Curt -
I guess I'm missing the objective here. I have several SoftRocks, Ensemble, etc., and the biggest
'feature' they offer is the ability to see large chunks ( 48, 96 or 192 kHz ) at a time. If you tap
off in front of the roofing filter, 5.645 MHz 1st IF, all you are gaining is an RF stage and
mechanically tuned LO. Your widest 'window' is 20 kHz because of the PreSelector bandwidth.
It makes sense with one of the modern radios with octave filtering in the front end so you CAN see
the entire 48 or 96 kHz capability of the SR. I just can't see the advantage of putting a
state-of-the-art, computer controlled receiver BEHIND a mechanically tuned, 50 year old front end.
I guess I just don't understand the objective unless it's just all the IF bandwidths, etc. Seems to
me a much better option is to just go with the Ensemble and get 1- 30 MHz continuous coverage,
tunable from the PowerSDR or other screen. I can't hear anything on any of the Drakes that I can't
hear on the Ensemble, being limited by 'atmospherics' rather than noise figure.
The Ensemble in it's little QSL sized case just sits there and receives everything, all under the
computer control. ??????
73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA
Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
<www.k4oah.com>
Curt wrote:
Hi Carey:
I did exactly that a few years ago with my a version. It works really well and is a excellent way
to get involved with SDR, the Software, and get a panadapter along the way.
You need to get the proper IF version softrock. The SDR needs to be tapped off of the 1st IF
before the filtering. The SDR needs to be able to see unfiltered RF at the IF frequency.
You need as good a Soundcard as you can afford. The Delta44 is one of the ones
widely used.
The connection to the main Rx is a bit touchy. I used a gimmick and a small cap but that is less
than ideal. Clifton Labs offers a isolator on a small board that is the real answer.
The Softrock for the IF will be different. The coils are different as is the crystal. Tony Parks
was good about answering questions and providing info. He can probaly supply the stuff you need
to convert the 40M kit since I don't think the IF kit currently being done includes the Drake IF freq.
Hope this helps
Curt
KU8L
On 2/8/2012 10:34 PM, Carey Lockhart, KC5GTT wrote:
Hello Gang,
i have a 13 tube r4a i would like to set up on powersdr or another sdr app. is there a website or
can someone point me in the right direction to what i need to do. i do have so 40m softrock and a
flex 1500. either should d the job i would think.
Thanks
Carey, kc5gtt
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