[GCARC] Sdr software for mac ?

Thu Jan 8 07:25:27 EST 2026

Hi, Mary - your best bet would be to use a Mac-compatible SDR program. A quick AI summary of this issue is on the Skunkworks site linked below, listing programs that have Mac versions. Of those SDR++ appears to be the best choice - it supports the RTL-SDR and is a full-featured program. The SDR Connect program is a very nice cross-platform program with a Mac version but it only supports SDR Play hardware, not the RTL-SDR that you probably purchased.

Using a Mac-specific program avoids dealing with virtualization issues, especially since the RTL-SDR that you probably purchased requires replacing the initially-installed Windows drivers with the correct drivers for that device.

Unfortunately I don't have a Mac and can't demonstrate anything for that computer on Saturday, but if you get SDR++ running  you should be able to duplicate many of the functions that other programs have.

https://wp.w2mmd.org/wp/sdr-client-applications-for-mac/

73 de Jon WB2MNF
________________________________
From: gcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net <gcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Christopher Prioli AD2CS <cpprioli at gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 8, 2026 12:13 AM
To: mary delemarre <marydelemarre at gmail.com>
Cc: GCARC <gcarc at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [GCARC] Sdr software for mac ?

Jason is correct -- the best solution is a virtual Windows installation, if
you can manage it.  He is also correct that Parallels is about the best way
to go if you have the budget for it.  However, there are some lower-cost or
even no-cost virtualization out there.  Just make sure that whatever
virtual box you install is right for your MacOS release and that it also
supports the Windows applications/versions that you want to run.

73 de

-- Chris   AD2CS
*GCARC VE Team Liaison*
*GCARC Education Committee Chair*
*GCARC Membership Committee Chair*
*Member, GCARC Board of Directors*
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Christopher P Prioli
648 W Holly Ave
Pitman, NJ  08071
1-856-689-6783
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On Wed, Jan 7, 2026 at 7:13 PM mary delemarre <marydelemarre at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hello,
>
>    I have the sdr kit, but instructions are for windows.  Is there any
> software that will wirk on a mac?
>
> I am interested in the tech Saturday , but not sure how to prepare since I
> don’t have a windows pc.
>
>
> 73
> Mary W2TDS
>
>
>
> *Mary Delemarre*
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