{"id":32107,"date":"2018-05-18T07:03:33","date_gmt":"2018-05-18T11:03:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=32107"},"modified":"2018-05-18T08:05:18","modified_gmt":"2018-05-18T12:05:18","slug":"a-review-of-the-sdrplay-rspduo-14-bit-dual-tuner-sdr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/05\/a-review-of-the-sdrplay-rspduo-14-bit-dual-tuner-sdr\/","title":{"rendered":"A review of the SDRplay RSPduo 14-bit dual tuner SDR"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_32061\" style=\"width: 635px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32061\" class=\"size-large wp-image-32061\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-624x468.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports.jpg 1048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-32061\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new SDRplay RSPduo<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Moments ago, I posted a<a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/05\/sdrplay-announces-the-rspduo-a-14-bit-dual-tuner-sdr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> press release<\/a> from the UK-based software-defined radio manufacturer, <a href=\"http:\/\/sdrplay.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SDRplay<\/a>, announcing their latest product: the <strong>RSPduo<\/strong>: a 14-bit Dual Tuner SDR.<\/p>\n<p>I should start with the disclaimer that, not only was I sent an RSPduo to review and evaluate, but SDRplay has been a supporter of the <i>SWLing Post<\/i> for a few years now. \u00a0You\u2019ve no doubt seen their ads in the upper right corner of our site. After I reviewed their first SDR (the RSP1) I discovered that SDRplay\u2013\u2013all of their staff and supporters\u2013\u2013welcome constructive criticism and even invite frank discussions. They\u2019re a company with integrity. \u00a0No doubt, this is why I agreed to alpha- and beta-test their SDRs. Fortunately, I\u2019ve not been disappointed.<\/p>\n<p>As a company, moreover, SDRplay breaks the mold\u2013\u2013and in very good ways:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>SDRplay is a small company that employs actual radio enthusiasts. Their designs and software cater to DXers, SWLs, hams, scanner enthusiasts, amateur astronomers, experimenters, and makers, among others.<\/li>\n<li>SDRplay designs and builds their products in the United Kingdom. No doubt they could increase their profit margin by using manufacturing centers in China, but they choose not to do so, to the benefit of their products.<\/li>\n<li>The quality of the company\u2019s products is, at least to date, <i>excellent<\/i>.<\/li>\n<li>SDRplay\u2019s product pricing is nonetheless quite affordable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>That last item, in particular, is a head-scratcher. \u00a0Considering these facts, how does SDRplay still manage to keep their pricing so competitive? I only wish I knew. \u00a0When the company released the RSP1A last year, I had already spent a few months with alpha and beta units, mulling over their respective merits (and there were many). \u00a0So I was simply gobsmacked when they announced that the price would be just $99 US. I rather figured the company was leaving money on the table, although I was pleased to announce this price to my readers here.<\/p>\n<p>Fast-forward to two weeks ago: I received the new RSPduo to review. And the price this time? $279 US. While this is currently the priciest product in the SDRplay line, let\u2019s go over what makes this SDR special&#8230;and why I <i>still <\/i>think SDRplay may be leaving money on the table.<\/p>\n<h2>Introducing the SDRplay RSPduo<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The RSPduo is unlike any other SDR in the SDRplay product line, and, indeed, unlike most of the budget SDRs currently on the market.<\/p>\n<p>As \u201cduo\u201d implies, this RSP features <b>dual independent tuners<\/b>, both piped through a single high-speed USB 2.0 interface. With the RSPduo, you can explore two completely separate 2 MHz bands of spectrum anywhere between 1kHz and 2GHz.<\/p>\n<p>SDRplay lays out several use-scenarios in their press release:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The ability to simultaneously receive on two totally independent 2 MHz spectrum windows anywhere between 1 kHz and 2 GHz<\/li>\n<li>Simultaneous processing from 2 antennas enables direction-finding, diversity, and noise-reduction applications<\/li>\n<li>Ideal for cross band full-duplex reception, e.g. HF + VHF, or VHF + UHF<\/li>\n<li>Simultaneous Dump1090 and VHF ATC reception<\/li>\n<li>Simultaneous monitoring and recording of 2 ISM bands<\/li>\n<li>Use SDRuno to seamlessly control and manage the dual tuner in a single environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Externally, the RSPduo bears a strong resemblance to the RSP2pro. Internally, however, it\u2019s quite different.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-Ports-Angle-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-32060\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-Ports-Angle-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-Ports-Angle-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-Ports-Angle-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-Ports-Angle-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-Ports-Angle-2-624x468.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-Ports-Angle-2.jpg 1048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Besides featuring a second independently controlled tuner, the RSPduo also sports 14 bit ADCs and a completely re-designed RF front end, which enhances receiver selectivity and improves dynamic range.<\/p>\n<p>In short, the RSPduo is like having <i>two <\/i>SDRs in one.<\/p>\n<h2>Performance<\/h2>\n<p>I received the RSPduo during a very busy time of the year: the build up to the Hamvention in Xenia, OH.<\/p>\n<p>One of the first things I noticed about the RSPduo is its weight. When I picked up the package from SDRplay, I could tell it weighed at least <i>twice<\/i> that of the RSP1A. One reason for the extra heft is that the RSPduo, like the RSP2 Pro, has a metal enclosure. I\u2019m willing to bet the RSPduo also has more shielding\u2013\u2013adding even a little extra weight.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve had the RSPduo on the air for more than a week now, and have checked out all of its major functions and begun to learn the nuances of navigating the dual receivers in the latest version of SDRuno.<\/p>\n<p>SDRplay will, I feel sure, post a primer video on using the various dual tuner functions in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Installation of the software, even in pre-production, was totally a \u201cplug-and-play\u201d experience. Simply install the SDRuno software package with the RSPduo disconnected from the USB port. \u00a0Plug in the RSPduo, and wait for the USB driver to load, then open SDRuno. That\u2019s it. You\u2019re on the air!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As I\u2019ve indicated, the RSPduo is really like having two RSP1As in a single RSP2 Pro package. One of these dual receivers\u2013\u2013the master\u2013\u2013can utilize either a standard 50 ohm SMA antenna port, or a Hi-Z port. The second receiver uses one 50 ohm SMA antenna port just like the RSP1A.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Hi-Z-Antenna-Connection.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-32063\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Hi-Z-Antenna-Connection.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"701\" height=\"786\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Hi-Z-Antenna-Connection.jpg 701w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Hi-Z-Antenna-Connection-268x300.jpg 268w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Hi-Z-Antenna-Connection-624x700.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I much prefer using the Hi-Z port for everything longwave and mediumwave. \u00a0I did hook up both antenna ports on the master receiver, however, and switched back and forth between the two. At least in my antenna setup, I feel like the Hi-Z option lends itself to improved sensitivity on these bands. It\u2019s not a dramatic difference\u2013\u2013indeed, looking at the spectrum display one barely notices the difference\u2013\u2013but my ears told me the noise floor was lower and signal strength slightly better with the Hi-Z port. Above 2 MHz, the Hi-Z port is not prefered since it lacks the same level of RF pre-selection as the 50 ohm ports provide.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike the Hi-Z port with the RSP2, the RSPduo treats the Hi-Z port more like an auxiliary antenna port. When I employed the Hi-Z port in the HF bands, I did notice small spurious noises, but this might have been due to my antenna port configuration here in the shack (my Hi-Z connector is simply attached to the shield and center conductor of my coax).<\/p>\n<p>Again, however, for anything above 2 MHz, SDRplay suggests using the 50 ohm ports.<\/p>\n<h2>How to set up dual receivers on one screen\/monitor<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32068\" style=\"width: 635px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPduo-DualReceiverDisplay-2-e1526431470120.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32068\" class=\"wp-image-32068 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPduo-DualReceiverDisplay-2-1024x554.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"338\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-32068\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Listening to the FM broadcast band on the main receiver and Voice of Greece shortwave on the second receiver.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>One of the first things I was eager to do was to run the <strong>dual receiver functionality<\/strong> on one monitor.\u00a0 Although SDRplay makes this a pretty simple process in the latest version of SDRuno, I still stumbled a bit as I learned to navigate the controls.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a quick primer to get both receivers on the air on one monitor\/screen:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First, open SDRuno in \u201csingle receiver mode\u201d (the typical SDRuno default).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-default-screen.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-32111\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-default-screen-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"351\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Next, click on the \u201cRSPduo mode\u201d button and select one of the modes. \u00a0In this case, I\u2019m not running the ADS-B application, so I\u2019ll choose \u201cDUAL (NORMAL)\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Dual-Window-Box-2-e1526386722953.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-32092\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Dual-Window-Box-2-1024x414.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"253\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Now, to format the \u201cMaster\u201d receiver windows so they only use the top half of the monitor, click on the OPT button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPduo-Options-button.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-32091\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPduo-Options-button.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"426\" height=\"242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPduo-Options-button.jpg 426w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPduo-Options-button-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 426px) 100vw, 426px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Select \u201cAuto Layouts\u201d and \u201cRSPduo Master.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPdua-Master-Slave-Layout-box-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-32093\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPdua-Master-Slave-Layout-box-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"580\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPdua-Master-Slave-Layout-box-2.jpg 580w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/RSPdua-Master-Slave-Layout-box-2-300x207.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve followed these steps with me, your screen should look something like this:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-Master-Window-Format-e1526386564453.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-32090\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-Master-Window-Format-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"351\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Now you\u2019ll want to start the second receiver.<\/strong> Do this by opening the SDRuno application again (as if you were opening SDRuno for the first time). Make sure you\u2019ve selected your RSPduo if you have more than one RSP connected.<\/p>\n<p>The new instance of SDRuno will fill the entire screen by default, so you\u2019ll need to format it to occupy the lower half of the screen.<\/p>\n<p>Simply click on the OPT button again, select \u201cAuto Layouts,\u201d and \u201cRSPduo Slave.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-Slave-Format-Receiver.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-32089\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-Slave-Format-Receiver.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"477\" height=\"358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-Slave-Format-Receiver.jpg 477w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-Slave-Format-Receiver-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Your full screen should now look something like this:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Full-Window-Display-SDRuno-e1526386523368.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-32088 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Full-Window-Display-SDRuno-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"352\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now you can start using both receivers, but you\u2019ll have to always start the \u201cMaster\u201d receiver first. In fact, the \u201cMaster\u201d receiver must always be active in order to operate the \u201cSlave\u201d receiver. You can always close the \u201cSlave\u201d receiver without affecting the \u201cMaster\u201d receiver; however, if you close the \u201cMaster\u201d receiver, you will effectively close both receivers.<\/p>\n<p>Again, I fully expect SDRplay will soon produce a demonstration video showing how you can navigate SDRuno\u2019s new dual-receiver functionality.<\/p>\n<h2>Comparisons<\/h2>\n<p>As I\u2019ve mentioned in most previous SDR reviews, I do like to take a considerable amount of time to set up SDR comparisons.<\/p>\n<p>Herein lies the difficulty of reviewing an SDR\u2019s performance. Because the user has so much power to control variables and thus shape the receiver\u2019s function, it\u2019s actually quite hard to make an \u201capples-to-apples\u201d comparison\u2013\u2013insuring that all important filters, gain controls, DSP, etc., are as close to identical as possible.<\/p>\n<p>One tool that helps me do this is <a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/02\/sdr-console-version-3-a-holy-grail-sdr-application-for-the-radio-archivist\/\">SDR Console<\/a>, since it can control a number of SDRs and receiver parameters can be set up identically. \u00a0Unfortunately, the RSPduo is so new, SDR Console doesn\u2019t yet support it.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-FreqDual.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-32066\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-FreqDual.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"577\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-FreqDual.jpg 577w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRuno-FreqDual-300x254.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I did use SDRuno to compare the RSPduo with the RSP1A. Fortunately, I could actually run two separate instances of SDRuno simultaneously (and on different monitors, in my case). Both were hooked up to the same antenna via my ELAD ASA15 antenna splitter amplifier.<\/p>\n<p>The RSPduo\u2019s improved dynamic range gives it an advantage in terms of noise floor, sensitivity, and selectivity.<\/p>\n<p>The improved performance is not <i>dramatic<\/i>\u2013\u2013but I understand it might be especially detectable to those who want a receiver with a more robust front end.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, the RSPduo&#8217;s 50 ohm coaxial ports have quite an array of automatically configured front end filters:<\/p>\n<p>Low Pass<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2 MHz Band Pass<\/li>\n<li>2-12 MHz<\/li>\n<li>12-30 MHz<\/li>\n<li>30-60 MHz<\/li>\n<li>60-120 MHz<\/li>\n<li>120-250 MHz<\/li>\n<li>250-300 MHz<\/li>\n<li>300-380 MHz<\/li>\n<li>380-420 MHz<\/li>\n<li>420-1000 MHz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>High Pass<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1000 MHz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And an array of notch filters<\/p>\n<p>FM Notch Filter:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&gt;30dB 77 \u2013 115MHz<\/li>\n<li>&gt;50dB 85 \u2013 107MHz<\/li>\n<li>&gt;3dB 144 \u2013 148MHz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>MW Notch Filter:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&gt;15dB 400 \u2013 1650kHz<\/li>\n<li>&gt;30dB 500 \u2013 1530kHz<\/li>\n<li>&gt;40dB 540 \u2013 1490kHz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>DAB Notch Filter:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&gt;20dB 155 \u2013 235MHz<\/li>\n<li>&gt;30dB 160 \u2013 230MHz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The thing is, I live in an RF quiet area, so I can\u2019t fully take advantage of the SDRuno\u2019s more robust front end.<\/p>\n<p>In head-to-head comparisons with the RSP1A, the RSPduo\u2019s performance edge is discernible. Again, I suspect it would be a bit more obvious if I lived in an urban setting with blowtorch stations in the neighborhood. Using the Hi-Z antenna port in the mediumwave portions of the band, the RSPduo has a performance edge over the RSP1A, as well.<\/p>\n<h2>Should you grab the RSPduo?<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_32061\" style=\"width: 635px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32061\" class=\"size-large wp-image-32061\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-624x468.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports.jpg 1048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-32061\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new SDRplay RSPduo<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Anytime a new product hits the market, I ask myself if this is the sort of product that would tempt me to reach for my hard-earned cash.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The short answer? \u00a0Absolutely! <em>Take my money, please!<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong> There is no other sub-$300 SDR on the market currently that has the dual tuner functionality of the RSPduo. Thing is, I&#8217;ve only had the RSPdup a couple of weeks&#8211;there&#8217;s so much yet I want to explore here&#8211;especially\u00a0diversity reception!<\/p>\n<p>But what if you already <i>have <\/i>an SDRplay SDR? Afterall, the RSP1A was only released a few months ago, and the RSP2 series only a year before that.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s my opinion: \u00a0If you\u2019re an <a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2017\/11\/a-review-of-the-sdrplay-rsp1a-software-defined-radio\/\"><strong>RSP1A<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/announcing-the-new-sdrplay-rsp2\/\"><strong>RSP2<\/strong><\/a> owner who is pleased with this SDR\u2019s performance, I wouldn\u2019t necessarily urge you to purchase the RSPduo simply for the modestly enhanced performance characteristics. SDRplay hasn\u2019t retired the RSP2 and RSP1A designs because each model still holds its own, has a purpose, and obviously enjoys a healthy market.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>RSP1A<\/strong> is the affordable yet <i>high performance<\/i> entry model in the SDRplay product line. It\u2019s really the best value in the radio world, in my humble opinion, at just $99 US. \u00a0Som enjoy.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>RSP2<\/strong> and <strong>RSP2pro<\/strong> provide excellent performance, three software-selectable antenna inputs, and clocking features, all of which lend it to amateur radio, industrial, scientific, and educational applications; it is a sweet SDR for $169 or $199 (Pro version). I know of no other SDRs with this set of features at this price point. If I liked the characteristics of the RSPduo, but didn\u2019t really need a dual receiver for my application, I\u2019d probably reach for the RSP2 Pro.<\/p>\n<p>But if you have <a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/07\/a-review-of-the-sdrplay-rsp-software-defined-receiver\/\"><strong>the original RSP<\/strong><\/a>, and like SDRuno and the SDRplay community, then I would certainly consider this an opportunity to upgrade. For $279, you\u2019re getting a dual receiver SDR with excellent performance characteristics that will easily surpass the original RSP\u2013\u2013considering that you\u2019re essentially getting<i> two <\/i>very good SDRs in one.<\/p>\n<p>And if you\u2019re all over the spectrum (aren\u2019t we all a bit\u2013\u2013quite literally?) in terms of usage, the RSPduo is a fascinating machine for running, say, an ADS-B receiver while independently using the same SDR box to monitor other parts of the spectrum. Or one can listen for FM DX on one receiver while trying to snag elusive LW DX on the other.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-USB-port.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-32062\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-USB-port-1024x635.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-USB-port-1024x635.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-USB-port-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-USB-port-768x476.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-USB-port-624x387.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-USB-port.jpg 1268w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Better yet, the RSPduo only uses <i>one<\/i> USB port\u2013\u2013an important factor if you\u2019re using a laptop or tablet. Of course, having two receivers on two different antennas, while sharing one data port, means syncing them for diversity reception is especially effective. This alone will sway many SDR experimenters in favor of this rig.<\/p>\n<p>I have yet to compare the RSPduo with the brilliant little <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/the-airspy-hf-sdr-first-impressions\/\">AirSpy HF+<\/a><\/strong>. The AirSpy HF+ is <i>not<\/i> a wideband receiver like the SDRplay RSP series; it only covers 9 kHz to 31 MHz and 60 to 260 MHz. But if your primary concern is HF performance, the HF+ and its excellent dynamic range will impress you, if you\u2019re anything like me. It\u2019s also a bargain at $199\u2013\u2013very hard to beat!<\/p>\n<p><strong>The RSPduo is a good value, in my opinion\u2013\u2013and an inexpensive upgrade to a proper dual receiver SDR\u2013\u2013so if that\u2019s the sort of thing you\u2019d like to add to your shack, go ahead and bite the bullet!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In fact, I suspect SDRplay will quickly sell out of all of the units they bring to the 2018 Hamvention (SDRplay: pack some extras!). I\u2019m happy to see the company continue to push the price and performance envelope to such exceptional ends. I\u2019m also looking forward to the many applications SDRplay customers (and our readers) find for the RSPduo.<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned! I plan to post more comparisons in the future.<\/p>\n<p>And if you acquire an RSPduo and find some new and fun applications for it, please share!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/sdrplay.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Click here to check out the RSPduo at SDRplay.com.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Moments ago, I posted a press release from the UK-based software-defined radio manufacturer, SDRplay, announcing their latest product: the RSPduo: a 14-bit Dual Tuner SDR. I should start with the disclaimer that, not only was I sent an RSPduo to review and evaluate, but SDRplay has been a supporter of the SWLing Post for a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[373,2436,433,836,3,129,5803,43,154,158,3485],"tags":[7048,4108,326,7047,157,3711,7043,4087],"class_list":["post-32107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-am","category-longwave","category-mediumwave","category-new-products","category-news","category-reviews","category-scanners","category-shortwave-radio","category-shortwave-radio-reviews","category-software-defined-radio","category-vlf","tag-amvention","tag-new-products","tag-product-announcements","tag-rspduo","tag-sdr","tag-sdrplay","tag-sdrplay-rspduo","tag-software-defined-radio"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-8lR","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":32052,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/05\/sdrplay-announces-the-rspduo-a-14-bit-dual-tuner-sdr\/","url_meta":{"origin":32107,"position":0},"title":"SDRplay announces the RSPduo: A 14-bit Dual Tuner SDR","author":"Thomas","date":"May 18, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"(Source: SDRplay Press Release) SDRplay announces the RSPduo \u2013 A 14-bit Dual Tuner SDR Today at the Dayton Hamvention, SDRplay Limited is announcing the launch of a new Software Defined Radio product \u2013 the RSPduo. The RSPduo is a radical new addition to the RSP line of SDR receivers from\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;AM&quot;","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":38010,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/hamvention-highlights-affordable-diversity-reception-with-the-sdrplay-rspduo\/","url_meta":{"origin":32107,"position":1},"title":"Hamvention Highlights: Affordable diversity reception with the SDRplay RSPduo","author":"Thomas","date":"May 31, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Each year at the Dayton Hamvention I enjoy checking out the latest radio products and services. This year (2019) I found an exceptional number of innovations and will share these in Hamvention Highlights posts. If you would like to check out 2019 Hamvention Highlights as I publish them, bookmark this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Ham Radio&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/9DE5153D-D28A-4B35-9291-E9673D9E02D0-e1559298699129-768x1024.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/9DE5153D-D28A-4B35-9291-E9673D9E02D0-e1559298699129-768x1024.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/9DE5153D-D28A-4B35-9291-E9673D9E02D0-e1559298699129-768x1024.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":43503,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/new-sdrply-raspberry-pi-image-supports-the-rspdx-and-rdpduo\/","url_meta":{"origin":32107,"position":2},"title":"New SDRply Raspberry Pi image supports the RSPdx and RDPduo","author":"Thomas","date":"May 24, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"(Source: SDRplay) SDRplay has released a new downloadable Raspberry Pi SD card image which adds support for the RSPdx and simultaneous use of both the tuners in the RSPduo. This V0.7 release is the first build to support the RSPdx and RSPduo in master\/slave mode. The image also supports the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/SDRplay-Raspberry-e1590332125677.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/SDRplay-Raspberry-e1590332125677.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/SDRplay-Raspberry-e1590332125677.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":35142,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/12\/radio-deal-sdrplay-rspduo-sdr-229-95-at-hro\/","url_meta":{"origin":32107,"position":3},"title":"Radio Deal: SDRplay RSPduo SDR $229.95 at HRO","author":"Thomas","date":"December 9, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"I just discovered that Ham Radio Outlet has cut the price of the excellent SDRplay RSPduo by $50 as a holiday special. If you've been considering the RSPduo, I would encourage you to jump on this deal.\u00a0 Click here to check out our review of the RSPduo. Click here to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Deals&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Deals","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/deals\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Sale.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Sale.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Sale.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Sale.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":34925,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/updated-raspberry-pi-image-for-sdrplay-software-defined-radios\/","url_meta":{"origin":32107,"position":4},"title":"Updated Raspberry Pi image for SDRplay software defined radios","author":"Thomas","date":"November 21, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"(Source: SDRplay via Jon Hudson) SDRplay is pleased to announce the availability of an updated Raspberry Pi3 image: This release (V0.4) is a complete image for the Raspberry Pi 3 with a range of pre-built applications for SDRplay devices. Please note the following: 1. This software is made available purely\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;New Products&quot;","block_context":{"text":"New Products","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/new-products\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/RPi3B-768x432.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/RPi3B-768x432.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/RPi3B-768x432.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/RPi3B-768x432.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":33720,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/08\/sdrplay-releases-extio-plugin-for-the-rspduo\/","url_meta":{"origin":32107,"position":5},"title":"SDRplay releases ExtIO plugin for the RSPduo","author":"Thomas","date":"August 24, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"(Source: SDRplay via Facebook) We are pleased to announce the release of the ExtIO plugin for the RSPduo. This release uses the latest API (v3.01) which is also being updated today. The plugin will work both in single tuner as well as dual tuner mode so multiple applications can use\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SDRplay-RSPduo-Antenna-ports-1024x768.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32107"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32107\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}