I wanted to see what signals are "on the band" and wished for a radio with a 'real time' bandscope.? The X5105's signal scan feature is sort of helpful, but awkward to use.? And I haven't found a way to be sure of the frequency of a signal shown on the 'scope.
So I ordered a tiny SDR module kit and an adapter for MCX connector to SMA connector.? The X5105 has an I.F. output jack, presumably for a bandscope - their GSOC display unit.
It worked, but the frequency display on the scope turned out to be "backwards", with the higher frequency end on the left side of the display, so it looks like it's scanning 'downward' in frequency.
Now there's another little "kit" with the SDR module that comes with an MCX-SMA adapter at Amazon:
Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+ 0.5PPM TCXO RTL-SDR & ADS-B USB Receiver Set w/Antenna, Mount & Female SMA Adapter. RTL2832U & R820T2 Tuner. Low-Cost Software Defined Radio for Windows, Mac OS & Linux
AND NOW I see there are multiple videos on youtube about doing this and getting it set up.? (I haven't watched any yet - only just discovered them a few minutes ago.)
To work well, you need a PC that can run the SDR program as well as any other programs you may need, so it needs to be a fairly fast CPU system with plenty of RAM.
I'm currently not able to use my system, but if anyone else tries a setup like this - please post your results and opinions to this group.
NOTE- my normal mode of operation is FT8, which has a sort of 'built in' bandscope.? For other operating modes, a bandscope would be really nice.? Knowing there's activity on the band makes it seem more worthwhile to send a CQ.
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Doug, K8RFT
