SDRs, Nets & Stuff

 

Wow, I suck at blogs.

About a week ago I attended my first local HAM meeting.. virtually at least. A few members reached out with resources to help me with the studies to get my license.

I’ve generally got my head around enough to get the exam done; I just need to find out how I can in the current climate.

The failed SDR was refunded, and I received a legit RTL-SDR which has been much more reliable. I replaced my Linux Mint install with Windows 10 so I could play with SDR#. I was over the amount of effort involved in getting plugins and what not working compared to Windows, where it was trivial. As much as I love Linux, I don’t care much for the work meets hobby clash that gets in the way of using the radio. 

Legit RTL-SDR from a reputable source

 

I’ve split the feed from the Diamond D150 antenna so I have it going to both the SDR and my DM-1702 handheld. The digital quality has improved on the handheld now, so I can at least listen to it.

I’ve ordered a MFJ MFJ1708BSDR. This will detect when the PTT is pushed and avoid killing the SDR(s). Supplier is out of stock, so might be a while before it comes in. Definitely going to be a requirement as I also have a Retrevis RT95 coming, and they’ll be sharing the same antenna. I’ve got a DMR hotspot coming as well which should hopefully reduce my reliance on the external antenna just to use DMR. I just need that damned license…

I like the RTL-SDR, but I can see in the future that I’ll probably upgrade to something like the SDRPlay or the like; something that can handle more bandwidth at once.

I’ve been tossing up a Qiegu G90 to get on to HF as well. It’s just a matter of how to finance it. I’m likely to put a trapped dipole up in the ceiling space. I don’t have a massive amount of space up there, so it’ll be aimed at 20-40m. There’s a lot of ducting up there as well, so I’m expecting that will adversely impact things, but if I don’t try, then I don’t know. It will probably give the antenna tuner a run for its money.