Build an LD-1B yourself and save $$$ while gaining experience with surface mount assembly. Includes all parts, PCB and extruded aluminum enclosure. PCB is partially assembled: the microcontroller, power supply, and two connectors are already installed, and the firmware is installed in the microcontroller. Download the easy-to-follow detailed assembly instructions from the Kit Support page.
The LD-1B Software-Defined Radio (SDR) is a general-coverage, 100 kHz - 30 MHz, USB-controlled receiver intended for Radio Amateurs. Its low cost and high performance (comparable to a typical Amateur-grade receiver, such as an FT-817) make it a great addition to any ham shack. Small in size, it is also ideal for portable operation using a notebook computer. It does require a host computer, either desktop or notebook (not a netbook) with Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 and a souncard with a stereo line-in connector. It also requires SDR signal-processing software, available to downloadfrom several third-parties (Winrad is recommended) at no cost.
Winrad is available at http://www.winrad.org
The LD-1B is similar to the LD-1 and LD-1A, with the following Improvements: three additional front end filters for improved LF/MF performance down to 100 KHz, all connectors on rear panel, power switch and indicator LEDs on front panel, T/R relay to accomodate a 5-Watt transmitter module (coming soon), and provision to add a USB isolator chip (available early 2011).
Pierre, F8GY bought one of the first LD-1's, and later bought an LD-1A. Recently, he wrote: "Thursday afternoon I brought the LD1 to a friend house to make a comparison with the elektor RDS . It was a triumph for the LD1 ! It was connected to a delta 44 slound card and it was an outstanding job , better than the elektor ! I gave to the present Hams your site adress . As soon the tx add-on is ready tell me . When I told them that you were preparing a tx to go with they were very interested ."
IMPORTANT: The antenna connector is now an SMA female, so you may also wish to order a BNC to SMA adapter.
More product details, demonstration files, photographs, and software downloads are available on the LD1B Information Page.
Frequency coverage is 100 kHz to 30 MHz.
Dimensions are 1.375 x 3.1875 x 7.0 HWD
Front Panel: Power Switch (Pushbutton), green power indicator, red mute / transmit indicator.
Rear Panel: 2.1 x 5.5 mm power connector (center positive), Mini USB-B connector, 3.5 mm "stereo" connectors: Line in, Line out, accessory; SMA female antenna connector.
Power requirement: 6 - 15 Volt DC
