At last, someone who did a video presentation that I can appreciate. Got down to the meat and potatoes on how this works, comparison to the "cheap dongles," etc. You have me sold on the RSP 1A. Thank you.
One of the best videos I've seen on SDR especially the use of the block diagrams to get a good handle on how the RF is manipulated in the digital realm.
Quite the host, I enjoy your videos and trust your opinions on the equipment you review, your video on the pl-660 and the pl-880 convinced me to buy both...LOL, my rsp1a is on it's way from NY via dhl, and I feel excited now to get it, because you found a way to remove the overwhelmingness of the system and explain it for me in a way that makes me want it just as bad as the two radios I already have and will not separate with. You are very good at conveying technology to people.
Thank you Todd. I have always though that if you Really know your stuff, you can break it down to laymen's language. Then again, there are topics like APRS and Dstar that require some deep study and experience to really understand. I'll admit that I have only superficial user understanding of these. One can only delve deeply into so much! Ham radio has given me so much in my life and I want to see it continue. Big 73's
Very Informative and another great review. Just picked up a RSP1A few days ago and I love it. Using it as a hybrid panadapter with my TS-590SG and Omnirig.
I wondered if a 24 bit processor would be better. I read an explanation by a signals scientist that explained that the 14 bit processor was actually superior. Kind of the sweet spot for processing. I can’t explain why but he was convincing to me. Thanks for your videos. They are very helpful.
Well, we would choose a 100 bit ADC system if it was available and the chip costs $5. It is a budget vs performance game. The Ic-7300 is a 14 bit machine. As you increase the bit length of the entire system, the dynamic range goes up. the capability of handling the weakest to the largest signals. To design a 24 bit system for RX/TX today costs too much for a typical Ham to afford. Nor is it necessary. I'm talking direct sampling SDR systems. Yaesu does a 18 bit system on their newer radios, but it is an older mixer style SDR. The bottom line is that most people live in areas around other people. In these areas, tons of radio noise is generated by various devices. A typical user would never be able to enjoy the full capabilities of an over 18 bit system in this environment. The background noise is just too great. 14 bits with some tricks- can provide decent HF radio reception. In 10 years all Ham radio receivers produced will be 24 bit or above because the chips will be affordable.
Bob, thanks, this is a new to me and I have a friend who doesn't want to tie up money in a new receiver but wishes to stay active in the hobby. I think this might be a perfect solution for him...and me. I have a few Tecsun radios that I enjoy old school listening on. With the addition of the MLA-30 listening has become much more fun.
Great video Bob! After three years this informative video is still relevant. I have procrastinated the integration of SDR with my Kenwood TS-590 xcvr for several years (!) but am finally getting around to it for myself and my friend who has the same rig. Actually, I'm sort of glad I waited until now ;-). 73, ~catbob aka K8RE Bob
Thank you for yet another incredibly informative video. You truly are one of the best on UA-cam. Frankly, your videos are more like something I would watch on PBS (that's the highest compliment I can think of.)
Golan- thank you! I did work for ABC TV and have authored many dozen instructional videos on high-tech gear. Still, I'm a behind the scenes guy....normally. I'll be covering a RF signal generator next...
For a behind the scenes guy, you've got a really accessible, engaging, natural on-screen persona. I want you to know how much I appreciate your efforts. Thank you again!
Excellent informative tutorial. Just got my RSP1A three days ago. Wow, what an incredible wideband receiver for around $100.00. One thing that's driving me crazy what does the "LO" label below the frequency indicator on the main spectrum window mean?
Hi Robert. I've narrowed down my choice between RSP1A and AirspyMini/R2. Which would you recommended for capturing weather images from NOAA such us geostationary GOES, Russia's M2 satellite, etc? Awesome video! I'm really enjoying your SDR Primer! Phenomenal! :) Oh, I saw a Cardinal bird behind you around 15th min timeframe :)
Ronneil Camara I can tell you that the rsp 1a has good sensitivity in that frequency range. No info on the airspy. I'd bet a bushel of carrots the 1a will fit the bill.
Bob, this is an excellent video. You mentioned that you can tie this into your KW TS590S. How do you do that? Any info you can share would be appreciated.
I use a X8. I suggest getting the best one you can afford. It will slow down the frame rate if you go to over 5 mhz wide sample- because it is just too much to ask from the processor. Get the better processor and 4GB+ Ram for best results.
What's your choice for protecting the RSP 1A when you transmit? What are most of the guys using? I mean, surely guys have their transceivers, but enjoy being able to see everything to the sides. EDIT I've seen a ton of videos on SDR and not one person has mentioned this.
You know, I don't use it as a display for another radio. I use it stand-alone as a spectrum display mainly for checking my FM station. (KUHSradio.org) Sorry!
Love this video. Very informative about SDR and the SDR 1a. I also enjoyed your video on shortwave analog radios. I am interested in getting one or the other. I am a ham and can listen to shortwave on my HF rig, but want something to use when I am not in the shack. If you could only have one, would you get an SDR or traditional shortwave radio like the Tecsun 660 you recommended?
That is very good question. If I was only listening to SW and nothing above 30 mhz, I'd get an older Yaesu or Icom general coverage receiver...R-71...FRG-7.. or maybe an ALinco DX-R8 receiver (new). If you want to listen above 30 mhz, then I'd go with the SDR Play 1A. It's fine on SW...but pretty darn good on the higher freqs. SW almost has nothing left on it these days.... Note: ALL the table top receivers are better than the Tecsuns.
I would not buy an SDR for my first radio. I would buy a IC-7200. For a few hundred more you could get the IC-7300. It IS and SDR but requires no special knowledge to operate. It is a tremendous radio. You cannot go wrong with it. Good luck!
Bob, great tutorial! Are you going to do one on SDRuno v 1.3. The control panels are different from the v 1.22 and a little hard to understand. There is a huge user manual, but a video walking through it, such as this one, would be great. I've subscribed to your channel. Thanks Vee W7IBB
Hi Bob its me again I think your revues on radios are second to non and my first radio i ever brought was after liserning to one of your revuews it was the Tuscan 660 and i love it but i want to get an STR to plug in to my pc and i have looked at loads but i realy dont no witch one to buy bob I like ham and air short wave to im just still starting up joind a club and i am looking forwerd to my firest week next week so if you could give me an idear on witch one to buy i will apreshate it yours Ian from Central uk...
would have been nice to see how the physical connections are actually made to ur rig? i mean, we dont evn know wat is being used for an antenna? is that a Windows machine? Mac? this review is like preaching to the choir... the choir already knows wassup :)
Oh, that's because there are no connections to your rig. It is antenna and PC. You could use it as a panadapter for an old radio. MFJ has an interface box. This is a stand-alone SDR which can use any antenna...20 foot piece of wire is fine.
Sajnos nem. Ismerek minden normális "házi" magyar szót. Anyám olasz volt, így ugyanazokat az olasz szavakat ismerem. Budapesten vannak jó barátaim, a család pedig Miskolcon. Szeretjük a forró fürdőket, ezért Hot Springs Arkansasban élünk. Boldog Karácsonyt!
I am running the first generation SDR Play with the latest SDRuno software: 1.33. I am really having a hard time changing frequencies. It likes AM frequencies. But when I get to say broadcast FM, it goes crazy. You click on the far left digit for frequency. You then get: 1.000. Which I guess means it is ready for frequency enter. I type in: 90.3 (decimal point from menu on right for bands, then hit enter. I can get it to that frequency in 100 KHz steps (as noted on frequency menu). How do you change that? I hit the MHz, button to the right but nothing seems to happen. When it goes to 90.3, it immediately starts scanning. I have searched high and low and cannot find how to stop the scan. I need help. WD5GYG
You’ll lose of the some of the features or filters on the Mac platform but still doable. I use CUBICsdr. MACS install of software is so much easier then windows base PCs
At last, someone who did a video presentation that I can appreciate. Got down to the meat and potatoes on how this works, comparison to the "cheap dongles," etc. You have me sold on the RSP 1A. Thank you.
Thank you Gary! That is my aim..information dense. 73 Bob
One of the best videos I've seen on SDR especially the use of the block diagrams to get a good handle on how the RF is manipulated in the digital realm.
Totally agree!
Quite the host, I enjoy your videos and trust your opinions on the equipment you review, your video on the pl-660 and the pl-880 convinced me to buy both...LOL, my rsp1a is on it's way from NY via dhl, and I feel excited now to get it, because you found a way to remove the overwhelmingness of the system and explain it for me in a way that makes me want it just as bad as the two radios I already have and will not separate with. You are very good at conveying technology to people.
Thank you Todd. I have always though that if you Really know your stuff, you can break it down to laymen's language. Then again, there are topics like APRS and Dstar that require some deep study and experience to really understand. I'll admit that I have only superficial user understanding of these. One can only delve deeply into so much! Ham radio has given me so much in my life and I want to see it continue. Big 73's
Very Informative and another great review. Just picked up a RSP1A few days ago and I love it. Using it as a hybrid panadapter with my TS-590SG and Omnirig.
I have the RSP2 pro ordered.. and loved watching this video just to become more familiar with the SDRUno... thank you!!
I wondered if a 24 bit processor would be better. I read an explanation by a signals scientist that explained that the 14 bit processor was actually superior. Kind of the sweet spot for processing. I can’t explain why but he was convincing to me. Thanks for your videos. They are very helpful.
Well, we would choose a 100 bit ADC system if it was available and the chip costs $5. It is a budget vs performance game. The Ic-7300 is a 14 bit machine. As you increase the bit length of the entire system, the dynamic range goes up. the capability of handling the weakest to the largest signals. To design a 24 bit system for RX/TX today costs too much for a typical Ham to afford. Nor is it necessary. I'm talking direct sampling SDR systems. Yaesu does a 18 bit system on their newer radios, but it is an older mixer style SDR. The bottom line is that most people live in areas around other people. In these areas, tons of radio noise is generated by various devices. A typical user would never be able to enjoy the full capabilities of an over 18 bit system in this environment. The background noise is just too great. 14 bits with some tricks- can provide decent HF radio reception. In 10 years all Ham radio receivers produced will be 24 bit or above because the chips will be affordable.
@@Yavor54 Thanks Bob for your explanation and your videos. I am enjoying my RSPdx.
Thank you for an informative and educational primer on SDR radio's. They seem like a excellent alternative to $1000+ traditional radios.
Bob, thanks, this is a new to me and I have a friend who doesn't want to tie up money in a new receiver but wishes to stay active in the hobby. I think this might be a perfect solution for him...and me.
I have a few Tecsun radios that I enjoy old school listening on. With the addition of the MLA-30 listening has become much more fun.
It’s not floating point gate array (FPGA) stands for Field Programmable Gate Array .. big difference
Pick, pick, pick! lol
I'm late to this game, but this is really cool stuff. Thanks for spending the time to explain everything.
Great video Bob! After three years this informative video is still relevant. I have procrastinated the integration of SDR with my Kenwood TS-590 xcvr for several years (!) but am finally getting around to it for myself and my friend who has the same rig. Actually, I'm sort of glad I waited until now ;-).
73, ~catbob aka K8RE Bob
Great time to jump in the SDR pool!
Thank you for yet another incredibly informative video. You truly are one of the best on UA-cam. Frankly, your videos are more like something I would watch on PBS (that's the highest compliment I can think of.)
Golan- thank you! I did work for ABC TV and have authored many dozen instructional videos on high-tech gear. Still, I'm a behind the scenes guy....normally. I'll be covering a RF signal generator next...
For a behind the scenes guy, you've got a really accessible, engaging, natural on-screen persona. I want you to know how much I appreciate your efforts. Thank you again!
Very good review thanks
31 minutes well spent. Thank you.
Excellent informative tutorial.
Just got my RSP1A three days ago.
Wow, what an incredible wideband receiver for around $100.00.
One thing that's driving me crazy what does the "LO" label below the frequency indicator on the main spectrum window mean?
The LO frequency is the frequency that the synthesizer is set to and represents the centre of the visible spectrum.
Hi Robert. I've narrowed down my choice between RSP1A and AirspyMini/R2. Which would you recommended for capturing weather images from NOAA such us geostationary GOES, Russia's M2 satellite, etc? Awesome video! I'm really enjoying your SDR Primer! Phenomenal! :)
Oh, I saw a Cardinal bird behind you around 15th min timeframe :)
Ronneil Camara I can tell you that the rsp 1a has good sensitivity in that frequency range. No info on the airspy. I'd bet a bushel of carrots the 1a will fit the bill.
Anyway to decode HD FM Radio stations widely used in the US?
Excellent presentation
I like this video very much.
Great, really instructive video Robert. Thanks!!
I think you mean "Field Programmable Gate Array" not "Floating Point Gate Array"
Figured I said something wrong! I was rushing. Tnx
No prob. Good vid. Refreshed my knowledge, tnx.
Terrific video Bob! Thank you!!!
Excellent review Rod very informative and easy to understand thanks for taking the time to share 73 Jeff
Thank you!
very useful video learned a lot and has been a big help.
Glad it was enjoyable! 73- Bob
Bob, this is an excellent video. You mentioned that you can tie this into your KW TS590S. How do you do that? Any info you can share would be appreciated.
Well, I actually read that guys are doing this. My 990s doesn't have the output needed to do it. Google it!
Rob, what do you use for an antenna?
Truthfully, I'm just testing with a 40 foot long-wire. You'd really want a discone for 100mhz+ and a 30 or so foot wire for
Great review and video!
Thanks and 73's
Which Pipo computer did you use ? looks very nice system to me to be used this way
I use a X8. I suggest getting the best one you can afford. It will slow down the frame rate if you go to over 5 mhz wide sample- because it is just too much to ask from the processor. Get the better processor and 4GB+ Ram for best results.
Stick with the technical explanation from Bob - its worth it, or skim it, to reach a great appraisal of the RSP 1A.... 73 de Phil G4OBK
Are you able to play back other software raw spectrum recording?
What's the maximum if bandwidth for recording ? Can you record in MP3 or WMA as well as wav ?
What's your choice for protecting the RSP 1A when you transmit? What are most of the guys using? I mean, surely guys have their transceivers, but enjoy being able to see everything to the sides. EDIT I've seen a ton of videos on SDR and not one person has mentioned this.
You know, I don't use it as a display for another radio. I use it stand-alone as a spectrum display mainly for checking my FM station. (KUHSradio.org) Sorry!
yea, Christmas comes early, at least once a month !
Love this video. Very informative about SDR and the SDR 1a. I also enjoyed your video on shortwave analog radios. I am interested in getting one or the other. I am a ham and can listen to shortwave on my HF rig, but want something to use when I am not in the shack. If you could only have one, would you get an SDR or traditional shortwave radio like the Tecsun 660 you recommended?
That is very good question. If I was only listening to SW and nothing above 30 mhz, I'd get an older Yaesu or Icom general coverage receiver...R-71...FRG-7.. or maybe an ALinco DX-R8 receiver (new). If you want to listen above 30 mhz, then I'd go with the SDR Play 1A. It's fine on SW...but pretty darn good on the higher freqs. SW almost has nothing left on it these days.... Note: ALL the table top receivers are better than the Tecsuns.
@@robertnagy2163 Thank you. I appreciate your advice.
How about a simple software program that installs itself so you do not have to figure out where the settings need to to be to make it operate.
bob witch SDR would you buy if you lioved in the uk Iam just getting in to radio ham
I would not buy an SDR for my first radio. I would buy a IC-7200. For a few hundred more you could get
the IC-7300. It IS and SDR but requires no special knowledge to operate. It is a tremendous radio. You cannot go wrong with it. Good luck!
Hi, very interesting hardware, can it be used to hear APCO P25, How about trunking? Thanks!
Bob, great tutorial! Are you going to do one on SDRuno v 1.3. The control panels are different from the v 1.22 and a little hard to understand. There is a huge user manual, but a video walking through it, such as this one, would be great. I've subscribed to your channel. Thanks Vee W7IBB
OK, Vee, I'll go download it and start learning it....what a great FREE program.
Thanks, Robert! I've subscribed to you channel and will watch for it to be released to UA-cam.
@@robertnagy2163
I just loaded up 1.3 and it will no longer find my RSP 1A..ha! I'll be spending the next while de-bugging this...
Which Pipo Model is suited to use for the SDRPlay?
Any model will work, but the faster one you get (say over $150) you will support wider sampling size...get a wider display.
Hi Bob its me again I think your revues on radios are second to non and my first radio i ever brought was after liserning to one of your revuews it was the Tuscan 660 and i love it but i want to get an STR to plug in to my pc and i have looked at loads but i realy dont no witch one to buy bob I like ham and air short wave to im just still starting up joind a club and i am looking forwerd to my firest week next week so if you could give me an idear on witch one to buy i will apreshate it yours Ian from Central uk...
Now if it did fm stereo? Great review
It does :-) There's a button "SWFM" for Stereo Wideband FM" which is lit up in this example: ua-cam.com/video/PZwEHCh7CXk/v-deo.html
It certainly tells you if the FM signal is in stereo... and decodes the RDS information too. I'll check if the audio is in stereo.
SDR Console really Rocks for FM Stereo,RDS! And love the way it is setup,& with So MANY Favs (Bands,FM.Am,Broadcast).And Memories!
Nice
would have been nice to see how the physical connections are actually made to ur rig? i mean, we dont evn know wat is being used for an antenna? is that a Windows machine? Mac? this review is like preaching to the choir... the choir already knows wassup :)
Oh, that's because there are no connections to your rig. It is antenna and PC. You could use it as a panadapter for an old radio. MFJ has an interface box. This is a stand-alone SDR which can use any antenna...20 foot piece of wire is fine.
Nagy Robi 🇭🇺
Do you speak Hungarian? 😊
Sajnos nem. Ismerek minden normális "házi" magyar szót. Anyám olasz volt, így ugyanazokat az olasz szavakat ismerem. Budapesten vannak jó barátaim, a család pedig Miskolcon. Szeretjük a forró fürdőket, ezért Hot Springs Arkansasban élünk. Boldog Karácsonyt!
I would like to be the first to say KÖSZÖNÖM SZÉPEN the video.
Köszönöm! Ez a rádió nagyon érdekes. Boldog Karácsonyt.
I am running the first generation SDR Play with the latest SDRuno software: 1.33. I am really having a hard time changing frequencies. It likes AM frequencies. But when I get to say broadcast FM, it goes crazy. You click on the far left digit for frequency. You then get: 1.000. Which I guess means it is ready for frequency enter. I type in: 90.3 (decimal point from menu on right for bands, then hit enter. I can get it to that frequency in 100 KHz steps (as noted on frequency menu). How do you change that? I hit the MHz, button to the right but nothing seems to happen. When it goes to 90.3, it immediately starts scanning. I have searched high and low and cannot find how to stop the scan. I need help. WD5GYG
I have never seen that Mike. I have that model...doesn't do that. Sorry, I can't help you here.
Will this run on a MAC , Thanks
Tony tFuntek not the SDRumo software, but there are other programs that run on Mac
You’ll lose of the some of the features or filters on the Mac platform but still doable. I use CUBICsdr. MACS install of software is so much easier then windows base PCs