Many thanks to Dave Zantow (N9EWO) for apprising me of an update to the CommRadio line: the new CommRadio CR-1a.
Based on information published by CommRadio, it appears that the main difference is a change to the USB hardware which has been improved to provide:
- Digital I-Q (for third-party SDR developers), and
- One-step user programming (versus two-step with the CR-1).
Other differences are minor, and primarily cosmetic: for example, the CR-1a OLED display is now amber instead of green. Also, the CR-1a lacks the 1/8” HF antenna jack found on the CR-1 (CommRadio notes that the HF-BNC jack is superior).
Software updates and RF-analog DSP architecture are identical to the original CommRadio CR-1.
To me, the USB update is significant in that it results in the CR-1a’s ability to export IQ data via a USB cable.
This could make the CR-1a a very versatile and portable stand-alone or computer-linked SDR. Better yet, it can even be battery powered: the only SDR I know of with this feature.
Still can’t find out if the radio supports DRM broadcast reception, or allows computer control of the radio. They say that they supply software that allows for “basic 200 kHz Spectrum-Scope PC GUI”. What ever that means.