Many thanks to Jon Hudson at SDRplay who notified me that they have released a Raspberry Pi 2 API for the SDRplay RSP receiver. Note that the API is a “pre-release” version and you’ll need to reference the included Linux installation notes.
If you have the RSP and a Rasberry Pi 2, you might consider trying the new software. The SDRplay development team are eager to hear feedback.
The Tecsun PL-680 is now available on eBay via my favorite Hong Kong-based seller, Anon-Co. Pricing is currently $105.99 + $18.00 shipping to UK/US, $29.00 shipping to everyone else.
Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Franz Miller, who writes:
“I’ve pasted a link below to the webpage at Conrad in Germany for yet another Franzis radio kit; no idea how good it is, but it looks neato-retro to me. Covers longwave, medium, shortwave VHF, & UHF, allegedly. Price on Conrad’s website is around 69 Euros.”
Click here to view the new Franzis Radio Kit on Conrad’s website.
I truly appreciate the reminder, too, that I have a previous model Franzis kit somewhere in storage that I need to unearth and build! I assume this new Franzis model also has a cardboard chassis.
Update–Tomas adds the following comment:
Here is a link to the Franzis site where there are several pictures and also a two minute video demonstrating the kit.
http://www.franzis.de/
elektronik/lernpakete- elektronik/der-grosse-franzis- radiobaukasten# Of course, for SW it only supports the 41-meter band.
The Bonito MegaLoop ML200
I’ve just heard from German manufacturer, Bonito, who has added several new products to their product line:
MegaLoop ML200: The MegaLoop is a 5 meter active stainless steel loop antenna that can be used outdoors. The MegaLoop ML200 ships with a Dual Power power supply (including the ability to power via USB).
Bonito notes that the Megaloop ML200 is currently available for a special price of 279,00€ (incl. 19% VAT) at HamradioShop.net.
The MegActiv 305
MegActiv 305: The MegActiv 305 is a compact antenna designed for low-noise reception between 9 kHz and 300 MHz. It has a radiating element of 18cm and can be powered with 5-15 VDC (max.120mA) or with the supplied Dual Power unit CPI 1000DP via USB.
The MegActiv 305 will be available for purchase end of April for an introductory offer of 174,99€ (incl. 19% VAT).
Fenu at fenu-radio.ch will review a sample of the MegActiv 305 in the near future.
OVP1000 Over Voltage Protector: The OVP1000 is an in-line over voltage protector for your receiver. It’s designed to dissipate current pulses caused by nearby thunderstorms. The OVP 1000 protects against high power surges in three ways:
The OVP1000
The OVP1000 is available now for 59,00€ at Hamradioshop.net.
For full details about these new products, please visit Bonito’s blog.
And many thanks to Bonito who is a proud sponsor of the SWLing Post!
After posting about the price reduction in the SDRplay RSP, Wyn Evans commented with his comparison of the SDRplay RSP and Airspy (another popular low-cost wideband SDR). Wyn writes:
I have both and Airspy and the SDRplay RSP. I like them both, but on balance I prefer the RSP. The pluses of the RSP over the Airspy for me are:
1. Sensitivity – At least with my Airspy, I find the sensitivity a bit disappointing. The RSP is on the other hand excellent. I read on another forum one user claiming that the difference between the two was as much as 3 dB. I can’t verify the number, but I would not be surprised if it were about right
2. HF support – Absolutely fantastic, no up-converter needed
3. ZIF or Low IF. In ZIF mode, with calibration, you can get image free reception
4. Programmable filters. You can change the selectivity from as low as 200 KHz to the full bandwidth of 8 MHz, This is a huge plus for DX-ing if you live in an area with very strong local stations
The plus for the Airspy is that there is does cover the gap between 380 MHz and 430 MHz, with the RSP doesn’t. For some people, this is a really big deal.
Both seem to have about the same dynamic range, which isn’t surprising as despite using different tuners, the ADCs seem to be virtually identical.
So in summary, I think both are pretty good products with pluses and minuses, but at this new price point, as long as you don’t need to use 380 – 430 MHz, there is really only one I would choose now.
Many thanks for your comparison, Wyn. As I stated before, my impression of the SDRplay RSP is quite good so far. I live in a very RF quiet area–I am curious if anyone has used the SDRplay in urban areas, near local broadcast stations and experienced any overloading or serious imaging.
Jeff over at the excellent Herculodg blog, is about to pull the trigger on this Sangean WR-15. I must admit, I’m mighty tempted, too–about as tempted as I get for radios lacking shortwave coverage.
I love the simple design, the analog dial, and the three choices of finish: walnut, black leatherette, and silver piano finish.
At $145.95, the WR-15 is no bargain basement find, but I’m willing to bet it’ll perform quite well. Perhaps as well as my Tivoli Model One? We’ll see.
I’m sure Jeff will post a review on the Herculodge after he receives his unit in the coming weeks/months! Thanks for the tip, Jeff!
I just received the following tweet from @SDRplay:
We’ve been able to reduce the SDRplay RSP price to $149 or £99 (approx €149 ) + tax/shipping. See http://www.sdrplay.com
I’ve just started reviewing the SDRplay RSP for the June 2015 issue of The Spectrum Monitor Magazine. Preliminary impressions of this SDR are quite positive–especially for a receiver in this price class. At $149 US, the SDRplay RSP is now less expensive that the Funcube Dongle Pro+. Indeed, the RSP is even less expensive than portables like the Tecsun PL-880 and Sangean ATS-909X.
Over the next two months (as I get to know the RSP better) I will post the occasional broadcast recording using the SDRplay RSP with HDSDR and SDR#.