Perseus

[W0ACT]

I am interested in purchasing a Microtelecom Perseus software defined receiver and am looking for input.

I am thinking about hooking it up to a LF Engineering “H-800 Sky Match” active antenna that I already own, to get a general idea of the RF conditions, and then switch over to a Wellbrook “ALA1530S+ Imperium” NA Active Loop antenna that I plan to purchase to seek out more stations.

I live in an antenna restricted subdivision so all my antennas have to reside in my attic, but I plan to rotate the Wellbrook with a Channel Master 9521A rotator.

I currently have a Bearcat BCD536HP and BCD436HP each running on their own Diamond DJ130J discone antenna in the attic without any issues so far.

Any feedback would be welcome as to good, bad or other ideas from everyone.

Thanks!

 

[corbintechboy]

I guess the only thing I have to say is, go with this instead of the Perseus:

FDM-S2: ecom ELAD Usa Inc.

More features and much cheaper.

 

[ka3jjz]

We have a number of reviews to other SDRs (including the FDM-S2 which seems to be super-hot) linked here (links are always blue)

Software Defined Radios - The RadioReference Wiki

We also have links for software and other SDR related stuff there too - certainly far from complete but it will give you a pretty good idea of what's out there...Mike

 

[W0ACT]

Looks like a very nice radio with excellent reviews at a great price and has FM too, which was something I was looking to add to the Perseus.

I like that you can download and add the “eibi” database to the screen and have just found the decoder section in the Utility Monitoring Central section.

I think I will be ordering a FDM-S2 and looking into some decoder software

Thanks!

 

[SCPD]

Perseus has quite some competition these days, and yes some hardware is more versatile.
However; dynamic behavior on HF remains as good as it gets, as does its accuracy to the dB.

I would like to add that Perseus will be updated soon with a more extended GUI (v5)
The remote client-server operation of Perseus is unmatched, it is as responsive as operating a local receiver.

Though I have tried many current SDRs available (Also the FDM-S2 with much pleasure) I still have my Perseus around.
Just my 2 cents for a complete picture.

73
Paul
PD0PSB

 

[mancow]

I guess the only thing I have to say is, go with this instead of the Perseus:

FDM-S2: ecom ELAD Usa Inc.

More features and much cheaper.

What do they charge for shipping? I didn't see that on the site.

 

[ka3jjz]

Looks like a very nice radio with excellent reviews at a great price and has FM too, which was something I was looking to add to the Perseus.

I like that you can download and add the “eibi” database to the screen and have just found the decoder section in the Utility Monitoring Central section.

I think I will be ordering a FDM-S2 and looking into some decoder software

Thanks!

Be sure to check your PM - I sent you some recommendations on decoding software...

And I would strongly suggest joining the Elad Yahoo group - you'll get a lot of pointers and how to's that you might not find easily anywhere else. You can also check out YouTube to make you drool that much more (hi)

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/elad_sdr_en/info

Mike

 

[W0ACT]

Mike,

Thanks for the PM.

You are correct about You Tube!

I have also been doing quite a bit of reading last night and today, and just took the plunge and ordered the FDM-S2.

It appears to be in stock at the Chicago location, and the UPS ground shipping was $11.28 to my QTH.

I did join the user group and will start doing a bit more reading.

Once I get everything set up and running smoothly, I will download and install the decoding software.

I am still very much interested in the Perseus, and will take a look the next generation release.

Thanks again,
Steve

 

[AA6IO]

I think the Perseus and ELAD FDM-S2 are great SDR radios. I use my Cushcraft vertical and Pixel loop for LW/MW/HF. The Pixel loop is only 8 feet up, and it is really an amazing antenna. I have used it with the loop standing upright on the ground against a brick wall, and the receive is still is pretty amazing.
I like many of the features of the ELAD over the Perseus in terms of coverage, being able to listen to 4 frequencies at once, and the interface. However, I agree with PD0PSB (Paul) about the Perseus having superior dynamic range. Also, after 52 years of amateur radio and SWLing, I have just about heard everything I am going to hear in Southern California.
Thus, I use the remote client-server all the time with the Perseus. Have one Perseus up and running as a server, and seem to get a lot of folks logging on and using it. Likewise, my time on my other Perseus is spent almost entirely on remote servers in Europe and Asia. Gives a whole new perspective to monitoring. You will never hear Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan on 80 meter CW here in So. Cal. But I hear all kinds of interesting stuff like this when monitoring remote from Europe.
I think anyone would like both radios, but I still have to give the Perseus the edge on LW/MW performance. Either radio and a Pixel or Wellbrook loop is going to be a real treat to use. And there is the very extensive Perseus remote network out there.
Hard to go back to regular radios once you really get into SDR (IMHO).
Steve AA6IO
Steve AA6IO

 

[SCPD]

I live in an antenna restricted subdivision so all my antennas have to reside in my attic, but I plan to rotate the Wellbrook with a Channel Master 9521A rotator.

Well, the first thing you'll learn (very quickly) is that HF is nothing like VHF/UHF in terms of RF signal propagation.

With either antenna in the attic you'll find it to be quite weak in terms of receiving performance. Of course, it depends on what you want to hear. If you're interested in SW BCB stations then it should be OK. If you're interested in weak signal or SSB stations then you'll find it lacking regardless of which SDR you have purchased.

And pray to the SW gods that you don't have any local RFI. That will kill any chances of your HF reception.

Sorry but you can't bribe physics.

Loop antennas *need* to be outdoors and away from metal structures to work at their potential. Send a PM to E-Man and he can tell you all about it. BTW, he also owns the Perseus and the Elad units.

 

[W0ACT]

I agree 100%.

Unfortunately, I will have to deal with it until I retire and move to a different location to where it won’t be an issue anymore.

Thanks,
Steve
W0ACT