CR-1A

CommRadio with the CR-1A has created one of the first SDR receivers entirely autonomous from a PC. It is therefore a stand-alone device that, due to its characteristics, size and weight, can be used both in a fixed installation and in mobile. The internal configuration for the range 0.5~30 MHz adopts a double frequency conversion, in the VHF and UHF segments it is instead a single conversion, followed by the digital sampling of the I/Q components processed by a 32 bit DSP processor for the filtering and demodulation operations. The CR-1A as evidenced by the photo has a traditional front panel with not much commands, besides the large tuning knob only six buttons and a further multifunction rotary control oversee the receiver settings. In fact, many options such as tuning step, selectivity, mode, can be set to automatic, leaving the internal firmware to determine the typical combination in relation to the frequency. Listening to broadcasting in shortwave or PMR stations in V/UHF is simplified. Naturally the user can always intervene on every parameter for his own needs.

This receiver has in practice a double role. A minimal interface that makes immediate use and performances that make it competitive with the SDR that not need a computer. The firmware (DSP inside software) is easily updated and guarantees future optimization. Currently available selectivity values are 0.5 / 1.0 / 1.8 / 2.2 / 2.6 KHz for CW mode, 1.8 / 2.2 / 2.6 KHz for SSB, 2.6 / 5.0 / 7.5 / 15.0 KHz for AM mode, 15 and 25 KHz for the narrowband FM mode, 200 KHz for the WFM. The CR-1A can be powered from multiple sources and thanks to the internal batteries (Li-Ion) directly rechargeable, no external battery charger is required, it offers an autonomy of about 10 hours.

It should be noted that the minimum tuning frequency is nominally 500 KHz but can, from the operational side, go down as much as 150 KHz. In this extension band, however, the performances are not guaranteed lacking a suitable preselector within the receiver with image frequencies problems. Experimenters with technical notions can make use of this option by adding suitable pre-selection filters to the antenna input. Through the USB connection the CR-1A can be controlled by a PC, a useful function especially for firmware update. The manufacturer provides a basic software for the spectrum analysis on a 200 KHz band.

CR-1A performance and practical notes :

For those who are interested to buy this receiver, we point out that the apparatus described is the direct successor of the CR-1 model of which it retains the circuit philosophy. The latter is different from the CR-1A, without the sampled /Q signal output and at the same time not able to PC control via USB port. We also mention that the first series produced had some drawbacks such as an audio noise in coincidence with the tuning step and a AGC (automatic gain control) intervention not optimal in the presence of short and strong signals. These defects have been completely overcome in the most recent production series. Currently the fans opinion on the CR-1A is largely positive; a very relevant sensitivity in HF, not so good on V/UHF though better than official data according to the same users, a selectivity that expresses a good slope if the filters, not least a reduced energy consumption that favors portable use. A receiver with singular traits in other terms that combines aspects not identifiable in other Software Defined Radio.

CR-1A price

We have collected for your convenience the CommRadio CR-1A sale price (Euro) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price	Date	Condition
EUR 549.00 (479GBP)	2021-sep	Second Hand In good condition
EUR 385.90 (449USD)	2020-aug	Second Hand The radio is in good condition. Includes owner's manual and box
EUR 389.95 (459USD)	2018-oct	Second Hand The radio is in good condition. Includes owner's manual, USB cable, DC power cable, a 12 VDC linear AC power supply. Boxed
EUR 322.00 (379USD)	2018-sep	Second Hand The radio is in good overall condition with CR1 battery installed. Included are the manual, DC power cable, USB cable