[NLRS] HackRF One SDR Xcvrnsmit

[Doug Reed]

Glen's email was the most complete of the replies I received. The need
for filters and an LNA ahead of the HackRF seemed like a comparatively
small problem and the filters would be needed for any TX amp stage
anyway.

I wasn't too worried about using it for any bands 450MHz and down.
There are plenty of other radios for that. I was a bit more intrigued
by the idea of using it for 900MHz and up. But even there the low
dynamic range would probably lead to false signals due to overload. It
might be OK if you are out roving with nothing around, but if you have
any strong signals nearby, there better be good filters ahead of the
receiver.

I was poking around the rtl-sdr.com web site today and ran into
mention of various SDR systems tested by Leif SM5BSZ who wrote the
LinRad SDR software. You might be interested in his receiver overload
testing of various SDR products. There are serious advantages to units
with 12-bits or more, both in overload and sensitivity.
<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClmNy6VRE1YqOeBHwb3o0Yg>

There are also product reviews and receiver test and comparison of
various SDR hardware, including the HackRF, on the rtl-sdr.com web
site. Lots of good reading there if you have the interest and the
time. The comparison of AirSpy, SDRPlay, and HackRF indicates that the
HackRF needs a computer quite a bit better than my old 2.2GHz CoreDuo
CPUs. :-(  Bottom line, the HackRF operates as a fairly poor receiver,
but that is in keeping with its design goal as a RF tool for local
signals, not for weak signal work.

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.