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Author Topic: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?  (Read 434 times)

KJ7GHK

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RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« on: December 29, 2022, 09:14:51 PM »

I bought a RSP1A from hro and been having trouble using it. I have not been able to get any support from the manufacturer because their site just gives me error messages, and hro has proven to be no help whatsoever.
When I have it running the program seems to work but it acts as if no antenna is present. I do not know if this is a defective sdr, or a software glitch. Is there some place that can fix these things? I am very unhappy with this product and hro especially.
What I actually want is some form of a pan display for my Yaesu ft990. If a computer oriented ham wants the RSP1A to repair or program I will give it to you. That being said is there a cat program with a spectrum display? There must be a way to get a pan display for my Yaesu without buying anything ever again  from hro. Any body want a rsp1a? Anybody know a simple way to get a pan display for my Yaesu ft 990?
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KF4HR

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #1 on: December 29, 2022, 10:15:51 PM »

That's odd to hear HRO is not providing support.  I've purchased from HRO years and they have always been extremely helpful.  If you think the unit is defective, send it back.
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KF6QEX

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2022, 01:23:42 AM »

A way exists, "simple" is a matter of opinion.
Not being able to access the sdrplay.com website and not having the RSP1A to work, it might be a moot point if you don't complete the IF tap project below.

What sort of errors are you getting when attempting to access the website?

BTW if you had the RSP1A powered on and connected to an antenna ( or a short wire )  and keyed up with 100Watts you might have fried its first RF stage.

Regarding adding a panadapter to the FT-990, review the thread below:
https://groups.io/g/ft990/topic/adding_a_panadapter_to_the/81873086?p=
------
Quote
VE3TMT COMMENTS posted on the old Yahoo FT-990 User Group:
Since this seems to be a good place to start, here are the
instructions to add the panadapter display to your FT990.

The IF tap in the FT-990 is made on the RF board, between T-1005 and
T-1010. This point is the output of the first IF mixer at 47.210 MHz,
before it goes to the filter. You want to tap before the filter to get
the broadest spectrum.

The tap is done through a 0.022 or 0.047 uf tatalum capacitor. When
you pull the RF board and pinpoint the location, you will see there is
a small trace that runs from T1005 to T1010, about 1/4" long. This is
the tap point. Right beside it there is suitable ground contact, after
scraping it to expose the copper. Put some electrical tape on the
board surrounding the trace before you solder the cap. This helps to
prevent shorts. You can then apply another layer of tape over the cap,
once the tap is complete.

I mounted an RCA jack on the rear of the radio between the DC power
connector and ground lug.   As a side note, I have a USB panel jack on
the way. My plans are to mount the dongle inside the radio, and simply
use a USB cord to connect to the computer, but that's another story.
------

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sdrawkcab daer tseb si txet sihT

G4AON

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2022, 03:43:30 AM »

Error messages? Are you certain, the manufacturers site is working fine for me. https://www.sdrplay.com/

There are interactive fault finding tips on the above site.

73 Dave
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VE3TMT

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2022, 05:00:02 AM »

That's an old post. I would suggest using a buffer although I don't recall it being required in the 990.

KJ7GHK, what software are you currently using? You could try downloading the latest version of HDSDR. This is what you'll probably use for your panadapter anyway.

Download the latest version (2.80) here: https://www.hdsdr.de/

In the options settings of HDSDR, there is a tab called RF Front End or something like that. For normal listening you have to make sure the "external antenna" is selected. When using it as a panadapter, you have to select "IF" and input the first IF frequency of the 990, which is 47.210 MHz. There is some tweaking to be done, but this will (should) get you a working panadapter.

Once you have determined the RSP1A is working, I can help you with the panadapter portion.

Max
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N7WE

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2022, 05:48:35 AM »

You might try https://groups.io/g/SDRPlayUsers  There is a lot of great info there and very knowledgeable people that follow that group.  And the YouTube SDRPlay channel has tons of great videos and recorded webinars. https://www.youtube.com/c/sdrplayrsp  There is almost too much info!  But if you dig a bit, I'm sure you'll find how to solve your problem.
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K5TVC

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #6 on: December 30, 2022, 06:02:56 AM »

Use the rx in/out jacks with a splitter. RX out to splitter input and one splitter output to RX in and the other splitter output to the RSP1a. Use RX switch per manual. I'm using a cheap tv cable splitter. Works great.
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W5HRO

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #7 on: December 30, 2022, 06:38:59 AM »

BTW if you had the RSP1A powered on and connected to an antenna ( or a short wire )  and keyed up with 100Watts you might have fried its first RF stage.

Good point. I have an RSP1A also purchased from HRO connected to my TS-590SG, but I also added a small 3dB SMA attenuator at its input for added protection. Granted a 3dB pad won’t stop really high power levels from damaging it, but it does give it some added layer of protection and ensures the output jack in the back of the radio always sees 50-ohms. It does help and the signal decrease is not even noticeable.
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KB9UMT

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #8 on: December 30, 2022, 08:47:42 AM »

Jerry KJ7GHK.....email me direct and I will try to help you if possible.
Don KB9UMT   KB9UMT AT ARRL.net
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K7LZR

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #9 on: December 30, 2022, 11:27:57 AM »

Sorry to hear that this isn't working for you.

SDRPlay and HRO both have top-notch support so I don't understand why you are not getting help. The RSP1A has proven to be an excellent product for many if it is set up and used correctly.

There are many helpful videos on YouTube, and many other online support avenues.

I think that you will come out very well with this. Good luck!
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SWMAN

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Re: RSP1A doesn't work.. fixable? Donateable?
« Reply #10 on: January 02, 2023, 07:53:05 PM »

GHK,
 I don’t want to mention any names but the same dealer in the Dallas area here didn’t and wouldn’t help me with my unit either. I offered to pay them 1 hour labor and still a big NO. I just walked out and didn’t buy it. Oh well, maybe someday I will mail order one from someplace else. Good luck with yours.
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