[Elecraft] Dual Receiver Tricks

[David Gilbert]

Over the past few years I have twice requested Elecraft include 
something like that as a software modification, but nobody (either at 
Elecraft or here on the list) seems interested in the least. Since phase 
is preserved during down conversion in a superhet circuit the software 
crunching could even be done at audio ... it isn't required to be done 
at RF.  It doesn't require the K4 either ... the K3 and K3s with the new 
synths also make it feasible.

In addition to simply determining signal direction, the software would 
potentially be able to equalize volume from the two receivers (generally 
required since typically two different antennas would be used) and then 
add or subtract the two signals to peak a desired signal or null an 
unwanted one.  The equalization could be done in software while the 
phase shifting would be manual and require a repurposing of a knob.  DX 
Engineering sells a stand alone unit for over $700 that performs these 
same functions at RF, while a software mod could do the same for free 
(to us ... obviously it would take a commitment of coding resources from 
Elecraft).

Elecraft has already said that they would at some indeterminate time in 
the future consider sanctioning well-chosen and trusted third party 
software developers for ancillary applications for the K4, but I'd like 
to see this capability for my K3 as well.

As an aside, it would theoretically be possible to investigate arrival 
angles using two horizontally polarized antennas placed one above the 
other a known distance apart.  At the least it might even allow a user 
to discriminate between two interfering signals from the same azimuth 
but arriving at different vertical angles.

73,
Dave   AB7E


On 6/25/2019 8:14 AM, Dick Dickinson wrote:
> A late model SDR Receiver (only) is said to have a soon to be released
> software update.  I've seen a demonstration whereby using 2 antennas and a
> computer device, the unit will be able (to some degree?) determine signal
> direction.
>
>   
>
> Does Elecraft have plans to develop K4D software with such capabilities or
> sanction 3rd party development of such?  Will there be other software /
> firmware development to come with the K4D beyond that of a dual receiver
> K3/s?
>
>   
>
> Lastly, beyond control and perhaps IF output, will the K4 receiver(s) be
> able to interface with external 'computers?'  (No, I'm not sure what I mean
> by that!)
>
>   
>
>   
>
> Kindly,
>
> Dick - KA5KKT
>
>   
>
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