Getting Started

Getting Started

What you need

• M5Stack Tab5
• RTL-SDR Blog V4
• USB connection from the Tab5 USB Host port to the SDR
• A suitable antenna for what you want to receive
• A microSD card if you want saved data or recordings

First run

1. Install a current OrcSDR release on the Tab5. The supported firmware path is native ESP-IDF; PlatformIO is not supported.
2. Keep the SDR unplugged while flashing, then connect it to the Tab5 USB Host port after the firmware is installed.
3. Power on the Tab5. The splash screen loads the saved settings, Wi-Fi, and SDR host.
4. Wait for Ready, tap OrcSDR, and you will arrive at Home.
5. Choose the dashboard for the signal you want to receive.

A good first test

Use FM Radio first. A local FM broadcast station and its normal antenna are the quickest way to confirm the screen, SDR, audio, tuning, and spectrum are all working together.

A note about antennas

The included or nearest antenna is rarely ideal for every band. Use an FM antenna for FM, a 1090 MHz antenna for ADS-B, and an antenna matched to your local LoRa band for LoRa. Better placement and antenna choice usually matter more than changing settings.