Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ken Hansen (N2VIP), who notes:
Ham Radio Outlet has the SDRplay RSP2pro in-stock for $192.95.
As a reminder, the SDRplay RSP2pro is the version enclosed in a full-metal case for maximum RF shielding. Like the SDRplay RSP2 it has three software selectable antenna connections (long wire and two SMA), whereas the original SDRplay RSP1 has just the one SMA connector.
Many thanks to Jon Hudon of SDRplay who shared the following on the SDRplay Facebook page:
One of the SDRplay user community, Jukka, has started an interesting discussion on what he has called ‘propagation-triggered recording’ – he outlines the concept, and what he is doing, on our forum – see http://www.sdrplay.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1839
The idea is that you monitor signals to determine if conditions are particularly good and can thereby trigger an I/Q recording of a whole band during that particular propagation high point -Jukka welcomes more comments on this idea.
Many thanks, Jon. I would certainly be a fan of this as so many times I’ve missed fantastic band openings while travelling. It would be nothing short of brilliant to come home to automatic SDR spectrum recordings taken during prime propagation. At the moment, propagation is so dismal, rare openings are worth recording!
As Jon points out above, check out the SDRplay forum for more details.
The Icom IC-R8600 (Image source: Icom)
This morning, while browsing the latest ARRL QST magazine, I noticed an advertisement for the new Icom IC-R8600 wideband receiver. If you recall, last August, Icom made the announcement that it was introducing two new receivers: The IC-R8600 and the IC-R30 handheld.
The IC-R30 is the successor to the IC-R20 compact handheld receiver, but will have advanced receiving capabilities and be able to decode D-STAR, P25, NXDN and dPMR digital (conventional) modes.
Icom IC-R8600 back panel (Image source: Icom)
The IC-R8600, on the other hand, is more akin to the IC-7300 transceiver in terms of design, but has much more functionality than the IC-7300 and covers a wide range of frequencies (10kHz-3GHz).
The Icom IC-R8600 is essentially a tabletop SDR receiver.
Here are a few features mentioned on the IC-R8600 pre-release brochure:
The back panel connections are pretty comprehensive (click to enlarge):
I will plan to review the IC-R8600 once it has become available. I have no clue yet what pricing will be.
I will post all IC-R8600 updates with the tag: IC-R8600
Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Sylvain (F4GKR), who writes:
I am Sylvain, from Cloud-SDR, a new company selling software to get remote access to your existing SDR receivers through the Internet.
Coud-SDR
- currently supports : SDRPlay, Perseus, BladeRF and AirSpy. LimeSDR to come when received and tested.
- client software is free (can be used as standard SDR receiving software with locally connected devices),
- server software starts at 110 Euros, VAT may be added depending on customer location,
easy to use
From the Cloud-SDR website:
The Cloud-SDR Concept
You need a way to remotely access your existing SDR receiver? To stream your IQ samples to another remote computer over the network?
Cloud-SDR is a commercial software solution to enable real time RF data sharing or processing through the cloud.
Cloud-SDR can collect real-time IQ complex samples from an SDR hardware device connected on one machine, stream the samples to a second machine for demodulation or analysis, then send the resulting stream to third machine for storage.
In standalone mode, Cloud-SDR can execute signal processing tasks described with embedded JavaScript DSP engine.
Because network bandwidth is limited compared to SDR receiving bandwidth, the core concept of Cloud-SDR is to move the processing along the cloud to where it is required or possible : the DSP chain is divided in sub-tasks that are spread between computers interconnected through Internet.
Very cool, Sylvain!
I like the fact your system supports popular affordable SDRs like the SDRplay RSP & AirSpy and that you can stream your IQ samples.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jeremy Clark (VE3PKC), who writes:
I have developed an SDR receiver that may be of interest to your readers. It can be used directly with the Raspberry Pi2B/3B. It comes in several versions DIP/SMD.
I have two eBooks which are basically design manuals for the DIP and SMD version of my SDR receiver. Each eBook has an Internet linked parts list, so that the reader can get their own parts to keep costs down. The DIP eBook is $7.90 CAD and the SMD book is $14.90 CAD.
Click here to view Jeremy’s website.
Thank you, Jeremy–this looks like a fascinating construction project!
Readers: just to be clear, Jeremy is selling eBooks detailing construction–not kits. He did mention if you’re interested in obtaining the PCB, he can sell this as well.
Spectrum display on the 18 meter band.
–UPDATE: This item has sold. Thank you!–
It’s time to thin the herd! Over the coming weeks, I’m planning to liquidate some gear here at the SWLing Post HQ.
I’m selling radios and accessories I no longer use or need for comparison reviews. I’ll plan to post these on the SWLing Post before placing them on something like eBay.
Know that funds from your purchase will help SWLing Post running costs and will be used to purchase future review units.
First up is my HackRF One and Portapack H1 field-portable receiver and spectrum sampling package.
I purchased these new at the 2016 Dayton Hamvention–the HackRF One was purchased at the TAPR booth and the PortaPack H1 at the Sharebrained Technology booth. The Portapack H1 was installed on the HackRF One by its designer Jarod (see below).
While I’m sure a number of readers are familiar with the HackRF One SDR, I doubt many will be familiar with the PortaPack H1, which I found to be one of the more exciting innovations showcased at the 2016 Hamvention.
In essence, the PortaPack H1 is a shield that attaches to the HackRF and adds a touchscreen LCD, navigation controls, headphone jack, real-time clock, micro SD card slot, and custom aluminum case. When you add power via the USB port (or using a USB battery pack) you can utilize many HackRF features without needing a computer or tablet. The PortaPack firmware runs on the fast ARM processors in the HackRF. The only time an external computer is necessary is to reprogram the firmware.
Here’s a short video:
I fell in love with the PortPack H1 and purchased it on the spot at the Hamvention.
Why? Well, among many other things, you can do spectrum recordings natively and save them to a MicroSD card. The PortPack writes the recording as a basic IQ file. I suspect it’ll require a little tinkering to open and playback the file in another SDR application.
I had planned to use the PortPack as a means to do field SDR recordings and do a full review. After all, it must be the most compact, all-in-one solution for doing field spectrum recordings.
Tuned to Radio Australia this morning.
Truth is, though, I haven’t had time to tinker with the PortaPack at all as I’ve been so busy with family life, travels and doing other reviews.
Also, I rarely do field spectrum recordings because I’m lucky enough to live at a site that has little to no radio interference. It would be very difficult for me to find an outdoor location and deploy an antenna that would outperform my home setup. I could see myself using the PortPack while doing proper globe-trotting across the planet, but I have no plans to do this in the near future.
To be clear: though the PortPack H1 works as-is, it is developed with the hacker and experimenter in mind. You would need to figure out which app could import the spectrum files and what format to use.
I’d like to sell this to someone who could use it and would enjoy experimenting. (And possibly writing up something for the SWLing Post? (Hint hint!)
I bet I haven’t used the HackRF/PortaPack combo more than one hour on the air. It’s essentially like new and comes with the PortaPack metal case, the original HackRF One box, HackRF One plastic enclosure/case and cord.
Originally, this package cost me over $500.
I’m selling this HackRF One and PortaPack H1 one shipped and fully insured via the USPS (within the US) for $400.
If you’re seriously interested, but live outside the US, please contact me. I would need to determine shipping costs based on the destination. Note that I’m no expert at doing international shipments, though, so can’t comment regarding import duties and customs clearance or tracking.
I would like to receive funds via PayPal or perhaps Google Wallet. I can do USPS money orders, etc. but they will need to clear prior to shipping (this adds a few days to the turn-around time).
I know very little in terms of operating the PortPack H1, so I would encourage you to check out both the HackRF One and Sharebrained Technology websites to learn more prior to purchasing.
Again, your purchase will essentially help me fund the SWLing Post! Contact me if interested–first come, first serve. Thanks!
Many thanks to Jon Hudson at SDRplay who has just informed me that SDR-Console V3 Preview supports the new SDRplay RSP2.
SDRplay posted the following on their blog:
Many thanks to Simon Brown for updating SDR-Console V3 Preview to fully support both the RSP1 and the RSP2- you can download the software from http://sdr-radio.com/v3_preview_downloads (be sure to click on the software link under where it says ‘Downloads’ unless you want to download the software from the advertisers who support Simon’s work!)
As new YouTube demo videos of SDR-Console V3 in action become available, we will add them to the playlists on our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/SDRplayRSP
Click here to read on the SDRplay blog.
Very cool, Jon! Happy to see app support for the new RSP2 is propagating. Thank you for sharing!