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Author Topic: KiwiSDR 2 Now Available  (Read 6762 times)

Offline RobRich

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Re: KiwiSDR 2 Now Available
« Reply #30 on: June 01, 2024, 2115 UTC »
Also the PSU situation below HF frequencies can depend upon atmospheric and local noise levels. From the same Kiwi forum thread, here is a graphic of potential interest:

https://forum.kiwisdr.com/uploads/551/TZU5V3FBWOIL.png

One might never even notice much, if any discernible RFI from an Apple USB-C charger or similar moderately decent switcher if the PSU noise falls well below the radio's received RF noise level. The Apple USB-C likely suffices for many, especially at MW and above frequencies.

PSU noise on lower frequencies can become an serious issue with many power supplies. The Apple USB-C as measured gets rather noisy below 300KHz, and I suspect that was measured with a rather clean AC source given the person testing it. Expect likely (much) worse RFI with less filtered switching models; plus admittedly a regulated linear supply is a no guarantee down there as well. It can be a huge YMMV situation.

Previously I had my Kiwi on a Samsung USB-C charger, and IIRC, even an Anker USB-C charger for awhile during initial testing. They worked for the purpose, though IIRC, lower MW and further down did have some noise annoyances.

Many of the linear regulated power supplies used in the PLC industry tend to be decent to excellent performance and can be found often for pennies on the original MRSP dollars. Brands like Acopian, Allen Bradley, TDK/Lambda, etc.
Tampa, FL USA | US Map Grid EL88
My Public Receivers: KiwiSDR 2 | Web-888 SDR
Airspy HF+ Discovery | 2x Msi2500 Msi001 | 2x RTL-SDR V3 + NE602 | 2x RTL-SDR V4
148' + 60' Loops-on-Ground | 30' Inverted Delta Loop | 31' Vertical | 18' End-Fed Vertical

Offline RobRich

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Re: KiwiSDR 2 Now Available
« Reply #31 on: August 15, 2024, 0429 UTC »
Acopian VA5H3200 5vDC 32A regulated linear power supply. APC Line-R AVR on the AC side. A couple of ferrites on the KiwiSDR power cable. An USB cable with integrated ferrites to a cheap USB hub for powering various accessories, which at the moment is connected via an USB cable with integrated ferrites feeding a TP-Link TL-WR802N for bridging the Kiwi to WiFi. 75-ohm CATV terminator on the main antenna port. GPS antenna connected. Waterfall down to -150dB.


(Click to enlarge)


Pretty much flat from LW to 30MHz. If looking very close the noise profile *slightly* increases under 20KHz, but "whatever" IMO.
« Last Edit: August 15, 2024, 0432 UTC by RobRich »
Tampa, FL USA | US Map Grid EL88
My Public Receivers: KiwiSDR 2 | Web-888 SDR
Airspy HF+ Discovery | 2x Msi2500 Msi001 | 2x RTL-SDR V3 + NE602 | 2x RTL-SDR V4
148' + 60' Loops-on-Ground | 30' Inverted Delta Loop | 31' Vertical | 18' End-Fed Vertical

 

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