We are excited to announce the release of VU GPSDR, a GPS Assisted Software Defined Radio (SDR) designed as an expansion board for the Vivid Unit and Vivid Unit Extender.
VU GPSDR combines the power of the RTL2832U and R860 tuner with a high-precision 24 MHz PPS clock generated by the onboard NEO-M8N GPS module. The result is a compact and precise SDR solution that benefits from GPS synchronization — improving frequency stability and accuracy in various SDR applications. The onboard up-converter allows reception of signals below 30 MHz.
When used together with Vivid Unit and Vivid Unit Extender, VU GPSDR turns into a full-featured, portable SDR system with touchscreen. The dedicated software GPSDR++ offers a smooth interface optimized for the Vivid Unit, supporting features such as:
- Software Defined Radio with waterfall view
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ADS-B reception with aircraft list and integrated OpenStreetMap visualization
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Configurable clock output via SMA connector
Specifications
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Tuner: Rafael Micro R860
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ADC: Realtek RTL2832U
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GPS Module: u-blox NEO-M8N
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Frequency Range: 500 kHz – 1.766 GHz
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Bandwidth: up to 3.2 MHz (2.4 MHz recommended for stability)
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HF Upconversion: 108 MHz LO for signals below 30 MHz
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Local Oscillator: Si5351, driven by 24 MHz PPS from GPS
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Input Connector: 1 × SMA (SDR antenna input)
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Output Connector: 1 × SMA (software-adjustable clock output)
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Bias Tee: No Bias-Tee on SDR antenna input; 5 V Bias-Tee on GPS antenna (IPEX 1st gen) connector
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Transmit Capability: None
VU GPSDR is ideal for radio enthusiasts, developers, and anyone interested in exploring SDR technology on a compact, integrated hardware platform.
For more details and assembly instructions, visit the product page.
Price and Availability
VU GPSDR is available for order starting today in our e-shop.
The retail price is €65 exclusive tax.
Please notice that you will also need Vivid Unit and Vivid Unit Extender to assemble a usable device.
Will the back panel work if the extender and GPS board installed?
The back panel is not designed for that purpose.
However the size fits and the four mounting holes are aligned, it is possible to mount it on top by using proper standoffs (not included in the package).
I am interested in buying the VU GPSDR unit along with the extender and main vivid unit. I have a couple of questions.
Is there any kind of casing available for it so I can use it on the move without it being exposed as it is?
Does it come with preloaded software for SDR reception or do I need to figure that part out myself?
If it is possible to provide a fully working out of the box unit with software and casing on the unit, can you quote me please?
Regards
Marcus
We are working on a power supply module, which will use two 18650 batteries to power this device.
We currently do not have a case for this SDR device yet. But we will design one after the power supply module is finalized. Most probably we will release a 3D-printable model first, and may consider making some with mold injection.
The dedicated software is named GPSDR++, which is a fork from SDR++. You need to install the software by yourself, and here is the how-to: https://www.uugear.com/product/vu-gpsdr/#software
It is possible that we also offer fully assembled device with software pre-installed, but not at this moment.