Description: This sale is for a Microtel Perseus SDR (software defined radio) that is in perfect working condition. The Perseus comes with USB cable (to connect to computer), AC adapter to power the unit, a CD with the software, a USB thumb drive that contains the operating software and operational license, and CD disc containing 490 MB of files and which includes a couple of versions of install software and receiver reviews. We are also including some printed copies of these reviews. It can be tricky to install the software on your computer, and frankly, we did this once on our home computer and again on our laptop. Both times took some fussing around during an evening to get the software to operate with the Perseus. Once done, you will not need to bother with it again and it is also likely that you are more proficient with such things than us. Some people have a natural gift for these tasks and we are not among them. Your installation may be easier as this was done about 9 years ago and there have been many improvements to computers to more easily interface than what we experienced at that time. We have been informed that the Perseus will operated on earlier versions of Windows and will also operate on Windows 10. The versatility of the receiver allows it to be used with 32/64bit and either Pro or Home versions. The Microtelecom Perseus is a multi-mode, software defined receiver covering 10 KHz to 40 MHz. The Perseus employs direct sampling conversion using a 14bit 80 MS/s analog-to-digital converter, a high-performance FPGA based digital down-converter and a high speed 480 Mbits/s USB 2.0 PC interface. An impressive full span spectrum display function is featured. An almost magical spectrum record feature allows you to record up to an 1600 KHz window of radio spectrum for later tuning and decoding. If you are not familiar with the SDR concept, basically you have a black box that is plugged into your computer. Once you install the software and connect an antenna, you have a full fledged receiver capable of hearing signals like any regular shortwave receiver, but with some distinct differences....some good and some perhaps less welcomed. You are required to use the computer keyboard and mouse to control the receiver, and if you are a knob twiddler, you will feel detached from operation. This is similar to someone preferring a manual transmission (stick shift) in a vehicle versus an automatic transmission. Other people will prefer the simplicity of using a keyboard and mouse for operation. A couple of features are very strong with SDR receivers that are not found on standard receivers and they are very attractive to potential buyers. First of all, since your computer controls all the processing of the signals, a lot of features can be utilized in the Perseus that are likely missing in standard desktop receivers.....or if found in a desktop receiver, can be very costly. Such things are continuously variable IF bandwidth controls, multiple variable DSP noise control functions, and record capabilities are examples of advantages of found in the Perseus. For instance, with a standard desktop receiver, you may have 2, 3, or 4 bandwidths. With the Perseus, you can control IF bandwidth variably to perfectly fit your listening needs between limiting interference and maximizing fidelity. Think of it as a custom and perfect bandwidth fit versus dealing with a close fit for your specific listening requirement. During listening, if you have a lot of band noise or natural noise, you can activate the DSP noise functions. On the Perseus, you have a couple of DSP noise control functions and you can utilize whichever control best serves your needs and preferences.....and control how aggressive you want the control to operate. This can make a dramatic difference is both signal recovery or in listening enjoyment as the signal is cleaned up. The processing power of your computer manages this for you. Probably one of the most impressive features of the Perseus, at least in our opinion, is the recording capability. In fact, when we discovered this feature, we were blown away. In the past, you could take a tape recorder and tape a program for future listening. This was nice, but with the Perseus, you can actually record 1600 KHz of frequency spectrum at one time. This means that you can record the entire mediumwave band for future playback. And then when you play the recording, you can move the mouse to change the tuning from one station to another as if you were tuning the station live. This is helpful for DXing when you want to ID a station at the top of the hour, but in doing so, would otherwise miss all the other stations giving their station ID on their transmitting frequencies at the very same time. After recording, you can play the signal for a frequency for the duration of the recording, and then move to the next frequency and do the same thing without missing any signals or program information. In addition, and this is what we really appreciate about the Perseus, not only can you record and hear the wide frequency spectrum, you can also manage it. Thus, you can apply noise reduction, gain, IF bandwidths, passband, listening mode, and a variety of other features to the recording as if you were listening to the signal in real time. If you have never experienced such a thing, it really knocks your socks off to discover how you can manipulate the controls to clean up the signals. On shortwave, you may want to listen to Radio Havana Cuba with Latin music on 6000 KHz, but then with the recording feature, you can also later listen to the BBC's weaker signal on 6005 KHz by using USB and passband to eliminate the normal interference from RHC. In other words, you can record a spectrum of a shortwave band....or amateur band....and then return later to hear concurrent programs or transmissions that you otherwise would have missed. The only thing that limits you with recording is the capacity of the hard disk of your computer and the processing power. Computers that have lower processing power may not be able to record the entire frequency spectrum of 1600 KHz and may be limited to 800 KHz, 400 KHz, or even 200 KHz. However, even a computer that lacks the latest processing power is still much better than having a tape recorder to capture a single signal. Here are system requirements for using the Perseus: - 2 GHz Pentium IV CPU with 512 MB RAM (for 125 KS/s, 250 KS/s and 500 KS/s) - 2.5 GHz Dual Core CPU with 512 MB RAM (for 1 MS/s operations) - USB 2.0 High-Speed (480 Mbit/s) port - 16 bit AC-97 compatible audio board - 1024 x 768 minimum resolution video board and monitor - 2 Button mouse with wheel - 10 GB or more internal hard-disk - Supported OS: Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit), Windows 8 (32 or 64 bit) NOTE: The Perseus receiver may operate on machines with a lower specification, but performance cannot be guaranteed. We have been informed that this Perseus will utilize early versions of Windows and can also be utilized up to Windows 10. If you would like additional information on this outstanding receiver, may we advise you to research it on the internet. There are lots and lots of pages of reviews, operational features, and information that we could not hope to fully include in this Ebay listing. Please use the Ebay shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost. This cost includes proper packing materials for safe delivery and insurance cost against damage or loss. Those buyers living outside the USA are also welcome to purchase from us. We have shipped to 112 countries during 24 years on Ebay and we are happy to ship virtually anywhere in the world. You may use the shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost.We ask that you remember that this cost may not include any import, customs, or VAT fees. If you are uncertain of these costs, we ask you to check with your local post office prior to making a purchase from us. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to look at our Ebay items!
Price: 899.95 USD
Location: Mill Hall, Pennsylvania
End Time: 2024-08-16T10:01:44.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Microtel
Type: SDR
Supported Modes: AM, CW, SSB
Model: Perseus
Band: AM, HF