It looks like the SDRplay community forum is either no longer maintained or currently offline. Sorry for posting this here, but Reddit seems to be the new go-to. I wanted to share this in case it helps anyone else running into the same issue.
THE PROBLEM
When running SDRconnect 1.0.6 on Raspberry Pi OS with the default desktop environment, I ran into several major issues:
THE SOLUTION: MATE + SLIM
Switching to the MATE desktop environment with the SLiM display manager completely resolved all of these issues. The difference was immediate. SDRconnect now runs smoothly, comparable to how it performs on a much more powerful system.
INSTALLATION STEPS
Install MATE and SLiM
Set SLiM as the display manager
Select slim when prompted.
Set MATE as the default session
Select Configure SLiM for auto-login
Set the following values:
Disable other display managers and enable SLiM
RESULTS
If you are running SDRconnect or other Qt-based SDR applications on a Raspberry Pi, this setup is absolutely worth trying.
One last thing, Im using NX NoMachine instead of VNC. Hope this helps others
THE PROBLEM
When running SDRconnect 1.0.6 on Raspberry Pi OS with the default desktop environment, I ran into several major issues:
- Qt menu bug: Menu selections do not respond properly. Settings either do not apply or fail to stick.
- Severe GUI lag: The interface becomes extremely sluggish to the point where basic interaction is frustrating.
- Overall unusable experience: SDRconnect is technically running, but not usable in any practical way.
THE SOLUTION: MATE + SLIM
Switching to the MATE desktop environment with the SLiM display manager completely resolved all of these issues. The difference was immediate. SDRconnect now runs smoothly, comparable to how it performs on a much more powerful system.
INSTALLATION STEPS
Install MATE and SLiM
Code:
sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get install mate-desktop-environment-extras slimCode:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure slimSet MATE as the default session
Code:
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-managerCode:
/usr/bin/mate-sessionCode:
sudo nano /etc/slim.confCode:
auto_login yesdefault_user <yourPiUser>sessions mateCode:
sudo systemctl disable gdm3sudo systemctl disable lightdmsudo systemctl enable slimsudo reboot- Qt menu bug fixedAll menu selections work correctly and settings apply as expected.
- Massive performance improvement The UI is smooth and responsive with no noticeable lag.
- Fully usable SDRconnect SDRplay software now works as intended on Raspberry Pi.
If you are running SDRconnect or other Qt-based SDR applications on a Raspberry Pi, this setup is absolutely worth trying.
One last thing, Im using NX NoMachine instead of VNC. Hope this helps others
Statistics: Posted by sixbitdeep — Wed Jan 28, 2026 1:01 am