How to install self-extracting .run installer for SDRplay’s latest API for Linux

SDRplay’s latest API for Linux is distributed as a self-extracting .run installer.

Here’s how to install it cleanly on a typical Linux system (e.g. Ubuntu/Debian, Fedora, or similar):

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🧩 1. Download the .run file

Go to:
🔗 https://www.sdrplay.com/api/
Choose “Linux” and download the latest version (e.g. SDRplay_RSP_API-Linux-3.14.1.run — version numbers may vary).

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⚙️ 2. Make it executable

Open a terminal in the download directory and run:

chmod +x SDRplay_RSP_API-Linux-3.14.1.run

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🚀 3. Run the installer

Run it as root (or with sudo):

sudo ./SDRplay_RSP_API-Linux-3.14.1.run

It will:

• Extract files to /usr/local/lib and /usr/local/bin
• Install the SDRplay API service (sdrplay_apiService)
• Set up udev rules for device access (usually /etc/udev/rules.d/66-sdrplay.rules)

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🔄 4. Start the API service

Usually it auto-starts after install. To verify:

sudo systemctl status sdrplay

If inactive, start it manually:

sudo systemctl start sdrplay

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🧪 5. Test the installation

Run the example app to confirm detection:

play_sdr_apiExample

or, if you’re using SoapySDR:

SoapySDRUtil --find

You should see something like:

Found device 0

  driver = sdrplay

  label = SDRplay RSPduo

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Perfect 👍 — here’s how to integrate the latest SDRplay API (.run) with GNU Radio and CubicSDR on Linux.
This ensures your RSPduo (or other RSP device) works seamlessly through the new API.

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🧠 1. Verify SDRplay API installation

After installing the .run file, confirm the API service is active:

sudo systemctl status sdrplay

If it’s not running:

sudo systemctl enable --now sdrplay

You should see something like:

● sdrplay.service - SDRplay API Service

   Active: active (running)

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📦 2. Install SoapySDR (the middleware layer)

SDRplay devices connect to GNU Radio or CubicSDR via SoapySDR, which acts as a universal interface layer.

On Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt install soapysdr-module-all

On Fedora:

sudo dnf install soapysdr soapysdr-devel

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🔌 3. Add the SDRplay Soapy plugin

This connects the SDRplay API to SoapySDR.

Clone and build the plugin:

git clone https://github.com/pothosware/SoapySDRPlay3.git

cd SoapySDRPlay3

mkdir build && cd build

cmake ..

make -j4

sudo make install

sudo ldconfig

Check that it’s recognized:

SoapySDRUtil --find

Expected output:

Found device 0

  driver = sdrplay

  label = SDRplay RSPduo

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🧩 4. Integrate with GNU Radio

Option A — Using gr-soapy (recommended)

Install GNU Radio’s Soapy module:

sudo apt install gr-soapy

Now launch GNU Radio Companion:

gnuradio-companion

In the source block library, look for:
🟦 “Soapy Source”
Add it, and set:

• Device String: driver=sdrplay
• Sample rate: e.g. 2.0e6 (or whatever your flowgraph requires)
• Center frequency: e.g. 1.420405e9 for 21 cm hydrogen line

💡 You can select the RSPduo antenna input and gain settings via the block parameters.

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Option B — Using the older gr-sdrplay (deprecated)

The old native block may still work, but it’s tied to legacy API v2.x and won’t work with .run-based API v3.x.
Stick with gr-soapy unless you specifically need old scripts.

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🌈 5. Integrate with CubicSDR

CubicSDR uses SoapySDR automatically — no extra setup.

Install:

sudo apt install cubicsdr

Run:

CubicSDR

When you start it, your RSP device should appear under “Select Input Device” as:

Soapy SDRplay RSPduo

Pick it, set frequency, and it should lock on instantly.

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🧪 6. Optional test utilities

These confirm that everything is working before using GNU Radio.

SoapySDRUtil --probe

And, for a quick live FFT view (if installed):

SoapySDRServer --device driver=sdrplay

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