HFU HF Underground

Technical Topics => SDR - Software Defined Radio => Topic started by: Andrew Yoder on February 02, 2015, 2256 UTC

Title: Low sensitivity on Winradio G31DDC
Post by: Andrew Yoder on February 02, 2015, 2256 UTC
Just picked up a Winradio G31DDC; the 1st SW radio that I've ever bought new. After having software problems for about a week, I heard back from the company that the software that came with the radio was an older version. After I deleted it & installed the new software, it worked. Sort of.

I have a PL-259 on my inverted V, so I ran a jumper from the center conductor of the PL-259 to the center conductor of the BNC of the G31DDC. All I can receive are two local AM stations with fair signals. I don't know if the radio is really sensitive to noise & it's attenuating signals on the band or something else? I just bought a PL259 to BNC adapter to see if this helps.

Anyone else had any problems like this? So far with this antenna, the R8 receives great, but the Winradio is barely showing signs of life.

Thanks!
Andrew
Title: Re: Low sensitivity on Winradio G31DDC
Post by: ChrisSmolinski on February 03, 2015, 0018 UTC
If you haven't, be sure to connect the ground (outer connector) of the PL-259 and BNC as well.  Although even without that, I'd expect better reception. I was having problems with the beverage, and to check that the SDR was working, I stuck a few feet of hookup wire into the antenna jack, and got a bunch of MW stations.
Title: Re: Low sensitivity on Winradio G31DDC
Post by: Andrew Yoder on February 05, 2015, 2324 UTC
Hey Chris,
Thanks for the note. The BNC to SO-239 did wonders (BTW, I bought it from a Radio Shack that's going out of business). Not yet sure how i compares with the R8, but I did hear SRS last night, WQGY 434 on 25910 kHz, the OTR unid with an excellent signal (not surprising to me), etc. I love the ability to be able to see the band.
Have a great evening!
Andrew
Title: Re: Low sensitivity on Winradio G31DDC
Post by: ChrisSmolinski on February 05, 2015, 2331 UTC
Great to hear everything is working well, Andrew! 

Yes, being able to see an entire band is very useful.