Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan (NO2CW), who writes:
I ran a test of weak signals RTL-SDR v4 against Airspy HF+ Discovery. Using sdr # and a few gain adjustments particular to each of the receivers. I ran the test at approximately 9 pm local time using the same W6LVP loop antenna from my location near Miami Florida and I was intentionally looking for barely readable weak signals. The RTL-SDR v4 is a great budget SDR receiver!
Product photo from AliExpress
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan Cholakov (NO2CW) who writes:
Hey I just got a radio from China based on the famed tef6686 tuning chip. Just started checking out the basic functions and will let you know how it fares on the bands.
Video description: This project started by enthusiasts has created many DIY and consumer grade projects. This is one of several receivers that take advantage of the great NXP TEF6686 radio chip. AM (Medium Wave), FM, SW (Shortwave) and Longwave receiver with some unusual features not commonly found on other radios. The DX tests will come after this introduction
Click here to check out Ivan’s video on YouTube.
Thank you for sharing this, Ivan! We look forward to your updates!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan Cholakov, who writes:
Hello Thomas,
Something entertaining – Thomas, N1SPY got his hands on a QST Magazine dated April 2041 if you can believe it! So he shared some of the stories in the magazine in a video and also attached the magazine to this email. I found some of the ideas in the magazine very entertaining.
There is also a story specifically regarding the golden years of shortwave listening – I really wish the “real” shortwave archive described in the magazine becomes reality one day!
The introductory video is here and the pdf magazine is attached.
Click here to download the “2041 QST” as a PDF (6.4 MB).
This is hilarious! Thank you for sharing Ivan and Thomas!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan (NO2CW), who shares the following short demo of the new SDR# Co-Channel interference canceller tool:
That is simply amazing!
Readers note: this powerful tool for DXing is a free upgrade for SDR# users!
Click here to read more about the Co-Channel Canceller.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan (NO2CW), who writes:
The new RSPdx has what they call “High Dynamic Range: (HDR) mode below 2 mHz. I tested a day after receiving the new unit by turning HDR mode on and off. It seemed to make quite a difference when receiving Non Directional Beacons.
As far as Medium Wave itself, I did see some difference but it was harder to make conclusions there as propagation of weak signals on medium wave can change up and down in the course of a minute and some additional testing on Medium Wave will be done in the future. Overall for anyone interested in the world below 2 mHz HDR mode is definitely something to explore!
My video is here:
Thank you for sharing, Ivan!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan Cholakov, who writes:
If you are interested, here’s a video where the power consumption of nine different SDRs was compared:
Click here to view on YouTube.
Fascinating! I’ve always been curious about SDR power consumption because many of my SDRs are rarely turned off. Thank you for sharing, Ivan!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan NO2CW, who shares the following:
I did this video where I compared the two Airspy editions [HF+ and the new HF+ Discovery] only calling them Receiver 1 and Receiver 2:
Click here to view on YouTube.
Using the same W6LVP loop. 3 PM local time daytime propagation. Testing on Medium Wave and Short Wave, no VHF. AM broadcast signals only.
Ivan also included an image comparing the size of the HF+ discovery with other popular SDRs:
From top to bottom: the Microtelecom Perseus, SDRplay RSP, AirSpy HF+, Airspy HF+ Discovery, and the RTL-SDR.com SDR dongle.
When I demo the AirSpy HF+ to radio clubs, folks are amazed that such a tiny SDR can provide benchmark performance. It’s hard to believe the HF+ Discovery might even provide more performance from an even smaller package!
Thanks, Ivan for sharing these comparisons!