[hpsdr] Newbie wants in :)

[David McQuate]

Hi Luke,
   The HPSDR name is "high performance" SDR, and it certainly is that.
It is also, in my opinion, high price.  (Yet low, given the performance.)
(But that's mostly a reflection on my ham radio budget.  Most commercial 
ham transceivers, digital or not, fall in that category for me.)

I started working with HPSDR in September 2008,
and have gradually added hardware, while I collaborated on software.

There are several PC software options, depending on the computer
operating system you choose--especially Microsoft Windows (XP, or Seven) 
or Linux.

The HPSDR is oriented more to those who want to work on the hardware and 
software, AND have a superb radio.
Other SDRs may be more suitable for those who just want to get on the air.
(But check out HPSDR "Hermes" -- see below.)

On the lower-cost side are those that use quadrature sampling detectors 
(and exciters), rather than broadband analog to digital converters and 
digital to analog converters.
Some would say these are not quite so "all digital".  Things like 
opposite sideband suppression are not quite as good--but still very 
usable.  They may also be more suitable for portable or emergency power 
situations.  The price might be roughly a factor of 5 lower.

   An HPSDR receiver would consist of at least
Atlas, Mercury, and either Magister or Metis (see below)
To add 1/2 watt transmit capability, add PennyLane.

Additional items might be
--transmit amplifier (Pennywhistle 15W, or others for higher power)
--switched filters
     (not needed with PennyLane, but necessary when any amplifier is used)
--power supplies
--case
--precision frequency reference

Another option is Hermes, the equivalent of Atlas, Mercury, Metis, and 
PennyLane, all
on a single PC board--about $900.  (not yet in production, but maybe 
only a few months away)

Current prices, at TAPR.org are:
  35    Atlas, complete kit
469    Mercury:     0-55 MHz digital down-converting receiver

199    Magister:    USB interface
or
279    Metis:       Ethernet interface

399    PennyLane:    1.8 - 55 MHz digital up-converting exciter ( 0.5 watt )

The Metis Ethernet interface is newer and has lots of potential for 
enhancements,
in comparison with the Magister USB interface.

The openHPSDR.org  web site, and the associated wiki, has a large amount 
of information about HPSDR, but probably not "a definitive newbies 
guide."  Hopefully this note will help.  Feel free to ask any questions 
on the hpsdr at openhpsdr.org email reflector.

73,
Dave
wa8ywq

On 5/26/2012 4:28 PM, Lucas Vogel wrote:
> ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****
>
> Hi all ...
> Following a recent tech-talk at my local radio club I became intrigued by SDR and the possibilities it offered in terms of my hobby and other aligned interests namely computers and programming.
>
> Delving into this new field (new to me) has opened a pandoras box of questions and queries.
>
> I guess my first question to get the ball rolling is "HOW" do I go about getting started? Funds are a bit limited so I would like to implement my SDR over a bit of time but I have no idea where to start ... Perhaps the Atlas backplane and one or two cards?
>
> Is there a definitive newbies guide?
>
> --
> Cheers
> Luke
> JP (Qual) VK4KYT
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