SDRPlay As Spectrum Analyzer

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michalwu
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Sep 01, 2015 2:53 pm

SDRPlay As Spectrum Analyzer

Post by michalwu » Tue Sep 01, 2015 3:02 pm

Hi

I saw this viewtopic.php?t=85 and been wondering if it is working fine.
Does anybody use SDRPlay as spectrum analyzer and can say few words about it?

I'd like to have spectrum analyzer in my ham shack.
Thanks!
mike
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F1BJB
Posts: 118
Joined: Wed Jul 15, 2015 4:24 pm
Location: Beauvais France

Re: SDRPlay As Spectrum Analyzer

Post by F1BJB » Wed Sep 02, 2015 7:43 am

Hi
As any SDR receiver SDRplay acts a lot as a spectrum analyser.
It mainly lacks:
Absolute amplitude calibration
Input attenuator
shielding
sweep frequency range
tracking generator

Depending on the software used, It is (often much) better for :
cost
sensitivity
frequency calibration
power consumption
plus all the advantages of using a PC :
signal identification , demodulation ,recording
screen memory functions
remote applications

Among the various SDR solutions SDR play is very good for:
frequency coverage
dynamic range
cost

73's
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michalwu
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Sep 01, 2015 2:53 pm

Re: SDRPlay As Spectrum Analyzer

Post by michalwu » Wed Sep 02, 2015 10:07 am

Hi
F1BJB wrote: As any SDR receiver SDRplay acts a lot as a spectrum analyser.
It mainly lacks:
Absolute amplitude calibration
So if I understand this correctly, I will not be able to measure the level of the signal?

F1BJB wrote: Input attenuator
shielding
This can be easily obtained, or am I missing something?
m.
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F1BJB
Posts: 118
Joined: Wed Jul 15, 2015 4:24 pm
Location: Beauvais France

Re: SDRPlay As Spectrum Analyzer

Post by F1BJB » Wed Sep 09, 2015 8:38 am

michalwu wrote: So if I understand this correctly, I will not be able to measure the level of the signal?
In fact as contrary to most receivers in .1 to 1500 Mhz range the AGC can be totally disabled
that can be done by using a generator of known level on a frequency close to the signal .
Most of the time absolute values are not needed and SDRplay is very useful to compare antennas or mesure the gain
of preamplifiers.
michalwu wrote:
F1BJB wrote: Input attenuator
shielding
This can be easily obtained, or am I missing something?
m.
You are right except that a variable precision attenuator in the upper frequency range can cost more than the SDRplay.
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