Hi - am interested in trying my hand at SDR and wondered if anyone could
point me in the right direction to obtain the right hardware.

There seems to be lots around from Ebay and the like - plus China. So could
anyone recommend a reasonable package to use on Linux/Ubuntu.
Lots of the dongles about, but seems you have to buy a "UpConverter" to get
on the HF bands. Like most Hams, budget is not that great

Any suggestions would much appreciated.

My thanks for looking - HF_user

Not sure if original software, SDRUno is availiabel for Ubuntu, I'm on Windows, but as radio hardware it's great! But pretty sure you could run a lot of other software together with it. I have had mine for a few months now, RSP1 model, great piece of radio.

http://www.sdrplay.com/

Hi - thanks for your reply. Have looked at the SDRPlay site which was
pretty interesting, but I was wondering if there were any deals which included
the Dongle and Upconverter for HF.

On the Ebay site, most I have seen are for separate items, then you have to
buy the Upconverter on top of the dongle. Just thought that there maybe
something out there in one package.

Anyway, will keep looking but appreciate your input.

Thanks again - Hf_user

Personally I would avoid the dongles and up-converters as they are some what limited to the point of being rubbish (I know as I have dabbled) as there is no front end filtering so you get plagued with IMD and other interference. SDR play2 is the best price versus performance option and it has front end filtering with selectivity, it would make a great practical start into the hobby.

The SDRP1 covers 10kHz to 2GHz.
The SDRP2 covers 1kHz to 2GHz.

Very helpful people as well. http://www.sdrplay.com/

No need for converters and much better than the cheap dongles, I've tried them.

Cheers

Tony

Hi and thanks Gentlemen for your help. Have to admit , there is
so much choice out there that its a bit difficult to buy something that
will do what you want. Think I might go for the RSP2 pro, it seems to
have a few little extras over the RSP1/2. Just have to check that it
will work with Linux (think it does) then hopefully I will be green to go.

As always, my thanks for your most welcome input Guys.

73 de Hf_user

Wise choise if you decide to go for the RSP2. I've used to have a dongle and it's crap, more or less at least. Yes they work, but still crap compared to the RSP1 I have today. Save your money and buy "the real ting"

Thanks - looks as if the RSP2pro is the one to go for

In Linux I use GNURADIO with the cheap RTL type dongles and the not so cheap HackRF One transceiver.

GNURadio isn't a plug and play solution like SDR# and other Windows based GUI's but it does have an infinitely higher degree of flexibility and creativity.

Regards

Nidge (G0NIG)