Adalm-Pluto (clone) from China ???

I8LYL former I0LYL · Sep 3rd 2020

A clone of Adalm-Pluto has appeared on the usual Chinese e-commerce sites. The price is interesting (128-138 Euro free shipping), aluminum case, it seems smaller than the original, and in the characteristics it seems to already have the TCXO with greater stability. No product reviews, little technical information and someone will have to be the guinea pig sooner or later.

On the other hand, they advertise with the excellent SATSAGEN program as well as all the other SDR programs.

Anyone have more accurate news?

G0MJW · Sep 3rd 2020

Yes I saw that. Very interesting and why not as it is open source. However, unless it's an Analog Devices unit it should not have their logo on it.

I don't see a GPIO connector. It's a pity they didn't take the opportunity to provide a proper 5V input.

I took the risk on the original pluto ordering it will in advance of release. Someone else's turn to be guinea pig.

Mike

IU0CIX · Sep 4th 2020

Ciao Lucio, the clone's price isn't a deal to me.

I bought my Pluto for about 110 $ on the italian Digi Key site.. perhaps a good alternative could be the OSA103 (http://www.osa103.ru/en/main-page/).

Cheers

DC2PD · Sep 5th 2020

The interesting clone is this :

https://twitter.com/fei666888/status/1287415587505766402

He has added the second RX/TX channel and a TF card.

The newest version :

https://twitter.com/fei666888/…96732248486498304/photo/1

ra3apw · Sep 7th 2020

I placed an order for this device a week ago. As I understood from the description, the board has a U.FL connector for an external reference frequency. However, the parameters of the external reference signal (frequency) are not yet known.

df7ii · Sep 7th 2020

Quote from ra3apw

I placed an order for this device a week ago. As I understood from the description, the board has a U.FL connector for an external reference frequency. However, the parameters of the external reference signal (frequency) are not yet known.

Yes! “... TCXO and reserve an IPEX socket for external clock input to AD9363“

Besides the frequency, the power is also unknown!

PlutoSDR can accept input reference frequencies between 10 MHz and 80 MHz. You have to log into the PlutoSDR to set the reference clock.

Power: between 0.8 Vpp and 1.3 Vpp.

ra3apw · Sep 7th 2020

Quote from df7ii

Besides the frequency, the power is also unknown!

Almost all parameters of this unit are unknown and if they are known then they require verification.
Similar situation was with EDUP 2400 MHz amplifiers and with other RF products from Aliexpress.
I am planning to do a measurement test in my laboratory when the parcel will be at my table.

I8LYL former I0LYL · Oct 1st 2020

Very interesting. Could you check if the TCXO is really more stable on the NB ~~Beacon~~ Transponder?

ra3apw · Oct 8th 2020

Quote from DD0CW

If he doesn't answer or has no infos then please wait for RA3APW's measurements.

Hello,

today after 40 days of waiting for my order I received the following from Ebay seller: "The factory has stopped production. A new version is being developed later". Therefore the clone test measurements are canceled, sorry.

I will try to place an order for the standard AD ADALM Pluto rig - anybody can recommend the right place ?

I8LYL former I0LYL · Oct 8th 2020

Quote from ra3apw

...
I will try to place an order for the standard AD ADALM Pluto rig - anybody can recommend the right place ?

Karen, for the Russian Federation I don't know which is the best place to buy Adalm-Pluto.

For us in Italy the best combined price and the fastest delivery service can be found on Mouser or Digikey.

Regarding the clone we need to understand what happened. In fact, they have disappeared from all Chinese or non-Chinese sites.

ra3apw · Oct 8th 2020

Lucio, thank you for the advice - I will check these variants shortly.

Regarding the clone production - I don't know the reason why they decided to move to new version. May be AD was not happy with this clone...

DL5CN · Nov 4th 2020

Hallo,

I had the chance to have a look at the intermodulation distortion of a "Chinese Pluto". It was disappointing a bit. Originals and LimeSDR Mini do much better.
Can anybody confirm this?
There is no idea where the reasons are. The Chips are the same. Power Supply, layout
Don't panic, we will go further.
73
Andreas

hb9bla · Mar 6th 2021

Hello,

Did anybody have the chance to try the single or dual-channel version? If they work with the SDR console and if the RF is "clean"?
I did not find any information on the web.
73 de HB9BLA, Andreas

DL5CN · Mar 16th 2021

Hallo,
I need some help. I am looking for Information, data sheet or samples of SOT23-5 switching regulators. The SMD-Code is
JWF5J
It seems it is manufatured in Asia. Until now no substitute could be found. Every information about these Chips is highly appreciated. The regulators are feed with 5V. The output voltage can be adjusted by a resistor divider, I guess.

Thanks
73
Andreas

HB9SKA · Mar 16th 2021

Hallo Andreas

Hast Du schon nach "SOT23-5 switching regulator" gegoogelt ?

AP2AM · Mar 21st 2021

Hello Andreas

I think its the same as JW5223, a stepdown 6V synchronous Dc-Dc converter made by Joulwatt. Please visit their site below. You can email them for detailed specifications, otherwise attached pdf should be sufficient. The part is available on Aliexpress as well.

https://www.joulwatt.com/en/product_220.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/ite…8148356.18.24426931Ny48ae

JW5223.pdf

73

Syed

DL5CN · Mar 22nd 2021

Hallo Syed,
thanks for the information. Meanwhile I know, the step down regulators are TCS4615. This are Chinese components. I ordered some and hope it will bring the Pluto back to live.
73
Andreas

Hello Andreas

I think its the same as JW5223, a stepdown 6V synchronous Dc-Dc converter made by Joulwatt. Please visit their site below. You can email them for detailed specifications, otherwise attached pdf should be sufficient. The part is available on Aliexpress as well.

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