Question 1

What's the big difference between this and the hackrf one? Besides price.  Sorry if this is a noob qeustion.

Accepted Answer

Hi!  Well it's a bit of a noob question but that's what we're here for :)The YARD Stick One is not quite really a software defined radio, whereas the HackRF most certainly is a software defined radio.  But that might not mean much to you.Basically, both units are capable of receiving and transmitting (if using for transmitting, make sure you know your local laws!).  The YARD Stick, however, can only receive and transmit near the following frequencies: 281-361 MHz, 378-481 MHz, and 749-962 MHz (these are common ISM bands, which means in many cases it is legal to transmit on these frequencies without a licence--again, check and know your local laws!).  The HackRF, on the other hand, can receive and transmit anywhere from 1MHz to 6GHz.  Of course, it is also quite a bit more expensive.Both are very useful tools for different purposes.  If you are only going to be receiving and transmitting near ISM bands, YARD Stick One is a great value.  If not, HackRF might be the better option.There are other differences but the above is probably the most important.

Question 2

Can this be used to receive digital trunked signals in the 800-900Mhz range? All nearby law enforcement are on a statewide trunked radio network.

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you’re looking for a standard SDR dongle. This one is built specific for ISM band research. Trunked  radio systems use a ‘control channel’ and a set of ‘traffic’ frequencies. The way that different agencies use these other frequencies is through what are called ‘talk groups’. This way, multiple agencies can use the same frequencies without interfering with each other. Conversations will hop around between these frequencies and the control channel lets all the radios in one talk group know where to listen and transmit. You will generally need two SDR dongles. One to monitor the control channel, which lets you know what frequency is being used by the talk group you are monitoring, and another to actually listen to the radio traffic. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to listen to any talk groups that are encrypted. Most local police, fire and business radio traffic will be ‘in the clear’, while most higher government agencies will likely be encrypted. Read up on trucked radio systems for a more in-depth explanation. Also, please understand that these are not ‘plug-and-play’ devices. They require additional software, plug-ins and an in depth knowledge of the types of radio traffic you are trying to receive. There is a learning curve to using them, which is worth it, but if all you want is to casually listen to your local police and fire dept, a police scanner with trunking capabilities would be the way to go. They are more expensive, but much easier to use for simply listening to what’s going on in your town.

Question 3

Does this have an fcc authorization to be used legally in the usa?

Accepted Answer

The output power is so low that you will not be able to do anything without preampfification, however as with any devices that operate in this spectrum there are legal requirements if you are wanting to  use this for other purposes other than the intended purpose of research security. Also works good as a spectrum analyzer.

Question 4

How many watts transmission output power? Is there a device to boost the output?

Accepted Answer

The transmit power of the YARD Stick One is approximately 100 mW (20 dBm).  The transmit power is reduced a bit as the frequency increases, and it may vary from unit to unit. There is an onboard transmission amplifier to increase the output power. Thanks for your interest!

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Yard Stick One USB Transceiver

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