On Wed, Nov 9, 2016 at 6:51 AM, Gavin Jacobs <apriljunk...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> The hackrf is MUCH less sensitive than a typical handheld. If you are > using the vertical antenna that came with the hackrf, then you will have > trouble receiving any ham transmissions. I had the same experience as you, > so here are some tips that got me going: > > - calculate the 1/4 wavelength and set the telescoping antenna to that > length > > - put the antenna (and the hackrf unless you have some appropriate rf > cable) high in the room > > - increase the if_gain to 40; use a QT GUI slider to decrease it once you > acquire a signal > > - set the center frequency to an even multiple of MHz; then set your > offset to hit the desired channel > > It takes some patience, but eventually you will get the frequency visible > on the chart. > > Also, be careful not to hit PTT on your handheld, at any time, at any > frequency, in the vicinity of the hackrf; any moderately strong rf can > damage the front end of the hackrf. So, I suggest starting with the APRS > frequency (in North America 144.39 MHz); you get steady traffic, you can > hear it on your handheld, but you don't have to transmit anything. > > > Unfortunately, my flowgraphs are 2000 km away right now, but we can > probably help you get going. > > Thanks, Jake! Setting the IF gain higher did the trick. I do see that my handheld ham radio is more sensitive, but I can receive the audio signal on the HackRF, with a signal quality that is only clear enough to know there are voices. (I cannot hear well enough to tell what is being said.)
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