Hey Mike!
I've used the SDRPlay RSP1 as my full-duplex downlink receiver for quite a while now and it works very well. (both FM & SSB sats)
Filtering is not a bad idea, but is not mandatory. In fact, the reason that I use the SDRPlay in this particular role is that it does much better against a 2m or 70cm uplink than the RTL-SDR or AirSpy R2 that I also have. Has no problem full-duplex w/ a 10m uplink for NO-84 PSK31 either.
-Scott, K4KDR
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-----Original Message----- From: Mike N8MR via AMSAT-BB Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2019 9:43 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] SDR Front End Protection and Spin Modulation Fading
I have an SDRplay RSP1 that I’d like to use as a downlink receiver, along with an Arrow 146/437-10 antenna and Yaesu G-5400 az/el rotators. Uplink will be an Icom IC-7000. Using this setup, will the SDRplay need a Front End Protector to keep it from overloading? If so, which ones are recommended?
Also, I am considering upgrading the antenna to an Alaskan Arrow. Is there a noticeable improvement in antenna performance and gain between the standard Arrow and the Alaskan? Would the improvement in gain also result in deeper fading during spin modulation?
73, Mike, N8MR