[UPDATE: Click here for information about downloading Steve’s Spectrum Analyser tool.]
(Source: SDRplay)
Steve Andrews contacted the SDRplay forum recently to share ideas for a new Spectrum Analyser tool for use with SDRplay RSPs. A lively discussion started, with a lot of enthusiasm and encouragement from the user community, for something optimised for these devices. Steve is progressing well with the software development and hopes to have an Alpha release of the basic tool available during May. You can follow the discussion, review progress and add your comments by joining the SDRplay forum and going to: https://www.sdrplay.com/community/viewforum.php?f=12 where we have created a section especially for the Spectrum Analyser topic.
I just tried the Spectrum Analyzer. Awesome addition to the SDR Play device. I’m not sure if the screenshot function works, but I can use Windows Snipping Tool just as easily. I plan on taking it to work and WOWING the boss.
Randy KB1QAX
Thanks for the thought-provoking post. As with Robert, many times I’ve wanted a standalone tabletop spectrum analyzer, such as the Rigol DSA-815, but the 1300 dollar price tag keeps me at bay (that’s a lot of groceries!). For the past few years I’ve been using NutsAboutNets’ RF Viewer spectrum analyzer software, along with an SDR dongle which cost about $79 several years ago. This is a rudimentary spec analyzer well worth the price. There are other software-defined spec analyzers out there ranging from $330 (RF Instruments) to the SignalHound (a bit over a grand). In between the two is TriArchy at $699.
For years I have been suffering from “option paralysis” as to what model to upgrade to hi hi, but perhaps it is time to consider the RSP2.
There’s nothing so beautiful to behold as a slice of radio spectrum, viewed on a laptop screen, with many signals constantly appearing, changing in amplitude, and a waterfall below.
You did it again Thomas – I bought one:
http://ae5x.blogspot.com/2018/05/rsp2pro-on-way.html
73 – John AE5X
Great post, John! You’ll find that the RSP2 serves you well for all of those purposes! (Sorry for enabling, though!) 🙂
Heading to Hamvention this year by chance?
73,
Thomas
I’m heading there in 2019 Thomas. It’ll be my first visit – after 40 years in the hobby, I think it’s about due. CU there?
I will certainly be there in ’19, John, and look forward to meeting you in person!
Cheers,
Thomas
Very nice, looking forward to seeing it in action. There are several software applications for showing spectrum analyzer views of signals, so I assume there will be some new ground broken here.
Thanks for passing this along as I have just spent the previous night lusting after spectrum analyzers which are still, unfortunately, out of my budget range!
Cheers!
Robert: you’ll have to let us know what you think about it once released.
Oh, and you’ll need to remember this moment next time you blame me for a radio purchase! 🙂 Remember that I *saved* you money here.
73,
Thomas