Debian Package Repository for GNU Radio¶

GNU Radio now has binary and source packages in the Debian repository format.
These allow you to install GNU Radio on to an Ubuntu Linux distribution without having to
perform a source compilation of the tree. In addition, the system package manager is able
to identify which runtime dependencies are needed such that these get installed
automatically when the GNU Radio packages are installed.

Packages Available¶

Currently, binary and source packages are available for the Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty) Linux
distribution, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. These packages may work with other
Debian derivative operating systems; however, this is untested.

The packages are not part of the Ubuntu official archives; the repository is hosted at the gnuradio.org site.

Preparing Your Sytem for Binary Installation¶

If you have already installed GNU Radio on your system via a source compile, you will need to
uninstall it prior to installing the binary packages. The easiest way to do this is to
change directory into the top level directory of your source tree, then run 'make uninstall.':

$ sudo make uninstall

This is only possible if you have not cleaned out your source tree since the original 'make install'
was executed. Otherwise, you will have to manually go into $prefix/* and remove all traces of
gnuradio (and USRP if you installed that).

To configure your package manager to reference the GNU Radio packages, you will either need to the below lines into the file.

Ubuntu Jaunty (9.04) Distribution¶

To track the stable release branch, insert the following:

deb http://gnuradio.org/ubuntu stable main
deb-src http://gnuradio.org/ubuntu stable main

To track the unstable development branch, insert the following:

deb http://gnuradio.org/ubuntu unstable main 
deb-src http://gnuradio.org/ubuntu unstable main

Updating the Package List¶

manager's knowledge of the available packages. From the command-line, you would enter:

$ sudo aptitude update

Selecting Packages¶

The packages themselves contain the necessary dependency information that will "pull in" anything
needed by the packages you select, including other GNU Radio packages. Several "virtual" packages
have been created to ease this process.

To install all of the GNU Radio and USRP documentation, libraries, examples, and utilities, enter:

$ sudo aptitude install gnuradio gnuradio-companion

Configuring the USRP and/or USRP2 Hardware¶

In order for a regular user to have access to the hardware device, you must add that username to

$ sudo addgroup <USERNAME> usrp

The new group rights will become effective after the next login and after reconnecting or power cycling
the USRP. If you do not want to log out and log in, but only want to have a single shell with the new
rights immediately , you can su to your own account.