Debian: Ubuntu, Pop!_OS

Guides for debDan based distros

Install & Configure SDR receiver

This guide specifically is for the Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+ USB RTL-SDR and ADS-B Receiver Set in a Debian or Ubuntu based environment, but should work for other similar SDR receivers (Especially Realtek ones).

Issues

rtl_test Errors

If you receive a "Failed to open rtlsdr device #0" error when running the rtl_test command, something is already accessing your USB SDR receiver. Close any applications that might be using it and try again. If you're not sure what application is using it, try unplugging your device and plugging it in again.

If you receive any gibberish characters for the device name, this likely means there is a permissions issue. Try again as root and review the instructions for setting up the udev rules/permissions.

SDR++ app not displaying/receiving

For me, SDR++ sometimes does not start receiving properly. Sometimes it does. I've not found a solution for this and I've not had this issue in other applications, so the only solution I currently have is to use a different app.