[1000mp] Bandscope

[WD8ARZ]

Sounds like you have a very worth while project idea there Tod. Am very 
interested for sure.

My first band-scope on my FT-1000MP was using the CRT type display of 
the Heathkit SM-220 Station Monitor with the BS-8 band scope module. 
Used a low pico value capacitor to tap off the receiver I.F. and 
connected it to the rca phono jack on the back that was for memory 
battery back up power.

Then I switched to your idea about ten years ago, but using a SDR-IQ 
receiver http://www.rfspace.com/RFSPACE/SDR-IQ.html and the SpectraVue 
software http://www.rfspace.com/RFSPACE/SpectraVue.html

The SDR-IQ and SpectraVue work hand in hand so that when you tune the 
FT-1000MP the SDR-IQ tuned with it, and visa versa. No tap into the 
receiver I.F. was needed. The ham antenna was used for both the MP and 
the IQ.

Caution: One must use some sort of front end protection method for the 
SDR to avoid transmitting into that receiver and damaging it. There are 
a variety of options one can do to achieve that purpose.

73 from Bill - WD8ARZ

On 3/25/2014 2:06 AM, Tod Olson wrote:
> I am exploring using one of the TV dongles to pick up the 70.45 Mhz signal
> or the 45 Mhz signal(alt rcvr) and use it with existing SDR software to
> create a bandscope for the FT1000MP. Because the TV unit has only 8 bits,
> the range will only be about 50 dB. [ that is the same as the ICOM 756 Pro
> ].
>
> Early experimenting indicates that the bandscope software and display can
> run in parallel with other programs on a Œmodern¹ PC computer. Something
> capable of running Windows 7. The bandscope could have, but does not
> require, a separate monitor.
>
> If there is any interest on the part of others for such a unit I would like
> to know about it. The unit would be powered by USB, not require a sound
> card, would have bidirectional control of frequency <tune the radio and the
> center frequency tracks or click on a displayed signal and the radio
> frequency is changed to the Œclicked¹ signal frequency.>
>
> The dongles seem to be priced around $25. The software is currently
> freeware.
>
> Tod, K0TO