The Universal SDR alpha program
Join the free Universal SDR alpha: every build with every Pro feature unlocked, and help confirm the decoders on real signals.
Early access is a test program. Members get every build with every Pro feature unlocked, free, and help confirm the decoders on real signals: when a decoder works for you, you submit the recording as proof; when it does not, submit it too.
What is Universal SDR?
Universal SDR (universalsdr.com) is a free Windows app for software-defined radio receivers. Plug in an RTL-SDR, HackRF, LimeSDR or another SDR, click the waterfall to tune, and hear or decode the signals you are allowed to receive: FM and AM, aircraft (ADS-B, ACARS), ships (AIS), weather-satellite pictures, digital voice (DMR, D-STAR, YSF, NXDN, P25), pagers, amateur radio modes such as FT8, DAB+ digital radio and hundreds of 433 MHz sensors. It only receives unless you turn transmitting on. Early access is a free alpha program you join with an email address; from version 1.0 the free app will need no account.
The app is free. During early access each build is dated and for members of the alpha program, with every Pro feature unlocked. From version 1.0 the free app will not expire. The rest of this site opens when the app does.
Join the alpha
Before you join. Universal SDR can receive almost anything, but the law where you are may not let you. You are responsible for what you receive, record and send us. Read The law and your radio.
Free, and you can leave at any time. To join, enter your email address and a name. We email you a link to confirm the sign-up; open it within two days, and a second email brings your alpha key, the download link and a link to set a password for the alpha page. Enter the key in the app when it asks.
How the alpha works
- This is test software. It is available for a limited period, for testing only, and does not yet meet the requirements of the EU Cyber Resilience Act.
- To join, enter your email address and a name. We email you a link to confirm the sign-up; open it within two days, and a second email brings your alpha key, the download link and a link to set a password for the alpha page. Enter the key in the app when it asks.
- Every build is dated: it works for 60 days from its release. Before it ends the app points you to the current build, which is always free for members. We may also retire a build early when it has a fault worth stopping for.
- The app talks to this site: once when you enter your key, then now and then to renew its licence (a PC that is offline keeps working for two weeks), and at each start to ask which version is current. From version 1.0 the free app will need no account.
- Every Pro feature is unlocked for members for as long as the alpha runs. Pro will be a one-time purchase from version 1.0.
- Some decoders have met more real signals than others. Your recordings are how the rest get confirmed; the beta starts when enough of them are.
What we store, and why
We hold your email address and the name you give us, and the country and radios if you fill them in. For each PC: a fingerprint (a hash, not your hardware serials), the app and Windows versions, and when it last checked in. The first time the app starts on a PC it registers a Pro trial with that fingerprint and the internet address of the connection, and at each start it asks this site which version is current. We also hold the recordings and bug reports you choose to send.
We use them to send your key, renew your licence, know which builds are in use, allow one trial per PC, and confirm decoders. Recordings are never published and are deleted when the alpha ends. Write to hello@universalsdr.com to leave the program and have your data deleted.
Questions
What do I get as a member?
Every early-access build, free, with every Pro feature unlocked for as long as the alpha runs.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Joining is free, and so is every build while the alpha runs.
What do I need?
A PC running Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), an email address for your key, and a software-defined radio such as an RTL-SDR with an antenna. You can also start with no radio by connecting to a public receiver.
How do I join?
To join, enter your email address and a name. We email you a link to confirm the sign-up; open it within two days, and a second email brings your alpha key, the download link and a link to set a password for the alpha page. Enter the key in the app when it asks.
What happens after 60 days?
Each build works for 60 days from its release. Before it ends the app offers the current build, which is always free for members. Nothing stops in the middle of a session.
What do you store about me?
We hold your email address and the name you give us, and the country and radios if you fill them in. For each PC: a fingerprint (a hash, not your hardware serials), the app and Windows versions, and when it last checked in. The first time the app starts on a PC it registers a Pro trial with that fingerprint and the internet address of the connection, and at each start it asks this site which version is current. We also hold the recordings and bug reports you choose to send.
How do I leave?
Write to hello@universalsdr.com and say you want to leave. We end your membership, delete your data and tell you when it is done, within one month. Backups of the site are kept for 14 days.