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Guy,
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So there was a global semiconductor shortage a few years ago, around the time Tony quit, and the Si570 and the audio op-amps were basically unobtainable. I needed a few of the Lite II and Ensemble II units for a non-ham experiment. I basically cloned the boards with a different PCB layout program than was originally used. I got Si570 chips at very high prices from Australia, Indonesia, Germany as one-offs. I had good enough audio op-amps with the same pinout in my parts drawer. I searched ebay, etc for compatible BNC connectors, etc. I knew where to buy the toroids in bulk. These radios ended up costing a lot more than the previous cost of the kits. Now the parts are available, but the prices are around double what they used to be for the two critical things, the Si570 and the really good audio amps. I still use the RX II s for ham radio as well, but have to admit that I was willing to put a lot more time, money, and expertise into it than the typical kit builder. Also, I have not used other sdr radios, but with a very high end usb sound box ( purchased used) and a big monitor I can cover 70 KHz of a band and see it all clearly. Maybe the Real value in going with the Softrock40 series is educational. Dave, K0IMH -----Original Message-----
From: <[email protected]> Sent: Dec 28, 2024 5:46 PM To: <[email protected]> Subject: [softrock40] Costs of softrock units have skyrocketed Hi All; I have been working at home on the many softrocks I have obtained for a very reasonable price. Some still new from Tony in 2022. I was shocked to see the costs of softrock RXTX kits go up more than 50% when I looked today. They used to be $89 for the kit. Now they are selling for $169 for the standard set of frequencies and for a bit extra wire for torroid you can get a LF softrock RXTX for $189. I am really sorry to see this jump of 53% for a unit that will not work right out of the box.. it still needs cables, sound cards and a case if one wants to be fancy.. For less than that price these days.. one can get a zbitx all band unit from Farhan for $149. much less the qrplabs QMX unit.. for a whopping ~$120 with case. no modems. Both of these use the tayloe mixers QSD/QSE that the softrock made famous. Well, I love to build my own things and the softrock RX or RXTX was a great thing (still is!) to start with.. but I cannont justify the costs of the kits any more.. For a collector, maybe.. but thats not me.. I use the little rigs extensively and can repair and fix all of them on my own.. I guess this is the way of the world and it saddens me. I have no idea who owns this group now as I have been a member for many years.. so many have stopped posting.. I am working on softrocks almost daily and they are a fun way to go! 73/73 Guy -- guy (at) eastroad (dot) org -.-. --.- -.-. --.- -.. . \|%|/// | ~ ~ | ^( @ @ )^ ---------o000o--_/-o000o--------- N1GMM Have a good day! |
