Category Archives: Software Defined Radio

Mark’s multi-user SDR is now online

mark-fahey-beagle-kiwi-sdr

SWLing Post contributor, Mark Fahey, has just announced that his new Beaglebone-powered KiwiSDR receiver is online. Mark notes:

Please try out my multi-user 0-30MHz SDR[.] The test system is operating from my monitoring station at Freemans Reach in south east Australia (near Sydney).

Freemans Reach, Australia

[…]The test system is fully self contained and self operating. The antenna (ALA1530S+) we are using is a magnetic loop with an impedance tracking amplifier designed and manufactured by Wellbrook Communications, Llanwrth Wells in Wales. The receiver and CPU is the result of the Kickstarter funded project “KiwiSDR” which was conceived and designed by John Seamons ex Pixar and Lucas Films.

[…]You can use Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Firefox – but Internet Explorer is not supported at this stage. Tune in on this URL…

http://mediaexplorer.ddns.net:8073/

Mark’s radio shack.

[Four] simultaneous users are supported with totally independent tuning and control

Mark’s Wellbrook ALA1530S+ antenna

Many thanks for sharing your KiwiSDR, Mark! Though demand has been quite high, I have managed to claim one of the four user seats on Mark’s SDR and “listen like a local.”

Mark: you’ve done a great job making a proper listening post for your remote listeners. The KiwiSDR/Wellbrook ALA1530S+ combo is performing admirably!

Click here to use Mark’s KiwiSDR.

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SDRplay releases new API driver for the RSP

SDRuno: Version 1.03 now available

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sdruno-screenshot

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Ladd (KD2KOG), who notes the release of SDRuno version 1.03:

Beta testing is complete. Changelog is below.
Version 1.03 (18th September 2016)

Bug Fixes

High DPI resolution issue.

Various minor bug fixes and typos

Updates

Reworked filter cutoffs

Separate out EXTIO functionality

RSP Ready indicator in Main Window/SETT/Input

Rename FM Stereo Noise Reduction button and slider to FMS-NR to avoid confusion with SNR (Signal Noise Ratio)

Improvements to tuner AGC scheme

Improvements to DC offset scheme

Removed unused buttons in SP1/SP2 windows

LO display in RSP advanced window and the SP1 window

Change defaults (LNA OFF / AGC ON)

Added RDS PTY support

www,sdrplay.com

Click here to download the release notes (PDF).

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PantronX Titus II DRM receiver: HFCC posts “pre-order” form

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titus 2 big

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Aaron Kuhn, who writes:

The HFCC is now collecting “pre-orders” (really expressions of interest in purchasing/demand) for the PantronX Titus II Android Radio at http://hfcc.org/delivery/receivers.phtml

“The purpose of this form is to collect the information on the demand for pre-production samples of the Titus II receiver.

It is NOT BINDING and it does not establish any contract. The ordering party is not obliged to buy the indicated quantity and the supplier is not obliged to deliver it.

Availability: Pre-production batch – 4Q/2016, regular production – 1Q/2017.

Price: Under 100USD plus shipping and local duty/taxes not included.

Payment methods: Wire transfer for larger quantities, PayPal works too, but the buyers would need to add PayPal bank fees.

You will be contacted on the specified e-mail address and asked for a binding order when the exact price and available delivery method is known.”

As Aaron also noted, though the HFCC posted this, the pre-order request form appears to be published by the manufacturer. I’m sure this is a way PantronX can gauge market interest and also decide what first-run production numbers should look like.

Thanks again for the tip, Aaron!

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Medium wave DX logs: WMEX, CFRB, CJBC, WNYC, WARV, WRCA, WWRU received in Oxford, UK

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north-america-map
Hi there, here is a selection of North American medium wave stations logged in Oxford UK, over the past couple of weeks using the Elad FDM DUO and Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop antenna (indoors). A quick list of stations logged follows below – with URL links which will take you directly to the respective reception video on the Oxford Shortwave Log YouTube channel. Embedded reception videos follow further below. A subsequent posting will follow detailing some South American stations logged recently on medium wave, using the same Elad/Wellbrook set-up. Thanks for watching/ listening and I wish you all great DX.

Medium wave DX: WMEX Boston Talk Radio 1510 KHz, wonderful signal

Medium wave DX: CFRB Newstalk 1010 Toronto 1010 kHz, with clear ID

Medium wave DX: CJBC Toronto 860 kHz, French language network of CBC

1000th video! Medium wave DX: WNYC 820 kHz, New York Public Radio (presumed)

Medium wave DX: WARV 1590 kHz, Warwick, Rhode Island, USA

Medium wave DX: WRCA 1330 kHz, Waltham Massachusetts, clear ID

Medium wave DX: WWRU Jersey City 1660 kHz, New Jersey, clear ID

Clint Gouveia is the author of this post and a regular contributor to the SWLing Post. Clint actively publishes videos of his shortwave radio excursions on his YouTube channel: Oxford Shortwave Log. Clint is based in Oxfordshire, England.

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Advice using the RTL-SDR on the Mac OS operating system?

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RTL-SDR-RTL2832U-e1471375714199

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gary Wise (W4EEY), who writes:

A good friend of mine recently bought an RTL-SDR (Version 3) from Amazon after seeing the unit in action at my house.

He primarily uses Apple computers, however, and the software selections for Apple’s IOS recommended at the RTL-SDR Quick Start Guide (http://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-quick-start-guide/) don’t install easily (I understand they refuse to install due to security issues or restrictions).

What could you or your readers recommend for my friend (doesn’t have to be free)?

Thanks for sharing your question, Gary. I would also love to know a way to use my MacBook Air with the new RTL-SDR without having to run a dual-boot of Windows.

Earlier this year, Chris Smolinski, developed an easier way to run the RTL-SDR on a Mac, but I’m not sure if it can take advantage of the new HF coverage. Has anyone tried?

Readers: please comment if you have suggestions for Gary or if you’ve successfully used the new RTL-SDR on a Mac OSX.

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SDRplay RSP now only $129 in the US

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The SDRplay RSP software defined radio

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Hansgen (K8RAT), who shares the following message from SDRplay:

Monday September 12th

Thanks to the weakening of the GB Pound, the dollar exchange rate has changed significantly over the past few months. We have decided that we would like to pass on the benefit of this to our customers and so have reduced the price for which we sell the RSP to those customers who buy directly from us in US Dollars down to $129.

Thanks for the tip, Mike! That’s a fantastic price for the SDRplay RSP which, I believe, was already a good value at $149 US. Click here to purchase the RSP directly from SDRplay.

Update: HRO have also adjusted their RSP pricing to $129 US.

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