FUNcube Dongle: a software defined radio that runs from a USB port

funcubedongle.com

65 points·gnosis··5 comments

> There are two versions. The entry level FUNcube Dongle gives access to the satellite frequency band that FUNcube and some other satellites use. The Pro version gives unlimited access to the frequency range 64 to 1,700MHz[1].

> It’s also all-mode: this means that it’s not just limited to narrow band FM reception. As well as data, the FUNcube Dongle will also recieve many other narrow band signals including AM, FM and SSB. It will even receive TV sound channels!

[1] 96Khz bandwidth.

So they haven't figured out the price for the firmware-crippled version? I wonder how well the versions will be enforced.

think i spent too much loot on my usrp

This is no way comparable to a USRP. Receive only, 80Khz bandwidth, and who knows how long lock time for frequencies. It's a barely software defined radio- more of a wide band scanner.

It's a cute receiver. You can't build a GSM base station with it.

USRP is much more sophisticated and capable. Unfortunately it is pretty expensive.

Anyone knows of a reasonably priced board suitable for GSM implementation (has to have both receiver and transmitter)? Perhaps a combination of low cost evaluation boards? Baseband should be relatively easy. It's the RF (down and upconvertion/amplification that are more difficult to find).

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