I am curious how they compare for weak stations on fm broadcast and vhf bands
3 ปีที่แล้ว +1
Hello: Greetings from Spain. Congratulations on the channel. I just wanted to thank you for your detailed comparisons and reviews. They are very helpful. All the best. David EA1HER.
A very factual video. I fully agree with your observation on the Airpsy Discovery. It is supposed to have front-end preselectors, but as is the Discovery already has many serious-level spurs, with or without (try it) an antenna connected, and so much subject to overload! I have also seen comments on the attitude of people behind the device.
As a FM dx-er myself I can only speak for the Airspy R2, the RSPdx and the RSPduo. I use these three models. My personal observation and opinion is that both the RSP's are more sensitive in the band segment 88-108 MHz. For weather balloon tracking 400 MHz (another interest) I prefer to use the Airspy or even a cheap RTL-SDR v3 as it seems to have a slight edge.
Did you try a passive loop antenna like the Youloop? My Airspy HF+ Discovery has none of the problems you report with that antenna. Note: I almost never use the preamp on the Airspy. I have an SDRPlay duo (not DX) but it really can't keep up with the HF+ Discovery, even with the Diversity mode. For MW and HF DX, the Airspy is eating the SDRplay duo's breakfast. So put me down as one of the people that will continue to tell you how good the HF+ Discovery is
@@OfficialSWLchannel that is the point. The Airspy HF+ Discovery appears to be very sensitive and doesn't want such a big signal. It works well if you don't slam it. It's like the difference between a kitchen scale and a bathroom scale. One is better for 100 grams than it is for 100 kilograms, but it can still be as good a scale.
I was interested in your comments about AirSpy. I use an Airspy HF+ Discovery, with SDR# Studio V1.0.0.1919. Listed as sources are: AirSpy, RF Space, RTL, Hack RF, FUN cube, Softrock, UHD/USRP. This does not indicate to me a closed company from the number of plugins from a variety of users. Also, I note many users have RTL SDRs and can use SDR#. If you have overloading from local AM stations, put an RTL 2.8Mhz high pass filter on your antenna. You will still be able to receive your local attenuated MW stations.
It is, SDR# was open source...it included SDRplay devices that were removed once Airspy purchased the rights to the software. Airspy is known to be a bad player in the hobby.
@@OfficialSWLchannel hey, a few days ago i bought the airspy hf+ discovery, but now after watching your video i feel like a made a wrong decision, should i return it?
Hello, I am in the country of Iraq, and I do not know the police or fire service frequencies, and there is no site that gives me the frequencies in my area. How do I know all the frequencies
I must say I am surprized that you find the Airspy HF+ Discovery overloads more than the SDRplay RSP-1a. I have had both, and found quite the opposite at my location. I also have a couple of super strong local stations. I found that I was constantly needing to adjust the RF gain on the RSP-1a to keep it at optimum performance and not overload. With the Airspy HF+ Discovery I just leave the AGC on Auto and forget about it. I found the Airspy so much better than the RSP-1a, so I got rid of it. I have not had the SRPdx to compare directly. I'm only going by the fact you said it is about the same as the RSP-1a. I have to say that I like the SDRuno software better than SDRsharp though.
7:07 Wow, Airspy has been throwing around some market power to stifle competition? That is sad to hear. I wish I knew this two weeks ago when I was shopping for one of these devices. I would not have wasted so much time considering Airspy's lineup. I guess I made the right decision by going with a SDRplay model... I have watched numerous SDRplay tutorials since my purchase and I noticed that they never mention SDR#. Additionally, since I had been using SDR# prior with da dongles, I was hoping for compatibility between the SDRplay device and SDR#. I sense some some sort of tension between the companies. This is a probable cause of the potential tension, I guess. Those bitsch a$$ greedy mother fckers. I thought their products were overpriced and now I know why. From their suppression of competition. Fck em. No wonder they have been scrambling to write SDR# plugins for the new SDRPlay devices. Also, you Airspy fanboys can go fu...
I have a Yaesu FT-950 that I am converting with an SDR. What is the best 300kHz-70MHz SDR I can pair with this? I have an RX-888......rubbish. I have the Airspy which I haven't tried yet. According to their website they have solved the front end overload problem. I don't know. But I do want the best SDR I can get for my project.
I have both these radios as well at this point I just don't use my AirSpy. I WANT to like this AirSpy and it isn't bad, but it just doesn't hit the mark for me. I WANT to like SDR#, but again it doesn't hit the mark for me and actually annoys sometimes me to use after a while. I've become a fan of the SDRPlay products. With the DX: I like three inputs antennas because I have this radio installed into my ham radio shack. Ant A shares my HF antennas (though an SDR auto-switch) Ant C is connected to discone antenna for VHF/UHF. Ant B is perfect for experimenting with antennas without having to touch the rest of the system and also features the Bias T is needed, although I tend to use a battery Bias T to keep noise to a minimum.
I have the SDR Play RSP DX which can Cover from 1 Khz to 2 Ghz and a Adalm Pluto SDR for DATV Reception with SDR Angel Software, the SDR Play RSP DX works very well for Listening to Local Police Dispatch Frequencies,
I love using all three antenna inputs on the RSPdx because sometimes one antenna picks up a signal better than another and I can just switch in the software to see which one is pulling it out. I usually have my G5RV dipole connected to the BNC input with the MLA-30 connected to the bias-T SMA input (and power the MLA-30 from it). I’ve been using my Discovery HF+ more lately but I agree, so far I can’t see much difference between reception on these, but Airspy does seem to work better wuth SDR# than other software whereas SDRplay RSP’s seem to have about the same sensitivity across different software.
What do you think about using NooElec's "Ham It Up Plus" upconverter to attach an additional software-selectable antenna to you RSPdx? Do you think it would work? Or is that a stupid a$$ idea? I am trying to determine if that product is worth the price. I working to improve my HF reception.
Bonjour Gilles… Je suis à la découverte de ton Channel TH-cam. Vraiment intéressant! Je suis maintenant malade pour un RSPDX mais je les trouvent dispendieux. Je n’ai pas beaucoup d’équipement. Un portatif Alinco DJ-MD5, une antenne pour la voiture, un RTL-SDR v3 et une antenne Discone dans le grenier. Je vais probablement acheter une antenne MLA-30+…. mais comme j’ai écris plus haut je ne peux plus me contenir pour un RSPDX. Je n’ai pas de problème d’argent… mais j’ai de la difficulté à fait approuver l’achat à pas mon ministre des finances. Est-ce que tu aurais une RSP1A ou une RSPDX que tu pourrais me vendre? Donnes moi des nouvelles. A+
You are comparing two different SDRs. The RSP1A covers 1Khz to 2Ghz. Airspy Discovery is mainly HF only, up to 60 Mhz. Airspy has divided their product, a dedicated HF receiver "Airspy Discovery HF+" that excels due to the numerous plugins from OEM and 3rd party mainly for HF . Then there is Airspy R2 that covers VHF/UHF 30-1800Mhz that outperforms the RSP1A. Again there is numerous plugins fro Trucking, DMR, P25, etc for Airspy R2.
here HF+ discovery does not outperform...the fact that Airspy refuses to give access to SDRplay tells me ..they do not want competition , this is my last airspy device
@@OfficialSWLchannel And conversely, does SDRplay allow competitors to use enterprise software for Airspy devices? I do not have any assessed equipment myself. I use SDR Perseus ...
@@OfficialSWLchannel Most businesses are not going to go out of their way to support another brand with their software. It's not reasonable to even assume they would. SDR# is part of their product and I'm sure took it some resources to design. Why let a competitor piggy-back on their IP?
Yes, they deliberately blocked their SDR Sharp software so it would not work with SDRPlay hardware. And once, when I joined their forum and asked why the VLF performance was so poor, the head man (can't recall his name any more) went ballistic and accused me of asking 'non relevant questions'.
I am curious how they compare for weak stations on fm broadcast and vhf bands
Hello:
Greetings from Spain.
Congratulations on the channel.
I just wanted to thank you for your detailed comparisons and reviews. They are very helpful.
All the best.
David EA1HER.
Glad I got the RSPdx instead, thanks as always Gilles.
Thank you for your honest opinion! I have an SDRplayDX and was wondering if I should get an air spy now I know my answer,
Yes, same here. :)
Yes, same here :)
So glad I chose rsp1a from SDR play. Much better device, and most reviews agree.
it seems airspy has better support in linux sdr applications
flaming question and than my mind is made up. I like doing vhf, uhf dxing, would the rsp work well on those bands?
Definitely!
A very factual video. I fully agree with your observation on the Airpsy Discovery. It is supposed to have front-end preselectors, but as is the Discovery already has many serious-level spurs, with or without (try it) an antenna connected, and so much subject to overload! I have also seen comments on the attitude of people behind the device.
which Is Better for FM DX?
As a FM dx-er myself I can only speak for the Airspy R2, the RSPdx and the RSPduo. I use these three models. My personal observation and opinion is that both the RSP's are more sensitive in the band segment 88-108 MHz. For weather balloon tracking 400 MHz (another interest) I prefer to use the Airspy or even a cheap RTL-SDR v3 as it seems to have a slight edge.
Did you try a passive loop antenna like the Youloop? My Airspy HF+ Discovery has none of the problems you report with that antenna. Note: I almost never use the preamp on the Airspy. I have an SDRPlay duo (not DX) but it really can't keep up with the HF+ Discovery, even with the Diversity mode. For MW and HF DX, the Airspy is eating the SDRplay duo's breakfast.
So put me down as one of the people that will continue to tell you how good the HF+ Discovery is
because the YouLoop is passive, signals are much weaker than what the MLA 30 loop gets
@@OfficialSWLchannel that is the point. The Airspy HF+ Discovery appears to be very sensitive and doesn't want such a big signal. It works well if you don't slam it. It's like the difference between a kitchen scale and a bathroom scale. One is better for 100 grams than it is for 100 kilograms, but it can still be as good a scale.
They suck for the most part. You have to like it since you’ve already purchased, we get it.
I was interested in your comments about AirSpy. I use an Airspy HF+ Discovery, with SDR# Studio V1.0.0.1919. Listed as sources are: AirSpy, RF Space, RTL, Hack RF, FUN cube, Softrock, UHD/USRP. This does not indicate to me a closed company from the number of plugins from a variety of users. Also, I note many users have RTL SDRs and can use SDR#. If you have overloading from local AM stations, put an RTL 2.8Mhz high pass filter on your antenna. You will still be able to receive your local attenuated MW stations.
It is, SDR# was open source...it included SDRplay devices that were removed once Airspy purchased the rights to the software. Airspy is known to be a bad player in the hobby.
@@OfficialSWLchannel hey, a few days ago i bought the airspy hf+ discovery, but now after watching your video i feel like a made a wrong decision, should i return it?
Hello, I am in the country of Iraq, and I do not know the police or fire service frequencies, and there is no site that gives me the frequencies in my area. How do I know all the frequencies
I must say I am surprized that you find the Airspy HF+ Discovery overloads more than the SDRplay RSP-1a. I have had both, and found quite the opposite at my location. I also have a couple of super strong local stations. I found that I was constantly needing to adjust the RF gain on the RSP-1a to keep it at optimum performance and not overload. With the Airspy HF+ Discovery I just leave the AGC on Auto and forget about it. I found the Airspy so much better than the RSP-1a, so I got rid of it. I have not had the SRPdx to compare directly. I'm only going by the fact you said it is about the same as the RSP-1a. I have to say that I like the SDRuno software better than SDRsharp though.
The comparison of the Airspy HF+ is against an SDRPlay RSPDx not the RSP1a.
They are comparing the RSPdx, which is upgraded from the older RSP1a.
Thanks, Gilles - I appreciate your candor and honest opinions.
7:07 Wow, Airspy has been throwing around some market power to stifle competition? That is sad to hear. I wish I knew this two weeks ago when I was shopping for one of these devices. I would not have wasted so much time considering Airspy's lineup. I guess I made the right decision by going with a SDRplay model...
I have watched numerous SDRplay tutorials since my purchase and I noticed that they never mention SDR#. Additionally, since I had been using SDR# prior with da dongles, I was hoping for compatibility between the SDRplay device and SDR#. I sense some some sort of tension between the companies. This is a probable cause of the potential tension, I guess.
Those bitsch a$$ greedy mother fckers. I thought their products were overpriced and now I know why. From their suppression of competition. Fck em. No wonder they have been scrambling to write SDR# plugins for the new SDRPlay devices. Also, you Airspy fanboys can go fu...
I have a Yaesu FT-950 that I am converting with an SDR. What is the best 300kHz-70MHz SDR I can pair with this? I have an RX-888......rubbish. I have the Airspy which I haven't tried yet. According to their website they have solved the front end overload problem. I don't know. But I do want the best SDR I can get for my project.
I have both these radios as well at this point I just don't use my AirSpy.
I WANT to like this AirSpy and it isn't bad, but it just doesn't hit the mark for me.
I WANT to like SDR#, but again it doesn't hit the mark for me and actually annoys sometimes me to use after a while.
I've become a fan of the SDRPlay products.
With the DX:
I like three inputs antennas because I have this radio installed into my ham radio shack.
Ant A shares my HF antennas (though an SDR auto-switch)
Ant C is connected to discone antenna for VHF/UHF.
Ant B is perfect for experimenting with antennas without having to touch the rest of the system and also features the Bias T is needed, although I tend to use a battery Bias T to keep noise to a minimum.
I have the SDR Play RSP DX which can Cover from 1 Khz to 2 Ghz and a Adalm Pluto SDR for DATV Reception with SDR Angel Software, the SDR Play RSP DX works very well for Listening to Local Police Dispatch Frequencies,
Thanks for the video, I will go for the SDRPLAY when it’s time to upgrade my gears
I love using all three antenna inputs on the RSPdx because sometimes one antenna picks up a signal better than another and I can just switch in the software to see which one is pulling it out. I usually have my G5RV dipole connected to the BNC input with the MLA-30 connected to the bias-T SMA input (and power the MLA-30 from it). I’ve been using my Discovery HF+ more lately but I agree, so far I can’t see much difference between reception on these, but Airspy does seem to work better wuth SDR# than other software whereas SDRplay RSP’s seem to have about the same sensitivity across different software.
What do you think about using NooElec's "Ham It Up Plus" upconverter to attach an additional software-selectable antenna to you RSPdx? Do you think it would work? Or is that a stupid a$$ idea?
I am trying to determine if that product is worth the price. I working to improve my HF reception.
Big RF no-No placing any sdr in a plastic box.
Airspy discovery has internal shielding.
Bonjour Gilles… Je suis à la découverte de ton Channel TH-cam. Vraiment intéressant! Je suis maintenant malade pour un RSPDX mais je les trouvent dispendieux. Je n’ai pas beaucoup d’équipement. Un portatif Alinco DJ-MD5, une antenne pour la voiture, un RTL-SDR v3 et une antenne Discone dans le grenier. Je vais probablement acheter une antenne MLA-30+…. mais comme j’ai écris plus haut je ne peux plus me contenir pour un RSPDX. Je n’ai pas de problème d’argent… mais j’ai de la difficulté à fait approuver l’achat à pas mon ministre des finances. Est-ce que tu aurais une RSP1A ou une RSPDX que tu pourrais me vendre? Donnes moi des nouvelles. A+
You are comparing two different SDRs. The RSP1A covers 1Khz to 2Ghz. Airspy Discovery is mainly HF only, up to 60 Mhz. Airspy has divided their product, a dedicated HF receiver "Airspy Discovery HF+" that excels due to the numerous plugins from OEM and 3rd party mainly for HF . Then there is Airspy R2 that covers VHF/UHF 30-1800Mhz that outperforms the RSP1A. Again there is numerous plugins fro Trucking, DMR, P25, etc for Airspy R2.
here HF+ discovery does not outperform...the fact that Airspy refuses to give access to SDRplay tells me ..they do not want competition , this is my last airspy device
@@OfficialSWLchannel And conversely, does SDRplay allow competitors to use enterprise software for Airspy devices? I do not have any assessed equipment myself. I use SDR Perseus ...
@@OfficialSWLchannel Most businesses are not going to go out of their way to support another brand with their software. It's not reasonable to even assume they would. SDR# is part of their product and I'm sure took it some resources to design. Why let a competitor piggy-back on their IP?
Thinking back, I recall Airspy claiming the HF+ was 'spurious free'.....
I too have read not-so-nice things about the airspy team.
Yes, they deliberately blocked their SDR Sharp software so it would not work with SDRPlay hardware. And once, when I joined their forum and asked why the VLF performance was so poor, the head man (can't recall his name any more) went ballistic and accused me of asking 'non relevant questions'.