Re-Serialise SDRs

In this step we set the serial numbers of our RTL-SDR device(s). You can skip this step if you're not using an RTL-SDR radio (for example: bladeRF).

As most RTL-SDRs ship with the same serial number, confusion may be caused if more than one SDR is present. It is a good rule of thumb to change your SDR serial numbers to match the frequencies they receive for.

The remainder of this guide assumes that:

• The SDR used for ADS-B Mode-S (1090MHz) reception will have a serial number of 1090

• The SDR used for ADS-B UAT (978MHz) reception (if used) will have a serial number of 978.

To set these serial numbers:

Unplug all SDRs, leaving only the SDR to be used for 1090MHz reception plugged in. Issue the following command:

docker run --rm -it --device /dev/bus/usb --entrypoint rtl_eeprom ghcr.io/sdr-enthusiasts/docker-adsb-ultrafeeder -s 1090

You should be presented with the following. Your details may differ slightly, however ensure the device's new serial number will be 1090. Press y to proceed.

Found 1 device(s):
  0:  Generic RTL2832U

Using device 0: Generic RTL2832U
Found Rafael Micro R820T tuner

Current configuration:
__________________________________________
Vendor ID:              0x0bda
Product ID:             0x2832
Manufacturer:           Realtek
Product:                RTL2832U
Serial number:          00001000
Serial number enabled:  yes
IR endpoint enabled:    no
Remote wakeup enabled:  no
__________________________________________

New configuration:
__________________________________________
Vendor ID:              0x0bda
Product ID:             0x2832
Manufacturer:           Realtek
Product:                RTL2832U
Serial number:          1090
Serial number enabled:  yes
IR endpoint enabled:    no
Remote wakeup enabled:  no
__________________________________________
Write new configuration to device [y/n]? y

Configuration successfully written.
Please replug the device for changes to take effect.

Next, if you intend on receiving ADS-B UAT (978MHz) data with a second SDR, Unplug all SDRs, leaving only the SDR to be used for 978MHz reception plugged in. Issue the following command:

docker run --rm -it --device /dev/bus/usb --entrypoint rtl_eeprom ghcr.io/sdr-enthusiasts/docker-adsb-ultrafeeder -s 978

You should be presented with the following. Your details may differ slightly, however ensure the device's new serial number will be 978. Press y to proceed.

Found 1 device(s):
  0:  Generic RTL2832U

Using device 0: Generic RTL2832U
Found Rafael Micro R820T tuner

Current configuration:
__________________________________________
Vendor ID:              0x0bda
Product ID:             0x2832
Manufacturer:           Realtek
Product:                RTL2832U
Serial number:          00001000
Serial number enabled:  yes
IR endpoint enabled:    no
Remote wakeup enabled:  no
__________________________________________

New configuration:
__________________________________________
Vendor ID:              0x0bda
Product ID:             0x2832
Manufacturer:           Realtek
Product:                RTL2832U
Serial number:          978
Serial number enabled:  yes
IR endpoint enabled:    no
Remote wakeup enabled:  no
__________________________________________
Write new configuration to device [y/n]? y

Configuration successfully written.
Please replug the device for changes to take effect.

Unplug all SDRs and then plug them back in again to make the system aware of the new serials. A reboot will not accomplish this. If you have more SDRs, repeat the above process with each of them, replacing the last number in the command with your desired serial number.