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Reviews For: SDRplay RSPdx SDR receiver

Category: Receivers: General Coverage

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Review Summary For : SDRplay RSPdx SDR receiver
Reviews: 14MSRP: $199.00
Description:
The SDRplay RSPdx is a single-tuner wideband full featured 14-bit SDR which covers the entire RF spectrum from 1kHz to 2GHz giving up to 10MHz of spectrum visibility. It contains three antenna ports, two of which use SMA connectors and operate across the full 1 kHz to 2 GHz range and the third uses a BNC connector which operates up to 200MHz
Product is in production
More Info: https://www.sdrplay.com/rspdx/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
14144.4
N0TLD Rating: 2023-02-22
Great RXer, fun to use! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
A definite step up (and then some!) from the original RSP, and not just from the multiple antenna inputs, though that alone would have been a nice addition to the original. But with its metal case, it does SO much better with shielding and overloading -- I have not experienced the imaging and distortion I recall dealing with so often with the RSP, on the low bands especially. It's no top of the line box from Elad or Pegasus and the rest, but this is a very useful, capable and fun SDR. The software from SDRPlay leaves a bit to be desired, and I've been playing with other software to see which feels best to me... but the RSPdx itself is a winner and a keeper for me. It is a great improvement.
K7NG Rating: 2022-09-14
Good price / performance match Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have an SDR-based transceiver for HF, and SDR technology isn't really new to me, having worked on certain systems with SDR embedded. But I decided there was a lot above 60 MHz I wanted to hear that a 'regular' scanner wouldn't do so I invested in an RSP-DX.

First, I want to say that surprisingly the RSP gives an IC-7300 a challenge in performance below 60 MHz, though the 7300 wins when the radio environment gets really ugly.

I get excellent APT satellite images on 137 MHz using the RSP, no preamp, and an gnarly old 5/8 wave groundplane antenna though 'the book' says I shouldn't. I attribute this to really, really good frontend sensitivity of the RSP. I use it for receiving AIS and ACARS and am not disappointed. I haven't yet put any effort to receiving ADS-B on 1090 MHz but that's coming soon.

With the same old 5/8 wave groundplane I could see on the SDRUno spectrum display a signal on every NWS wx frequency and easily discern the voice. A couple freqs had multiple signals. On the OR Coast this might not seem too odd except I have several scanners and none of them can do that.

I haven't spent as much time in the UHF area but I can hear some UHF ham repeaters over 100 miles away, behind a lot of mountain.

In other words, so far the hardware seems to exceed my expectations. I'll really put it to the test when the MW DX season returns this winter.

On the other hand, I've seen better software than SDRPlay's SDRUno. Oh, it's OK, looks nice, and obviously tailored very well to the RSP SDRs. But it seems that even with a halfway decent-looking help page and a considerable variety of user inputs & suggestions, the software seems to be designed with intent that eventually you'll have to contact SDRPlay for assistance. One feature of the software that didn't take any effort to get accustomed to is the 'scheduler', as long as you remember to use GMT in setting it up.
I'm one of those types that DOES read the manual and is willing to spend hours trying to figure out why things aren't going like the book says, so when I have to ask for help, there is usually a knot in the sheets, so to speak.
SDRPlay generously provides links to other SDR softwares (which I've also tried) so they still get a gold star, even though I'd like to spend just a teensy less time scratching my head. Besides, I'm running out of hair.

For the money, I think it's a pretty good deal.
W6CJ Rating: 2022-09-14
Good Product - Good Customer Service Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
As a newcomer to dongle SDR receivers, I did a lot of research and was glad that I did! On the web, I noticed a lot of inferior junk, much of it Chi-comm fakes and counterfeits - popping up all over shady online sales sites.

SDRplay, on the other hand, is a real company in the UK, who backs their products and provides help and documentation. Before buying my RSPdx, Jon at SDRplay was good enough to answer all of my email queries.

Though familiar with specialized receivers, spectrum analyzers, TSCM receivers, I am still a newcomer to SDR dongles, so won't get into the features too much. I'm pleased with the wideband (no gaps) coverage. I like that the 4"x 4" (inches) RSPdx can travel discreetly in my laptop case. SDRplay offers their own software for operating the RSPdx, and provides information or links to other software...I would like to see improvements to their native software that would make operation more user-friendly. With a good set of earbuds or speakers and proper adjustment of the software, FM broadcast stereo sounds good.... finally, a general coverage/SWL receiver that has decent-sounding broadcast audio! It is possible to set up channels on banks or groups and to scan, as well as filter out the CTCSS tones in received NBFM traffic.

73
W6CJ



K0INN Rating: 2022-01-08
Fantastic - takes some time to learn the software Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've owned other SDR receivers and my favorite SDR software used to be HDSDR. The interface was simple and easy to use for me.

I purchased my RSPdx based on the favorable reviews and I really liked the multiple antenna inputs that are software switchable.

After getting the radio and software installed I was intimidated and frustrated by the SDRPlay software. In order to use the HDR mode on LW and MW and switchable antenna inputs, you have to use the SDRUno software.

So, I made the commitment to learn the software. After becoming familiar with the functions that mattered to me, I've come to appreciate the power and usefulness of the software. It is now my preferred SDR software.

How did I learn the features? There is a YouTube channel called SDRPlayHamGuides which explains and demonstrates just about all the software features. Let's say you want to learn how to activate a notch filter. I remember this not being obvious to me, You could view "SDRUno basics, notch filter". The feature is powerful and easy to use. Perhaps the software developers can come up with a simpler interface with the ability to hide some of the complexity of the settings not commonly used.

It is worth mentioning that the SDRUno software is still being developed, bugs fixed, and new features being added.

The RSPdx performance has been fantastic for me. I love the APF for CW.

Someone mentioned the scanner. It works very well for me and has a useful and easy to use squelch function.

I also like the plugins. I use the DX Cluster plugin frequently. This plugin displays dx entities on the spectrum display.

I'm using my RSPdx to listen and have not interfaced it with my ham rig. I haven't found anything in the hardware and software that does not work extremely well.

I use my RSPdx just about every day. All in all, I'm 100% pleased.
NS3T Rating: 2021-12-09
Very cool but insanely complicated Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I don't buy too many gadgets, but I wanted to experiment with the SDR technology in my shack. This is well worth it. The waterfall and all the filters are great. If you are into SW/MW DX'ing, you could easily use it as your radio interface. I would have loved to use this 40+ years ago for that part of the hobby.

BUT. I don't want to be an Old Fart, but the SDRplay software is not user-friendly. It's just not intuitive. Yes, I am becoming like an old dad, and easy things escape me. But much of the SDR software and the processes involved is just flat out confusing. I love the idea of recording a chunk of spectrum in order to listen back to it. I may never figure out how to do it.

When I switch bands, sometimes my radio comes along, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it links up with VFO A, sometimes it only links up with VFO B. Sometimes when I change frequencies on my radio, the SDRplay will flip it immediately back to the previous spot. I cannot figure out why, or how to change that.

I can't figure out how to set a frequency, so when I click to go to 160 meters, it always takes me to 1900 LSB. I don't want to go to 1900 LSB, but that's what I have to do. I don't want to go to 28850 USB, but that's what happens every time I click the 10 meters button. And then, each time I have to manually go to the frequency area I like, zoom in on the waterfall, etc. It's exhausting.

I feel like I'm using about 1/100,000th of the capabilities of the RSPdx, which is unfortunate. Maybe it needs a super-basic setup for clowns like me. It still looks great on the screen, and I love using it to tune up and down the AM band at sunset. Congrats if you can figure it out, because it is really a cool product. 73 NS3T

N7BWB Rating: 2021-08-08
Excellent wide band SDR Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Like KD7AWG, I started my adventures with SDR receivers with the RF Space SDR-IQ, which I still own and love. The biggest drawback is only 190khz of available spectrum. SpectraVue is my preferred software interface, simple and effective. A couple years ago I upgraded to the SDRPlay RSP1a and liked it a lot, with some misgivings. Dynamic range in my preferred section of the spectrum (LW/MW) was lacking, and the SDR-IQ was superior in that respect. During that time, I gave SDRuno a try and didn't like it. I tried SDR Console but felt more comfortable with SpectraVue.

With the announcement of the RSPdx, my main concern with the RSP1a was addressed. I purchased the unit through HRO and was pleased with their service. But the HDR mode is only available through SDRuno (that I'm aware of), so I decided to give it a try again.

Spending many hours becoming familiar with the software, it has now become my go-to.

The high dynamic range ability of the RSPdx has become a game changer in LF/MW operation of the product line. This morning @1200 UTC I recorded (another nice feature of SDRuno) the MW spectrum which was chock full of Asian split frequency stations, here in south western Idaho. I'm still reviewing the recordings.

One aspect of the RSPdx and SDRuno that has seen little mention is the scanner ability. The operator can create simple CSV text files that SDRuno interprets and uses as memories and scanner frequencies. The functionality is terrific, and I have all my local VHF/UHF emergency and police frequencies entered into the text files. It works a treat. Since the memories default to Ant A, that's where my discone is connected.

Yes, SDRuno does have its drawbacks, it is cumbersome and maybe overly technical. A new release of the software is coming soon, and with it will come multiple and scheduled recording sessions - a big improvement to existing functionality. They could certainly make improvements to interface (multiple windows are a pain, and there's no way to lock them.) The software requires studying - think earning your first ticket level studying.

But as far as the RSPdx, I give this little metal box a five rating. The frequency range, sensitivity, and limitless filtering options make it a real winner for me. Every day I'm more amazed by its capabilities.
K6SDW Rating: 2021-08-08
SDRPlay needs improvement Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The SDR receiver is amazing....however, the software which is free, needs a lot of improvement, especially the user interface.

Great receiver, just be ready to invest a lot of time learning to use SDRPlay. It would be really helpful if the manufacturer would create an app for beginners or in their manual suggest setting for us beginners to begin learning how to use this SDR receiver.

GL/73
KG4RUL Rating: 2021-08-08
Hardware - Great Software - A Hot Mess Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The design and construction of the hardware is top notch. The software, however, is non-intuitive and difficult to use.
K7LZR Rating: 2021-06-22
Excellent general purpose receiver Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This really is a great receiver for the money. You get features which were only found in the most expensive government and military receivers not so long ago.

In addition to the RSPdx, I also have both an RSP1, and an RSP1A. Both of those are used for dedicated purposes, and I use the RSPdx for general listening needs.

In terms of performance, The biggest improvement that I have seen over the RSA1A is in the range of frequencies below the MW broadcast band. The RSPdx does shine there, especially when HDR mode is used via the SDRUno software. I do have also an old Hammerlund HQ-140x tube-type receiver which is alot more sensitive on the MW band than the RSP receivers, but that is the single exception - indeed the RSPdx is very good there in its own right and is on par with most any other LW/MW receiver which I have used in the past.

The RSPdx also has (3) antenna inputs which is really convenient and saves from having to rig an external antenna switch. These antenna ports are software selectable which is a real help.

The RSPdx is housed inside a solid, heavy metal case. Although that is nice, I don't feel it to be a necessary improvement over the shielded plastic cases of the other RSP receivers because they are sturdy enough in their own right and it likely just adds to the cost.

The best features and performance from these receivers will only be realized if they are used with the MS Windows operating system. The available software for these for Windows is far more stable and in general quite superior to the Mac & Linux counterparts in terms of variety, feature sets, performance, documentation, support, and ease of installation. I use mine with both HDSDR and SDRUno with excellent results.

The RSP line of receivers, including the RSPdx, are also competent spectrum analyzers when used with the excellent program by Steve Andrew which was written specifically for the purpose. Available for Windows, This software allows one to make very accurate measurements of frequency, amplitude, phase noise, etc. of inputted signals.

In all, I feel that the RSPdx is an excellent bargain. I'm very happy with it and I don't think that I could have done any better for my purposes even if I had spent much more money.
KE7CHX Rating: 2021-04-15
Technical problems syncing FTdx3000 with RSPdx Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I must say, from the time I got on the phone with John he was hell bent on solving my problem. Went out of his way to get his partner Steve on the line. Steve went through the whole process step by step until we found the problem. We did find the problem was in the settings, corrected them , I am now a happy camper.

Thank you John & Steve for taking your time to personally help. The SDRplay gets 25stars, good company, great product.