The PAT70 (70MHz) version is compatible with the IF of the FT-991a and other similar-IF rigs. (Maybe Yaesu will put this output on the FT-991b?) Through some good, old-fashioned Google searches, I came across a perfect little solution: a buffer-amplifier from G4HUP (sk). I needed to tap the IF of the FT-991a in a low-loss manner and bring the IF out to the RSP1a. In due time, the final outcome became clear. In addition, I didn’t care for the somewhat high (-20 dB) signal going into the front-end of the SDR during transmit. I attempted to use it with an RX-antenna switch and had some success, but didn’t like the 3+ dB of front-end signal losses from sharing the antenna during receive. I was quite surprised with how well the SDRplay RSP1a worked as a 2nd receiver and quickly became addicted to the large spectral-waterfall display. But let’s face it… the screen is pretty small, and while it’s highly functional as a menu/button interface, its panoramic adapter is not very practical as a tool for hunting signals at the bottom of a solar cycle.Īs a result of this contemplative process, I arrived at a “pragmatic solution” which satisfied my use-case: an SDRplay as a Pan Adapter. It definitely has DSP augmented tuning and filtering and a slick spectral/waterfall display. For example, the latest Kenwood and Icom, not to mention the ‘mac-daddy’ Flex Radio Systems’ offering. There are some really cool things out there.
Ham radio deluxe waterfall how to software#
In this search I could not avoid looking into Software Defined Radio (SDR). It offered an all-access digital-audio interface through a single USB connector, supports virtually every radio mode known today, puts out 100W, and goes from 160M to 70cm. I landed on the Yaesu FT-991a, which you can read about in a previous post. I’m trying to stay pragmatic, and since I no longer have beams at 100 feet, spending more than $2,000 for a rig is just not part of my current value system. This had me looking for a good, general replacement. Several months ago, my long-time friend, a Kenwood TS-850SAT, quit.