ECE 157A — PlutoSDR + GNU Radio VM Setup

Pre-built Ubuntu 18.04 VM with GNU Radio 3.8, PlutoSDR drivers, and course files.

Adapted from course run by WES, UCSD.

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1. Prerequisites

Install VirtualBox 7.1+ and the Extension Pack (same version — needed for USB passthrough).

Download both from: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

1. Run the VirtualBox installer (.exe).
2. Double-click the Extension Pack (.vbox-extpack) to install it.
3. If prompted, allow the VirtualBox kernel driver to install and reboot.

Mac instructions

1. Open the VirtualBox disk image (.dmg) and run the installer.
2. Double-click the Extension Pack (.vbox-extpack) to install it.
3. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and allow the Oracle kernel extensions if prompted. Reboot.

Linux instructions

1. Install VirtualBox from your package manager or the .deb/.rpm from the downloads page.
2. Install the Extension Pack:

   sudo VBoxManage extpack install Oracle_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-*.vbox-extpack

3. Add yourself to the vboxusers group and log out and back in:

   sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER

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2. Download the VM

Download the OVA file:

ece157a_u1804.ova

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3. Import the VM

In VirtualBox: File → Import Appliance → select the downloaded ece157a_u1804.ova → click Import.

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4. Start the VM

Select the VM in VirtualBox and click Start.

Login: ece157a / ece157a

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5. PlutoSDR USB Passthrough

1. Plug in the PlutoSDR to your host machine.
2. In VirtualBox: Devices → USB → Analog Devices PlutoSDR.
3. Verify inside the VM:

   iio_info -s:

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6. Launch GNU Radio Companion

Open a terminal in the VM and run:

gnuradio-companion

Course files are at ~/ece157A/grc/ (labs 1–5, miniproject, pluto_fft).

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What's installed

Software	Version
Ubuntu	18.04 LTS
GNU Radio	3.8.3.1
gr-iio	PlutoSDR source/sink blocks
libiio + libad9361	PlutoSDR drivers
SoapySDR + SoapyPlutoSDR	SDR abstraction layer
gr-wes	ECE 157A course OOT module
pyadi-iio	Python SDR control library

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
PlutoSDR not in USB dropdown	Install VirtualBox Extension Pack and add yourself to vboxusers group, then reboot host
iio_info -u usb: fails	Attach PlutoSDR via Devices → USB menu in VirtualBox
GRC blocks missing	Run sudo ldconfig inside the VM