Software Defined Radio
DRB 30
DiRaBox Digital Radio Box
Universal reception up to 30MHz using PC & soundcard
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SoDiRa supports DRB 30
The actually most comprehensive free SDR software SoDiRa supports from version 070 direct frequency tuning of our PC-controlled receivers.
We have added an extra section concerning support of the DRB 30 .
DRB 30 PREMIUM - 1st prize in real-world test
A test of the DRB 30 PREMIUM in comparison to two other SDR receivers under DX conditions is available here:
King s Village DX Tests: Can a 150 Grams Box be a Communications Receiver ?
The test was made in Finland, DX stations were Radio New Zealand & Wantok Radio Light in Papua New Guinea. Short excerpt from the conclusion: "... the small box is really capable to receive signals as good as more expensive models."
DiRaRem - Frequency database management for DRB 30
DiRaRem allows easy frequency tuning using different frequency listings.
This software was first developed by our customer Frank Deinhard for his own purposes and is now available for common use.
DRB 30 - Test report concerning DRM reception with the new 2006 model
A new comprehensive DRM reception test report is now available. Rainer Suckow who runs the DRM website section of the Funktechnikmuseum Koenigs Wusterhausen ( birth place of broadcast in Germany ) has written a voluminous test report regarding the new DRB 30 model at many different daily reception conditions.
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Documents (PDF):
Control Panel V1.5 LPT (1page)
Control Panel V1.5 via USB adapter (1page)
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Test reports:
DRM practice test DRB 30 from funkerberg.de (7 pages/0.9MB)
King s Village DX Tests: Can a 150 Grams Box be a Communications Receiver ?
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Learn more about the DiRaBox DRB 30:
How to build a simple active antenna
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Consoles:
G8JCFSDR SDR Console with Frequency Control
SoDiRa SDR Console with Frequency Control
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Downloads:
(Version dated 18/12/2006)
DiRaRem - Frequency Database Management
(Version dated 18/12/2006)
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DRM-Receiver
Official DRM Supporter (Digital Radio Mondiale).
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The Shortwave Spectrum
The shortwave spectrum offers worldwide reception possibilities like broadcast, amateur radio or also professional applications without great effort.
The digital revolution is also coming to shortwave and the first digital transmissions in the new digital standard DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) have already started.
DRM offers will offer high quality sound in both language and music transmissions, optional stereo reception and additional multimedia services ( text & pictures).The DiRaBox Concept
The DiRaBox concept refers to the principles of Software Defined Radio. SDR is also state-of-the-art used in professional communication receivers:
First conversion to a high IF-frequency and second conversion to a very low IF-frequency followed by DSP (Digital Signal Processing). In the DiRaBox concept DSP is replaced by the combination PC and SDR software.
Software Defined Radio (SDR) is a radio system which replaces as much as possible functional blocks by software technologies that enable reconfigurable system architectures.Benefits of SDR
Easy implemantation of future transmission & modulation standards
Any filter configuration possible
Integration of useful auxiliary functions like e.g. noise reduction
High reproductibility by omission of analogue components with relating tolerances
This makes is quite clear that a flexible system like SDR is superior to a rigid system, right now when transmission technolgy is changing from analogue to digital.
This simple formula describes the complete system:
DiRaBox + PC + SDR Software = Universal Communications Receiver
Let us now regard the individual components:
1. DiRaBoxThe DiRaBox DRB 30 is a so-called black box receiver under computer control which converts the RF signal to a low frequency IF signal suitable for the PC soundcard.
Computer control is provided by the rear-panel parallel interface port (LPT). Corresponding control software is included.
2. PCA standard PC or notebook with standard soundcard is sufficient. The processor clock rate should exceed 500 MHz and is related to the used SDR software.
The low frequency IF output is connected to the line input of the soundcard (3.5mm stereo jack socket).
Sound is also provided by the soundcard via connected earphones or loudspeaker.
3. Software Defined Radio SoftwareThe web offers currently a handfull SDR programs, most of them are experimental freeware.
These programs enable the demodulation of the IF signal delivered by the DiRaBox. They can handle all analgoue mode (AM / SSB / FM) and even the new DRM standard.
Technical Data
Tuning Frequency: 30KHz - 30MHz (continous)
Tuning Steps: 1/5/10/50/100/500Hz & 1/5KHz selectable
Antenna Jacket / Impedance: BNC-socket / 50Ohms & additional remote supply voltage 9V via 470 Ohms serial resistor for an optional active antenna (switchable)
Max. Allowed Antenna Level : +10dBm typ. / saturation at -15dBm typ.
Sensitivity (0.15-30MHz): -124dBm (0.15µV) typ. noise floor / MDS
Intermodulation-free Dynamic Range: > 95dB typ.
Third-Order Intercept Point IP3: +14dBm typ. (10.10 & 10.20MHz)
DDS-related Spurious Reception Attenuation: > 70dB
Mirror Frequency Supression: > 60dB / 1.IF
IF Suppression: > 80dB
10KHz-IF Output: Bandwidth 15KHz (-6dB) via 3.5mm stereo phone jack socket
PC Control Port / LPT: D-SUB (25-pin SUB-D male connector )
Power Supply / Connector: 12 - 15V DC max. 200mA / 2.1mm DC power socket (positive inner)
Operating Temperature: 0 - 40°C
Dimensions / Weight: 112 x 71 x 31mm / 0.15kg
What`s included ?
DiRaBox DRB 30
Please note: Plug-Power Supply, application software (Control Panel) and connecting cables are not included !
Application software is available directly from this page. Also available as CD-ROM on request.
Premium Edition
Selected DRB 30 PREMIUM with DRM-SNR >40dB guaranteed (tested with 9KHz-DRM signal at 10MHz & -45dBm)
Please ask for availability !
USB Interface
DRB USB ADP USB Interface Adapter (plugable to the DiRaBox parallel port connector)
With the new DRB 32 we introduce a modified concept especially for semiprofessional applications with enhanced performance:
• Increased sensitivity of about 6dB
• Switchable high intercept range (HighIP) for large signals
• Further improved selectivity
• Expanded interface with additional reset
• 12KHz standard IF output
