Another new SDR

[ChrisSmolinski]

http://sdrplay.com/


What Is SDRplay?

It is an optimised hardware platform for high performance SDR. This Radio
Spectrum Processor (RSP) provides near continuous receiver coverage from 100kHz
to 2GHz with up to 8MHz bandwidth. Together with our API, software developers
can really play - creating an unlimited variety of new radio-based
applications.
What Is So Special About This RSP?

The converters are dual I/Q 10MS/s 10 bit converters allowing signals of up to
8MHz bandwidth to be digitized for signal processing. It is the combination of
the bandwidth and dynamic range that is unique. It enables you to receive many
different standards in one box.
What Is The Getting Started Process?

All you need is the SDRplay RSP and the getting started guide on the Downloads
page. Only two connections are needed. Antenna in, and USB cable out to the PC
or host processor.

[blw]

Wow!

[Pigmeat]

Where's the knob for the BFO?

[IQ_imbalance]

ooooh.  And here I was contemplating a R75.  Only three questions come to mind: 1) what's the HF sensitivity like, 2) does it play nice with GNURadio et al, and 3) how soon can they get one to my door?   

[ChrisSmolinski]

The 10 bit resolution makes me wonder how well it will do on HF.

[blw]

I like the 8 mHz range, but......

After reading a second time it seems to be a 10 bit dual processing front end. I got the wrong impression at first by thinking it sampled twice concurrently. No mention of filters. Also, what is stated is basically what we have now, right? Also, if software demods the data then why restrict it from older versions of Windows like XP? Doesn't make sense.

I may have missed this, but did they say it supports ExtIO DLL format?

[IQ_imbalance]

i suppose there's always the afedri or SDR-IQ; other than a sensitivity much better than my Sony portable, the only other requirement i have is that the radio is controllable under Mac OS or at least a *nix flavor.

[blw]

I don't mean to offend anybody, but I've been a Mac guy since the 80's running on an Atari ST . I just don't like Windows, but sometimes you have to consort with the dark side. Perseus and Studio1 under Bootcamp makes a great SDR system. I've never enjoyed radio as much as I do now with this set up. IMO, Studio1 is worth every penny and worth using Windows XP. Everybody has their favorites though. I would go back to Mac OS if Studio1 came out with a Mac version!

[BDM]

Another good one that is rapidly gaining popularity is the Elad FDM-S2 (a friend recently purchased this and LOVES it!). I was quite impressed when I played around with it. I would call it an equal to my Perseus though with different GUIs, it made the "test drive" different. It appeared about the same in sensitivity on the low bands and slightly more sensitive above say 18/MHz. I never got a chance to do a real good side by side as I wanted, but regardless if my Perseus burned out today, I'd purchase this Elad. Good links to further info below. BTW like most SDRs it is supported by 3rd party GUIs.

http://sdr.eladit.com/Reviews/elad%20fdm-s2%20review%20radiouser%20may%202014.pdf

http://scottish-dxing.yolasite.com/blog/my-new-receiver-elad-fdm-s2

[blw]

BDM- I agree about the software. The 4 adjustable notch filters of Studio1 blow away the Perseus software. That's just a beginning as the software takes advantage of what SDR hardware can really do. I have a Datong FL-3, a JPS NIR-12, and a Timewave 599zx for noise reduction, bw, filters, etc. And there's the Perseus noise reduction function in there software. Studio1 is the only thing I've seen that actually reduces noise without any distortion. It just reduces noise. Not a hint of garbling or clipping. That feature alone is about worth the price when adding up the bucks for the boxes I've bought over the years. Plus, you hear what you can see. Studio1 windows, FFT sprectrums, and waterfall selections beat out all the others, imo.

Yeah, it's great now but it's only pointing out how all of this is going to get better.