Just bought a RTL2832 device as an experiment into SDR.

The issue is it's a TV device and therefore 75Ohm. I'll be changing the antenna socket from a PAL socket to SMA or BNC but my question is how should I feed it to a 1/4 wave vertical?

Device = http://www.ab9il.net/software-defined-radio/rtl2832-sdr.html

Thanks

I think I would keep the PAL socket and feed the antenna with the standard 75 Ohm low loss coaxial cable. As you are receiving only then the matching will be less important, for years I fed my TV with a length of 50 Ohm cable because that's what I had available, when I put the new antenna up I replaced it with 75 Ohm coax and there was no noticable difference at all.

Would agree with the above why not just use RG58 into a Belling Lee plug http://www.megalithia.com/elect/bellinglee/index.html
so you could put any 50ohm connector on the other end of the coax to suit your system.
Edit: in the case of an F connector on your dongle you will have to use a 50ohm coax with a solid center core.
Peter GM1CMF

Thanks for the replies.

Why would you not change the BL socket for a BNC or SMA? Not in any way questioning your judgement, just curious as to your thoughts.

I was planning on rehousing the device in an enclosure thought I would do the socket at the same time.

Good news regarding 50 or 75 ohm, I've a load of RG6 kicking around.

Cheers

I didn't realise you were going to put in another box, then by all means replace the socket to whatever you want. I have never liked the Belling Lee plugs and sockets much, even though they are remarkably good for such a simple connector, but I think they have seen better days.

Thanks. Like I say, not questioning in any way, just after ideas.

I think I'll go with the BNC for simplicity.

Thanks

Ok on fitting in a new box have a TV/SDR dongle myself but took the easy way out and left as is, if you use a short thin coax lead to the BNC should make it easy, good luck with the mod and hope it works well for you, amazing things these TV dongles

Peter GM1CMF

I'll keep you posted .....