New user question: USB controller for SDRPLAY/RSP1A

[Johnnycr100]

Hi Gents,

I am quite new at this sort of thing, but want to try constructing a self contained SDR Radio- namely:

A one (metal) box solution with a Raspberry pi /Power supply/RSP1A-with some form of USB controller to act as a tuneing knob/function button,
So with all that in mind may i please ask some questions pertmanent to this project:

1. I have a Raspberry Pi 2B available- is this powerfull enough or would it require a Pi 3B to run the SDR effictively?

2. With respect to a USB controller, i have seen the Marconi CR 100 Ardunio interface video with an optical encoder video..is there a progam and information for this so it may be used here?...or is something like a Griffin Powermate USB jog wheel a better option ?(i think a driver for a Raspberry Pi exists?)
Is there an easy solution -(The TMB USB box is two expensive for me)

3. What is the best way of getting audio out of the Raspberry Pi?, there is a audio jack, however the quality is not stellar.. i have been given an Audiophonics DAC (it sits on the GIPO pins on top of the PI), would that work as a plug and play solution takeing the 12S out and performeing audio conversion, or does it need a driver ??(if so could that co exits with SDRUNO interface program- ( or am i talking rubbish)- if so thats the highest audio quality route--my monitor cant get audio off the HDMI port.

Sorry for all the questions, any answers greatfully received, thanks gents.

Best regards
Johnny

[gm4cid]

Hi Johnny,

Looks like you have amost interesting project in mind.

Re. your point "I have seen the Marconi CR 100 Ardunio interface video.."

..the Arduino sketch that you mention was developed by Mike KD2KOG and the demo was put together by the SDRplay folks to control the RSP with the HDSDR front end.

You might find it interesting to have a look at the various uBITX sites where cat control of the transceiver has been implemented by several Arduino sketch authors.

73 Bob GM4CID

[Johnnycr100]

Hi Bob,

Thank you for the interest (sorry for the late reply)- yes i shall follow up your lead and visit those sites, don't know nowt about coding but we can try cant we, use to own a CR100 when i was 15, have a very soft spot for that Rx.
Will post if anything come of it.
73 John (Was G4UBX)