Overall I like the simplicity of this filter and it works well. Though I wish it had USB-C instead of Micro-USB. Power is needed for this board to work but without power it seems to just pass the signal through which is great if you want to keep it hooked up to coax but not always use it.It doesn't come with a case and is just a barebones board. For this I designed a 3d printable case on cults3d. I also created an annotated graphic for the that contains the information on the board but also adds additional details such as frequency ranges!

Tested with a Nooelec NESDR. The filters appear to work well in mitigating out of band interference or QRM. When switched to a band that is outside the currently tuned one, it completely blocks out a signal. Passthrough works well with no issues. Something to keep in mind when using filters is there will be some minor db loss on signal strength while using this multiband filter. But if interference is an issue on common bands this should help. I was unable to make use of a bias tee as I do not have this yet in my setup, but powering via a separate USB cable works fine. Tested with CubicSDR and SDR# and was able to switch between filters while actively listening.Packaging is fairly simple. Included are covers for the selection nob and bias tee input. The bias tee cover button does not really attach securely to the button itself, so if using this permanently a dab of super glue could help there. Selecting the bias tee button while powering via USB does cause the bias tee light to glow orange, but does not affect the operation of the device with no additional voltage being supplied. It is recommended to not have this enabled however when other power sources are connected, such as a barrel plug or micro usb. There is no enclosure with this device. It does appear to be durable however, with not many exposed parts that could get knocked off or desoldered easily. Labeling is also well done and clear. The selection knob has labels for each section. The knob itself has an easy to read arrow without having to attach the supplied cover knob which also has an arrow. On the back of the adapter is also an easy to read lookup chart for each selection on the selector, including the position number. The numbers are visible without the knob cover, but if the cover is used, the numbers get obscured so only the band labels can be used. This is a trade off on usability, as the knob cover makes the knob easier to use.

This product is to be used as a companion module between an antenna and a generation 4 Software Defined Radio dongle. This device need to be powered by at minimum 3.3 or at maximum 5.5 volts of electricity, this can be achieved by connecting a USB cord to this device or optionally soldering in leads. A DC block also sold by NoElec may also be needed for connecting between this device and the receiver on generation 3 or older SDR's to offset power draw from this device.This product comes with labeled instructions on the board to it's use, this product is capable of distinctively isolating specific frequency's in the RF spectrum for cleaner listening on their respective regions. This product has the ability to provide complete passthrough of RF with no filtering for use when filtering is not desired. This item has 2 male SMA connections for attaching to your radio setup.

The Nooelec Ham Filter Bank Barebones is a specialized multiband radio module designed to cater to amateur radio enthusiasts and professionals who require precise band filtering across various ISM frequencies. This device stands out for its capability to cover the 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 33cm, and 23cm ham bands with five separate bandpass filters and a passthrough, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of radio applications. This review will explore its features, performance, usability, and overall value, taking into account its strengths and areas for improvement.Features and SpecificationsBand Coverage: The device covers five common ISM frequencies essential for amateur radio operations, including the 2m (144 MHz), 1.25m (222 MHz), 70cm (430 MHz), 33cm (902 MHz), and 23cm (1240 MHz) bands. This range ensures that users can access a wide spectrum of various communication needs.Bandpass Filters: The inclusion of five separate bandpass filters allows for the selective passing of frequencies within a specific range while blocking those outside the range, enhancing signal quality and reducing interference.Passthrough: A passthrough feature is available for users who may need to bypass the filtering for certain applications, adding flexibility to the device's use.PerformanceThe Nooelec Ham Filter Bank Barebones performs admirably within its intended application scope. The ability to isolate specific ham bands with precision filtering significantly improves the reception quality and reduces the likelihood of cross-band interference, which is crucial in densely populated frequency environments. The device operates efficiently across the designated ISM frequencies, making it a valuable tool for amateur radio operators engaged in various activities, from DXing to local communication.Usability and DesignWhile the device's functionality is impressive, one notable drawback is the lack of documentation. Users new to radio modules or those unfamiliar with the specifics of bandpass filtering may find it challenging to maximize the potential of the Ham Filter Bank without guidance. However, the amateur radio community is known for its resourcefulness, and the adaptability shown by users, such as 3D printing custom cases, exemplifies the DIY spirit prevalent in this hobby. The barebones nature of the product does imply that a certain level of expertise is assumed or required, which may limit its appeal to more experienced enthusiasts.Build Quality and DurabilityAlthough not explicitly mentioned, the build quality of Nooelec products typically meets the expectations for hobbyist-level gear. The decision by users to create custom 3D-printed cases not only speaks to the need for protective housing to ensure the module's longevity but also highlights the community's willingness to augment and personalize their equipment.Value for MoneyFor the amateur radio operator looking for a specialized tool to enhance their setup, the Nooelec Ham Filter Bank Barebones represents a significant value, particularly when considering the device's capability to improve signal clarity and operational efficiency across multiple bands. The cost must be weighed against the need for additional efforts to understand and utilize the device fully, given the absence of documentation.ConclusionThe Nooelec Ham Filter Bank Barebones is a niche product that serves a specific need within the amateur radio community. Its performance in isolating and improving signal quality across multiple ham bands is commendable. However, the product is best suited for those with a good understanding of radio electronics or the willingness to engage with the community to overcome the initial learning curve. The lack of documentation is a notable drawback, but for the inventive and resourceful, this module offers a solid foundation for building and optimizing a multi-band radio setup. The ingenuity of users in creating custom solutions, like 3D printed cases, further illustrates the product's potential when integrated into a well-considered amateur radio environment.

Got ride of my FM/TV/ RTTY inter-modulation interference.