Newb needs recommendations

[wb4sqi]

Thinking I would like to get an SDR and run a trunking software package, more as educational for me as well as something new to learn.
I have an older dual core HP laptop running Win 10 home that could be dedicated to SDR. Somewhere down the road I would like to transition to a Raspberry Pi with an external touchscreen.

What is a good mid level SDR receiver that's easy on beginners yet has higher performance capabilities for later on?

I have a $200 budget in mind but can be flexible.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

 

[slicerwizard]

I would just start with the orange FlightAware dongle, due to its sensitivity. Many software packages support it and who knows what hardware will be available down the road when you want something "higher performance". If you insist on something better, but less sensitive, right now, Airpsy Mini or SDRplay RSP1A.

 

[kb6hlm]

I'm using two cheap $20 dollar SDRs with DSDPlus and Universal Trunker You would need 2 SDRs to trunk unless you buy one of those wide $$$ ones !

Works for me anyway and to tell you the truth it sounds just as good as my Uniden 536HP I'm sorry to say

 

[slicerwizard]

With DSD+ Fast Lane versions, one dongle will trunk track any NEXEDGE, DMR or P25 system. Supports the $20 dongles, Airspy and SDRPlay.

OP25 also works with a single dongle.

 

[wb4sqi]

I would just start with the orange FlightAware dongle, due to its sensitivity. Many software packages support it and who knows what hardware will be available down the road when you want something "higher performance". If you insist on something better, but less sensitive, right now, Airpsy Mini or SDRplay RSP1A.

Does the RSP1A have the bandwidth to run both cc and vc?

 

[wb4sqi]

I'm using two cheap $20 dollar SDRs with DSDPlus and Universal Trunker You would need 2 SDRs to trunk unless you buy one of those wide $$$ ones !

Works for me anyway and to tell you the truth it sounds just as good as my Uniden 536HP I'm sorry to say

Did a lot of research last night and the rtf-sdr.blog dongles seem to be a notch above the cheapies. But do they have the bandwidth to use a single dongle for vc and cc?

 

[BM82557]

Did a lot of research last night and the rtf-sdr.blog dongles seem to be a notch above the cheapies. But do they have the bandwidth to use a single dongle for vc and cc?

That's not an issue if you use DSD+ Fast Lane single receiver mode (Slicerwizard #4 above)

Demo video at - P25 TRUNKING WITH JUST ONE RTL-SDR AND DSDPLUS FASTLANE

I have 3 of the RTL-SDR.Com V3 dongles and an Airspy Mini

 

[K5MPH]

Cool video,thanks for the link....

 

[wb4sqi]

That's not an issue if you use DSD+ Fast Lane single receiver mode (Slicerwizard #4 above)

Demo video at - P25 TRUNKING WITH JUST ONE RTL-SDR AND DSDPLUS FASTLANE

I have 3 of the RTL-SDR.Com V3 dongles and an Airspy Mini

 

[kb6hlm]

I'm confused it looks like you need to pay $10 for DSD fast lane ???? dose not look like a program you can download ?

I have tried using FMPA for the Airspy Mini however there's absolutely no instructions on how to set it up ?

Any advise ?

 

[wb4sqi]

For some reason my text didn't make it, only the quoted text. I don't think a single SDR stick can track fast enough to do voice and control both. If it has two VCO's and the spread is less than 2.6mhz it will work.

I've decided to try a pair of the RTL-SDR V3 sticks, amazon delivers tomorrow.

 

[wb4sqi]

I'm confused it looks like you need to pay $10 for DSD fast lane ???? dose not look like a program you can download ?

I have tried using FMPA for the Airspy Mini however there's absolutely no instructions on how to set it up ?

Any advise ?

Yeah, now you have to pay to play, but it's supposed to be a much better program and supposedly works with one SDR stick? Think I've been reading too much?

Usually there is a forum somewhere for help with these software packages.

 

[kb6hlm]

Ok thanks I just found the readme text on how to set things up with FMPA it looks like a disadvantage to use only one SDR and I got a lot of them anyway so no big deal I guess if you only had one that would work