New Dimensions: Airspy HF+ Discovery
From start, Airspy SDRs with their unique block diagram received an overwhelming reputation in the challenging HF bands. They feature a high dynamic range in a small case – and even match a small wallet, too. Now their new “Discovery” enters new dimensions in every respect. The photo on top shows the small black beauty in the foreground compared to the already known Airspy HF+ in the background.
It is already running here with e.g. SDR# and SDRC V3 software, see below. The very first impression is that of an SDR with an exceptionally low noise level and, thanks to its tracking filters, a matching dynamic range. Alas, being a bit short in time these days, I hope to come back with some more solid comments in due time.-
Specified to receive already from 0.5 kHz, it is a true performer also on VLF – see screenshot below with reception of US Navy Cutler/Maine on 24 kHz, about 35 dB down of Germany powerhouse DHO38 just 600 Hz below. Reception: August 2nd, 2019, 14:38 UTC in Germany with vertical active dipole (2×2.5 m) MD300DX.
Nils Schiffhauer – DK8OK 
Excellent review. Thanks…
Looking at the 19m waterfall it looks like you have a very high noise floor. Why do you say “low noise level” . Thanks for the review.
Thanks, Leck, for your comment. The SNR is the pivotal thing. And measured with software SDRC V3, the noise level of the receiver is -140 dBm/Hz at 30 MHz and -132 dBm at 15 MHz. That’s a world-class result, see also Bob Sherwood’s tests_ http://www.sherweng.com/table.html Reading this, please bear in mind that sensitivity is just one feature of a receiver … 73 Nils, DK8OK