Software-Defined Radio

M

marcinek

Joined
Jan 9, 2007
Messages
31,071
Anybody into this? Just heard of it, just starting to get what it is...but it sounds pretty cool.
 
Amateur radio types have been using SDR for some years now . My amateur radio tranceivers all can be set up for SDR. But that adds one more thing to the system .You do have to know computers !
 
Thanks. More I read about it, the more complicated it gets. I don't know if my computer geek-fu is that strong.

What are you tranceiving on? I have just started dipping my toe in the whole amateur radio world...got a Baofeng UB-5R and Radio Shack Pro 97.
 
My system is down at the moment needs antenna work and the system checked . I use ICOM tranceivers and mostly go on 80m.
 
I live in a radio hole so I learned a lot about antennas .Each modification was an improvement .There is a huge amount to learn ,lot's of fun friends to make .
The SDR system shows your radio's face on the computer screen .Want to change volume the put yor computer arroe on the volume knob on the screen , etc.
There are other Hams on this forum.
 
I have analog local police, a couple airports, mass transit, a ton of HAM clubs, suburban Police and Fire, etc etc etc. So my air is popping. Only thing I don't have is local fire and State...both digital. Which got me looking into the SDR stuff for a on the cheap way to do it.

Maybe I will get into the whole thing more...picking up far off signals seems cool. And haven't talked to anybody. Just don't have the technology for the far off stuff. Or HAM licence for the chatting.
 
I run a Flex-3000 SDR for ham radio. I built a custom PC to run it. The learning curve isn't bad at all, if you are a experienced Ham. There are some strange things to over come. But once you get it on the air and learn it, you don't just hear transmissions, you see them. The filters and ease of use are unmatched.
I get excellent reports on my station. Personally I would never go back to a analog rig. I had a Yaesu Ft-450 and 2000 prior. I am a Flex guy 1000% now.
Here is a link.
http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-series/powersdr/
 
Very cool. The whole SDR thing is so seductively nerdy/geeky that I may well get into it. I can't resist that software interface. I'm am powerless over its techy awesomeness.

But with my level of equipment and lack of antenna (or place to put it) and lack of HAM understanding (or license) I'd probably been in wayyyy over my head.

Might do it anyway and get the dongle and SDR#....that stuff is just too cool.
 
The Ham license are easy to get these days. No more "Morse Code" requirements.
More info found here: http://www.arrl.org

Transmitting is simple. You can use a standard Yaesu MH-67A8J mic. This plugs into the SDR radio, SDR radio connects to antenna via standard PL-259 connector & computer (via FireWire) <---Pain the butt to set up part. The computer tells the SDR when, where and how to transmit.
My antenna is cheap and easy to build. It is what is called a Inverted V Off Center Feed Dipole. It can be built for $100
Looks like this:
http://hamcall.net/7bandocf.html
All of the SDR sets & controls are viewed on your PC screen and adjusted with keyboard shortcuts or mouse clicks. If you are going to run a Full SDR Transceiver, you want/need a powerful computer. I run a fast processor and 128 Gigs of Ram. A tad overkill, but.....I have other uses for the machine too.

FYI: If you get your license you can get a full HF Radio rig & antenna & cables for under $1500 new. Or just get it and listen. That is fun too.
 
Last edited:
Slow down there Ric...almost gave me a nerd-gasm there! That is some very cool stuff.

I'm still at the "maybe I'll buy a Nooelec dongle and download SRD Sharp" and see where that gets me" stage.

Do enjoy the listening, even with my incredibly limited equipment. Always cool when something new turns up. Got the local police Marine Unit a couple days ago. "Floater" in the river. Ugh.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top