rtl-sdr offset tuning and other questions

Hi guys, I'm new to this list (and to radio) so I hope you will please indulge me if I ask something that is a FAQ. Also, some of these questions are about the dongle, not the library. I am working on a personal project to use SDR techniques to decode aviation navigation signals (VOR). I've got the signal processing mostly working from recorded signals, but am now trying to integrate my SW with the radio in real time. I have a few questions: - What exactly is offset tuning? How is offset tuning different from tuning to an offset? Is this a feature that mostly benefits people who are not going to put their IF through another mixer? In my application I am already tuning to an offset, and pulling down a wide enough IF that actually holds many channels of interest. (VOR channels have 50kHz spacing). I then use a software mixer/channelizer to choose the channel I want. Am I correct in assuming that offset tuning is of no use to me? - regarding AGC, what is the difference between AGC and auto gain? That is, the library API has RTLSDR_API int rtlsdr_set_tuner_gain_mode(rtlsdr_dev_t *dev, int manual) RTLSDR_API int rtlsdr_set_agc_mode(rtlsdr_dev_t *dev, int on); I'm guessing that these affect different AGCs. One for the tuner and one for the RTL device. What are the benefits and costs of having either or both on? - regarding rtlsdr_read_async(...) and related functions. I take it that the library is setting up a ring buffer and calling me back when it has a new buffer of data for me. How long to I have to work with this buffer? Obviously, if I want to work in real-time I need to keep up with the sample rate. But my application can afford to throw away buffers since it can decode a few ms of data from one station and then revisit it much later. However, I'd like to know how long I have until the buffer gets clobbered. I'm presuming it's stable until all the n-1 other buffers have been hit. - generally how fast can the RTL devices tune? I know, this is not an rtlsdr question per se, but I'm curious. I noticed that when I tune, I get a delay. This is a great library and I'm so glad it's out there! I was not looking forward to plumbing the depths of USB drivers to understand how to pull data from the RTL dongle! I think rtl-sdr.h could use perhaps a smidge more documentation. I'd be happy to submit a comments-only patch if there's interest. :-) Regards, Dave Jacobowitz