Page 1
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Hands-OnHands-OnSoftware Defined RadioSoftware Defined Radio
Getting Started
with Software Defined Radios- or -
“Now that I can spell SDR, what now?”
Scotty Cowling, WA2DFI
2008 Dayton Hamvention SDR Forum
Page 2
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
First and Foremost:First and Foremost:Thank You!Thank You!
Eric Ellison, AA4SW
Dan Babcock, N4XWE
Page 3
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview
Brief introduction to SDR concepts
Examples of SDR RF hardware
Examples of SDR software
PC System Requirements
Musings on applications and the future
Links and Resources to get you started
Page 4
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
What is an SDR anyway?What is an SDR anyway?SSoftware oftware DDefined efined RRadioadio
An SDR in general is a radio that has Primary functionality (mod/demodulation, filtering, etc) defined in
software DSP algorithms implemented in configurable hardware and/or PC
software
Best known examples of SDRs FlexRadio Systems SDR-1000, FLEX-5000A Tony Parks, KB9YIG’s SoftRock series of kits
An SDR is NOT: A computer-controlled conventional radio A conventional radio with a GUI integrated into its front panel A SuperHet rig with AF-DSP
Page 5
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Why SDR?Why SDR?
Why would you do that? (Use a PC for a radio, that is?)
Radios look more and more like computers – user acceptance
Highest performance: FlexRadio FLEX-5000A
Lowest Cost: SoftRock RXTX, US$31
Most Flexible: HPSDR, USRP
Demodulation/Filtering/Interfacing flexibility – user demands
Pervasive, inexpensive and high performance PC platforms
Open Source (GPL, OHL, NCL) builds synergy
Page 6
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Computer or Radio?Computer or Radio?
TenTec Orion IITenTec Orion II
Page 7
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Highest PerformanceHighest Performance
FlexRadio Systems FLEX-5000AFlexRadio Systems FLEX-5000A
Page 8
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Lowest CostLowest Cost
SoftRock RXTXv6.2SoftRock RXTXv6.2
Page 9
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Most FlexibleMost Flexible
HPSDR SystemHPSDR System
Page 10
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Most FlexibleMost Flexible
Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP)Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP)
Page 11
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Why SDR?Why SDR?
Why would you do that? (Use a PC for a radio, that is?)
Radios look more and more like computers – user acceptance
Highest performance: FlexRadio FLEX-5000A
Lowest Cost: SoftRock RXTX, US$31
Most Flexible: HPSDR, USRP
Demodulation/Filtering/Interfacing flexibility – user demands
Pervasive, inexpensive and high performance PC platforms
Open Source (GPL, OHL, NCL) builds synergy
Page 12
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Why SDR?Why SDR?
A more appropriate question would be:
Why wouldn’t you do that?
(Use a PC for a radio, that is?)
Page 13
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
What Is SDR?What Is SDR?
How do they do that? (Make a PC into a radio, that is?)
Antenna to speaker (RX)
Microphone (or paddle, keyboard, computer) to antenna (TX)
Modulation, Demodulation and Filtering
RF generation
Operating the Radio – the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Page 14
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Basics - RXSDR Basics - RX
Simplified SDR Receiver Block DiagramSimplified SDR Receiver Block Diagram
SDR
Page 15
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Basics - RXSDR Basics - RX
Detailed SDR Receiver Block DiagramDetailed SDR Receiver Block Diagram
Page 16
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Basics - RXSDR Basics - RX
SDR Receiver Block Diagram (Mixer)SDR Receiver Block Diagram (Mixer)
QSD
SOUND CARDLINE(A/D)INPUT
SPKR(D/A)OUTPUT
CPU MEM VID
RF HARDWARE PC HARDWARE
RF INPUT BASEBAND I/Q(ANALOG AUDIO)
DEMODULATED AUDIO
OSC
DDS, XTAL
USER INTERFACE
Page 17
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Basics - RXSDR Basics - RX
SDR Receiver Block Diagram (Direct Sampling)SDR Receiver Block Diagram (Direct Sampling)
A/D
D/AOUT
CPU MEM VID
RF HARDWARE PC HARDWARE
RF INPUT DIGITAL I/QDATA STREAM DEMODULATED AUDIO
OSC
DDS, XTAL
USER INTERFACE
DigitalDownConverter
A/DIN
SOUND CARD
USB2
Page 18
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Basics - TXSDR Basics - TX
SDR Transmitter Block Diagram (Mixer)SDR Transmitter Block Diagram (Mixer)
SOUND CARDMICINPUT
LINEOUTPUT
CPU MEM VID
PC HARDWARE
BASEBAND AUDIO(ANALOG)
AUDIO INPUT
USER INTERFACE
QSE
RF HARDWARE
OSC
DDS, XTAL
RF OUTPUT
Page 19
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Basics - TXSDR Basics - TX
SDR Transmitter Block Diagram (Direct Up Conversion)SDR Transmitter Block Diagram (Direct Up Conversion)
D/AOUT
CPU MEM VID
PC HARDWARE
DIGITAL I/QDATASTREAM
AUDIO INPUT
USER INTERFACE
A/DIN
SOUND CARD
USB2 A/D
DDS, XTAL
DigitalUpConverter
RF HARDWARE
RF OUTPUT
OSCA/DIN
ALTERNATEAUDIOINPUT
MIC AUDIO
MODULATED RFUSBI/F
Page 20
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Modulation andModulation andDemodulation andDemodulation and
Filtering, Oh My!Filtering, Oh My!
Software Algorithms (e.g., DttSP)
Hardware Algorithms (e.g., inside an FPGA)
Mathematics, very dangerous!
You go first!
Page 21
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
RF GenerationRF Generation
Putting the “Fire to the Wire” Mix audio to RF (QSE)
Synthesize RF waveform (Direct Up Conversion)
Page 22
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
The Graphical User Interface The Graphical User Interface (GUI)(GUI)
The GUI is your window into controlling your SDR What you see is what you get!
Conventional (PowerSDR) or SDR-adapted (Rocky)
One size does NOT fit all
Controls hardware functions (obvious) PTT, antenna switching, RF power level
Controls software functions (not so obvious) Modulation/demodulation type, calibration, RX filter BW
Ancillary functions: logging, spotting, multiplier checking, grayline
Page 23
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: Hardware
Some Examples of SDR Hardware
Homebrew
SoftRock - RXTXv6.2
HPSDR - Atlas, Ozy, Janus, Penelope, Mercury, Alex
Quicksilver - QS1R (RX only now, QS1T TX coming soon)
USRP – USRP-PKG, LFRX, LFTX
FlexRadio Systems – SDR-1000, FLEX-5000A
Perseus and SDR-IQ (RX only)
Page 24
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: Hardware
Homebrew! (no beer, just roll your own)
Page 25
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Page 26
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: Hardware Cost: US$30 to US$38 QSD RX/QSE RX 1W RF output Crystal controlled 7 versions:
160m (1.812, 1.843, 1.919) 80m (3.514, 3.549, 3.579) 80m/40m (3.507/7.014, 3.527/7.055) 40m/30m (7.014, 7.056, 10.124) 30m/20m (10.124, 14.050) 17m/15m (21.050, 21.160) 12m/10m (user supplied xtals)
XTALLv1.1 (US$12+20) 16 DIP switch selected frequencies
Made by Tony Parks, KB9YIGSoftRock RXTXv6.2
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/softrock40
Page 27
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sidebar: SoftRock HistorySidebar: SoftRock HistorySoftRocks Through Time
2005: SoftRock 40 Receiver (kit retired) 4x Xtal Osc, QSD, RX only 1,000 kits produced (800 by AmQRP, 200 by KB9YIG)
Q1-Q2 2006: SoftRock 5 Receiver (kit retired) RC phase shifter, 2 board set (QSD and BPF/Osc), RX only 1,000 kits produced
Q2-Q3 2006: SoftRock 6 Receiver (kit retired) 2 bands on one board, 4x or 8x clock, RX only 2,000 kits produced
Q2-Q3 2006: SoftRock 7 Receiver (kit retired) RC phase shifter, quadrature mixer (no QSD) for better performance on 10m, RX only 500 produced
Q4 2006: SoftRock Lite Receiver (only $10!) (kit retired) QSD similar to SoftRock 6, RX only Over 2,700 produced
Q4 2006: SoftRock RXTX (v6.1, v6.2) (current production) SoftRock 6 RX, QSE, 1W PA, transceiver Over 2,400 sold so far
Page 28
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sidebar: SoftRock HistorySidebar: SoftRock History
Think SDR isn’t interesting or popular?
11,000 SoftRock owners* disagree with you!!!!
Thank You for your contribution to SDR,
Tony Parks, KB9YIG
* Well, maybe some of them own more than one kit. As a member of sAA (SoftRock Assemblers
Anonymous), I can only tell you that I own more than one.
Page 29
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: Hardware
Page 30
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
What is the HPSDR Project…?What is the HPSDR Project…?The HPSDR Project is a modular, open source
hardware and software platform for development of all components of a Software Defined Radio.
It is also a group of volunteers dedicated to the building of a pool of open-source Software Defined Radio design information.
HPSDR specifically is a radio with the following features: Very High Performance Based upon an open source model (OHL/NCL hardware,
GPL software) Modular and expandable Contributes to the advancement the State of the Radio Art
Page 31
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
……and why is TAPR involved?and why is TAPR involved?HPSDR is not based in Tucson
Group of dedicated volunteers with worldwide participation HPSDR group is tied together by the Internet (Teamspeak, E-mail,
Web-based Wiki)
HPSDR is not Packet Radio It could be used for that mode, since it is software defined It is predominately digital
Main components are fully assembled and tested (not traditional TAPR kits) Fine pin pitch of SMT components requires special tools and skills
for assembly Not for the faint of heart (or fuzzy-visioned) Simple boards still offered as kits, complex ones offered assembled
and tested
Page 32
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
TAPR’s MISSIONTAPR’s MISSIONSupport HPSDR development with:
R&D funding• Breadboard prototypes• Alpha PCBs
Volume production• Put leading edge technology into many hands
Result: Ever growing pool of contributors, experimenters and subsequent advancement of the radio art
Even though HPSDR is not Packet Radio, TAPR’s mission hasn’t really changed!
Page 33
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
The BoardsThe Boards Atlas: The Backplane (US$35 – kit)
Pinocchio: The Extender (US$18 – kit)
Ozymandias: USB gateway (US$137 a/t)
Janus: Baseband A/D and D/A Converter (US$163 a/t)
Penelope: Transmitter/Exciter (US$219 a/t) Mercury: Direct Sampling Front End (coming soon)
Alexiares: RF Bandpass Filter Board Set (coming soon)
http://tapr.org
Hamvention Booths 455-458
Page 34
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Atlas BackplaneAtlas Backplane
Six slots, ATX power supply input, LED power indicators
Page 35
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Pinocchio ExtenderPinocchio Extender
Extends Atlas backplane connector above adjacent boards
Page 36
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Ozymandias USB GatewayOzymandias USB GatewayUSB Interface to Atlas Bus with Parallel I/O
Page 37
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Janus – A/D and D/A ConverterJanus – A/D and D/A ConverterHigh Speed Full-duplex A-to D and D-to-A Converter
Page 38
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Penelope – Transmitter ExciterPenelope – Transmitter Exciter
Digital Up Conversion (DUC) ½ W Transmitter/Exciter
Page 39
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Mercury - Direct Sampling Front EndMercury - Direct Sampling Front End
0 – 65 MHz
Direct Sampling
Receiver Front End
Page 40
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Alexiares – RF Bandpass FiltersAlexiares – RF Bandpass Filters
RF Preselector/TX Low Pass Filter Bank(2 board set)
Page 41
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Atlas/Ozy/Janus, why do I need them?Atlas/Ozy/Janus, why do I need them?
If you have (or are contemplating) an SDR-1000
Sound card? We don’t need no stinkin’ sound card! Janus has a 24-bit, 192-ksps A/D input Replaces Delta-44 ($150) or Edirol FA-66 ($300)
Oops, don’t have a parallel port! Ozy has a parallel control interface Replaces USB-to-Parallel converter ($70)
Page 42
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Atlas/Ozy/Janus, why do I need them?Atlas/Ozy/Janus, why do I need them?
If you don’t have an SDR-1000
Why not? Want to play with low cost SDR?
Try Tony KB9YIG’s SoftRock series ($31) groups.yahoo.com/group/softrock40
How about a high-performance audio spectrum analyzer?
Ozy provides USB 2.0 for Penelope and Mercury
Page 43
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareQuicksilver QS1R VERB
VERB = VErsatile Receiver Board
16-bit 125Ms/s ADC
15kHz – 55MHz Receiver (LPF input)
15kHz – 300MHz Receiver (direct input)
No sound system required
USB 2.0 connection to computer
Very high-performance and versatile
SDRMAXII GUI, QS1RServer control/DSP software and hardware is Open Source
Cost: US$849
Designed by Phil Covington, N8VB
http://www.philcovington.com/QuickSilver
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qs1r
Page 44
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareMore Quicksilver Boards From N8VB
QS1F – A Front-end Filter Board for the QS1R Preselctor
RF Amplifier
Attenuator
Planned availability: June/July 2008
QS1T – Direct Up Conversion Transmitter Board 15kHz – 55MHz
1 Watt Output
Planned availability: Aug/Sep 2008
http://www.philcovington.com/QuickSilver
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qs1r
Page 45
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareEttus Research USRP
USRP = Universal Software Radio Peripheral Motherboard accepts up to four daughter cards Open Source hardware and software On-board FPGA and USB 2.0 interface Ten daughter card types, and counting! GNU Radio supports Linux, Windows, Mac Cost: $700 (including enclosure & PS) Built by Matt Ettus, N2MJI
http://www.ettus.com
Page 46
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareEttus Research USRP Daughter Cards
DC to 30MHz Receiver (US$75)
DC to 30MHz Transmitter (US$75)
1MHz to 250MHz Receiver (US$75)
1MHz to 250MHz Transmitter (US$75)
50MHz to 860MHz Receiver (US$100)
800MHz to 2400MHz Receiver (US$150)
750MHz to 1050MHz Transceiver (US$275)
1150MHz to 1450MHz Transceiver (US$275)
1.5GHz to 2.1GHz Transceiver (US$275)
2.3GHz to 2.9GHz Transceiver (US$275)
800MHz to 2400MHz Receiver
2.3GHz to 2.9GHz Transceiver
http://www.ettus.com
Page 47
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: Hardware
FlexRadio Systems SDR-1000
Discontinued, available used
High performance
160m – 6m band TX coverage
12kHz – 60MHz RX coverage
Available in 1W or 100W version
Requires supported sound system
Cost: US$1,000 - US$1500 used
http://www.flex-radio.com
Hamvention Booths 313-315
Page 48
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareFlexRadio Systems FLEX-5000A
Very high performance
160m – 6m band TX coverage
10kHz – 65MHz RX coverage
Available 100W version
No sound system required
Requires Firewire connection to PC
Also available as FLEX-5000C with integrated computer
Cost: US$2799
Built by Gerald Youngblood, K5SDR
http://www.flex-radio.com
Hamvention Booths 313-315
Page 49
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: Hardware
Perseus VLF- HF Receiver
14-bit 80Ms/s ADC
Step input attenuator, 10-band preselector
High IP3 preamp
10kHz – 30MHz Receiver
10kHz – 40MHz spectrum analyzer
No sound system required
USB 2.0 connection to computer
Perseus Control Software for Windows 2000, XP, Vista
Cost: £553 (€694, US$1075) excl vat
http://www.microtelecom.it/perseus
Hamvention Booths 652-653
Page 50
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: HardwareSDR Examples: HardwareRF Space SDR-IQ VLF – HF Receiver
14-bit 66.6Ms/s ADC
Switched input attenuators and filters
500Hz – 30MHz Receiver/Spectrum Analyzer
No sound system required
USB 2.0 powered – no power supply
Network Server for Linux/Windows allows remote use
SpectraVue Software for Windows 2000, XP, Vista
Cost: US$499
http://www.rfspace.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SDR-IQ
Page 51
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSome Examples of SDR Software
PowerSDR (http://www.flex-radio.com)
Rocky (http://www.dxatlas.com/rocky)
uWSDR (http://uwsdr.berlios.de)
SDRMAXII (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qs1r)
SDR-Shell (http://ewpereira.info/sdr-shell)
Linrad (http://www.nitehawk.com/sm5bsz/linuxdsp/linrad.htm)
Winrad (http://www.winrad.org/winrad/)
SpectraVue (http://www.moetronix.com)
DttSP (http://dttsp.sourceforge.net)
Page 52
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software
PowerSDR
Windows only at this time
Open Source
Support for SDR-1000, FLEX-5000A, SoftRock, HPSDR
http://www.flex-radio.com
Page 53
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwarePowerSDR
http://www.flex-radio.com
Page 54
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software
Rocky
Windows only
Support for SoftRock
Written in Delphi 5 Pro
Written by Alex Shovkoplyas, VE3NEA
http://www.dxatlas.com/rocky
Page 55
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareRocky
http://www.dxatlas.com/rocky
Page 56
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software
uWSDR
Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
Open Source hardware and software
DSP core based on DttSP
Hardware in development
Group effort, similar to HPSDR
http://uwsdr.berlios.de
Page 57
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software
uWSDR Architecture Diagram
http://uwsdr.berlios.de
Page 58
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareuWSDR GUI
http://uwsdr.berlios.de
Page 59
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software
SDRMAXII
Originally Windows only, now ported to Linux
Open Source
Support for QS1R
Written by Phil Covington, N8VB
http://www.philcovington.com/QuickSilver
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qs1r
Page 60
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSDRMAXII
http://www.philcovington.com/QuickSilver
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qs1r
Page 61
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software
SDR Shell
Linux Only
Open Source
Developed using the Qt Toolkit under Ubuntu Linux
GUI control for DttSP SDR core
Currently RX-only (TX under development)
Written by Edson Pereira, PU1JTE, N1VTN, JF1AFN
http://ewpereira.info/sdr-shell
Page 62
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Shell Block Diagram
http://ewpereira.info/sdr-shell
Page 63
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Shell
http://ewpereira.info/sdr-shell
Page 64
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software
Linrad
Linux, Windows, Free BSD
Works with any soundcard for which the computer has drivers
Free Software
Written by Leif Asbrink, SM5BSZ
http://www.nitehawk.com/sm5bsz/linuxdsp/linrad.htm
Page 65
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareLinrad
http://www.nitehawk.com/sm5bsz/linuxdsp/linrad.htm
Page 66
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software
Winrad
Windows only
Implements a subset of Linrad features
Support for SDR-14, SDR-IQ, Perseus, Elektor
Written by Alberto, I2PHD and Jeffrey, WA6KBL
http://www.winrad.org/winrad
Page 67
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareWinrad
http://www.winrad.org/winrad
Page 68
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: Software
SpectraVue
Windows only
Linux Drivers, ActiveX Control source provided
Bundled with SDR-IQ Receiver
http://www.moetronix.com/spectravue.htm
Page 69
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareSpectraVue
http://www.rfspace.com/Support.html
Page 70
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
SDR Examples: SoftwareSDR Examples: SoftwareDttSP
Linux, Windows, (portable to Mac)
Open Source
Written in ANSI-C
Basic processes needed to operate high-performance SDR
Project Founders: Dr. Frank Brickle, AB2KT
Dr. Robert McGwier, N4HY
http://dttsp.sourceforge.net
Page 71
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
PC RequirementsPC RequirementsHow Much Computer Do I really Need?How Much Computer Do I really Need?
Q: How much should I spend? A: How much do you have?
MoreMore is BetterBetter, but this should do:
Sound System: <spend your money here>
CPU: Pentium Class, 1GHz or faster
Memory: 1GByte (O/S dependent)
HDD: 10GByte or more
Ports: USB 2.0 if you use a USB sound card
Ports: Firewire (IEEE-1394) if you use a Firewire sound card
Display: Get a big one – you’ll be staring at it for hours
Page 72
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound System RequirementsSound System Requirements
The Sound System is the single most important part of your SDRThe Sound System is the single most important part of your SDR
Don’t: Expect your motherboard’s built-in sound system to work Buy a $9 no-name sound card Use 6 foot clip leads to feed audio to your sound system
Do: Buy the best sound system that you can afford
Use high-quality shielded cables
The Dynamic Range of your mixer-type SD RX is determined by the
SOUND SYSTEMSOUND SYSTEM
Page 73
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound System RequirementsSound System RequirementsThe Sound System is the single most important part of your SDRThe Sound System is the single most important part of your SDR ADC resolution: 24 bits
ADC sampling rate: 48K, 96K, 192K – bigger slice of the band
ADC S/N ratio – look for around 100dB
MUST have stereo line input
Computer Interface – Firewire (IEEE-1394), USB 2.0, PCI, PCMCIA
Audio Interface – multiple inputs/outputs can simplify cabling
External DC Power – may be required, even on a powered interface
Another Solution:Another Solution: Buy a DS/DUC SDR or one with a built in Sound System
Page 74
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesHigh-end Sound Systems
HPSDR Atlas/Ozy/Janus (USB 2.0) 24-bit resolution, 192kHz sample rate, >100dB S/N Will NOT work as a general-purpose Sound System Under US$400
Page 75
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card Examples
HPSDRAtlasOzy
Janushttp://hpsdr.orghttp://tapr.org
Page 76
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesHigh-end Sound Systems
HPSDR Atlas/Ozy/Janus (USB 2.0) 24-bit resolution, 192kHz sample rate, >100dB S/N Will NOT work as a general-purpose Sound System Under US$400
Edirol FA-66 (Firewire) 24-bit resolution, 192kHz sample rate, 102dB S/N
Under US$300
Page 77
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card Examples
Edirol FA-66http://www.roland.com
Page 78
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesHigh-end Sound Systems
HPSDR Atlas/Ozy/Janus (USB 2.0) 24-bit resolution, 192kHz sample rate, >100dB S/N Will NOT work as a general-purpose Sound System Under US$400
Edirol FA-66 (Firewire) 24-bit resolution, 192kHz sample rate, 102dB S/N
Under US$300
M-Audio Delta-44 (PCI) 24-bit resolution, 96kHz sample rate, 99dB S/N
Under US$150
Page 79
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card Examples
M-Audio Delta 44http://www.m-audio.com
Page 80
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesLower-end Sound Systems
NOTE: I have not tested these, so beware! Edirol UA-1ex (USB 2.0)
24 bit, 96kHz (half duplex)/48kHz (full duplex)
Small, USB-powered, perfect for laptops
Under US$80
Page 81
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesEdirol UA-1exhttp://www.roland.com
Page 82
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card ExamplesLower-end Sound Systems
NOTE: I have not tested these, so beware! Edirol UA-1ex (USB 2.0)
24 bit, 96kHz (half duplex)/48kHz (full duplex)
Small, USB-powered, perfect for laptops
Under US$80
M-Audio Transit (USB 2.0) 24-bit resolution, 96kHz sample rate, 100dB S/N
Small USB-powered, perfect for laptops
Under US$80
Page 83
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Sound Card ExamplesSound Card Examples
M-Audio Transithttp://www.m-audio.com
Page 84
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
What Does the Future Hold?What Does the Future Hold?
Spectrum Analyzers, Test Equipment
Self Calibration (software calibrates hardware)
Steerable radio/antenna hybrid arrays
True Diversity Reception (coherent?)
Diversity Transmission
Remote Control
Most of these, if not all, are already here!
Page 85
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Software Defined Antenna???Software Defined Antenna???
Remember this picture?
To listen to this SDR, you need: No radio No antenna No fancy sound card No high powered software Just a PC with a browser
Location: The Netherlands, grid JO32KF
Frequencies: 3576 - 3624 kHz and 7031.5 – 7079.5 kHz
URL: http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/
(find it fast: Google “WebSDR”)
Page 86
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Software Defined Antenna???Software Defined Antenna???
Here is a screen shot of the WebSDR control panel in a web browser
Page 87
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Software Defined Antenna???Software Defined Antenna???
Here is a screen shot of the WebSDR users panel in a web browser
Page 88
© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI© 2008 Scott Cowling WA2DFI
Thank you for your attention!
The free CD contains copies of the SDR Forum presentations as well as many, many useful links to SDR information on-line.
Be sure to get yours before you leave!
Hands-OnHands-OnSoftware Defined RadioSoftware Defined Radio