Added RTL and ThinkRF documentation

docs/source/sdr_guides/index.rst

@@ -10,7 +10,9 @@ their key capabilities and limitations, as well as additional information needed
 .. toctree::
    :maxdepth: 2
 
-   USRP <usrp>
    BladeRF <blade>
-   PlutoSDR <pluto>
    HackRF <hackrf>
+   PlutoSDR <pluto>
+   RTL-SDR <rtlsdr>
+   ThinkRF <thinkrf>
+   USRP <usrp>

docs/source/sdr_guides/rtlsdr.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+.. _rtl:
+
+RTLSDR
+======
+
+RTL-SDR (RTL2832U Software Defined Radio) is a low-cost USB dongle originally designed for digital TV reception
+that has been repurposed as a wideband software-defined radio. RTL-SDR devices are popular for hobbyist use due to
+their affordability and wide range of applications.
+
+The RTL-SDR is based on the Realtek RTL2832U chipset, which features direct sampling and demodulation of RF
+signals. These devices are commonly used for tasks such as listening to FM radio, monitoring aircraft traffic
+(ADS-B), receiving weather satellite images, and more.
+
+Supported Models
+----------------
+    - Generic RTL-SDR Dongle: The most common variant, usually featuring an R820T or R820T2 tuner.
+    - RTL-SDR Blog V3: An enhanced version with additional features like direct sampling mode and a bias tee for
+      powering external devices.
+
+Key Features
+------------
+    - Frequency Range: Typically from 24 MHz to 1.7 GHz, depending on the tuner chip.
+    - Bandwidth: Limited to about 2.4 MHz, making it suitable for narrowband applications.
+    - Connectivity: USB 2.0 interface, plug-and-play on most platforms.
+    - Software Support: Compatible with SDR software like SDR#, GQRX, and GNU Radio.
+
+Limitations
+-----------
+    - Narrow bandwidth compared to more expensive SDRs, which may limit some applications.
+    - Sensitivity and performance can vary depending on the specific model and components.
+    - Requires external software for signal processing and analysis.
+
+Set up instructions (Linux, Radioconda)
+---------------------------------------
+
+1. Activate your Radioconda environment:
+
+  .. code-block:: bash
+
+    conda activate <your-env-name>
+
+2. Purge drivers:
+
+If you already have other drivers installed, purge them from your system.
+
+  .. code-block:: bash
+
+    sudo apt purge ^librtlsdr
+    sudo rm -rvf /usr/lib/librtlsdr* 
+    sudo rm -rvf /usr/include/rtl-sdr* 
+    sudo rm -rvf /usr/local/lib/librtlsdr* 
+    sudo rm -rvf /usr/local/include/rtl-sdr* 
+    sudo rm -rvf /usr/local/include/rtl_* 
+    sudo rm -rvf /usr/local/bin/rtl_*
+
+3. Install RTL-SDR Blog drivers:
+
+  .. code-block:: bash
+
+    sudo apt-get install libusb-1.0-0-dev git cmake pkg-config build-essential
+    git clone https://github.com/osmocom/rtl-sdr 
+    cd rtl-sdr
+    mkdir build
+    cd build
+    cmake ../ -DINSTALL_UDEV_RULES=ON
+    make
+    sudo make install
+    sudo cp ../rtl-sdr.rules /etc/udev/rules.d/
+    sudo ldconfig
+
+4. Blacklist the DVB-T modules that would otherwise claim the device:
+
+  .. code-block:: bash
+    sudo ln -s $CONDA_PREFIX/etc/modprobe.d/rtl-sdr-blacklist.conf /etc/modprobe.d/radioconda-rtl-sdr-blacklist.conf
+    sudo modprobe -r $(cat $CONDA_PREFIX/etc/modprobe.d/rtl-sdr-blacklist.conf | sed -n -e 's/^blacklist //p')
+
+5. Install a udev rule by creating a link into your radioconda installation:
+
+  .. code-block:: bash
+    sudo ln -s $CONDA_PREFIX/lib/udev/rules.d/rtl-sdr.rules /etc/udev/rules.d/radioconda-rtl-sdr.rules
+    sudo udevadm control --reload
+    sudo udevadm trigger
+
+Further Information
+-------------------
+    - `RTL-SDR Official Website <https://www.rtl-sdr.com/>`_
+    - `RTL-SDR Documentation <https://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-quick-start-guide/>`_

docs/source/sdr_guides/thinkrf.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+.. _thinkrf:
+
+ThinkRF
+====================
+
+The ThinkRF series of spectrum analyzers and software-defined radio platforms are designed for advanced
+RF signal monitoring, analysis, and wireless research. These devices
+combine high-performance RF front ends with flexible software interfaces for a wide range of applications,
+including spectrum monitoring, signal intelligence, and wireless testing.
+
+ThinkRF devices offer wide frequency coverage, deep dynamic range, and real-time analysis capabilities.
+They are built for professional and research-grade environments, offering Ethernet-based connectivity and
+software APIs for remote control and integration into automated systems.
+
+Supported Models
+----------------
+    - **ThinkRF R5550**: A real-time spectrum analyzer with frequency coverage from 9 kHz to 27 GHz, 160 MHz real-time bandwidth,
+      and 100 MHz instantaneous FFT bandwidth.
+
+Key Features
+------------
+    - Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 27 GHz (depending on model).
+    - Bandwidth: Up to 160 MHz real-time bandwidth.
+    - Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet interface for high-throughput streaming and remote control.
+    - Software Support: Compatible with ThinkRF APIs, GNU Radio, MATLAB, and third-party spectrum analysis software.
+    - Real-Time Analysis:
+        - Enables full-band, real-time spectral visibility for dynamic signal environments.
+        - Supports trigger-based capture and event-driven recording.
+    - Remote Operation:
+        - Designed for distributed deployments and networked operation through Ethernet.
+        - Can be integrated into automated RF monitoring systems or deployed for field data collection.
+
+Limitations
+-----------
+    - Requires external host for processing (no onboard CPU for user applications).
+    - Dependent on ThinkRF software drivers and API for device control.
+    - High data rate operation may require optimized network settings or storage systems.
+
+Set up instructions (Linux)
+---------------------------------
+
+Install PyRF
+
+  .. code-block:: bash
+
+    pip install 'pyrf>=2.8.0'
+
+Convert PyRF scripts to Python 3
+
+  .. code-block:: bash
+
+    cd ../scripts
+    ./convert_pyrf_to_python3.sh
+
+Further Information
+-------------------
+    - `ThinkRF Documentation <https://thinkrf.com/resources/>`_
+    - `ThinkRF Product Page <https://thinkrf.com/products/>`_
+    - `Pyrf Github Page <https://github.com/pyrf/pyrf>`_