From: Mike Bates<mjbates@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [IRCA] Testing New SDR software
To: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Friday, January 7, 2011, 1:34 AM
I have been trying out some new
software on my QS1R SDR and have found the results to be
quite good. I currently am running the receiver using
several different software packages, including the SDRMAXII
that comes with the QS1R. This evening I was using Winrad
version 1.5 and had the occasion this evening to log on 1370
WSPD in Toledo OH @ 9:55PM CST this evening, 1/6,
using a KIWA loop. Also heard CFRY on 920, on top in the
null of semi local KDHL. Good but not exceptional catches.
I have not seen a lot here regarding SDR's, with the
possible exception of some using the Perseus. I think that
they are the future, as more and more companies are dropping
production of their higher end receivers. RL Drake, Japan
Radio Company, Yaesu, and Kenwood are prime examples.
SDR's are lower in cost and provide the equivalent, or
better performance of these older receivers. The added
benefit is spectrum analysis, which works better than the
scopes built into the stand alone ham rigs of recent years.
You can see a split frequency station before you can hear
it. Another benefit is spectrum recording and play back
using the receiver software.
There is now a version of the Soft Rock series, which is a
kit that sells for around $60.00 and covers from 180KHz to
3MHz. The down side is that you need a computer and a high
quality sound card to run this, but computers these days are
also lower in price than in days gone by. There is also a
pre built receiver the Lazy Dog LD-1B which sells for about
$275.00. Of course there are the direct sample SDR's that
are more expensive such as the SDR IQ, Perseus,
WinRadio Excalibur and the QS1R. These are still lower in
cost than the Drake R8B was when it went out of production,
and have top flight performance.
I would be interested to know if there are others using
SDR's and what they think of them for MWDX, as well as tips
for use.
Thanks and
73,
Mike Bates KA0KLQ
Inver Grove Heights, MN