A Tiny SI4732 Receiver

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I love electronic toys, especially when they are to do with radio.

In the past couple of months, Youtube has been starting to pop up with reviews of a new SDR receiver based on the Si4732 chip from Skyworks Solutions:

The device is relatively inexpensive and with a recent sale on a popular China-based website that could be thought of as “a boxer in a hurry”, I was able to obtain one of these devices for $45 AUD.

My impressions so far:

  • Material quality was better than expected. Going by the video feature frames I was expecting a poor quality 3D printed case. The case, while 3D printed is fitted tightly together, does not feel brittle or flexible, and generally looks well machined, with no movement of internals inside the case.
  • It’s actually a little heavier than I thought, which I imagine is due to the batter.
  • It is using the v1.01 firmware from G8PTN out of the box, however it still feels a bit cumbersome to use, and it took me a while to realise that certain menu items were not available based on the frequency and mode.
  • Pleasantly surprised to find it was able to receive broadcast shortwave and amateur radio signals on the 60cm telescopic whip antenna that it shipped

The easiest mod I will do for portable fun will be an alligator clip attached to a long wire to increase the antenna’s reception.

It’s hardly going to replace my Yaesu, but for being able to put in your pocket while travelling, or to do some localised testing, it’s a fun piece of kit!