SDRPlay RSPDX Radio Receiver Review and Demonstration
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- The SDRPlay RSPDX software defined radio receiver is alot of fun, providing all the features I think I'd need to listening to the amateur radio, broadcast and shortwave radio bands. SDRPlay offers multiple models to fit your feature and price needs. The RSPDx is available through Ham Radio Outlet.
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Companies can send demo products to: Josh Nass P.O Box 5101 Cerritos, Ca. 90703-5101
The RSPdx is a truly exceptional product. I use it with my old Yaesu FT897. I use the 897 just as a transmitter and the RSPdx as a receiver - it works perfectly (I use the MFJ1708BSDR to switch out the RSPdx on transmit). A word on my setup - I am a Mac user so I run SDRUno under Parallels - again it works perfectly. I also use LOG4OM as my logger. All of these products use Omnirig CAT so an added benefit is the tuner knob on the 897 tunes the RSPdx - seamless! And the cream on the top is that I can route the audio via high quality speaks via Sonos!
Kevin Polston - thanks Kevin for the suggestion of a transmit antenna relay. Was trying to find something functional. N1KTJ
Thanks Kevin for the T/R switch tip. The MFJ1708BSDR is very reasonably priced and it's ideal for the job. N2SN
Using an SDR as a shack receiver great idea! I love it.
Thanks for the video, Josh. I graduated to an RSPdx five days ago after operating an RSP1A for a couple of years. I am running an off-center fed 40/20 dipole for the low bands and a discone for the high bands. I'm using SDR Uno primarily. I was pleased with the 1A in most regards, but we have a couple of local AM broadcast stations nearby and they wreak havoc with any radio that has a less than stout front end. The 1A was good, but not up to communications receiver grade good. For example my Drake R8 easily outperforms it in that regard. I was more than excited to open up my RSPdx and give her a good workout. A week into it, I'm very impressed. It is essentially equal to the 1A on UHF/VHF (meaning quite good) and I love the new scanner feature of the 1.33 SDR Uno software. I monitor police, emergency and air bands in the valley and in this regard both receivers are stunning. Being primarily a low band DXer (MW) I was eager to see what was to come. I wasn't disappointed. The improvements are palpable. Dynamic range seems vastly improved as does immunity from our local broadcasters. From my Idaho location I've listened to a handful of Asian AM broadcast stations on split frequencies. (every 9kc), with my dipole. Primarily Japan, but also China and the Koreas. During the off season. To sum it up, if low band DXing is your thing, then the DX is the one to have. With the 2 additional antenna ports and metal case, it's worth twice the price. If you're more into UHF/VHF and don't care about a low band performance bump, the 1A for a hundred bucks less is a bargain.
Happy owner of a RSP1a here. Had it about a year now and love it
A great video for someone new to SDR. The RDPdx is a very tempting buy.
Thank you!
I passed all three test elements today!!!
Way to go.
I bought a RSPDX for my girlfriend a few years ago. She set it up on a remote site and logged into it using the net. It was out of the city so, it had a cleaner signal.
Sounds cool!
I am working with an SDRPlay RSPDX and 2 G5RV dipol antennas 1 in East - West direction and 1 in Nord - South direction both 13 meters above the ground. For vhf and uhf i use the Diamond X300 N. This is a great listening station... Love it.👍
Could you please develop a antenna episode with connectivity for use with the RSPDX. Beginner level.
Ditto
Agreed- it would be helpful to know what kind of antenna you have driving the setup here.
That must be a great antenna!
Josh...Your timing couldn't have been more perfect. I was just opening the box when I got the notification of this video! W8RFC
ESP 😄😄
The signal to noise ratio (of the RSP dx) as viewed on screen is not as clean as I would expect!? My RTL-SDR v3 dongle using HDSDR, produces an much, much cleaner trace!!! I am really surprised! My two v3s only cost $50 (for both) and can be used for so many applications from 500 kHz to 1.7 GHz including all of what you demonstrated as well as the decoding of APCO P25 and Flight tracking signals. I'm just putting this out there so others don't feel they have to purchase a $100 or $200 dollar device to get an incredibly sensitive SDR receiver! I run my dongles on an old 2006 single core AMD Athlon, win XP computer with the FREE software: HDSDR. I just love this stuff!!!!! I don't what to take anything away from your great video. I just want to let more people into the coral!
I have the original RSP1. Wasn't happy with the plastic case, so I wrapped it in aluminium foil to improve the shielding.
Other than that, works so well that I don't see any real benefits for upgrading.
Thank. you Josh...I'm shopping for an SDR and your video really helped me to zero in on the unit I want. I am struggling with an antenna. Considering using one of those 9:1 baluns that come with another brand sdr dongle and trying to fit 260 feet of wire running around my attic.....would love a vid just on SDR antenna ideas. Thank you!
I have the second version of the SDRPlay. I use it to decode digital stuff like DMR, PSK31, FT-8 and FT-4. Works great
I'm looking at an sdr but still too much I don't know about all the differences between all the brands and models. Thanks for some of this extra info.👍😎
I have an RSP2, bought it when they first came out. Didnt do much with it until the panadapter board PTRX-7300 for the iCOM 7300 was introduced. Beautiful integration to the 7300 and now I have a true second receiver with no signal degradation and I have the RSP2 connected to be able to monitor different bands/frequencies or have the SDRUno track my rig as I make setting changes, frequency changes whatever by using the free Omnirig software to marry up the panadapter and my rig. I like the new filtering for shortwave bands on the new SDR box and broadcast band as I listen to many stations when I am not either ragchewing or using FT8 in the digi mode. Age here is 58 and it sure is nice to have a larger screen for the waterfall to catch weak signals. I have a W6LVP magnetic loop adapter in the mix also with a T/R switch. Sure works nice with the RSP2 on broadcast band with a television rotator to rotate the loop. I also use it to drop the noise floor to talk in the 75m DX window. Works great to hear those stations across the pond. This summer I am going to install some beverages though so I have better listening capabilities. Not sure if I will spring for the new one but sure would be nice to have "all" of the features in one box now that I already have an RSP2 pro. BTW, I paid 178 for the RSP2. would be nice for the upgrade to be near the same price. Just my two cents. 73, Dan AB5VJ
Just posted on HRCC FB page about an SDR.... I think I am going to order this one. The software alone looks better than my RTL-SDR dongle. and it seems to do much better. Thanks for the review Josh.
Awesome video Josh! You get to play with so much interesting gear!
I'm an admitted SDRplay snob. Not sorry. To each their own, this is mine.
I own an RSP2pro and an RSP1a and they are what I use to "do radio" running SDRuno
I do own a couple of, and appreciate the RTL-based SDRs, but the SDRplay line is made to perform at HF frequencies and work so well.
I have my RSP2pro connected to my Icom IC-718 via OmniRig and the combination is so awesome that it becomes difficult to use a traditional portable shortwave radio!
I teamed my RSP1a with a modest notebook with an optimized windows configuration and there's my portable RX setup worth vastly wider capability and even better battery life than my (still beloved) PL-660!
This company just makes better and better stuff. I wish I was in a position to grab one of these awesome new radios too!
73 de N2NLQ!
Hey Josh,I still have my first gen sdr play great wide ban receiver,I've found,it's all in your antenna,if you can afford it,the wintadio is the most top shelf world wide ban receiver you can purchase, this comes from having them both, love your videos, kb0uzz,73
Great video Josh. I bought the SDRplay 2 when it first came out. Still use it to this day. Great equipment!
Me too....Great little gadget
Just ordered an RSPDX from HRO. Looking forward to getting it and getting it setup.
Glad HRO sent you one. I could not buy one last Christmas from anybody. For those in the general population, I think the British (Chinese?) SDR RSPdx is vaporware.
Have an Airspy HF+ Discovery and SDRPlay RSPDx. They are almost identical performance wise. But I do like the multiple antennas on the DX.
Hi, I have an RSPdx and using SDRuno software. I like all the filters and the ability to manually set a specific bandwidth, eg if 60KHz Selected you can narrow it to 40KHz when receiving the NOAA weather Satellite images on the 137MHz band. It has a bias T option on Ant B. Just love all the features. However there is a bug in v 1.42. xx software as it screw with the telemetry for weather satellites. I went back to v1.41.1 and it works fine receiving NOAA on 137MHz and decoding with wxtoimg software. The RSPdx uses tge Kenwood serial port format and via a cirtual serial port software. wxtoimg will automatically select the frequency and adjust for Doppler as the satellite passes over.
It be interesting to know if with v1.42.xx SDRuno you experience the staggering of the image received.
73's VK5LX.
Having ready and installed both models, you might have considered a live comparison of the two.
I have this, although it hasn't seen much use, as it has pretty much been confined to the high-noise environment of my apartment building.
Propogation blip ? What was that? I've seen these before, any more information would be great.
Great video, just subscribed. I have an RSP1A that i use as a Panadapter for my FTDX3000 and just bought a Dx which im using for all other bands. Started receiving Inmarsat lately and it receives well on the Dx - so many frequencies now to listen to.
Thanks for the review. I have a TS-990 which has most if not all of these features. However SDRPlay RSPDX looks like a lot of fun on a much broader frequency range at 3% of the price. I will be getting one of these to play with. This little unit would be great for satellite image downloads and other digital HAM stuff.
Awesome, yeah these are nice. I wonder about the Airspy HF+ with spyverter too... though invested in the SDRPlay RSP1a for now and great timing since finally installed on the Win 10 Ultimate machine. Now time for more antenna builds and studying code to see how to interface the device with C#/C++ coded apps. Thanks for sharing!
LW stands for Long Wave 😊
I've got the RTL SDR blog dongle. I think I'm going to have to get this one. I've just started getting into this rather expensive hobby!
Could you please do a video for a first time purchaser of a SDRplaydx. Reading their instructions is confusing and setting up the first time with all the different windows is not easy if this is your first SDR.
Dave K8WPE
i here ya this stuff is pretty complex.
3 best antennas no money option and 3 on a budget
I use my SDRplay/uno on a Mac by running a windows virtual machine. Requires a bit of playing around, but a good solution for Mac people out there.
Propagation blip is military radio scanning the spectrum for reliable communication
Josh...Can you do a comparison between the RSPdx vs the RSP duo or the RSP 1 to show the performance difference on the at 160 meters and below as I would (as well as others ) like to the enhancements for those bands LF, MF, Lowfers and the beacon bands. Using the same software for both . (To see the hardware difference between the RSP's)
Thanks N9QDS
I grabbed a RSPduo (No Regrets) wish I had a larger backyard to put up a longer wire. (80 feet) is all I can do.. With a 49:1 UNUN.. (Beats the MLA-30+ Magnetic Loop Antenna)
So if you are still on the fence to get one.. (You Won't be disappointed.)
Thanks for the roundup and nice demo. I've been spotting around for a few days, trying to decide whether I want one; I must say, you provided the most detailed and informative operational demo I've seen so far.
The main question I think I'm trying to hear someone answer is one I haven't heard anyone address so far, and that is: Given the required attenuation/switching/isolation, and probably a separate antenna, is there any good reason not to use an RSP-DX as your receiver for everyday ham operation ?
K2KQU
12:03 - "We got the blip, the propagation blip" -
Can you explain further ?
I think meteorological agencies sweep the radio bands with a signal to measure atmospheric conditions. If you're listening to HF radio you'll sometimes here a "blip" which is one of these signals sweeping past the frequency you're turned to.
I have the sdr play 2 pro. Its ok. The gain control is funky. I have it hooked to my transmit antenna with a MFJ 1708 disconnect switch.
You got the mw filter on when your trying to receive on mw around the 9 min mark, just thought you should know
Oh and I also appreciate your hard work and these videos. Always learning. 73 tom
I’m trying to revive this passion again. Ex 2004-2008 RadioShack manager before the bankruptcies….. Technology has changed so much. So I’m technically new all over again. Ive seen a few YT videos where people uses 2 USB receivers to create a digital trunking scanner; so I’ve been shopping for 2. But something tells me it would be more effective to find a dual receiver unit. I also want something as capable as you have demonstrated. I wonder if the Duo is what I’ve been looking for? What are your thoughts?
Works very good with My New Laptop! Use SDR Angel Software with it,
super
Really helpful and timely video for me. Thanks. I have a RSP2. Since you did not mention it in your video or show it on the comparison sheet I am left to wonder if the 2 is the same as the Duo?
Wow thanks. Trying to get my shack back active to include ham and also SWL, AM broadcast band, HF air etc. The price for this capability seems ridiculously affordable, but I don't have a Windows PC. I would think to take advantage of this it would be worth having a very high resolution display, any recommendations for a PC device for the shack? I also want to add digital modes to my ham capability, so acquiring a PC seems to be the most useful option.
Would like to see demo of the ADSB capability.
Bill W8WAB
I noticed in the charts you displayed the x3 version doesn't support 50ohm. Is there a workaround for this?
I like having every option I can get.
Thanks, great video!
Have SDR1a. Love it. Really like the SDR Uno software. I do have a pattern on the display, equally spaced say across 40 and 80 meters. Below the waterfall appears as though there's activity. Not sure what's driving this. I believe it to be at my end but cannot for the life of me sort it out. Would love any input. But kudos to the SDR folks for a great tool. 73 tom
Go check out my “we are killing the amateur radio bands” video a few weeks back. You’re experiencing rfi.
Ham Radio Crash Course thank you josh
I have not yet played with an SDR, but will try one soon i think. For one thing, it will give me access to VLF which I do not have beyond my TS2000 xcevers. K5CO
Kindly suggest how to make a Ham Radio using two Audio Cassettes
I just ordered one. I plan on getting inside it and turning it into a transceiver. Will this void the warranty? Asking for a friend.
Yup, the SDRdx is much better at the lower frequencies that its predecessors. In the US you only pay $200. In the UK (their source) we pay that in pounds - equivalent to about $275! (How does that happen?)
I assume your using the BNC connector option with your Chameleon Receiving Loop?
going to run openwebx on a PI with a rspdx and have a lil web based sdr.
I had a Dongle SDR but I was really disappointed with the quality/clarity of reception. I have looked at the brand you demoed and am saving up to get one someday soon I hope. KE8AJO 73.
What do you want for $20 no rf filtering.
Здравствуйте. Спасибо за хорошую информацию.
Подскажите мне пожалуйста, кокой sdr купить, если я хочу слушать в основном спутники SATCOM ?
hi josh getting the sdr uno tomorrow with a rtl low noise amplifer and im having it through a icom 756 pro and i want to transmitte on it but i have been doing abit of research and i come to the conclusion i need a MFJ 1708 is that correct ste liverpool england PS great show have really enjoyed what you have been putting out, i have been on radio 40 years on and off and i came back on 3 years ago and have never enjoyed it more it has changed alot since i was last on 15 years ago lol 73 and catch you on the bands soon josh when i get my licence 73
I've been a DX fan just using a portable Grundig (Yacht Boy 400, if it matters). I've been wanting to get a better receiver. I was tempted ages ago by the Grundig Satellit 900, but I read about quality control issues, and it was a bit pricey for me. How would this stack up against something like the Satellit 900?
Hi, I have the RSP1A and I am mostly using it for FM during summer and MW during winter. Will the RSPdx get more out of the MW band?
Thanks for the great info. I am new to the RF world but I have 3 SDR dongles and a portable SA (TinySA). I would like to have a visual of the CB traffic but SDR units can,t do this unless I have the correct up converter, correct? I have a handheld cobra CB roof top antenna and I was wondering if I could use this to get the CB traffic into a SDR.
For the SDR dongles, yes, you would need the correct up converter. But the SDRPlay devices shown in this video will cover the CB band (11 meters) natively.
I bought a RSPDX and am really happy with it. It receives everything on MW my Superadio 2 does. I'm using a MDA 30+ antenna with the coax mod. MDA 30+ works good on HF. No good for VHF.
Is there an online site through which I can listen to local Airband and select frequencies or does that not (yet) exist?
Websdr. Yes.
I'm new to Amateur Radio and just found your channel. I've been looking at SDRPlay RSPDX so your video is very timely for me. This question may sound strange, but does the SDR Uno software let you create a scanner on a band?
Thanks, Doug - W7DJD
djdoornink yes, SDR uno has a scan feature built in
interesting SDR news. I am putting together a 1420 MHz SDR radio telescope and learning as I go. Any suggestion would be helpful. 😎 Thank you.
I bought one of these SDRPlay RSPdx before I bought my IC-7300. When I got my IC-7300 I installed the RadioAnalog PTRX-7300 from Martin Lynch and Sons in the UK. This installs inside the IC-7300 and gives the rig a receive port for a separate radio like the RSPdx. This device also keeps the external tuner port on the outside of the IC-7300. I have the SDRuno running on my PC that has Omnirig installed to sync the tuning on the radio with SDRuno and vice versa. There is a demo on the Matin Lynch and Sons YT channel. I think it is slick...but it is not cheap at about $250 to get it to the US, but what isn't $250 today?
Do you have a video for dummies like me to see how to hook up your SDRPlay to my transceiver hook ups to my computer ?
Can you explain what a propagation blip is and where it's broadcast from?
Sure, two locations sepperated by some distance. One transmits quickly over a large bandwidth the other receives. The receiving station can judge propagations changes by how well or if at all they pick up the transmitting station.
I'm an old ham but I have no equipment at all. It's obvious that one of these is a much better value than any normal SWL radio. My question would be in regards to the attachments and cables needed. Just a decent windows computer, the SDRuno software, the connecting cable and a decent antenna for the frequency of interest. Is that about it?
Yep, that is all it takes.
Is the SDR Uno software difficult/confusing to download and install? Thank you.
Download and install? Not at all.
Hi Josh... Curious as to whether the rspdx can receive the cellular bands?? Thanks.. David
Please tell me if this unit would appropriate for receiving 125 KHz. If not, which unit would you suggest. Thank you!!
I'm trying to decide between the Airspy and SDRPlay. Can you do a comparison ? I have some bias towards HF HAM bands and an interest in getting weather on the higher frequencies. Tx, KC3LZR
Would the RSPDX be a good started SDR setup,i have been in the scanner radio scene since the 70s
I want a radio receiver like RTL, with the difference that the range is up to 6 GHz. Thank you, if you know a device, let me know.
I want to emphasize that I want a device that is only a receiver. I don't want a device like HackRF with both transmitter and receiver.
The RSPDX is $349 in Australia
Do you use different antennas for your sdr vs your hf radio? Or do you have a switch that you go back and forth? I know you have the 7300 and you get the waterfall but I have a ft-891 with no waterfall and I would like to use the sdrplay to tell me what frequency I should go to and have both up and running at the same time. Seems like two antennas is the only way? Love your videos, keep up the good work.
I have the same question. Inquiring minds would like to know.
Nice video thanks for posting 73
It is two antennas but there is a box from MFJ,
(MFJ 1708B SDR RF sense) which is suppose to switch RX/TX but that's another box and more cash. I can't see why SDR just don't put it all in the one box and be done with it.
I am new at this ,is a Receiver
I have an RSP1A. I am getting QRM notches on a loft mounted active SW antenna. I have tried to isolate everything with the QRM. Still the notches. I have ordered a Long wire external antenna with a 9:1 UnUn. Will that do better ?
want to learn more about SDR
How do you use the SDR Play in conjunction with the 7300. Do they need separate antennas? Do you use the play to seek stations and then tune the 7300 to the station?
You need a panadapter hookup to use an sdr with the 7300
@@HamRadioCrashCourse can you do a tutorial about how to accomplish this and share why doing so is benificial.?
The end result gives you a bigger screen for viewing. That is the main purpose as I understand.
@13:24 why have the broadcast notch button on using MW?
What is the sensitivity of this receptor at 1700 MHz?? Thanks
If using in your shack how far away from your Hf/VHF antenna does the SDR antenna need to be?
Thank you Josh, i am new to this. What is on the low bands ? Which is better the RSPduo or the RSPdx i really want to spend my money wisely. I truly value your thoughts and all the fantastic videos that you do with all the great information you share. Looking forward to hearing from you. I saw the sheet for the RSPdx Best, Good, Good and the RSPduo Good Best, Best and this is where i get lost on where to spend my money. The RSPduo has two Best where the RSPdx has on Best. Again thank you for your time and help. 4/27/23 10:34 pm EST
Is it possible to download SSTV signals, and weather pictures off Satellites?
8P6RC
Oh yes. I used to run my rsp1a as a sstv listening station.
Just pipe the audio into the sstv application.
I’m totally lost to this technology Josh, I have an advanced class but been off the air from some time, got my ticket in 1977. I’m retiring ow and getting back on the air and this technology looks very intriguing, been looking at the 7610 and FTDX101d. I’m just confused a bit about the sdrplay stuff, can it be added to a normal receiver to turn it into sir? Sorry for the ignorance in advance.
It’s actually a standalone unit. Just plug in the usb and antenna and that’s all you need to run as a receiver.
Sir witch one is overall the best
Played around with dongles then Windows 10 came and dongles all died windows would not load the drivers. oh they chime in but they are locked away from their original programs by windows. Lost the old motherboard took 3 month to replace I did not want to replace cpu and my 32 gigs of memory. So watching u tube I seen the SDRruno demo. So went to the website and wow there's an RSP1A I could afford it so I have it now... Its is great I am learning by toggle button see what happens. For you see when I open a sub-screen, All I see is a grey background with very light yellow lettering which is not readable at all. I am not color blind but is there a setting to darken the background so the lettering will stand out? One other question is there a plug in that would put CW code as a ticker tape on the waterfall display already seen it on a full blown transmitter. Semper Fi
Looks like you could use this to receive marine weather fax.
I got dx one love it great video KJ7XLX
Could you do a demo or address using the two channels? I would like to see if this unit would work for fox hunts (i.e. simultaneous & phase locked) or if I should go with the RSPduo. Thanks!
Oh interesting idea. I’ll look into that.
What do you recommend for a xmit/recieve relay that you can run with any radio ?
I keep waiting for them to build one in, who wants to run a heap of RX antennas
Can you have 2 or 3 antennas connected & switch between them ?.
Yes
well; I just got this RSPDX, a couple of days ago sir-mam 5-29-22; and I got an error beginners, luck, I had sent the software company an email they were no help however sir-mam if you should have an error for a beginners, with this RSPDX software, and the screen doesn't show right the RSPDX device plays a certain key role in that I recommend, put the USB cable thereinto, a 3.0 USB slot on a PC plain, and simple, and it worked, a little further so I haven't tried to program anything yet so far screen is okay sir-mam so beware, I like its a neat little old device sir-mam; here's a little, Al Green for you sir-mam, Backup Train, 1967 myself a black guy take care sir-mam; thats a good video;
Dumb question, how long of a lead in can I connect to my RSPDx and any suggestions for cable type? Thanks.
Lead to pc or antenna?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Antenna.
I’d try to keep it under 50 feet.
What is the propagation blip exactly? I see them often using the IC705
It’s a signal used to test propagation between transmitting sites.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse thank you so much!! My wife and I love the channel and the podcast!
Thank you!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse can you also answer another question real quick? You’ve probably answered this a few dozen times but what is the data/digital noises above 450.000.00? Why are they constantly transmitting? Thank you so much!!
No idea. It’s likely something in your home. Look up my videos on “RFI”
Nice, just sad this is about R 4,600 ($279) in my country...not nice
The rsp2 pro?
Josh, how would you compare this to the RTL-SDR?
All the SDRPlay receivers are much better than the RTL-SDRs