Airspy R2 Wideband SDR Receiver

The Airspy R2 is a compact, high-performance software defined radio designed for demanding VHF and UHF work. It uses a low-IF architecture built around the Rafael Micro R820T2/R860 tuner, a high-quality 12-bit ADC and advanced DSP to deliver strong real-world performance, including up to 16-bit resolution on narrowband channels in oversampling mode. For users who need more than entry-level SDR performance, the Airspy R2 offers a dependable platform for everything from wideband spectrum viewing to technical RF projects.

Overview

Built for users who care about signal quality, stability and software compatibility, the Airspy R2 covers 24 MHz to 1700 MHz natively and can be extended down to HF with the SpyVerter up-converter. It supports up to 10 MSPS IQ output, offers a panoramic spectrum view up to 10 MHz wide with up to 9 MHz alias/image-free, and includes features valued by advanced users such as external clock input, bias-tee power, high-speed GPIO and coherent array capability. It is fully compatible with SDR#, SDR-Console, HDSDR, GQRX, GNU Radio and other popular SDR software.

Key Features

• Continuous 24-1700 MHz native receive coverage
• Low-IF architecture with tracking RF filters
• 12-bit ADC at 20 MSPS with oversampling DSP
• Up to 10 MSPS IQ output
• Up to 16-bit resolution on narrowband channels in oversampling mode
• Up to 10 MHz panoramic spectrum view with up to 9 MHz alias/image-free
• 0.5 ppm high-precision low phase-noise clock
• External clock input from 10 MHz to 100 MHz via MCX
• 4.5 V software-switchable bias-tee for LNAs and converters
• Coherent receiver array and direction-finding capable
• Broad software support across Windows, Linux, *BSD and macOS
• HF extension possible with the SpyVerter up-converter

Typical applications

• VHF/UHF/SHF radio monitoring
• Wideband scanning
• ADS-B and ATC reception
• Direction finding
• Coherent receiver arrays
• Passive radar
• Satellite IF work
• Telemetry reception
• Radio astronomy
• Education and laboratory use
• Amateur radio and experimentation

Specifications

Why choose the Airspy R2

• Stronger dynamic range and cleaner spectrum performance than many low-cost SDR dongles
• Wide native tuning range for VHF, UHF and beyond without coverage gaps in the listed range
• Excellent ecosystem support with SDR#, SDR-Console, HDSDR, GQRX, GNU Radio and more
• Advanced hardware features such as external clocking, bias-tee and coherent array support for serious projects

What’s included – In the Box

• Airspy R2 SDR receiver

Performance notes / setup guidance

• For best wideband performance, use a modern PC that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware requirements.
• The experimental 2.5 MSPS mode is useful for lower-power hosts such as Raspberry Pi class devices, but it is not recommended where maximum performance matters.
• To extend coverage below 24 MHz, pair the Airspy R2 with the SpyVerter up-converter.
• The built-in 4.5 V bias-tee can power compatible LNAs and up/down-converters directly from the receiver.
• Users building phase-coherent or precision-frequency systems can take advantage of the external clock input.
• For easiest setup, pair the receiver with SDR# or other supported software from the Airspy ecosystem.

If you want a proven wideband SDR that goes well beyond basic USB dongle performance, the Airspy R2 is an outstanding choice for advanced listening, scanning, decoding and RF development work. Order today and build a more capable receiving station with a receiver trusted by enthusiasts, reviewers and developers worldwide.