CDNSE Newstar DR111 Review

[fibber]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned here yet or not, but I have been reviewing the DR111 over the last few days. My findings here:

drmna.info

Regards,
"Fibber" - K6FIB - Christopher
(proprietor of DRMNA.info and the DRMNA Yahoo Group)

[tpreitzel]

Christopher -

I've been following your review of Newstar's DR111. Keep it up as your review will only help to improve the product before mass production begins.

Thanks

[Digger]

I have been in contact with Allen of Newstar a couple of times, but I am hesitating a bit to buy this receiver after having read Christopher's reviews. I haven't decided yet on sending the $$$ to them. Christopher, is there an IF output on the radio? How do you like the tuning? Can you tune the bands in AM mode and does the receiver automatically switch to DRM if tuning into a DRM channel?

[mvs sarma]

I have been in contact with Allen of Newstar a couple of times, but I am hesitating a bit to buy this receiver after having read Christopher's reviews. I haven't decided yet on sending the $$$ to them. Christopher, is there an IF output on the radio? How do you like the tuning? Can you tune the bands in AM mode and does the receiver automatically switch to DRM if tuning into a DRM channel?

I the rx is only with 12KHz IF out and not with drm hard/software that would npot call for use of pc/laptop,
i wonder we may not go got it as you have authored many converters for most radios for getting 12KHz out.
i was expecting a stand alone mode Dream decoder radios that give spaeker output.
Somehow, a normal citizen who may not ba ham is to receive the drm sighnal and be able to enjoy, ithout wasting lots of power and confine himself across pc.
The industry is taking too long a time
and i only fear whether the broacasters can sustian this prolonged delay of Rx manufacturers, as they have t get some AD revenue , which is possible only when there are listeners, NOT amateurs alone.
Al ready due to fianancial recession, some Txs are slowly closing down.

[tpreitzel]

The DR111 just cries out for a solar powered battery pack ...

[tpreitzel]

Christopher -

I've noticed that you've created a new Yahoo group specifically dealing with Newstar's DR111 receiver.

Personally, I stay away from Yahoo, Google, Facebook etc. Actually I'm planning on dumping the InterNet (WWW) entirely. So, here's my question. Is it possible to create an interactive HF version of the WWW with uplinks transmitting digital data via radio? * After receiving the digital data via radio, the transmitting station ** would have to automatically convert, distribute (relay) and update data transmitted by the HF transmitter.

* Preferably ONLY HF links acting somewhat as common carriers.
** Ideal place for receiving data as well (signal inversion cancellation)

[fibber]

DR111 review update

Folks,

I must say I am really enjoying this receiver. Much of the time I am listening right off the whip with great results. I am also using several wire and active portable antennas. I'm beginning to think it is just as sensitive as using Paapradio with DReaM.

There is no IF output, but I'm not sure you need one with a device that decodes by itself. The tuning can be done several ways and you must set the unit to am or drm manually. The CDNSE team is really working on developing the firmware to implement improvements as they go. I'm sure firmware fixes to some of my comments will be forthcoming soon.

I'd say we have a winner with the drm111! I give it a rigorous workout daily with several hours of am and several hours of drm with great success.
I feel strongly that this rxer is what we need right now to keep drm alive! If you have the inclination to help with further development of this radio and company, order a demo unit!

[tpreitzel]

Any review on Newstar's DR111 should be conducted with various antenna options. A few options have been cursorily mentioned, but those options need more depth and variety. I just ordered a MFJ 1020C active antenna to use with my current analog receiver and DRM board until I receive my DR111. Since portables tend to overload easily, I'm not expecting much improvement with my current setup since it's already quite sensitive. I do hope to see some modest improvement when I finally receive my DR111, though.

[ianf]

I have just got one, and so far it seems very good, I posted elsewhere on the forum then found this thread, it works well off it's whip, am going to try it with external and ATU, finally we have DRM radio that consumers can use.

[fibber]

Newstar dr111 Yahoo group

I started a Yahoo group for Newstar dr111 owners so join up for some crowdsourced radio support!

[fibber]

I just posted an update regarding some new firmware I'm experimenting with. Big improvements in audio bandwidth and more!

"Newstar DR111 Firmware significant improvements"

[alokesh]

The Disco Palace 15775 via Issoudun off the whip in New Delhi....

http://youtu.be/z6rTv1M_mFM

[tpreitzel]

The Disco Palace 15775 via Issoudun off the whip in New Delhi....

http://youtu.be/z6rTv1M_mFM

Unless corrected, I'm ASSUMING the DR111 is NOT using the apparently freely available and updated firmware for this broadcast.

BTW, thanks for the pan to the side of the radio showing the jack for the external antenna. Actually, we could use a nice, slow 360 degree pan around the radio.

[Digger]

I have been reluctant to order this DR111 - my first contact with Allen was on Feb. 20. Because of Fibber's positive reports about the DR111, I finally ordered one too. Hope Allen can deliver.

[ianf]

I listened to BBCWS on 3955 on the Newstar this morning, on whip, all clear and fine.
I have locked up the radio by accidentally plugging the DC side of the Degen MS31 in, but the radio still seems fine.
I have good reception on REE< Galbeni TX1, RMRUVR 1A, AIR INDIA, all on the internal whip, Allen has been great at responding to my queries.