SDR-14 and IC-R8500?

[oceans777]

I am ordering the RFSpace SDR-14 to use with a new Icom IC-R8500 also coming in next week - hoping I can ask a few basic questions to help me understand and be ready to use the SDR-14.

What connectors/cable do I need to connect the SDR-14 to the IF output on the IC-R8500? (if hard to find, appreciate if anyone has a good source for these online also..?)

Can I use the SDR-14 for spectrum analysis across the entire tuning range of the IC-R8500? I am confused on this - as to whether I need some pre-amp and filter system and must use the ADC direct connection or if just connecting to the HF port on the SDR-14 will do it.

Are connections to the sound card required for anything or does it use the USB interface for everything?

Sorry for the basic questions, I am doing all the reading and research on it that I can but just want to order whatever cables, connectors or additional items I will need as I am traveling soon and want to use it on the trip.

Thanks!

 

[KC1UA]

To connect the SDR-14 to your R8500 you will need a cable that has an SMA male adapter on one end, and an RCA plug on the other. You may find something on eBay, or you can find a cable and use adapters to make it terminate properly.

Yes, you can use the SDR-14 for spectrum analysis across the tuning range of the 8500. As a matter of fact, the SpectraVue software that comes with the SDR-14 allows for direct tuning of the R8500 and allows for the display of the frequencies for the actual spectrum you are observing. The R8500 will connect via serial cable to the same computer running Spectravue. You don't need a preamp, and using the HF port is fine. Remember, you're looking at a 10.7 MHz signal.

You don't need connections to the sound card. When using the SDR-14 as a receiver and demodulating up to 190 KHz of spectrum at once, audio is passed via USB. Remember, audio is not present when looking at a chunk of spectrum wider than 190 KHz.

You'll want to join the SDR-14 Yahoogroup as well. The link to it is available via http://www.rfspace.com .

I use mine with an AOR AR5000+3A receiver, but have used an R8500 with the SDR-14 in the past as well. Works great.

 

[oceans777]

Thanks!

Thank you very much for the detailed answers! I have joined the Yahoo group and asked questions there but have to wait for post approval as a new member so I thought I'd ask here as well.

I am going this route over the AOR SDU5600 and hope to eventually buy and AOR5000A +3 too for use with the SDR-14. Can't wait to try it out on HF!

Thanks again!

 

[KC1UA]

You'll be very glad you chose the SDR-14 instead of the SDU5600. The SDR-14 is amazing with regards to weak signals; the SDU-5600 is "pretty" but it's atrocious at weak signal viewing and is slow.

I primarily use my SDR-14 for spectrum display/analysis, but it makes for a pretty neat and unique HF receiver as well.

Have fun!