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AR15.COM
6/3/2016 9:51:08 PM EDT
Any recommendations for beginner hardware for SDR?  I saw a $20 R820T USB dongle project and got excited until I realized it was only good for RX.  Ultimately my goal is to hook this into a carputer, so small form factor is important!
6/3/2016 10:03:34 PM EDT
[#1]
For entry level, with TX, and not for HF, probably the hackrf one. It's only 1W out so you'll need an amp.

Small SDRs that do HF TX are out of my range of knowledge, but I'm assuming if you're running a carputer you'll probably want
VHF/UHF which hackrf will do.
6/4/2016 9:55:04 AM EDT
[#2]
The $20 dongles  are still fun. Aircraft location software is cool to watch. For that alone, $20 Isa bargain to me.
6/4/2016 12:22:19 PM EDT
[#3]
SDR on HR360
6/5/2016 11:16:52 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
The $20 dongles  are still fun. Aircraft location software is cool to watch. For that alone, $20 Isa bargain to me.
View Quote


I'll be starting with a dongle to learn the software and get some of the basic interface up and running,  but without TX it's not very useful to me
6/5/2016 11:17:46 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
For entry level, with TX, and not for HF, probably the hackrf one. It's only 1W out so you'll need an amp.

Small SDRs that do HF TX are out of my range of knowledge, but I'm assuming if you're running a carputer you'll probably want
VHF/UHF which hackrf will do.
View Quote

The HackRF looks like a great starting point,  thank you!
6/5/2016 2:52:26 PM EDT
[#6]
Five Dash the makers of SoftRock SDR has some 1 watt SDR transceivers.  

I would recommend the assembled model over a kit due to the complexity of assembly for the new ham.  

He offers modes from 160m thru 10m.  I think I want to buy one of the versions that covers 40, 30, and 20  metes for about $125.00.

http://fivedash.com/index.php?
main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=13


If they are sold out just drop an email to the owner Tony Parks, KB9YIG and he will hook you up with an assembled version.



6/5/2016 6:28:51 PM EDT
[#7]
For RX, add an up converter (about $40 - $50) to the R820T & you have the whole HF spectrum to browse through - code, phone or digital...

Nick
6/6/2016 5:23:09 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
For entry level, with TX, and not for HF, probably the hackrf one. It's only 1W out so you'll need an amp.

Small SDRs that do HF TX are out of my range of knowledge, but I'm assuming if you're running a carputer you'll probably want
VHF/UHF which hackrf will do.
View Quote


It's more like 10 mW.
6/6/2016 5:23:25 AM EDT
[#9]
I've been thinking about a SDR transceiver. Something homebrew with a reasonable price tag. Something to stick my toe into just to see if I would like it.

Found a couple from 'net searches.
The Genesis series from Australia. http://www.genesisradio.com.au/
The other was the Omnia SDR. http://www.omnia-sdr.com/

Anybody have any experience with either of them?