Many thanks to Dave Zantow (N9EWO) for apprising me of an update to the CommRadio line: the new CommRadio CR-1a.
Based on information published by CommRadio, it appears that the main difference is a change to the USB hardware which has been improved to provide:
- Digital I-Q (for third-party SDR developers), and
- One-step user programming (versus two-step with the CR-1).
Other differences are minor, and primarily cosmetic: for example, the CR-1a OLED display is now amber instead of green. Also, the CR-1a lacks the 1/8” HF antenna jack found on the CR-1 (CommRadio notes that the HF-BNC jack is superior).
Software updates and RF-analog DSP architecture are identical to the original CommRadio CR-1.
To me, the USB update is significant in that it results in the CR-1a’s ability to export IQ data via a USB cable.
This could make the CR-1a a very versatile and portable stand-alone or computer-linked SDR. Better yet, it can even be battery powered: the only SDR I know of with this feature.