Need SDR# advice

[SCPD]

I think I have my SDR# setup .. and it is working well, but wondering about some tips from ''the experts' here on this forum.

So .. I measured my SDRPlay for sensitivity and it was amazing. It was 0.05 uV on all frequencies tested except 420.000 MHz (I tested this on all my radios). Due to 'the previous gap in this area' .. I was not surprised at this.

The ? is this (ok more than 1 question) ...

• How do I set my Gain Control in Settings ? Do I leave it on 'Enable Tuner AGC' or try to adjust it manually ? If so .. how do I set it for optimal performance.

• What bandwidth / order (not even sure what order does) do you use for each mode .. AM, WFM, FM ?? I only use it for VHF/UHF as I have no HF antenna.

Thanks

edmscan

 

[Flatliner]

It's all really up to you. You can enable AGC and use "Setpoint" to fine tune its response. You will see the Gain Control slider move up and down as you do it. Bear in mind that too much gain (read as "not enough gain reduction") will cause overload and lost signals.

IF bandwidth is for setting how much you can display at one time. For WFM, you're more likely want as much as possible, for narrow modes, less. For performance reasons, use the smallest bandwidth that works.

With the gain, you will want to adjust it to the point where there is the biggest difference between the noise floor and the peak of the wanted signal. Increasing more that this isn't needed and will increase the chance of strong de-sensing signals from elsewhere.

 

[SCPD]

Thank you .. but I think I misled you, I wanted to know about 'bandwidth' under Radio in the menu.

I imagine that is in Hz ?

I have it set to FM 8000, WFM 200000 and AM 6000. Order is set to 1000 on all 3.

 

[Flatliner]

You should set the bandwidth to match the signal. The type of modulation "AM" "FM" is irrelevant. Just drag the edges of the gray part of the display (the part that moves as you adjust the bandwidth) to match

 

[SCPD]

Thanks .. never knew you could do that. That is pretty handy. ;-)

Always learning something.

 

[Voyager]

So .. I measured my SDRPlay for sensitivity and it was amazing. It was 0.05 uV on all frequencies tested except 420.000 MHz (I tested this on all my radios). Due to 'the previous gap in this area' .. I was not surprised at this.

• What bandwidth / order (not even sure what order does) do you use for each mode .. AM, WFM, FM ?? I only use it for VHF/UHF as I have no HF antenna.

On the sensitivity, what is the criteria? Is that for 20 dB SINAD, 12 dB SINAD, squelch sensitivity, or display sensitivity?

On the modes common on VHF/UHF:

Broadcast FM: 180,000 or 200,000 Hz
NBFM: 16,000 Hz
SNFM: 11,200 Hz
Digital (DMR/NXDN): 8,000 Hz (some modes are even more narrow)
AM: 3,000 Hz

I generally set the order to 10.

 

[SCPD]

[/LIST]
On the sensitivity, what is the criteria? Is that for 20 dB SINAD, 12 dB SINAD, squelch sensitivity, or display sensitivity?

On the modes common on VHF/UHF:

Broadcast FM: 180,000 or 200,000 Hz
NBFM: 16,000 Hz
SNFM: 11,200 Hz
Digital (DMR/NXDN): 8,000 Hz (some modes are even more narrow)
AM: 3,000 Hz

I generally set the order to 10.

Squelch sensitivity. SDR# software .. squelch set to just enough to mute it. Double shielded cable .. on service monitor.

However .. for example my R7000 outperforms the SDR# in actual use on VHF aircraft band for example, as the hardware is really only as good as the software allows.

 

[SCPD]

I have a ? .. re the SDR# software. I would like to record audio from my install .. but it does nothing.

I have noticed that all the items with the * by the names on the menu do not work on my SDRPlay. So .. recording, frequency manager for example.

Is there something that I need to know ?

EDIT ... Interestingly, I have a FunCubeDongle and it works for recording, but the performance was poor compared to the SDRPlay, but at least it worked. I do not quite understand why the FunCube works but the SDRPlay didn't when it comes to recording. I am definitely looking for help on that one.

 

[Flatliner]

If you're using a recent version of SDR# then expect a crippled SDRplay along with other radios. It's a ploy by Youseff et al.

 

[SCPD]

If you're using a recent version of SDR# then expect a crippled SDRplay along with other radios. It's a ploy by Youseff et al.

I am getting that feeling .. I even got denied to the SDR# Yahoo group. I get the impression that Youseff is a complete *****. :wink::wink:

 

[Flatliner]

You're not missing much, if anything at all. Youseff is rather paranoid now about his group, and we know how unstable he is when he's criticized. As usual, the SDR# "team" are making exaggerated claims about new features and, as expected, others are claiming otherwise. There are posts about his "spyverter" upconvertor, which is funny as a) it's not even for sale, and b) It's just another upconvertor FFS. By all of the drivel he's written about it, you'd thing that he's invented something.

Just for fun, go and tell the Facefook group that if they'd bought an SDRplay, they wouldn't now need to pay even more money for an upconvertor, just to play catch-up.

Your impression is correct. He is a rather odious little man.

 

[br0adband]

I don't mean to step on any toes and I know this isn't my thread but, does every mention of SDR# and Youssef (when they happen) need to denigrate into this with most every thread nowadays? And now even going so far as to suggest purposely trolling the SDR# Facebook group?

I mean, really?

 

[salamalekum]

I don't mean to step on any toes and I know this isn't my thread but, does every mention of SDR# and Youssef (when they happen) need to denigrate into this with most every thread nowadays? And now even going so far as to suggest purposely trolling the SDR# Facebook group?

I mean, really?

That has been the behavior of anything SDRPlay vs SDR# lately. Facebook SDRPlay Group = Thugs.

 

[Flatliner]

He has that effect on people.

My post regarding "posting" was due to my recent experience, when another asked if the upconvertor was ready yet. I was immediately jumped on with psudeo-facts and a snide remark from someone who could have easily been a majority shareholder. All I wrote was "Of course not. The seller has a history of late delivery.". Anyone who remembers Youseff's release date farce, and his bizarre reaction to anyone mentioning it, will agree that he has a "history of late delivery".

Anyway, it's your thread now too Br0adband.

 

[Flatliner]

That has been the behavior of anything SDRPlay vs SDR# lately. Facebook SDRPlay Group = Thugs.

So, you're stating that people who use the SDRplay facebook group, are violent criminals?

You're a bit odd, aren't you.

 

[salamalekum]

So, you're stating that people who use the SDRplay facebook group, are violent criminals?

You're a bit odd, aren't you.

Their group admins are thugs. I posted it right above the picture. No need to ask what has already been stated.

 

[Flatliner]

So, you're now stating that the group admins of the SDRplay facebook group, are violent criminals?

You are a sour little troll, aren't you.

 

[salamalekum]

So, you're now stating that the group admins of the SDRplay facebook group, are violent criminals?

You are a sour little troll, aren't you.

You might want to revise who is the troll. Check your own posts?

 

[Flatliner]

Are you asking me a question?

 

[salamalekum]

Are you asking me a question?

Buddy, keep fighting that battle. I feel you. I suffered your pain. I know how it feels to have a $165 piece of useless hardware and needing to rant to relieve my disappointment. All I can say is keep on going buddy, you are not alone. There is a group with around 900 members that feel the same way. =)