SDR Reciever (Or transciever)

[KC2UGV]

I'm looking for a good SDR rig for a person just getting into SDR. There was one company that has a USB sized single-band unit. Can't fin them anymore, but I'd like to get a multi band one.

Now, I know there is the Perseus line, and a few others, but bottom end is around $500. Not looking to dump that much into it until I've gotten my feet wet so to speak.

Is there any multi-band SDR's that run under $200? I'm open to kits, but can't have SMT's (I don't have the gear to mount them). Does this animal exist?

[W3MIV]

I have seen nothing in that price range, and I, too, have been interested in moving to SDR to "spearmint" with it. I periodically consider buying a Flex -- then I grab myself by the shirt-front and slap some sense into my retired head. Their little 1500 is interesting, but life is too short for QRP -- especially in these uncertain solar times.

[KC2UGV]

I have seen nothing in that price range, and I, too, have been interested in moving to SDR to "spearmint" with it. I periodically consider buying a Flex -- then I grab myself by the shirt-front and slap some sense into my retired head. Their little 1500 is interesting, but life is too short for QRP -- especially in these uncertain solar times.

Well, I just found this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D2

For 40 and 30 (=/- 25KHz from center freq), and it's under $100... Hm... Maybe I'll hold out for a Genesis rig though.

[N8YX]

A used WinRadio card is another option.

[W3WN]

Have you looked into the SoftRock units? There's a SoftRock40 group on Yahoo that has a lot of stuff about them.

I have a SDR rx semi-assembled kit that I picked up over a year ago, although I haven't had a chance to do anything with it yet. There are also T/R single band units that are being talked about on there. And they all run on the same open software that the Flex's use.

Food for thought.

[KC2UGV]

Have you looked into the SoftRock units? There's a SoftRock40 group on Yahoo that has a lot of stuff about them.

I have a SDR rx semi-assembled kit that I picked up over a year ago, although I haven't had a chance to do anything with it yet. There are also T/R single band units that are being talked about on there. And they all run on the same open software that the Flex's use.

Food for thought.

Oh, that was the first one I looked at. Sadly, it appears they are out of stock, and have been for about 6 months now :( I was looking forward to getting a SoftRock Ensemble RXTX, even if I had to go and buy the tools to work on SMT stuff.

[KC2UGV]

AS an aisde, I just checked the yahoo group. Seems a few people with units for sale there, and Tony has some kits for sale there as well.

[KG4CGC]

Isn't it still possible to build one with non SMT components?

[W3MIV]

Isn't it still possible to build one with non SMT components?

I guess you could make your own board. Way too many components for dead-bug, I would think.

To me, SMT demands a watch-maker's eyes and size .02 fingers, neither of which I possess. I bought a glass board (the size of a postage stamp) and parts kit to do an in-shell CI-V level converter for a DB-9 COMM connector. All SMT components, as you would imagine. What a major PITA. Even with a 3-diopter headset, it was impossible to read some of the labels -- thank God I have a 10x loupe, as well. Had to file down the tip on an Ungar iron to ophthalmological dimensions to avoid bridges. Somehow I did it.

Never again.

[KG4CGC]

There are a couple of assembly methods that require either an over or a heating plate.
Tin the surfaces that will parts on them. With a little flux as an adhesive, mount the parts with tweezers and proper optics.
Place board in oven, I believe the temp is 375 degrees F. Or place on heating plate, watch until solder flows. A little harder to do in an oven.
Allow to cool completely before moving.
I still like old school parts though and the parts count would not be heavy and the entire project does not have to be the size of a credit card to work in my shack. A couple of chips and a few caps and resistors with a diode or 4?