Hi Frank,
I have used SDR Console and HDSDR and decided that HDSDR is the best app
for me. It takes some time to learn, however.
I have recently been tracking down some CenturyLink modem uplink
leakage that is present from 3.75 MHz to 5.1 MHz. The antenna system,
which consists of a high impedance preamp and a 3 ft. whip, is really
important since it is not tuned and I don't have a narrow band antenna
factor to worry about. The down side of that kind of a set up is that
SDRPlay may become overloaded since the system is looking wide band. To
overcome that, I have built some small band pass filters that I insert
between the high impedance preamp and the SDRPlay receiver. These
filters pass only the spectrum that I am interested in. So far I have
filters for 80m, 40m, 20m, and the Century link spectrum. If I am not
near any strong broadcast stations, the filters are not needed. Also,
the wide spectrum of SDRPlay allows me to see what I am really tracking
and not to get confused by other noise sources in the area.
I always use VHF or UHF with a Yagi to track power line noise.
73, Tom W0IVJ
On 2/9/2016 7:06 AM, Frank N. Haas KB4T wrote:
Tom: What software are you using to operate the SDRPlay? I have used
SDRSharp & HDSDR. I have used these mobile only.
The receiver hears very well. HDSDR is stable but a bit challenging to
use. SDRSharp is quirky and occasionally exhibits some strange behavior.
As a general purpose receiver the SDRPlay is very handy with its wide
range, excellent sensitivity and selectivity. I do mostly power line
interference searches. Unfortunately I find the SDRPlay unusable for
power line interference searches. The spikes never appear on the
display and the two software packages I've tried are optimized to
eliminate noise and are amazingly effective at ignoring power line noise.
Of course, if the interference you seek is more like a conventional
signal, the SDRPlay and either of these two software packages give a
highly informative display and great receive capability. In close, an
attenuator is needed to manage signal levels to get usable signal
strength indications.
Has anyone had any success using an SDR for power line noise searches?
Frank N Haas KB4T
Utility Interference Investigator
Florida
On Feb 5, 2016 11:48 PM, "Tom Thompson" <w0ivj@tomthompson.com
<mailto:w0ivj@tomthompson.com>> wrote:
Tony,
I have been using an SDRPlay ($150 from HRO) and a small laptop or
tablet running HDSDR (free). If you build or buy a high impedance
preamp, you can use a 3 ft. whip with a magmount and you have a
wide band set up that will show you the spectrum of the RFI from
your car. When you get closer you can DF it with a loop. I have
found that being able to look at the whole spectrum is really
helpful in tracking down the RFI because you can really keep track
of the RFI signature. The SDRPlay allows you to look at about 5
MHz of spectrum from 100 kHz to about 2 GHz.
Tom W0IVJ
On 2/5/2016 7:52 PM, Tony wrote:
All:
I've had an RFI issue coming from a specific direction for
several years. It's a unique noise that appears on several HF
bands which is usually a couple of S-units above the noise
i.e., just enough to cover weak signals in that direction.
I thought I could use a VHF / UHF radio to pinpoint the
source, but I'm not able to hear it on my all-mode VHF/UHF
home station with Yagi antennas.
The ideal setup might be a portable HF radio which can tune
the same frequencies that are susceptible to the noise.
Something small enough to carry and use with a portable HF loop.
I was thinking about a Kenwood TH-F6A that has HF SSB / CW
coverage, but I'm told the receiver isn't very sensitive; even
with an external antenna.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Tony
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