where should I post

[robbhar]

Where do you all want problems with audio and receiving posted? I am having issues with geting started with sdr-console due to audio/interfence issues... I am using a Nooelec SMArt XTR on a HP SPectre laptop and can't even get basic local FM stations due to the heavy chop sounds.
Rob

[mbott]

Here would be a good start.

[KA1GJU]

A screen shot (un-edited) showing the DSP panel settings would help tremendously!
Having said that, you may be new to SDR-Console.
First, for FM broadcast, you need to be in the FM BC mode (FM Broadcast) for optimum filter width. There are a few FM modes with SDRC, FM Narrow, FM Wide, and FM Broadcast.
Also, be mindful of the frequency readout. As a sysop of 20 SDRs on 6 seperate SDRC Servers, I see newbee's struggle in reading the frequency. See attached image of 99.5MHz and how it's displayed in the frequency window of the DSP. I see folks thinking they're monitoring 14300kHz (Intercon/Maritime Mobile net) when they are really on 1.4300GHz.
It helps to know where the decimal place is when dealing with MHz! You can also place the mouse anywhere in the waterfall or bandscope and just start typing a frequency. Or, using a scrolling type mouse, hover over the frequency digit you wish to change in the DSP window and scroll... or left click on the bar above or below the digit that appears to go up or down in frequency.

One photo is of 9395KHz, WRMI of Lake Okeechobee, FL USA with good music after 0200z along with 5050, 5085, 5095KHz.
Another photo is of 990kHz WDCX of Rochester, NY USA

All images are just showing what the frequency looks like in the DSP window properly.

[robbhar]

Weird, now I am just getting a high pitched tone, here is a screenshot:

[jdow]

Ah, as I see the picture it looks like the edges, title bar and status bar in particular, have been trimmed off. They contain a lot of helpful information. Some stuff you may need to write down. For a rough start set the "AGC" to either off or a number around 19. The VHF AGC might also have numbers that can be selected. The "Radio Configuration" panel pages might be interesting. It has been WAY WAY WAY too long since I used an E4000 based dongle. And I do not know what Simon has hooked up for rtlsdr dongles in general and E4000 based dongles in particular. So we may have to guess. At a guess the RF gain is set way low - or you do not have an antenna connected.

{^_^}

[KA1GJU]

Yes, very low signals for FM band if operating via one antenna and one radio**. I gave up on the USB RTL Dongle devices +10 years ago and use primarily Airspy HF Discoveries or Airspy Minis. So my recollection of how to operate them is nonexistent!
Since no call sign or other clue was given as to where you are located, here in the USA, broadcast FM are on odd tenths of a MHz, ie 99.5, 100.3, 101,1, 107.1MHz, so you will need to center your tuning accordingly. You were centered on 107.42MHz on a very narrow bandwidth... so yes, it would have sounded like crap! It's best to RX wide signals such as broadcast FM closer to the center, if the filter is on or near the edge, the signal can take a drop in strength.
One thing that stands out is you are not in Broadcast FM mode (BC-FM) (See attachments). Your DSP panel says you have W-FM selected, which is only 40kHz wide. When you select BC-FM, it will default to 250kHz! I have attached two images (BC-FM3.png) and (W-FM.png) to show you just how wide BC-FM is. The sound with amplified PC speakers and subwoofer are awesome.
Left click on the three dots and add BC-FM to your list of choices (BC-FM.png), while there, you can remove those you will probably never use (ECSS-U, ECSS-L, Wide L, Wide U). I use DSB to calibrate the SDR's frequency via WWV, so you may want to keep that one. This will free up some space in the DSP window for the AGC, Filters, NR, NB, Squelches, etc. (BC-FM2.png)

Now once you got the proper mode selected, depending upon the USB buss (USB2.1 vs USB3.0), you may get crackles/pops in the audio. If that's the case, drop the operating bandwidth of the SDR down. Mine are all 1MHz or less and operated remotely via the server feature. Not sure what your dongles max bandwidth is, but backing down the operating BW often helps with USB bottle necks. JDow can explain that one if needed.


** If you are using a multiplexer, like I do on many of my servers, I found out (the hard way) that they do not pass VHF and UHF at all (mine are for HF). Since I host four SDR's per server, all sharing one antenna, the VHF/UHF bands take a massive hit of about 32dBm.