COMM Putting Ham Radio on your computer

[rmomaha]

If you want to get started in ham radio on the cheap, this is a very inexpensive way to start.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GDN1T4S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?

 

[bw]

Several of our club members use SDR and love it. I'll pass this on.

 

[jazzy]

well thats cool! thanks

 

[dvo]

Hey...thanks. I’ve looked at software defined radios for years, but never pulled the trigger. The price is right on this, so may give it a go.

 

[tnhillbilly]

Can someone explain what this is and does and how it could be of help to someone? Thanks.

 

[bw]

In a nutshell, all the signal generation that used to take custom circuits and big expensive components can be generated by a high-speed microprocessor. Your PC acts as the control panel, replacing all the buttons on the traditional radios.

None of this changes the requirement to have a license. You can buy the stuff and listen without a license. You need a license to transmit, and hams aren't going to talk with you if you can't properly identify yourself. Major legal problems if you try transmitting with no license. The license is a slam dunk to get, and many people have done it in a single day, but you gotta have one.

Software-defined radio - Wikipedia

http://www.wirelessinnovation.org/assets/documents/SoftwareDefinedRadio.pdf

 

[tnhillbilly]

Thanks Fringe Ranger.

 

[Toy Maker]

I have the older model, fun to play with!

 

[mistaken1]

Looks interesting.
This particular model appears to be receive only.
Available direct and on ebay if amazon is not for you.

https://www.nooelec.com/store/sdr/sdr-receivers/nesdr-smart.html

This one will transmit (looks like digital only).
https://www.nooelec.com/store/sdr/sdr-bundles/yard-stick-one-bundle.html

Thanks for sharing.

 

[NoDandy]

Self Ping for LATER READ

 

[ShadowMan]

So do the components in the OP allow for both sending (once you get a license) and receiving?

 

[bw]

Getting licensed:

Getting Licensed

Actual tests are available online. Many get their license by taking the tests enough times to see what's going on. The technical parts, where you have to compute circuit values, change from test to test, so you need to understand what it all means. Anyone with a nodding acquaintance with circuits can probably pick up the rest (the legal and commonsense stuff) in a day.

 

[Tripod]

I have Ham Radio Deluxe for many years. It looks kool and works great but after abour an hour i go back to the knobs, switches, and controls i have been using more then 62 years. There are some sdr radios that don't need a computer and they are great as well.
Mike

 

[bracketquant]

Why didn't Nellie Ohr think of doing that?

 

[lanningro]

I have an RSP1 SDR, I use it in conjunction with a Yaesu 1200 and a t/r switch. The t/r allows both to listen to the same antenna but isolates the rsp1 during transmissions. I have a full size G5RV at 35 feet, two Alpha Antenna seniors at 40 feet, one pointed SW and the other NE. A lot of the time the 1200 is listening on 75 meters and I scan the short wave bands on the SDR at the same time.

 

[bobfall2005]

Nice

 

[mistaken1]

So do the components in the OP allow for both sending (once you get a license) and receiving?

Does not look like it.
From here:
https://www.nooelec.com/store/sdr/sdr-receivers.html

If you wish to transmit, the HackRF is a great option. It is a transceiver, so can both transmit and receive--but half-duplex, so only can receive OR transmit at a given time