cheapest SDR board for RX IF use?

[K1ZJH]

Title pretty much says it all. What is a good SDR board that can be
used for the last IF in a vintage tube RX? 

Pete

[KF1Z]

Softrock  version 6.2.... (Lite II).


from Tony Parks.......
"Special IF versions of the Lite II may be available at $12 for
US/Canada and $13 for DX. (Please check with me to see if I can
provide a kit with a suitable center frequency for your application.)"


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/softrock40/

[K1ZJH]

Aha!!! Cool!! Thanks!     Am I correct in assuming that only one of the I-Q
outputs is needed, unless the image frequency needs to be addressed?

Pete k1zjh

[KF1Z]

I only used one once for IF use,  (they are meant as a stand-alone RX...)
And used both I/Q....
 But that's just a stereo plug to the sound-card...
Not like it saves any money, or work or anything else to just use one.

It's one, or 2  solder connections to use both.... don't see any reason not to use it as designed.



Stu, AB2EZ I belive did some testing with that, and I believe he said that "one works fine".

[Steve - WB3HUZ]

Easiest (and maybe the cheapest too) down-converter for 455 kHz IF is the design by young Bill, KE1GF.

[KF1Z]

Easiest (and maybe the cheapest too) down-converter for 455 kHz IF is the design by young Bill, KE1GF.

Steve,
I think it would be a pretty close tie... 
Unless you already have the parts on hand, and want to
"dead-bug" the circuit... which would certainly work.

The NE602 is usually about $3 or $4 bucks, plus shipping ( and whatever misc parts you need)
The oscillator is about $5.


For convenience of having a pc board ready-made, and all the circuit-board parts for $12 (including shipping) is hard to beat.


In this thread....

http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?topic=6744.0

Stu AB2EZ made a post, with a link to Bill's converter.

[Steve - WB3HUZ]

Yes, the price of the Softrock is incredibly low. I don't like the output tranny design at 455 kHz. Too friggin many turns. But I'm lazy too.  I don't think you can go wrong either way.