Power Genius XL
User Manual
rev 0
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Table of Contents
0. Important notice.....................................................................................................................................3
1. Unpacking..............................................................................................................................................5
1.1. Front Panel.....................................................................................................................................6
1.2. Back Panel......................................................................................................................................7
1.3. BCD/PTP connector pinout............................................................................................................8
2. Turning ON / Quick Start Guide............................................................................................................9
2.1. STBY/OPER................................................................................................................................12
2.2. Front Display overview................................................................................................................12
2.2.1. Power meter..........................................................................................................................13
2.2.2. SWR meter............................................................................................................................13
2.2.3. Id peak..................................................................................................................................13
2.2.4. PTT and Band Data..............................................................................................................14
2.2.5. Temperature and voltage.......................................................................................................14
2.2.6. IP address and Firmware version..........................................................................................15
2.3. Backlight modes...........................................................................................................................16
2.3.1. Stand By Mode – Yellow backlight......................................................................................16
2.3.2. Operate Mode – Green backlight..........................................................................................16
2.3.3. TX Mode – Red backlight....................................................................................................17
2.3.3. Firmware Upgrade Mode – Magenta backlight....................................................................17
3. Using with Radios................................................................................................................................18
3.1. FlexRadio Series 6000..................................................................................................................18
3.2. Yaesu.............................................................................................................................................21
3.3. Elecraft.........................................................................................................................................23
3.4. Icom radios...................................................................................................................................24
Other radios.........................................................................................................................................25
4. MEffA..................................................................................................................................................25
5. Power derating with temperature increase...........................................................................................26
5.1. Power derating overview..............................................................................................................26
5.2. Reducing maximum voltage with temprature..............................................................................26
6. Automatic Power Control.....................................................................................................................26
7. Alarms..................................................................................................................................................27
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FCC STATEMENT
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation
0. Important notice
WARNING!
This amplifier has been configured to operate in your country according to your nation's
regulations. It will operate on frequencies which are not allowed for public use. You are
required to have a valid amateur radio license of an appropriate class from your government
to have the privileges to operate on amateur radio frequencies.
Except those actions which have been described in this user manual, no other manipulations
to the amplifier are allowed. The unit must only be opened and/or serviced by a qualified
technician.
If you have any questions due to misunderstanding, translation errors and alike, please
contact the appropriate party for further information.
Radio frequency energy (RF) from transmitters can interact with some electronic devices,
such as cardiac peacemakers and defibrillators. Please refer to the implanted peacemaker or
defibrillator manufacturer's instructions with respect to precautions to be taken in the vicinity
of a radio amateur transmitter. If any interaction or interference with a peacemaker or
implanted defibrillator is suspected, STOP transmitting immediately.
! - WARNING!
▲- Caution
i – Information
▲ Index 3/27
! – 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 or electric shock.
! – This unit must only be operated with the electrical power described in the User
Manual. 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 to your skin and damage to the unit.
! – This unit generates Radio Frequency (RF) energy. Use caution and observe proper
safety practices regarding your system configuration. When attached to an antenna,
this amplifier is capable of generating RF electromagnetic field which require
evaluation according to your national law to provide any necessary isolation or
protection required, with respect to human exposure!
▲- This unit must only be opened and/or 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 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
▲ Index 4/27
this User Manual; immediately cease operation and contact the manufacturer or local
distributor for operational advice or repair of the unit.
i – No other 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 clearance in
front and back.
i – Please study the complete User Manual. 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 further information.
1. Unpacking
The following accessories and materials are included with your Power Genius XL amplifier.
Carefully remove PG XL from its shipping container, unpack and identify the items listed
below:
• One (1) Power Genius XL amplifier
• One (1) 2.4m DC power cord with C13 connector plug and pigtails
• One (1) 2m Ethernet cable
• One (1) Power Genius XL Quick Start Guide
Carefully remove the packaged accessories and the Power Genius XL from the shipping
carton and identify all of the supplied accessories listed in the previous section.
Place the Power Genius XL in your operating position making sure it has adequate ventilation.
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1.1. Front Panel
The front panel is designed to be simple and intuitive. It consists of three elements:
1 Standby / Operate button
2 RGB LED Backlight
3 LCD Touchscreen Display
Pressing the STBY/OPER button toggles between standby and operate modes.
The LCD Touchscreen Display shows all the important data for monitoring during operation.
The RGB LED backlight shows operation states:
• Stand By mode is indicated by a yellow color.
• Operate mode is indicated by a green color.
• Transmitting is indicated by a red color.
• Firmware Upgrade mode is indicated by a magenta color.
More details on the display elements and different states will follow in separate chapters on
these subjects.
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1.2. Back Panel
The connectors are logically divided into two groups, A and B, for respective radios.
1 AC Power input: standard 120V or 220V AC used to power the amplifier.
2 RF Precorrector A output: BNC female connector -60dBc output signal, for
connecting to a radio precorrector. (if the radio has one)
3 RF Precorrector B output: BNC female connector -60dBc output signal, for
connecting to a radio precorrector. (if the radio has one)
4 RF output B: standard SO239 type connector for connecting your antenna.
5 RF output A: standard SO239 type connector for connecting your antenna.
6 CAT input B: standard male DB9 type connector for radio CAT connection. Pins are
isolated with optocouplers.
7 RF input B: standard SO239 type connector for connecting your transceiver.
8 RF input A: standard SO239 type connector for connecting your transceiver.
9 Power Switch: power the amplifier ON / OFF.
10 PTT output A: standard female RCA connector. It outputs GND as a PTT signal. Can
be configured to +12V by internal jumper. Pins are isolated with optocouplers.
11 PTT input A: standard female RCA connector. It expects GND as a PTT signal. Can
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be configured to +12V by internal jumper. Pins are isolated with optocouplers.
12 CAT input A: standard male DB9 type connector for radio CAT connection. Pins are
isolated with optocouplers.
13 BCD/PTP input A: standard female DB15 connector for radio band data. Pins are
isolated with optocouplers.
14 CI-V input A: standard 3.5mm stereo female connector for ICOM radio band data.
Pins are isolated with optocouplers.
15 BCD/PTP input B: standard female DB15 connector for radio band data. Pins are
isolated with optocouplers.
16 CI-V input A: standard 3.5mm stereo female connector for ICOM radio band data.
Pins are isolated with optocouplers.
17 PTT output B: standard female RCA connector. It outputs GND as a PTT signal. Can
be configured to +12V by internal jumper. Pins are isolated with optocouplers.
18 PTT input B: standard female RCA connector. It outputs GND as a PTT signal. Can
be configured to +12V by internal jumper. Pins are isolated with optocouplers.
19 Ethernet connection: standard RJ45 connector for your ethernet connection.
1.3. BCD/PTP connector pinout
PTP input – Uses PTP signal (+12V) to select
the proper filter. Pins are isolated with
optocouplers.
Pin 1 Filter for 1,8 to 2 MHz
Pin 2 Filter for 3.5 to 4 MHz
Pin 3 Filter for 5 to 7.5 MHz
Pin 4 or 5 Filter for 10 to 14.5 MHz
Pin 7 or 8 or 9 Filter for 18 to 29.5 MHz
Pin 10 Filter for 50 to 52 MHz
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BCD input – Uses BCD signal (+12V) signal
to select the proper filter. Pins are isolated
with optocouplers.
BCD inputs are designed for a direct
connection to a band decoder used by radios
such as YAESU and Elecraft.
Filter No.
Band
Frequency
Band A
Band B
Band C
Band D
Hex Code
1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 NA
160m 80m 40m 30m 20m 17m 15m 12m 10m 6m None
1.8 3.5 7 10 14 18 21 24 28 50 NA
H
L
L
L
H
L
L
L
H
H
L
L
L
L
H
L
H
H
L
L
H
H
L
L
H
H
H
L
L
L
L
H
H
H
L
L
L
H
L
H
L
L
L
L
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A 0
2. Turning ON / Quick Start Guide
Place your Power Genius XL on a flat stable surface.
Make sure your Power Genius XL amplifier has at least 30cm of space in front and in the back
to insure adequate cooling.
Follow these steps before powering your Power Genius XL:
1) Connect the radio antenna out to the RF INPUT on the PG XL. (A or B port)
2) Connect the antenna to the corresponding RF OUTPUT on PG XL.
3) Connect the radios PTT out to the corresponding PTT input connector on PG XL.
4) Connect the radios band data to PG XL. This can be done in one of 4 ways, depending
on the exact model of the radio you will be using:
a) Using an ethernet connection to get band data from your series 6000 FlexRadio.
b) Using a band decoder (BCD or PTP protocol, depending on the radio you are
using). This connection requires no additional configuration and works
automatically. The BCD/PTP connection has the highest priority, and will ignore
other connections if they exist.
c) Using RS232 for connecting radios CAT information. (Kenwood, Yaesu, Elecraft,
▲ Index 9/27
ICOM 7800). Configure the CAT protocol details using the PG XL Windows app.
d) CI-V connection for older ICOM radios. Configure the CI-V protocol details using
the PG XL Windows app. There is no separate tab for CI-V, it uses the RS232
settings instead.
After connecting everything use the supplied power cable to connect PG XL to the power
outlet.
Upon powering up, the display will show the loading screen as shown on the picture below.
The amplifier will do a self test of all the internal components before letting you operate. Fans
will go to maximum speed to blow out any dust gathered inside. This can be very loud.
An example of a successful self test screen is shown on the picture below.
If for some reason a module fails a test you will see a [FAIL] written be on the right. If this
happens please contact Flex Radio for support. Attempting to fix the amplifier yourself will
void the warranty.
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After the self test is complete and everything is [OK] the amplifier will proceed to stand by
mode.
1) Press the OPERATE button on the front panel.
This will activate the operate mode, and measuring bars will appear on the display.
2) Verify the band data is being read correctly by looking at the main display on PG XL.
The band data is marked in red on the picture below.
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If everything is ok, you can proceed to the operate mode by pressing the STBY/OPER button
on the front and start using the amplifier.
2.1. STBY/OPER
Pressing the STBY/OPER button will toggle between stand by and operate modes.
The difference between these modes is:
• In STBY mode the PTT connection line is disabled.
The main power supply is switched off.
• In OPER mode the PTT connection line is enabled.
The main power supply is switched on.
The “STAND BY” message written on the LCD display indicates the
amplifier is in stand by mode.
Yellow LED backlight is also an indication that the amplifier in stand by
mode.
Press the button again to go into operate mode.
Measuring bars will appear on the display.
Green LED backlight is also anv indication that you are in operate
mode.
2.2. Front Display overview
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2.2.1. Power meter
Power bar indicates current transmitting power. It ranges from 0 to over 2000W.
The red section is above 1500W.
MEffA orange line indicates that MEffA is active. This is a predefined range. MEffA stands for
Maximum Efficiency Algorhitm. More on this in a chapter 4.1 MEffA overview.
The red line indicates peak power.
2.2.2. SWR meter
This bar shows the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) value.
Maximum allowed working SWR is 1:3.
Firmware will enable the power derating algorithm when SWR is between 1:1.5 and 1:3.
Above 1:3 SWR the amplifier will go to alarm mode, preventing transmitting.
2.2.3. Id peak
Drain current peak bar. Ranges from 0 to over 70A.
NOTE: This is not a real time measurement. It updates every 100ms and should be used for
reference only.
To accurately measure actual peak power use a carrier signal for a period of 1s.
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2.2.4. PTT and Band Data
Top row shows the Radio A PTT information, band data and transistor bias class.
Bottom row shows the Radio B PTT information, band data and transistor bias class.
The PTT label will turn red when PTT input is detected.
The green labels show the current band data. When no band data is present these labels will
display N/A for Not Available.
The blue label indicates transistor bias class. Class AB is optimal for single tone modes while
class AAB is more suited for SSB.
While transmitting PG XL will monitor the signal automatically and determine the nature of the
signal (SSB or single tone). If the firmware determines the class needs to be changed the
label will start blinking. The class will be changed on the next transmission (after releasing
PTT and activating it again).
Labels to the right indicate the band data source which is either:
• Flex Radio, in which case it will display your radios name
• BCD band data
• PTP band data
2.2.5. Temperature and voltage
The bottom right part of the screen displays:
• t or the current temperature of the output transistor
• Vdd or the output transistor drain voltage
• Vac or the main power supply voltage
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Optimal operation is below 60 °C.
Above 60 °C firmware will begin decreasing power to protect the amplifier from permanent
damage.
If temperature exceeds 85° C the amplifier will go into alarm mode to prevent transmitting
before the temperature drops.
Fans are controlled automatically by the firmware.
Normal Vdd values range from 30V to 53V.
Vdd is automatically controlled depending on temperature control and efficiency.
2.2.6. IP address and Firmware version
On the bottom left of the screen you can see your firmware version and current IP address.
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2.3. Backlight modes
2.3.1. Stand By Mode – Yellow backlight
The yellow backlight indicates the amplifier is in STAND BY mode.
In order to activate the operate mode, click the STBY/OPER button on
the front panel.
2.3.2. Operate Mode – Green backlight
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The green backlight indicates the amplifier is in OPERATE mode.
If you want to activate the stand by mode click the STBY/OPER button
on the front panel.
2.3.3. TX Mode – Red backlight
The red backlight indicates the amplifier is in TX mode.
2.3.3. Firmware Upgrade Mode – Magenta backlight
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Magenta backlight indicates the amplifier is in firmware upgrade mode.
The display will show bootloader version and IP address of the device.
In order to force PG XL into bootloader mode:
• Turn the amplifier off
• Connect a footswitch to the PTT A input
• Activate and hold PTT A input
• Press and hold the STBY/OPER button
• Turn the amplifier on
3. Using with Radios
This chapter covers connecting your Power Genius XL with various popular radios.
3.1. FlexRadio Series 6000
Use the supplied Ethernet cable to connect your Power Genius XL amplifier to your local
computer network. Power Genius XL will use DHCP to obtain a valid address automatically.
Download your Power Genius XL Windows application from the FlexRadio or 4O3A website.
Install and run it.
The application will find your Power Genius XL amplifier automatically. Tap on your amplifier
select it, then tap on the Connect button.
▲ Index 18/27
Once connected the amplifier will be in a Stand By mode. Click on the green operate button to
switch to the Operate mode.
NOTE: Before entering the operate mode Power Genius XL will perform a self test of all the
modules.
Fans will go to maximum speed to blow out any dust gathered inside. This can be very loud.
Once the self test is complete fans will return to standard operation speed.
Once in Operate mode you will be able to monitor all the parameters you see on your Power
Genius XL LCD display.
▲ Index 19/27
This includes:
• Power
• SWR
• Current
• PTT activity
• Current band
• Temperature
• Drain Voltage
• Main Line Voltage
Click on the configure button on the top of your Power Genius XL Windows App. The settings window will open.
Click on the FlexRadio tab.
The app will detect your FLEX-6000 automatically. Click on the serial number drop down list and select your
radio. Add the desired antenna port and select PTT source (software or wire connection). Repeat for Radio 2.
Check band information on your Power Genius XL App and LCD screen.
If successfully configured you should see band information. Otherwise the band data will be
N/A (not available) and the amplifier will not allow transmitting.
▲ Index 20/27
If using a wire connection as PTT source check the physical connection. Set initial drive to
10W.
You should now see output power in the range of about 1 kW. If your SWR is good (less then
1:2) you can increase output power to 1500W by increasing drive.
3.2. Yaesu
Yaesu radios are connected using the CAT (RS232) or BCD
(DB15 to DIN) protocols.
For CAT use straight female to female DB9 cable.
See the diagram below for the BCD pinout.
Connection is the same for all standard Yaesu radio models.
All pins on on the CAT connector are isolated by optocouplers.
▲ Index 21/27
You can use either Radio A or Radio B CAT connector on your PG XL.
You can also choose to use a BCD connection:
▲ Index 22/27
3.3. Elecraft
Elecraft radios are connected to the BCD (DB15) potocol.
See the diagram below for the cable pinout.
Connection is the same for all standard Elecraft radio models.
All pins on on the BCD connector are isolated by optocouplers.
▲ Index 23/27
You can use either Radio A or Radio B BCD connector on your PG XL.
3.4. Icom radios
Icom radios are connected using the CAT (RS232) or CI-V
(3.5mm stereo) protocols.
For CAT use straight female to female DB9 cable.
For CI-V use a straight 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo connector.
Use the PG XL app to setup the protocol details. CI-V shares
the same settings as CAT.
Connection is the same for all standard Yaesu radio models.
▲ Index 24/27
Other radios
Most traditional radios use universal protocols for sending band data:
A) BCD / PTP protocol
Connect your radio or band decoder to the BCD/PTP port on the amplifier.
This connection requires no additional configuration and works automatically.
The BCD/PTP connection has the highest priority, and will ignore other connections if
they exist.
B) CAT protocol
Connect your radio to the CAT (RS232) port on the amplifier.
Configure the CAT protocol details using the PG XL Windows app.
C) CI-V protocol
Connect your radio to the CI-V port using a 3.5mm stereo connector.
Configure the CI-V protocol details using the PG XL Windows app. There is no
separate tab for CI-V, it uses the RS232 settings instead.
4. MEffA
MEffATM stands for Maximum Efficiency Algorithm.
For single tone modes (CW, RTTY), MEffA sets dynamic real time output device drain voltage
and current yielding maximum efficiency for output power in real time reducing heat
dissipation for efficiency up to 75%.
Up to 65% head dissipation reduction efficiency with excellent IMD characteristics for SSB.
▲ Index 25/27
5. Power derating with temperature increase
5.1. Power derating overview
Automatic power control or APC regulates output power in case of difficulties in amplifier
operation. When high SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) is detected, APC proportionately reduces
output power to safe level allowing continued operation
When VSWR exceeds high limit, APC switches amp to STBY (RF input bypassed directly to
output) mode.
When APC detects increased heat sink temperature, it will reduce output power only if the
MEffATM system cannot contain it within allowed limits; when the amplifier cools to a safe 60
degrees C, APC will return amp back to full power
5.2. Reducing maximum voltage with temprature
The firmware constantly monitors Vdc (DC Voltage) levels on the LDMOS transistors.
In case of very high temperatures the firmware will reduce power to protect the unit.
When the temperature returns to normal, the power levels are turned back up.
6. Automatic Power Control
Automatic power control is a system to reduce output power once it exceeds a preset
threshold. The default factory threshold is set to 1800W.
When peak power goes above 1800W APC will activate. The APC label will appear and
power reading will turn red.
Reduce drive power to have a total output power less then 1800W in order to deactivate the
system. APC system was designed to prevent damage to the amplifier.
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7. Alarms
In case of an alarms you will see a message in plain text on the main display. The text will be
colored in red. See the picture below.
Here is a list of all the possible alarms:
Alarm Message Description
TEMPERATURE ALARM Maximum allowed temperature on the output transistor
exceeded. Turn the amplifier off and let it cool for a
period of time.
HIGH SWR High SWR.
NO BAND DATA Band data not detected. Check your band data
settings/connections/sources.
OVERDRIVE Amplifier going into overdrive. Lower gain.
CB NOT ALLOWED Current band not allowed. Change the current band.
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