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Technical Topics => SDR - Software Defined Radio => Topic started by: redhat on March 31, 2013, 0239 UTC

Title: USB based control surfaces for SDR's
Post by: redhat on March 31, 2013, 0239 UTC
Anyone have anything they can recommend as an alternative to the usual mouse and keyboard controls for SDR's?  I've got a Winradio Excalibur on long term loan, and I hated it at first, but I'm slowly getting used to it.  I just wish there was a more "natural" way to tune around, change bandwidth settings, et al.

Looking forward to any suggestions.

+-RH
Title: Re: USB based control surfaces for SDR's
Post by: ChrisSmolinski on March 31, 2013, 1242 UTC
This would be very very cool for SDR apps: https://www.leapmotion.com/product

Imagine a virtual knob that you turn in the air! Fansome would love it!
Title: Re: USB based control surfaces for SDR's
Post by: desmoface on April 02, 2013, 0121 UTC
What about something like this?:  http://store.griffintechnology.com/powermate

Steve
Title: Re: USB based control surfaces for SDR's
Post by: ChrisSmolinski on April 02, 2013, 1216 UTC
SdrDx supports MIDI. So you can use a MIDI controller with knobs, buttons, etc.
Title: Re: USB based control surfaces for SDR's
Post by: Token on April 04, 2013, 1951 UTC
For my Excaliburs I use the X-Keys Jog Shuttle Pro.  Old picture below, some functions have been changed as I decided over time what features needed to be on what button, and added other features I needed more immediate access to.

(http://www.pbase.com/token/image/133280826/original.jpg)

I find it works very well.  The Jog-Shuttle can be used to slew the frequency (outside spring loaded ring) while the inside ring acts as a VFO knob.  I also have most of the common functions assigned a button, so I very seldom need a mouse click for anything other than to click on a signal I see.  It does provide a way to work the radio that can mostly be done one handed and in the dark if needed.  I still find that most of the time I use two hands, one on the mouse and the other on the X-Keys.

T!
Title: Re: USB based control surfaces for SDR's
Post by: Rafman on April 05, 2013, 1817 UTC
I have tried the Griffin PowerMate with my Perseus. I had limited success as it just didn't "feel" right & while the control is configurable, it was not fully capable of what I wanted to do.

I actually still have one NEW in the box, if anyone is interested... My other is floating around just in case I want to experiment further or with my AFEDRIs...

Rafman
Title: Re: USB based control surfaces for SDR's
Post by: redhat on April 09, 2013, 2112 UTC
Token, thats pretty much what I was looking for.  I was sold until I saw the pricetag.....

At any rate A very usable interface, I could even use it with adobe for multitrack!

+-RH