← Learning path overview
STEP 01 / 06 · ABOUT 5 MIN

Understand the receive chain

A visible signal is not yet intelligible audio. Check the stages in between.

The antenna receives electromagnetic waves. The receiver selects a frequency range; an SDR digitises signals for processing in software. Demodulation then recovers information such as speech. Volume and audio output come at the end of this chain.

If the waterfall shows activity but you hear nothing, avoid changing every radio parameter at once. First check mute, browser audio permission and the selected output device. Then check tuning, mode and filter. A closed squelch can also mute the output.

  1. 01 →Antenna
  2. 02 →Receiver / ADC
  3. 03 →Filter / demodulation
  4. 04 →Audio output

Your turn.

Follow the receive chain below. Locate volume at the final stage. Our learning lab deliberately produces no audio: you check selection visually. On a real web receiver, also check the audio output.

Interactive: explore the entire signal path →Read more: first steps with SDR →Check path: no reception →
UNDERSTAND & APPLY

Check your understanding

A real web receiver shows signals but stays silent. What do you check first?

Sources & further documentation

Your learning path— / 6
  1. Understand the receive chain
  2. Connect frequency and wavelength
  3. Read the waterfall
  4. Match mode and filter
  5. Use gain deliberately
  6. Tune your own signal

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