Hello Tim,
I'm confident that the hardware issues related to the Eham review are
the exception and not the rule. Remember, many early purchasers of the
SDR-1000 assembled their radios in sections, probably purchasing the
board stack first, with the remainder to follow. That leaves a lot of
opportunity to benfit from careful assembly technique, or to suffer from
poor assembly technique.
I've had my SDR-1000 for about a year and a half, and started with just
the board stack. Later on, I purchased the 100 watt PA, and when I
realized that keeping all of them out in the open was just inviting
disaster via a dropped tool or metal cable connector, I ordered the
cabinet.
Regarding assembly of the radio, the only 'extra' precaution I took was
to thoroughly remove every last bit of paint on all mating surfaces of
the panel. The documention recommended removing the paint where the
screws connect the cabinet sections together, but I carried it a bit
further figuring it couldn't hurt.
Right from the beginning, I had concerns about the fact that the total
radio 'system' was actually distributed between a computer and the
SDR-1000 hardware, and took the precaution of assuring that both the
computer and the power supply for the radio were connected to the same
isolated power source via an APC brand UPS system, model # "Back-UPS XS
1500".
Regarding the microphone connector on the front panel of the radio, I
used it only once, then realized that it made more sense to plug the
microphone directly into the sound card via a homemade adapter. There
are no ferite beads on any external wiring to either the SDR-1000 or the
computer. Frankly, I'm amazed that none were needed, but that's the way
it is.
So, the removal of paint on adjoining panel surfaces on the cabinet, and
the use of a common AC mains power source (UPS) are the extent of any
extraordinary measures taken with this radio. I've used it on 160M
through 17 meters, with and without an external Ameritron AL-811H
amplifier, and on 2 meters with an Elecraft XV144 transverter and have
never experienced *any* rf feedback. I've also never experienced any
instability with the 100 watt PA. To the contrary, I've found the PA to
have been particularly tolerant of my multiple inadvertent attempts to
destroy it by transmitting into 'thin air' or the wrong antenna. The
antennas here are resonant, with SWR's that are below 2:1, but they're
not perfect.
I can honestly say that except for the 1/8" phone jacks, I have no
complaints about the hardware, and have had no problems related to
hardware.
Regarding the 'work in progress', yes, to the extent that algorithms
improve, new modulation modes appear, and new features and functionality
are added, the radio is a work in progess. How fortunate for all of us!
However, remember that Flex-Radio maintains an official stable release
of the software. Those of us who enjoy trying the absolute latest
updates, and are willing to accept the inevitability of bugs but enjoy
the adventure will continue to download and experiment with the latest
Beta releases as soon as the become available. Those who have no time
for such nonsense, or who just want to get on the air with the best
radio on the market can do so by using the current stable release of the
software, and upgrade to the next stable release when it becomes
available. I know of NO other radio on the market which offers this
flexibility.
As an owner of the wonderful Elecraft K2, and an ICOM 746PRO, and being
in the fortunate position of living about a mile away from AES Cleveland
where I can always check out the latest and greatest from those other
'hardware-bound' manufacturers, I can say with all sincerity that the
receiver of the SDR-1000 is the best that I have ever heard or used,
anywhere. Period.
I've been a ham for 40 years, and it's the greatest hobby around, and I
remember with fondness the excitement of the 'old days', trying out new
antennas, modes, and equipment. But things have become a bit 'stable'
over the last 30 years or so with fewer of those exciting moments.
Well, the excitement is back; over and over again, with each new release
of the PowerSDR console!
Looking forward to hearing you on the air with your own SDR-1000, Tim.
73, Dale WA8SRA
Tim Ellison wrote:
Bom dia. Oi.
For me, this was an informative and interesting review. I am very seriously
considering the purchase of an SDR-1000. In preparation, I have upgraded my
computer, purchased the Delta44 and Eric's ground isolation kit. The only
thing that has prevented me from purchasing one to date is that I had to leave
the country for 2 months on business.
I am going into my SDR-1000 adventure with my eyes wide open. I am aware that the
software is a work in progress and that this is not an "appliance operator"
type of radio. No problem. I've lived on the cutting edge before so I know what to
expect. The support and contributions of this group also has lessened my fears that the
~$1500 will be a well spent future investment.
What concerns me is that a core part of my reasoning for going ahead with the
SDR-1000 purchase was based on the assumption that the hardware component of
the radio was, for the most part solid. I am aware that there have been minor
improvements in the past to correct issues. That is to be expected.
But the e-ham review brought up some interesting issues. Mostly about the
construction quality, PA oscillations and RF susceptibility. I realize that
one review doesn't properly describe the true state of things, but along with
the other threads on this forum about problems being attributed to cold solder
joints, I started wondering about my future purchase.
The rebuttal e-ham review by KD5RD clearly defined the well known accolades and
potential issues of *software* defined radios but doesn't address any of the
hardware construction issues raised by AA8VL.
Therefore I am interested in the discussion that this review will generate in
this forum and also on e-ham. Hopefully my fears will be abated by the
responses.
Até logo
73 de W4TME
-Tim
---
Integrated Technical Services
"You can't close the door when the walls cave in" --Robert Hunter
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of VA3MA - Dan
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2005 11:16 PM
To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Eham Review
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4108#42946
Not a nice review - yet is buying another!
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