Could it be possible to use a $20 SDR dongle connected to the 10,7MHz output etc
It would certainly be possible to connect any RF device capable of receiving and tuned to 10.7 MHz. Once connected to the Icom's 10.7 output the connected device would be 'receiving' whatever the Icom was tuned to. That would include a $20 dollar Dongle (or even a $19.99 one, lol)
Leaving the Dongle set to 10.7 MHz via a suitable SDR program running, any of its Functions should work. Depending on the Dongle one might need to attenuate the signal coming from the Icom. The actual efficiency/specs of the Dongle are not really important, as the Icom is doing all the 'front end' work.
There are however two things that need to be considered regarding your SDR program's scanning.
1. Although I said I have found I could tune around the input device initially set to 10.7, up to 1.5 MHZ either way and still receive signals from the Icom, the actual output 'efficiency' will start to drop off the further one tunes away from the centre frequency. How that would translate to the efficiency at either end of your scan in a real world environment depends on just too many chaotic variables to assess.
If the Icom is picking up what might be an S9 signal translated into the 10.7 output, in my experience it would still detect and output that signal if it were found at 9.7, but how well would also be a factor of the attached receiving device's capabilities. Certainly a barely detectable signal coming out from the Icom at 10.7, might have disappeared if the Dongle was tuned to 9.7, i.e the furthest end of the scale.
2. One very real issue is determining the actual received frequency, since the only one showing on the SDR software would be in to 10 MHz range. No problem when set to 10.7, as it is the frequency showing on the Icom itself of course.
That is why I included the actual Icom R8600 frequency being monitored being displayed when using the DV1 with eSPYonARD (next update). It is 'dynamic' in that it changes on the program's screen as the DV1 is tuned, so you know exactly what you are listening to.
That does give a certain 'Band Spread' ability but I cannot envisage a scenario when that would be needed, although nothing is impossible.
Some people say the need smaller tuning steps than the Icom can achieve under certain circumstances. That is easily done using the DV1 by selecting its 'steps' when used as the attached device but only really useful if you can actually see the frequency it is receiving from the Icom, and for that one would need the DV1's eSPYonARD software.
In those particular circumstances one would only be tuning a very small amount above or below the frequency shown on the Icom, and any 'drop' in efficiency would be too small to worry about.
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I realise the original thread was about the 5700D, but quite naturally references to the AR-DV1 and Icom IC-R8600 appeared. I have followed his posts from the beginning, here and on Facebook Groups, and his remarks about at least 'waiting' until AOR have definitely sorted out the 5700D are very compelling. Also I certainly feel anyone thinking they need to spend that much money because of the 5700's advertised specs should seriously consider an Icom IC-R8600 and AR-DV1 combination.
I have seen several posts in reply to mine about using the AR-DV1 with the Icom R8600 stating it is financially impracticable, and suggesting using SD Dongles or even the expensive and discontinued ARD-300 instead.
Actually for anyone who really feel they want the brilliant front end of the R8600, but with all the additional Modes and capabilities of the DV1 it is less expensive than the AOR 5700D (which does not even have a Band Scope' built in, just a software one).
I was surprised to find how many people actually already owned both Radios. Whether it is worth the monetary outlay is totally subjective, but it is hard to deny when connected together they represent a 'Super Radio.
I have never suggested people should go out and buy either or both just so they could be connected as described, but being made aware of the potential results is another matter.
Of course the combination will not 'please' everyone. There are those that hate AOR and/or any Icom Radio. Those that 'detest' the look of the DV1, or its lack of quadraphonic Bose quality audio. I know, I have read the posts (SIGH). However if you do appreciate the capabilities of both Radios, once 'merged' they offer very 'special' possibilities.
I am lucky, I own both Receivers. My DV1 is certainly not permanently hooked up the the R8600 as its 'slave'. I use both independently most of the time.
If you are into SDR via your Computer than lots to experiment with there if you want.
However with just one antenna switch (just for convenience) and a single BNC cable I can connect the DV1 to its own Antenna, or the R8600 together as and when I want to. No need to use a Computer / software (except as mentioned above). Just as simple as one simple connecting wire, and tuning the DV1 to 10.7 MHz and all is ready, multiple Digital Modes for the R8600 included with auto detection, to name but a few 'little' extras.
Do the two Radios in combination represent the perfect answer, of course not? Is there anything as versatile available at the moment in stand alone Receivers (including the 5700D at its enormous cost), well that remains to be seen.
