](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/E.M)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2025, 9:06am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/238 "2025-06-20T09:06:18Z")
> [@jutleys](#): > > Can we use a 2230 ssd drive on the internal type c. I am thinking of power draw would be high. But it has a self cooling fan built in. I tried, the internal C is about 5mm to far off centered, you could make your own cable to connect it, I use mine plugged into the AIO’s USB-C port and that works (and looks cool as heck imo) ![IMG_1671](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/1/1b1fa7b313602dbde1cff3b9277ab400320af3a1.jpeg) ![IMG_1662](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/b/bda48e7e174ef33562f78a41f5b32206972cf491.jpeg) ![IMG_1660](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/4/49e08d1a816c18b841f489aa3596ba38d56a6b8f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Partypyrate](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/partypyrate/32/10825_2.png) [@Partypyrate](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Partypyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2025, 2:54pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/239 "2025-06-20T14:54:51Z")
Do you think i could run a fan on that pinout? ---
**Author:** ![Rex](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/rex/32/16852_2.png) [@Rex](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Rex)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2025, 3:10pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/240 "2025-06-20T15:10:18Z")
as long as it’s 5V and don’t pull a lot of current it will. ---
**Author:** ![Partypyrate](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/partypyrate/32/10825_2.png) [@Partypyrate](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Partypyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2025, 3:26pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/241 "2025-06-20T15:26:50Z")
I’ll have to try it when my CM5 comes in. ---
**Author:** ![E.M](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/e.m/32/12779_2.png) [@E.M](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/E.M)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2025, 4:13pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/242 "2025-06-20T16:13:04Z")
When my CM5 8GB Lite arrives…. I’m planning to use one of these, with a thin thermal pad, on the back of the console, using the small hole to lead the wires inside for power. ![IMG_1685](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/c/cbe1e467ad9c76270c1af5216abf295efebb24c7.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Rex](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/rex/32/16852_2.png) [@Rex](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Rex)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2025, 4:18pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804/243 "2025-06-20T16:18:23Z")
I was looking at a few active phone coolers. That way I only put it on if I’m doing something heavy and not use it when I’m just browsing. [Previous page](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804.md?page=11) [Next page](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/rtl-sdr-extension-board-with-usb-hub-and-rtc/14804.md?page=13)