I would echo Mark's comments regarding the FCD.
I was also lucky enough to receive one of the first batch and have been experimenting ever since. The device is excellent, its stability and performance is remarkable throughout its intended operating range.
If you enjoyed Softrock at HF then for VHF and above this little unit is your next step.
And of course it's supporting the Funcube Project.
David G8OQW
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mark L. Hammond Sent: 04 January 2011 12:21 To: amsat-bb Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Need Advice for SDR choice
I think the most significant difference between the FCD and the Softrocks is FREQUENCY, isn't it? Are there Softrocks that will do 64-1700 MHz?
I don't remember for sure, but I thought the Softrocks are good only up to 30 or 50 MHz. The FCD is from 60-ish to 1.7GHz. That makes them apples to oranges in comparison.
So, if I have this right, I would need a Softrock and what---two or three downconverters?--to cover just 2M, 70cm, and 23 cm. Oh, add a sound card. That's more than the cost of a FCD shipped to the US...
If you're using an IF of a receiver, you need the receiver!! and the Softrock. And a sound card.
I have three Softrock kits sitting on the bench right now, for those exact reasons above. The FCD is a one piece, plug and play solution for the bands I wanted to work (VHF, UHF). There really isn't a better option, far as I can tell...
73,
Mark N8MH