FlexRadio Power Genius XL User Manual

Power Genius XL

User Guide

FlexRadio is a registered trademark and SmartSDR is a trademark of FlexRadio.

All other brands or names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Power Genius XL Firmware Version 3.4.16

Power Genius XL Utility Version 2.2.10

27 August 2020

Contents

1 Important Notice ............................................................................................................................. 4

2 Features of the Power Genius XL ..................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Front Panel ............................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Back Panel ................................................................................................................................. 7

2.3 PTB/BCD Connector Pinout ....................................................................................................... 9

3 Power Genius XL Setup, Configuration, and Testing ....................................................................... 10

3.1 Unpacking and Setup .............................................................................................................. 10

3.2 Connecting the Power Genius XL Windows Utility .................................................................. 12

3.3 Basic Configuration ................................................................................................................. 14

3.3.1 Network Tab: Set a Custom Device Name ........................................................................ 14

3.3.2 Network Tab: Configuring the Network ........................................................................... 14

3.3.3 Network Tab: Testing Network Configuration .................................................................. 15

3.3.4 FlexRadio Tab: Configuring for a FLEX-6000 Series Transceiver. ....................................... 17

3.4 Advanced Configuration ......................................................................................................... 19

3.4.1 Configuring the Power Genius XL .................................................................................... 19

3.4.2 Required RF Output Delay (TX Delay) .............................................................................. 20

3.4.3 Interfacing with Other Exciters ........................................................................................ 22

3.5 Testing .................................................................................................................................... 33

4 Operating the Power Genius XL ..................................................................................................... 35

4.1 Changing Standby and Operate Modes................................................................................... 35

4.1.1 Standby Mode ................................................................................................................. 35

4.1.2 Operate Mode ................................................................................................................. 36

4.2 Setting Amplifier Bias Class ..................................................................................................... 36

4.2.1 Amplifier Bias Class Modes .............................................................................................. 37

4.3 Transmitting ............................................................................................................................ 38

4.3.1 Power Meter (PWR) ......................................................................................................... 38

4.3.2 SWR meter ...................................................................................................................... 39

4.3.3 Id Meter ........................................................................................................................... 39

4.3.4 PTT and Band Data .......................................................................................................... 39

4.3.5 Temperature and Voltage ................................................................................................ 40

4.3.6 Additional Information .................................................................................................... 40

4.4 Status LED (Backlight) ............................................................................................................. 41

4.4.1 Standby Mode – Yellow backlight .................................................................................... 41

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4.4.2 Operate Mode – Green backlight .................................................................................... 41

4.4.3 Transmitting – Red backlight ............................................................................................ 42

4.4.4 Firmware Upgrade in Progress– Magenta backlight ........................................................ 42

4.5 120 VAC Operations ................................................................................................................ 43

5 Maximum Efficiency Algorithm (MEffA™) ...................................................................................... 44

6 Automatic Power Control (APC) ..................................................................................................... 45

7 Harmonic Load ............................................................................................................................... 46

8 Thermal Management (Cooling) .................................................................................................... 47

8.1 Power Supply Unit (PSU) Fans ................................................................................................. 47

8.2 Power Amplifier (PA) Fans ....................................................................................................... 47

8.3 Harmonic Load and Filter Compartment Fan .......................................................................... 47

9 The Power Genius XL Windows Utility ........................................................................................... 48

9.1 Windows Utility Front Panel Display ....................................................................................... 48

9.2 Standby Operate Mode ........................................................................................................... 49

9.3 Active Fan Profile .................................................................................................................... 49

9.4 MEffA Indicator ....................................................................................................................... 49

9.5 Amplifier Configuration Dialog ............................................................................................... 49

9.5.1 Network Tab .................................................................................................................... 50

9.5.2 CAT/CI-V Tab .................................................................................................................... 51

9.5.3 FlexRadio Tab ................................................................................................................... 52

9.5.4 Other Tab ......................................................................................................................... 53

9.6 Usage Chart ............................................................................................................................ 54

10 Firmware Upgrade Procedure ........................................................................................................ 55

11 Factory Reset the Power Genius XL ................................................................................................ 57

12 Alarms ............................................................................................................................................ 57

13 Specifications ................................................................................................................................. 58

14 FCC Statement ............................................................................................................................... 58

15 Appendix ........................................................................................................................................ 59

15.1 Installing the Power Genius XL Utility .................................................................................. 59

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1 Important Notice

WARNING!

This Radio Frequency (RF) power amplifier is designed to operate on frequencies designated

for amateur radio service. You are required to have a valid amateur radio license to operate

on these frequencies.

Please operate this amplifier, only by following the instructions in the quick start guide and this user guide. The unit must only be opened or serviced by a qualified technician.

RF energy from transmitters can interact with some electronic devices, such as cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators. Please refer to the pacemaker or defibrillator manufacturer's instructions concerning the precautions to be taken near an amateur radio transmitter. If any interaction or interference with a pacemaker or defibrillator is suspected, STOP transmitting immediately.

! - WARNING!

▲- Caution

i – Information

! – This unit is NOT A TOY. It must not be handled by children nor placed/operated within reach of children.

! – Do not leave packing material for this unit unattended. It may be harmful to children if misused.

! – This unit contains small parts that could be a choking hazard to small children. Do not leave accessories unattended.

! – Do not operate this unit in potentially explosive environments.

! – Never attempt to insert wires or any tools into the interior of this unit during operation. This may cause fire, electric shock, or death!

! – This unit must only be operated with the electrical power described in this User Guide. Doing otherwise may cause a fire, injury, or electrical shock.

! – Never connect or disconnect antennas while in TRANSMIT mode. This may cause electrical shock or RF burns and damage to the unit.

! – This unit generates high levels of Radio Frequency (RF) energy. Use caution and observe proper safety practices regarding your system configuration. When attached to an antenna, this amplifier can generate RF electromagnetic fields which require evaluation according to your national law to provide any necessary isolation or protection required, concerning human exposure.

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▲- This unit must only be opened and serviced by a qualified technician. Opening the unit may void the manufacturer's warranty.

▲- Do not operate this unit in areas of extreme humidity.

▲- Avoid operating this amplifier in direct sunlight or other areas of extreme heat, excessive

vibration, or mechanical force.

▲- If this unit is intended for use in ICAS commercial applications, special safety regulations and cautions may apply to prevent accidents.

▲- If any defect, abnormal result, or other observations occur that are not covered by this User Guide, immediately cease operation and contact FlexRadio Support or local distributor for operational advice or repair of the unit.

i – No physical modification of this amplifier is allowed. Any other use or modification (including software changes that affect operational characteristics) will void the manufacturer's warranty.

i – Ensure proper ventilation around the amplifier; This includes 30 cm (12 inches) clearance in front and back.

i – Please study the complete User Guide. This document contains important information regarding the safe operation of this unit. If you have any questions, please contact the manufacturer or local distributor for details.

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2 Features of the Power Genius XL

1

Standby / Operate button

2

RGB LED Backlight

3

LCD Touchscreen Display

• Full legal power on all HF bands and 6M in all modes. 1500W ICAS with headroom for 2000W

• Unique Maximum Efficiency Algorithm (MEffA™) for efficiencies up to 75%

• Duplexed filters maximize harmonic suppression and efficiency

• Fully SO2R capable – 70dB nominal isolation between exciter inputs

• Automatic Power Control (APC) for ultra-fast SWR protection

• Remote control with desktop application in LAN or WAN environments

2.1 Front Panel

Designed to be easy to use, the front panel is easy to understand and intuitive. It consists of three elements:

Pressing the STBY/OPER button toggles the amplifier between STANDBY and O P ERATE modes. The LCD Touchscreen Display shows all the essential data for monitoring the amplifier while in operation. See Section

4.3 for details.

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2.2 Back Panel

The back-panel connectors are logically divided into two groups, the A port connectors, and B port connectors. The amplifier will amplify the signal on the A input and output it on the A output, or it will amplify the signal on the B input and output it on the B output. The A and B sections of the amplifier can be controlled independently by two radios. Separate A and B keying inputs (Push-To-Tal k , P T T, inputs) are provided as well as separate band data inputs. Either of the A or B sections can be keyed at any one time, but they cannot be keyed simultaneously.

Please refer to the table below.

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1

AC Power input: 90-250V AC, 50/60 Hz

2

RF Adaptive predistortion A output: BNC female connector, -60dBc output signal, for

connecting to radio A's adaptive predistortion input.

3

RF Adaptive predistortion B output: BNC female connector, -60dBc output signal, for

connecting to radio B's adaptive predistortion input.

4

RF Output B: SO239 connector for connecting an antenna

5

RF Output A: SO239 connector for connecting an antenna

6

CAT Input B: Optoisolated male DB9 connector for radio B CAT command input.

7

RF Drive B: SO239 connector for connecting radio B

8

RF Drive A: SO239 connector for connecting radio A

9

Power Switch: Switches input power ON or OFF

10

PTT Output A: Optoisolated female RCA connector. The center pin is grounded when section

See Required RF Output Delay (TX Delay) for usage details.

11

PTT Input A: Optoisolated female RCA connector. Ground the center pin to shield to engage

See Required RF Output Delay (TX Delay) for usage details.

12

CAT Input A: Optoisolated male DB9 connector for radio A CAT command input

13

BCD/PTB Input A: Optoisolated DE-15 female connector for radio A band data

14

CI-V Input A: Optoisolated 3.5mm female connector for ICOM radio A band data

15

BCD/PTB Input B: Optoisolated DE-15 female connector for radio B band data

16

CI-V Input B: Optoisolated 3.5mm female connector for ICOM radio B band data

17

PTT Output B: Optoisolated female RCA connector. The center pin is grounded when section

See Required RF Output Delay (TX Delay) for usage details.

18

PTT Input B: Optoisolated female RCA connector. Ground the center pin to key the B section

See Required RF Output Delay (TX Delay) for usage details.

19

Ethernet connection: RJ45 Local Area Network Ethernet connection

A of the amplifier is keyed and ready to accept RF drive.

PTT for the A section of the amplifier.

B of the amplifier is keyed and ready to accept RF drive.

of the amplifier.

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2.3 PTB/BCD Connector Pinout

Band

Frequency

Filter

1

160m

1.8 – 2.0 MHz

1 2 80m

3.5 – 4.0 MHz

2 3 40m

7.0 – 7.3 MHz

3 4 30m

10.10 – 10.15 MHz

4 5 20m

14.00 – 14.35 MHz

4 6 17m

18.068 – 18.168 MHz

5 7 15m

21.00 – 21.45 MHz

5 8 12m

24.89 – 24.99 MHz

5 9 10m

28.0 – 29.7 MHz

5

10

6m

50.0 – 54.0 MHz

6

15 Signal Ground

Filter

1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 NA

Band

160m

80m

40m

30m

20m

17m

15m

12m

10m

6m

None

Frequency

1.8

3.5 7 10

14

18

21

24

28

50

NA

Pin 11

H

L

H

L

H

L

H

L

H

L

H

L

Hex Value

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A 0

PTB input – A 5 to 15 volt DC signal applied to one of the pins described in the following table selects a band and the appropriate filter. The pins are optoisolated. Pin 15 is the signal ground.

i – The 60-meter band cannot be selected with this method.

BCD input – A 4 bit BCD signal (5 to 15 volt DC) selects a band and its filter. The pins are optoisolated. Pin 15 is

the signal ground.

The BCD inputs are designed to be driven by a direct connection to a band decoder output provided by radios such as Yaesu and Elecraft.

Pin 12 Pin 13 Pin 14

L L

H

L

H

L

H

L

H

H H

L L

H

L

L L

i – The 60-meter band cannot be selected with this method.

Filters – The amplifier engages output filters using a BCD value; the table above shows which filter is selected

for each value.

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3 Power Genius XL Setup, Configuration, and Testing

3.1 Unpacking and Setup

The following accessories and materials are included with your Power Genius XL amplifier. Carefully remove the amplifier from its shipping container, unpack, and identify the items listed below:

• One (1) Power Genius XL amplifier

• One (1) 2.4m (8 ft.) AC power cord with C13 connector and pigtails

• One (1) 2m (6 ft.) Ethernet cable

• One (1) Power Genius XL Quick Start Guide

Place your Power Genius XL on a flat, stable surface. Make sure the amplifier has at least 30cm (12 inches) of open space in front and back to ensure adequate cooling. Follow these steps and reference the diagram to connect your Power Genius XL:

1. Connect the transceiver antenna output to the Port A RF Drive socket on the PG XL.

2. Connect the antenna to the Port A RF Output socket.

3. Connect the supplied Ethernet cable from the RJ45 socket on the amplifier's back panel to a similar socket on your Local Area Network's router or switch.

4. Apply a plug to the power cable, appropriate to your local electrical environment. Connect the cable to the AC power source amplifier will accept 90 to 250 volts AC, 50 or 60 Hz. If powered by less than 208 volts, it will operate at a reduced maximum output power level.

1

and plug the C13 connector into the power socket on the back panel. The

5. Turn the amplifier on using the power switch on the back panel.

1

A dedicated 15-amp service with the proper circuit breaker wired per local, state or country codes or regulations.

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During power-up, the display will briefly show a splash screen similar to the following:

The amplifier will immediately conduct a power-on self-test (POST). The results of each test are displayed on the front panel. If any tests fail, the amplifier cannot be operated and will not advance into standby mode.

If any POST test fails, an alarm message will be displayed. Contact FlexRadio Support for assistance. There are no user-serviceable components inside the amplifier.

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After the test sequence, the amplifier will query your network DHCP service for an available IP address and automatically configure the network settings. If a DHCP service is not available or does not respond, the amplifier will self-assign a Link-Local IP Address following the RFC-3927

i – If the displayed IP Address begins with 169.254, then the amplifier is using a Link-Local IP Address. Depending on the configuration of your Local Area Network (LAN), this may indicate a network problem or prevent further setup. Contact FlexRadio Support for assistance.

When the power-on-self-test completes and resolves an IP address, the amplifier will enter STAN D BY mode and announce its presence on your Local Area Network. The Power Genius XL will always display the IP address.

specification.

3.2 Connecting the Power Genius XL Windows Utility

The Power Genius XL amplifier must be configured to work with the transceiver or transceivers that will drive it. The basic configuration of the amplifier is accomplished using the Power Genius XL Utility. To install the utility, please reference Installing the Power Genius XL Utility in the appendix.

Start the Power Genius XL Utility program. It will automatically discover your Power Genius XL amplifier, and you should see something similar to this:

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If you do not see your Power Genius XL in the Available devices list, please:

• Double-check your network connections and cables.

• Ensure the Power Genius XL is powered up, and an IP address is displayed on the front panel.

• Check that your Firewall is configured to allow the Power Genius XL utility to communicate over your

network.

• Check that your PC and Power Genius XL share the same logical network (the IP address of your PC and the Power Genius XL should be similar, though not identical).

If you still have trouble, please submit a HelpDesk ticket for assistance.

Click on your amplifier to select it, then click on the Connect button.

Once connected, an amplifier status screen will appear, similar to the image below. Click on the configuration settings button (outlined in red) to open the configuration settings for the amplifier.

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3.3 Basic Configuration

Please complete the following steps to configure your Power Genius XL.

3.3.1 Network Tab: Set a Custom Device Name

You can customize your Power Genius XL by configuring a device name and uniquely identify your amplifier. This name will appear on the front panel of the amplifier, in the utility Available devices list, and the utility's operational window.

• Select the Network Tab in the Configuration Dialog

• Enter an appropriate name in the device name field.

• Press Save

i – The amplifier will reboot when Save is pressed.

i – You do not need to press Save in every step. You can postpone that until you have completed all the configuration steps.

3.3.2 Network Tab: Configuring the Network

The Power Genius XL is configured at the factory (or after a factory reset) to use DHCP IP addressing and will automatically secure an IP Address appropriate for your network. This configuration should be sufficient for most situations.

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You can use the Power Genius XL Utility Network tab to assign a static IP Address, static Network Mask, and Gateway. Static IP addresses are sometimes desirable but require specific technical knowledge of your network.

The network settings dialog performs basic validation of the network settings. Note the red X next to an incorrectly formatted subnet mask.

If you not familiar with the rules of setting or using static IP addresses and believe you need to configure one, please submit a HelpDesk ticket for assistance.

When you have completed configuring the network tab, it is a best practice to press Save to instruct the Power Genius XL to store them before performing the next steps.

i – The amplifier will reboot when Save is pressed.

i – It is not necessary to exit and restart the Power Genius XL Windows Utility

i – If incorrect network information was saved, please follow the instructions in the Factory Reset the Power Genius XL section.

3.3.3 Network Tab: Testing Network Configuration

Once you have pressed save, the configuration dialog will close, and the Power Genius XL utility will wait for the amplifier to reboot.

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The utility will reconnect to the amplifier when it appears on the network.

Before moving to the next step, please click the configuration (gear) icon.

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3.3.4 FlexRadio Tab: Configuring for a FLEX-6000 Series Transceive r.

Location of Radio SN

Select the discovered Radio SN

ANT1 is Connected to Port A, LAN PTT

To pair the amplifier for use with a FLEX-6000 Series transceiver, turn the radio on, then click on the FlexRadio tab in the Power Genius XL Configuration screen

Serial Number: The utility program will detect your FLEX-6000 transceiver(s) automatically. If your radio is connected to Port A of the amplifier, click on the Port A serial number drop-down list and select your radio. You can find your radio's serial number on a sticker on the back panel of the radio or in the Smart SDR Radio Setup dialog. If a FLEX-6000 transceiver is connected to Port B, make the Port B configuration settings similarly.

It is not required that you connect ANT1 output on a FLEX-6000 series connect to Port A input on the amplifier. However, it is required that you configure which FLEX-6000 output (ANT1 or ANT2) is connected to which amplifier port (A or B). In other words, the configuration must match the physical connection.

TX Antenna: This field configures the amplifier to follow frequency changes on that port and automatically switch in the correct filters. For example, if ANT1 on a FLEX-6000 transceiver is connected to amplifier Port A input, then select ANT1 as value for the Port A Configuration section. When ANT1 is selected for transmitting on a slice, the amplifier will make the corresponding changes to its output filters, and the selected band will appear on the amplifier's front panel and utility screen.

ANT2 is Connected to Port A, LAN PTT

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When driven by a FLEX-6000 Series transceiver, the amplifier is optimally keyed (strongly recommended) over the LAN connection to the radio. You can use a PTT signal wire connected to the appropriate RCA PTT Input on the amplifier back panel. However, if you do, a ten millisecond (10ms) TX delay must be set for each Transmit profile that uses the Power Genius XL. Select the desired keying source in the PTT Source box on the configuration screen for each radio.

When the same FLEX-6000 transceiver is connected to both Power Genius XL ports (A and B), you can select the same serial number for both Port A and B sections. This configuration enables advanced Single Operator Two Radio (SO2R) operations, with a single transceiver and amplifier.

SO2R Configuration ANT2->Port A, ANT1->Port B

Click the Save button to record the configuration in the amplifier. The Power Genius XL amplifier is now configured for use by the FLEX-6000 Series transceiver. Please proceed to section 3.5, Testing the connection

to the radio to complete the setup.

! – Do not connect another transceiver via RS-232 (CAT), CI-V, or BCD to the same amplifier Port that is configured for a FlexRadio transceiver.

i – Do not connect a PTT line when interfacing with a FLEX-6000 transceiver. Unless some advanced need requires the use of a separate PTT signaling wire, LAN signaling is all you need.

i – No transmit delay needs to be configured in the FlexRadio 6000 Series transceiver when using the Power Genius XL with LAN signaling. The Power Genius XL applies the necessary delay automatically when it interacts with the radio at the start of a transmission.

i – The LAN integration of the Power Genius XL amplifier is supported in SmartSDR Version 2.0 and later versions. It is not supported in SmartSDR Version 1.

i – The amplifier will reboot when Save is pressed.

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3.4 Advanced Configuration

3.4.1 Configuring the Power Genius XL

The Power Genius XL amplifier must be configured to work with the transceiver or transceivers that will drive it. The basic configuration of the amplifier is accomplished using the Power Genius XL Utility program described above.

The amplifier can be driven by one or two radios. When using two radios, the makes and models do not need to be the same; each amplifier port allows a separate configuration. Follow the instructions that apply to your circumstance, then proceed to section 3.5, Testing to complete the setup.

Start the Power Genius XL Utility program. It will find your Power Genius XL amplifier automatically. Click on your amplifier to select it, then click on the Connect button.

The amplifier status screen will appear, as shown below. Click on the configuration settings button (outlined in red) to open the configuration settings for the amplifier.

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FlexRadio Power Genius XL User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

1 Important Notice

2 Features of the Power Genius XL

2.1 Front Panel

2.2 Back Panel

2.3 PTB/BCD Connector Pinout

3 Power Genius XL Setup, Configuration, and Testing

3.1 Unpacking and Setup

3.2 Connecting the Power Genius XL Windows Utility

3.3 Basic Configuration

3.3.1 Network Tab: Set a Custom Device Name

3.3.2 Network Tab: Configuring the Network

3.3.3 Network Tab: Testing Network Configuration

3.3.4 FlexRadio Tab: Configuring for a FLEX-6000 Series Transceive r.

3.4 Advanced Configuration

3.4.1 Configuring the Power Genius XL