For Guino: USB Radio FM with RDS from Silabs

**RRMobile** · 09-12-2006, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by guino

That's awesome.. now you really have many options.. but I would get one and play with it before doing any work on it (I mean, what if the reception isn't good etc ?).. other than that, seems simple enough to integrate directly in RR or to at least use ComSend/modCom to integrate with the SDK method (as it is with the Cinergy and Blaupunkt cards).

Good!

Also keep in mind that IF the data interface is well designed by the silab guys is worth the effort to manage a couple of devices to create a "diversity" radio like the original one I have in my car.

Instead to simply tune the radio you have one receiver that costantly scan the band and give back the list of the radio found. The second receiver is used to tune the selected frequency if a better signal is found by the first receiver the second is instructed to change the frequency.

Just an idea...

**Wickerswammie** · 09-12-2006, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by RRMobile

Good!

Also keep in mind that IF the data interface is well designed by the silab guys is worth the effort to manage a couple of devices to create a "diversity" radio like the original one I have in my car.

Instead to simply tune the radio you have one receiver that costantly scan the band and give back the list of the radio found. The second receiver is used to tune the selected frequency if a better signal is found by the first receiver the second is instructed to change the frequency.

Just an idea...

In theory this should work with two of these devices with some modification of the source. I've spent some time in the SiLabs source so I know that this should be possible if you're willing to spend the time with it. I think that more will be gained from changing the sound API to use Direct Sound as opposed to the waveIn and waveOut APIs. I'm strongly considering working on that, personally.

**Custommx3** · 09-12-2006, 11:48 AM

This item has been brought up a few times in the past. Has anyone heard any info on signal quality of this thing? Much cheaper alternative than the HQCT radio.

**Custommx3** · 09-12-2006, 11:54 AM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...9&postcount=56

**RRMobile** · 09-12-2006, 02:33 PM

Tomorrow i will pass to the shop to buy a couple of them and I will compare the reception with my stock Audi 5.000$ system that has a diversity radio system!

I'll let you know

**RRMobile** · 09-12-2006, 02:33 PM

Tomorrow i will pass to the shop to buy a couple of them and I will compare the reception with my stock Audi 5.000$ system that has a diversity radio system!

I'll let you know

**Wiredwrx** · 09-12-2006, 02:45 PM

This is so far the only review of the unit, http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...1&postcount=70 Doesn't sound all that promising, but I will wait to pass judgement till someone really reviews it.

Also, it seems to be a VERY difficult item to source, though at this point, so is the HQCT.

Michael

**JohnWPB** · 09-12-2006, 05:58 PM

The Radio Shark (Available online, BestBuy, CompUSA ect) is a great cheap USB radio sollution. It's around $35-$45 and was recently on sale at Best Buy for $29.

I am using Evolutions Radio Shark Plugin and it works flawlessly.

A couple advantages of the Radio Shark, are the optional External antennae, and its time shifting ability. You can record radio, Rewind, pause, schedule recording ect.

**Griff1** · 09-12-2006, 06:48 PM

RRM,i seem to remember these from a thread a while back,it didn't lead to much as the item vanished from the silabs catalogue,i'm supprised you found 1.
Good luck.If its any good order more,lol