SDRplay has recently announced the upcoming release of their "nRSP-ST" networked receiver. The product appears to essentially be an RSP2 with built-in computing and networking. The idea is that this networked receiver will be used remotely, and connected to over a local network connection or the internet.

The device will work with SDRplays SDRConnect software and will be able to transfer RF data in three modes, Full IQ, IQ Lite, and Compact. In IQ lite mode, only the active channels' IQ data are transferred, saving on significant network bandwidth when compared to full IQ mode.  In compact mode demodulation is carried out on the nRSP-ST itself, and compressed demodulated audio is sent over the network, saving on network bandwidth even more.

There are no details yet about the build, but we assume the internal computer is something like a Raspberry Pi 4 compute module or similar.

SDRplay write:

SDRplay is demonstrating a new product at the UK Hamfest today in newark, UK.  It’s an all-in-one, plug-and-play networked receiver which will launch later in the year.

SDRplay Limited is announcing the imminent launch of the “nRSP-ST”, an All-in-one, Plug-and-play Networked SDR Receiver.   The “nRSP-ST” is being demonstrated publicly for the first time at the UK National Hamfest in Newark today.

This exciting new product addresses the needs of radio enthusiasts who want a ‘plug-and-play’ solution for remote reception.  As well as achieving this, we have addressed typical internet bandwidth limitations with the creation of a novel “IQ Lite” mode, which efficiently delivers channels of IQ data. We have also introduced the ability to control and store IQ recordings at the remote location.  We think the nRSP-ST will be ideal for anyone wanting a wideband remote receiver without needing computer skills and hours of set-up time and ongoing maintenance at the remote location. We are very much looking forward to making the product available as soon as possible.  We are aiming to launch the nRSP-ST in time for the holiday shopping season and aiming at a price of just under $500 USD before tax.

The nRSP-ST key features:

• A truly “plug and play” integrated, networked general coverage receiver:
  • Combines a receiver, a host computer and a whole lot more – all in one box!
  • Apply power and connect to the internet (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and the nRSP-ST is automatically accessible from anywhere
• The 14-bit ADC full featured wideband SDR receiver covers all frequencies from 1kHz through VLF, LF, MW, HF, VHF, UHF and L-band to 2GHz, with no gaps
• Remotely monitor up to 10MHz of spectrum at a time from a choice of 3 antennas
• Multi-platform SDRconnect^TM software supports local operation or remote access on Windows, MacOS or Linux platforms
• The nRSP-ST & SDRconnect^TM are configurable for available network bandwidth:
  • In “Full IQ” mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data transfer of the visible spectrum bandwidth (e.g.for high-speed LAN or superfast internet connectivity)
  • In “IQ Lite” mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data of channels up to 192kHz wide (e.g. for digital decoding by the client)
  • In “Compact” mode the nRSP-ST provides compressed audio (ideal for slower internet connections)
  • Supports multiple client connections with a simultaneous mixture of connection modes
  • All modes support visualization of up to 10MHz spectrum bandwidth
• Two remote connection options:
  • Use a remote SDRconnect client or
  • Use the built-in web-server for remote access from any web browsing capable device, including Android/iOS tablets and phones
• The nRSP-ST offers the ability to record IQ and audio files to a NAS (network attached storage) device if available on the LAN.
• Flash upgradable for future feature enhancements

The press announcement can be found here

More information will be provided in the coming weeks: https://www.sdrplay.com/nrspst/

SDRplay are well known for their range of popular SDR receivers which cover all the radio bands up to 2 GHz. They have now just announced a new SDRplay nRSP-ST model which can be networked and is intended for remote operation.

The SDRplay nRSP-ST is a 14-bit ADC wideband SDR receiver covers all frequencies from 1kHz to 2GHz, with no gaps. It can remotely monitor up to 10MHz of spectrum at a time from a choice of 3 antennas.

The release price is in the region of $500 which is about double some of their other current models. It is expected that it will be available to purchase towards the end of 2024.

Analysis... This is an interesting development from SDRplay and mirrors some of the trends with other manufacturers of HF transceivers catering for remote operation.

In the case of the new SDRplay nRSP-ST receiver, all someone would need to do is to provide power, a network connection and antennas at the remote location. The concept of remote receivers isn't new but in most cases, a remote computer/PC is required as well as a receiver. In the case of the new SDRplay model, no remote PC is required.

The new SDRplay nRSP-ST would seem to have the same radio features as the RSPdx-R2 model except that it can be connected to a network for remote control.

One particular nice feature is that it has three antenna ports which allows for dedicated antennas to be connected at the remote end. Without this, it would be a case of having just one antenna port to cover all the radio bands below 2 GHz.

It's not hard to imagine how this remote receiver might be of interest to some people. Many live in towns and cities in noisy RF environments and the thought of having a remote receiver located somewhere quiet in say a holiday home or a friends or relatives house is attractive.

This would seem to be an all in one box solution for a problem and I'd imagine people will find all kinds of uses for it.

At about €500, it's not cheap for a receiver but it's also a new release with first adopters likely to be paying the premium price.

Links...

1) Page on SDRplay site for the new remote receiver... https://www.sdrplay.com/nrspst/

2) SDRplay press release... https://www.sdrplay.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/nRSP-STPressReleaseSeptFinal2024.pdf

Addendum...