SDRPlay release new receiver - RSP1B

The UK based company SDRplay have just announced the launch of a new Software Defined Radio receiver product – the RSP1B.

The RSP1B is an enhanced version of the popular RSP1A 14-bit SDR which covers the RF spectrum from 1kHz to 2GHz. The RSP1B comes in a rugged black painted steel case and claims to have significantly improved noise performance.

The RSP1B has the following additional benefits compared to the lowest cost device, the RSP1A:

1. It is housed in a strong black painted steel case.

2. It has significantly improved noise performance below 1MHz (i.e. for MF, LF and below), and in the 50-60 MHz region. There are also noticeable noise improvements in the 3.5-5.5MHz and 250-320MHz spectrum.

3. It has improved signal handling at HF frequencies.

Some consumers don't like the fact that the older RSP1A has a plastic case coated in a conductive coating to screen it and many prefer a more solid steel case. The RSP1B addresses that issue.

I found it interesting that the performance at 50-60 MHz has also improved.

The RSP1B is expected to retail at approximately £106 GBP in the UK or $133 USD (excluding taxes or shipping) for US orders. 

Thanks to Brexit, the company can no longer ship to individual consumers in the European Union and has to go through the more expensive resellers network. This brings the price in the EU up to about €153 while the older RSP1A retails for about €133.

I suspect most people will opt for the slightly more expensive RSP1B but the price is now significantly more expensive that other SDR models available in the EU.

For more information on this new radio, please go to www.sdrplay.com/RSP1B