How does an RTL-SDR v4 compare to an AirSpy HF+ on 40m?

[ethanbowering24]

I have an RTL-SDR Blog v4 currently and want to listen to 40m (particularily 7200KHz). A listing near me has popped up for an AirSpy HF+ and YouLoop antenna and I'm considering getting it. I only have the dipole kit from RTL-SDR blog and I know that's not good for HF, but I'm wondering if I should be getting the whole radio, or just a new antenna?

 

[PDXh0b0]

A youloop is a passive rx antenna(decent reception)

An mla-30 or K-180wla would give you a good bang for your bucks.

The v4 does hf...but not like the airspy hf+

My hf/shortwave dx'n use priority
Airspy
Sdrplay
Blog v4

 

[EAFrizzle]

I used to run a v4 for HF monitoring. You can get good reception with one if you add a few things. An improved antenna is the most important thing, and it doesn't have to cost a lot. Check out the wiki on HF antennas and loops for some ideas.

I found that I needed an LNA, AM & FM BCB filters, and a set of inline attenuators to get the best performance from the v4. That went with a 400' helical loop antenna, but not sure what your space limitations might be. An active antenna like @PDXh0b0 mentioned will give you excellent performance for its size.

Give the v4 a try with an active loop, it might do what you need, and at least you have an effective antenna for a different receiver. Or, if you have some space, get creative with some wire.

 

[dmchalmers]

I'd save your money an jump on the AIRSPY. I bought a v4 on amazon an its just a $40 paperweight so much for getting a good start with SDR? Not sure if i'll give it another try again.

 

[ExploitedSanity]

I'd save your money an jump on the AIRSPY. I bought a v4 on amazon an its just a $40 paperweight so much for getting a good start with SDR? Not sure if i'll give it another try again.

Well that's encouraging. I just ordered my first sdr which happens to be a v4. Can you tell me why you think yours is a paperweight? Just want to know what to look out for.

 

[JimmyJet727]

Well that's encouraging. I just ordered my first sdr which happens to be a v4. Can you tell me why you think yours is a paperweight? Just want to know what to look out for.

Everyone has different experiences based on location, systems being monitored, antennas, terrain, etc. Many people have had great results with the V4. I have 2 V4's monitoring a 9-site P25 simulcast system quite well. Many of the Broadcastify feeds are V4 systems.

 

[redbeard]

The first hurdle with a v4 is making sure your software supports it and it's special driver needs to control the upconverter.

Airspy does some magic that gives it an amazing dynamic range and that makes for a great experience.

 

[ExploitedSanity]

The first hurdle with a v4 is making sure your software supports it and it's special driver needs to control the upconverter.

Airspy does some magic that gives it an amazing dynamic range and that makes for a great experience.

If I dig SDR and everything works out with going back to work, down the road i'll consider an airspy or something above the v4. Thanks for the recommendation. I did see somewhere that you need a certain driver for the v4.

 

[ExploitedSanity]

Everyone has different experiences based on location, systems being monitored, antennas, terrain, etc. Many people have had great results with the V4. I have 2 V4's monitoring a 9-site P25 simulcast system quite well. Many of the Broadcastify feeds are V4 systems.

The 2 dongles handle 9 sites? Is that due to dsd+ Fastlane?

 

[JimmyJet727]

The 2 dongles handle 9 sites? Is that due to dsd+ Fastlane?

Not using DSD+. My scanning software is sdrtrunk...

GitHub - DSheirer/sdrtrunk: A cross-platform java application for decoding, monitoring, recording and streaming trunked mobile and related radio protocols using Software Defined Radios (SDR). Website:

A cross-platform java application for decoding, monitoring, recording and streaming trunked mobile and related radio protocols using Software Defined Radios (SDR). Website: - DSheirer/sdrtrunk

github.com

The PD/FD/EMS radio system I'm scanning is here...

York County SC Public Safety Trunking System, York County, South Carolina

York County SC Public Safety Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

Here is a very simple calculator to determine how many dongles are required for a given system. Read the instructions on the page. It's just copy & paste...

SDR center frequency calculator

There is certainly a learning curve with SDR scanning. I was clueless at first. But with the help of many people on this forum I got up to speed fairly quickly. Hang in there.