A fake SDRplay RSP1A on Walmart.com
SDRplay recently posted this article which focuses on counterfeit products. It’s a worthy read.
They’ve seen an uptick of people contacting them believing they’ve purchased a genuine SDRplay SDR only to discover it’s a counterfeit and will not work with new SDR Uno releases.
As I’ve mentioned before: I’m not a fan of counterfeits and will not knowingly link to them on this site.
The problem with fake products is that they’re not supported by the original manufacturer and often don’t perform up to the same specifications. The price difference is negligible–sometimes fakes are even higher than the genuine article (see the ad at the top of the page as a case in point). I feel like any money saved is a moot point when counterfeit product can’t take advantage of firmware upgrades and RF performance isn’t tested and verified.
It’s best to purchase either directly from the manufacturer or their authorized dealers.
Also, when you purchase the genuine item, you’re supporting the innovators in our radio world. Companies like SDRplay, AirSpy, and ELAD–original SDR manufacturers–are always seeking a means to get the best performance and functionality out of their products. They do meaningful research and development and implement customer feedback in each product iteration. Fake products do not: they merely copy and sell. They have no R&D department. Their quality control is all over the place.
When purchasing a new SDR–or any product for that matter–I encourage you to buy the real deal, Not only will you have product support in the long run, but you’ll also be investing in the innovators of our radio world.