Going Forward: VHF and Above Software Choices
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2015 4:14 pm
Hello,
As I observe usage of the SDRPlay at this website, Radio Reference, the Facebook page, etc., it appears to me that there is a distinct majority using the RSP for HF and not as concerned about VHF/UHF use. Maybe I'm mistaken but please read on.
As I primarily use my RSP for VHF and above, and as I speculate that the RSP and SDR# are likely not ever to "play nice", I wonder if there are any plans going forward to develop a software package that includes the things VHF and above users need the most, to include but surely not limited to:
1. CTCSS/DCS decode built into the software to identify unknown signals and/or apply such squelch to a known signal.
2. A means of sending discriminator type audio to outboard programs such as DSD+ without sacrificing primary audio.
3. A fast scanning module.
4. Search and store capability.
5. Audio recording.
Currently, and in my opinion, with the exception of SDR#, there are no software packages that are favorable for VHF use. SDR-Console is outstanding for HF. I have not tried HDSDR on HF. Beyond basics, neither work well for VHF and above, again in my opinion. I don't seem to be able to find any other software conducive to VHF use, and while the aforementioned can obviously be used for such reception, trying to add in the listed tasks via third party software is at least problematic and often impossible. I have asked the developer of SDR-Console several times over the last few years if it would be possible to add CTCSS/DCS decoding, and if that's coming in V3 it would be great, but he was not sure exactly what I thought the need for it was, so I'm not holding my breath.
While I suppose I can continue to use the last version of SDR# that fully supported the RSP, at some point due to a Windows update or something else, it too will break. The point of this post is not to start yet another SDR# bashing thread as there's no point to it. I am not a programmer or I'd try to do it myself. Given that the RSP is a wideband device it should, again in my opinion, work to full capacity across the entirety of its coverage area. I define"full capacity" as having items 1-5 above functioning. I would pay for such software gladly.
Thanks in advance for any constructive comments and/or insight.
Scott
As I observe usage of the SDRPlay at this website, Radio Reference, the Facebook page, etc., it appears to me that there is a distinct majority using the RSP for HF and not as concerned about VHF/UHF use. Maybe I'm mistaken but please read on.
As I primarily use my RSP for VHF and above, and as I speculate that the RSP and SDR# are likely not ever to "play nice", I wonder if there are any plans going forward to develop a software package that includes the things VHF and above users need the most, to include but surely not limited to:
1. CTCSS/DCS decode built into the software to identify unknown signals and/or apply such squelch to a known signal.
2. A means of sending discriminator type audio to outboard programs such as DSD+ without sacrificing primary audio.
3. A fast scanning module.
4. Search and store capability.
5. Audio recording.
Currently, and in my opinion, with the exception of SDR#, there are no software packages that are favorable for VHF use. SDR-Console is outstanding for HF. I have not tried HDSDR on HF. Beyond basics, neither work well for VHF and above, again in my opinion. I don't seem to be able to find any other software conducive to VHF use, and while the aforementioned can obviously be used for such reception, trying to add in the listed tasks via third party software is at least problematic and often impossible. I have asked the developer of SDR-Console several times over the last few years if it would be possible to add CTCSS/DCS decoding, and if that's coming in V3 it would be great, but he was not sure exactly what I thought the need for it was, so I'm not holding my breath.
While I suppose I can continue to use the last version of SDR# that fully supported the RSP, at some point due to a Windows update or something else, it too will break. The point of this post is not to start yet another SDR# bashing thread as there's no point to it. I am not a programmer or I'd try to do it myself. Given that the RSP is a wideband device it should, again in my opinion, work to full capacity across the entirety of its coverage area. I define"full capacity" as having items 1-5 above functioning. I would pay for such software gladly.
Thanks in advance for any constructive comments and/or insight.
Scott