TechMinds: Taking a look at the ADALM Pluto
Over on his YouTube channel Tech Minds has uploaded a video where he overviews and demonstrates the ADALM PLUTO (aka PlutoSDR). The PlutoSDR is a low cost RX/TX full duplex capable SDR with up to 56 MHz of bandwidth and 70 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range. It is typically priced anywhere between US$99 - US$149 depending on sales.
In the video Tech Minds explains the specs and features of the PlutoSDR, analyzes the included antennas, shows how to connect to the PlutoSDR via USB/Ethernet/WiFi and finally demonstrates the unit running on SDR-Console V3 receiving and transmitting signals.
He also notes how he modified his unit and installed a more stable TCXO. This is required as he intends to use the unit for QO-100 SSB satellite operation which requires a very stable signal. In addition to the TCXO mod he also performed a mod to improve the grounding on the unit which reportedly prevents the unit from locking up when using long long network cables and a USB to Ethernet adapter.
https://teknokoodiradio.vuodatus.net/lue/2021/11/signal-rx-tx-with-adalm-pluto-and-gnu-radio
And don’t forget about the China tariff adding about $28 more to the list price and usually not disclosed until after an order is placed.
“up to 56 MHz of bandwidth and 70 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range”. Where did you get these numbers?
On their website:
Tuning range: 325 MHz – 3.8 GHz
2.4 Hz LO step size
Tunable channel bandwidth: 200 kHz – 20 MHz
Variable output data rates: 61.44 MSPS – 65.1 kSPS
USB 2.0 (included in the Zynq) streams up to 4MSPS with no dropped samples
70 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range are hackrf numbers, aren’t they?
With a simple software hack, you can unlock the bandwidth and freq range https://www.rtl-sdr.com/adalm-pluto-sdr-hack-tune-70-mhz-to-6-ghz-and-gqrx-install/
Does anyone know where it can be bought for usd $100?
Only $100 when there is a sale on, and there haven’t been any recently. With COVID-19 pushing prices up, that sale price probably won’t be back for a while.
And don’t forget about the China tariff adding about $28 more to the list price and usually not disclosed until after an order is placed.
Indeed, so that $99 price probably won’t be back for a while, the last time was before the tariffs came in I believe.
28USD for what?