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Author Topic: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.  (Read 327 times)

K4BDA

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Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« on: December 02, 2022, 04:02:52 PM »

Just wondering if there are any SDRplay RSPdx users here.
I just received mine and will be testing in soon.

1 - I wondered about how much USB power it requires.

2 - Will a a small laptop supply enough USB power?

3 - Is there any software that will run on a tablet?

4 - What about 1-to-2 USB cables so you can plug into 2 USB ports on the PC?

Thanks, K4BDA in Florida
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W6BP

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2022, 04:23:17 PM »

The RSPdx spec sheet says that the unit consumes 120mA when operating under 60 MHz and 190mA over 60MHz. This is exclusive of any current used by an external bias tee (if you don't know what this is, you probably aren't using one). The nominal output current for a USB 2.0 port is 500mA.

Here's a link to the spec sheet:

https://www.sdrplay.com/resources/RSPdxDatasheet.pdf
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K7LZR

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2022, 05:44:40 PM »

No worries with using a small laptop. I use my RSPdx along with a Microsoft Surface Go tablet. Works great. As to software, most any of the available windows-based programs - SDRUno, HDSDR, SDR Console, SDR++, etc. will work well on a windows tablet. If you are using an android tablet, there is one available program called SDR Touch. IMO it isn't very good as compared to any of the windows offerings. Have fun!
« Last Edit: December 02, 2022, 05:48:29 PM by K7LZR »
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G4AON

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #3 on: December 03, 2022, 01:18:13 AM »

My RSPDX wouldn’t run on a thin USB cable. I guess there are some pretty lousy cables around. It’s fine on a decent cable.

SDRuno software works well, although the plug-ins are mostly not worth bothering with.

A friend uses SDR Console, by Simon G4ELI, the guy who wrote Ham Radio Deluxe logging software. He prefers it to SDRuno, both are free so no problem trying them.

https://www.sdr-radio.com/Console

73 Dave
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SWMAN

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2022, 08:23:46 AM »

 I really wanted to buy one of those little units but changed my mind. The set up and programming looked rather difficult for me so I asked my local Ham store if they could help me with the initial set up. I had my computer with me and offered to pay them an hour for their labor. The salesman said no, that is not their policy to do that. So I asked the manager and he told me the same thing. Not really sure why they didn’t want to help a cash paying costumer but they didn’t. So I said thanks anyway and waked out. I probably will never go back there unless for an emergency even though it is the only ham store in the Dallas area. I am not here to bash anyone so I will not mention the retailer’s name.

 I forgot to mention I was going to buy the unit from them then do the set up after purchase.
« Last Edit: December 04, 2022, 08:40:01 AM by SWMAN »
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WB8LBZ

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2022, 06:36:50 PM »

  You asked them for what we do at my radio club. I have done two SDR programs for the club on their Program Night. With not having a displayed callsign, there is not an easy way for for a volunteer to help you. Your local club might give you some guidance. You are an at least an 8 hour drive from me or I could give you a quick tutorial.

73, Larry  WB8LBZ
El Paso, TX
 
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SWMAN

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2022, 06:59:28 PM »

Hi Larry,
 Thanks for the info. Actually I never did buy the unit at my local ham outlet because I didn’t think I could do it myself. Maybe in the near future I will mail order one. I will not buy it at the retailer that would not help. But anyway thanks for your offer. My call is W5JJG.   Jim. 73 to you.
I never changed my user name here, I sort of like SWMAN.
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WB8LBZ

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #7 on: December 05, 2022, 04:22:40 PM »

FB Jim, there has to be SDR enthusiasts in the Dallas area. A radio club will have a wide range of members with varied interests. I give the glow in the dark fans and the CW only fans their space. I have installed SDRuno several times on different computers (including the Raspberry Pi3). I am of average intelligence so if I can do it you can too.

73, Larry  WB8LBZ
El Paso, TX
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SWMAN

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #8 on: December 05, 2022, 06:45:00 PM »

 Hi Larry,
 Thanks for the encouraging words. One of these days I will buy one and give it a try to program it. From what I saw on the internet it looked rather confusing to do at least for me. But at least I can try.

Thanks again and 73
Jim. W5JJG
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W1MOW

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #9 on: December 26, 2022, 07:48:11 AM »

I really wanted to buy one of those little units but changed my mind. The set up and programming looked rather difficult for me so I asked my local Ham store if they could help me with the initial set up. I had my computer with me and offered to pay them an hour for their labor. The salesman said no, that is not their policy to do that. So I asked the manager and he told me the same thing. Not really sure why they didn’t want to help a cash paying costumer but they didn’t. So I said thanks anyway and waked out. I probably will never go back there unless for an emergency even though it is the only ham store in the Dallas area. I am not here to bash anyone so I will not mention the retailer’s name.

 I forgot to mention I was going to buy the unit from them then do the set up after purchase.

I am not surprised that they did not want to help you install and setup the software on your laptop. They (and the company, if it's a corp. store.) did not want to take responsibility if something went wrong with your laptop. Don't forget today most stores are owned by investment firms, and run by accounting types where the bottom line is all that matters. The store manager and salesmen could loose their jobs if something went wrong and upper management found out.

Unfortunately there are people today who are always looking for ways to get something for free. They feel that because they are spent money for an item that they are entitled for life. Just read some eham reviews...An item they bought 10 years ago failed (From normal wear & tear.) and the company refused to give them a replacement, they then bash it in their review.

One last thought...They also may not have a lot of experience in setting it up. It's hard to know everything about everything they carry in their store. Don't forget they are human.

Gary W1MOW
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The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt - Bertram Russell (1935)

So not much has changed in almost 90 years!

SWMAN

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #10 on: December 26, 2022, 08:44:24 AM »

 Gary,
 Thanks for the info, you are right why they didn’t want to help. I am just going to wait and buy one later.
Merry Christmas to you and 73.
Jim W5JJG in Dallas
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AI5BC

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #11 on: December 26, 2022, 08:57:47 AM »

I see no one answered the question. The absolute minimum current a Host USB Port (your laptop or any charger) can supply 500ma 24x7x365. Your SDR draws less than 200ma.

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W1MOW

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Re: Any SDRplay RSPdx users here? USB Power Question.
« Reply #12 on: December 26, 2022, 10:55:07 AM »

I see no one answered the question. The absolute minimum current a Host USB Port (your laptop or any charger) can supply 500ma 24x7x365. Your SDR draws less than 200ma.


I thought that W6BP gave a good answer, a long with providing a link to the spec sheet.

The RSPdx spec sheet says that the unit consumes 120mA when operating under 60 MHz and 190mA over 60MHz. This is exclusive of any current used by an external bias tee (if you don't know what this is, you probably aren't using one). The nominal output current for a USB 2.0 port is 500mA.

Here's a link to the spec sheet:

https://www.sdrplay.com/resources/RSPdxDatasheet.pdf

Gary W1MOW
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The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt - Bertram Russell (1935)

So not much has changed in almost 90 years!
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