Pocket ALL BAND/ALL MODE SDR receiver (Malachite clone)
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2021
- This is the smallest SDR radio I've ever had. Fits in the pocket and at the same time has very wide frequency range 50kHz-2GHz. All analog modes AM/NFM/WFM/SSB/CW included. It decodes RDS in WFM broadcast stations. This one is the chinese copy/clone based on an original famous russian SDR project "Malachite-DSP". All the features mentioned above requires to purchase and install the original firmware update from a russian "Malachite-DSP" team. The price for activation code is approx.50USD.
- Where to buy this receiver:
www.banggood.com/Ultra-thin-5...
- Firmware upgrade (complete informations):
radioamateur.us/malachite-dsp...
- STM DFU Programmer:
www.st.com/en/development-too...
- Latest original firmware download:
yadi.sk/d/4ZgsrswxYClG1Q/%D0%...)
- Buy/ask for official firmware (activation code) on this email:
rx9cim @ rambler.ru
- Antenna used in this video:
www.sk-tech.sk/om0et/ultraligh...
- N9EWO Review of the original Malachite-DSP:
www.qsl.net/n9ewo/malahit.html
- China Malahit / Malachite Users Facebook Group (very helpful):
/ 2673986352928589
This is not a promotional video. The video expresses my personal views and view of the receiver. Video is not sponsored.
#Malachite #SDRreceiver #ChineseClone - Наука та технологія
Thanks for this Paul, I like the way you give the good and the bad points. A very fair and informative review.
That is very impressive. I've been eyeing one of these and think you just sold me on one with the better dials. Thank you very much for your time making this video.
Radio is coming on so quick, imagine what we'll have in another ten years. DSP is simply amazing.
Wow Great ! And that NR is impressive
Amazing how far we've come in the last 10 years !
Nice video, great little RX and nice mods. NR is impressive.
I simply can't believe how well the noise reduction works!
By using of the digital filters. Digital filters are the program filters.
Wow! That’s the best Noise Reduction I have ever seen!
SDR Console for Windows has many kind of NR and I use Neural Network NR which often does it for me.
sick algos lol
That thing is tiny! It's great. Love these tiny/compact SDR devices. :)
Informative video. I find that often, rotary encoder implementations lack suitable debouncing. Capacitors help, but Schmidt triggers are the ultimate solution.
Can it be attached to a computer and have the display on the computer screen along with controlling all its features from the computer similar to a SDRplay. How does it compare to other SDR receivers like the SDRplay and more?
Enjoyed the video, Paul...nicely done review of this receiver...thank you and 73! de WX0V
Thank you Scott! 😃👍 Best 73!
Does the upgrade only give you frequencies higher than 200mhz? I would only use it that way if it works just as good without the upgrade.
A note on those encoders jumping around.
It happens because dislodged particles inside form short circuits.
Open them, and clean them with a brush dipped in alcohol, or pressurised air.
New encoders will develop the same problem in time.
Because they are crap quality.... Its normal... Chinese quality....
Wow That’s Awesome! A small but great little receiver.
PS, there has been a lot of comments on how good your review of this clone sdr is. I have the exact unit. Thank You so much for such a good review.
Hi dr OM, nice Video , good Job !
What would you are using for new encoders ( Typ, factory, perhaps a buy-link)
tks 73 fm Dessau, de DF7MR , Mike
Wow, can it decode apco 25 phase I like my whistler WS1040 handheld scanner? Just curious because I really wanna downsize my ham station but also be able to add reception of our emergency services to it too. Also where can I purchase this unit as well.
Very useful video full of helpful information. Thanks!
Really nice coverage of this sweet little receiver Paul! That Noise Reduction is AMAZING! Great job of modifying it as well. Did the shielding you added make a noticeable difference Paul? 73, KF6IF
Yes the noise cancelling is very impressive. Truely very impressed, if only the rest was built to an equally impressive level of high quality.
Good video and review. I'm going to order one.
Lovely piece of equipment.
how well does the noise reduction work on weak signals ?
it appears to work well on strong signals but i think blanks out weak signals, that defeats the purpose of a noise reduction feature in receiver.
that missing shielding on the board is what it should come with from original factory, its a bit like a house without a roof.
how does the reception quality compare to an Airspy+ or a SDRPlay RSPdx between 150khz and 30mhz ? those require an extra computer to work but are about same size.
i like the build in screen with the waterfall display and recharable battery, works independent from an extra computer.
i would like switch to cut of the screen from the battery, that should max the battery time, screen will be the most powerhungry part in all of this device.
Thanks for your very good report, I have ordered one with upgaded firmware from Banggood... Looks to be very nice....
Hi Bob. Is the updated firmware that you ordered available as an option? I don't see it at the website. Is it the one that opens up coverage to 2 GHz? Thanks in advance.
@@scotthalligan4675 there is an option on the website for the full coverage, now there is a delay in suppling it... I'll wait and see what comes when it arrives...
Finally got here in downtown Melbourne aus, 17 Mar.... Charging the battery before turning it on 😉
Wow! Many thanksfor your detailed description/analysis! I purchased one on Ebay from a U.S. seller for about $100.00. Looking forward to using this receiver! 73, Bill W3MSH
Tell us bill, does it work 100% or it it broken yet..?
update?
I love your videos and really enjoy when you go outdoors and test your antennas. I bought one of these 2Ghz versions. It arrived and powers up nicely but I get no reception with the included antenna or any of my HAM antennas. In fact, there is no difference between no antenna, included antenna and my own antennas. I'm wondering if the SMA connector came unsoldered inside but I'm afraid I may screw up my return prospects if I open the case. Any thoughts?
Thats what you get from buying chinese crap...
No quality control....
Just polished turds.
Nice review! Thank you for sharing.
When you upgraded your radio in the video your new firmware came right up, is this true, or is an activation code needed and what comes up if it has not been activated when you put new firmware in?
Thank You much for the previous reply. Somewhere I saw a video of some internal shielding work and a resistor not being soldered. Was that one of your videos? I cant find it.
Thank you for the review... I wonder if you know if the $50 Russian Firmware upgrade has the same NR performance?
I have this receiver with the upgrade and the NR is so amazing 😊.
这个产品最近卖的非常热，我的朋友刚刚拿到。很nice
Thank you for your videos! I have a USB version, that was only $30.00 US and a second one that was little less than that. Both came with software, the $30 came with a commercial software.... Both came with several antennas. The reason I purchased it is (I hope) to detect small wireless buttons that control my lights in my basement office and the rest of the house. How would I detect the exact frequency? I have 2 lights on main floor and sometimes the bedroom light turns on my outside lights, but it doesn't do it every single time. I like to detect what frequency it is and see if it can be tweaked or adjusted, so the different remotes aren't on the exact same frequency. I like to play with electronics, like Arduino, Raspberry PI, NE555.... and I do have couple scopes and a generator.... soldering stuff, so I can desolder or replace parts if needed. But I'm not as good with the great equipment I have here, so I need baby steps instructions. Also, can the unit you are showing here give me an opportunity to use it as inexpensive electronics Analyzer? I'm restarting my hobby after 50+ years working with computers and photography, and now it is harder to learn. But I have time and the drive to learn, so I have nothing to lose. I also fix stuff and put it on my UA-cam. My personal website (very simple) is tonysfun.com/ and there is a button that takes you to my videos. I also ask questions on my videos - like when I was fixing Tektronix scope that I purchased used and is now working, thanks to couple viewers that suggested a stuck switch. Thanks god it was that simple. If anyone else can point me the right direction, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you and have a great 2021 year!
Can you directly enter a frequency, or do you need to use the freq knob to tune?
Very nice review and nice work on the inside of the case. 73
Thank you very much! 😊😊
Paul.. thanks for the video. i still enjoy your magloop antenna ;) BTW two questions. 1. a pointer to where I can buy this unit 2. any way to use this was a panadapter for my HF transceiver that has 9MH IF signal output & cat control. thanks a lot.
Where to buy this one?
@@jerrymoya5725 Family Dollar and Five Below have these junk things for about $6. Already set up. New ones.
@@coloradostrong 🙄
Great video when I get it csn I start to use it or do I need to upgrade the software first look forward to hearing from you Paul in Kent
Thanks very nice indeed. How much to get it unlock for upper band ?
Looking at the PCB, it seems the add-on active antenna board will not be possible in this variant
hi Paul..great and interresting videos.. where did you find your model, and the price...the same as original malachite ?? 73 s from pascal
I would love to own something like this. I'd carry it everywhere with me. One thing that is missing is the ability to record broadcasts to audio but I have a good digital recorder I can hook to this.
I have a question. Is this radio can decode drm trucked transmission p25 and others?
Thank you for taking the time with explaining this device - #PyrateRulz
Im going to use this in my little DIY project.. I have a question. I think the one i bought have the "V processor.. hmm Is that a problem?
And also is there a default frequency when you boot it up?
hehe and anothe questio.. I want to use another encoder relocated from the board. my idea is to desolder the encoders that are there now and use other ordinary encoders.. But hmm no clue what type of encoders that are in this china clone.. need to know wich pi is wich "clk, dt, sw, gnd and vcc"
WOW! The NR on this thing is simply 🤯 !..
Your channel is very informative and useful, thank you Paul 🙏.
Thank you so much! I am very very happy for your nice comment! 😊👍
Hello Paul,
How is the quality of the of the side vfo knob for fine tuning the frequency?
Can i hear ATC frequencies?
Do you know what the rev on the front stand for? Mine says ESPE N6ZKI
There will be people who do not agree with you, but you call it how you see it and I respect that! This receiver does need part upgrades you mentioned. It could use solder upgrades too. Lead free, at present is a big disappointment. Perhaps this will change, but for the present time, it remains disappointing. If you disagree, it’s your choice and I respect that, but I have seen the problems lead free brings and they don’t outweigh the leaded advantage. Thanks for sharing this video. I enjoyed it immensely. Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷
Any info abt. 3rd order intercept point? Tnx and 73 from I0BAM.
Link to where you got this version please.
Maybe someone could help me. Do all the Malahite SDR's have the watery echo sound in the background, like water in a bathtub being moved around? And if so is there a way to reduce it. Also, i find noise reduction makes it even worse..Thank you.
I HAVE AN OUTDOOR ANTENNA COULD YOU TELL ME WHAT CONECTOR I NEED TO FIT THE RADIO CONECTOR ON THE RADIO,THANKS STEVE
I see the 50KHz-200MHz model is sold out but there is a 400MHz~2GHz model available. What is the difference with these frequencies, is one stronger?
Excellent review. Crisp video. I'm also interested in the loop antenna. Could you tell more about that?
Hi Paul, my malacchite is RevB.0 see the link, and differs slightly from yours, in the loudspeakers on the buttons VOL and FRE, can I update the firmware according to your video? Thanks in advance 73s de SV2YJ
Hi Panos. I've got the RevB.0 as well. We have opened it with Paul OM0ET and compared it with his Rev A. It seems to be identical. There was only a difference in a fact his display was fixed with the silicon, meanwhile mine not.
Hey Paul. How much time do you get from 1 charge of the battery ? Tnx fer the video..73
Hello, can modulation, deviation and RDS be measured?
Can you also tune the radio with the Waterfall Display by using the touchscreen to select a signal?
Yes, by tapping on the spectrum scope close the signal, but is not precise.
Can this decode digital modes also?
Hi, have you problem with frequency knob? (It turn but freq doesn’t change) How to solve? Excuse me cor my english! Tks
Paul, did the screening make a lot of difference? Mine has a lot of birdies in the HF bands. Is the mod worth doing? Great vids, by the way!
OMOET, do you communicate with 0033mer? I have been trying to talk to him about the RF Power Output Meter. You assistance would be appreciated, thank you.
Thank you for your good work.
I'm afraid I have to agree with the other reviewers who say that these are, at best, and unfinished product. I think it's fair to say that any product that needs the terminals resoldered and shields added isn't quite done yet.
Very interesting, But too much for me to continue to watch, Tried to find out if there is given a receiver sensitivity.
Do you know what the 12 db or the 6 db is of this receiver?
Excellent review, thanks for sharing.
Would be interesting to see how it performs on mediumwave
This thing is sooo cool i must have one
A pocket radio that uses a room size antenna. What'll they thing of next?
What is the difference in the software? Is the original software sufficient?
Great bit of kit I’m interested I have a MLA-30+ receiving antenna cheap good performer for broadcast DX
Hi Paul, nice review! Banggood has an option with 2GHz for additional 55 euro approx, is that the version which is already activated with the latest original Russian firmware? Seems like it would be a good option to get that if it's all already done. Or do you still need to pay additionally for an activation code and so on with that model too? It looks like a perfect companion for my FT-857d if I installed a SDR-TAP I could let the radio do the switching and it would be like a second receiver and pan adapter. I suppose it doesn't do CAT control does it? That would be the icing on the cake!
i bought a similiar one from banggood.. i got a repacked set in a zip lock bag tooosed into a small box...no packing.came from US address. Stopped working after 3 hours ... even had older software,,,BANGGOOD is difficult getting a refund or replacement.. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH BANGGOOD/// not BANG GOOD!
Did your solder repair of the tuning encoder solder pads give you any improvement in the skipping issue you experienced?
No improvement. Seems that it needs better encoders 🙂
Hi Paul:
Did the metal shield improve the radio's performance? I have one on order and I will make up a shield if it improved the receiver. Thanks. VE6BPM
I don't think so :)
I have the exact same unit in this video from Bangood. How do you direct enter the frequency, tapping on the readout wont give me the keyboard. Did your stock firmware include the direct entry screen or did it appear when you paid the 50 for the full update? Also, allot of other function arent there either, freq below the waterfall, mode selection, many others. Thanks and an excellent review.
Yes, it's available with 50 dollar update only
VERY impressive litttle receiver!! - and now i will cry for a while....😆😆
From one of the many sellers , one said these could decode CW (with upgrade ?). Any info would be appreciated .
Yes, with upgrade, CW is decoded. It works very well.
Well I think I’ll hold off until a ‘finished’ product is offered and tested. You save me some money. Thanks!
Yeah..still waiting for a plug and play version
I ordered the one with large knobs from Bangagood , full version, wait ing to see how it compares to my Aferdri stand alone model
sp the difference between the $125 version and the $250 version is you don't have to buy an activation code to get the $250 one to receive up to 3GHz? what am i missing
Nice little receiver. You did not like the rotary encoders in this version. Did you find something to change them out to a better part? There are versions of the Malahite (misspelled) that have two knobs sticking out of the side of the unit. Do you think that they may be better? They do not look as nice.
Thanks.
Not yet, but you can get used to it :)
Awesome! What is the model of the antenna used on this video? Thanks
Thanks! It's the UltraLight Magnetic Loop Antenna: www.sk-tech.sk/om0et/ultralight-mla-ver.4.html
$300? Includes a real RG58 coax cable! PASS.
After do all installation steps , and after power the device on , then ... I will be asked for activation code ?
Yes, correct. Email where to send the request with displayed HEX code is in the video description.
I can help you get the registration code,
@@OM0ET every device have its own hex file , or hexis the same ? do you try compare two hexis same version or two devices ?
can you compare this to tecsun 880 or 990 please?
What kind of antenna is that .where can you get it?thanks
I can't find this reciever on tge website only a slightly bigger one :(
Is this radio still available? Doesn't show up on Banggood..
So, I have to not only purchase the receiver, but also an activation code prior to first use?
Purchase from the designer, RX9CIM and it comes fullt activated
@@gerrykavanagh Thanks for the tip!
@@gerrykavanagh
designer doesn't have radios for sale.
you place an order and wait couple months.
not the way to conduct business.
If you need a screen protector for this its on amazon a Fuji AX7 camera screen protector.it fits perfect and dose not effect the radio.
@@gerrykavanagh and I think with the extra board for extra 60$
Great video!
I noticed you have the same ARM chip I do, it does not have the "Y" which is supposedly needed to program without the used of SD-link but I see yours did work.
Am I not seeing the "Y" on another chip? or will mine upgrade through the USB without SDlink also?
Thank you
Can it tell you the tones repeaters are using
erg leuk Apparaatje ook mooi Klein
Lots of useful info, cheers.
Thank you very much! 😊
Thanks for this impressive video! Do you have success with changing the faulty encoders or you only resolder them?
Thank you! 😊 No, I left an original encoders. They are good. The problem is that russian software is designed for different type of encoder.
Great video! Perfect timing for me. I placed an order for one through Banggood after watching this. I received one from Amazon last week, but it has horrible crackles in the audio and intermittent signal issues. I will be returning that one for a refund. Did you have to solder a jumper in order to flash the firmware?
I am sorry to hear that! I hope you will enjoy this model I bought too. No, jumper was not neccessary - CPU is "V" marked. 👍
i just returned one from banggood as it appeared a repack and would not turn back on after 2 hours
Hi Paul, very nice
Thank you :)
I love it good
Keep uploading videos like this
Thank you so much! 😊👍
Can the clone or original be purchased complete, no programing to it required. Ready to go out of the box?
Yes, the original is available complete from RX9CIM
I have a few SW radios and know little about SDRs. Does a SDR have to be hooked up to your laptop in order to work? Is an external antenna needed?
Does this include the cell phone frequencies?
Very nice review.
I understand, correct me if I am wrong, that the update is to extend the receive frequency up to 2GHz. How is the performance on the VHF and SHF bands. I an very impressed with the NR is the performance the same after firmware? update?
It comes with basic chinese FW, but after update with original russian FW you will get frq extend and many more features and advancemends.
Thank you for the info
Very interesting variant of the Malahit SDR. I might get this version. Will you let us know when you do the encoder upgrade? As a noob, I’d like to follow along.
Yes, i could do a video about it 😉👍
@@OM0ET i am waiting for it
73 de DF7MR Maik
If your looking for a screen protector for this its a Fuji AX7 camera screen protector. I got this same malahit receiver and it fits perfect.for those who are looking.