Stefan,
Yes, I've tracked the Blade RF closely...but I think you've answered your own question. To use the device on 2 Meters or lower, you need downconverters...and the output power level is too low to drive most amps. Basically, it's an engineer's tool, but not well suited for operators. Ditto for the HackRF.
The Cross Country Sentry promises to drive brick amplifiers without intermediate stages, and excellent performance on all the amateur VHF bands due to bandpass filtering. To be a true "game changer", a product must not only be a technical marvel, but it must be popular in the marketplace. It remains to be seen if any of these products will reach that standard, but an inexpensive all-in-one VHF/UHF SDR transceiver would certainly be in demand.
Time will tell.
73,
Les N1LF
On 8/6/2014 5:25 PM, Stefan Wagener wrote:
Did you look at the Blade RF?
With available downconverter and full duplex! It is already a game changer and being used.
Also, the HackRF is shipping now.
Stefan
On Wed, Aug 6, 2014 at 3:00 PM, Les Rayburn <les@highnoonfilm.com mailto:les@highnoonfilm.com> wrote:
http://www.crosscountrywireless.net/sentry.html If true, this would provide the first SDR with output on 6 Meters, 2 Meters, 222, 432, and 1.2 GHz. This would be a real game-changer for VHF weak signal operators, and provide enough drive for most amps. Can't wait to learn more about this product. -- -- 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf 6M VUCC #1712 AMSAT #38965 Grid Bandits #222 Southeastern VHF Society Central States VHF Society Life Member Six Club #2484 Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light -- _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB@amsat.org>. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb