Using and setting up the Alinco DX-R8T/E receiver as an SDR (software defined radio)

The Alinco DX-R8T (DX-R8E in Europe) can be used as a traditional tabletop or as a software defined receiver

Some time ago, I posted a review of the Alinco DX-R8T–a surprisingly capable, flexible and affordable dedicated tabletop receiver.  In that review, I explored its capabilities as a tabletop unit, and was favorably impressed.

But I knew then that one of the virtues of the DX-R8T is that it’s more than a typical tabletop:  the control head (or, front panel) can literally be detached, and with an extension cable, can be moved as far away as 16 feet from the rest of the receiver. Also, with the optional ERW-7 cable and a shielded audio patch cord, you can connect the Alinco to your PC, converting it to a software-defined radio (SDR).  Just to be fair, I wanted to further check out this alternative operation mode, and review it independently.

I’ve recently had an opportunity to explore the Alinco DX-R8T/E as an SDR, and here’s what I’ve discovered.

As it took some time to figure out how to get KGSDR, the Alinco control software, communicating with my DX-R8T, it’s fair to state that the Alinco’s SDR functionality is not exactly “plug-and-play.”  Nor does Windows seem to find the USB driver automatically.  You must download a USB driver for your computer, as well as download KGSDR from external sites.  It’s also important to note that the Alinco website is not easy to navigate–at least, the relevant links are somewhat buried in large portions of site content.

When I first attempted to set up my receiver as an SDR, I had to use a combination of the printed owner’s manual, the Alinco website, external sites, and simple determination.

Before reviewing the actual performance of the Alinco DX-R8T/E as an SDR, I’ll simplify setting it up as an SDR with a step-by-step process, below. (I wish this was clearly outlined in the owner’s manual, however.)

How to convert your Alinco DX-R8T/E into a Software Defined Receiver

The ERW-7 is the cable that connects your Alinco DX-R8(T) to your computer.

1.) Connect the ERW-7 cable and download the  driver

The ERW-7 is the USB cable that connects your Alinco DX-R8T with your computer. Specifically, it allows your computer to tune and control the DX-R8T; it does not carry audio. If you wish to have full control of your receiver via your PC, you will need to purchase the ERW-7.

You simply plug one end of the cable (the one that looks like an 1/8″ audio connector) in the “clone” port on the back of your Alinco, the other end into an available USB port on your computer.

The download page–at FTDI Chip, the manufacturer of the Alinco cable–has versions of the USB driver for most OS platforms. If you have Windows, you can save a little time by downloading the USB setup tool that will attempt to automatically load the USB driver. Otherwise, you can download and manually install the drivers for the Windows 32 bit version or Windows 64 bit version.

You will need a shielded audio patch cord with 1/8″ stereo plugs on both ends

2.) Connect an audio patch cord

The Alinco DX-R8T/E sends the received IQ signal to your PC via a shielded audio patch cord. This is a standard audio cable that you can purchase at most electronics retailers. It needs to have 1/8″ stereo connectors on both ends, and it must be shielded.

One end of the patch cord is plugged into the IQ port on the back of the receiver, the other is plugged into the microphone input on your computer.

3.) Tell your DX-R8T/E to send the IQ audio to your computer

Your computer will need to “hear” the IQ (spectrum) audio produced by the Alinco DX-R8T/E. The receiver will only send the IQ audio to your computer if you tell it to do so. Fortunately, this is easily done:  simply press the MODE button on the front panel of your receiver until FM appears. Then, simply press the FUNCTION button, then the MODE button.  Your Alinco should now display “IQ” on the main display. You can feel confident the audio is now being sent to your PC.

4.) Install KGSDR

The KGSDR controls are very similar to those of the Ten-Tec RX-320D

KGSDR is a software-defined radio application built specifically for the Alinco DX-R8T/E receivers. A third-party software developer maintains the download page for the KGSDR. Click here to download the setup software for Windows. (If this link doesn’t work, you can also download a zipped copy by clicking here.) To my knowledge, there are no updates to the software–as of time of this post, the current version is 1.0.0.

Installation is simple and only requires that you extract the contents of the zipped folder, then run the KGSDR executable file.

If all has been installed correctly, and the IQ signal is being sent to KGSDR, then you should be able to hear the received audio via your computer.

I have actually installed KGSDR on three different computers. On my laptop, I had to troubleshoot and tweak the settings to get KGSDR to work. On the other two computers, it worked the first time.  All of them were running a 64 bit version of Windows 7.

Troubleshooting tips

If you change the tuned frequency on KGSDR from, say 5,000 kHz to 10,000 kHz, but your Alinco receiver does not change frequencies (it still displays the centered frequency on the front panel), then the USB driver has not been installed or configured properly.

If the receiver tunes, but the audio is garbled or non-existent, you will need to check the audio cord connections. First of all, make sure it’s plugged into the microphone input on your computer (not the speaker/headphone port!) and the IQ port on the back of the Alinco. You cannot plug the patch cord into any other port port on the DX-R8T/E. The plug will fit in the headphone jack, for example, but the IQ port is the only one that sends interpretable analog information to your PC.

Review:  the Alinco DX-R8T/E as an SDR

KGSDR comes with a spectrum and waterfall display (Click to enlarge)

I have read reports of people achieving remarkable results with their Alinco functioning as an SDR…I wish I could report the same.

While the Alinco DX-R8T/E is a very capable tabletop receiver, I find that the SDR functionality adds very little, performance-wise. In fact, in many respects this function seems to compromise the performance of the DX-R8T/E. Still, there are some positives:

Pros

  • Affordable – the EWR-7 USB cable is about $45 US, and you can easily buy a shielded audio patch cable for under $10. For about $55 US, you can unlock the SDR functionality of your receiver.
  • With KGSDR, you can see a bit of the surrounding spectrum on a waterfall display
  • KGSDR is a very lightweight program, not likely to tax even older PCs.
  • KGSDR allows for variable filter control–a true compensating factor since the DX-R8T/E only has a wide/narrow filter on AM (see review)
  • You get the basic benefits of typical SDR receivers:
    • Spectrum/Waterfall display
    • Recording at the push of a button (.wav only)
    • Practically unlimited memory slots
    • With practice, you can import frequency databases
    • A basic DSP filter
  • Simple “lightweight” application that should work on any Windows-based PC (see con)
  • With a DRM decoder, you will be able to receive and decode DRM transmissions (see con)

Cons

  • Performance is underwhelming–not as good as the DX-R8T as a stand-alone tabletop receiver
    • Images of strong stations several kilohertz above the source
    • DX-R8T/E sensitivity is somewhat compromised in SDR mode
    • Selectivity is mediocre
  • Audio patch cord transfers computer/shack RF noise more easily than SDRs which use a digital IQ output via USB
  • Audio fidelity, in general, is not as good as the stand-alone receiver will provide
  • KGSDR has only the most basic of SDR features
  • KGSDR does not allow the spectrum display to be expanded vertically
  • Requires tweaking and repeated efforts in order to function properly
  • Owner’s manual and website are confusing and lack vital information about the installation and trouble-shooting process (hopefully our guide above can help the average user)
  • DRM mode is not native; you will have to use a program like DREAM (see pro)

 Summary

So, is it worth it?  Well, yes––and no.

Yes

If you have $55-60 US dollars to spare, it’s a real bargain. I believe the extra SDR features  and functionality are worth the price. I have not yet tested this in a DXpedition setting, where there are a limited number of RF noise-producing devices around. If you have an RF-“quiet” location in which to use the Alinco as an SDR, you may find you have better results than I describe above.  I imagine you will still suffer from some imaging of stronger signals, however.

Plus, KGSDR is so lightweight, I believe you could use it on a netbook. Moreover, I have heard of owners who’ve actually used other open source SDR applications to drive the Alinco DX-R8T/E.  Additionally, though I have not yet tested it, N4PY makes a software controller that would be far superior to the KGSDR–I base this on the fact that N4PY’s RX-320D software was such an improvement over the standard OEM package.

No

If you wish to enhance the performance (not features) of your Alinco DX-R8T/E, I do not think it’s worth it to put your Alinco into service as an SDR.  Again, I find that it somewhat compromises the performance of what is otherwise an excellent tabletop radio.

If, like me, you have other SDRs in the shack, you’ll find that you’ll seldom use the Alinco as an SDR. Your other digital IQ-based receivers or IF receivers will most likely run circles around it.

Thanks, Alinco

I think it’s pretty cool that for under $500, you can purchase an excellent tabletop receiver like the Alinco DX-R8T/E. Its price tag is significantly lower than its top two competitors (the Icom R75 and Palstar R30A). Still, even with this price edge, Alinco added bonuses like a detachable face plate and SDR functionality, making this a “Swiss Army Knife” of a receiver. So, again,I’ll say…thanks, Alinco!

What do you think?

If you are using the Alinco DX-R8T or E as an SDR and feel you are achieving better performance than I’ve described, or would like to share any other thoughts/suggestions, please comment below. Note that my Alinco is a very early-release–perhaps from the first production run. It is possible that some of the issues I mention above have been resolved  in later production, or that I simply have not finished properly tweaking settings.  I await your responses!

 

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21 thoughts on “Using and setting up the Alinco DX-R8T/E receiver as an SDR (software defined radio)

  1. Fabio

    I have a ALINCO DX-SR8, but it does not have function IQ. Can I use function SDR in ALINCO DX-SR8 ? I have the EWR-7 cable. Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Hal Mandel

    From what I’ve gathered herein, the DX-R8T/E is best left unbutchered.

    There are several other SDR boxes such as the SDRPlay R! and R2, and the RF Space SDR/IQ, which are targeted towards providing superior band management.

    The whole idea for me was to get away from the Wurlitzer console and just have a small receiver in the bedroom, to do some light SWL-ing as I fall to sleep. If I start getting into the dongles and the laptops and the cables I might as well get out of bed and fire up the Wurlie.

    Lastly, has anyone any idea about modding the T to become an E and get a smidgeon more spectrum on it?

    Reply
  3. M S Usher

    I just bought the radio. It is a great radio. But I cannot get it to work with the KGSDR software. Looking at their website I suspect this is because I am using a laptop. Its says it might not work. Can the Alinco be made work with SDR#? It is my favourite software because of its ease of use.

    Reply
  4. Nik

    Why would you want to do this when there’s a perfect frintdace to work with. Resorting to PCs and getting tied up to screens is horrific. It takes the radio culture out of it.

    Reply
  5. Kevinr

    Hi, running win 7 64b, the FTDI installer will not install the drivers. Where do I manually place the drivers?
    Thanks

    Reply
  6. Lino

    Hi i have the Alinco DX-R8 E & T only trouble im having is i want to use the 1khz step but havent been able to change on either main intrest for me is monitoring hf aero..

    Regards Lino..

    Reply
  7. Magdiel Cruz

    My audio recordings of DRM received in IQ Mode of Alinco DX-R8T and Dream Software for DRM!!!:
    http://www.goear.com/listen/c6e9197/radio-new-zealand-intl-drm-rnz
    http://www.goear.com/listen/a57bc7a/20130201bbc0322-03446140-bbc-world-service
    http://www.goear.com/listen/b5b4cf7/5875-bbc-jan-12-2013-0726utc-bbc-world-service
    http://www.goear.com/listen/46457ec/radio-rumania-drm-0631utc-jan12-2013-rri
    http://www.goear.com/listen/4190c57/ree-drm-9630khz-15enero2013-0042utc-radio-exterior-de-espana

    Reply
  8. Magdiel Cruz

    I have two receivers, Icomo IC-R75 and new Alinco DX-R8T. Undoubtedly, better selectivity is the R75!!! I use the Alinco mostly for digital signalds decoding as DRM (Is great when you hears Radio New Zealand, Radio Vaticana, BBC, Radio Romania International, The Disco Palace, Radio Exterior de España in Mexico, by DRM!!!! Alinco is modern and friendly with you PC!!! 73

    Reply
  9. Owen

    Interesting article. I have a question, how wide is the chunk of spectrum visible on the software? For example, the Funcube Pro+ has 192kHz visible on SDR#

    Reply
    1. Thomas Post author

      Hi, Owen,

      I’m not in front of the Alinco at the moment, but I believe visible spectrum is only 26-32 kHz or so. The SDR functionality of the DX-R8 is a great feature/addition. The DX-R8 is still a fantastic value for the performance you get as a tabletop radio. I would not purchase a DX-R8 for use as an SDR, though. I would get a CommRadio CR-1–it’s slightly pricier, but in the coming months will have a USB connected IQ out.

      I must play with a Funcube Pro+ sometime. If you have one now, feel free to share your thoughts!

      Cheers,
      Thomas

      Reply
  10. Tom

    FYI there is now an aio.dll file that will allow the Alinco DXR8 to work with HDSDR etc., and an ini file to allow to interface with Omni rig! I am having fun with the Alinco, its the first receiver I turn to at the moment, the IQ is great to “see where ” the signals are. SW is as sensitive as my ICOM 8500. I don’t use most of the menu functions 🙂 just what I need .. Its a keeper for me

    Reply
  11. tom

    Still toying with the Alinico vs Icom R75, both seem very good. I want for MW . SW listening , and HF Aero. Is the AM filter as bas as I hear on all the reviews. or are icom fans nit picking ?
    an otherwise modern R75 replacement?

    Also can other software such as HDSDR control the radio, as from what I can tell if
    the IQ output is chosen then the controls and speaker are disabled, if not can you tune the rx normally are use HDSDR at the same time? KGSDR looks pretty basic, and does nothing to sell the SDR aspect of the rx

    (posted on main review also)

    Thank you

    Reply
    1. Thomas Post author

      Hi, Tom,

      I have not done an A/B comparison of the Alinco DX-R8 and Icom R75. I imagine that the R75 has slightly better filtering. The Alinco is not bad, as I state in the main review, in my case, the width of the wide filter is almost too wide at times–the narrow too narrow. I do have an early production run, though. They may have adjusted the filter selection on the DX-R8.

      With that said, I never use the DX-R8 as an SDR. Though a nice feature, there is a compromise in performance. You will need the control cable (+/- $60 US) and a shielded audio patch cord to use the SDR functionality with full RX control. I have heard of people using other open source SDR apps to run the DX-R8, but I have not tried this myself. I bet it’s not a plug-n-play proposition. You’re right in that KGSDR is VERY basic.

      Have you considered a small SDR like the RFSpace IQ? In the States, it’s comparably priced and a MUCH better SDR. Plus, you can see more spectrum and record the IQ.

      -Thomas

      Reply
  12. Tim

    I use the free program HDSDR with my Alinco DX-R8T, from http://www.hdsdr.de/
    It’s easy to use and get up and running. I don’t use it that often because I like turning dials and knobs, and run the audio normally through a Heil Sound ClearSpeech unit which can really clean things up. But to dig out hard signals where I may need notch filters and the like, HDSDR really shines.

    Reply
    1. Thomas Post author

      Thanks for the advice, Tim. I will certainly give HDSDR a go–I think KGSDR leaves much room for improvement. Can HDSDR also tune the Alinco automatically? Cheers! Thomas

      Reply

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