SDRplay RSP-1A and SDRuno Gen Coverage RX (

Wow! What a combo! The SDRplay is so much more than yet another SDR dongle, but has gobs of capability and up to 14 bits digitization. It makes an outstanding general coverage receiver, or a great panadapter to go with your HF rig. And the price is right, too! Subscribe: / davidcasler . Ask Dave Playlist: goo.gl/inaQeB. Tip Jar: ke0og.net/tip-jar
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[@SuperAWaC]

it's really incredible how quickly things have started moving since the advent of cheap sdr chips

[@Barracuda48082]

Im sure someone will figure how to choke our wallets

[@edwardkerns5202]

Thanks for this really useful introduction to SDR!

[@janvelter3253]

Thx again for this fantastic video David. I just received my RSPdx from SDRplay yesterday .... so all info how to use and explore it and offcourse .... learn to work with it ... are welcome. Along with my Radioanalog PTRX-7300 build in my IC-7300 .... this will become great fun. Keep up those nice videos ... 73 from Belgium ON1JV ;)

[@charliev4460]

Fantastic. Your clarity and presentation is really great. Thanks for your video

[@brian.7966]

you're a credit to the Ham Radio fraternity.

[@watthairston1483]

Great video Dave. The front end is rather sensitive so I purchased an Array Solutions Rx front end protector as an insurance policy for the RSP2. Indeed amazing little radios.... 73, de K4WRF.

[@radio645]

Good (technical) information for us non techy types. I have my RSP hooked up and running and yes it has a high learning curve but I've managed to figure out enough functions to be able to operate and monitor what I want to hear. I ordered the RSP from RHO as well good place to shop. I'll continue to watch more of your videos.

[@JeffFlading]

Thanks for this review Dave. I finally decided to buy an SDR Play after watching this review. Still waiting on the backordered MFJ-1708SDR to fully integrate it into my setup with my ICOM 7300. But on the isolated use of it so far it is visually fun, just as you noted. I have enjoyed most all your videos, using them when studying for both my General and Extra.

[@davecasler]

You'll enjoy the SDRPlay with your 7300!

[@johnbeatty7319]

Thank you so much! I will be getting one and using it as a primary receiver with my 100 watt transceiver. I've seen the new MFJ SDR T/R switch which should work to keep each unit happy. 73, John NO0I

[@KarlWitsman]

Using the SDR Uno software also lets you record the IQ feed so you can go back later and hear what you missed on another channel. That is so powerful. You can even play with the waterfall, apply filters, and adjust volume just as if you were listening live.

[@88njtrigg88]

The icon 7300 is definitely an iconic unit. Appreciate the video's.

[@johnhelt5475]

Thank you! This was perfect timing as I was just thinking about purchasing one of these!

[@caulktel]

Great review Dave, I think I will have to pick up one of these. Thanks!

[@davecasler]

Thank you.

[@K1QS_Radio]

Wow, What a coincidence! I ordered a RSP-1A last Thursday night from HRO. It is scheduled to be here tomorrow. I forgot they had several locations... I might have been able to get it sooner. Thank you for the simple explanation of S-signal readings vs dbm. I hope you will revisit that topic on another video. going from s1 to s9 please. My original motivation for the purchase, was to use the RSP-1A for full duplex operations for the LOS satellites with my FT-857D. But I see it has many, many uses in the shack. Needless to say, keep the videos coming Dave. 73 and thank you.

[@M70ACARRY]

WB0WQS HRO automatically determines the closest store to you to ship from.

[@K1QS_Radio]

As a follow up, I have been playing with the RSP1A with SDRuno and it is a great receiver, It competes very well with my commercial rigs on HF and VHF. Very impressed. It is a great time to be a ham!

[@thuff3207]

Dave thank your for showing the SDRplay, I got one when they came out. I am using it with cubic software for vhf digital reception. You have showed it’s a good idea to use the software built for it for HF.

[@ado75]

I only started in radio a year and a half ago - with the SDRPlay RSP2/SDRUno. It is a great learning tool for anyone looking to become a ham - or even for the pure enjoyment of scanning the almost entire radio spectrum. Using the SDR makes it easy to visualize concepts & terminologies associated with radio. So much so, that it was one of my key learning tools. I passed my exam last month. I have bought the venerable Yaesu FT-840 (a great performer) as my first transceiver and I plan to couple this with the SDRPlay RSP2 via a Receive-Transmit Interface. I eventually hope to get a separate receive loop antenna - to help with noise reduction. Even if I paid top dollar for all this - it would amount to a fraction of the cost of the ICOM 7300. Anyway, my main point is that if you are new to radio, or thinking of taking up the hobby - even as a listener, the SDRPlay devices a phenomenal way to open up a world signals and communications that beggars belief. These devices can do so much more too! 73 Adrian EI9HAB P.S. Dave, thank you for all your education vids, they were an enormous help in me getting my license!

[@davecasler]

Adrian, thanks for the kind words!

[@MrTPF1]

Fantastic discussion of the SDR that helped me to understand it much better. I have an Icom IC-7410, and from your discussion, it looks like I could use the RSP-1A as a stand-alone panadapter. If I can figure it out without modding the radio, I could use the SRP-1A like you're doing with with your radio. Thanks for the tips!

[@davecasler]

I don't know about the 7410, but some radios have an IF output on the back, which can be fed directly into the RSP-1A.

[@MrTPF1]

@@davecasler It's not on the back panel, but after a little research I found that there are videos about how to access it, and Dx Engineering even offers a kit to do what needs to be done. Thanks! ;-)

[@digitalmediafan]

Hmm what will I be missing out on in performance compared with the RSP 2.0 ? What is the maximum record bandwidth and does it record in MP3 or WMA format ? Thanks

[@davecasler]

I'm not familiar with the RSP 2. Re recording format, it records the entire I and Q streams, which is a lot. So, when you replay, you use the virtual receiver to look at any individual signal you want.

[@fepatton]

Great overview! I was just at Ham Radio Outlet yesterday after years out of the hobby, and noticed these little beauties. Now I wish I had pulled the trigger on one! Guess it will have to wait until next week. :-)

[@ManuelPinner]

I have the RSPDX, nice Receiver!

[@jamesleem.d.7442]

A great instructional performance. Thanks !

[@rwl0323]

Thanks for the very informative review!

[@christophermoore5405]

Brilliant video and advice thank you

[@sdrplay7519]

Great video David. Please note that SDRuno is currently Windows only. There is other software available for Linux and MacOS and the long term plan is to make SDRuno a cross platform solution, but it will be a while before this is available.

[@davecasler]

Thanks for the update.

[@j3157]

Dave, this is John W5AWT and I am just now getting to the point of wanting to buy and start using SDRPlay with SDR duo. You video was from 5 years ago, but my question is will the SDR duo software run on a Mac? I have a Linux machine our local club gave me, and I haven’t started it up until last night (about 2 years after it was given) and I have lost the password information. I would rather just use a Mac. You mention that the software works on Mac but you are the only one I’ve seen that says that. Thanks for your videos on SDR radio.

[@nontimebomala2267]

Well done! Another great video.

[@hapsutakki]

Hehe, am I the only one who sees the ones and zeros in the background either/or as "LOLLOLOLLOLLOL" ? :D Great video! I've been using RTL-SDR's and I am looking into something a bit more solid. The RSP-1A caught my attention, especially as it's now been sold in discounted price. Will probably get the metal case upgrade kit for RSP-1/RSP-1A too, it's around 30-something EUR/USD and should add to the unit's RF shielding in comparison to the default plastic case.

[@thormusique]

Excellent primer on SDRplay and SDRuno, thanks! It's nice that your Yaesu has the RF out. Any idea how I might go about connecting an FT-891 to the SDRplay? It's got a PTT out via a DIN connector, as well as a CAT port, but I doubt the latter would work.

[@davecasler]

I looked at the owner's manual and don't see any access to the receiver RF or IF.

[@MrTonyd1954]

You recommended Andrew Barrón’s book on SDRs. Is this book ok for the newbie or do you recommend something else that will explain the different filters, bell and whistles, etc on a sdr unit? Let me know before I purchase this book. I’m a newbie to sdr technology and needs some primary guidance. Thanks

[@nascar0509]

I think that I will be buying an SDR1A next week.

[@johnbeatty7319]

Revisited your FB review and explanation of sdr and this model. I want a SDR worthy of an investment for my ham shack as a “radio competition” to the FTDX 3000 or the Icom 7300 receive. Not sure we are there yet. As good as the RSP1A seems to be, it wants to be all things to all people. Is there an SDR out now I can bring on to be my primary HF receiver? Are we there yet? Thanks Dave

[@kissingbanditt]

Sorry i missed the part, how does this device get power to turn on? what voltage? Thanks and excellent video...thumbs up.

[@davecasler]

It's powered from your computer USB port.

[@gfmucci]

Is it better to decrease my antenna cable length from 35' to 20' or to decrease my USB cable length from 15' to 3'? Another way to ask this question is: Can I have a 15' usb cable (with chokes) between my SDR box and my Windows computer without compromising performance?

[@GaetanBelisle]

Thank you for this video which enlightens me a lot. I'm waiting for an RSP1A that I just bought and now I'm wondering about the type of antenna required. I'm thinking of a long-wire antenna, built with a 50-foot electrical wire, and the addition of a 9: 1 Balun. Can you give me your opinion on this. I saw your round one. I admit at the outset that I am a beginner in the field. A very big thank you

[@davecasler]

If you're looking for general coverage, just a long wire will do.

[@davidgreycliff4840]

Dave...Does the software provide a way to disable the internal bias tee of the rsp1a so I do not overload my mfj 1886 amplifier located at the antenna ? Thanks.

[@davecasler]

Yes, the internal bias-tee is off by default and controllable via the software.

[@kevinokeefe7796]

I have an ftdx1200 and was told the m tune in and out on the back would work as an if tap so using the correct cables I don’t need the extra mfj switch box. Do you know if this is correct. I don’t want to blow out my new sdr

[@chuck4050]

Dave, I would like to know what effects say 500 watts from your home radio would have on the SDRplay? I have a FTDX3000 and would most likely do as you did for home use. Really why I ask is for portable use to get a panadapter screen to help finding stations. Will 100 to 500 watts effect the receiver in the SDRplay? Chuck

[@davecasler]

I use the RF Output plug on the back of the FTDX3000 to feed the SDRplay. That way the SDRplay is protected from exposure to the 500 watt signal going out the antenna.

[@vidasvv]

TNX 4 the upload! 73 N8AUM

[@JonathanAdami]

Hey, how would you go about having the SDRPlay as a panadapter with a radio that doesn't provide an RFout? Is it possible to fry the SDRPlay if it's on one antenna and the transceiver on the other one not so far from it? Most of the switches I can find are aimed at switching antennas not transceivers... I'm trying to find the answer to this before purchasing it ;) BTW: I love your videos and your channel, but your advices to print the whole internet is irking me each time :/ had to say it sorry :D

[@davecasler]

Some rx-only antennas have bias-tees that will shut down the antenna's preamp when your rig is transmitting. Usually these are an option. Re printing, I need something printed to really dig into it. I think most studies show that people merely skim through text online.

[@IgnacioSanchezWebDesign]

Thanks for the video. Very interesting and well explained. One Question: Is it possible to listen to other transmissions with one of those? Ex: Police, Fire and Rescue, Airports, Ships.... etc? Any information would be great. I've been thinking about buying a UNIDEN scanner but now that I have started to get motivated about this "new thing" (@ least is new to me )... I wonder if I could listen to other bands and save money from those expensive UNIDENs. Thanks for your time and for the video. 73s. KJ4BGW

[@gilbertnelson4619]

Dave,I'm very interested in the RSP1A and am planning on purchasing one. I am a little nervous on the fact that these units can be "blown up" by a too close antenna or strong transmit power near its input.Can you talk to anything that one can do to protect against accidental distruction of this unit or perhaps different ways to protect against RF damage.ThanksGilVE3GON

[@davecasler]

There are ways to limit voltage, such as back-to-back diodes which will clamp the voltage to a max of 0.7 v peak. But just putting the receive antenna a good 30 to 40 feet from the transmit antenna *should* do the job. Your mileage may vary.

[@raymondl.3014]

Thank you for time/effort in making your educational videos. This video is first exposure I've had regarding 'Software Defined Radio' stuff, so I have to do a bunch of research and have a LOT to learn yet, because currently I'm clueless about what it is/does...but after looking through the comments below I have a question: Someone below mentioned the "black-box" is able to be burned-up and/or damaged by being too close to a transmitting ant. Does that mean this device and software cannot be attached to the same antenna my transceiver is attached to? I have an FT-450D and a Gap Titan DX vertical...can one of these SDR gadgets be hooked to that antenna and my computer, and still be able to operate the transceiver, or would the SDR gadget require a separate antenna if I wanted to use the FT-450D at the same time? Once I start educating myself about just what this SDR stuff is and does I would probably answer my questions on my own, but your video is first thing I have looked at regarding SDR gadgets, and those questions came to mind after watching it and reading through comments below. Thank you for your time and assistance. Raymond - WF7BSR

[@davecasler]

You will damage the device if it is connected to the same antenna your transmitter is connected to. However, check out the MFJ-1708B-SDR. It allows you to use your antenna for receiving on your rig and on your SDR, but then disconnects the SDR when you are transmitting. See my video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJTLoYeFm8mdpas

[@raymondl.3014]

Thank you! Off to see the video.

[@ladyattis]

You should review the Airspy HF+ to compare against what's in the 200 dollar side of the SDR market.

[@davecasler]

I haven't looked at it yet.

[@wdm213]

Notable comment: SDR VS SuperHet ~ comparable performance with SDRs providing superior "view" of the spectrum.

[@davecasler]

My FTDX3000 has a built-in spectrum scope/waterfall, but does not provide as much detail as the SDRplay's spectrum.

[@edyagger8779]

Very good tutorial !!!! and thank you ! N2EDY

[@stevec5000]

I've found that most receivers that claim to work down to 1 kHz or thereabouts won't actually pick up anything below 150 kHz so how about a performance report? You claim the RSP-1A is better than the others but how much better?

[@davecasler]

Sure is better to use. I'll have to hook up my signal generator and see what it can do. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@SDRplayRSP]

The RSP2 , RSP2pro and the RSP1A all work well down to 1 kHz. This video shows the RSP1A working at 15kHz kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYvcZIeXpMmYg9U and requires no modifications to operate at these low frequencies

[@SDRplayRSP]

The SDRplay receivers use advanced SDR chip sets from Mirics together with a large array of discrete components to create the multiple band filters. Whether you use our own SDRuno software or popular SDR Console or HDSDR, you will find good reception straight out of the box with no need for any up or down converters. It works well with Windows PCs or Macs running Parallels or similar. Cubic SDR runs directly on Macs and on Raspberry Pi. We provide a downloadable image for this. Linux support is growing. To find out more ask other users what they think by joining the SDRplay Facebook Group or our forum on www.sdrplay.com/community/

[@ganjajoe2566]

Hi Dave! I think I may have finally gone over the edge. I got a HackRF and an Ettus USRP N210. I have no idea how to use either one, whatsoever, but I am pretty good with linux and I am looking forward to having lots of challenges as I get a handle on SDR. I have a question: The AC to DC wall adapter that Ettus sells for the USRP N210 on their website is a 5.9V 4A . Would I get away with using a 6V 4A scooter/boat rechargeable battery? I learned from a little tinkering with the 7.023 MHz CW QRP Pixies that I can clean up the power on a cheap 9 Volt power supply by putting the wire leading up to the DC barrell plug through a circuit with: a 7809 Voltage regulator, a 180 Ohm Resistor, and a 104 pF capacitor. Intuition tells me that a fellow could do that for 6V 4A cheap wall adapters too, to clean up their power noise, but that it would take different value parts in that noise filtering circuit. What do you suppose the values of those 3 parts would be? Thanks Dave! 73 Dave Joe

[@davecasler]

I would think so.

[@ganjajoe2566]

Thanks Dave! I'll post some videos when the camera arrives. This will be a fun adventure! It'll be neat to be able to share my progress with you and others interested in Radio! 73 Dave Joe

[@chetnapatel9700]

How to get upto 6 GHz using just from 1 MHz to 3.2 GHz sdr usb.

[@andy2E0JIU]

Great dave thankyou BUT would this work connecting it to the if out on rear of my yaesu ftdx 5000 and what leads and other equipment would I need to connect it to my monitor via my laptop please as new to all this .many thanks

[@davecasler]

I think (but am not sure) that there's an IF OUT on the back of the 5000. That's the output you use, and it should give you the entire IF frequency block (which will be the same for all bands).

[@eddy2561]

I bought mine new and it barely receives any signals on any band.....using either my endfer dipole which works great when connected to my KX3 or 50' length of wire. I see a lot of noise floor but when compared to my KX3, the RSP-1A is pretty much numb to signals!! Any help? Thanks

[@davecasler]

Make sure the RF gain is turned up. The SDRuno software seems to come out of the box with the RF gain turned all the way down.

[@dandruff7807]

Is there a "Knob" that can be purchased/home made) to replace the computer mouse when tuning?

[@davecasler]

SDR play does not make one. However there might be one on the aftermarket. I don't know of any.

[@volcanowb]

Have you look at the new sdrplay duo?

[@davecasler]

Yes. I did a video on it recently.

[@paulhastings3109]

Tnxs 73 KQ4CD

[@gameoverguy7223]

I'm new to this I just bought me a discone antenna I'm having trouble picking up stuff All I get is airplane stuff

[@davecasler]

If you're getting aircraft comm, then your antenna is working. You'd be surprised how little activity there is on VHF at any given time. Most frequencies are silent until used.

[@rlmartin58]

I am trying to decide between the 1A and the 2pro any advice

[@davecasler]

I have both. I use the 1A quite regularly. I'm told you can do exotic things with the 2pro, but haven't explored it further.

[@user-yg4yd7nl9j]

Can you transmit fm with a dipole connected with 75Ω coax?Please reply

[@davecasler]

Antennas are mode-agnostic, meaning they don't care what the underlying mode is. Most FM work is done with vertical polarization. 75 ohm coax can be used, but it may affect the SWR a little.

[@user-yg4yd7nl9j]

David Casler Thanks for helping me:-)

[@nagasainathkoduru9995]

Try HackRF RX/TX sdr

[@davecasler]

Thanks for the tip

[@rocco1226]

@@davecasler 8

[@ak5sd]

You confused spectral density (in dBm/Hz) with integrated noise in a specified bandwidth (in dBm) in the video. With a spectral density of -130dBm, the integrated noise in 3KHz would be -130dBm + 10Log(3KHz), or -95dBm. This corresponds to about S5 on a "properly" calibrated S meter. S meters look at total noise in a given bandwidth, not the spectral density. Most receivers are not calibrated according to the standard, with Flex radio being an exception (the Flex radios are essentially accurate spectrum analyzers with signal decoding software).

[@davecasler]

Thanks for the info. I last studied this in a classroom in the very early 1970s.

[@ak5sd]

Another great video.

[@adelarsen9776]

Real radios have valves and tuning gangs.

[@adelarsen9776]

Thank you. I'm old school. And proud.

[@davecasler]

Tuning gangs sound a bit like chain gangs. How do you fit the entire gang inside a chassis? I think "valve" is a far better and more descriptive word than "tubes." I doubt I can convince all my American comrades, though.

[@adelarsen9776]

Dear Sir, I exhort you to look at the You Tube channel called VK6CS. He might give you some "bright" ideas :-) Good health to you Sir. Ade

[@adelarsen9776]

Everything good came from Mother England.

[@adelarsen9776]

Well, most of the way....

[@ManuelPinner]

I have the RSPDX, nice Receiver!