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Re: Could the iPhone become an Ultralight ?

nz0i <charles.scharlau@...>
 

I meant to mention one more thing: regarding SDR on other devices, like Android, Webos, QNX, Symbian, etc.

The main thing preventing SDR on those devices is the lack of stereo microphone input. Note: I say mic *input*, not stereo earphone output. In-phase/quadrature detection requires two input signals, each 90-degrees out of phase relative to one another. So stereo input is required -- though for amplitude modulation modes (AM, SSB, CW) the software can do the detection using just a single input signal. But I digress.

If you hear of any other portable programmable device, other than an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, that accepts external stereo microphone input, please let me know. For now, I'm aware of no Android products or any other programmable handheld devices that can support full I/Q stereo input.

73,
Charles
NZ0I

--- In ultralightdx@..., "nz0i" <charles.scharlau@...> wrote:

By purchasing a used or refurbished iPod touch, and building the RF front-end yourself, you MIGHT be able to set yourself up with an SDR receiver using iSDR for under $100. You can also get an iPhone 3Gs for around $50 with a 2-year contract in the USA - but of course the monthly charges would put the total cost WAY over $100.

Since all the Apple iOS devices are designed primarily to serve other functions (phone, music player, etc), and require a special app and hardware to turn them into MW receivers, I guess they will always fail to fully adhere to the strict definition of an ultralight.

Still, iSDR can provide a remarkably high level of performance in a very portable package. And if you happen to already own a compatible Apple device, then the cost to you is very low indeed.

73,
Charles
NZ0I
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