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
At 05:19 AM 1/4/2011 +0000, you wrote:
He could go with a 10.7 MHz fixed IF Softrock for about $30 (with the special crystal) instead of $175 for the FCD and maybe have a chance at getting one sooner than later if he really wanted to use it with the ICOM.
A soundcard is needed for a softrock, but I have used a $50 USB one in the past from China no problem if he can't use the built in one (like on a laptop).
Fred
Jan 3, 2011 06:26:01 PM, amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org wrote:
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Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 14:26:55 -0700 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org From: vlfiscus@mcn.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Need Advice for SDR choice
At 06:25 PM 1/2/2011 -0500, marklhammond@gmail.com wrote:
I'm going to look into SDR. My Icom r-7100 has an IF out jack I could feed into a unit.
That was my first thought too, but R-7000 receiver's IF is at 10.7 MHz and the FCD only goes down to 64 MHz.
On the other hand, the R7000's tuning range isn't that different from the FCD, and I bet the FCD has better specs, so why bother with the receiver?
Greg KO6TH
Sent via 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 _______________________________________________ Sent via 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
Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]