// HACKER NEWS — CYBERSECURITY
SDR–; open source SDR with a patchable signal graph, Rust DSP, web UI
sdr-- is a software-defined radio application with a visual signal path. Connect devices,
decoders, displays, and recorders on a canvas, then pin the controls you use to a rack.
A Rust server handles the radio and signal processing. The React interface runs in a desktop
window or browser. You can run both on one computer, or leave the server beside the antenna and
connect over the network. A built-in signal generator lets you try it without an SDR.
sdr-- is under active development. Most decoders have been tested with generated IQ fixtures;
only some have been verified on air. The channel catalog
lists the evidence for each mode and its limitations. Experimental modes may provide acquisition
or measurements without decoded audio or video.
Download a desktop installer or portable server from
GitHub Releases.
Installation instructions
cover each package, Homebrew, Nix, and containers.
Open http://localhost:8080. The server has no authentication by default; see
configuration and security
when setting up network access.
Your first receiver
walks through the controls and switching to hardware.
Standard builds include native RTL-SDR, HackRF, SDRplay, and CR-8 drivers. SDRplay and CR-8 also
require their vendor libraries. Desktop installers and containers bundle SoapySDR modules for
Airspy/AirspyHF, bladeRF, LimeSDR, PlutoSDR, and SoapyRemote. See the
hardware guide for requirements.
These captures use the built-in signal generator or repository IQ fixtures. Regenerate them with
cargo xtask screenshots.
You need the repository's pinned Rust toolchain, a C/C++ compiler, CMake, Node 26, pnpm 11, and
SoapySDR 0.8 development files. The build guide
lists platform prerequisites.
Open http://localhost:8080. For development, cargo xtask dev starts the server and a frontend
with hot reload at http://localhost:5173. Add --watch to restart the backend when its files
change.