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.
I love it and was prepared to buy one as I have most of the other SDR’s they offer. Then I saw the price. You can slap OpenWRT on a router or router board and install rtl-sdr package and then network to that from any computer with SDR software such as SDR# or GQRX. Pennies on the dollar.
Too expensive for a radio…
KiwiSDR 2 is £400, whilst nRSP-ST is £459
Who needs that nRSP-ST? It really is a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 with RSP-DX – it can be bought for £240. Something doesn’t add up here
Have a look at Web-888
https://www.rx-888.com/web/
Try to listen on-line receivers.
Greetings 73! Ladislav OK1UNL
KiwiSDR is only 0-30MHz. nRSP-ST is 0-2000MHz.
It does seem pricy, tho as you point out, the price is close to the KiwiSDR2.
However, the nRSP seems to have some additional thoughtful features. For example, one can adjust the nature of the IQ download stream to adjust to the speed of the connection. If the connection is sufficiently robust, one can download a tunable fat IQ stream, paring back the bandwidth according to the connection (if not, one can download the IQ stream to a separate storage medium attached to the unit).
Also, it’s designed to be operated remotely – if the power goes out, it will automatically reboot and continue to operate when the power returns.
My guess is that SDRPlay will be more attentive to software updates than, say, Web-888 would (though that remains to be seen).
I’ve been looking for an SDR to put in our cabin in the US Quiet Zone and operate remotely from the DC area – jury still is out for me.