Multisticks use

DenBOZ · Sep 30, 2026, 10:26 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm currently setting up PhantomSDR-Plus with multiple hardware dongles. HF is running great so i bought a new mini pc for my vhf.uhf server.. I have 4 Nooelec RTL-SDR sticks connected (named SDR01 through SDR04), but it seems the standard configuration and start scripts are primarily structured around a single RTL SDR unit?

Could you point me in the right direction on how to properly implement and configure multiple RTL-SDR devices simultaneously within PhantomSDR-Plus? Specifically, how can I assign different sticks to different frequency bands or instances (e.g., one on VHF 2m and another on Airband)? is this even possible?

Thanks for your help!

magicint1337 · Sep 30, 2026, 10:46 PM

Hey, PhantomSDR+ in its base cant do that. AS far as i know the community version also not. But thats something emmanuel or others would have to answer. But you can try https://github.com/Steven9101/FernSDR which released today if you want. Or NovaSDR

Emmanuel SV1BTL · Sep 30, 2026, 11:09 PM

Quote from: DenBOZ on Sep 30, 2026, 10:26 PMmultiple RTL-SDR devices simultaneously within PhantomSDR-Plus?

PhantomSDR+ is not yet ready for multiple receivers, but we are working on it and we hope that we'll soon have it ready.
For now the right solutions is either NovaSDR or the newest FernSDR

F1NSK · Oct 01, 2026, 09:15 AM

Hello Guy's

It's possible but need a lot of mods...

I've made an experimental version with a Rx888 for HF, 1 RTLSDR for 2Mhz wideband VHF and an other RTLSDR for QO-100.

The kernel is PhantomSDR-Plus but need severe mods in frontend and backend.
It work but need more ehancement for a fine GUI.

Work in progress..for the fun.

73's

DenBOZ · Oct 01, 2026, 11:05 AM

No worries, it seems the only software that is capable of doing this at this time is OpenWebRX with multidongles. Since it's much nicer to switch to different hardware receivers, it's too bad though since I love the layout of PhantomSDR and it has one of the best looking waterfalls. Anyway, back to OpenWebRX then for the time being. Thanks all..

Emmanuel SV1BTL · Oct 01, 2026, 08:31 PM

Quote from: DenBOZ on Oct 01, 2026, 11:05 AMNo worries, it seems the only software that is capable of doing this at this time is OpenWebRX with multidongles. Since it's much nicer to switch to different hardware receivers, it's too bad though since I love the layout of PhantomSDR and it has one of the best looking waterfalls. Anyway, back to OpenWebRX then for the time being. Thanks all..

Dennis, I am very close to publish it, but it needs some more rework.

My main server is this: http://phantomsdr.no-ip.org:8900
and the VHF section is this: http://phantomsdr.no-ip.org:8899/rx=vhf

I'll need some more time.

Emmanuel SV1BTL · Oct 02, 2026, 08:24 AM

Test my server. Click the receiver's buttons to switch between HF & VHF

Tune here: http://phantomsdr.no-ip.org:8900/ and press the button "2 m (RTL-SDR Blog V4)" to switch to VHF
Clicking "HF 0-30 MHz (RX-888 MkII)" you will return to HF

F1NSK · Oct 02, 2026, 09:37 AM

Hi Emmanuel

We have take the same way !

On my side, 3 receivers.
We can push to four but beware to the PC power supply or use a powered USB Hub.

An other idea : intregate https://github.com/VA3HDL/hamdashboard in the GUI

73's

Emmanuel SV1BTL · Oct 02, 2026, 10:52 AM

Yes, 4 RTL's and a RX888MK2 can work at the same time without a problem. Darko will test during the weekend RSP1A in UHF together with RX888MK2 in HF.

magicint1337 · Oct 02, 2026, 12:30 PM

Quote from: DenBOZ on Oct 01, 2026, 11:05 AMNo worries, it seems the only software that is capable of doing this at this time is OpenWebRX with multidongles. Since it's much nicer to switch to different hardware receivers, it's too bad though since I love the layout of PhantomSDR and it has one of the best looking waterfalls. Anyway, back to OpenWebRX then for the time being. Thanks all..

OpenWebRX for this use case is much worse than FernSDR, FernSDR also can switch dongles for day and night time and handle multiple at the same time. U can just add them in admin panel.

F1NSK · Oct 02, 2026, 03:42 PM

FernSDR....An other stillborn project...

magicint1337 · Oct 03, 2026, 11:54 AM

Idk why you are mad, FernSDR is the best in class you cant compare PhantomSDR+ modded with FernSDR what you do is start multiple Clients of phantomsdr just to have multi receiver... it is hacky and unpolished

magicint1337 · Oct 03, 2026, 11:55 AM

The only stillborn project is VertexSDR which was not meant to be a new project it was just for reverse engineering fun.

F1NSK · Oct 03, 2026, 03:00 PM

Quote from: magicint1337 on Oct 03, 2026, 11:54 AMIdk why you are mad, FernSDR is the best in class you cant compare PhantomSDR+ modded with FernSDR what you do is start multiple Clients of phantomsdr just to have multi receiver... it is hacky and unpolished

You have an oversized ego
I was here for fun and cooperative work.
I think ON5HB has pegged you
Sorry for my friends but I leave this forum

magicint1337 · Oct 03, 2026, 06:43 PM

Im here for cooperation and fun, i made FernSDR to work with you guys and make the best i can. I take all my work give all the credits and i work for the Community. I will never be angry against people i always appreciate what you, emmanuel and all the others did. Im also still thankful for ON5HB and how he helped me. I will never say that he did not help me. We may get at each other sometimes but he is still an very helpful person, he always supported and helped me. I wont turn around because someone is angry at me once. Im here to help the community and i get hate but i will always try my best for all of you guys. If you support me or not im here for open source collaboration and help and i take any critique

I dont know where i have an oversized ego i can really self reflect. But i just said that fernsdr is better for the use case than openwebrx or phantomsdr+. Because openwebrx for multiuser is just inefficent it uses the wrong approach for this task. And Phantomsdr+ was not made for this i highly regard the work done in the community version phantomsdr+ its awesome has a lot of features and things others do not have. I think having an oversized ego is saying fernsdr is better than All others. While it is faster and lighter than all others it is not better. There is so many softwares each with seperate advantages. Which i also noted on fernsdr.org (in the where we lose section) i dont only Highlight whats good

And i will also still help on5hb or ubersdr or any other project where i can because i love doing something for the community and not only for my projects. Im not mad for people switching im happy we can get websdrs as big as we are and thats the goal and not only my Software. No hate from me. I may make mistakes or talk bad sometimes and im sorry for that but i constantly get hate for just trying to help here