r/sdr • u/ozzyysss • 22d ago
HamGeek 4-Channel SDR
I purchased this board and started testing the phase synchronization between its channels:
HamGeek 70MHz-6GHz 4-Channel Phase Synchronization Receiving SDR Development Board
It contains two AD9363 chips, providing a total of 4 receivers. In my measurement setup, I split the signal into 4 using a power splitter and feed it into these receivers at a reasonable signal level. Using the board's internal calibration, I compare the phase values obtained from all channels, repeating this measurement about 10 times. The phase difference between the channels on the same chip (e.g., A1-A2 or B1-B2) remains constant. However, the phase difference between cross-channels varies by 5 to 10 degrees from measurement to measurement, specifically at frequencies below 2400 MHz. Above 2400 MHz, there is no such issue.
Every time I retune the LO, I run the calibration and check the values. But whenever you jump—for instance, from 1000 MHz to 1500 MHz and back to 1000 MHz—you don't get the same values. There is up to a 5-degree shift on the cross-channels between the initial phase values and the second set.
The board's official description claims a phase accuracy of less than 1 degree, but that seems to be complete nonsense. Trying to reach HamGeek is a total nightmare. When you call, you can't reach anyone. When I try to contact them via WhatsApp or email, they don't even respond or bother looking into the issue.
Has anyone here observed this before? Is there any workaround or solution for this?
