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Author Topic: Which starter SDR =< $100? NooElect or RTL-SDR Blog V3 or What?  (Read 209 times)

K4BDA

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Which starter SDR =< $100? NooElect or RTL-SDR Blog V3 or What?
« on: November 22, 2022, 07:35:06 AM »

- I'm shopping for an SDR Receiver. Hopefully for $100... more or less.

- I've seen a video on the RTL-SDR Blog V3 but is there something better in my price range?
  (Note this doesn't seem to be available on Amazon anymore... so is it out of production?)

- Also seen stuff on NooElect but so many models leaves one's head spinning.

I can read online till the cows come home but hopefully some of you guys will give me some good suggestions and save me some time researching.

Thanks,

K4BDA
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G4AON

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Re: Which starter SDR =< $100? NooElect or RTL-SDR Blog V3 or What?
« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2022, 08:06:31 AM »

There are many cheap and nasty SDR “dongles” around, but they are little more than toys.

Genuine (not Chinese rip-off copies of them) RSP SDR receivers are reasonably good. I have an RSPDX that I use a lot.

https://www.sdrplay.com/

HRO have the RSP1A at $99.95, or the better spec RSPDX at $199.95

73 Dave
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KC8HXO

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Re: Which starter SDR =< $100? NooElect or RTL-SDR Blog V3 or What?
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2022, 09:02:53 AM »

The Airspy HF+ Discovery is on sale for about $136. It is excellent.
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K7LZR

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Re: Which starter SDR =< $100? NooElect or RTL-SDR Blog V3 or What?
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2022, 10:38:53 AM »

Forget the < $100 ones and go for the SDRPlay RSP1A. Good software compatibility, great performance, mega wide frequency coverage. Great support also.

Airspy is good too but less frequency coverage, limited to 192khz - I think - on screen, and spotty support from what I've read. Also more fragile than the RSP series. 
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K5TED

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Re: Which starter SDR =< $100? NooElect or RTL-SDR Blog V3 or What?
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2022, 11:24:04 AM »

Hands down the RPS1A. Most band for the buck. The SDRUno software is good, and SDRConsole works great with it as well, but free apps.

Once you get the hang of working the AGC and Gain structure, you will be amazed at what it can pull out.

Was using mine yesterday and was amazing even after owning it a few years what the SDRConsole NR3 can do with it. Pulled unlistenable VOA and BBC almost completely out of the noise.

SDRConsole has a satellite mode for auto tracking and Doppler shift as well. Features to numerous to mention here. Makes a $99 black box into a more than decent general communications receiver.
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K4FMH

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Re: Which starter SDR =< $100? NooElect or RTL-SDR Blog V3 or What?
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2022, 02:08:43 PM »

William,

I have one or more of each one mentioned. Plus some others. Don't let an absolute $100 price point be a road-block. Do you need 6 meter reception? If so, go SDRPlay RSP1A. If not, consider the AirSpy also. The latter has a hole there:

HF coverage between 0.5 kHz .. 31 MHz
VHF coverage between 60 .. 260 MHz

I have 3 SDRPlay models and 2 AirSpys. Each has their strengths. If you're new to SDR receivers, go with the RSP1a.

73,

Frank
K4FMH
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K4BDA

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Re: Which starter SDR =< $100? NooElect or RTL-SDR Blog V3 or What?
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2022, 04:14:46 PM »

OK, I'm probably ordering the RPS1A tomorrow from Ham Radio Outlet.

1 - I see it comes with the SDR-UNO Software.
Should I consider other software packages as well? And if so what?

2 - And, what else will I need?
For instance... Does it come with an SMA to BNC or PL-259 or Type N Adapters for connecting to an outside antenna?

3 - I've seen SDR antenna kits on line but they seem small.
I'm sure an outdoor antenna would be best... like a long wire or dipole or vertical...
But what do you guys use for good ham band performance?

Thanks to all for the help.
Will, K4BDA
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G4AON

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Re: Which starter SDR =< $100? NooElect or RTL-SDR Blog V3 or What?
« Reply #7 on: November 22, 2022, 04:26:33 PM »

Hi Will, I don’t know if it comes with a USB cable, if not you will need one that can carry enough current to power the RSP. The same goes for USB ports, some struggle to supply enough current. You should be OK though. My Asus laptop and Dell Optiplex desktop are fine.

I use a home made active antenna, distribution amp, and switching interface to drop supply when I transmit. Details at qsl.net/g4aon

73 Dave
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