Listen to radio signals received near Picton, New Zealand, using our online Software Defined Radio (SDR) receivers. Both receivers are available for anyone to use.
Access the receivers
Open the 50–500 MHz VHF/UHF Experimental SDR
The receivers are shared resources. If a receiver is busy or unavailable, please try again later.
0–30 MHz HF KiwiSDR
Our KiwiSDR receiver provides online access to the HF spectrum from 0 to 30 MHz. It can be used to listen to amateur radio, shortwave broadcasts, utility stations, time signals, and other signals across the HF bands.
The receiver is part of the ZL2KS station near Picton and is available for radio listening, propagation observation, and experimentation.
The KiwiSDR is a software-defined radio (SDR) that allows anyone with a web browser to listen to radio signals from around the world, directly over the internet.
Unlike a traditional radio, you don’t need any hardware at home – just click a link, tune the dial, and explore.
A KiwiSDR covers a frequency range from 10 kHz up to 30 MHz, which includes:
- Shortwave broadcast stations
- Amateur (ham) radio bands
- Longwave and mediumwave signals
- Utility and maritime transmissions
- Time and frequency standard stations
Because KiwiSDRs are installed in many locations worldwide, listeners can compare reception between regions and hear signals that may not be audible locally.
For a quick guide on how to use the receiver, visit the KiwiSDR User Guide.
50–500 MHz (VHF/UHF) Experimental SDR
An experimental SDR covering approximately 75 to 500 MHz and beyond is now live for testing.
When connected, you will be allocated an RTL-SDR dongle for your session. You can tune anywhere within the receiver’s approximate 50–500 MHz range, or above where supported. Each dongle captures about 2.4 MHz of spectrum around the frequency you select.
Development is ongoing. We are currently using a limited temporary antenna while we build a “receive anything” antenna intended to cover the 50–500 MHz range. The antenna will be co-located with our Winlink, KiwiSDR, and Reverse Beacon Network equipment.
The experimental receiver may be intermittent while the system and antenna design are being completed. If it is unavailable, please try again later.
The receiver is located near Picton. We are not yet sure what it will be able to receive—that is part of the fun.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the support of John Errington (ZL3TIL) and David Rothwell (ZL2WDR) for their donation of essential equipment, which has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the SDR.
We also sincerely thank John Errington (ZL3TIL) and David Rothwell (ZL2WDR) for their outstanding work in designing, constructing, and testing the system, helping ensure a reliable and resilient communications platform for our region.