Semtech LR2021 LoRa transceiver used as an SDR for raw I Q capture and signal analysis (Image AI generated)

Earlier this month, we saw how the humble ESP32-S3 could be turned into an SDR transmitter and receiver; then we saw developer h0m3us3r release the w1700k-sdr project, which turns a Gemtek W1700K Wi-Fi 7 router into a wideband SDR receiver. The LR2021-SDR open-source project by Samuel Reynolds (SAMS0N1TE) follows the sample principles and turns the Semtech LR2021 LoRa transceiver into a software-defined radio (SDR) capable of receiving signals from 100 MHz to 2.74 GHz. Using an undocumented command in the chip’s ROM, this project exposes raw 16-bit I/Q samples, allowing software to decode P25 Phase 1 digital voice, POCSAG pager messages, and analog FM signals without an external SDR dongle. LR2021-SDR firmware features: Supported hardware – Semtech LR2021 running ROM 1.24; not compatible with the SX1262 variant for raw I/Q access. Receive frequency range – 100 MHz to 2.74 GHz (experimentally tested), extending beyond the datasheet’s specified 150–960 MHz and 1.5–2.5 […]

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Read more here: https://www.cnx-software.com/2026/10/20/semtech-lr2021-lora-chip-gets-the-sdr-treatment-supports-100-mhz-to-2-74-ghz/