The R.O.L.B (Radio Operators for a LISTEN Breaktrough)

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Message 1918375 - Posted: 11 Feb 2018, 22:55:38 UTC - in response to Message 1918363.  

I am ordering one right now for real. I dont know why I dont already have one in my shack. Seriously.
I have not been active much in radio recently but boy I am late with new things.

What are you ordering if I may ask?
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Message 1918385 - Posted: 11 Feb 2018, 23:24:32 UTC - in response to Message 1918375.  
Last modified: 11 Feb 2018, 23:40:03 UTC

What are you ordering if I may ask?
SDRPlay RSP2
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Message 1918387 - Posted: 11 Feb 2018, 23:36:36 UTC - in response to Message 1918385.  
Last modified: 11 Feb 2018, 23:41:48 UTC

SDRPlay RSP2

Correction RSP1A
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Message 1918390 - Posted: 11 Feb 2018, 23:48:20 UTC - in response to Message 1918387.  

Yes, the only difference is the multiple antenna inputs on the SDRPlay RSP2. The new RSP-1a only has the single antenna input like the original RSP1 which is discontinued. If you want to listen to HF and VHF at the same time that will involve an antenna switch. The SDRUno or SDR Console software supports multiple virtual receivers. So for example you can listen simultaneously to multiple bands at the same time with say a 80-40m doublet plugged into the antenna port. But if you wanted to listen to 40m and 2m at the same time, you would have to switch antennas through the switch.

I need to read some reviews of the new RSP-1a and see if the 14bit ADC makes a big difference between it and the older products. See that SDRUno has released v. 1.22 software for handling the different IF and RF gain controls over the simpler controls that the original RSP1 had. Check out some of the YouTube reviews to get an idea.
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Message 1918392 - Posted: 11 Feb 2018, 23:51:20 UTC

Sounds good. Can't knock the price for what you get. Any SDR over the $20 cost of the cheap RTL-SDR dongles is a huge improvement. I started with a dongle and soon realized it is very limited in receiving bands. Think you will be very happy with the RSP-1a.
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Message 1918394 - Posted: 11 Feb 2018, 23:57:08 UTC
Last modified: 11 Feb 2018, 23:58:57 UTC

Don't forget to order a good quality shielded USB cable like the Amazon basics 2m cable.

AmazonBasics USB 2.0 Cable - A-Male to B-Male - 6 Feet (1.8 Meters)

also you will need a couple of adapters for converting SO-239 to SMA connectors. This one covers all bases. Connector to connector

RTL-SDR Blog SMA Male to SMA M, BNC F, Type N F, Type F F, UHF F, PAL F Straight Adapters Bundle

This one is the same thing with pigtails.

RTL-SDR Blog SMA Male to SMA M, BNC F, Type N F, Type F F, UHF F, PAL F RG316 20cm Pigtail Adapters Bundle
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Message 1918395 - Posted: 12 Feb 2018, 0:03:06 UTC - in response to Message 1918392.  

Sounds good. Can't knock the price for what you get. Any SDR over the $20 cost of the cheap RTL-SDR dongles is a huge improvement. I started with a dongle and soon realized it is very limited in receiving bands. Think you will be very happy with the RSP-1a.
I am ready to confirm the purchase I just hesitate because of the fact it has only only one antenna connector. But at the same time its not a big deal I will only have 2 antennas. My buddypole and another one for VHF-UHF that I will have to buy or build. I am temporarily living in an apartment building at the moment and I have limitations when it comes to antenna. I will be mostly playing with UHF... Ok I go confirm the order.
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Message 1918399 - Posted: 12 Feb 2018, 0:06:07 UTC

I have a box full of adapters SMA BNC PL etc but yes I will by a shielded USB.
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Message 1918400 - Posted: 12 Feb 2018, 0:08:19 UTC - in response to Message 1918395.  

Yes, that is the only limitation as far as I can see. I purchased this discone antenna and have it up in attic but I originally just had it standing on the floor in the living room and it worked well too. Height is always best for VHF/UHF.

Tram 1410 Broad Band Discone/Scanner Base Antenna
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Message 1918402 - Posted: 12 Feb 2018, 0:36:21 UTC
Last modified: 12 Feb 2018, 0:37:20 UTC

I had one similar to that before. Thats the kind of antenna I was thinking.
Of course Height is very important those are direct waves but unfortunately
I am on the first floor... It wont stop me from having fun with it.
I am watching videos... cant wait.
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Message 1918406 - Posted: 12 Feb 2018, 0:51:05 UTC

Now that it has turned warm and no sign of rain, I need to finish up my longwire mast anchor point. The pecan tree is barren with no leaves now and I will be able to chuck the weighted end of the guy rope over the branch I have targeted for the endpoint. Then punch the coax through the gable into the attic to get to my drop point into my radio shack. I also need to order the antenna rotator for the top of the antenna mast to mount my magnetic loop antenna. I refused to go into the attic during the summer as I would have expired from the heat.
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Message 1918410 - Posted: 12 Feb 2018, 1:04:08 UTC
Last modified: 12 Feb 2018, 1:04:54 UTC

How long that wire is going to be ? I have never used a Magnetic loop but if I remember well they are quiet. Wich is a good
thing now... Is it a fixed frequency loop or you can adjust it somehow from the shack ?
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Message 1918411 - Posted: 12 Feb 2018, 1:26:04 UTC - in response to Message 1918410.  
Last modified: 12 Feb 2018, 1:26:54 UTC

It is a LNR Precision PAR EndfedZ SWL antenna at 46' long. The magnetic loop is a Wellbrook Active Loop antenna that is a fixed frequency 50 kHz - 30 Mhz broadband antenna.

And yes is is much quieter than the long wire. Much more immune to the radio noise 'soup'. Not meant for transmitting, you would need one of the remote tuned loops for that.
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Message 1918973 - Posted: 15 Feb 2018, 10:32:02 UTC
Last modified: 15 Feb 2018, 10:35:48 UTC

I have received my RSP1a yesterday :)

I have an adaptor for my Buddypole BNC. Second antenna will be one from a handheld trunktracker scanner no adaptor needed and a USB type B cable.
Not shielded nor choke but I wont be transmitting anything so it should work for now.
I now I have to go search a little bit starting at SDRPlay site on how to get ready for the ''mise en operation''.

For now I am amazed by how small and lightweight the thing is and when I think about all it does it blows my mind.
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Message 1919038 - Posted: 15 Feb 2018, 17:29:28 UTC - in response to Message 1918973.  

There is a new update to SDRUNO software at SDRPlay. There are also links there for the SDR Console V3.P7 software. Between the two of them you can decide which you like best for functionality and screens layout. The control software will have to be newer versions to handle the new hardware that is the SDRPlay RPS1a.
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Message 1919094 - Posted: 15 Feb 2018, 23:25:08 UTC - in response to Message 1919038.  
Last modified: 15 Feb 2018, 23:30:05 UTC

There is a new update to SDRUNO software at SDRPlay. There are also links there for the SDR Console V3.P7 software. Between the two of them you can decide which you like best for functionality and screens layout. The control software will have to be newer versions to handle the new hardware that is the SDRPlay RPS1a.
I have installed and played with all 3 apps and so far prefer SDRUNO. I knew I had lots of birdies but to see them on the screen is pretty impressive. I have spent a good 6 hours today getting familiarise with it. Works well with the little Uniden rubber duck
for UFH. With the indoor Buddipole tuned at 7.030 MHz (with lots of patience and my AA-30 antenna analyser) I manage to receive some CW (in between birdies...). I have 4 floors of consumer electronic devices above my head... Not much I can do.
I am really happy with the purchase.
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Message 1919101 - Posted: 15 Feb 2018, 23:42:06 UTC - in response to Message 1919094.  

Glad I could introduce you to Software Defined Radio. It is amazing how much the technology has changed since I first got involved with radio some 60 years ago.

Not much you can do about the noise 'soup' from all the personal electronic devices these days. Other than employ unique antenna designs like my magnetic loop or lots of filtering.
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Message 1919323 - Posted: 16 Feb 2018, 23:32:42 UTC
Last modified: 16 Feb 2018, 23:36:52 UTC

SDRConsole is very good too. And wow this little SDR on CW is fantastic. The filters are
very good very quiet and CW sounds good even down to 5 Hz wide. Weak signals feels strong.
It is an easy to listen receiver. The spectrum is fast is software is very well put out.
There is a lot of amateur radio in mind behind this amazing little rig.
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Message 1919325 - Posted: 16 Feb 2018, 23:38:41 UTC

Yes, it really has opened up a lot of possibilities for listening. I really like the CW too. Signals are very easy to pick out.

What is very cool is that I can have receivers listening in at both 40m and 80m and another one listening in on my local 2m network traffic. That is what the RSp2 with its multiple antenna outputs allows for me. Neat to listen in on 7PM net roll calls for all the bands at the same time to hear who is logging in.

A neat new toy that provides endless entertainment.
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Message boards : SETI@home Science : The R.O.L.B (Radio Operators for a LISTEN Breaktrough)


 
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