Very helpful video. The rf/af mute function was sluggish with my rig, and when operating semi-QSK CW, I heard a brief cw tone whenever going from receive to transmit, which was quite distracting. I stumbled on an easy fix to this in section 18.1 of the SDRUno manual - resetting the polling interval from 500ms , which seems to be the default Omnirig value for at least some rigs, to 100 ms. P.S., my TR switch is the MFJ-1708B-SDR, and I'm very happy with it. For me, at least, it had one huge advantage over the switch in this presentation - I actually received it after I ordered it. Banggood did ultimately issue a refund for the switch I ordered from it, though.
Just a heads up if your transciever has a built in ATU don't expect to have that work with your SDR , you will need a second (recieving)ATU between your SDR and the switch
I understand that there are two options: connecting the SDR antenna input to the gate of the first transistor of the receiver amplifier using a "cathode follower" or rather a "gate follower" of a FET, or connecting the input of the SDR to an initial intermediate frequency step before it has passed through a narrow filter, also with a gate follower of a FET.
Have you noticed any attenuation on the signal due to sdr & ft991 sharing the signal, this is a game changer for the 991, i would think this setup is better than ftdx101 pandapter setup
Just received mine on your recommendation and set it up on my 991a, been playing this afternoon with it and working well. One question that's on my mind, as it clicks when power is applied to it, am I right in saying that if there was a power failure to the switch but I was still transmitting, the sdr presumably wouldn't be protected as the relay is not shorting the sdr feed??
From what I’ve tested is that without power the relays fall into place so that the radio is connected directly to the antenna, and shorting the sdr ground. Thus, protecting the sdr if there was a power cut.
@@TechMindsOfficial thanks for the reply, I will certainly be testing this tomorrow. If it is the case, that would be brilliant. Will post tomorrow to confirm on mine.
If you have a FTDX 3000 then you do NOT need to buy this antenna switch as that radio has an RX output. Watch this video I done on setting this up: th-cam.com/video/bSJUdfRR9gw/w-d-xo.html
@Tech Minds: I am not technically-inclined, so pardon me for that. I have an analogue old HF receiver, not transceiver, that I would like to have a panadapter attached to. I do also have a modern stand-alone SDR transceiver. In order for the old HF receiver to access a panadpter, do I have to place this switch in line to my SDR, which in turn allows the input from the HF receiver to display panadpter readout on the SDR as opposed to, say, needing a computer to provide said panadapter? Could you clarify my confusion? Thank you in advance for your kind response!
How did you wire the 3.5 mm jack to the FT-991 8-pin DIN connector break out cable, I am struggeling to get it to work. For some reason when I connect the SDR the unit will no longer cut out to protect the circuit.
OK ... abit of testing. 1.8-30 Mhz SWR is ~1.2:1 50Mhz > 1.5:1 145Mhz SWR ~10:1 ..!! So the Spec [on mine] should be Frequency Range 1.5Mhz - 60Mhz [NOT 160mhz]
@@g0myw Thank you. So what about the isolation between the ports during TX and the insertion loss on HF? It would be nice to know, if you have the possibility to measure?
@@larsthunberg_SM0TGU well that would be a good idea but all I have is a multimeter and a PWR/SWR meter. But the label says . [ not that I beleive it] Impedance 50ohm . [I really doubt this at VHF] Frequency Range DC- 160mhz . [ well not in my case . max ~60mhz] Max TX power 100watts RF sense threshold
I have an end fed antenna with my 991a. Could I place my LDG auto tuner in the feed line before the switch to auto tune by keying the mic? Thanks. I’ve learned a lot from your videos.
Nice helpful review. I bought one. When making the custom PTT cable, presumably using pin 2 - TX Gnd and pin 3 GND from the Yaesu 991 which pin’s cable should be connected to the end part the 3.5 jack ? How are you setting up for the dual antenna inputs - HF and VHF/UHF ?
ToyboxTV please help - are you using to PTT: TUN/LIN Jack port in radio ? and pin 2 - TX Gnd (to tip jack/end part) and pin 3 GND to the "longest" :) part of jack ??
I have a Yaesu 450D and a RSP1A. I was planning to do something like this. One possible issue: When using 100W (50dBm). This SDR switch box has an Rx isolation of about 40dB. The continues input power to RSP1A is 0dBm (10dBm shortly). So I would probably need to put an extra attenuator of about 10dB in front of the SDR to be sure.
hi, good videos, they have gave me lots of good info. I am trying to follow this video and i have bought this equipment and going to use it on my ftdx1200 but i ant figure out waht/where to buy the ptt jack for this, i know you say you built one for your 991 but how did you do his. cheers Daz
Great video. Any recommendation on how to connect the PTT when I am using a IC7300 and a Power Amp. I have a cable from the radio send jack to the AMP, so I'm not sure how to inject the TX/RX PTT into the situation. Thanks.
Thanks for another really well-done video. I did some casual research on the internet put couldn't find information about whether the switch should go before or after my external SWR meter. Thoughts?
I started with sdr’s then got fully licensed and bought the 991a, but find the tiny display crap compared to an sdr on a hd screen. Nice bit of kit. Have been considering the sdr panadapter than goes inside the 991a - but this is easier
Don't put your the sdr in radio mate. Unless you have a Yaesu technician do it I would not recommend it. Seen the boy do it with RSP1A and he lifted the traces to the USB. It looked a right mess. This way is just as good and you don't risk ruining your rig (as much) 😎
hello tech minds In the video you talked about using an ft991a, can you tell me which pins you used for the ptt from the transmitter. is that the 13.8v and gnd?
I created mine yesterday and connected pin 2 (TX ground) to the tip of the jack and pin 3 (ground) to the base of the jack. It works fine. Not sure if I needed to connect pin 3 as well, but it works. You don't need to connect the 13.8V.
Good review, but can you explain the use of the 3 x 3.5 jacks on the front panel ? You say they are there in case you want to switch audio but no further explanation.
Great video. I got this device, however the TX signal cable that came with mine has a stereo 3.5mm plug. I saw the cable on your video and it had a mono 3.5mm plug. The socket at the board seems to be identical. I am wondering whether I can use an eBay cable that has the mono plug. By measuring the wires and the plug the middle part of the terminal has no signal, the red wire connects to the tip and the black wire connects to the back of the plug. It seems they ran out of mono plugs and send a wire with a stereo plug, but with only 2 wires and with the middle section disconnected.
How is the PTT control line (Red/Black wire) connected to the FT-991A radio? Does the 991A needs any special setting to provide the necessary signal to the switch?
Have got one on order. I will have to make up my own PTT cable to the switch box. As my radio ( TS480) does not have a PTT socket. It does have a din socket for control of a linear amplifier. Does the box require a specific voltage to ground the sdr on transmit?
Hi I love your videos I am a newbie so I'm learning as I go along, I would like to know if this will work on my kenwood 430s radio thank you 73s from 9z4apa .
For those running a G-90 I'm curious if all computer SDR software lags the radio audio when you have the jumper removed. I imagine it has something to do with the 24 bit capability of the G-90.
Love your reviews, watched the MFJ pan' one the other day and was thinking of buying one and then I saw this review. They're currently £38.40 on Banggood, just one question I already have a mono 2 terminal jack plug lead could I use this in lieu of the supplied one wiring a 3.5mm jack plug to it? I take it they follow the standard where the centre pin is positive and the outer negative?
Hi Matt, Didn't want to buy the MFJ one as I read some horror stories. Be good if this manufacturer upped the coverage to UHF as well. Maybe you have the pull to contact the builder to perhaps suggest 440/450mhz coverage? If they done this it would properly out class the MFJ which I agree isn't too hard . Thanks for sharing
I have a Yaesu 847, beside the sdr switch and the sdr play what software do I need to run Apple on the Mac, just came across this video earlier this morning and find this very interesting.
HI, Great review, Do you know what the 3 sockets on the front panel do? I have a two of these units and want to trigger both from the PTT on my FT-991a.
Question the feature you did with weather balloons the software will recommended will That work with my base scanner ? I’f so what’s the best frequency to use I tried to put the frequency range I. On the software but it came up invalid frequency’s I’f this software is for SDR is there another software I could you for base scanner look forward to your reply Paul
I am guessing that the audio jack labeled SDR would actually be for the PC speaker output that your SDR is running on and my simple question is, does this device mute the SDR audio coming from the PC when in TX mode? SDRUNO only RF and AF mutes when your connected to the radio via CAT... I want to use this with non cat controlled OLD SCHOOL Radios.
where does the SDR Patch lead connect on your RSP dx, Im trying to use the switch with an RSP duo using one of these switches and a MFJ-1708b, been using the MFJ switch with an RSP 2 without any issues, cheers
I love how complicated HAM people make a simple switch box. Short answer: yes, there is a $40 box with very straightforward markings that will do exactly what you wish it would do.
Hmmmm I guess the same goes for Cars, no point in making videos about cars because they all have 4 wheels, a motor of sorts and a steering wheel. Great, they get me from A to B. I'll never watch another car review again, thanks!
Let me ask: how do I know if a radio is DC? For example I know after read Ts 590SG does not need switch What about FTdx10 and FT 710? I also know the FT DX 3000 does not see too.
Just a heads up for anyone wiring up the PTT cable for the Xiegu G-90. This took some trial and error for me unfortunately. Use the factory soldered connector on the SDR TX/RX Switch side, on the Xiegu G-90 you keep the ground the same on the TRS 3.5mm jack but you solder the PTT to the Ring or middle of the connector. Just as the diagram on the CE-19 illustrates. I made a label to remind me which side connects to the relay switch.
So, here we are 3 years later. I have a FT-991A radio. The TUN/LIN jack on the back I have a control cable that goes to my tuner. I am wanting to add this switch and a RSP1A but since the TUN/LIN jack is already in use, would I be able to just put a min-din 8pin Y cable on there to split off the TX GND and GND pins I need for the switch while still letting everyting else get to the tuner untouched?
Doing a follow up here and while the Y cable off the TUN/LIN jack for the FT-991A does work to grab the tx gnd and gnd pins, do you happen to know where on the IC-7300 to get this from? Is it perhaps from the Linear jack on the 10 pin mini din on the Send and Gnd pins?
Hi, I have the 991A as well and want to add the switch. Some people talk about insertion loss being an issue. Some say 3db but the specs say .3db. Do you notice any attenuation using the switch? Thanks
I have a radio and an antenna switches. And have 2 HF rigs but I want to use it ONLY with my FT991a. How would I connect it to my radio if I have a radio switch? I already have the usb cables if needed. Thanks and 73.
I note it states upto 160MHz. Given that I will switch it with the PTT control line could I also pass UHF / 437MHz at 5watts safely through this device ??
Have got one of these all connected even ptt but when ptt lead is plugged volume goes very low on radio so low it’s hard to any stations radio is a ft920 any help much appreciated
Question: I have not yet transmitted yet as I want to ensure I have the jumper open or shorted. I have been listening ONLY, and no TX yet. Can you tell me if I am to pull the jumper or not? I do not want to fry up my SDRplay RSPdx OPEN: Dual receive when RX SHORT: Normal Operation Thank you!
Okay, I have a signalink connected to pi4 and I've been running digital just fine. How do I connect the switch for the ptt if I already have that connection used up by my ftdi connection on myn897D radio?
Hallo sm6usu Svante here. I have the latest Mfj 1708B with airspy sdr and use Sdr console software. My problem is that I want to use the audio in my headset from the computer, because all kinds of filters in the software. I can get a really nice receiving. But when I transmit I get all my voice right in to my ears. I have no problems with HF before I did this Mfj 1708B. The sdr console has an mute option to headphones but when changing bands and frequensy you have to reset this figures often because it clips also the audio from the station you want to listen to or speak to which is very frustrating. I have tried to build usb relay to my headphones but when that clips the audio to headphones, the audio change to computer speakers or sdr console stops. No one talk about this. I have tried to solve this in 2 weeks now. I use balanced feedline from tuner to my 80 M loop antenna and have no problems at all with computer tuner and tranceiver with 100 w together with a few cm between the equipment, before I tried this MFJ box. Is it same problems when transmit with the box on the video? When listen on the computer which was my prio 1, not the radio Other way it is fantastic audio and many other functions in software to play with. 73 de sm6usu
@Tech Minds help please ! Im doing custom cable for Yeasu FT450D which pins are you using to PTT ? wants to use TUNER Jack port in radio are those pins correct ? and pin 2 - TX Gnd (to tip jack/end part) and pin 3 GND to the "longest" :) part of jack ??
Hi Matt. I purchased one of these to run sdr play and win4yeasu. Ive followed your video which was really helpful. I've removed the jumper so get duel receive, I made a PTT lead as you did which I believe is correct. TX GRD to the tip. Red light stays on and the green light goes out when I transmit but looking on sdr uno the sdr rspa 1 is receiving the signal. So not grounding the sdr. My 991a is not grounded as my shack is on the first floor. Is this the reason it's not grounding the sdr or di you think something else. I'm a new ham and I know you have good experience of radio's etc. I would love advice. Thanks.
You will see the signal fro your own transmit, and it couls even damage your sdr depending on how much isolation this device gets when on transmit mode (receive disconected).
Great video! I just started butchering an 8 pin DIN cable to make the PTT and realised I have an auto tuner already connected. Does anyone think the Linear port would work, or will I need to make a split cable?
Hi I"m encounderingthe same issue. I have a ft991 and a Mat tuner for it. This is connected to th tun/lin socket so I was wandering how this could be solved. Someone any idea?
@@ON3STGnormaal wel hé, ze bevatten dezelfde uitgangen staat die niet in de handleiding? En werkend gekregen ondertussen? Ik ga deze op de DX10 koppelen ook via de Lin plug uitgang maar box is nog onderweg…
The sockets are for connecting the audio from your PC and the transmission audio from your transceiver. This is not mandatory, and it actually works very poorly.
@@TechMindsOfficial I have been looking for something like this so I could better use my SDR unit with my old boat anchors but couldn't find a solution to mute the computer audio on TX...would the audio switching feature solve this? Does it ground my audio line from my computer audio jack on TX? (of course as you show, the software along with omni-rig accomplishes this with modern rigs by muting on TX within the SDR programs and using my 1708)
@@gareth1500 Just be aware that the sdrkits board will work just fine on the HF amateur bands but sucks at other frequencies. Using an SDRplay, the lower and higher frequencies are greatly attenuated. It does not cover the entire RF spectrum.
I just received mine and I can't get it to work, as soon as it's powered on my SWR goes to hell and radio can't tune. Also, it seems to attenuate some of the signal about 2 S units. Shame
Having an issue with SDR TX/RX switch. Radio. FTDX10 SDRplay RSP1A TX/RX SW(No name) Radio connected sw from lin jack. Ground to sleve of 3mm jack on sw TX out to tip of 3mm jack. When I plug it in the sw goes into TX even though the radio is not transmitting. Anyone else have this problem?
I just realized that RF sensing isn't working in my unit. I have always used it with the PTT connected but tried without it. No relay clicks and the SWR went in the roof. Anyone else with the same experience?
Hi everyone! My questions: Does it work up to 160MHz in transmission? Does anyone have any real data of SWR, RL, etc? Were there any problems with working on RSP devices or RTLSDR dongles?? Has anyone tried the MFJ1708B-SDR?? It should be the latest version for correct functioning ... THANK YOU all..
It did not work well for me at 145 MHz - too much SWR. On the the 10m band it worked well. I tested it with both the RTL SDR (SDR#) and RSPdx (SDR Uno)
Too much insertion loss to be useful. 30.9db loss on 80 meters and 9.943db loss on 6 meters. Their listing advertises 0.2dB loss, which is true.. only on 2 meters. Anything lower frequency than 2m and this device becomes unusable. Also, it can't handle 70cm at all, so this device is only usable on 2 meters. Basically, I got a $40 project box for some future project.
I've been using it for a few weeks. It has several problems. 1 - RF isolation in TX is poor. 2 - The relays in the audio line make terrible noises in the speakers when activated. Do not use the front sockets! 3 - Find a way for your radio to control the box. Don't trust her RF detector!
I bought one of these recently. It is a faulty unit and bangood is doing everything they can to not give me a refund on their junk product. I have offered to send it back multiple times and they dodge the offer. Stay away from this junk and buy an mfj from a reputable dealer!
@@TechMindsOfficial there is no signal getting from the antenna to my radio. The sdr works fine but the connection between radio and antenna does work at all. I cannot transmit out or receive any signal whatsoever. I know to get dual receive you have to remove the jumper. This does noth6 to solve the issue. I believe the unit to be faulty and they are doing everything but allowing me to return it. It's very aggravating. I never got to use it.
Very helpful video. The rf/af mute function was sluggish with my rig, and when operating semi-QSK CW, I heard a brief cw tone whenever going from receive to transmit, which was quite distracting. I stumbled on an easy fix to this in section 18.1 of the SDRUno manual - resetting the polling interval from 500ms , which seems to be the default Omnirig value for at least some rigs, to 100 ms. P.S., my TR switch is the MFJ-1708B-SDR, and I'm very happy with it. For me, at least, it had one huge advantage over the switch in this presentation - I actually received it after I ordered it. Banggood did ultimately issue a refund for the switch I ordered from it, though.
I've been using this device for a few months myself and it does work well😊. Great video!
Looking at your demo in this video this unit works far better than the mfj version, i still get a very strong signal on the sdr using the mfj
Just a heads up if your transciever has a built in ATU don't expect to have that work with your SDR , you will need a second (recieving)ATU between your SDR and the switch
Great point!
I just got one of these , be sure to set RTS and DTS to low for grounding PTT with Xiegu X5105.& G90 😊
Hi Matt, at minute 7:18 it looks like the RSP is picking up some TX. Is that expected? Many thanks
I understand that there are two options: connecting the SDR antenna input to the gate of the first transistor of the receiver amplifier using a "cathode follower" or rather a "gate follower" of a FET, or connecting the input of the SDR to an initial intermediate frequency step before it has passed through a narrow filter, also with a gate follower of a FET.
Have you noticed any attenuation on the signal due to sdr & ft991 sharing the signal, this is a game changer for the 991, i would think this setup is better than ftdx101 pandapter setup
Thanks for the info about the jumper. I had missed that and mine came with the jumper installed.
Just received mine on your recommendation and set it up on my 991a, been playing this afternoon with it and working well. One question that's on my mind, as it clicks when power is applied to it, am I right in saying that if there was a power failure to the switch but I was still transmitting, the sdr presumably wouldn't be protected as the relay is not shorting the sdr feed??
From what I’ve tested is that without power the relays fall into place so that the radio is connected directly to the antenna, and shorting the sdr ground. Thus, protecting the sdr if there was a power cut.
@@TechMindsOfficial thanks for the reply, I will certainly be testing this tomorrow. If it is the case, that would be brilliant. Will post tomorrow to confirm on mine.
@@TechMindsOfficial Just as a follow-up, I can indeed confirm that it does short the sdr when power is lost to the tx/rx switch. Thanks for your reply
Interesting review, I ordered one of these a few weeks ago from aliexpress and still waiting for it to come on the slow boat.
Very good tip. I have an SDRplay RSPdx and a Yaesu FTdx-3000, so basically I'll only have to follow the instructions to the letter. Thanks.
If you have a FTDX 3000 then you do NOT need to buy this antenna switch as that radio has an RX output. Watch this video I done on setting this up: th-cam.com/video/bSJUdfRR9gw/w-d-xo.html
@Tech Minds:
I am not technically-inclined, so pardon me for that. I have an analogue old HF receiver, not transceiver, that I would like to have a panadapter attached to. I do also have a modern stand-alone SDR transceiver. In order for the old HF receiver to access a panadpter, do I have to place this switch in line to my SDR, which in turn allows the input from the HF receiver to display panadpter readout on the SDR as opposed to, say, needing a computer to provide said panadapter? Could you clarify my confusion? Thank you in advance for your kind response!
which is ptt-gnd pin on lin-conn there is tx-inh, tx-gnd and gnd.Also 2 wire are shown in this cable - thanks
How did you wire the 3.5 mm jack to the FT-991 8-pin DIN connector break out cable, I am struggeling to get it to work. For some reason when I connect the SDR the unit will no longer cut out to protect the circuit.
It would be interesting to see some measurements of SWR and insertion loss.
on VHF I put in 40w FM .... only 10w came out,!!!!!
OK ... abit of testing.
1.8-30 Mhz SWR is ~1.2:1
50Mhz > 1.5:1
145Mhz SWR ~10:1 ..!!
So the Spec [on mine] should be Frequency Range 1.5Mhz - 60Mhz [NOT 160mhz]
@@g0myw Thank you. So what about the isolation between the ports during TX and the insertion loss on HF? It would be nice to know, if you have the possibility to measure?
@@larsthunberg_SM0TGU well that would be a good idea but all I have is a multimeter and a PWR/SWR meter.
But the label says .
[ not that I beleive it]
Impedance 50ohm . [I really doubt this at VHF]
Frequency Range DC- 160mhz . [ well not in my case . max ~60mhz]
Max TX power 100watts
RF sense threshold
@@g0myw Thank you for your effort.
I have an end fed antenna with my 991a. Could I place my LDG auto tuner in the feed line before the switch to auto tune by keying the mic? Thanks. I’ve learned a lot from your videos.
You place the automatic antenna tuner after not before
Nice helpful review. I bought one.
When making the custom PTT cable, presumably using pin 2 - TX Gnd and pin 3 GND from the Yaesu 991 which pin’s cable should be connected to the end part the 3.5 jack ?
How are you setting up for the dual antenna inputs - HF and VHF/UHF ?
Tx Gnd connected to tip . I only use mine on the HF port, but I guess you’d just have to move cables around if you wanted to use on the vhf port.
@@TechMindsOfficial Thanks, very helpful.
ToyboxTV please help - are you using to PTT:
TUN/LIN Jack port in radio ?
and pin 2 - TX Gnd (to tip jack/end part)
and pin 3 GND to the "longest" :) part of jack ??
@@deszczykrobert4290 Robert, sorry it has taken me so long to answer your question. The short answer is yes.
I have a Yaesu 450D and a RSP1A. I was planning to do something like this. One possible issue: When using 100W (50dBm). This SDR switch box has an Rx isolation of about 40dB. The continues input power to RSP1A is 0dBm (10dBm shortly). So I would probably need to put an extra attenuator of about 10dB in front of the SDR to be sure.
I alsi have an FT-450D and wiuld be interesred in any additional feedback you could provide... did you try it? Any issue?
hi, good videos, they have gave me lots of good info. I am trying to follow this video and i have bought this equipment and going to use it on my ftdx1200 but i ant figure out waht/where to buy the ptt jack for this, i know you say you built one for your 991 but how did you do his.
cheers Daz
Great video. Any recommendation on how to connect the PTT when I am using a IC7300 and a Power Amp. I have a cable from the radio send jack to the AMP, so I'm not sure how to inject the TX/RX PTT into the situation. Thanks.
Thanks for another really well-done video. I did some casual research on the internet put couldn't find information about whether the switch should go before or after my external SWR meter. Thoughts?
Hi can you help me please i have the Yaesu FT 891 And The SDRDuo and i need the Connection Diagram For The PTT Jacek
Love it - and ordered :)
One question, Dont have the SDRplay unit but I do have the original RTL-SDR v3. Im guessing I can still use it?
73 - LB6CI
I started with sdr’s then got fully licensed and bought the 991a, but find the tiny display crap compared to an sdr on a hd screen. Nice bit of kit. Have been considering the sdr panadapter than goes inside the 991a - but this is easier
Don't put your the sdr in radio mate.
Unless you have a Yaesu technician do it I would not recommend it.
Seen the boy do it with RSP1A and he lifted the traces to the USB. It looked a right mess.
This way is just as good and you don't risk ruining your rig (as much) 😎
ordered👍👍 am i right in thinking, without the ptt attached will the rf sensor switch disconnect the sdr automatically?
hello tech minds
In the video you talked about using an ft991a, can you tell me which pins you used for the ptt from the transmitter.
is that the 13.8v and gnd?
It would of been the PTT line which I think goes to gnd on TX. You’ll need to check the radio manual as I don’t have a 991 any longer.
I created mine yesterday and connected pin 2 (TX ground) to the tip of the jack and pin 3 (ground) to the base of the jack. It works fine. Not sure if I needed to connect pin 3 as well, but it works. You don't need to connect the 13.8V.
Good review, but can you explain the use of the 3 x 3.5 jacks on the front panel ? You say they are there in case you want to switch audio but no further explanation.
Great video. I got this device, however the TX signal cable that came with mine has a stereo 3.5mm plug. I saw the cable on your video and it had a mono 3.5mm plug. The socket at the board seems to be identical. I am wondering whether I can use an eBay cable that has the mono plug. By measuring the wires and the plug the middle part of the terminal has no signal, the red wire connects to the tip and the black wire connects to the back of the plug. It seems they ran out of mono plugs and send a wire with a stereo plug, but with only 2 wires and with the middle section disconnected.
Hello, Did you connect this ptt jack to pins 2 and 3? TX GND + GND? Thank you for your reply.
How is the PTT control line (Red/Black wire) connected to the FT-991A radio? Does the 991A needs any special setting to provide the necessary signal to the switch?
Can i also use it without a PTT-Line?
Have got one on order. I will have to make up my own PTT cable to the switch box. As my radio ( TS480) does not have a PTT socket. It does have a din socket for control of a linear amplifier.
Does the box require a specific voltage to ground the sdr on transmit?
Some guys are using an internal, or external, PanAdapter on the IC 7300. What can you gain over using the USB cable instead?
Hi I love your videos I am a newbie so I'm learning as I go along, I would like to know if this will work on my kenwood 430s radio thank you 73s from 9z4apa .
It should do, I dont see any reason why it wouldnt. Thanks for watching.
For those running a G-90 I'm curious if all computer SDR software lags the radio audio when you have the jumper removed. I imagine it has something to do with the 24 bit capability of the G-90.
Love your reviews, watched the MFJ pan' one the other day and was thinking of buying one and then I saw this review. They're currently £38.40 on Banggood, just one question I already have a mono 2 terminal jack plug lead could I use this in lieu of the supplied one wiring a 3.5mm jack plug to it? I take it they follow the standard where the centre pin is positive and the outer negative?
Hi Matt,
Didn't want to buy the MFJ one as I read some horror stories.
Be good if this manufacturer upped the coverage to UHF as well. Maybe you have the pull to contact the builder to perhaps suggest 440/450mhz coverage?
If they done this it would properly out class the MFJ which I agree isn't too hard .
Thanks for sharing
I have a Yaesu 847, beside the sdr switch and the sdr play what software do I need to run Apple on the Mac, just came across this video earlier this morning and find this very interesting.
HI, Great review, Do you know what the 3 sockets on the front panel do? I have a two of these units and want to trigger both from the PTT on my FT-991a.
i bought one of those after i got the rsp1a which i decided i would keep but i still have that one in the box
Question the feature you did with weather balloons the software will recommended will
That work with my base scanner ?
I’f so what’s the best frequency to use
I tried to put the frequency range I. On the software but it came up invalid frequency’s I’f this software is for SDR is there another software I could you for base scanner look forward to your reply Paul
I am guessing that the audio jack labeled SDR would actually be for the PC speaker output that your SDR is running on and my simple question is, does this device mute the SDR audio coming from the PC when in TX mode? SDRUNO only RF and AF mutes when your connected to the radio via CAT... I want to use this with non cat controlled OLD SCHOOL Radios.
Not sure how to rig up the power. Do I need a transformer?
where does the SDR Patch lead connect on your RSP dx, Im trying to use the switch with an RSP duo using one of these switches and a MFJ-1708b, been using the MFJ switch with an RSP 2 without any issues, cheers
I love how complicated HAM people make a simple switch box. Short answer: yes, there is a $40 box with very straightforward markings that will do exactly what you wish it would do.
Hmmmm I guess the same goes for Cars, no point in making videos about cars because they all have 4 wheels, a motor of sorts and a steering wheel. Great, they get me from A to B. I'll never watch another car review again, thanks!
Love this...@@TechMindsOfficial
Let me ask: how do I know if a radio is DC?
For example I know after read Ts 590SG does not need switch
What about FTdx10 and FT 710?
I also know the FT DX 3000 does not see too.
Hi.
Is it possible to connect Rx ground loop instead of SDR dongle on the back of switch ???
Can you use it for just receiving? I’d like too connect it to my R7100.
Do you think this would work ok with one of the cheap usb dongle type sdr???
I’m thinking this might not work too well with cw?
Exactly what I want for my RS 918.
Just a heads up for anyone wiring up the PTT cable for the Xiegu G-90. This took some trial and error for me unfortunately. Use the factory soldered connector on the SDR TX/RX Switch side, on the Xiegu G-90 you keep the ground the same on the TRS 3.5mm jack but you solder the PTT to the Ring or middle of the connector. Just as the diagram on the CE-19 illustrates. I made a label to remind me which side connects to the relay switch.
Also set RTS and DTS to Low 👍
How much power is safe to go thru this black box? Also is it safe to add an external TUNER after this box? Thank you
Can it be used on Kenwood TS 590 S (without radio adaptations)?
Very nice video, I have the exact box and wanted to have it connected with my ft1000mp and SDRUno, can you direct me the right configurations pls
So I’m shopping for a device like that, was considering the MFJ but you think this one is better?
So, here we are 3 years later. I have a FT-991A radio. The TUN/LIN jack on the back I have a control cable that goes to my tuner. I am wanting to add this switch and a RSP1A but since the TUN/LIN jack is already in use, would I be able to just put a min-din 8pin Y cable on there to split off the TX GND and GND pins I need for the switch while still letting everyting else get to the tuner untouched?
Doing a follow up here and while the Y cable off the TUN/LIN jack for the FT-991A does work to grab the tx gnd and gnd pins, do you happen to know where on the IC-7300 to get this from? Is it perhaps from the Linear jack on the 10 pin mini din on the Send and Gnd pins?
Hi, I have the 991A as well and want to add the switch. Some people talk about insertion loss being an issue. Some say 3db but the specs say .3db. Do you notice any attenuation using the switch? Thanks
Has anyone figured out the setup for a qrp radio coupled with an amplifier and the sdr switch?
I have a radio and an antenna switches. And have 2 HF rigs but I want to use it ONLY with my FT991a. How would I connect it to my radio if I have a radio switch? I already have the usb cables if needed. Thanks and 73.
Can I least ask did you leave the jumper closed as it came for the way you are using the switcher
I’m pretty sure that I had to move the jumper from how it came.
@@TechMindsOfficial thank you as you show it closed and it looks closed on mine which has just arrived this morning
Can you please show to what pins you connected to 3.5mm on the tun/lin jack? i cant find anything online and mine isnt working.
I connected mine as follows: Pin 2 TX Ground to the tip of the jack and Pin 3 Ground to the base of the jack. It works.
I note it states upto 160MHz. Given that I will switch it with the PTT control line could I also pass UHF / 437MHz at 5watts safely through this device ??
Have got one of these all connected even ptt but when ptt lead is plugged volume goes very low on radio so low it’s hard to any stations radio is a ft920 any help much appreciated
Very well presented, like all yr videos, 73
Question: I have not yet transmitted yet as I want to ensure I have the jumper open or shorted. I have been listening ONLY, and no TX yet.
Can you tell me if I am to pull the jumper or not? I do not want to fry up my SDRplay RSPdx
OPEN: Dual receive when RX
SHORT: Normal Operation
Thank you!
Dual receive let both antennas receive, jumper short is only SDR receive
@@sc00zy Thank you
@@scramick np, let us know if it works correctly for you please.
@@sc00zy It is working correctly. I use am using SDR Console V3.3
@@scramick great so u use dual receive option if I am correct?
Okay, I have a signalink connected to pi4 and I've been running digital just fine. How do I connect the switch for the ptt if I already have that connection used up by my ftdi connection on myn897D radio?
Hallo sm6usu Svante here. I have the latest Mfj 1708B with airspy sdr and use Sdr console software. My problem is that I want to use the audio in my headset from the computer, because all kinds of filters in the software. I can get a really nice receiving. But when I transmit I get all my voice right in to my ears. I have no problems with HF before I did this Mfj 1708B. The sdr console has an mute option to headphones but when changing bands and frequensy you have to reset this figures often because it clips also the audio from the station you want to listen to or speak to which is very frustrating. I have tried to build usb relay to my headphones but when that clips the audio to headphones, the audio change to computer speakers or sdr console stops. No one talk about this. I have tried to solve this in 2 weeks now. I use balanced feedline from tuner to my 80 M loop antenna and have no problems at all with computer tuner and tranceiver with 100 w together with a few cm between the equipment, before I tried this MFJ box. Is it same problems when transmit with the box on the video? When listen on the computer which was my prio 1, not the radio Other way it is fantastic audio and many other functions in software to play with. 73 de sm6usu
@Tech Minds help please ! Im doing custom cable for Yeasu FT450D which pins are you using to PTT ?
wants to use TUNER Jack port in radio are those pins correct ?
and pin 2 - TX Gnd (to tip jack/end part)
and pin 3 GND to the "longest" :) part of jack ??
How do you add the ldg tuner into
The mic with all of this
Hi Matt. I purchased one of these to run sdr play and win4yeasu. Ive followed your video which was really helpful. I've removed the jumper so get duel receive, I made a PTT lead as you did which I believe is correct. TX GRD to the tip. Red light stays on and the green light goes out when I transmit but looking on sdr uno the sdr rspa 1 is receiving the signal. So not grounding the sdr. My 991a is not grounded as my shack is on the first floor. Is this the reason it's not grounding the sdr or di you think something else. I'm a new ham and I know you have good experience of radio's etc. I would love advice. Thanks.
You will see the signal fro your own transmit, and it couls even damage your sdr depending on how much isolation this device gets when on transmit mode (receive disconected).
win4yeasu = win4yaesu I Bet. LOL No Such Thing as a YEASU. LOL 😂😊 P.S. DUEL = DUAL also.🤪🤣
As new ham you need to know that you ground your material all time m8 pull a ground line to it.
Does SDRUno work with a RTL-SDR dongle?
Great video! I just started butchering an 8 pin DIN cable to make the PTT and realised I have an auto tuner already connected. Does anyone think the Linear port would work, or will I need to make a split cable?
Hi I"m encounderingthe same issue. I have a ft991 and a Mat tuner for it. This is connected to th tun/lin socket so I was wandering how this could be solved. Someone any idea?
@@ON3STGnormaal wel hé, ze bevatten dezelfde uitgangen staat die niet in de handleiding? En werkend gekregen ondertussen? Ik ga deze op de DX10 koppelen ook via de Lin plug uitgang maar box is nog onderweg…
@@sc00zy Heb ondertussen een FTDX101D gekocht en daar is het niet meer voor nodig. Bedankt voor de reactie. 73 de ON3STG
Will this work on my I-C 7200 ?
anyone with the ftdx-3000 or any radio with tx ground rca jack in the back, this works much better than the ptt jack, much more responsive
can you, or anyone else, tell me what the Sockets on the front are for?
The sockets are for connecting the audio from your PC and the transmission audio from your transceiver. This is not mandatory, and it actually works very poorly.
Whats the difference from this unit to the mfj1708sdr ?
This is better build quality and has the audio switching feature, the MFJ has adjustable delay/release time.
@@TechMindsOfficial I have been looking for something like this so I could better use my SDR unit with my old boat anchors but couldn't find a solution to mute the computer audio on TX...would the audio switching feature solve this? Does it ground my audio line from my computer audio jack on TX? (of course as you show, the software along with omni-rig accomplishes this with modern rigs by muting on TX within the SDR programs and using my 1708)
Quick question will this work with the FTDX10?
Yep, but there is a better solution for dx10 if you’re willing to open the radio. See my other videos.
@@TechMindsOfficial Thanks for reply, will get the hardware from sdrkits.
@@gareth1500 Just be aware that the sdrkits board will work just fine on the HF amateur bands but sucks at other frequencies. Using an SDRplay, the lower and higher frequencies are greatly attenuated. It does not cover the entire RF spectrum.
Is it right that dual SDR / RX mode only works with
ptt ?
if you have a tx-gnd jack this also works, better imho
I would get one but don't like useable frequencies stopping at 160MHz. That and dealing with offshore dealer customer service is steering me away.
Need the link to purchase can't see the links on this mobile
www.banggood.com/SDR-Transceiver-and-Receiver-Switch-Antenna-Sharer-TR-Switch-Box-with-Gas-Discharge-Protection-160MHz-p-1734290.html
@@TechMindsOfficial thanks
I just received mine and I can't get it to work, as soon as it's powered on my SWR goes to hell and radio can't tune. Also, it seems to attenuate some of the signal about 2 S units. Shame
How about my old trusty frg 7 could that be done 1981 v 2021...
Sure
Have you tested this on 50mhz, I have and swr is nuts, can you confirm? I tried two units.
What do you mean?
The losses thru these devices are too great for me to find them useful.
how long is your coax run lol
Having an issue with SDR TX/RX switch.
Radio. FTDX10
SDRplay RSP1A
TX/RX SW(No name)
Radio connected sw from lin jack.
Ground to sleve of 3mm jack on sw
TX out to tip of 3mm jack.
When I plug it in the sw goes into TX even though the radio is not transmitting.
Anyone else have this problem?
Has anyone tried connecting the SDR to a receive antenna instead of a SDR radio?
It’s the same function, even with a receiver instead of a SDR
@@sc00zy Thanks!! BTW, excellent video!
I just realized that RF sensing isn't working in my unit. I have always used it with the PTT connected but tried without it. No relay clicks and the SWR went in the roof. Anyone else with the same experience?
Try setting RTS and DTS to low
So if your radio does not have CAT control or a PTT TRX port, then you really can’t use this
Not so. It's cut off is safe enough.
Hi everyone!
My questions: Does it work up to 160MHz in transmission? Does anyone have any real data of SWR, RL, etc?
Were there any problems with working on RSP devices or RTLSDR dongles??
Has anyone tried the MFJ1708B-SDR?? It should be the latest version for correct functioning ... THANK YOU all..
See the RICK post up top!
It did not work well for me at 145 MHz - too much SWR. On the the 10m band it worked well. I tested it with both the RTL SDR (SDR#) and RSPdx (SDR Uno)
Too much insertion loss to be useful. 30.9db loss on 80 meters and 9.943db loss on 6 meters. Their listing advertises 0.2dB loss, which is true.. only on 2 meters. Anything lower frequency than 2m and this device becomes unusable. Also, it can't handle 70cm at all, so this device is only usable on 2 meters. Basically, I got a $40 project box for some future project.
I've been using it for a few weeks. It has several problems.
1 - RF isolation in TX is poor.
2 - The relays in the audio line make terrible noises in the speakers when activated. Do not use the front sockets!
3 - Find a way for your radio to control the box. Don't trust her RF detector!
👍👏👏
We know what MFJ sands for 🤪
We sure do! lol
Beware people this does not work on 2 metres the swr is over 3 they should have the specs as up to 60Mhz not 160Mhz
cheap... does that mean its a pirated rig?
I bought one of these recently. It is a faulty unit and bangood is doing everything they can to not give me a refund on their junk product. I have offered to send it back multiple times and they dodge the offer. Stay away from this junk and buy an mfj from a reputable dealer!
What’s wrong with your unit? I know lots of people using these with out issue. Let me know the problem and I might be able to help.
@@TechMindsOfficial there is no signal getting from the antenna to my radio. The sdr works fine but the connection between radio and antenna does work at all. I cannot transmit out or receive any signal whatsoever. I know to get dual receive you have to remove the jumper. This does noth6 to solve the issue. I believe the unit to be faulty and they are doing everything but allowing me to return it. It's very aggravating. I never got to use it.
firsttttttttt to say MFJ made from junk lol
I thought it was Mighty Fine Junk, lol! Either way describes them!
Могу ли я купить из России ?
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