Tagged: FCD

Tutorial: HF Decoding Tour with the FUNcube Dongle Pro+

On the FUNcube Dongle blog/store amateur radio enthusiast DK80K (a.k.a Nils) has sent in a link to a 16 page pdf file showing a comprehensive tour on the FUNcube Dongle Pro+’s capabilities on the HF spectrum.

He gives an overview of many digital ham and HF utility modes including DRM, WSPR, RTTY, Olivia, MFSK16, PSK31, Pactor, Packet, Hellschreiben, ROS, SSTV, HF ACARS, SSB, CW, DSC/GMDSS, SITOR-A/B, Globe Wireless, Time Signals, ALE, Baudot, FAX and Stanag 4285.

The FUNcube is a software defined radio similar to the RTL-SDR, but with better sensitivity and noise performance, but at a higher price (around $200 USD). These modes can also be received with the RTL-SDR and an upconverter such as the Nooelec Ham-It-Up upconverter.

Download his pdf here (Mirror)

RTL-SDR vs Funcube PRO+ Dongle

YouTube user aunumero73 has posted a video showing a broadcast FM selectivity comparison between the rtl-sdr and the Funcube Dongle PRO+ (FCD+). The FCD+ is a software defined radio similar to the rtl-sdr, but with better overall performance. The video shows that the Funcube Dongle PRO+ has significantly less interference when tuning to a weaker radio station right next to a strong local station. Of course the near $190 USD cost of the FCD+ vs the $20 USD cost of the rtl-sdr needs to be noted.

Another comparison between the rtl-sdr and Funcube Dongle is made on this website for signal to noise ratios for multiple tested frequencies .

FunCube PRO+ vs RTL-SDR dongle (R820T) : selectivity on FM