Overview

Rhythmus is a Windows software application designed for the acquisition, recording, and analysis of radio-frequency signals using Software Defined Radio (SDR) receivers, with particular emphasis on amateur pulsar detection.

The software integrates two main modules: Acquisition, which allows users to monitor the RF spectrum, identify frequency bands with minimal radio-frequency interference (RFI), and record observations in SIGPROC filterbank format; and miniPRESTO, which provides tools for processing recorded observations, searching for pulsar signals, mitigating RFI, and evaluating detection significance through statistical analysis.

Main Features

• SDR Acquisition: RF signal acquisition using RTL-SDR and Airspy receivers.
• Band Watch: Real-time spectrum monitoring to identify suitable observing frequencies and minimize RFI.
• Automatic Gain Optimization: Assisted receiver gain adjustment for improved acquisition conditions.
• SIGPROC Filterbank Recording: Generation of filterbank files for subsequent pulsar analysis.
• miniPRESTO: Processing and folding of recorded observations to search for periodic pulsar signals.
• RFI Mitigation: Tools for identifying and reducing radio-frequency interference.
• Statistical Analysis: Evaluation of detection significance using S/N, chi-square and sigma-related parameters.
• ATNF Catalogue Integration: Access to pulsar parameters for observation

Latest Release

Current Version: Rhythmus 1.0.0

Released: October 2026

Initial Public Release

Rhythmus 1.0.0 introduces an integrated environment for SDR signal acquisition, SIGPROC filterbank recording, and pulsar detection using miniPRESTO.

The software is currently under active development, with additional features and improvements planned for future releases.

Antivirus Verification

The Rhythmus 1.0.0 installation package has been scanned using Kaspersky Antivirus, version 21.27.6.532(a), with no threats detected.

Disclaimer

By downloading, installing or using Rhythmus, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the following disclaimer.

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, ARISING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

The user is solely responsible for determining whether this software is suitable for the intended application and for verifying the correctness of any results produced.

Nothing in this disclaimer excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable law.