I have an older TenTec rx-320d that I have never really done anything with. I recently got back into SDR with a Nooelec dongle and have been having a bit of fun with it. As none of the current programs work with the 320, i would have to use the program that came with it. Is it worth setting up?
What to do with an older SDR
- Thread starter Waylorn
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kermit_t_f
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- Jul 13, 2012
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First, the RX320d isn't a SDR, so it wouldn't work with the SDR-software you use with your dongle. It's a computer controlled receiver.
You should check, if the control software works on your computer, as it seems it's really old and there could be some problems with a modern OS. And you need a serial data port on your computer, to control it. I don't really know the receiver, so it's possible that there is other software to control it, maybe someone has an idea here.
The receiver seems to be quite good, regarding the reviews on eham. If you need more information, check out this page: Support / Product Documentation / TEN-TEC Obsolete Products / TEN-TEC RX-320 / RX-320D DSP HF Receiver | RKR Designs
You should check, if the control software works on your computer, as it seems it's really old and there could be some problems with a modern OS. And you need a serial data port on your computer, to control it. I don't really know the receiver, so it's possible that there is other software to control it, maybe someone has an idea here.
The receiver seems to be quite good, regarding the reviews on eham. If you need more information, check out this page: Support / Product Documentation / TEN-TEC Obsolete Products / TEN-TEC RX-320 / RX-320D DSP HF Receiver | RKR Designs
I have a usb to serial adapter. I was thinking of getting a receive antenna from Universal Radio and throwing this in the mix. What little bit I have played with it, it seems pretty robust. I contacted Ten Tec and they were very responsive in posting the last version of the software for this radio. I also found one other paid version of software that works with the radio. Take a look here: Pegasus Plus - N4PY Software. This software runs about 75 dollars. I paid about 140 for the radio back about 3 years ago. I hate to just let it go.
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
Kermit is entirely correct. As such, I am going to request this thread to be moved to our HF Equipment forum
As for antennas, there's one gotcha that catches a lot of people. Make sure that the tip on the RCA jack is a long one. See item number 2118 on this page for an example;
RCA Phono Adapters
The reason for this is that if the tip is too short, it will not break the connection to the internal whip - and make you think that the radio is insensitive (it's not...).
I had one for many years, running it on an old XP machine using the free Scan320 application. Worked like gangbusters. With its extra filters (it can support up to 32 different bandwidths, depending on the software used) it would blow a RTL-SDR / ham it up converter right out of the water without breaking a proverbial sweat.
I don't know if it's still around, but there was a RX-320 Yahoo group that would be a source of useful information, particularly in trying to get drivers and software working. Win 8x made that a royal pain in the arse
Mike
As for antennas, there's one gotcha that catches a lot of people. Make sure that the tip on the RCA jack is a long one. See item number 2118 on this page for an example;
RCA Phono Adapters
The reason for this is that if the tip is too short, it will not break the connection to the internal whip - and make you think that the radio is insensitive (it's not...).
I had one for many years, running it on an old XP machine using the free Scan320 application. Worked like gangbusters. With its extra filters (it can support up to 32 different bandwidths, depending on the software used) it would blow a RTL-SDR / ham it up converter right out of the water without breaking a proverbial sweat.
I don't know if it's still around, but there was a RX-320 Yahoo group that would be a source of useful information, particularly in trying to get drivers and software working. Win 8x made that a royal pain in the arse
Mike
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
As an aside, HF receive antenna questions are welcomed here...
Receive Antennas (below 30MHz) - The RadioReference.com Forums
Mike
Receive Antennas (below 30MHz) - The RadioReference.com Forums
Mike
smason
Member
I did some modifications to my 320. Replaced the serial port with a USB port (USB port in a DB-9, pin compatible, jus tneed to bypass the TTL/RS-232 chip),
Replaced the RCA antenna connector with a BNC, and wired it to my 12V supply along with my scanners. No more multiple wal-warts in the radio room. One big 12V supply fr the BCT15, PSR-600, 320, Stridsberg, and room for a few more.
Replaced the RCA antenna connector with a BNC, and wired it to my 12V supply along with my scanners. No more multiple wal-warts in the radio room. One big 12V supply fr the BCT15, PSR-600, 320, Stridsberg, and room for a few more.
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
I'm shocked that the RX320 Yahoo group is gone - but it apparently is.
Scan320 was written to work with Win XP- I have no idea whether it would work in either Win7 or 8.x. If you're willing to experiment, I have the files on a backup - send me an email to ka3jjz (at) comcast (dot) net and ask for the Scan320 files. It's pretty self explanatory - not much to it. In fact it even has its own logging software, which is a companion to Scan320, and I have that as well
Mike
Scan320 was written to work with Win XP- I have no idea whether it would work in either Win7 or 8.x. If you're willing to experiment, I have the files on a backup - send me an email to ka3jjz (at) comcast (dot) net and ask for the Scan320 files. It's pretty self explanatory - not much to it. In fact it even has its own logging software, which is a companion to Scan320, and I have that as well
Mike
smason
Member
Seems to be there for me, maybe Yahoo was having issues when you looked.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/RX320/info
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
There's no telling - thanks....Mike
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
Please check your private messages (PM) on this board...thanks Mike
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