Can't get RTL-SDR to work on 2017a on Win10... 'Error code -12'

I'm trying to get an RTL-SDR working with Matlab 2017a on Win10. My RTL-SDR works fine with both SDRSharp and CubicSDR so the hardware is ok and I think I have the drivers set up correctly (I have WinUSB installed for both the Bulk-In interfaces of the RTL-SDR). My particular dongle is a 'NooElec NESDR Smart v4'. When I go through the Matlab setup for the RTL-SDR Hardware Support package and click 'list devices', or when I just enter 'sdrinfo' on the Matlab console I get 'Error code -12'. Any idea what this means or how to fix it?

[Ethem]

I cannot reproduce this problem on my Win10 using MATLAB 2017a. My best guess is since you installed multiple copies of rtl-sdr drivers on your computer, you are getting into a library incompatibility problem: one of these libraries are higher on your system path and is not compatible with the version MATLAB is using. You can try to uninstall all other copies of rtl-sdr libraries and try with MATLAB again.

[Md Anowar Hossain]

Hello Jay, I am facing a problem on Pluto-SDR. After the installation of Communication Support package toolbox for Adalm Pluto SDR, when I reach to hardware setup option I get the error message "The libiio installation directory was not found. Try reinstalling the support package". Pls note that: I am using MTALAB 2019a.

Pls help.

[Jorge PARDIÑAS-MIR]

Did you resolve the problem Jay K? I'm having the same problem.

Answer 1

[Edwin Wilson]

I found the fix after hours of scouring the Internet!

Install zadig -> Run it as administrator

In Options Check List All Devices >> Uncheck Ignore Hubs or Composite Devices

In drop down menu select the device saying RTL2838UHIDIR >> Click Replace Driver

Voila!

For reference : https://www.rtl-sdr.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1797

[Hui Fu]

thanks. This solves my problem too. the Uncheck ignore hubs or Composite devices was missing.

[Heitor Vinicius Vieira do Nascimento]

Thank you very much!!! I was losing my mind trying to fix this and finally I found your answer. It will help me with the rtl class im attending this semester.

[Carlos Aris]

Thank you very much.

This solves my problem!!!