SDRPlay Is RSP1b worth the buy?
- Thread starter sunwave
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I own both. I like the RSP1b case better but to be truthful, I use my AirSpy's except when I want to use the SDRplay spectrum analyzer program and do not have my spectrum analyzer with me. It, like most (not all) SDRplay models, lacks an input for 10 MHz reference which is a show stopper for a lot of things I do. For that reason, I have not checked the claimed (lower noise in <1 MHz, 50-60 MHz, and 250-320 MHz)) performance improvements.
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I recently acquired a couple of the RTL-SDR blog v4's after giving away several Nooelecs (v3, smartee xtr, etc), and it looks like my RSP1b arrived in the mail today. I'll chime back in as soon as I try it out this evening, and at least give you a comparison to the v4.
So far I've been impressed with the HF reception of the blog v4's, but I'm hoping the RSP1b is even better. I'll be hooking it up to an Active Loop antenna, but I also have a 9:1 balun I'm wanting to try with it.
So far I've been impressed with the HF reception of the blog v4's, but I'm hoping the RSP1b is even better. I'll be hooking it up to an Active Loop antenna, but I also have a 9:1 balun I'm wanting to try with it.
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My Airspy HF + Discovery is by far the best I have for HF. I do not use any of my RSP's for that. Hooking it to the passibe AirSpy YouLoop (not the slightly inferior Chinese clone) yielded unbelievably good sensitivity down into VLF.
That is also my experience! On HF and down to ULF (500 Hz) there is nothing better than the Airspy HF+ Discovery.
I am looking forward to reading your thoughts. I also have a RTL-SDR Blog v4. My RSP1a outperforms it. Just looking for real world comparisons between RSP1a and RSP1b before I buy. It is interesting to find out how RSP1b compares to RTL-SDR v4 though.
As for @dlwtrunked @Dirk_SDR I am not looking to buy from Airspy at this time due to budget limitation.
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This puzzles me some. I do agree that if you want coverage HF to UHF, you would need 2 Airspy models but only one SDRplay model. But I would do that upgrade in increments if finances were the issue with the HF+ Discovey being first as you already have an RSP1a. that would give you the largest bang for the upgrade.
My radio budget $150usd which covers sales tax as well with HRO's cheap insurance. Shipping is free. that's all I get. Airspy HF+ Discovey is out of the equation.
HRO: RSP1b $139.95 + 8.63% sales tax = $152.03. I am looking at a few more dollars with tax an HRO's insurance.
airspy.us: Airspy HF+ Discovery $199usd (I can't believe it is $169usd on sale for this long. They haven't updated that website in a few months) Also airspy.us has already announced in a forum thread that they had to stop doing quick ship because they are back-logged. I won't even ship from Italy so Itead is out. No Airspy for me. I really don't like the developer behind the airspy product line. I have no feelings about not owning a airspy anything.
There is nothing puzzling about it.
RSP!b is a upgraded RSP1a so it's an upgrade. A small one.
I knew it was a mistake going to RR to only see replies that are not what I am asking for. So in that case,
I have made up my mind. RSP1b it is.
Congratulations, I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I have the 1A (bought just before the 1B was released). With a decent antenna it should serve you well. My primary hobby is not radio, so I myself didn't see the point in spending a lot more for a few features I probably would never use. I might add, at the risk of getting jumped on, I think a few treat the hobby as a pecker contest to see who can impress people they've never met on who has the biggest/best. The cost to benefit ratio on some of the higher end models seems like a waste (IMHO), if you live under HOA's (like me) so I will never, no matter how much I want, get the most out of a top of the line unit.
dmchalmers
Member
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- Apr 12, 2019
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- 445
Thanks for all the honest feed back not sure what SDR to jump into! Iagree alot of pecker thumping on here, know it all ezperts but novices need to ask!
I clicked on the green button on HRO. I want it for the improved noise figure 3.5-5MHz, 850MHz, and it's metal case. I always listen to Trivia Net nightly at 9pm cst (0300utc) on 3.916MHz lsb. Also improved noise figure at 1MHz exactly where local Oklahoma city MW station KTOK 1000khz is.
mitbr
Active Member
Sdrplay are great sdr's...I have the rsdpdx you won't be disappointed!!
There are a number of software choices to use with the program.. sdruno, sdconnect, and my personal favorite sdrconsole. Sdrconsole has a new NR feature NR5 with auto squelch which completely eliminates any hf noise, sounds like your listening to fm on ssb signals check it out!
Tim
kc5uta
Member
YUP...GOTTA LOVE the ole "what is 2+2=" type of question, and you get a lengthy theoretical synopsis quantum entanglement, that has absolutely nothing to do the actual question It gets very frustrating.
That said... I am debating getting an SDRplay vs DXPatrol, myself. At this time I am leaning toward the SDRplay due to it's wider spectrum slice, at a glance. (If I read the info correctly) 10mhz vs 2 or 3 mhz I think. I've been wanting an SDR for a while. Caught the monitor bug, with a nooelec that I used to listen to Aircraft traffic. For me, I say if you like to monitor various bands on the regular.. I say go for it.. I am going to....73 dave
It gets very frustrating.That said... I am debating getting an SDRplay vs DXPatrol, myself. At this time I am leaning toward the SDRplay due to it's wider spectrum slice, at a glance. (If I read the info correctly) 10mhz vs 2 or 3 mhz I think. I've been wanting an SDR for a while. Caught the monitor bug, with a nooelec that I used to listen to Aircraft traffic. For me, I say if you like to monitor various bands on the regular.. I say go for it.. I am going to....73 dave
7 Months later:
It is December 2024 now. I have had it running a lot. Very stable. Handles long hours of operation real well. Not surprising because I put the RSP1a through the same long running hours day and night. It did not lose any performance. No heating issues. Very tough SDR.
It is December 2024 now. I have had it running a lot. Very stable. Handles long hours of operation real well. Not surprising because I put the RSP1a through the same long running hours day and night. It did not lose any performance. No heating issues. Very tough SDR.
K5MPH
Member
I have the RSP1a and have never had any problems at all.....
I have a RSP1a and I am disappointed with its comparatively high noise floor / reduced S/N ratio when compared to my RTL devices (Airspy and Nooelecs) when monitoring 7/800 MHz trunking systems using SDR Trunk. Would a RSP1b improve this situation?
NO do not waste your money
You are 11 months late. I have an RSP1b and it is worth the investment. I ordered mine anyway.
You have to know that the design is different. RTL-SDR is worse in so many ways. RTL-SDR aliasing is bad. Internal noise is bad. RTL-SDR is 8bit which isnt good for HF weak signal reception at all.
There is NO way RTL-SDR is comparable to any SDRPlay.
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