Don began with a look back at some early SDRs (Software defined radios),  their parameters and some of their short comings with regard to frequency and operations.  He pointed out that the easiest way to locate an SDR connected to the internet was to use the popular online search engine.

Don had two laptops for the presentation, one connected to the internet and the other presenting the video projected programme

Don said that one of the most popular on line SDRs is the KiwiSDR. He pointed out that the KiwiSDR is different from other SDRs. It is a standalone device that attaches to a local network and can be accessed through the Internet. A browser is used to connect to the user interface. Most other SDRs generate raw IQ data and need to be connected directly to a PC or laptop running OS-specific  installed software.

It is possible to access over three hundred KiwiSDRs right now at the site rx.kiwisdr.com The owners of these Kiwis have made them publicly available. Once on the page, you will see there are quite a few SDR sites to choose from. Most will show the aerial in use: it’s this writer’s opinion that some are not very good at real DX.  However, some stations have full size dipoles and one in the US has a 500 foot Beverage pointing toward Europe. Station VE6JY at Lamont, Alberta Canada has 17 aerials (by my count)  and you can find him easily as he’s second on the list.

At the top of the SDR list you will see a green button marked ‘KiwiSDR Map’ which will take you to a map of the world showing all the KiwiSDR stations around the world!  Believe me, you can spend many hours searching these receivers!