CommRadio CR-1

This mite of a device is so special that it has to be presented even before its arrival on the market! The CommRadio CR-1 is a wideband SDR (software defined radio) and a new development from CommRadio and the famous company Aerostream. Aerostream produces devices for aircraft radio purposes and newly wide band receivers. The CR-1 is a double superheterodyne with in-line 32bit DSP. The DSP produces the modes, bandwidth filters and other functions. The clou on this device - it is really small. Nearly too small, but then very tough built. Its housing is made of steel plate with a powder-coated aluminium front panel and the tuning knobs are of eloxadized aluminium. The OLED display is very small but pin sharp. If you position the widely known Lowe HF-150 besides the CR-1, the small size of it becomes apparent. 

WxDxH: 140 x 120 x 35mm

The CR-1 works on these frequency ranges:
150 kHz - 30 MHz
64 MHz - 225 MHz
437 MHz - 468 MHz
In modes AM, Auto-SSB, CW, FM and FMW. Auto-SSB automatically recognizes the modulated sideband.

It has 64 memory cells, scan functions and band selection options.For VHF & UHF must be noted that these are likely to be adapted to the European conditions. In the future, very interesting stuff for the CR-1 have been scheduled. CW & PSK31 decoding in plain text. Output on display or via USB interface on a monitor. Perhaps also a spectrum display.

Speaking about VHF & UHF, it is likely that these ranges will have to be adjusted onto the european conditions. There are some very interesting things planned for future: CW & PSK31 decoding in plain writing. Readout on the display or via USB connection on an external monitor. Maybe a spectrum diagram.

The CR-1 was mainly designed for outdoor mission. Electrical power can be supplied from a 6 - 18V mains adapter, via the USB connection or from an optional Li-Ion rechargeable battery pack (inside the device then). This battery is supposed to work at least for about 12 hours when listening on loudspeaker.
Power consumption is supposed to be 1 Watt maximum. There are three antenna connections, two of them for Long-/Medium-/Shortwave with BNC and phone jack, for VHF & UHF with BNC connector.

Concerning reception performance there is understandably no specification yet to be made, as the software is in beta stadium. First software updates will be coming soon. Then the CR-1 will be adapted for european circumstances.

Further information on Commradio.com

Update 07.03.2013

There is a Li-Ion accumulator built in the CR-1 now, which allows minimum 12 hours of operating with loudspeaker. The software has received some new functions.
Choosable bandwidths, depending on operating mode: 500Hz, 1kHz, 1.8kHz, 2.6kHz, 5kHz, 7.5kHz, 15kHz, 100kHz
Band preselection: amateur radio bands, broadcasting bands
Frequency band preselection: HF, VHF, UHF
Scanning speed for Memories and band scan: 100ms, 200ms, 500ms, 1Sek, 2Sek, 5Sek, 10Sek (retention time on frequency or memory)
Freely choosable side bands (USB & LSB)
Automatic & manual mode (change of tuning steps, mode and bandwidth filtes depending on range.

The first impressions of the CR-1 

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