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Technical Topics => SDR - Software Defined Radio => Topic started by: cheesehed on September 19, 2016, 2352 UTC

Title: SDRplay setup
Post by: cheesehed on September 19, 2016, 2352 UTC

I just purchased SDRPlay. Unfortunately, I'm not a techie at all and I think I'm in over my head.

I bought a "quick and dirty" antenna kit https://www.amazon.com/Usmile%C2%AE-Portable-shortwave-antenna-stations/dp/B0141X3B5W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474328930&sr=8-2&keywords=shortwave+radio+antenna
Unfortunately, the directions really don't tell how to hook this up. Separately I bought the right coax which is hooked between
my PC and the SDRPlay. But I don't understand how the longwire is supposed to connect to the SDRP. Any help appreciated!
Thank you.

cheesehed
nbartlett@uwalumni.com

Title: Re: SDRplay setup
Post by: JCMaxwell on September 20, 2016, 0006 UTC

Cheesehead, it appears in the Amazon picture that your antenna terminates to a SMA male connector.  The back of the SDRPlay has a female SMA connector.  So just screw the male connector into the female connector and let nature take its course!

Title: Re: SDRplay setup
Post by: cheesehed on September 20, 2016, 0200 UTC

That's straightforward! Thanks --

It appears the SMA male that came with the kit is too large. i assume I'll have to try RadioShack or Amazon for the right fit.

Not sure what the diameter size is on the SDRP. The kit says it's a BNC to SMA adapter...

Cheesehed

Title: Re: SDRplay setup
Post by: JCMaxwell on September 20, 2016, 1421 UTC

Strange, the SMA connector on the SDRPlay is standard, AFAIK.

I wouldn't count on RadioShack, you'll probably find whatever you need on Amazon.

Good luck!

Join us in chat sometime.

http://www.starchat.net/chat/?chan=PirateRadio (http://www.starchat.net/chat/?chan=PirateRadio)

Title: Re: SDRplay setup
Post by: MDK2 on September 20, 2016, 1443 UTC

I like showmecables dot com a lot. They have every conceivable connector around, are fast and reasonably priced. Check em out...

Title: Re: SDRplay setup
Post by: Rafman on October 07, 2016, 1515 UTC

From both a wear/tear & standardization standpoint, I'd suggest an SMA-male-to-BNC-female adapter...
BNCs are much easier to find, cheaper & more durable than SMAs...

Here is a typical example of what I have been using for the last 5 years with SDRs for SMA porting:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BNC-female-jack-to-SMA-male-plug-RF-connector-straight-gold-plating-Adapter-WB-/371755437288?hash=item568e59cce8:g:4gwAAOSw~otWcZ7g

73 de Rafman

Title: Re: SDRplay setup
Post by: moof on October 07, 2016, 2314 UTC

Damn thing came without knobs and antenna connector only the younguns know about.  Fortunately Amazon has SMA to SO239 cables so normal people can connect the thing to a normal antenna.  Or a chunk of wire if you want to jam some in the end.