Re: [IRCA] Testing New SDR software
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Re: [IRCA] Testing New SDR software

I'm not a big user of SDR's Mike, but ignorance has never stood in the way of an opinion, I'm afraid. I own an RFSpace SDR-14 (and use several more at work in a type of wideband sonar system), and have used a borrowed SDR-IP; both have been used with their own software, Spectravue, as well as with SDR-radio, which seems to be in continual development.
As a long time tinkerer with receiver hardware, I have to agree with you that they are the future, but I just haven't quite got there yet myself. Part of it is wanting to continue to be a tinkerer rather than an appliance operator, and my limited software skills aren't up to it.
However, there are a number of very bright people who are churning out software to run these beasts, much of it free, or open source, and that using continuously evolving software has been an exciting ride for many SDR owners as you probably know.
Just the act of recording either a portion of the MW band, or the whole band, at the top of the hour, or during a TA opening, or during dawn or dusk enhancement of overseas stations can provide hours of DXing enjoyment during periods of poor DX. Being able to play back an RF signal using different filter bandwidths, demodulation techniques etc. allows a "second chance" at that elusive ID, that mere audio recording and post-processing couldn't really match. But you already know this, I'm sure.
I find however, that I still enjoy the excitement of "being there" during an opening, when I can nail shortwave parallels on another receiver, or streaming audio parallels on the PC. However, this isn't to say, that an SDR shouldn't be recording, just in case I've missed something. In addition, I have cobbled together a couple of programs that use the SDR-14 to grab and display signal strengths of 9kHz channels, as I find that it's difficult to really see split channels pop up on a spectral display of the entire MW band.
For me, a real advantage of SDR's is the possibility of more sophisticated demodulation of DX in the presence of splatter and noise. The ECSS in SDR-radio is pretty nice, and it will likely get better. And if you're a programmer yourself or willing to learn, you can dive in and contribute to the search for perfect demodulation somewhat more easily than in the days of solder, transistors and ICs.
The downside is one or more computers generating electrical noise in the shack, but most people have them in the shack anyway now, so have needed to come to terms with it. There's also finding the time to actually listen to the files of that good DX! 

However, I don't think that will stop me using SDR's more in the future

Thanks for raising the topic.


best wishes,

Nick


At 06:34 07-01-11, you wrote:
I have been trying out some new software on my QS1R SDR and have found the results to be quite good. I currently am running the receiver using several different software packages, including the SDRMAXII that comes with the QS1R. This evening I was using Winrad version 1.5 and had the occasion this evening to log on 1370 WSPD in Toledo OH @ 9:55PM CST this evening, 1/6, using a KIWA loop. Also heard CFRY on 920, on top in the null of semi local KDHL. Good but not exceptional catches.
I have not seen a lot here regarding SDR's, with the possible exception of some using the Perseus. I think that they are the future, as more and more companies are dropping production of their higher end receivers. RL Drake, Japan Radio Company, Yaesu, and Kenwood are prime examples. SDR's are lower in cost and provide the equivalent, or better performance of these older receivers. The added benefit is spectrum analysis, which works better than the scopes built into the stand alone ham rigs of recent years. You can see a split frequency station before you can hear it. Another benefit is spectrum recording and play back using the receiver software.
There is now a version of the Soft Rock series, which is a kit that sells for around $60.00 and covers from 180KHz to 3MHz. The down side is that you need a computer and a high quality sound card to run this, but computers these days are also lower in price than in days gone by. There is also a pre built receiver the Lazy Dog LD-1B which sells for about $275.00. Of course there are the direct sample SDR's that are more expensive such as the SDR IQ, Perseus, WinRadio Excalibur and the QS1R. These are still lower in cost than the Drake R8B was when it went out of production, and have top flight performance.
I would be interested to know if there are others using SDR's and what they think of them for MWDX, as well as tips for use. 

Thanks  and
73,

Mike Bates KA0KLQ

Inver Grove Heights, MN
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