When you guys record, is that done via an SDR app? I would like to be able to record Numbers stations due to my schedule.
There are many ways to record, a lot of "which is the best way" depends on how you are receiving. Using a local traditional receiver, using a local SDR, using a remote receiver, etc.
In my case the vast majority of my listening and recording is done using a local SDR, an SDR at my location and locally controlled. Many of my recordings are done at scheduled times and when I am not at the receiver to start or stop recordings. So then the question is, do I want to record audio only? Or do I want to record the I/Q from the SDR so I have more playback versatility?
Most of my SDR recordings are done as I/Q, and using an SDR program. This is better than simple audio recordings because it allows me to adjust modes and filters on playback. But the files can get pretty big and bulky.
When I record using remote receivers or local traditional receivers I record just the audio. Then I do not use an SDR app, but just a standard audio app. Something like Audacity can be used, or there are radio specific applications like ScannerRecorder (ScanRec).
On the rare occasions I do intentionally record the HF-GCS I typically do it audio only, using a traditional receiver (or receivers), and using ScanRec. ScanRec allows triggered recordings. I mean, when nothing is heard it will not record, and when a signal is heard it will start recording. It also allows stereo recordings, with separate time tags for each channel. So I can have one receiver, say on 8992 kHz, in the left channel, and another receiver,, say on 11175 kHz, in the right channel. When a signal in either receiver triggers the squelch the program records both left and right, and time tags (in a text file) the start time and duration of each segment identified by channel.
It works pretty well, assuming the signal you receive is strong enough to break the squelch. Since I am in a nice location to receive 4724 kHz loudly under a variety of conditions I often use that freq as a master trigger. And yes, you can get 3 receivers into a 2 channel stereo recording and still ID each receiver in playback. Whatever is in the left channel is one receiver, whatever is in the right channel is the second receiver, and whatever is in both channels equally is the third receiver. I prefer to only do 2 channels into a recording, but sometimes you have to do 3 for whatever reason.
T!
