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Entry Level SDR recommendations
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On Sat, Feb 8, 2025 at 06:02 PM, JohnT wrote:
After years of chasing MW DX with "real" hardware, I'd like to try SDR@JohnT... Could I suggest visiting groups.io "mwcircle" where there are many like-minded DXers?
There you could find out what a difference SDR makes in the MW context and get more targeted advice on a suitable SDR.
An important consideration will be if you want to go down the rabbit hole of "medium wave carrier offsets".
MW DX can be just fun or suck you into an obsession :)
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I've been using SDR receivers since the first softrock kits and have several along with classic receivers from AOR,JRC,Drake etc. Here's a couple of my observations. Firstly the available software for any SDR is as important a consideration as the hardware itself. I find that SDR's are (generally) a little noisier in terms of weak signal intelligibility, but this is software related and can be overcome. Receive antennas with their own ground are to be avoided if an SDR is to be used on a PC. If you go cheap and buy an RTL dongle have fun but don't regard that as a benchmark for SDR performance. Of the lower cost SDR's I own I'd recommend the SDRPlay RSPDuo, the diversity receive function coupled with the SDRUno software is unbeatable at the price point for MW DX IMO, but make sure the software has the features you need. To get any worthwhile hardware improvements above this price point you have to look toward ELAD/Perseus/WinRadio etc, but once again check software support, they are a significant investment and the improvement in performance is marginal.
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Lastly, don't forget that using a budget SDR as a panadaptor for your existing hardware receivers is an option. The visual signal navigation and processing experience can be had providing your traditional receiver has a wide enough IF output connection, or can be modified to provide an IF tap for the SDR, and both your radio and SDR software support CAT control via omnirig.
HTH.
73's
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开云体育Thanks Bob. On 2/10/2025 3:42 AM, Bob W8RMV via
groups.io wrote:
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Doug
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When it comes to ease of use, I recommend web-888 which integrates most of the codecs.
It is based on openweb-rx and can work independently from the computer. As long as there is a browser device, such as mobile phones and Macs, it can be used directly.
Here are some devices that can be accessed directly as an experience
https://www.rx-888.com/web/rx.html
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Why would one need an extra "ground" for an SDR??? Dave - W?LEV On Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 8:43?AM Tom ANderson via <SDR_Radio=[email protected]> wrote:
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Dave - W?LEV |
开云体育Dave,I eliminated a good part of EMI from my computer by grounding all of my equipment to a central point on the computer.
Additionally, using the original mini whip it is recommended to ground the coax shield to earth ground.
? ? Tom Anderson SDR_Radio@...
On Feb 18, 2025, at 3:22?AM, W0LEV via groups.io <davearea51a@...> wrote:
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Yep!? Computers are major RFI generators!? Dave - W?LEV On Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 11:17?PM Tom ANderson via <SDR_Radio=[email protected]> wrote:
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Dave - W?LEV |
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We have to distinguish between functional ground/earth, which is needed for the proper functioning of a device and the mandatory protection earth and equipotential bonding. The latter dos not care that an antenna system actually works, only that it be safe. It is required by electrical safety standards, in the US by the National Electrical Code. Here in Europe by EN IEC 60728-11. You have no choice, you are reqired to comply (or you take the risk of liability).
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regards
Fred |
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I have only a SDR a Winradio Excalibur with a Wellbrook antenna, it works superb but my main problem are the PC speakers, Trust speakers, it has a class A amplifier and radiates a lot s of RFI , can be seen on the display. I have enclosedthe PCB board in a mettlic enclosure but still RFi.? Anyone knows how to solve the situation?? Yes , I have tried a PCB D class amplifier but the sound is awful.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPWQi-A-e6Y&t=236s
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Class D and E are switchers and to be avoided.? I'm guessing the RFI you are experiencing is conducted on the audio cables from the PC, itself.? Once energy is present on the cables, they become antennas to radiate that energy.? Try installing several clamp-on ferrites on all the cables.? Make up to three turns through each clamp-on ferrite.? No more.? Install them next to the PC and next to the speakers.? Dave - W?LEV On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 5:17?PM enriqueeeeee2001 via <enriqueeeeee2001=[email protected]> wrote:
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Dave - W?LEV |
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You night be better off with mix 31..
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Everett N4CY On Sunday, February 23, 2025, 12:09 PM, enriqueeeeee2001 via groups.io <enriqueeeeee2001@...> wrote:
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Ideally, you need to tailor the core material and number of turns to work at the most problematic frequency.
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Just one pass of a cable through a single small clip-on core will not do much at short wave frequencies (IT equipment use them to reduce emissions on frequencies >30MHz), and you would need about 30 to 40 of them to be effective at HF.
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Winding multiple turns through a larger core is much more effective and economical to construct.
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Steve, G3TXQ (SK), produced some handy charts, that provide good guidance for common mode choke construction.
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You don't have to use exactly the same parameters, but it does nicely demonstrate what is required to stand a chance of making a difference.
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Regards,
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Martin |
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?Hi
Just to add to Martin’s comments.. G3TZQ chart is very helpful.( ie the Bible on cm chokes.) But was primarily designed for common mode chokes on Tx cables going to antennas. They are the same for rx/ rfi chokes so will work for you. However you do NOT need to use ft240/(31/43) cores.. Ft240 is the size of core. As your cable is not rg213 ie thick, one can use cheaper smaller diameter cores..just as long as one can get the required turns though and are of same spec. Ie type 31/43 etc. Sorry if you already knew this. Simon |
Bob W8RMV
Everett N4CY
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