[Skimmertalk] Current SDR choices for CW skimmer?

[Jeff Maass K8ND]

G'day Andy,

I replied to your inquiry on Facebook, and will expand a bit here.

I have used SDR-IQ and Perseus SDRs for serious lowband contesting from the
PJ2T station for six years, and both are good receivers. Both are
single-band-at-a-time, but software can be used to switch bands on a
schedule (I have not done this). 

I now own four SDR-IQs . You can find an occasional SDR-IQ on eBay at some
discount. 

I have one Perseus, obtained new a couple of years ago. The Perseus is
slightly better, but is twice the price of the SDR-IQ and about the same
price as the QS1R. I don't use the SDR-IQ or Perseus radios for Reverse
Beacon Network (RBN), except for occasional testing. They are used as
dedicated on-site CW Skimmers, feeding our contest program directly with
spots.

The QS1R is a better investment for Skimmer Server, providing up to 7 bands
simultaneously (up to 192 kHz of each) and also covering 6-meters. I have
one here for the K8ND Skimmer Server, and one on Curacao for the PJ2T/PJ2A
Skimmer Server, and they have been effective and reliable. A preamp is
recommended. A 2+ amp 5Vdc power supply is required.

Please add RBN coverage in the Northwest for as many bands as you can
manage!

73,  Jeff  K8ND

-----Original Message-----
From: Skimmertalk [mailto:skimmertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
Andy (KU7T)
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 12:33 PM
To: skimmertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [Skimmertalk] Current SDR choices for CW skimmer?

Hi,

 

I am researching the idea of getting a CW skimmer up for the major HF bands;
there still is a shortage in the Pacific Northwest.  I played with a
softrock but never got it to work satisfactorily, so I am looking at a
non-kit SDR. Looking for something reasonable that can do 5 HF bands. I know
about the QSR1, but the cost is pretty steep. 

 

What other options are out here for a 5 band CW skimming capable SDR? Is the
SDR-IQ good, it not quite clear from its description.

Is there a 2nd hand market for these things?

 

Thanks and 73

Andy

KU7T

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