Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] Inexpensive Digital RF Signal Generator

[Kyeong Su Shin]

Hello Cliff:

If you really want to keep the price low, you can get a Raspberry Pi (https://github.com/F5OEO/rpitx ) or a  FL2k ( https://osmocom.org/projects/osmo-fl2k/wiki ) which Marcus suggested. The problem is that these devices generate a _lot_ of harmonics (that is why you can use them as RF transmitters, even without adding additional LOs and mixers to the frontend), so you will have to add your own filters or prevent the signals from getting out from your house (or you will end up annoying FCC). Maybe you can put them inside of a microwave (I haven't thought about it much, so please do not believe me re. this).

Regards,

Kyeong Su Shin

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보낸 사람: cliff palmer <address@hidden> 대신 Discuss-gnuradio <discuss-gnuradio-bounces+ksshin=address@hidden>
보낸 날짜: 2019년 6월 27일 목요일 오후 6:32:25
받는 사람: address@hidden
제목: Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] Inexpensive Digital RF Signal Generator

 

Thanks for both suggestions.  Both recommended solutions are great hardware, but at those prices I may as well buy another HackRF One.

On Thu, Jun 27, 2019 at 4:41 AM Jonas Manthey <address@hidden> wrote:

Hi Cliff,

 

You don’t specify your bandwidth requirements but you might want to have a look at the ADALM-PLUTO SDR: https://www.analog.com/en/design-center/evaluation-hardware-and-software/evaluation-boards-kits/adalm-pluto.html

It does not fully match your requirements, however I am not aware of an SDR that can transmit and costs less than 50$. If you strip away the transmit requirements, the rtl-sdr is perfect for your needs: https://www.rtl-sdr.com/buy-rtl-sdr-dvb-t-dongles/

Maybe you can use this and an inexpensive arbitrary waveform generator?

 

Cheers,

Jonas

 

From: Discuss-gnuradio [mailto:discuss-gnuradio-bounces+jonas.manthey=address@hidden] On Behalf Of cliff palmer
Sent: Mittwoch, 26. Juni 2019 15:15
To: address@hidden
Subject: [Discuss-gnuradio] Inexpensive Digital RF Signal Generator

 

I'd like to buy/build an inexpensive digital RF signal generator for testing RF scan/capture projects.  I want something that 

- generates a digital pattern I specify (512 - 32k bits)

- on a frequency I select (somewhere in the 100M - 500M range but the range of frequencies can be much narrower)

- is entirely legal to operate in the US (I don't mind registering it with the FCC)

- is simple enough that a newcomer to RF signal processing/SDR can make it work without pestering this fine list with dozens of questions

- is controllable using software running on a linux or windows workstation connected via USB (JTAG is fine)

- is inexpensive (read US$50 or less, or $100 or less if it makes coffee and performs light housekeeping)

- is safe to operate (no breadboard layouts, and something you would let your grandchildren touch)

- is powered by USB connection to a monitor, workstation or power adapter and the power connection on the Signal Generator can be USB, barrel connector, or any other standard connection

And with all that, I am indifferent on color, form factor, brand name and such.

Thanks in advance

Cliff