Is RTL-SDR V4 better than Qodosen DX-286 or Tecsun PL-680? Voice of Indonesia 4755 kHz comparison!
I finally started exploring the world of software-defined radios (SDRs). I bought an RTL-SDR Blog V4 last year, but I haven't been able to use it because my laptop needed repairs.
I actually use two laptops, the one I use every day is a Chromebook, but I just couldn't get an app to get the RTL-SDR Blog V4 working on the Chromebook. My stronger laptop is the one that was faulty. It has been repaired now, it runs on Ubuntu, and I installed SDR++ for my RTL-SDR Blog V4.
What a surprise! The SDR dongle performs exceptionally well. SSB listening is an absolute pleasure. Here we have Voice of Indonesia on 4755 kHz from Jakarta, a scarce signal here at my location in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This is the Voice of Indonesia English programme on 4755 kHz. I show you a comparison between the RTL-SDR Blog V4, the Qodosen DX-286 and the Tecsun PL-680. I used the MLA30+ loop antenna on all three these receivers.
Have a look and a listen, but I think the Qodosen performs the best here, with the RTL-SDR a close second and the PL-680 following very closely behind these two.
00:00 The world of software-define radios
01:34 Voice of Indonesia 4755 kHz on RTL-SDR Blog V4
03:13 VOI on Qodosen DX-286
06:30 VOI on Tecsun PL-680