Tagged: nRSP-ST

TechMinds Reviews the Recently Released SDRplay nRSP-ST Networked Software Defined Radio

OPver on his TechMinds YouTube channel Matt has uploaded a review of the SDRplay nRSP-ST networked software-defined radio which was released for sale just last week at a retail price of US$499.95.

A networked SDR like the nRSP-ST allows the user to set up the radio in a remote location, and easily connect to and use it remotely over a local network or internet connection. Similar devices include the KiwiSDR and Web-888 and of course, it is possible to achieve something similar with other SDRs that provide server software using a device like a Raspberry Pi as the server.

Matt first unboxes the nRSP-ST in the review and compares it in size to the RSPdx, noting it is about double the size. He then goes through all the I/O ports on the device, pointing out that it has an WiFi connector, Ethernet port, reference in, two SMA antenna connections for 1 kHz to 2 GHz, and one BNC for 1 kHz to 200 MHz.

Matt then opens the nRSP-ST's lid, exposing the circuitry. He notes that it has a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 8GB eMMC, and the SDRplay radio circuitry. The computing hardware is covered by a soldered-down metal shielding can, but from the specs, we note that it sounds like a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 is used under the hood.

In the rest of the video, Matt shows how the remote software can be set up and updated. He then goes on to show the SDR Connect and browser-based software being used to receive signals with the nRSP-ST.

NEW! SDRPlay nRSP-ST Networked Software Defined Radio Receiver - Hands ON!

SDRplay Announce their Upcoming nRSP-ST Networked Receiver

SDRplay has recently announced the upcoming release of their "nRSP-ST" networked receiver. The product appears to essentially be an RSP2 with built-in computing and networking. The idea is that this networked receiver will be used remotely, and connected to over a local network connection or the internet.

The device will work with SDRplays SDRConnect software and will be able to transfer RF data in three modes, Full IQ, IQ Lite, and Compact. In IQ lite mode, only the active channels' IQ data are transferred, saving on significant network bandwidth when compared to full IQ mode.  In compact mode demodulation is carried out on the nRSP-ST itself, and compressed demodulated audio is sent over the network, saving on network bandwidth even more.

There are no details yet about the build, but we assume the internal computer is something like a Raspberry Pi 4 compute module or similar.

The new SDRplay nRSP-ST
The new SDRplay nRSP-ST

SDRplay write:

SDRplay is demonstrating a new product at the UK Hamfest today in newark, UK.  It’s an all-in-one, plug-and-play networked receiver which will launch later in the year.

SDRplay Limited is announcing the imminent launch of the “nRSP-ST”, an All-in-one, Plug-and-play Networked SDR Receiver.   The “nRSP-ST” is being demonstrated publicly for the first time at the UK National Hamfest in Newark today.

This exciting new product addresses the needs of radio enthusiasts who want a ‘plug-and-play’ solution for remote reception.  As well as achieving this, we have addressed typical internet bandwidth limitations with the creation of a novel “IQ Lite” mode, which efficiently delivers channels of IQ data. We have also introduced the ability to control and store IQ recordings at the remote location.  We think the nRSP-ST will be ideal for anyone wanting a wideband remote receiver without needing computer skills and hours of set-up time and ongoing maintenance at the remote location. We are very much looking forward to making the product available as soon as possible.  We are aiming to launch the nRSP-ST in time for the holiday shopping season and aiming at a price of just under $500 USD before tax.

The nRSP-ST key features:

  • A truly “plug and play” integrated, networked general coverage receiver:
    • Combines a receiver, a host computer and a whole lot more – all in one box!
    • Apply power and connect to the internet (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and the nRSP-ST is automatically accessible from anywhere
  • The 14-bit ADC full featured wideband SDR receiver covers all frequencies from 1kHz through VLF, LF, MW, HF, VHF, UHF and L-band to 2GHz, with no gaps
  • Remotely monitor up to 10MHz of spectrum at a time from a choice of 3 antennas
  • Multi-platform SDRconnectTM software supports local operation or remote access on Windows, MacOS or Linux platforms
  • The nRSP-ST & SDRconnectTM are configurable for available network bandwidth:
    • In “Full IQ” mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data transfer of the visible spectrum bandwidth (e.g.for high-speed LAN or superfast internet connectivity)
    • In “IQ Lite” mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data of channels up to 192kHz wide (e.g. for digital decoding by the client)
    • In “Compact” mode the nRSP-ST provides compressed audio (ideal for slower internet connections)
    • Supports multiple client connections with a simultaneous mixture of connection modes
    • All modes support visualization of up to 10MHz spectrum bandwidth
  • Two remote connection options:
    • Use a remote SDRconnect client or
    • Use the built-in web-server for remote access from any web browsing capable device, including Android/iOS tablets and phones
  • The nRSP-ST offers the ability to record IQ and audio files to a NAS (network attached storage) device if available on the LAN.
  • Flash upgradable for future feature enhancements

The press announcement can be found here

More information will be provided in the coming weeks: https://www.sdrplay.com/nrspst/