SunSDR MB1 by Expert Electronics - Review and walk through
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- Опубликовано: 1 май 2018
- Here is a quick tour of the SunSDR MB1 by Expert Electronics. It's an operator's point of view and a simple walk through this great HF radio. This is the first video of an upcoming series.
The SunSDR MB1 by Expert Electronics is an amazing standalone SDR radio, it’s complex and simple at the same time. It is a high-end rig competing directly with any other flagship product of any other brand. If after watching this video, you are not convinced that this radio is amazing, well I do not know what video to do next to impress you.
This video was made after using it for 8 days only and I’m still discovering the unit. There may be some simple mistakes describing the features, but as I wanted to be an operator's overview, as I would for any friend visiting the shack, the genuine approach was more important than precision. This quick review is to longest video I ever post on my channel, even my documentary is shorter, and I didn’t cover all the features! Please stay tune, as I will do more videos as I discover this radio.
If you have any question or demo request for my next video (probably after Dayton), like VHF, etc… please add it in the comments below.
73 Pascal VA2PV
For more information about this radio, please visit the websites below. For the North American (USA / Canada) dealer, NSI Radio, follow the link below.
nsiradio.com/MB1-HF-6m-and-2m...
For international dealers, follow the link below.
eesdr.com/en/buy-en 
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![Gunna - one of wun [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w_JtBYqMgk8/mqdefault.jpg)
Excellent video demonstration of many of the SDR's features. Well organized and produced. I really like how you have split camera views. Thank you!
Thank you Scott, glad you like it because it represent a lot of work, hihi. It was hard to have lighting without causing a reflection on one of the two cameras. This is due to my shack small size and I needed to be in the front of the radio for the demonstration. So, I had to rely on daylight, then the focus was hard to achieve on the angle (shallow depth of field). But fortunately, I was able to do a screen capture directly into the radio (Windows 10), resulting in 3 camera views for the demonstration, I think it covers all angles ;-) 73 Pascal VA2PV
Thank to share Pascal... 73's VA2 VMA Fantastic sdr radio and really good review Pascal.
Thanks for sharing. great detailed review & informative. I have not seen this SDR in person however your video is excellent!
Wow...impressive!! Great video explaining everything. Congrats!!
Ok. I found it. I didn’t realize you made a video for this rig. Thanks for sharing. What an awesome radio. Wow!! AA1US
Hi Mikey, yes it is very nice. Thanks for watching, 73 Pascal VA2PV
Thank you for this video this is an amazing radio! Wow.
Thanks for watching. 73 Pascal VA2PV
Fantastic video, Pascal. Thanks and 73 - John HK3C
Thank you John, glad you like it. 73 Pascal VA2PV
Thanks for yet another great video, Pascal. I sold my TS990 as it was too big for me to move around when doing experiments with antennas etc. So, my new MB1 is hopefully on its way from the factory and I'm planning a lot of things to try. Looking forward to your next presentation.
Hi Philip, thanks for the good comments. Stay tune for more video about the MB1. 73 Pascal VA2PV
Congratulations again! 73, PT2VHF
Thank you Alex. 73 Pascal VA2PV
the perfect appliance operator rig
I'm so impressed, what a incredible radio! Thanks for sharing Pascal !
73 9A3GVD
It is impressive indeed. Thanks for watching, 73 Pascal VA2PV
Great review! Thanks for sharing it! 73's KD9JEO
My Mb1 PRIME arrived!! Now to spend many hours learning it's ins and outs. Presumably, if the user wants to use digital modes etc., he/she has to purchase Virtual Audio Cable, and to get the benefits of CW Skimmer, purchase that too? I could sit here and ask questions all night. HI It's a good job you don't live in the UK, or I would be knocking on your door. Looking forward to your next MB1 videos. Thanks Pascal. I noticed after printing out the manual that a new one had been released and there is a great setup addendum too, all on the Expert website. Cheers Pascal and I will be listening for you on the bands.
Hi Philip, Sorry for the response delay. Good for you, a lot of hours of pure fun ahead. My friend Robin ordered one as well, he’s waiting for it… currently I’m very busy working on the shack again, but I will be back soon with more MB1 videos. 73 Pascal VA2PV
Thank you for the Video ! Amazing radio. 73 PU2NHX
Thanks for watching ! 73 Pascal VA2PV
Look like Icom 7581 / Icom 7850 Radio is Peanut lol . well done Pascal. i am in love with MB-1
But I will really love to have an IC-7851 in my shack, hihi. I'm sure it's a completely different experience. The MB1 is very nice and versatile, it's my rig for 80 M ragchew, 73.
algún día... algún día... por el momento solo nos queda soñar... y mirar estos videos que suelen meter el dedo en la llaga... jajajaja... Sufrimiento pleno al soñar con esta máquina en mi shack... saludos a sus creadores, cordiales 73's... Espero ganar la lotería y conseguir un monstruo de estos... Fantástico!!!
Thank you for a fantastic review. Enjoy 73s K9PAL
Hi - yet again another great review video. I'm in the market for a new SDR based transceiver myself and wanted to understand your process for selecting this radio vs. say a Flex? 73, M0ORA
i will get one of these units !
Hey Pascal, hope you are okay. Thank you for this video - it was much appreciated when I first saw it. IS THERE ANY CHANCE of a new review after you have had the radio for a few years and have learned more about it??
73, Tom, M7MCQ
Hi Pascal, would you consider reviewing the MB1 after about 2 years of use please? Best 73 from Belgium, Pascal
Pascal, Have you attached an external microphone to the radio other than the stock microphone that they include? I have a Heil HM-12 which requires a 4 pin XLR connection at the microphone. But not sure if the phone connection on the radio is 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch. Any help on this?
Hi Mark, yes I did, check my video below as I’m using this switchbox with my Heil PR-20 with the Heil hand PTT both my HF radios. 73
MUITO BOM O SEU VÍDEO. PASCAL, OBRIGADO PELA AULA. 73 DE PY2NF-CHICO.
Seja bem vindo, 73 Pascal VA2PV
Thank you for the video Pascal. Fantastic Radio. What I think is odd is the "Wobbly" knobs. They seem weak/cheap. Perhaps will be a problem down the road. Will love to buy one, but that got me thinking. 73 De W5ZX
*_Very impressive radio. Does the waterfall have a 3D version?_*
Looks like one fantastic transceiver and is the kind of radio that gets you excited about amatuer radio all over again (that is, if you're fortunate enough to be able to afford a high-priced rig like this). Sadly, I am NOT one of those people so I won't ever have one.
You'll never know Mike, 5 years ago I could only dream about a radio like this and now I have two high-end HF in my shack. Sometime dreams come true and I'm there to prove it. Thanks for watching and I hope you'll get yours. 73 Pascal VA2PV
If this rig is so good, why the need for the IC7300 and IC7610? Genuinely curious :)
After watching your review/walkthrough I do not like the SunSDR MB1, "I love the SunSDR MB1!" Thank you and very 73 de KU4GW.
Amazing wow! 73 de IS0HMZ
i WATCHED THIS VIDEO, YOU HAVE MADE IT CLEAR HOW THIS SDR RADIO WORKS , I LIKE IT AND ALSO FOLLOWING MORE RUclips VIDEO`S OF THIS SunSDR MB1 .SO FAR SO GOOD...THANK YOU, W2OT/MARTY. 73! COST IN USD$ WHEN WILL THIS RADIO AVAILABLE ?? AND WHERE TO PURCHASE & REPAIRS IF ANY ??
Hi Marty, It's already available from the USA Dealer, NSIradio.com it's on sale at $5595 USD with the internal Antenna TUner (ATU). See the link below and thanks for the good comments. 73 Pascal VA2PV
nsiradio.com/MB1-HF-6m-and-2m-SDR-transceiver-100W-with-ATU-p78949475
i know this is an old video but can you solely operate this radio via PC , like a sunsdr2 pro/dx?
nevermind, you answered my question at 29:00 :)
I may have missed but is there a fixed mode for the spectrum scope and can it scroll from segment to segment like a TS890 or K3/P3? N1JM
Hi John, Yes there is by simply pushing the D/I button and it's in fixed mode. 73 Pascal VA2PV
Pascal, Hopefully your next Video will show how to set up N1MM and perhaps another logger with the MB1. Anxious to know how it compares with your TS-990S? I also have the TS-990S. Mark KB3Z
Hi Mark, I never used the N1MM logger, but I will check it out. I don't do comparison in my videos for neutrality purposes, but I will answer any question about the strength of any of the reviewed radio. As an example, the MB1 is more complex to operate but it has a lot more features the TS-990. So, it all depends on what the operators are looking for, the best is to watch both of my review and this should do the job for the viewers looking for answers for himself. 73 and thanks for watching, Pascal VA2PV.
As a pure SDR, Does it also include DMR/DSTAR/C4FM?
Pascal - in the video you are able to control an external tuner via the front panel "tune" button (in addition to the internal ATU). I asked Yuri about this and he was not sure how you accomplished this via the front panel. Can you provide information about which external tuner(s) work with the MB1 and how you are able to make it work from the button (i.e. any specific wiring connections)? Thanks in advance for any information on this!
Hi Glenn, it's very simple, in the ATU menu I check "bypass", this bypass the internal antenna tuner, but if you press the tune button "TUN" it will transmit a tone (set at 10% power) and this triggers my external ATU (MFJ-998). Hope this helps, 73.
can you use the built in software along with the MB1 interface on an external monitor at the same time?
Hi, the answer to this is yes and no. It's either on or the other but if you use the RX2 you can but it's a different receiver. 73 Pascal VA2PV
Nice Radio!
Wow, what a beautifully implemented SDR radio! LOTS of features and adjustability... simply incredible. I think I want one!
However, at 24:15 (when you were showing the bandpass & shift controls) the knobs looked a little "wobbly"; not very firm in the front panel. Can you give your opinion on this? I currently use a Yaesu 101D, and the knobs are very firm (not wobbly), and yet very easy to turn.
Otherwise, what a WONDERFUL rig! Thank you for posting this Pascal!
73's,
Alan
W0ARM
Hi Alan, I have this radio for a long time now and the knobs are still the same but they moved a little, nothing to worry about do. 73 Pascal VA2PV
@@Laboenligne Thank you for the info. Wiggly knobs are not a deal-breaker [for me], but was curious what you thought. Glad they are holding up/staying the same.
73, all the best!
~Alan
W0ARM
What antenna do you use?
Pascal did you swap the MB1 for the TS990 ??
I do not want to be selfish but I will keep both. Seriously, I'm doing everything to promote the amateur radio by creating a dream shack. I hope it works ;-) 73 Pascal VA2PV
Yes I would like both myself lol keep up the good work 73's
nice
Iam having issue with loosing ground connector on rear.
Any suggestions?
I really enjoyed your video
Thanks for watching Andrew. You could use a tool like pliers but be careful not to damage the ground connector, in that case I would use a piece of clothes around the connector then use the pliers. 73 Pascal VA2PV
Thanks Pascal I appreciate the reply. I ended up doing just what you suggested. Hi
I hope you will do some more videos in the near future on the MB-1
You do a excellent job on your videos
73, Andy wa9kpz
just got into sdr raios this is cool like it 73s
Hi Richard, yes it's very cool! 73 Pascal VA2PV
I just spoke to Pascal: he's in Dayton and right now he's telling me that until
end of Hamvention (20May) the MB1 is 200 $ US less ...
It's time to place orders ... delivery mid-June ...
QUESTION : HOW OFTEN ARE THERE UPDATES TO SOFTWARE FOR THIS MB-1 SDR RADIO ? Q-VIA-W2OT.
Just release an Update in April, see the planning below details on the manufacturer website eesdr.com see for the ExpertSDR2 software. Main Features release schedule*:
April 2018
- ExpertRemote system update (done)
May 2018
- ExpertRemote system with TX capabilities
June 2018
- ALC
- Manual TNF
July/August 2018
- Transverter mode
Fall 2018
- Full Duplex
Winter 2018
- Predistortion (pure signal)
I am a bit late reviewing your video but it looks like This radio has a lot of goodies to play with. Have you had the time to compare this radio with the other radios that you have? The RX is the most important compare....what is the IMD for strong signals and how is the selectivity with the strongest signal. what is the adjacent channel selectivity and all that stuff. Good job reviewing the radio. Nice
Hi James, it's as good as my Kenwood TS-990 in most aspect and sometime even better. 73 Pascal VA2PV
wow
Wonder it doesn't have a logging program built in aswell:)
You are one year ahead of Ham Radio Concepts. Congrats. 73 KI6AMK
And in one single day, I have received more views than this video in one year.. HAHAHA, I had to respond.. :)
True, but as you can see it helps promote mine ;-). Thank you. 73 Pascal VA2PV
This is a very good video. In depth.
@@Laboenligne Exactly... Sharing is caring.. I sat with your friend at the Yaesu dinner at Dayton. He is from Montreal I think..... Radioworld maybe??? He was with Howard.. We talked about you for a bit :)
Was it Pierre Mainville VA3PM from Radioworld ? By the way if you add the views of the French version (2700) I still ahead ;-), maybe until the end of the day, hihi. And I had to buy the radio! 73
ruclips.net/video/8d9Ppc1lHqY/видео.html
Waaaawwww. KEREN de YB∅DOS
Hello, great video. I'm only 2 years late to comment and ask questions but I figure that after practicing with this radio for a while now you have answers.
Ok so I looked at their website. There is 2 versions of this radio. One is expensive and 1 is very expensive. What do.you get in the most expensive that you dont get in the only expensive version?
Does this radio have any built in support for remote operation?
Does it have BT so I can connect my BT speakers?
I dont seem to grasp the size of the machine. I looks really big but still this is only a 7" screen.... really?
I did not watch the whole video but listened because I.was driving home.from work. I may have missed something. Do one have to use.the mouse? Is it not touch screen?
Does the manufacturer plan to come out with some kind of portable front for remote operation, like Maestro?
I noticed you said it.has 100w from 6m to 160m.... their website specs says 50 w (up to 60w)???.Does your 2 year old version have 100w but the newer ones not or what's the deal?
Does it cover 60m.and 4m?
You said to 160m, so I assume right not 630m and 2190m?
Many questions with many answers. I suggest you read my written article that was published in the NCJ of the ARRL. See the link below. 73 www.va2pv.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ARRL_NCJ_Expert_Electronics_MB1_review_VA2PV_March-April_2019.pdf
Does the MB1 work with Wi-Fi?
Yes and no. By default there's no Wi-Fi interface, but you can add a dongle using one of the USB port. Keep in mind that this is a PC, so everything is possible. 73
Wondering if it can do smooth, fast QSK?
Hi Steve, I will ask them, since I'm not active in CW, but I think it's full QSK. 73 Pascal VA2PV
Hi Steve, the answer is no for now, but they are working on a solution. You can contact them for more details, 73 Pascal VA2PV
eesdr.com/en/
Thanks for the update Pascal! N4LQ
man thats a crazy radio with a lot of features and menus.........QUESTION how does it compare to flex radio? thats kind of what it reminds me of only it looks like it has more features than a flex....I wonder how well it hears signals compared to one???? Anyway amazing radio. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Mike, I can't say about Flex since I never tried it, maybe in the future. But I've been following this radio since 2013 when the posted a prototype on RUclips. Last year I stop by the booth at the Dayton Hamvention and I started to be interested by this company products. It's started with the SDR receiver, the ColibriNANO, see one of my previous videos, then I moved up to the MB1. 73 Pascal VA2PV
4 receivers but you can't monitor HF and VHF at the same time, correct me if i'm wrong.
You have 4 receivers yes, but you need to used the same antenna port, so you can't technically use one of the VFO in VHF and the others in HF. I don't know if this is a software or a hardware situation. I will have to try it again as there's maybe a trick to make it work. 73
@@Laboenligne thanks for the reply! Roman with expert confirmed this. Only one analog to digital converter so the receiver windows or slices" have all be within 0-80, or 80-160 MHz. I wanted to have the main receiver on HF, and the sub monitoring a local VHF repeater but it's not possible and a real deal killer :(
Impressive. Thanks for sharing. Pricy tho.
Excellent - really informative & interesting 👍🏻 73 de G0GCQ
Thank you. 73 Pascal VA2PV
show me how works MB1 TX IMD3 please ! and TX 144.
Your right, I never did this and I should. 73 Pascal VA2PV
so you sold the kenwood?
Hi, no I will keep both ;-) 73 Pascal VA2PV
Are you selling it, to upgrade to MB1 Prime with i7???
My friend Robin VA2NRJ, upgrade his from an I5 to an I7, see the details in my written article below. 73 www.va2pv.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ARRL_NCJ_Expert_Electronics_MB1_review_VA2PV_March-April_2019.pdf
I want one
How much does this radio cost, please?
Around 5500$ USD. If you're in the USA or Canada, see nsiradio.com/MB1-HF-6m-and-2m-SDR-transceiver-100W-with-ATU-p78949475
Pascal, merci pour Votre vidéo! Vu Vos vidéos sur l'émetteur-récepteur radio SDR MB-1, ainsi que de voir que vous utilisez Icom 7610 pourriez-vous faire un examen vidéo en comparant ces deux radios, plus "expert Electronics" publié esdr3 betta2 !Votre vidéo sera intéressante dans Votre examen honnête, en Général, vous en savez déjà beaucoup sur l'émetteur-récepteur MB-1 dites-moi ce que vous avez aimé et ce qui ne l'est pas? ! Et pourquoi êtes-vous passé à ICOM ?MERCI PASCAL!!!
just add a dongle to your computer and receive the same things. Use any old thing for transmit.
QUESTION : WE DON`T KNOW IS , HOW WHO IS WRITING SOFTWARE AND HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE INVOLVED WRITING AND REPAIRING THIS RADIO ? W2OT.
See the USA Dealer, maybe they can answer your question. 73 Pascal VA2PV
nsiradio.com/MB1-HF-6m-and-2m-SDR-transceiver-100W-with-ATU-p78949475
Can u send a qsl card please
Hi Luis, I will love to but I have no recent QSL card, but I should get some. Sorry. 73 Pascal VA2PV
One problem boss. In 3 years time the computer in the stand alone box will be out of date. Not everyone changes their radio every 2 or 3 years.
The internal computer is upgradable, and compared to DSP radios it can be upgraded. ;-) There's a full detail written articles on my website in the publications section, see va2pv.com 73 Pascal VA2PV
Laboenligne.ca Thank you for your reply. Congratulations on your wonderful shack.Thank you for sharing with us. I hear what your say. However, stand alone radios always work. Maybe they will not be as good as newer ones, but still work. Computers are upgradable but after 4 or 5 years, they are done. Unless this radio is designed to have a total computer replacement, could it be obsolete in five years? FT990 is 30 years old, still usable grandfather very capable radio. However, super cars like super radios are probably meant to be changed often. Horses for courses.
So weird to see a Windows desktop on a HAM radio...
$5000, why?
It's running windows? That's a nope right off the bat.
I'm so disappointed it's Windows instead of Linux.
$6,900 BAHAHAHAHA
Nope
CUTTING EDGE OF TECHNOLOGY & IMPRESSIVE. 5 years or so down the road parts will be unavailable, boards will be unavailable, & you will likely have a $5000 paperweight. I see it as a radio that is purchased mainly by people who demand the latest & greatest, or one of the "I gotta have one !" folk. My most modern radio is a Pro 3, & I have a suite of older radios, that I can repair myself, because I have parts radios in stock. I am not a Luddite, but complexity is the enemy of reliability. A great radio for those folk to whom I have alluded, & any who have the disposable income to acquire one, & will probably upgrade to the next "new one" in a year or two. Thank God for those folk who purchase these products & allow those of us who either are loathe to put out the cash for one, or don't have the cash. In either case , we are the inheritors of upgraded technology in the trickle down of technology to lower cost products. Pascal, ....great video as always, & enjoy that marvelous radio , the operation of which requires a degree in IT or computer engineering. A la prochaine mon vieux ! Brian VE6XX
Hi Brian, check out my NCJ article about this radio, you will find the PDF on my website publications page. I explain that this radio used common computer hardware that will allow it to be upgraded in the future. For the radio itself, it's not different of any other radio. I had it for more than two years now and it's very reliable, but I used it only as a radio, not much as a PC and keep it clean with no unnecessary software. BTW, the company keeps upgrading the software and the firmware, just did the August 2020 upgrade last night. For the NCJ article, follow the link below. 73.
www.va2pv.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ARRL_NCJ_Expert_Electronics_MB1_review_VA2PV_March-April_2019.pdf
I wanted to hear how this radio works and you just talk non-stop
I found it an awful way of controlling a TRX
Je n'ai janais vu une revue aussi inutile que celle-là. Tu décris une multitude de fonctions et tu donne une tonne d'informations, mais sans jamais nous faire entendre le radio en question. À quoi ça sert de nous montrer l'effet visuel d'un filtre de sélectivité à largeur de bande variable si on ne peut même pas entendre le résultat??? S'aurait vraiment été intéressant si t'avait présenté une écoute comparative de ce transceiver avec 2-3 autres appareils de cet ordre de prix...
Windows 10 is garbage. I am using Linux.