Gqrx

Gqrx is an open-source software-defined radio receiver built with GNU Radio and the Qt toolkit. It runs on Linux and macOS and supports radio hardware through gr-osmosdr, including RTL-SDR, Airspy, HackRF, BladeRF, RFSpace, USRP, Funcube Dongle and SoapySDR-compatible devices. Hardware and driver availability depend on the distributed build.

Receiving and analysis

Gqrx can operate as an AM, FM or SSB receiver with audio output, or as an FFT-only instrument for spectrum analysis. Its main interface provides a spectrum and waterfall display alongside tuning, input, receiver and audio controls. Network sockets allow external applications to interact with the receiver; version 2.17.7 adds remote start/stop of I/Q recording and permits multiple simultaneous remote-control connections.

Setup and configurations

On first launch, a device-configuration dialog discovers connected supported devices and lets you select an input. The project recommends running volk_profile to select processor-specific optimizations. Device-specific test utilities can help diagnose missing hardware or drivers. Multiple configurations and sessions can be loaded from the interface or with the -c command-line option; consult gqrx --help for available options.

macOS package and compatibility

The recorded Homebrew 2.17.7 package installs Gqrx.app and a gqrx command wrapper. Its default artifact is the official ARM64 DMG; separate Intel artifacts are available. The cask requires macOS 13 or later. The official 2.17.6 release warns that its ARM64 DMG does not work on the latest macOS and advises 2.17.7 or newer. Version 2.17.7 specifically fixes startup of the ARM-based Mac release.

Gqrx was designed and written by Alexandru Csete OZ9AEC with contributions from the community. The project is distributed under the GNU General Public License; certain adapted files have Simplified BSD licensing.

Sources

• Official README and source: https://github.com/gqrx-sdr/gqrx
• Official documentation: https://gqrx.dk/
• Exact release: https://github.com/gqrx-sdr/gqrx/releases/tag/v2.17.7
• Homebrew cask: https://github.com/Homebrew/homebrew-cask/blob/HEAD/Casks/g/gqrx.rb