I finally took a deeeep breath and boxed up the eton 750 and brought the computer and monitor down hooked up the Air Spy – less than a week in using it exclusively and I have to admit – I’m hooked. For a desktop set-up – SDR is the way to go. There is a learning curve – as with almost anything – but it is worth the effort . . .
Got mine from Nevada Radio in the UK – ended up slightly more than buying here – but didn’t have to have a thing to do with PAYFUCKPAL . . .
Realize one thing folks – SDR receivers don’t replace any of these – within their design uses these are all good receivers – especially the sweetheart on the bottom . . .
This next one?? I will run it as long as it ( or me ) lasts – I truly enjoy digging signals out with the DX 160 . . .
And for a “portable” – the Sony ICF-2010 is an absolute stellar receiver – performance wise most of these are equally up to the task of SWL – So the question becomes “Why SDR?”
The ability to “see” at a glance 8.5XX to 9.1XX – and any signals worth listening to – another benefit – it is very easy to clarify SSB signals . . .
Have a quick listen to message traffic on 8.992 upper side band on the HFGCS – this is a bit of a 55 character message – station was using the call sign “symbolic” . . .
Rabbit Hole Alert – Just reading a portion of the stuff out there on the web about the military com system will snow you under – good luck!
My partners in crime helping me listen to shortwave . . .
Conditions this morning – 5am to 6am central – were very good – was listening to Yemen yesterday afternoon about 2pm central – very strange – but – conditions are the key – you can have the biggest bestest antenna ever – and if the conditions are poor – you are just not going to hear much – if the conditions are right you can just about listen on your can opener . . .
The Chameleon Antenna CHA RXL Pro Receive Loop Antennas RXL-PRO – from DXEngineering– has caught my eye – there may be one in my future at some point – who knows?? Performance wise? – not a lot of difference over a long wire antenna – however it has two null spots that can be rotated ( if mounted on a rotator ) to help cancel out noise . . .
Have Fun! – Run the Gun! – and remember – Fish Heads are Cheap!!
Guns, Fun, Food and More 