Portable SDR Kit Designed for Student Learning in Radio Operations

Hands-on learning in radio communications remains limited in various engineering institutions in the Philippines due to outdated laboratory tools, bulky equipment, and the high cost of modern RF instrumentation. To address this gap, this study developed a Portable Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Kit designed to provide Electronics Engineering students with an accessible, low-cost platform for practical experimentation in radio operations. The kit integrates an SDR module, Raspberry Pi 4B, TinySA, mini oscilloscope, signal generator, Wi-Fi modem, antennas, and essential electronic components, all supported by a custom web-based application for real-time spectrum visualization, demodulation, and frequency tuning. The prototype was evaluated through technical performance tests, including software responsiveness, antenna reception capability, and signal strength precision, as well as pre- and post-assessment of student learning. Results showed that the SDR kit performed reliably in receiving and demodulating AM and FM signals, demonstrated stable single-band reception using basic antennas, and yielded signal strength readings consistent with a standard spectrum analyzer. Moreover, students exhibited improved cognitive understanding of key RF concepts, supported by positive usability and functionality ratings. The findings confirm that the portable SDR kit provides an effective, user-friendly alternative to traditional laboratory setups. Its affordability, compact design, and real-time visualization capabilities make it a practical tool for bridging theoretical instruction and real-world radio communication applications within engineering education.