So it turns out, that just by changing a DLL file in SDR# and changing from Quadrature to Q Branch, you can get HF on a dongle without an upconverter or modifications to the hardware. And most surprising of all is it actually works ok. I do have some AM broadcast breakthrough and I will need to add in a Highpass filter to remove it, but other than that, it looks like it works quite ok.
So i bought an RTL-SDR dongle to play with. And after fighting with windows 10 to install the drivers and then fighting with the software to recognize the dongle I finally got it working and able to receive signals. Connected to a 40m dipole, its not really the best antenna to be receiving VHF and above, but after a few tests listening to a local 2m repeater, a bit of simplex from my HT on 2 and 70cm, i figured it was time to actually look for some signals to listen to.
So with SDR# running, I tuned into Brisbane Air Port air traffic control for a bit of a stickybeak to see whats going on. Also at the same time, I have started to play with screen recording software and video editing software with the plan to start making the odd youtube on what I am doing. Anywho, with all that in mind, I do have some plans for different things to do with the dongle. I have some bits and pieces in the mail already to add to this and well watch this space, more to come. Oh and the reason why i got this was to use it to learn how to use GNU Radio. That is the ultimate plan and to learn some things as we go about doing that.