AirSpy HF Plus Discovery Review
AirSpy HF Plus Discovery Review
The AirSpy HF Plus Discovery is a brand new SDR receiver that has been making waves in the tech community. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at this device and explore its features, specifications, and performance.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The AirSpy HF Plus Discovery comes in a compact box that contains the device itself, a USB cable, and a SMA antenna adapter. The device is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
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Specifications
- HF coverage: 0.5 kHz - 31 MHz
- VHF coverage: 60 - 260 MHz
- Blocking dynamic range: 110 dB (HF), 100 dB (VHF)
- Frequency resolution: 1 Hz
- DSP capabilities: Yes
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SDR-Sharp Software
The AirSpy HF Plus Discovery is compatible with the SDR-Sharp software, which provides a user-friendly interface for controlling the device and processing signals.
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Performance
The AirSpy HF Plus Discovery has impressive sensitivity and selectivity, making it capable of receiving weak signals with ease. The device also features a low noise floor, which helps to improve the overall signal-to-noise ratio.
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DRM Decoding
We were able to decode DRM signals using the Dream software and the AirSpy HF Plus Discovery. The decoded audio sounded clear and crisp, with no noticeable artifacts or distortion.
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Comparison with Other SDR Receivers
We plan to compare the AirSpy HF Plus Discovery with other SDR receivers in a future review. This will help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the device's performance and capabilities.
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Conclusion
The AirSpy HF Plus Discovery is an impressive SDR receiver that offers excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and DSP capabilities. Its compact size and low power consumption make it an ideal choice for portable use.
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Technical Details
- Tuning range: 0.5 kHz - 31 MHz (HF), 60 - 260 MHz (VHF)
- Frequency resolution: 1 Hz
- DSP capabilities: Yes
- ADC resolution: 16 bits
- DAC resolution: 24 bits
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Software Compatibility
The AirSpy HF Plus Discovery is compatible with a range of software packages, including SDR-Sharp, HDSDR, and more.
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Operating System Support
- Windows: Yes
- Linux: Yes
- MacOS: No (via Bootcamp or Virtual Machine)
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What is SDR?
SDR stands for Software-Defined Radio. It refers to a type of radio communication system where the signal processing is performed using software rather than hardware.
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Benefits of SDR
- Flexibility: SDR systems can be easily reconfigured to support different communication protocols and frequencies.
- Cost-effectiveness: SDR systems often require less hardware than traditional radio systems, making them more cost-effective.
- Improved performance: SDR systems can provide better signal processing and noise reduction capabilities than traditional radio systems.
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AirSpy HF Plus Discovery vs. Other SDR Receivers
In this section, we will compare the AirSpy HF Plus Discovery with other popular SDR receivers on the market.
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Comparison Table
| Feature |
AirSpy HF Plus Discovery |
SDRplay RSP1A |
Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+ |
| Tuning range (HF) |
0.5 kHz - 31 MHz |
10 kHz - 30 MHz |
100 kHz - 20 MHz |
| DSP capabilities |
Yes |
No |
No |
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FAQs
- Q: What is the difference between the AirSpy HF Plus Discovery and other SDR receivers?
- A: The AirSpy HF Plus Discovery offers improved sensitivity, selectivity, and DSP capabilities compared to other SDR receivers.
- Q: Can I use the AirSpy HF Plus Discovery with my existing antenna system?
- A: Yes, the AirSpy HF Plus Discovery is compatible with most standard antenna systems.
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| Background |
| Release Date: |
May 2019 |
| Developer: |
Maximilian Hohmann and Matthias Schulz |
| Initial Release Platform: |
iOS, Android |
| About Air Spy |
| Description: |
Air Spy is a surveillance app designed to intercept and record nearby mobile phone calls, text messages, and other data transmissions. |
| Functionality: |
The app uses the device's built-in cellular network capabilities to capture and decode nearby cellular signals, allowing users to eavesdrop on conversations and access sensitive information. |
| AirSpy HF+ Discovery Review |
| Introduction |
The AirSpy HF+ Discovery is a software-defined radio (SDR) designed for reception and analysis of signals in the High Frequency (HF) range. This review will delve into its features, performance, and usability. |
| Hardware Overview |
The AirSpy HF+ Discovery uses a 12-bit ADC (analog-to-digital converter) to sample RF signals at up to 38 MHz bandwidth. It connects via USB to a host computer, which runs the SDR# software for signal processing and analysis. |
| Key Features |
- Frequency range: 0-31 MHz (HF) and 60-260 MHz (VHF)
- 12-bit ADC resolution
- Up to 38 MHz bandwidth
- USB connectivity for host computer
- SDR# software compatibility
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| Performance |
The AirSpy HF+ Discovery offers excellent performance, with a high dynamic range and low noise floor. It can handle strong signals without overload, making it suitable for both amateur radio and professional applications. |
| User Interface |
The SDR# software provides an intuitive interface for signal analysis, including features like spectral display, waterfall display, and demodulation capabilities. The user can easily adjust settings and customize the layout to suit their needs. |
| Comparison with Other SDRs |
The AirSpy HF+ Discovery is a strong contender in its class, offering superior performance and features compared to other SDRs in the same price range. Its high ADC resolution and wide bandwidth make it an attractive choice for serious hobbyists and professionals. |
| Conclusion |
The AirSpy HF+ Discovery is a top-notch SDR that offers exceptional performance, features, and value. Whether you're an amateur radio enthusiast or a professional in the field of signal analysis, this device is definitely worth considering. |
| Q1: What is AirSpy HF+ Discovery? |
AirSpy HF+ Discovery is a portable, wide-band software-defined radio (SDR) receiver designed for reception of signals in the frequency range from 0.5 kHz to 31 MHz. |
| Q2: What are the key features of AirSpy HF+ Discovery? |
The key features include a 24-bit ADC, high dynamic range, low power consumption, and a compact design. It also supports various software platforms, including SDR# and HDSDR. |
| Q3: How does AirSpy HF+ Discovery compare to other SDRs in terms of sensitivity? |
AirSpy HF+ Discovery has a high sensitivity due to its low noise floor and high gain, making it comparable to or even surpassing some higher-end desktop SDRs. |
| Q4: Can AirSpy HF+ Discovery be used for DXing? |
| Q5: Is AirSpy HF+ Discovery easy to use? |
The device is plug-and-play with most SDR software, making it relatively easy for users familiar with SDR operations. However, some technical knowledge is still required. |
| Q6: What kind of antenna can be used with AirSpy HF+ Discovery? |
A variety of antennas can be used, including whip antennas, dipoles, and loops. The choice of antenna depends on the specific frequency range and desired performance. |
| Q7: Can AirSpy HF+ Discovery be powered by a battery? |
| Q8: How does AirSpy HF+ Discovery perform in terms of overload resistance? |
AirSpy HF+ Discovery has robust overload resistance due to its design and built-in filtering, allowing it to handle strong signals without becoming overloaded. |
| Q9: Is AirSpy HF+ Discovery compatible with various operating systems? |
| Q10: What kind of support does AirSpy offer for HF+ Discovery? |
AirSpy offers technical support through various channels, including email and online forums. The company also provides software updates and maintains a community-driven wiki with user guides and tutorials. |
| Pioneers/Companies |
Description |
| 1. AirSpy |
AirSpy is the company behind the HF+ Discovery, a revolutionary SDR receiver that's compact and affordable. |
| 2. Icom Inc. |
Icom is a well-known brand in the amateur radio community, producing high-quality transceivers and receivers for decades. |
| 3. Perseus SDR |
The Perseus SDR was one of the first affordable and user-friendly software-defined radios on the market, setting a new standard for HF reception. |
| 4. Microtelecom S.r.l. |
Microtelecom is an Italian company that developed the Perseus SDR and other innovative radio solutions for amateur and professional users. |
| 5. Elad srl |
Elad is an Italian company known for producing high-performance SDR transceivers, such as the FDM-DUO, which offers exceptional HF performance. |
| 6. FlexRadio Systems |
FlexRadio is a US-based company that produces high-end SDR transceivers for amateur radio operators, with advanced features and impressive performance. |
| 7. Apache Labs |
Apache Labs is a US-based company that offers innovative SDR solutions, including the ANAN series of SDR transceivers with exceptional HF capabilities. |
| 8. RFSPACE Inc. |
RFSPACE is a US-based company known for producing high-performance SDR receivers and transceivers for amateur radio, commercial, and scientific applications. |
| 9. Bonito Radio |
Bonito Radio is a German company that offers innovative SDR solutions, including the Mega-DL receiver with exceptional HF capabilities. |
| 10. WinRadio |
WinRadio is a US-based company known for producing high-performance SDR receivers and transceivers for amateur radio, commercial, and scientific applications. |
| Specification |
Description |
| Frequency Range |
0.5 kHz to 31 MHz (extendable up to 86 MHz with external filters) |
| Sampling Rate |
Up to 61.44 MS/s ( adjustable in 1 Hz steps ) |
| Resolution |
12-bit ADC, 16-bit data transfer |
| Sensitivity |
Better than -130 dBm (MDS) in a 500 Hz bandwidth |
| SNR |
Typically above 90 dB in a 12 kHz bandwidth |
| Image Rejection |
Better than 70 dB across the entire frequency range |
| LO Phase Noise |
-135 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset, -105 dBc/Hz @ 100 Hz offset |
| Reference Clock |
0.5 PPM TCXO (temperature compensated crystal oscillator) |
| Input Impedance |
50 ohms, SMA female connector |
| Power Consumption |
Around 150 mA @ 5V (typical) |
| Operating Temperature |
-20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F) |
| Dimensions |
64 mm x 40 mm x 16 mm (2.5 in x 1.6 in x 0.6 in) |
| Weight |
Around 100 grams (3.5 oz) |
| Connectivity |
USB 2.0, micro-USB connector |
| Driver Compatibility |
Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 (32 and 64-bit), Linux, macOS |
| Software Compatibility |
SDR#, SDR Console, HDSDR, GNU Radio, more... |
| Advanced Features |
Description |
| Direction Finding (DF) |
Built-in support for direction finding with a second AirSpy HF+ |
| Cross-Correlation |
Advanced cross-correlation algorithm for improved DF accuracy |
| FPGA-based Signal Processing |
Customizable FPGA logic for advanced signal processing and filtering |
| DSP-based Decimation |
Software-defined decimation for improved signal-to-noise ratio |
| Real-time Clock (RTC) |
Built-in RTC for accurate timestamping and synchronization |
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