[SADXA] New Toys

[Wes]

Dick Solomon and I are both "time-nuts" and we each have acquired FA-2 frequency 
counters by BG7TBL. 
(https://www.ebay.com/itm/FA-2-1Hz-6GHz-Frequency-Counter-Kit-Frequency-Meter-Statistical-11-bits-s-topUS/183971992537?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649) 
These tiny little boxes are amazingly accurate counters.

I adjusted mine after day of warmup using a GPSDO for a test signal and it's 
holding accuracy of a few milli-Hertz.  It will also accept an external 
reference which can be the GPSDO for near perfection.  Remarkable for under 
$120.00.  They do speak (Chinese) over USB and some other time-nuts are learning 
how to gather data.

That's the good news.  The bad is that I acquired an Airspy HF+ Discovery SDR 
back in August.  Like the RSP2 Pro before it, it folded up like a cheap suitcase 
in the presence of the BC stations I hear out here.  Unlike HRO who said, "Send 
it back" when I reported the problem with the RSP, Airspy tried to ignore me.  
Bad idea.

Eventually I got their attention and thus began a month long back and forth with 
me providing measurements and screen shots and them blaming me for the problem 
and asking for more data.  I came to believe that there was a problem with the 
input BPFs either in hardware or firmware.  I finally sent it back and asked for 
replacement or refund.  They clammed up so I initiated a Paypal dispute.  Even 
this took some time to get their attention, but the last word is that a 
replacement is on the way.  At least I have a USPS tracking number.  I hope 
something is in the box and it isn't the old one when it arrives.

This is a strange operation.  As best as I can determine, a couple of guys in 
Morocco designed the hardware and software (SDR#) and have them produced in 
China.  The US rep is likely a one-man shop (I'm guessing).  There is no manual, 
you are advised to use the SDR# groups.io site.  There if you express dismay 
that there is no manual, as some have done, you are berated and told to buck it 
up and just dive in and educate yourself.  If you try to post any pointed 
questions or bug reports as I have, the moderator directs your message to the 
electronic version of the round file.

Wes