On Sat, 08 Nov 2003 00:13:01 -0500, "Mark S. Holden"
wrote:



His is also limited to one filter for sideband - I think he said it was 2.3khz. Perhaps he has the non a version or a R2411.

I don't know how build quality on the Harris 590/2368 compares to the 550, but on the 550 the only modules that aren't individually shielded are the control modules. Four of them are lumped together in one section.

Mark,

If it's a 3030A, the most appropriate filter for SSB is the 3.2, which
is a symmetric filter, unlike the 2368 which has an offset 2.7kHz
filter for each sideband.

The Cubic set-up allows any filter in any mode, and also provides an
IF offset control - which the Harris doesn't. The Harris also decides
for you which filter subset is "appropriate" for the demodulation mode
you select - in SSB there's only one choice in that subset.

The 2360 does, indeed, have separate, shielded modules, but they're a
hodge-podge collection of various size/shape boxes piled next to and
on top of one another. The Cubic's modules are all uniform and line up
in two neat rows - one for each receiver - with each receiver's module
for a particluar function next to that of its neighbor receiver.

In fairness, the Harris RF-590 family are fine, general communications
receivers - not surveillance/intercept receivers. There's nothing
wrong with their shielding - it's just that the Cubic 3030 family has
that "cost-be-damnned" look that goes with things bought from the
absolute best source under the Black Budget, versus equipment for the
sailors in the radio room bought via competitive bid.

Neither of these analog-IF receivers can hold a candle to a Ten-Tec
RX340 in performance - whether for digital or broadcast signals. It,
however, is a shirt-sleeve-environment, 12 pound, commercial-quality
receiver. Its long use as a spook receiver notwithstanding, it's not a
Mil-Spec box like the Harris, let alone the Cubic.


Good listening,
Al
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Location: 42N39, 71W09 (Near Boston, MA)
HF Antennas: 65ft TFD, 45ft T2FD, 28ft vertical, 65ft doublet
HF Receivers: Ten-Tec RX340, RX320, Harris R2368, Cubic R3030A
Decoders: Code300-32, Universal M-8000, PK-232MBX/DSP
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