Oscilloscope/Function Generator with GnuRadio (using very cheap hardware)

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GnuRadio can be used for RF signal processing, but it is primarily designed to work with USRP hardware, which may be too expensive for beginners. Users are exploring alternatives, such as using a $2 USB audio interface to create a basic oscilloscope and function generator setup. The goal is to generate and read arbitrary waveforms in real-time using Python and numpy. While GnuRadio is a powerful tool, those on a budget may need to consider simpler hardware solutions for initial learning. Understanding the capabilities of GnuRadio and available low-cost options is essential for beginners in the field.
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I was just getting started with RF signal processing, and I was very interested in being able to make an oscilloscope and function generator work in real time with python. Essentially, I would like some means of: *Creating arbitrary waveforms defined by a numpy array (or sending out individual pulses in real time) *Reading arbitrary waveforms into a numpy array (or receiving instantaneous voltage readings in real time)

I am quite new to this field, and I want to make sure I understand exactly what gnu radio is capable of and how I might go about setting this up.

It seems that gnu-radio is meant to interface with USRP--which is definitely out of my price range at the moment. I want to have a much better idea of what I am doing before I spend more than $20 on this.

I know $20 is not a lot, but I know that I can build an oscilloscope from a $2 usb audio driver, and I can use Mathematica (which I already have) to play arbitrary waveforms through the audio jack in my computer. Radio Shack has all the electronics I need to work with that signal. I am not looking for good sampling rates or anything fancy--yet. I just want a better grasp of the field.

So is gnu radio the best way to go about making a simple oscilloscope + function generator setup? If so, what is the cheapest hardware I would need to get something that will send/receive arbitrary waveforms?
 
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