SDR-1000
OPERATING MANUAL
Ver s ion 1.8.0
S D R - 1 0 00 S O F T WA RE D E F I NE D R A D IO
Operating Manual
FlexRadio Systems
12100 Technology Boulevard • Austin, TX 78727
Phone: (512) 250-8595 • Fax: (512) 233-5143
Email: sales@flex-radio.com
Editor: Joe de Groot – AB1DO
i FlexRadio Systems
Table of Contents
PREFACE.............................................. ......................................VIII
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.................................................................. ..X
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.............................................................1
2 SPECIFICATIONS................................................................. ........2
3 HARDWARE CONFIGURATION.....................................................3
STANDARD CONFIGURATION....................................................................................................... 3
High Performance Receiver Preamplifier...............................................................................................3
Fifth Order Low Pass Filters..................................................................................................................3
Enhanced 1W PEP Driver..................................................................................................................... 4
28MHz Transverter IF Takeoff..............................................................................................................4
Experimental Impulse Generator........................................................................................................... 4
Enclosure..............................................................................................................................................4
UPGRADES.......................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Meter Transverter...............................................................................................................................5
100W Power Amplifier.........................................................................................................................5
Specifications........................................................................................................................ ........................5
Automatic Antenna Tuning Unit............................................................................................................6
Griffin PowerMateTM VFO Tuning Knob............................................................................................ 6
Contour Designs Shuttle Pro V.2...........................................................................................................6
External Clock Reference Option.......................................................................................................... 7
USB To Parallel Adapter.......................................................................................................................7
4 PLUG PINOUTS...........................................................................8
EXTERNAL CONTROL CONNECTOR (X2)....................................................................................8
Push To Talk (PTT) Input..................................................................................................................... 9
Mute Receiver...................................................................................................................................... 9
External Linear Amplifier Keying......................................................................................................... 9
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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Universal Controller Board for Antenna and Transverter Control............................................................9
ENCLOSURE MICROPHONE CONNECTOR............................................................................... 10
KEYER INPUT................................................................................................................................... 11
5 HARDWARE SETUP...................................................................12
6 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION & SETUP........................................18
INSTALL LATEST SOUND CARD DRIVERS................................................................................19
UPGRADING FROM AN EARLIER VERSION..............................................................................19
POWERSDR EXECUTABLE INSTALLATION............................................................................. 19
POWERSDR SETUP WIZARD.........................................................................................................24
SOUND CARD SETUP.......................................................................................................................33
POWERSDR CALIBRATION...........................................................................................................34
Frequency Calibration – DDS Clock Adjustment................................................................................. 35
Auto Calibration............................................................................................................................ ..............35
Manual Calculation................................................................................................................. ....................35
Level Calibration – Spectrum & S-Meter.............................................................................................35
Image Null Calibration .......................................................................................................................36
Automatic Calibration .................................................................................................................... .............36
Manual Adjustment....................................................................................................................... ...............36
AUTOMATIC AMPLIFIER GAIN CALIBRATION.......................................................................36
7 FRONT CONSOLE......................................................................38
(1) VFO A............................................................................................................................................ 40
(2) TUNING CONTROLS.................................................................................................................. 40
(3) VFO B.............................................................................................................................................41
(4) MULTIMETER............................................................................................................................. 41
RX Meters.......................................................................................................................................... 41
TX Meters.......................................................................................................................................... 42
(5) BAND SELECTION & BAND STACKING MEMORIES..........................................................43
(6) MODE SELECTION.....................................................................................................................44
(7) FILTER CONTROLS................................................................................................................... 45
Labeled Filter Buttons......................................................................................................................... 45
Variable Filter Buttons........................................................................................................................ 46
(8) MODE SPECIFIC CONTROLS...................................................................................................47
Phone Controls ...................................................................................................................................47
CW Controls.......................................................................................................................................48
Digital Controls...................................................................................................................................50
(9) DISPLAY CONTROLS.................................................................................................................50
Panadapter View Controls................................................................................................................... 51
Display Type Controls.........................................................................................................................52
Display Type Descriptions.................................................................................................................. 52
Spectrum..................................................................................................................................... ................53
Panadapter (Panoramic Adapter)................................................................................................. ................53
Histogram............................................................................................................................... ....................54
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Waterfall..................................................................................................................................................... .55
Scope...................................................................................................................................... ....................55
Phase............................................................................................................................................. .............56
Off...................................................................................................................................... ........................56
Cursor and Peak Position........................................................................................................................ .....57
(10) SUB-RX CONTROLS..................................................................................................................58
(11) DSP CONTROLS.........................................................................................................................58
(12) VFO CONTROLS........................................................................................................................59
(13) CPU %..........................................................................................................................................60
(14) POWER (STANDBY/ON)........................................................................................................... 60
(15) MON (MONITOR)...................................................................................................................... 61
(16) MOX (MANUALLY OPERATED TRANSMIT).......................................................................61
(17) MUT (MUTE).............................................................................................................................. 61
(18) X2TR............................................................................................................................................ 61
(19) ATU MODES............................................................................................................................... 62
(20) TUN (TUNE)................................................................................................................................ 62
(21) AF (AUDIO FREQUENCY GAIN).............................................................................................62
(22) RF (RADIO FREQUENCY GAIN).............................................................................................63
(23) DRIVE (TRANSMITTER POWER OUTPUT/TUNE POWER).............................................. 63
(24) AGC (AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL)...................................................................................63
(25) PREAMP......................................................................................................................................64
(26) SQL (SQUELCH)........................................................................................................................ 64
(27) DATE/TIME DISPLAY...............................................................................................................65
(28) SETUP FORM............................................................................................................................. 65
(29) – (33) OPERATING FORMS..................................................................................................... 65
8 SETUP FORM.................................................................. ...........66
GENERAL TAB..................................................................................................................................67
Hardware Config Sub-Tab.................................................................................................................. 67
Radio Model................................................................................................................................................................67
Hardware Setup............................................................................................................................................................68
DDS.............................................................................................................................................................................69
Options Sub-Tab.................................................................................................................................70
Options........................................................................................................................................................................71
Process Priority............................................................................................................................................................71
Update Notification......................................................................................................................................................72
Click Tune Offsets (Hz)................................................................................................................................................72
Auto Mute....................................................................................................................................................................72
Main Console (Always On Top)...................................................................................................................................73
Keyboard.....................................................................................................................................................................73
Calibration Sub-Tab............................................................................................................................ 74
Freq Cal.......................................................................................................................................................................74
Level Cal.....................................................................................................................................................................74
RX Image Reject Cal...................................................................................................................................................75
Filters Sub-Tab................................................................................................................................... 75
AUDIO TAB........................................................................................................................................76
Sound Card Sub-Tab...........................................................................................................................76
Sound Card Selection...................................................................................................................................................76
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Buffer Size...................................................................................................................................................................76
Sample Rate.................................................................................................................................................................77
Line In Gain.................................................................................................................................................................77
Mic In Gain..................................................................................................................................................................77
Latency........................................................................................................................................................................77
Output Voltage.............................................................................................................................................................77
Sound Card Setup Details.............................................................................................................................................78
VAC Sub-Tab.....................................................................................................................................79
Gain (dB).....................................................................................................................................................................79
Auto Enable.................................................................................................................................................................80
DISPLAY TAB....................................................................................................................................80
Spectrum Grid..............................................................................................................................................................81
Refresh Rates...............................................................................................................................................................81
Waterfall......................................................................................................................................................................82
Multimeter...................................................................................................................................................................83
Phase Resolution..........................................................................................................................................................83
Scope Time Base..........................................................................................................................................................83
Averaging....................................................................................................................................................................83
Polyphase FFT.............................................................................................................................................................84
DSP TAB............................................................................................................................................. 84
Options Sub-Tab.................................................................................................................................84
Noise Reduction...........................................................................................................................................................85
Automatic Notch Filter.................................................................................................................................................85
Buffer Size...................................................................................................................................................................86
Noise Blanker..............................................................................................................................................................86
Noise Blanker 2 ...........................................................................................................................................................87
Image Reject Sub-Tab.........................................................................................................................90
Receive Rejection........................................................................................................................................................90
Transmit Rejection.......................................................................................................................................................91
Keyer Sub-Tab....................................................................................................................................92
CW Pitch.....................................................................................................................................................................92
Connections.................................................................................................................................................................93
Options........................................................................................................................................................................93
Signal Shaping.............................................................................................................................................................94
Semi Break In..............................................................................................................................................................94
AGC/ALC Sub-Tab............................................................................................................................95
AGC............................................................................................................................................................................95
Leveler.........................................................................................................................................................................96
ALC.............................................................................................................................................................................96
TRANSMIT TAB................................................................................................................................97
TX Profiles..................................................................................................................................................................98
Transmit Filter..............................................................................................................................................................98
Noise Gate...................................................................................................................................................................99
VOX............................................................................................................................................................................99
TX Monitor................................................................................................................................................................100
Compression..............................................................................................................................................................100
AM Carrier Level.......................................................................................................................................................101
PA SETTINGS TAB..........................................................................................................................102
Gain By Band (dB).....................................................................................................................................................102
EXT. CTRL TAB.............................................................................................................................. 103
APPEARANCE TAB ....................................................................................................................... 104
Display Sub-Tab............................................................................................................................... 104
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Overall Display..........................................................................................................................................................104
Cursor/Peak Readout..................................................................................................................................................105
Panadapter.................................................................................................................................................................105
General Sub-Tab...............................................................................................................................106
VFO...........................................................................................................................................................................107
Band Data..................................................................................................................................................................107
Meter Sub-Tab..................................................................................................................................108
Original Style.............................................................................................................................................................109
Edge Style..................................................................................................................................................................109
KEYBOARD TAB............................................................................................................................ 110
CAT CONTROL TAB...................................................................................................................... 111
Cat Control ................................................................................................................................................................112
PTT Control...............................................................................................................................................................113
Test............................................................................................................................................................................114
TESTS TAB.......................................................................................................................................115
TX IMD Text:............................................................................................................................................................115
Audio Balance Test.....................................................................................................................................................115
X2..............................................................................................................................................................................116
Impulse Test...............................................................................................................................................................116
Signal Generator.........................................................................................................................................................116
9 OPERATING FORMS............................................................. ....117
(29) MEMORY FORM..................................................................................................................... 118
Save… .............................................................................................................................................118
Recall…........................................................................................................................................... 119
(30) WAVE FORM............................................................................................................................120
Playback....................................................................................................................................................................120
Playlist.......................................................................................................................................................................121
Record.......................................................................................................................................................................121
TX Gain (dB).............................................................................................................................................................121
Record Options................................................................................................................................. 121
Receive......................................................................................................................................................................122
Transmit.....................................................................................................................................................................122
(31) EQUALIZER FORM.................................................................................................................122
(32) XVTRS FORM...........................................................................................................................123
(33) CWX FORM.............................................................................................................................. 124
Standard CWX Controls....................................................................................................................124
CWX Memories............................................................................................................. ............................125
Special Characters.......................................................................................................................... ...........125
Keyboard and Extended Controls.......................................................................................................126
Extended CWX Controls................................................................................................................ .............126
Morse Definition Editor......................................................................................................................... .....128
10 OPERATION................................................... ........................129
POWER-UP PROCEDURE............................................................................................................. 130
POWER-DOWN PROCEDURE......................................................................................................130
TUNING METHODS........................................................................................................................131
Spectrum Drag and Click.................................................................................................. .........................131
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Mouse Wheel............................................................................................................................. ................131
Mouse Wheel Hover....................................................................................................................... ............131
Spectrum Click Tuning..................................................................................................... ..........................131
Keyboard Keys........................................................................................................................................ ...132
USB Tuning Knob.................................................................................................................. ....................132
VOICE TRANSMISSION OPERATION........................................................................................ 133
CW TRANSMISSION OPERATION.............................................................................................. 136
Initial Settings................................................................................................................................... 137
Internal Keyer................................................................................................................................... 138
External Keyer.................................................................................................................................. 139
CWX Form.......................................................................................................................................140
Third Party Program..........................................................................................................................141
DIGITAL MODE OPERATION......................................................................................................144
CAT Control Setup........................................................................................................................... 147
Install VCOM..................................................................................................................... .......................147
Configure the VCOM Port Pairs............................................................................................... ..................153
Configure PowerSDR CAT Control........................................................................................... ..................155
Configure PowerSDR Keyer Connections........................................................................................... .........156
Virtual Sound Connection................................................................................................................. 157
Create the Virtual Audio Cables............................................................................................... ...................157
Setup VAC in PowerSDR........................................................................................................... .................158
Setting up Third Party Digital Programs.............................................................................................158
Using MixW with PowerSDR............................................................................................................. .........159
Programs Needing to Connect to the Default Sound Device........................................................... ...............164
ATU (ANTENNA TUNING UNIT) OPERATION..........................................................................166
11 TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................168
The software is oscillating quickly between receive and transmit modes..............................................168
Relays do not click when starting the software or when cycling the software power button.................. 168
Relays click, but I have no audio........................................................................................................173
Relays click and I hear static, but no signals....................................................................................... 176
I hear signals, but they sound chopped up, like a motorboat................................................................ 176
I hear signals, but cannot null the image............................................................................................. 177
The signals are all off frequency........................................................................................................ 178
The noise hiss when no signals are present is fatiguing....................................................................... 178
Software does not respond to PTT signals.......................................................................................... 178
The receiver works great, but I am getting no output power................................................................ 179
I am getting some power out, but the power seems low (also, see above—no power issue).................. 179
I am getting signal reports that indicate echoing or distortion.............................................................. 180
I am getting signal reports that indicate I am transmitting DSB while in SSB modes............................180
I am getting an error message that says, “Error communicating with ATU.”........................................181
It seems like the ATU is not tuning correctly. Is there a way to check?................................................181
I get an error when I try to use my USB Adapter that says “USB Device not found. (-1)”.................... 182
I see a hump around 10kHz below the center line on the display, that doesn’t seem to go away............182
vii FlexRadio Systems
Preface
Welcome to the exciting world of software defined radio. The SDR-1000 software defined transceiver is by
nature ever (rapidly) evolving. It is therefore unlike most other transceivers, which once acquired, rarely if
ever change.
Although the rapid development of the SDR-1000 can be exhilarating, it can also be somewhat daunting.
When first confronted with an SDR-1000 and its PowerSDR™
1
operating software, the sheer number of
connections, controls, and settings can seem mind boggling even to the most seasoned Ham radio operator.
This operating manual attempts to both guide a user step by step through the setup process (both hardware
and software) and to act as a reference once the radio has been set up. Additionally, the freely downloadable
PowerSDR software will install with default settings that, in most cases, will require little adjustment. Any
adjustments that you make are automatically saved and can be imported into an updated version of the
software.
Due to the nature of the SDR-1000, the largest part of this operating manual, by far, will refer to software.
The operating manual has numerous screenshots of windows and forms to detail the various steps.
Although the manual describes the latest official release of the PowerSDR software, you may occasionally
notice an earlier version identified in the title bar of a screenshot. This is because FlexRadio Systems™
2
has
decided to only update a screenshot if it changes.
The first three chapters of this manual will give you an overview of the SDR-1000 radio. Chapters 4 and 5
will guide you through the hardware setup, which apart from the connections to the parallel (or USB) port
and sound card of a computer, will not differ much from the transceivers to which you are most likely
already acclimated.
Chapter 6 details the installation of the PowerSDR software and calibration routines. Once completed, you
should be able to engage in your first QSO. For additional guidance on operating the SDR-1000 in various
modes, you may want to refer to chapter 10: Operation. This is especially recommended for operating
digital modes and CW, as this may be somewhat different from what you are accustomed to.
Chapters 7, 8, and 9 describe in detail the various controls on the Front Console, Setup Form and Operating
Forms respectively. You may want to reference these chapters to familiarize yourself with the exact
functioning of these controls and their often many options and settings.
1
PowerSDR is a trademark of Bronze Bear Communications, Inc.
2
FlexRadio Systems is a registered trademark of Bronze Bear Communications Inc.
viii FlexRadio Systems
P R E F A C E
Finally, chapter 11 is a troubleshooting guide, which should help you through various issues you may face.
If you cannot find an acceptable answer to an issue you may have, please do not hesitate to contact us either
by email or by phone (both found on our website). You may also want to check out our website and its ever
expanding Knowledge Base
If you have any ideas on how to improve the SDR-1000, please feel free to contact us, or better still, to join
our email reflector (see our website for details). Not only is the SDR-1000 a software defined radio; it is
also a user defined radio.
FlexRadio Systems is committed to ensuring that your experience with the SDR-1000 will be one of the
most enjoyable you have with Ham radio.
[The rest of this page has been left blank intentionally]
ix FlexRadio Systems
Acknowledgments
FlexRadio Systems could not be as successful, nor could the SDR-1000 radio be what it is today without
the many selfless contributions of our users all over the world. These contributions have spanned and
continue to span improvements to our hardware and software, ranging from bug reports and feature requests
to actual design and implementation of certain functionality.
Identifying contributors by name would only risk leaving out others with equally valuable contributions.
We therefore wish to suffice with a heartfelt thank you for your support and continued commitment.
[The rest of this page has been left blank intentionally]
x FlexRadio Systems
Chapter
1
General Description
The SDR-1000 Software Defined Radio is an open-software; 1 or 100W
transceiver providing general coverage receive operation with amateur
radio band transmission between 12kHz and 60MHz.
The FlexRadio SDR-1000 is a complete Software Defined Radio (SDR) transceiver designed for Amateur
Radio use. It is the first fully open software transceiver that uses a personal computer (PC) for all Digital
Signal Processing (DSP) and control functions of the radio. General coverage receiver operation is provided
from 12kHz to 60MHz along with transmit capability on all licensed amateur bands within the coverage
range. The theory behind the SDR-1000 is described in detail in a four part QEX magazine series entitled,
“A Software Defined Radio for the Masses1.” The articles are available for download from the FlexRadio
website at www.flex-radio.com. There are also links on the site to other excellent reference materials related
to SDR and DSP theory.
Since its introduction, additional hardware components have been added to further improve the
functionality and performance of the SDR-1000. The PowerSDRTM software, written in C#.NET, provides a
full featured transceiver interface and digital signal processing for the SDR-1000. It is continuously
improved over time through open source enhancements supplied by both customers and FlexRadio
Systems.
The basic hardware consists of four boards in a stack within an enclosure. The hardware provides a LNA,
filters, mixer, power, i/o interfacing and 1W PEP driver. Also provided is a standard interface to the
optional Down East Microwave 2 meter low power transverter (intended for use in VHF, UHF, and
Microwave systems), as well as an interface to the optional 100W power amplifier and the ATU (LDG Z-
100). Additionally available is an optional interface for an external, customer supplied 10 MHz reference
clock oscillator that may provide precision frequency control.
The Contour ShuttlePro v2 USB controller offers the ability to control the radio the way you want to
without having to use a mouse or keyboard. With 15 programmable buttons and 2 concentric tuning dials
(one spring loaded jog dial), this accessory offers an unparalleled level of programmable hardware control.
1
G. Youngblood, “A Software Defined Radio for the Masses: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4,” QEX Jul/Aug 2002, Sep/Oct 2002,
Nov/Dec 2002, and Mar/Apr 2003 respectively.
1 FlexRadio Systems
Specifications
(Specifications are subject to change without notice)
Table 1: Specifications
Chapter
2
Receiver
Receiver Frequency Range 12kHz-60MHz
IP3 (2kHz Tone Spacing) +30.3dBm (Preamp MED), 19.3dBm (Preamp HIGH)
IMD DR3 (2kHz Tone Spacing) 103.5dB (Preamp MED), 100.2dB (Preamp HIGH)
MDS -131dBm (Preamp HIGH), -121dBm (Preamp MED)
Minimum Tuning Step 1Hz (DDS down to µHz)
DDS Clock 200MHz, <1ps RMS jitter
Max. Receive Bandwidth 192kHz (Limited by sound card)
Transmitter
Transmitter Frequency Range 160-6m Bands (2m transverter IF optional)
Transmit Power 100W HF 160-10m w/optional amp
Controls
Control Interface PC Parallel Port (DB-25 connector) or optional USB
Rear Panel Control Outputs
Input Controls PTT foot switch, Code Key, Microphone
Audio Interface Line In, Line Out, Speaker Out, Microphone In
General
Enclosure Dimensions 10" W x 9.5" D x 4.5" H (25.4cm x 24.1cm x 11.4cm)
Power Supply Requirement 13.8VDC @ 1.25A (Max). 25A with optional 100W PA
15 pin D-connector for external TR relay and band control relays
1
2
2
3
, 500mW 6m
2
4
1
An optional filter bank is supplied that can be configured for bands below 160m. Requires external user supplied pre-selector for best
operation below 160m
2
Sound Card: Edirol FA-66 @ 96kHz sampling rate.
3
40W continuous carrier (100% duty cycle)
4
We recommend the Astron SS-30 or SS-30M or equivalent power supply for the SDR-1000
2 FlexRadio Systems
Chapter
3
Hardware Configuration
Standard Configuration
High Performance Receiver Preamplifier
The receiver front end incorporates a Sirenza Microdevices SGA-6286 SiGe HBT MMIC amplifier with a
noise figure of less than 2dB. With the INA baseband gain of the SDR-1000 set to 26dB, the overall
receiver noise figure is approximately 4dB. The TRX board also allows 0dB INA gain setting for large
signal handling capability. A 10dB fixed attenuator may be switched in front of the LNA to increase IP3
when needed. Overall there are four gain settings done in hardware to allow you to optimize the front end
for your needs.
The front end of the SDR-1000, provides the following key benefits:
Lower receiver noise figure
Reduces relative strength of DDS local oscillator spurs in relation to the signal of interest
Lowers local oscillator radiation in relation to the signal of interest
Fixed source/load impedance for the filters
Fixed source impedance for the QSD (Quadrature Sampling Detector, IQ Mixer)
Fifth Order Low Pass Filters
Nine 5th order low pass filter banks are provided to cover all amateur bands from 160M-6M. Since the
filters are low pass, general coverage reception is still provided. The filters improve 3rd harmonic rejection
by more than 35dB over the original SDR-1000. There are BPF filters in front of the preamp board (in the
signal chain) to provide overload protection for the LNA. The LNA is then followed by the low pass filters,
which in turn drive the QSD (mixer) on the TRX board. A spare filter bank is provided for user
configuration to allow improved coverage on other bands such as medium wave or VLF bands. While the
SDR-1000 covers frequencies down to 11kHz, additional filtering is required to minimize response to odd
order harmonics. The optional filter bank allows the user to customize the radio to add support for such
frequencies.
3 FlexRadio Systems
H A R D W A R E C O N F I G U R A T I O N C H A P T E R 3
Enhanced 1W PEP Driver
The low power model incorporates a 1W PEP driver amplifier. The driver is between the new front end low
pass filters and the band pass filters on the BPF board, which yields increased harmonic suppression. The
driver circuit also allows for amplifier stability when driving capacitive loads and increases the gain to
reduce sound card drive requirements.
28MHz Transverter IF Takeoff
The RFE provides an internal connector for integration of the Down East Microwave 2M transverter IF
(DEMI144-28FRS). Only a single coax cable is required for both RF and TR control. The SDR1K-ENC
enclosure has mounting holes to allow either common or separate transmit/receive connections for
transverters. You can even set up the SDR-1000 to provide a dual 144/28MHz IF to cover all of the VHF
through microwave bands.
Key features of the DEMI144-28FRS are:
144-146MHz coverage
Unity gain receive conversion
4dB NF maximum
+17dBm double balanced mixer
Three chamber helical filter
100mW nominal linear output
Experimental Impulse Generator
An experimental circuit has been incorporated that creates a 4.5ns pulse for equalization of the QSD and
sound card quadrature path. DSP software will be written to calculate the impulse response of the circuit
and automatically correct for phase and amplitude imbalances between the channels. In theory, this will
provide dynamic opposite sideband rejection optimization.
Enclosure
The SDR1K-ENC enclosure is designed to accommodate expansion options including the Down East
Microwave 2M IF transverter and the 100W PEP HF linear amplifier and LDG Z-100 automatic antenna
tuning unit options. Rear panel connections are provided for the PC parallel control port, sound card
interface, 7 external control lines, split or common transverter RF connections, and QRP and QRO RF
connections. An AUX mounting hole is provided for the 10MHz reference clock option connector when
precision frequency control is desired.
4 FlexRadio Systems
H A R D W A R E C O N F I G U R A T I O N C H A P T E R 3
Upgrades
2 Meter Transverter
The DEM 144-28FRSK is a low power, high performance 144 MHz to 28 MHz transverter kit design to be
used in conjunction with Flex Radio System’s SDR-1000 Software Defined Radio transceiver. It is intended
to be used as a 2nd conversion IF for microwave transverters. The 144-28FRSK has a nominal linear output
power of 50 - 100 mW with the 28 MHz. IF drive provided by the SDR-1000. On the receive side, a high
dynamic range amplifier, a high level double balanced mixer (+17.0 dBm) and a three chamber helical filter
are employed to providing a over load proof, unity gain front end with superior selectivity. It is the same
design as our high performance 2 meter transverter but without the GaAs FET front end that would provide
excessive system gain not require in a microwave transverter system. The transverter is complete with all
interfacing required to install in the SDR1K-ENC enclosure and operate with the SDR-1000.
The 144-28FRSK’s 144 MHz input/output utilize BNC connectors (supplied in this kit) that are mounted in
the existing holes in the SDR1K-ENC enclosure. The transverter also has a built in relay for external
switching duties if required. It will “Shadow” the TR switch timing of the SDR-1000. The only external
wiring required to operate a microwave transverter after the completion of this kit are a simple BNC cable
or cables that will carry both TX and RX signals along with the keying voltage to activate the microwave
transverters of choice transmit functions. It is a complete, simple to use kit and will provide the highest 2
meter to microwave transverter performance on the market today.
100W Power Amplifier
The SDR-100WPA is a 100 Watt HF linear power amplifier, designed exclusively for installation in SDR1000 Software Defined Transceivers. Adding the 100WPA to existing radios required limited kit building
skills including wire/coax preparation, connector assembly, soldering, and mechanical assembly.
Specifications
Power output: 100W PEP, 50W on 60m
Bands: 160, 80, 60, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 meters
Elliptical filters on all bands
Drive requirements: <500mW for full output
Output transistors: Rugged matched pair 2SC2879s
Duty cycle: Designed for intermittent SSB service (40W continuous duty)
Harmonic Content: < -43dBc
Load tolerance: 2:1 SWR or better
5 FlexRadio Systems
H A R D W A R E C O N F I G U R A T I O N C H A P T E R 3
Software monitoring: Forward/Reverse Power and SWR
SWR protection: automatic power reduction for SWR > 2:1
DC power requirements: 13.8VDC @ 25A nominal for full output
Internal fuse: 25A automotive mini fuse with reverse polarity protection
Output: BNC 50 Ohm on rear panel
Cooling: 80x80x15mm, 23dB-A fan provided
Internal expansion connections: ATU RF In/Out and control
Automatic Antenna Tuning Unit
The SDR-ATU is a fully integrated automatic antenna-tuning unit across the entire HF range. It will tune
dipoles, verticals, Yagis or virtually any coax-fed antenna. It will match a wide range of antennas and
impedances. Features include:
Microprocessor controlled, switched L tuning network
Automatically matches antennas from 6-800 ohms impedance, or a 10:1 SWR, 3:1 on 6m
Tunes from memory in less than one half second. A full tune will take from 1-6 seconds.
200 memories for almost instant return of previously tuned frequencies.
Continuous coverage from 1.8 to 54 MHz
Power range 0.1 to 125 Watts, 50 Watts on 6m
Griffin PowerMateTM VFO Tuning Knob
The attractive GCN-SLV Griffin Technology PowerMate control knob connects to a USB port to provide
variable-rate VFO tuning for the SDR-1000. A simple click of the knob changes the tuning rate to any of
four user configured tuning rates. It can even be programmed to set the volume by a press, hold, and turn of
the knob. Made of high-quality machined aluminum, PowerMate feels like a solid volume knob pulled right
off the front of a world-class stereo. Its heavy weight and tactile feel are a welcome departure from typical
plastic USB peripherals.
Contour Designs Shuttle Pro V.2
The ShuttlePro V.2’s sleek innovative design, pre-configured for many of today's popular applications,
advanced programmability, and ease of use is in short, the perfect marriage of form and function.
6 FlexRadio Systems
H A R D W A R E C O N F I G U R A T I O N C H A P T E R 3
The ShuttlePro V.2 is a powerful productivity enhancement tool for the PowerSDR software. The
ShuttlePro V.2 even comes pre-configured for many of the leading applications. You can also easily
customize the ShuttlePro V.2 for virtually any application.
The ShuttlePro V.2 is designed for ergonomic integrity and maximizing productivity, allowing one-hand
access to the fully programmable buttons and jog/shuttle knob. Nine (9) of the buttons have removable
keycaps for easy labeling and referencing. The inner ring or 'jog' rotates through 360 degrees and provides
precision control. The outer black ring or 'shuttle' is rubberized and spring-loaded. It facilitates tuning and
radio control. You can also use the jog and shuttle for many other purposes such as scrolling, volume
control, and sequencing.
External Clock Reference Option
The SDR-CLK External Clock Reference Option kit provides the connection required to operate the DDS
oscillator from an external 10MHz or 20MHz precision frequency reference. GPS locked oscillators may be
used in this configuration to provide precise frequency control of the SDR-1000. The internal 200MHz
oscillator must be removed to use the external reference clock.
Note: This option requires a customer provided precision clock source not
provided by FlexRadio Systems.
USB To Parallel Adapter
The SDR-USB is a USB to parallel communications adapter, specially designed to control the SDR-1000. It
allows the radio to be used with computers that do not have a parallel port available. The SDR-USB
supports all of the control and status lines required by the SDR-1000 and has special firmware to offload
hardware polling tasks from the PC. A separate download and installation of driver software is required.
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7 FlexRadio Systems
Chapter
4
Plug Pinouts
External Control Connector (X2)
The 15-pin, high-density, female “D” connector is found on the rear panel. It offers seven open collector
Darlington outputs that allow control of external devices such as transverters, relays, antennas, power
amplifiers, etc. It also includes two dedicated push-to-talk (PTT) inputs (Pins 10 & 11 – see below). The
connector has 5VDC power at up to 50mA for powering external relays or logic. The open collector outputs
may also be used with external power supplies up to a maximum of 50VDC. The maximum collector
current for a single output is 500mA. A common output clamp diode return is provided (Pin 8) to handle
relay transients. The table below details the pin connections. If you prefer not to hand-wire the connector for
any reason, cut the end off a VGA PC monitor cable and use its respective leads.
Table 2: X2 Pin Connections and Diagram
Pin # Function Specification
1 Control 1 Open Collector – 50V, 500mA Max.
2 Control 2 Open Collector – 50V, 500mA Max.
3 Control 3 Open Collector – 50V, 500mA Max.
4 Control 4 Open Collector – 50V, 500mA Max.
5 Control 5 Open Collector – 50V, 500mA Max.
6 Control 6 Open Collector – 50V, 500mA Max.
7 PTT Output (PA Control)* Open Collector – 50V, 500mA Max.
8 Common Protection Diode Connect to Relay + Supply
9 Not Connected Not Connected
SSB/AM/FM only (no CW) – Ground
10 PTT Input (Secondary)
11 PTT Input (Main) [S3]
12 Software Audio Mute** Pull to ground to Mute the receiver.
13 Not Connected Not Connected
14 Vcc 5VDC Output @ 50mA
15 Ground Signal Ground for all inputs/outputs
* Requires enabling X2 TR Sequencing on the Setup Form - General Tab, Options Sub-Tab.
** Requires enabling Auto Mute on the Setup Form - General Tab, Options Sub-Tab.
this line to key transmitter
Works in all modes – Ground this
line to key transmitter
Diagram
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P L U G P I N O U T S C H A P T E R 4
Push To Talk (PTT) Input
The External Control (X2) connector has two PTT input connections as seen in Table 1 above. Pin 11
works in all modes, while Pin 10 works only in voice modes. Pin 11 is recommended for most applications.
PTT is activated by grounding to Pin 15 either of the two respective pins.
Mute Receiver
The External Control (X2) connector has a pin dedicated to muting the receiver for multiple transceiver
operation. Simply ground Pin 12 to Pin 15 to activate the software MUT (Mute) control. Note that this does
not disconnect the coaxial connector from the receiver. External antenna switching is necessary to ensure
that high power signals are not sent directly to the SDR-1000 receiver front end.
External Linear Amplifier Keying
External linear amplifiers may be keyed using Pin 7 on the External Control (X2) connector. Most
amplifiers are switched by grounding its keying input. Connect Pin 7 (PTT Output) to the hot lead of keying
input and Pin 15 to the amplifier ground. This output uses an open collector Darlington transistor switch
that is rated at 500mA, 50VDC maximum.
To ensure that your amplifier keying circuit does not damage the Darlington transistor switch, insert the
circuit shown in the figure below between Pins 7 and 15 on X2 and your amplifier.
Figure 1: Protective PTT Circuit Between SDR-1000 and Amplifier
Universal Controller Board for Antenna and Transverter Control
The Universal Controller Board (UCB) is a customer developed and supplied accessory that connects to the
External Control (X2) connector. It allows automatic software control of up to 16 antennas and/or
transverters.
The Universal Controller Board is an extension of the SDR-1000 to enable additional control of external
devices by the radio. The SDR-1000 X2 connector provides 6 open collector output pins for user defined
functions. The purpose of the UCB is to accept data from the SDR-1000 via the X2 connector to be loaded
into a 16X16 memory matrix on the UCB. Pins 1 through 4 of the X2 connector are used as an address field
by the UCB to address one of 16 registers within the memory matrix. Each one of these UCB registers has
9 FlexRadio Systems
P L U G P I N O U T S C H A P T E R 4
16 bits, of which any combination can be operational. Each bit in a register corresponds to a relay that will
be picked.
Enclosure Microphone Connector
A front panel connector is provided for microphone and push-to-talk (PTT) input. Depending on when your
radio shipped, the connector will be a 4 or 8 pin connector. See the table below for the pinouts for each of
these connectors. The PTT input must provide a contact closure to ground to activate the transmitter.
The 8-pin microphone configuration offers the ability to connect a balanced microphone through the front
panel connector. Keep in mind that it is possible to plug a microphone directly into either of our
recommended sound cards (Delta-44 and Edirol FA-66). They both offer ¼” connectors and the Edirol FA66 has true balanced inputs along with XLR connectors and adjustable Mic Preamps.
Radios shipped after January 11, 2006 have an 8-pin connector. Radios shipped before that date have a 4pin connector, but the wiring configuration of this connector has been modified on all radios shipped after
February 4, 2005 from those shipped before that date. The following table shows the pin connections and
the wiring configurations.
Table 3: Microphone Connector Configurations
Ship Date Pin # Signal Diagram
1 Not Connected
2 Not Connected
After
Jan 11 2006
Before
Jan 11 2006,
After
Feb 4 2005
Before
Feb 4 2005
3 Not Connected
4 Not Connected
5 Chassis GND (Shield)
6 PTT (+)
7 Mic (–)
8 Mic (+)
1 Mic (+)
2 Mic (-)
3 PTT (+)
4 PTT (-)
1 Ground
2 Microphone Audio
3 Push To Talk
4 No Connection
We recommend use of the Heil microphones, especially the PR series; however, the HM-10 and Goldline
microphones will also work well with the SDR-1000.
Use the procedure found in the Voice Transmission Operation section in order to match the microphone
appropriately with the sound card and the DSP.
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P L U G P I N O U T S C H A P T E R 4
Keyer Input
To connect either a keyer or straight key to the Key jack on the rear panel use the following table. While the
keyer input lines can be reversed on the Setup Form-DSP Tab, Keyer Sub-Tab, we are including this pinout
for completeness.
Table 4: Key Plug Pinout
Keyer
Connector
Tip Dot Key
Ring Dash Key
Sleeve Common Common
Signal
Straight
Key
Note 1: Using a mono 2-conductor type plug will cause problems as the Ring will
be shorted to the Sleeve (Key to Common or Dash to Common depending
on setup).
Note 2: For optimal (low latency) performance, connect your paddles or keyer
directly to a serial port on the PC using the following table. Also see the
section on the Setup Form-DSP Tab, Keyer Sub-Tab.
Table 5: PC Serial Port Pinout
Serial
Port Pin* Keyer Signal
4 (DTR) Common
6 (DSR) Dot
8 (CTS) Dash
* Assumes a 9-Pin connector
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11 FlexRadio Systems
Chapter
5
Hardware Setup
The hardware setup process is as simple as making connections from the SDR-1000 enclosure to the
hardware necessary to run the radio (power supply, antenna, parallel port, and sound card). Refer to the
numerical callouts in Figure 3 below for the location of all radio connections.
Make sure the power switch on the front panel of the enclosure is in the Off (down – “O” on some models)
position. Connect the power supply negative (1) and positive (2) leads to the black (--) and red (+) power
supply connectors respectively. Ensure that correct polarity is maintained as reversing the cables can cause
damage to the unit. The power supply must provide 13.8VDC at 25A (nominal) for the 100W transceiver
and 1.5A for the 1W transceiver respectively.
Make a low impedance connection to earth (RF) ground (8) to properly protect the unit.
Connect the PC parallel port to the parallel connector (10) on the enclosure. Use a 25-pin, male-to-male
parallel cable that has all 25 pins connected straight through. These are called RS-232 cables by some
manufacturers. Both parallel and audio cables are available from FlexRadio Systems. Make sure the
connection is firm as a partial parallel connection can cause sporadic frequency tuning and filter selection.
Note: FlexRadio Systems distinguishes between recommended, legacy and
unsupported sound cards. Recommended cards are actively supported
and used for system development. Legacy cards are those cards that were
previously recommended and are now only passively supported.
Unsupported cards include all other sound cards. From time to time
FlexRadio Systems will adjust a sound card’s designation; the most up-todate information is available on our website.
FlexRadio Systems currently recommends two sound cards for use with the SDR-1000: The M-Audio™
Delta-44 is the recommended PCI interface and the Edirol FA-66 is the recommended Firewire (1394)
interface card (ideal for laptop connection). Each of these professional grade sound cards offers multiple
inputs and outputs which allows us to mix separate monitor and radio outputs as well as leave the radio and
microphone connected to the inputs. The audio quality of these recommended cards is also superior to any
of our legacy (previously recommended) cards as these legacy cards were all consumer grade. Please refer
to the charts and tables on the specifications page of the website that show the superior dynamic range and
noise performance of our recommended cards. This is a clear-cut example of professional quality audio
12 FlexRadio Systems
H A R D W A R E S E T U P C H A P T E R 5
equipment (M-Audio) versus consumer quality equipment (Creative). The gap between the two is
substantial.
Connect the sound card to the radio as follows. Please consult the Delta-44 Quick Start Guide or the Edirol
FA-66 Quick Start Guide. For other cards proceed as follows: First, connect the Line In cable from the
sound card Line Input (usually color coded blue) to the plug labeled “To Line In” (14) on the back of the
radio. Next, connect the Speaker output from the sound card (usually color coded light green) to the plug
labeled “To Line Out” (12). Make sure that if your sound card has multiple speaker outputs you use the one
labeled Speaker 1 (or the “front” speakers).
Note: For certain legacy sound cards, it is necessary to install the SDR-
LPF/CBL low pass filter on the Line Out connection to prevent wideband
noise transmission. The recommended sound cards, Delta-44 and Edirol
FA-66, do not require this filter.
Some sound cards, such as the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz and Audigy2 ZS,
emit noise that peaks in the 100kHz range and must be suppressed to
comply with FCC rules (-43dBc). Instructions for making the SDRLPF/CBL can be found on the FlexRadio Private Download Page. The
cable must be installed with the filter module nearest to the radio.
Reversing the cable will not allow the filter to operate properly.
If you have any questions regarding the need to use this filter for your
sound card, please contact FlexRadio Systems.
Then connect the Microphone Input from the sound card (usually color coded red) to the plug labeled “To
Mic In” (15). Note that this is only necessary if using a microphone connected to the front panel of the
enclosure. If using a PC mic, this can be plugged directly into the sound card. Finally, connect amplified
speakers to the plug marked SPKR (13). Note that using non-powered speakers or low impedance
headphones will load down the transmitter drive to the radio, thereby preventing full power output.
This is not an issue with 4-port cards such as the Delta-44 and the FA-66 since the output does not
run through the radio.
Note: It is critical that the audio cables used to connect to the sound card are
seated flush against the back panel of the enclosure to provide good
contact for the stereo input and output. Failure to do so will prevent
opposite sideband rejection on both reception and transmission. Cables
with wide connector ends are the cause of this issue in most instances.
Premium “Gold” cables are NOT recommended because they are
typically overpriced and their connectors are usually too large.
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H A R D W A R E S E T U P C H A P T E R 5
If the 100W amplifier is included, connect the HF/6m antennas to the HF/PA (3) connector. WHEN THE
100W AMPLIFIER IS INSTALLED, DO NOT CONNECT ANYTHING TO THE HF/50 MHZ
QRP CONNECTOR. This connector is in parallel with the input to the power amplifier. If the amplifier is
not installed, connect the antenna to the HF/50 MHz QRP connector for the 1W output configuration.
If the DEMI144-28FRS 2m transverter is installed, its connection(s) go to (6) / (7). Please see the
transverter’s installation instructions for connector options that allow for common or split TX/RX. Also, if
using the external clock reference option, connect the reference signal to (4).
Note 1: If the 100W amplifier is installed, the AUX hole is covered by the
amplifier hardware and the reference connector will be moved to another
location (possibly to 6 or 7 if the transverter is not installed).
Note 2: If the amplifier is installed, it is necessary to uncheck the box that enables
the PA on the Setup Forms General Tab before attempting to transmit
QRP. If the amplifier is disabled in software, the 1W transmitter will be
connected straight through to the HF/PA connector. The output on 6m is
always QRP since the PA does not cover 6m.
Finally, connect any external hardware control lines (linear amplifiers, transverters, or relays) to the X2
connector (9) as defined in the section on Plug Pin Out above.
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H A R D W A R E S E T U P C H A P T E R 5
15 FlexRadio Systems
H A R D W A R E S E T U P C H A P T E R 5
Figure 2: Back Panel of Enclosure
Connections are as follows:
(1) Power Ground - #12AWG or greater for 100W version.
(2) 13.8VDC Power - #12AWG or greater for 100W version.
(3) 100W Power Amplifier Antenna Connector – Use for all bands if 100W amplifier is installed.
(4) Auxiliary Input Connector for optional External Reference Oscillator.
(5) 1W QRP Antenna Connector – Use ONLY if 100W amplifier is NOT installed (when installed,
this connector is in parallel with the amplifier input circuit.
(6) Two Meter Transverter Transmit Connector – Used for split transmit/receive operation (See
DEMI144-28FRS installation instructions).
(7) Two Meter Transverter Receive or Receive/Transmit Common Connector – (See DEMI144-28FRS
installation instructions).
(8) Earth (RF) Ground.
(9) X2 External Control Connector – See Table 1 for connections.
(10) Parallel Port Connector (to PC parallel port) – Optional SDR-USB USB to Parallel Adapter
connects to this port.
(11) Code Key/Paddles Connector – See previous chapter for connection.
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Hint: For optimal (low latency) performance connect the key or paddles to a PC
serial port instead (see the section on the Setup Form-DSP Tab, Keyer
Sub-Tab in chapter 8 for more information).
(12) To Line Out (speaker output) on Sound Card – Green color-coded.
(13) To Amplified Speaker or high impedance headphones.
Note: Do not use if using one of our recommended sound cards (Delta-44 or
Edirol FA-66). Instead for best performance and to enable monitoring,
connect your speaker(s) directly to the sound card.
(14) To Line In on Sound Card – Blue color-coded.
(15) To Microphone Input on Sound Card -- Pink or Magenta color-coded. (This connector is directly
connected to the corresponding pins on the front panel mic connector.)
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17 FlexRadio Systems
Software Installation & Setup
WARNING! Proper operation of the SDR-1000 depends on the use of a sound
card that is officially recommended by FlexRadio Systems. Refer to
the Specifications page on www.flex-radio.com to determine which
sound cards are currently recommended. Use only the specific model
numbers stated on the website because other models within the same
family may not work properly with the radio. Officially
recommended sound cards may be updated on the website without
notice. If you have any question about the sound card you would like
to use with the radio, please email support@flex-radio.com or call us
at 512-250-8595.
Chapter
6
NO WARRANTY IS IMPLIED WHEN THE SDR-1000 IS USED
WITH ANY SOUND CARD OTHER THAN THOSE
CURRENTLY RECOMMENDED AS STATED ON THE
FLEXRADIO SYSTEMS WEBSITE. UNRECOMMENDED
SOUND CARDS MAY OR MAY NOT WORK WITH THE SDR-
1000. USE OF UNRECOMMENDED SOUND CARDS IS AT THE
CUSTOMERS OWN RISK.
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Install Latest Sound Card Drivers
Download the latest sound card drivers from the manufacturer. Install the software using the “Driver Only”
option if there is one.
Note 1: Using the “Driver Only” option (Audigy 2 ZS, and others) will prevent
some software from loading programs that will engage audio effects such
as Reverb or Echo by default. This causes problems with the receive
and/or transmit performance of the radio. All such sound card audio
effects should be turned off to prevent problems with the radio.
Note 2: If using a legacy sound card (or an unsupported sound card without native
ASIO drivers) you will need to install ASIO4ALL, which can be found
on the Downloads page of our website. If using one of our recommended
sound cards (M-Audio Delta-44 or Edirol FA-66), installing ASIO4ALL
is unnecessary.
Upgrading From an Earlier Version
It is recommended that you leave older versions of the PowerSDR console installed when upgrading from a
previous version. After reviewing the new version and verifying that your setup works, uninstalling
previous versions is fine (but not necessary). Note that it is necessary to manually delete the database file
(PowerSDR.mdb) from the application directory (usually c:\Program Files\FlexRadio Systems\
PowerSDR x.y.z) in order to completely remove previous versions.
PowerSDR Executable Installation
Download the latest PowerSDR_x.y.z.zip to a directory on your hard drive (saving to the Desktop is
recommended) and unzip the contents. Double click the Setup file (Setup.exe) to start the installation
process. The PowerSDR installation will prompt you to install the .NET framework if it is not installed and
it will point you to the appropriate web address for downloading as seen below.
Figure 3: Prompt for .NET Framework
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Follow the instructions to install the framework using the download from Microsoft’s website and then
restart the Setup.exe program. You should see the following screen.
Figure 4: PowerSDR Installation Welcome Screen
Click the Next button to continue.
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 5: PowerSDR Installation Folder Selection
You can change the installation directory here, though we recommend you use the default for
troubleshooting purposes. Click the Next button to continue.
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 6: PowerSDR Installation License Agreement
Read the GNU Public License. If you accept, click I Agree and click the Next button to continue.
Otherwise click Cancel.
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 7: PowerSDR Installation Confirmation
Click the Next button to confirm these settings and to copy the necessary files to the selected install
directory. Once the files have been copied, you will see the following screen.
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 8: PowerSDR Installation Complete
Click the Close button to complete the installation and close the dialog.
PowerSDR Setup Wizard
Before powering up the radio hardware, load the PowerSDR console using the shortcut on the Desktop (or
in the Start menu). When you run (a new release of) PowerSDR for the first time an optimization routine
will run and the following screens will appear:
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24 FlexRadio Systems
S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 9: Optimization Routine
Click OK and let the routine run.
Note: This routine aims to optimize the FFT calculations for the environment
(hardware and software) in which the calculations will be performed. For
optimal performance, you should therefore close all applications you will
normally not be running simultaneously with PowerSDR. The routine
will save a file called wisdom to the directory in which PowerSDR
resides. If you wish to run FFTW again, delete this file from the directory
and start up PowerSDR.
When the routine has completed a brief startup sequence will follow, after which you should be greeted by
the PowerSDR Setup Wizard as shown in the figure below.
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 10: PowerSDR Setup Wizard Welcome
Click the Next button to continue.
Figure 11: PowerSDR Setup Wizard - Database Import
Click the Yes or No button to indicate whether you would like to import a database from a previous version
(assumes you are upgrading). If yes, click the Select File … button and select the PowerSDR.mdb file from
a previous version (default directory is C:\Program Files\FlexRadio Systems\PowerSDR x.y.z\). A prompt
26 FlexRadio Systems
S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
will confirm that the database file was imported successfully as seen in the screenshot below. Click the OK
button.
Figure 12: Successfully Imported Database Prompt
Click the Next button to continue. If you imported a database, the rest of the steps will be skipped and you
will jump straight to the finished screen.
Figure 13: PowerSDR Setup Wizard - Radio Model
Select the radio model you will be using. If you are running without any radio, e.g. for demonstration
purposes, select Demo/None. Click the Next button to continue.
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27 FlexRadio Systems
S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 14: PowerSDR Setup Wizard – RFE
Select the Yes or No button to indicate whether your configuration includes the RF Expansion Board
(RFE), and click the Next button to continue.
Note: All SDR-1000s shipped since 2005 include the RFE board.
Figure 15: PowerSDR Setup Wizard - 2m XVTR
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Select the Yes or No button to indicate whether your configuration includes the optional 2m transverter. If
yes, select your model using the drop down box. Note that FlexRadio Systems only sells the DEMI14428FRS model. It uses negative logic keying on the coax to the transverter. Click the Next button to
continue.
Figure 16: PowerSDR Setup Wizard – PA
Select the Yes or No button to indicate whether your configuration includes the 100W Power Amplifier. If
yes, enter the gain values found on the sheet included with the amplifier shipment. Click the Next button to
continue.
Note: If you have a dummy load, you should run the Automatic Amplifier Gain
Calibration (see later in this chapter) in your own environment for the best
calibration.
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29 FlexRadio Systems
S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 17: PowerSDR Setup Wizard – ATU
Click the Yes or No button to indicate whether you have the integrated ATU installed. Click Next to
continue.
Figure 18: PowerSDR Setup Wizard - Ext. Clock
Click the Yes or No button to indicate if you will be using the optional external clock reference. If yes,
select the frequency of your source using the drop down box (10 or 20MHz). Click Next to continue.
30 FlexRadio Systems
S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 19: PowerSDR Setup Wizard - USB Adapter
Click the Yes or No button to indicate if you will be using the USB to Parallel adapter. Click Next to
continue.
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Figure 20: PowerSDR Setup Wizard - Sound Card
Select your sound card from the drop down box. If you are using a card other than the recommended or
legacy cards listed on the FlexRadio Website Specifications page, then select the Unsupported Card option
(this will require further setup after the wizard is complete). Unsupported sound cards may be used at
the customer’s own risk. FlexRadio Systems cannot vouch for proper operation or support for such
cards. Click the Next button to continue.
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Figure 21: PowerSDR Setup Wizard – Finished
The Setup Wizard is now complete. Click the Finish button to complete the wizard.
Sound Card Setup
Quick Start Guides can be found in our Knowledge Base for the Delta-44 and the Edirol FA-66.
Otherwise, if using a consumer sound card, it may be necessary to do some more software setup. Open the
software and look at the Audio Tab on the Setup Form. With the radio powered on and running, adjust the
Line In Gain down from 50 until the noise floor just begins to rise. Adjust the value back up 3-4 and call
that your optimal Line In gain. If the noise floor never rises, use a value of ‘1’. This will give you the least
noise due to the sound card yielding more room for larger signals. This translates into higher dynamic
range. Note that making any changes to the Line In gain will invalidate the calibration. So make sure to
calibrate after doing this procedure (see below).
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
PowerSDR Calibration
Power on the radio by pressing the Standby button. Once you have verified that the radio is operational (try
tuning a local AM station), it is time to calibrate the software. To bring up the calibration options, click the
Setup menu button on the front panel. Once the Setup form is open, click the General tab. The calibration
settings are on the Calibration sub-tab.
Figure 22: PowerSDR Calibration Settings
The three calibration routines available (Frequency, Level, and Image Null) are detailed in the sections
below.
Note: Before calibrating the frequency, the radio needs at least a 5-minute
warm-up period to ensure temperature drift is negligible.
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S O F T W A R E I N S T A L L A T I O N & S E T U P C H A P T E R 6
Frequency Calibration – DDS Clock Adjustment
Auto Calibration
To calibrate the frequency, enter the frequency of the source in the entry box as seen in the figure above
(e.g. 15.000000MHz). A calibrated signal generator is ideal, but a frequency standard station such as WWV
may be used instead so long as its signal is at least 30dB above the noise floor. A separate transmitter may
also be used as the signal source. We do not recommend calibrating on local AM stations as the correction
may not be as accurate at such low frequencies. Once the frequency of the station or signal generator is
entered, click the top Start button (across from the word Frequency) to run the calibration routine. Using
the manual adjustment routine below may allow slightly better results due to fine adjustments.
Manual Calculation
The calculation for the DDS adjustment is not complicated. Divide the DDS frequency (200MHz) by the
known signal frequency (say, 10MHz WWV) and then multiply by the difference between the known
signal and the measured signal. For example, say you tune the VFO to 10MHz and the peak shows up at
9.999700MHz (difference is 10.0 – 9.999700 = +300Hz). The Clock Offset would be 200/10 * 300 = 6000.
Plugging in 6000 into the Clock Offset control should zero beat the signal. The frequency offset is the actual
clock oscillator offset from its nominal 200MHz output. The oscillator is rated at 100ppm, which yields a
maximum offset of +/- 20kHz from 200MHz. Note that if the measured frequency were 10.000300MHz,
the offset would be -6000. Fine adjustments may be made directly on the Clock Offset control on the
General Tab of the Setup Form.
Level Calibration – Spectrum & S-Meter
For proper calibration of the spectrum and S-meter, some type of calibrated signal source is required. If no
signal generator is available, Elecraft offers an inexpensive XG1 1uV and 50uV Receiver Test Set. To
calibrate the visual spectrum and the S-Meter, set the signal generator to a known strong signal level such as
-73 dBm (no less than 30dB above the noise floor) and tune the radio to place the carrier inside the filter
passband. Enter the frequency (in MHz) and the signal level of the generator in the Frequency and Level
(dB) text boxes respectively as shown in the figure (e.g. 7.040053 MHz and -73dBm). If no calibrated
signal source is available, you may use a second transceiver to either transmit a signal or to find a steady
signal on the air (this will give a much less accurate level calibration). Without use of a calibrated signal
source, the spectrum display and power meter may be off by as much as 10dB or more. Click the middle
Start button across from the word Level to start the calibration. This calibration is accurate to within 0.1dB
with respect to the source.
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Image Null Calibration
Since the SDR-1000 has an analog front end, phase and amplitude imbalances can exist between the I and
Q channels. Fortunately, this is a simple correction for the DSP software. The procedure for calibrating the
receiver is described below. For a description of how to minimize the transmit image, look at the Setup
Form chapter below in the section on Transmit Rejection.
Note: A signal generator or a separate transmitter with dummy load is required
for this alignment.
Automatic Calibration
Increase the signal generator output level to -50dBm so that the image signal will be large enough to give
optimal calibration. On the General tab of the Setup form, enter your signal generator frequency. Then click
the lowest Start button next to the words “Image Null” to automatically find the optimal Phase and Gain
settings. Using the settings found by the automatic adjustment as a starting point, manually adjusting the
controls may offer slightly better results. Note that any other signals in the passband besides the image may
hinder the routine from finding the best null.
Manual Adjustment
The controls for the Image Rejection are on the DSP tab of the Setup form. They allow fine adjustment of
amplitude and phase to allow a null of the opposite sideband image in the time domain. The image can be
found roughly 22kHz above a strong signal. The null actually moves around in a 3kHz window centered at
Signal+22.050kHz if Spur Reduction is on. Alternately modify the Gain and Phase controls on the DSP Tab
of the Setup Form to find the best possible null. Clicking on the track bar will give unit
increment/decrements to the value and then tweaking can be done using the Up/Down control (for
fractional component).
Automatic Amplifier Gain Calibration
Note: If no dummy load is available the factory test values must be entered
manually on the Setup Form-PA Settings Tab using the factory test data
provided with the amplifier in the Gain By Band section of the PA
Settings tab.
Amplifier Gain Calibration (a 100W resistive dummy load is required) is recommended since slight
differences in equipment (sound card, power supply, etc.) can give slightly different results. The following
procedure automatically determines the RF signal chain gain (SDR-1000 and SDR-100WPA) by band in
order to calibrate sound card drive requirements in the PowerSDR software. The resulting gain values,
measured in dB, are stored in the PowerSDR database. All gain values are determined at 100W (75W on
10m) output into a resistive dummy load.
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WARNING! A 100W resistive dummy load must be connected to the amplifier output
for the Automatic Amplifier Gain Calibration procedure. Failure to do so
could cause damage to the amplifier.
Figure 23: PA Settings Tab
Press the Calibrate button in the Gain by Band section of the PA Settings tab to start the calibration
process. Through an iterative process, the software will transmit an estimated drive for 60W (default) output
to the dummy load on each band. The power will be measured on the internal directional coupler to
determine the gain for a given drive level. The software will apply any necessary correction and save the
total system gain value for each band on the form. A progress bar will show the status of the calibration
process. An Abort button is available on the progress bar if needed to stop the calibration process. If
you get an error message during the calibration process, double check the sound card and antenna
connections and try again. Press the Apply button when finished to save the values in the database.
Note: Be sure to use the Import Database function when installing future
PowerSDR software releases in order to preserve the calibration values.
37 FlexRadio Systems
Chapter
7
Front Console
In this chapter and those following many types of software controls will be referred to. The myriad of
various bells and whistles can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. The image shown below is a key that will
help to introduce the basic controls for those less familiar with windows software.
Figure 24: Control Key
The Form refers to the entire window with the Title Bar showing the Form Name.
The Menu is just under the Title Bar. Menu controls generally open other forms.
Labels are callouts usually for other controls.
Buttons can trigger events or act like an On/Off switch.
Text Boxes allow text to be entered or displayed.
Radio Buttons allow the user to choose between several options.
Drop Down Boxes (also called Combo Boxes) enable the ability to offer many options without
taking up as much window space as a Radio Button.
Sliders allow easy modification of a numerical value.
Color Buttons are used as color selectors. You can pick a generic color (yellow or green) or even
make your own using the drop down menu.
Up/Down controls are similar to a Text Box, but are limited to numeric input. They also have
arrows for simple increment/decrement behavior.
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Figure 25: PowerSDR 1.8.0 Front Console
Note: The front console controls the basic facets of the radio: frequency, mode,
filters, and display. In addition to these basic features, there are many
other controls that are described in detail below.
Hint: Hovering with your mouse over any control will show a brief description
of that control’s function.
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(1) VFO A
Figure 26: VFOA
VFO A is the main tuning VFO for the radio. It consists of a frequency and a band description (related to
the selected frequency). The frequency area is a simple Text Box and may be edited as such (click and drag
highlighting, etc). Entering a numeric character (without any mouse interaction) is also a good way to
change your frequency quickly. The underlined digit will show visually the digit that will be tuned when
hovering over the frequency display. See the Tuning Methods section in the Operation chapter for
more details on how to tune. Note that you can return to the previous frequency at any time by pressing
the ‘Escape’ key.
The band text information underneath the frequency gives general information about the FCC Amateur
bands as well as the Short Wave Radio bands and WWV. If not on a recognized frequency, the text will
display “Out Of Band”. If not in an amateur band, the text background will change from black to gray. Note
that this information is only a lookup in a database and has no bearing on the current operating mode. This
information can be edited in the BandText table using Microsoft Access.
(2) Tuning Controls
Figure 27: Tuning Controls
VFO Lock keeps the frequency from being changed inadvertently. This is a handy feature to use while in a
QSO to keep from accidentally losing the frequency due to clicking in the wrong area or hitting the wrong
key on the keyboard.
The Tune Step displays the current tuning rate for using the mouse wheel (or Ctrl + Up/Down Arrow) to
tune the radio. Rotating the mouse wheel away from you will increase the frequency by the step rate per
click while rotating the wheel toward you will decrease the frequency. You can change the Tune Step by
clicking either of the – or + buttons, clicking the mouse wheel button (or using Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow).
The Save button quickly saves a frequency, mode and filter. The saved frequency is shown in the box to its
left. The Restore button restores the most recently saved frequency (displayed), mode and filter.
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(3) VFO B
Split Transmit Frequency Sub RX Frequency
Figure 28: VFOB
The operation of VFO B is similar to that of VFO A. However, VFO B is used only in specific instances.
When operating split (SPLT button under VFO), VFO B determines the transmit frequency (both “VFO B”
and the frequency are displayed in red). When activating the second receiver (Sub RX button under Sub
RX), VFO B determines the second receiver’s frequency, which is displayed in yellow. Otherwise, it can be
viewed as a storage container to copy VFO data to and from VFO A (see the VFO Controls section below).
(4) Multimeter
Figure 29: Multimeter
The multimeter functions as another way of feeding information back to the user. The two drop down boxes
at the top offer an independent selection of RX and TX multimeter options.
The text display below the meter selections shows the digital data for either the receiver or the transmitter
(Signal strength in the screenshot above). The display at the bottom of this section shows the data
graphically as an edge meter. A bar graph display can be selected instead (see the Appearance section in the
next chapter).
RX Meters
Signal (Signal Level): Calculates the true RMS power in dBm of the current signal within the
passband.
Sig Avg (Signal Average): Calculates the true RMS power in dBm of a time-averaged signal
within the passband.
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ADC L (Analog To Digital Left): Calculates the level in dBFS (decibel full scale) of Left input
from the sound card.
ADC R (Analog To Digital Right): Calculates the level in dBFS (decibel full scale) of Right input
from the sound card.
Off: Used for debugging purposes or to save CPU cycles on slower machines.
TX Meters
Fwd Pow: Reads out forward power minus reflected power in Watts as measured by the hardware
ADC on the PA if it is installed. If the PA is not installed (the 1W configuration), this meter shows
the calculated power output according to the DSP based on 1W full output. In either case, the meter
shows average power.
Note: In SSB, the typical male voice peak to average ratio is 14dB. This means
that when you do not have the compressor and/or compander enabled an
average meter will only read 4-10W (with a typical voice) when peaking
at 100W.
With the ALC we are using the average power. With these controls, very
high average power can be tolerated.
Ref Pwr (PA Reflected Power): Reads out reflected power as measured by the hardware ADC on
the PA. (Only available with the PA)
SWR (PA Standing Wave Ratio): Reads out the standing wave ratio as calculated from the
hardware ADC on the PA. (Only available with the PA with TUN on)
Mic: Reads modulation power from -20 dB to 3 dB. Ideal operation will peak around 0 dB and will
rarely if ever hit 3 dB. If it is hitting 3 dB, the ALC is cutting back the power. Adjust the MIC
control on the front console to give more or less modulation.
EQ: Reads the power in Watts following the equalizer. If the equalizer is not enabled, the equalizer
power is equal to the Mic power.
Lev: Reads the power in Watts following the leveler. The leveler attempts to level the voice coming
from the microphone as the head and mouth change position relative to the microphone element. If
the leveler is not enabled, this power is identical to EQ.
Lev Gain: Reads the gain in dB currently being applied by the leveler.
Comp: Reads the power in Watts after the compressor. If it is not enabled, it reads the same as Lev.
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CPDR: Reads the power in Watts after the compander. If it is not enabled, it reads the same as
Comp.
ALC: Reads the power in Watts after the ALC.
ALC Comp: Reads the gain in dB applied by the ALC algorithm. The gain is always <=0 in dB.
The minus sign is implicit.
Off: Used for debugging purposes or to save CPU cycles on slower machines.
(5) Band Selection & Band Stacking Memories
Figure 30: Band Selection
The Band Selection controls perform multiple roles on this radio. First, when tuning the VFO to a specific
frequency the band indicator will move to the appropriate band (GEN if not in one of the specific bands
listed). This is used to quickly identify which band you are in, or when you are stepping over a band edge
boundary.
The second role is a feature called Band Stacking Memories. A single memory is defined as a frequency,
mode, and filter combination. Each band has several memories associated with it. Clicking on a band button
repeatedly will cycle through the available memories repeating from the beginning after the last memory
(hence the stacking memories). This is useful to quickly tune to various frequencies within a band. To
replace one of the memories with the frequency, mode, and filter of your choice, first click the band button
for the band memory you would like to modify. Then change the frequency, mode, and filter to the desired
settings (the frequency must be in the band selected). Finally click the band button again to save the values.
Note that some band memory frequencies (such as 60m and WWV) are fixed in software and cannot be
changed. The modified memories will be saved to the database upon graceful exit of the console. A crash
will prevent changed memories from being saved in order to keep faulty data from making it into the
database.
Note that the VHF+ button will swap between the typical HF bands and any configured transverters (see the
XVTRs Form in chapter 10). The VHF band buttons work in the same way, but for the frequencies within
the transverter frequency range.
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(6) Mode Selection
Figure 31: Mode Selection
The Mode Selection controls allow you to change the selected demodulation routine. Changing modes will
select the last frequency and filter used for that mode. Additionally, it will display the (configurable) filter
settings available for that mode as well as display the appropriate mode specific controls on the front
console (see below). Following is a list of the available modes:
LSB: Lower Side Band
USB: Upper Side Band
DSB: Double Side Band
CWL: CW Lower Side Band
CWU: CW Upper Side Band
FMN: Frequency Modulation (FM) Narrow
AM: Amplitude Modulation
SAM: Synchronous (PLL) Amplitude Modulation
SPEC: Spectrum mode (DC IF, max bandwidth determined by your selected sound card sampling
rate)
DIGL: Digital Lower Side Band (Enables VAC if VAC Auto Enable is engaged)
DIGU: Digital Upper Side Band (Enables VAC if VAC Auto Enable is engaged)
DRM: Digital Radio Mondiale (requires licensed external demodulator software not available from
FlexRadio Systems; Enables VAC if VAC Auto Enable is engaged)
Hotkeys are available in the Setup-Form, Keyboard Tab to cycle through the various modes using the
keyboard.
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(7) Filter Controls
Figure 32: Filter Controls
The filter controls consist of ten customizable, mode-specific, labeled filter buttons and two variable filter
buttons.
Labeled Filter Buttons
Clicking on any of the labeled buttons in the top half of the filter controls section sets the filter bandwidth.
The available filters depend on the selected modulation mode. The 3 groups of default filter selections for
CW (CWL, CWU), SSB (LSB, USB, DIGL, DIGU) and DSB (DSB, FMN, AM, SAM) are shown below.
The SPEC mode has no filters associated with it and the DRM filter is fixed at 10MHz.
CW Default Filters SSB Default Filters DSB Default Filters
Figure 33: Default Mode Dependent Filters
Each of the 10 labeled filter buttons can be customized for any of the modes. To do so, right click on a filter
button and select Configure… to bring up the following screen.
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Figure 34: Filter Setup Screen
On the left, select the Mode for which to setup the filter and select the filter button to change. Then on the
right adjust its settings. An indication of the filter is displayed in the lower section of this screen. When
done, you can select another button and/or mode to change the filter for. When finished, just close the Filter
Setup Screen. To revert back to the default settings, right click on a filter button, select Reset to Defaults
and click Yes.
Note: Although there are 3 groups of mode-dependent default filter settings, you
can customize the labeled filter for each mode independently. E.g. you
can have different filters for LSB and USB, for FMN and AM, etc.
Variable Filter Buttons
The variable filter buttons Var 1 and Var 2 offer two separate filters, each of which can be adjusted with
the Low, High, Width, Shift and Res controls described below as well as the mouse. The Panadapter
display setting is good for visualizing changes to variable filter controls
Low: Selects the low cutoff frequency for the filter. The value is the plus or minus offset from the
center frequency as shown in the VFO display. Note that in lower side band modes (LSB, CWL and
DIGL) this value can be negative.
High: Selects the high cutoff frequency for the filter. Note that in lower side band modes (LSB,
CWL and DIGL) this value can be negative.
Width: Widens the filter as the slider is moved right, and narrows the filter as it is moved left.
Shift: Shifts the selected filter passband up or down from its normal center frequency. This can help
to eliminate interference caused by signals in close proximity of the received signal. After a variable
filter (Var 1, Var 2) has been shifted you can use the IF->V button to translate a filter shift to a
new VFO frequency (see the VFO Controls section below)
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Res: Returns the Shift control to the default middle position and restores the filter to the original
values (i.e. before the Shift was used).
When the display is set to Panadapter, the mouse can be used to directly adjust the selected variable
filter (Var 1 or Var 2). To do so right click with the mouse on the Panadapter display until no
cross- hairs are showing. Then click on the filter and drag it to shift the filter as a whole or click on a
band edge and drag it to adjust the filter bandwidth.
The Var 1 and Var 2 filters are saved just like the labeled filters and are mode-dependent (i.e. you can save
a different Var 1 filter for LSB mode than for AM mode). Hotkeys are available in the Setup Form-
Keyboard Tab to change the filters using the keyboard.
(8) Mode Specific Controls
This section of the front console displays key controls specific to the selected modulation mode. There are
three sets of controls: Phone, CW and Digital.
Phone Controls
The phone controls, shown below, are available for all phone modes (LSB, USB, DSB, FMN, AM and
SAM). Most of these controls can also be found on the Setup Form-Transmit Tab (see next chapter, where
you can also find a more detailed description).
Figure 35: Mode Specific Controls - Phone
Mic Gain: adjusts the software microphone gain. This is a simple multiplier applied to the input
samples when in transmitting. The control can be adjusted using either the slider or the textbox. This
control is helpful for sound cards without mic preamps such as the Delta-44. Note that increasing
the MIC Gain control will also raise the amount of noise in the signal. A hardware preamp will give
the best performance for amplifying microphone signals. Having said that, the software gain works
very well in many setups. Voice modes are typically optimized when the peak reading on the TX
Mic Meter reads just below 0dB (see above)
COMP: click to enable the feed forward compression and adjust its level with either the slider or
the textbox. See also the Setup Form-Transmit Tab.
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CPDR: click to enable the compander and adjust its level with either the slider or the textbox. See
also the Setup Form-Transmit Tab.
VOX: click to enable the VOX and adjust its level with either the slider or the textbox. See also the
Setup Form-Transmit Tab. When enabled, a bar graph will show just below the slider control. The
green part of this bar graph shows the portion of the sound level that will not activate the
transmitter; the red part the portion that will. VOX should be adjusted such that ambient noise will
not activate the transmitter, but a normal voice will.
GATE: click to enable the Noise Gate and adjust its level with either the slider or the textbox. See
also the Setup Form-Transmit Tab. When transmitting, a bar graph will show just below the slider
control. The green part of this bar graph shows the portion of the sound level that will not open the
Noise Gate; the red part the portion that will. The level should be adjusted such that ambient noise
will not open the Noise Gate, but a normal voice level will.
Hint: The Noise Gate can (and should) be enabled in all situations where
ambient noise will render your transmissions less clear, irrespective of
whether VOX is engaged.
Transmit Profile: select the transmit profile to use for phone transmissions. See also the Setup
Form-Transmit Tab.
Show TX Filter on Display: when checked, the band edges of the transmit filter, set on the Setup
Form-Transmit Tab (see next chapter) will be shown as 2 yellow lines on the display when set to
Panadapter. It can be an especially useful visual aid when operating split to position your transmit
frequency where desired (in a pile-up) using VFO B. Additionally, it will give you a quick visual
impression of whether your transmit filter needs to be adjusted or not.
CW Controls
The CW controls, shown below are available when either CWL or CWU is selected. Most of these controls
can be found on the Setup Form-DSP Tab, Keyer Sub-Tab (see next chapter, where you can also find a
more detailed description).
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Figure 36: Mode Specific Controls - CW
CW Speed: sets the CW speed when using the internal keyer in Iambic mode. Adjust the speed
with either the text box or the slider.
Iambic: check to set the internal keyer to Iambic mode.
Disable Monitor: check to disable the monitor (this can be useful when using an external keyer).
Semi Break In: click to enable Semi Break In for the internal keyer.
CW Pitch (Hz): sets the desired audio frequency for CW listening at the center of the CW filters.
This will determine the offset that is applied to the carrier in receive and transmit. The display will
continue to read the actual carrier frequency (if the radio is calibrated) but the software will provide
for an offset to get the desired CW tone. This pitch will determine the automated tuning frequency
using the display and mouse “click tune” functions.
VAC: click to enable the virtual audio cables, setup on the Setup Form-Audio Tab, VAC Sub-Tab
(see next chapter, where you can also find a more detailed description). VAC is not automatically
enabled for CW modes, even if Auto Enable has been checked on the VAC Sub-Tab.
Show CW TX Frequency: check to show the CW TX frequency as a single yellow line when the
display is set to Panadapter. It can be an especially useful visual aid when operating split to position
your transmit frequency where desired (in a pile-up) using VFO B.
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Digital Controls
The digital controls, shown below are available when either DIGL, DIGU or DRM is selected. These
controls can also be found on the Setup Form- Audio Tab, VAC Sub-Tab (see next chapter, where you can
also find a more detailed description).
Figure 37: Mode Specific Controls - Digital
VAC: click to enable the virtual audio cables. If Auto Enable has been checked on the Setup Form-
Audio Tab, VAC Sub-Tab, then VAC will automatically be enabled when either DIGL, DIGU or
DRM is selected.
RX & TX Gain: Adjust the gain for signals coming in and out of the VAC interface. Use the RX
Gain control to adjust the audio level going to third party programs. (Note that for third party
applications this control supercedes the front panel AF control). Similarly, use the TX control to
adjust the volume of audio coming from third party applications (adjust for 0 dB on the ALC
meter).
Sample Rate: sets the sample rate of the VAC interface. This needs to be matched to your third
party software sample rate.
Mono/Stereo: sets the VAC interface to operate either mono or stereo. This can be of importance,
depending on your third party software. (E.g. MixW requires the mono setting, whereas DREAM
requires stereo).
(9) Display Controls
The main display controls, shown below, consist of two sections: Panadapter view and display mode
controls.
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Figure 38: Display Controls
Panadapter View Controls
The Panadapter view controls adjust the view of the Panadapter display (see below), they are not functional
for any of the other display settings.
Pan: adjust the slider to pan the Panadapter display from left to right. Click on Center to quickly
center the display.
Zoom: adjust the slider to zoom in on or out of the display. Additionally click on either on of the 4
buttons to the right to quickly zoom to the labeled setting. (The maximum frequency span of the
Panadapter is dependent on the sampling rate setting of your sound card)
Depending on the zoom setting, the Center button may not return the 0Hz mark to the exact center of the
screen. This is because of the asymmetry of the bandwidth in our receive signal (see the image below). The
incoming signals can be viewed as a window of bandwidth with exactly half above 0Hz and half below. For
a 96kHz sampling rate this window would span -48kHz on the left to +48kHz on the right. (This is what
you will see in SPEC mode and usually you will notice a "hump" or spike at 0Hz where DC noise is picked
up).
To avoid signal distortion due to this DC noise we use an 11kHz IF offset prior to demodulation. This puts
the DC offset at -11kHz (as many will notice on the display), but it also shifts the center of the window of
bandwidth. Now the window spans -48 - 11 = -59kHz on the left to +48 - 11 = 37kHz on the right.
Figure 39: Impact of 11kHz IF on Location of 0Hz Line Within the Panadapter
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When you are displaying only +/- 20kHz in the Panadapter, it is no problem to display 0Hz in the center.
But suppose we want to display +/-40kHz. We now run into a problem on the right because we run out of
spectrum at +37kHz. The Panadapter does not display spectrum where there is no possibility of signals and
instead shifts the 0Hz mark to the right.
Display Type Controls
The main display is able to visualize received (and transmitted) signals in various ways (display types),
which can be selected from the list box. These various display types are detailed below with a snapshot of
each type. The sampling rate (Frames Per Second, FPS) of the main display can be modified on the Setup
Form-Display Tab.
AVG (Average): click to view time-averaged signals. This will smooth fast-changing signals and is
a good way to separate real from stochastic (noise) signals. The averaging time can be set on the
Setup Form-Display Tab. Average must be enabled for the 0 Beat function to be enabled.
Peak: click to hold the peak value for each frequency in the display.
Display Type Descriptions
Note 1: All displays show a 7.0401MHz, -73dBm signal from an Elecraft XG-1
signal generator.
Note 2: The actual software display is crisper than the compressed images shown
below.
There are four frequency domain display types (Spectrum, Panadapter, Histogram, and Waterfall) and three
time domain display types (Scope, Phase and Phase2). The colors of everything on the display (text, data
line, background, etc) are completely customizable using the Setup Form-Appearance Tab.
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Spectrum
Figure 40: Spectrum Display
The Spectrum Display shows a classical spectral view of the frequency with the ends of the display
determined by the bandwidth of the filter. The scale across the top shows the frequency offset in Hz from
the VFO A frequency. Rather than only using half the display window when in lower or upper sideband, we
expand the display moving the 0Hz line to the left or right margin (LSB mode with a 2.9kHz filter shown).
Panadapter (Panoramic Adapter)
Figure 41 Panadapter Display
The Panadapter Display is similar to the Spectrum Display with several differences.
The maximum display width is a function of the selected sound card sampling rate, no matter what
filter bandwidth is selected.
The selected filter is displayed as an overlay to help the user visualize the filter. Shown are the
Main RX filter (green), the Sub-RX filter (blue) and the TX filter edges (yellow vertical lines). The
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color of all the filter overlays can be changed independently using the Setup Form-Appearance
Tab.
The frequency scale shows the actual frequency (in MHz).
The edges of the amateur bands are marked as red vertical lines.
With the mouse, filters and filter edges can be varied by dragging and dropping
The Panadapter is useful because although you hear only the signals within the audio passband, you can see
in real time all signals within the receiver’s passband (as determined by the sound card’s sampling rate).
This gives a much more complete picture of the surrounding area in the band, especially when there is
abundant signal activity (e.g. contest and DX situations).
Histogram
Figure 42: Histogram Display Mode
The Histogram Display is similar to the Spectrum Display, but instead of a single color data line, additional
colored data is used. Blue signals are real-time (current) signals that are below a signal threshold (roughly
below the average plus a small margin). The red signals are real-time (current) signals that are above that
same threshold. The green signals are previous peaks on that same frequency that will fade as time goes by
(a type of history, hence the name).
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Waterfall
Figure 43: Waterfall Display
The Waterfall Display shows a scrolling view of activity within the passband. This makes tracking narrow
band signals much easier and can even allow visualization of CW signals at slower speeds (longer line is a
dash, short line is a dot, no line is a pause). The Waterfall Display can be customized on the Setup FormDisplay Tab This allows custom setting of the dynamic range and coloring for the display. (See the Setup
Form-Display Tab in the next chapter for more details.)
Scope
Figure 44: Scope Display
The Scope Display shows a single channel in the time domain. In essence this is a traditional waveform
view of the input data. Shown is effectively a 1kHz tone (tuned to 7.0411MHz with the signal at
7.0401MHz). The Scope Display is particularly useful when transmitting to monitor your transmitted
waveform. The time base can be adjusted on the Setup Form- Display Tab.
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Phase
Figure 45: Phase Display
The Phase Display maps the filtered I and Q (Left and Right) channels to the X and Y coordinate planes.
This is useful for making sure the two channels are 90 degrees out of phase as they should be. There is also
a Phase2 Display that maps the unfiltered data directly from the sound card. When a continuous carrier
signal is received, the unfiltered data in the Phase2 Display should produce as near to a perfect circle as
possible. If the circle distorts into an oval or a straight line, the input phase is off balance which would
indicate a connection or hardware problem.
Off
In this setting the display is turned off. It is mainly used for debugging purposes, but can also be used with
slower systems to decrease the CPU load to more reasonable levels.
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Cursor and Peak Position
There are two sets of data side by side under the display that are used to communicate cursor (left) and peak
signal (right) information to the user. For each the data shown is Offset from VFO, Signal Level and
Frequency. For example, in the screenshot shown, the (peak) signal is 1216.8Hz offset from the VFO
frequency (7.0413MHz). The signal level is –71.8dBm, and the signal is at 7.040094MHz. Note that these
values are fairly low resolution due to the discrete nature of the pixel display.
Figure 46: Display Position Features
In the spectrum displays (Spectrum, Panadapter, Histogram, Waterfall), you can click the right mouse
button to bring up yellow crosshairs that span the width and height of the display. The crosshairs, along
with the AVG control, allow easy measurement of signals on the display. Another feature of the yellow
crosshairs is click tuning. Clicking the left mouse button with the yellow crosshairs tunes VFO A to the
frequency indicated by the cursor position data. This is an excellent way to tune CW signals as it will zero
beat the tone to the set CW pitch.
Hint: When either Split or Sub-RX is enabled clicking on the right mouse
button will cycle the crosshairs through yellow, red and none. When the
red crosshairs are showing, clicking the left mouse button will tune VFO
B.
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(10) Sub-RX Controls
The Sub-RX controls, shown below, allow you to enable a second, sub-receiver. In essence this is a second
audio passband within the total passband determined by the sound card’s sampling rate. Both the main and
the sub-receiver can be positioned independently in the audio spectrum to facilitate separating the two
signals in your head.
Figure 47: Sub-RX Controls
Click Sub RX to enable the second receiver. The Sub-RX will be tuned to the frequency shown in VFO B.
In the Panadapter Display, the sub-RX passband is shown in blue, but only if it is within the range of the
Panadapter. Use the upper and lower horizontal sliders to position the Main and Sub-RX respectively
anywhere in the left-right audio spectrum. Use the left and right vertical sliders to adjust the volume of the
Main and Sub-RX respectively. Check mark Swap if to swap the audio from the left and right speakers.
(11) DSP Controls
Figure 48: DSP Controls
These controls enable the DSP functions. The first four are described in detail in the Setup Form-DSP Tab,
Options Sub-Tab (see next chapter).; SR is described in the Setup Form-General Tab, Options Sub-Tab.
NR (DSP Noise Reduction): Activates the DSP Noise Reduction algorithm.
Note: NR is not available when Binaural (BIN) audio is selected unless BLMS
is checked on the Setup Form.
ANF (Automatic Notch Filter): Activates the Automatic Notch Filter algorithm.
Note: ANF is not available when Binaural (BIN) audio is selected unless BLMS
is checked on the Setup Form.
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NB (Impulse Noise Blanker): Activates the Noise Blanker algorithm.
NB2 (Mean Noise Blanker): Activates the Mean Rank Noise Blanker algorithm.
SR (Spur Reduction): Activates the Spur Reduction algorithm.
BIN (Binaural Audio): Activates the Binaural algorithm. Binaural audio is a special feature of
PowerSDR. It generates a pleasing effect as the two phased channels (I and Q) are mapped to the
left and right audio channels. The phasing of the demodulated and filtered audio signal within the
passband gives a stereo-like effect to the received signal. When tuning across CW signals, they will
seem to move in “space” as you tune the radio. Many experienced operators feel that binaural audio
gives them a competitive advantage under contest conditions where the effect allows them to more
easily pick signals out of a pile up. Wearing headphones increases the effect of the spatial
separation.
(12) VFO Controls
Figure 49: VFO Controls
SPLT (Split): Enables Split operation using VFO B for the transmit frequency. The frequency text
in VFO B will turn red to indicate that Split operation is active.
0 Beat: Takes the peak signal and sets it to the center of the filter passband. An exception is made
while in CW mode if the CW Pitch is within the passband. In this case, the signal is tuned to the
CW Pitch.
Note: 0 Beat is only available if AVG is enabled for the Display.
IF->V: Takes any offset based on Filter Shift and the Filter Width and shifts it back to baseband.
Useful when chasing a signal with the Filter Shift control.
A > B: Transfers the contents of VFO A to VFO B (frequency, mode, and filter).
A < B: Transfers the contents of VFO B to VFO A (frequency, mode, and filter).
A <> B: Swaps the contents of VFO A and B (frequency, mode, and filter).
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XIT (Transmit Incremental Tuning): Click to enable XIT. XIT may be used as a quick way to
operate split at a specific offset. When enabled, the transmit frequency is increased from the VFO A
frequency by the amount shown in Hz while leaving the receive frequency intact. Note that XIT
cannot be used in combination with the SPLT function. Click the 0 button next to the XIT button to
clear the XIT control to 0.
RIT (Receive Incremental Tuning): Click to enable RIT. When enabled, the receive frequency is
increased from the VFO A frequency by the amount shown in Hz while leaving the transmit
frequency intact. Click the 0 button next to the RIT button to clear the RIT control to 0.
(13) CPU %
This displays the total CPU load as seen in the Windows Task Manager under the Performance Tab. Note
that running other applications will cause the CPU load to increase. If your CPU load is peaking at 100%,
audio and possibly video artifacts will become noticeable. Closing additional applications and turning down
some of the functions will allow systems that meet the requirements on our website to stay below the 100%
mark.
(14) Power (Standby/On)
Switches the hardware and software between Standby and On. As can be seen below, this button also acts
as a RX/TX indicator.
Standby On/Receive On/Transmit
Figure 50: Power Button States
If the SDR-1000 is connected properly and powered on, you will hear relays switch (click) as you cycle the
software Power button.
Note1: In Standby, the software Power button places the hardware in a lower,
standby power state (around 500-600mA), but does not turn off the
12VDC power to the hardware.
Note 2: The front panel switch on the SDR-1000 enclosure will remove power to
the hardware, but not to the PA if installed. It is recommended to always
turn off the main power supply when the radio is not in use.
Note3: Please see the Operation chapter for information on best practices for
Power On/Off sequences.
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(15) MON (Monitor)
When enabled, the transmitted audio is monitored through the receiver’s speakers. The MON function is
not available in AM, SAM, or FM modes as those modes are transmitted at an Intermediate Frequency (IF)
of 11.025kHz. In voice operation the MON feature will allow you to hear the effects of MIC gain, TX
equalization, compression and the compander and to adjust them in real time. When using the Delta-44 or
the Edirol FA-66 sound card, the AF control can be used to adjust the monitor volume.
Note: Due to audio buffering, you may experience a delay between spoken and
monitored audio. You can reduce this latency by using smaller sample
buffers (see Setup Form, Audio and DSP Tabs).
(16) MOX (Manually Operated Transmit)
When enabled MOX activates the transmitter. It is used primarily for voice operation. MOX will not
generate a CW carrier. To generate a carrier for tuning, refer to the tune (TUN) button description.
Note1: If the radio ever seems like it is stuck transmitting, try disabling the Push-
To-Talk (PTT) function by selecting Disable PTT on the Setup Form-
General Tab, Options Sub-Tab.
Note2: To use the PowerSDR software without the SDR-1000 being attached to
the parallel/USB port you must disable PTT. On the Setup Form-General
Tab, select either Disable PTT on the Options Sub-Tab, or Demo/No
Hardware on the Hardware Config Sub-Tab
(17) MUT (Mute)
This button Mutes the speaker audio. The receiver may also be muted by pressing the * (asterisk) key on the
keyboard. Also, refer to the Auto Mute option on the Setup Form-General Tab, Options Sub-Tab.
(18) X2TR
Click to enable using pin 7 of the external controls connector (X2) on the rear panel of the SDR-1000 to
control an external amplifier (see the Plug Pinouts chapter). This is the same control as X2 TR Sequencing
on the Setup Form–General Tab, Options Sub-Tab.
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(19) ATU Modes
The LDG Z-100 ATU has three tuning modes: Bypass, Memory, and Full. Selecting Bypass will instantly
bypass the ATU. Selecting Memory or Full requires the TUN button to be pressed in order to perform the
tuning. Note that if VFO A is tuned outside of the band in which the radio was tuned, the ATU is
automatically bypassed to protect the unit.
(20) TUN (Tune)
Without the ATU, TUN transmits a continuous (CW) carrier at the level set with the Tune Power
control (default 10W – 10% without PA) on the Setup Form-Transmit Tab and outputs a tone at the
CW Pitch. This power is shown on the Drive (Power) control while TUN is activated. Any changes
to the Drive control while TUN is active are saved when the TUN button is turned off. This feature
is used to simplify the antenna tuning process for proper load matching.
WARNING! DO NOT OPERATE THE 100W AMPLIFIER ABOVE 40W IN
CONTINUOUS CARRIER MODES (E.G. CW, AM, FM, AND
DIGITAL) FOR LONGER THAN 15 SECONDS. HIGHER LEVELS
CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER. THE AMPLIFIER IS
RATED AT 100W PEP FOR SSB DUTY CYCLES.
With the ATU, TUN combines with the ATU control below it to perform the ATU tuning function.
When the ATU is in Bypass, the TUN function operates just as if the ATU were not present.
Note: The TUN button will stay enabled after a tune cycle in Memory or Full
mode. The button will become deselected when it is bypassed, whether it
be due to tuning to another band or manually selecting Bypass from the
ATU control.
(21) AF (Audio Frequency Gain)
This control sets the monitor audio gain. The AF gain may also be adjusted by pressing the + (plus) and –
(minus) keys on the numeric keypad. For best performance, the external speaker volume control should be
set to the high end of the scale so that the AF control can be set to a lower value. If the AF control is set too
high, it may cause feedback in the receiver.
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(22) RF (Radio Frequency Gain)
This control sets the maximum gain of the AGC. It is the same control as can be found on the Setup FormDSP Tab, AGC/ALC Sub-Tab. Although strictly speaking this control does not set the RF gain, it is
denoted as such on the front console as its operational use is identical to that of a true RF gain control.
(23) Drive (Transmitter Power Output/Tune Power)
This control adjusts the percentage of maximum power that will be available in transmit mode. A typical
setting for the 1W SDR-1000 radio might be 50% (roughly 500mW), while a radio configured with the
100W PA may be operated at full power (100W) into a proper 50 ohm load. The Drive control may be
adjusted while in either receive or transmit mode.
Note: The control doubles in function as the power level setting for the TUN
(Tune) button described above. The Tune power may be adjusted while
the TUN button is activated or by using the control on the Setup FormTransmit Tab.
While great care is taken to ensure that this value is accurate and that selecting a Drive value will give
approximately that amount when using the 100W PA, there are variances in the filter components and
transmitter characteristics that make it difficult for this to be exactly right over the whole range (1-100).
When using the 100W PA, these values are most likely to be accurate on the higher end. For example, it is
not unusual if you select 10 on the Drive control, but only see something like 5W out. This was a design
decision made to favor the higher power users. This will likely be improved in the future with a more
accurate algorithm.
(24) AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
This control sets the receiver Automatic Gain Control to one of the following settings: Fixd (Fixed), Long,
Slow, Med (Medium), Fast, or Custom. The Custom setting uses the controls on the Setup Form-DSP Tab,
AGC/ALC Sub-Tab. The following table details the AGC parameters used in the various settings.
Table 6: AGC Setting Details
Setting Attack Decay Hang Fast Hang
Fast 2ms 100ms 100ms 100ms
Med 2ms 250ms 250ms 100ms
Slow 2ms 500ms 500ms 100ms
Long 2ms 2000ms 750ms 100ms
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(25) Preamp
This control sets the preamp level to one of four settings: Off, Low, Med (Medium), and High. It replaces
the Gain and ATT controls used previously. See the table below for details on each setting. The typical
setting for HF frequencies (and default for the software) is Med. Higher settings should be used for weak
signal work while lower settings are ideal for large signal activity.
Note: When using the 2m transverter, Low and High are the only options
available.
Table 7: Preamp Setting Details
With RFE W/O RFE
ATT
Setting
Off On Off -10 Off N/A
Low Off Off 0 Low N/A
Med On On 16 Med 26
High Off On 26 High 40
(10dB)
Gain
(26dB)
Net Gain
(dB) Setting
Gain
(dB)
(26) SQL (Squelch)
Figure 51: Squelch Controls
The SQL button enables the Squelch function. The threshold can be set with either the value to its right or
the slider below. The bar graph displays in green the signal level below the threshold and in red above (only
the red level is audible with SQL enabled). Squelch can be very useful to remove all noise from CW
signals, especially in narrow filter settings.
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(27) Date/Time Display
Figure 52: Date/Time Display
The date and time display can be especially helpful when taking screenshots, but can also be a quick
reference to UTC time for those of us who are “time zone challenged.” Click inside the Date or Time area
to switch between Local (LOC), UTC, and Off modes.
(28) Setup Form
The Setup Form contains numerous controls for everything from the hardware configuration to transmit
settings. Please refer to the next chapter for more detailed information.
(29) – (33) Operating Forms
Each of these items open forms, which are used while operating. Please refer to the Operating Forms
chapter below for more detailed information on each one.
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65 FlexRadio Systems
Chapter
8
Setup Form
The Setup Form contains a vast assortment of controls from hardware Setup to detailed DSP options. These
controls are available on Tabs of the Form. Due to space concerns, several of the Tabs (General, Audio and
DSP) have been split into Sub-Tabs. Take care when changing the controls to pay attention which Tab (and
Sub-Tab) you are on. Descriptions of these controls will be followed by control descriptions for each
individual Tab.
Reset All: Resets all of the controls on all tabs to their default values. An exception is made for the
hardware configuration controls. These will not be reset. A warning will pop up to ensure that
accidentally pressing this button does not cause loss of settings.
Import DB (Database): Allows a backwards-compatible database to be imported. The database
saves all of the radio options and current state. To import another database, click this button and
then browse to the directory of the database to import. If you have used the default directory during
installation as recommended, the database file will be in C:\Program Files\FlexRadio Systems\
PowerSDR x.y.z\. The database file is called PowerSDR.mdb. Double click this file and it will
attempt to import all the settings. A confirmation message will let you know if the import was
successful.
OK: Saves the current values to the database and closes the form.
Cancel: Reloads the values from the database into the setup form and closes the form. This button
can be used to reverse unintended changes to the Setup controls.
Apply: Saves the current values to the database immediately.
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General Tab
Hardware Config Sub-Tab
Figure 53: Setup Form - General Tab, Hardware Config Sub-Tab
Wizard…: Click this button to repeat the wizard that runs the first time you run the software. This is a
handy way to update your configuration if your hardware has changed (i.e. added the PA, changed sound
card, etc.).
Radio Model
Figure 54: Radio Model Selection
Use this selection to choose the hardware (if any) that is connected to the computer running the PowerSDR
software.
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Hardware Setup
Figure 55: Hardware Setup
The Hardware Setup section allows the user to configure the software to match the SDR-1000 hardware
configuration.
LPT Address: The memory location of the parallel port used to connect the SDR-1000. This is
nearly always 378 (LPT1) unless using an add-on parallel port card. If using an add-on card, note
the memory address in the Device Manager and enter the value manually if it is not one of the
options in the drop down box.
Warning: Changing this value without verifying your LPT address could keep the
software from correctly communicating with the radio.
LPT Delay: Allows a delay to be added in milliseconds for longer/more capacitive cables. The
default value of ‘0’ should work fine for most six-foot cables. We only recommend changing this
value if a long cable is necessary and control signals are sporadic. Increasing the value will add
additional delay to each control signal sent. Note that this will slow each signal sent to the radio by
the time selected. A delay value of 20ms could cause the radio to take nearly half a second (20ms x
24 signals = 480ms) to tune each time the frequency is changed. To use an old adage, a little bit
goes a long way.
Receive Only: Used to force the console to be used only as a receiver (disables the transmitter).
This is useful for those with Receive Only hardware or simply those that want to ensure that they do
not accidentally transmit.
USB Adapter: Should be checked if using the USB to Parallel adapter available from FlexRadio
Systems. An error message will be shown if the adapter is not plugged in and installed before
attempting to use this option.
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Warning: Once installed and running, do not unplug the USB adapter from the PC
without first closing the software or unchecking this option. Doing so
could cause the system to crash.
RFE Present: Should be checked if the RF Expansion board is installed in the stack. The RFE is
installed in all current (2005) SDR-1000 packages. Note that if the RFE is not installed (and the box
is not checked), none of the controls below it will be visible.
PA Present: Should be checked if the FlexRadio Systems 100W PA is installed. Note that if the PA
is not installed (i.e. the box is not checked), the ATU option will not be visible.
ATU Present: Should be checked if the Automatic Antenna Tuning Unit for the SDR-1000 is
installed.
XVTR Present: Should be checked if the DEMI144-28FRS 2m transverter is installed. Make sure
to select the appropriate TR logic using the combo box below. If you purchased the DEMI 2m
XVTR (DEMI144-28FRS) before May 2005, it should be configured for negative TR logic.
Otherwise (more recent orders) you should use positive TR logic.
DDS
Figure 56: DDS
DDS Stands for Direct Digital Synthesis. The DDS chip in the SDR-1000 produces an analog sine wave at
up to micro Hertz resolution. The DDS is used as a local oscillator to tune the radio.
Clock Offset: Allows software corrections to be made due to the DDS clock oscillator not running
at exactly 200MHz. The specification for the oscillator is 200MHz +/- 20kHz (100ppm). The
correction routine is described above in Software Installation under PowerSDR Calibration
(frequency calibration). Typically this value will be set automatically by the frequency calibration
routine.
PLL Multiplier: Unless the external clock option is installed, this value is always ‘1’. If using the
external clock option, this value should represent the multiplier needed to get the external source up
to the clock rate (200MHz). Therefore, if the source were 10MHz, the PLL Multiplier would be 20
(10MHz x 20 = 200MHz).
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Warning: Using a PLL Multiplier/external signal that equates to a clock value
greater than 200MHz can cause heat damage to the DDS chip.
IF (Hz): Displays the Intermediate Frequency used in the software to avoid low frequency noise.
This is currently locked to 11.025kHz.
Options Sub-Tab
Figure 57: Setup Form - General Tab, Options Sub-Tab
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Options
Figure 58: Options
Spur Reduction: Adds the use of a software oscillator to avoid DDS frequencies known to have a
higher phase truncation related spurious response. In short, rather than tuning each frequency using
the DDS (this is what happens when this option is turned off), the software tunes the DDS in 3kHz
steps and does fine-tuning in software. Tuning in 3kHz steps also has the advantage of having to
send fewer command signals to the hardware. For a complete description of the spur reduction
algorithm used, see A Technical Tutorial On Digital Signal Synthesis available from Analog
Devices.
Disable PTT: Disables the ability to use external Push-To-Talk lines to key the radio. It is
necessary to use this function if evaluating the software without the parallel port terminated (i.e.
without a radio) to prevent the software from engaging the PTT.
Disable Software Gain Correction: Disables the compensation usually used to correct for the
0/26dB gain options as well as the 10dB attenuator on the RFE. The signal is then reflecting the
signal to the sound card rather than what is at the antenna. This function is not recommended for
normal operation because it invalidates the signal calibration of the spectrum display and
multimeter.
Enable X2 TR Sequencing: Enables X2 pin-7 transmitter sequencing for an external linear
amplifier, relay, or transverter. Check the box to enable this option and to set the delay. The
sequence when switching from RX to TX is: MOX → X2-7 goes high → Delay → SDR-1000
transmit relay gets set. The sequence when switching from TX to RX is: MOX → SDR-1000
transmit relay is reset → Delay → X2-7 goes low. Note that the delay is set in the following control.
X2 Delay: Sets the delay in milliseconds when using the X2 TR sequencing. If no delay is desired,
simply enter 0. Note that when using the X2 TR Sequencing option, transitions to and from
transmitting will both be delayed by the entered value.
Enable 300kHz Filter: Engages the custom filter bank on the RFE on low frequencies. This is only
useful if the custom filter bank is populated with a low frequency filter (not typical).
Process Priority
Sets the process priority for the PowerSDR process. Some users have reported that setting the priority
higher than Normal can allow slower systems to perform more reliably and with smoother audio. While
FlexRadio Systems recommends using the Normal setting, if you are experiencing audio glitches or are
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using a slower machine, moving this control up to Above Normal or High might improve the performance
of the software. Note that FlexRadio Systems does not recommend using the Real Time setting as this could
cause timing problems with the operating system.
Update Notification
Figure 59: Update Notification Options
Use these checkboxes to enable a pop-up notification when new versions come out. Check the Beta box to
receive update messages when new Beta versions are available. Similarly, check the Release box to receive
update messages when official release versions become available.
Click Tune Offsets (Hz)
Figure 60: Tuning Options
DIGU: Sets the offset in Hz to use when click tuning in DIGU mode. Defaulted to 1200 for SSTV.
DIGL: Sets the offset in Hz to use when click tuning in DIGL mode. Defaulted to 2210 for RTTY.
Auto Mute
Figure 61: Auto Mute
Click the box to enable the Auto Mute option. When enabled, pulling pin X2-12 (see the chapter on Plug
Pinouts) to ground will automatically activate the MUT (Mute) function to mute the receiver.
CAUTION: This is an audio only mute. It does not protect the RF circuitry and care
should be taken not to transmit high power into the SDR-1000 antenna
input as this could damage the unit. To use separate receivers and
transmitters external switching for the antenna is still required.
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Main Console (Always On Top)
Figure 62: Always On Top
The Always On Top option is a common option for windows applications. With this option enabled, the
main console will be painted on top of any other windows (even an active window).
Keyboard
Figure 63: Quick QSY
This option enables the user to enable/disable the Keyboard Shortcuts and Quick QSY feature.
Enable Shortcuts: Enables the use of keyboard keys to perform various PowerSDR functions. The
keyboard shortcuts can be set on the Setup Form-Keyboard Tab, described below in this chapter.
Quick QSY: Enables the user to quickly enter a frequency in MHz and hit [Enter] to jump to that
frequency. With this option disabled, using a mouse to tune or to click inside the VFO is the
quickest way to change frequency. This feature is normally enabled by default, but can be disabled
to prevent accidentally moving the VFO frequency due to accidental key presses.
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Calibration Sub-Tab
Figure 64: Setup Form - General Tab, Calibration Sub-Tab
The calibration section contains controls that are used to setup and start various calibration routines. For
more information on calibrating, refer to the section called PowerSDR Calibration in the previous Software
Installation & Setup chapter.
Freq Cal
Used to calibrate the frequency of the 200MHz oscillator in the SDR-1000. Enter the frequency of the
signal source used for calibration in the control provided. The signal source can be a signal generator or a
signal like WWV. Click the Start button to run the calibration.
Level Cal
Used to calibrate the power level in dBm for the display and the multimeter. Enter the frequency and level
of the signal source used for calibration. The more accurate the signal source, the more accurate the display
and multimeter will be. The multimeter is currently accurate with respect to the source to 0.1 dBm. Click
the Start button to run the calibration.
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RX Image Reject Cal
Used to calibrate the opposite sideband image rejection for the receiver. Enter the frequency of the signal
source used to calibrate the rejection. Note that the calibration is done 22kHz above the signal frequency.
Click the Start button to run the calibration.
Filters Sub-Tab
Figure 65: Setup Form - Filters Tab
Max Filter Width: Sets the maximum filter width to be set by the Filter Width Slider on the front
console.
Width Slider Mode: Sets the behavior of the Width Slider. Linear, Log, and Log10 are the options.
The log options offer more resolution on the smaller filter sizes.
Max Filter Shift: Sets the maximum swing in Hz that the Filter Shift Slider on the front panel will
allow in either direction.
Save Slider/Display Changes: If checked, any changes to the filters made by the filter sliders or by
using the click and drag on the filter edges on the display will be saved to the Variable filters and
will be recalled as such. If not checked, the Var filters can only be changed by adjusting the Filter
Low and High Cut controls on the front panel.
Default Low Cut (Hz): Sets the default low frequency cut-off for the all the filters.
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Audio Tab
Sound Card Sub-Tab
Figure 66: Setup Form - Audio Tab, Sound Card Sub-Tab
Take care when changing the controls to pay attention which Sub-Tab you are on as many of the controls
on the Sound Card and VAC Sub-Tabs are similar.
Sound Card Selection
Allows simplified audio setup for recommended and legacy sound cards. Select the card you are using from
the list. If your sound card is not in the list, select the Unsupported Card option. This will require additional
setup using the controls in the Sound Card Setup Details section.
Note: When using a recommended or legacy card the Primary Sound Card
Setup Details, Line In Gain, Mic In Gain and Channels are disabled
(grayed out) as the values are defaulted for that specific card.
Buffer Size
Sets the size of the audio buffers in samples. Larger buffers mean more delay, but smoother audio. Smaller
buffers yield less latency, but at the cost of CPU load. The 2048 sample buffer size means that a single
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buffer at 48kHz sampling rate is 2048/48000 = 42.7ms in length. Faster machines should be able to run 512
Sample buffers without issue. For best CW performance, set the audio buffer to 512 or less.
Sample Rate
The sample rate is locked to 48kHz unless your selected hardware supports higher rates (96 or 192kHz).
Using these higher sampling rates will result in a wider panadapter display. For best CW performance set
the sample rate to at least 96kHz
Line In Gain
Sets the Line In volume on the selected mixer for consumer grade cards. Note that recommended and
legacy cards have been tested and the optimal value is set by default. Selecting Unsupported Card on the
Sound Card Selection will unlock this control. This control is not used for the Delta-44 or Edirol FA-66.
Mic In Gain
Sets the Microphone volume on the selected mixer for consumer grade cards. This control should be set in
order not to overload the sound card. The front panel MIC control can add software gain if using a
professional grade card (Delta-44 or Edirol FA-66) or if your consumer card cannot provide adequate gain.
Latency
Using the manual option, the user may add additional latency (in milliseconds) to the audio buffering
system for better audio performance. When the manual setting is off, the delay is set to 0ms. Note that some
systems will have trouble with the manual setting on and values below around 15ms. We recommend using
the default automatic latency setting for best results.
Output Voltage
Figure 67:Sound Card Output Voltage
Note: The Sound Card Output Voltage is not displayed when using a
recommended or legacy card. We have found that the variance from card
to card (same model) is negligible (+/- 0.04V). For this reason, for
recommended and legacy cards we only use our measured default values.
The sound card output voltage is the measured single channel AC voltage on the sound card Line Output
when running the test. To run the test, first unplug the To Line Out cable from the SDR-1000 enclosure.
Click the Test button to begin sending the full range signal. Use an AC voltmeter to measure the voltage
between the connector tip and the connector ground. Next, record the measured value in the box. Using a
value that is higher or lower than your actual output will cause the power calibration to be inaccurate.
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Sound Card Setup Details
Figure 68: Sound Card Setup Details
If using a supported sound card, these controls will be set automatically. In order to change these settings, it
is necessary to choose the Unsupported Card option from the Sound Card Selection drop down box.
Driver: There are three audio drivers available through the PortAudio sound interface. These are in
order from lowest to highest latency: ASIO, MME (multimedia extension), and DirectSound (part
of the DirectX package). Note that lower latencies generally cause higher CPU loading. Therefore,
it is likely that ASIO will take more CPU load than using MME or DirectSound. Selecting the
Driver will populate the Input and Output Drop Down Boxes. ASIO is the recommended Driver
type.
Input: Selects the input audio device. While PortAudio allows different Input/Output devices, we
recommend using the same device for both. The Mixer selection will attempt to follow the Input
selection. However, if the naming is different, it will be necessary to manually select the mixer from
the Mixer drop down box.
Output: Selects the output audio device. Again, we recommend matching the Input/Output devices.
Mixer: Selects the windows mixer device that will be used for volume control and transmit line
switching. As noted above, this selection attempts to follow the Input selection. Manual selection is
necessary if the driver name is different from the mixer name. Selecting the mixer device will
populate the Receive and Transmit drop down boxes.
Receive: Selects the audio line to be used in receive mode. This is typically Line In or Analog Mix.
Transmit: Selects the audio line to be used in transmit mode. This is typically Microphone.
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VAC Sub-Tab
Figure 69: Setup Form - Audio Tab, VAC Sub-Tab
Use these controls to configure the VAC (Virtual Audio Cable) settings for use with the PowerSDR
software. This is ideally for running digital modes, but can serve as another way to get audio in and out of
the PowerSDR software. The Buffer Size, Sample Rate, and Setup details are all similar to those described
for the sound card in the above section. Below we describe the unique controls on this form.
Gain (dB)
Figure 70: Gain (dB) Controls
These settings adjust the gain for signals coming in and out of the VAC interface. Use the RX control to
adjust the audio level going to third party programs. Note that this control supercedes the front panel AF
control for third party applications. Similarly, use the TX control to adjust the volume of audio coming from
third party applications. Use this control instead of the MIC control on the front panel to calibrate transmit
(adjust for 0 dB on the ALC meter).
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Auto Enable
Figure 71: Auto Enable
Use this control to automatically enable VAC when operating digital modes (DIGL, DIGU, DRM). This
allows the user to easily switch between digital modes and SSB/AM/FM without having to change this
control to enable/disable VAC.
Display Tab
Figure 72: Setup Form - Display Tab
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Spectrum Grid
Figure 73: Spectrum Grid
The spectrum grid controls define the background grid shown in the Spectrum, Histogram, and Panadapter
displays.
Max: The maximum signal shown on the spectrum displays in dBm (i.e. top of the display).
Raising this value will expand the limits of the display while compressing the range shown.
Min: The minimum signal shown on the spectrum display in dBm (i.e. bottom of the display).
Similar to the max setting, lowering this value will expand the limits of the display while
compressing the range shown.
Step: Spacing between vertical power spectra gridlines in dBm. This control can be used to spread
the horizontal lines and vertical axis values on the display, which some people may find distracting.
Use the Align control to turn them off completely.
Align: Sets the position of the vertical axis. The Left, Center, Right, and Off settings are self-
explanatory. The Auto option works based on the filter selection and operates as it did in previous
PowerSDR versions.
Refresh Rates
Figure 74: Refresh Rates
Main Display FPS: Sets the update rate of the main display to the selected value in frames per
second. Note that this is a good control to reduce if you are running on a slower machine to save
CPU cycles. Raising this value will give faster updates at the cost of CPU load. Lowering the value
will slow the display down.
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Meter Delay (ms): Sets the update rate of the multimeter on the front panel. This applies both to the
text and the graphical display. Raising the value increases the delay between updates and slows the
meter down. Conversely, lowering the value will accelerate the meter.
Peak Text (ms): Sets the update rate of the peak signal location text box located just beneath the
display. Raising the value increases the delay between peak updates and slows the display down.
Conversely, lowering the value will accelerate the updates.
CPU Meter (ms): Sets the update rate of the CPU Meter in the lower left corner of the front
console. Raising the value will add more delay between updates while lowering the value will yield
faster responses. Note that the CPU Meter measures your entire system load and not just that of
PowerSDR process.
Waterfall
Figure 75: Waterfall
The waterfall display can be customized to your preferences in terms of dynamic range response and color
coding. If a signal is at or below the Low Level, or at or above the High Level it is displayed using the
Low or High Color respectively. If a signal is exactly halfway between these two levels it is displayed
using the Mid Color. Otherwise the signal is displayed in a color according to a linear interpolation
between the Mid Color and either the Low or High Color, whichever corresponding level is closer.
Low Level: The lower end of the dynamic range to view in dBm. Signals at or below this level will
use the Low Color.
High Level: The high end of the dynamic range to view in dBm. Signals at or above this level will
use the High Color.
Low Color: Color used if the signal level is at or below the Low Level.
High Color: Color used if the signal level is at or above the High Level.
Mid Color: Color used if the signal level is exactly between the Low and High Levels.
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Multimeter
Figure 76: Multimeter Display options
Analog Peak Hold (ms): The length of time in milliseconds to hold the peak on the analog bar
meter. Raising this value will lengthen the hold time and peaks will be held for a longer period of
time.
Digital Peak Hold (ms): The length of time in milliseconds to hold the digital meter when using
the Fwd Pwr TX Meter. Raising this value will lengthen the hold time and peaks will be held for a
longer period of time.
Phase Resolution
Figure 77: Phase Resolution
This control sets the phase resolution in number of points displayed per 360°.
Scope Time Base
Figure 78: Scope Time Base
This control adjusts the time base in ms (horizontal time scale) of the Scope Display.
Averaging
Figure 79: Display Averaging
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This control sets the averaging time in ms of the spectrum displays (Spectrum, Panadapter, Waterfall,
Histogram).
Polyphase FFT
Figure 80: Polyphase FFT
Enable this feature to display peaks sharper in the spectrum displays (Spectrum, Panadapter, Waterfall,
Histogram). Expect to see an up to 4 times narrower area of the displayed “spike” of a tone, especially when
the displayed frequency span is relatively large in comparison.
DSP Tab
Options Sub-Tab
Figure 81: Setup Form - DSP Tab, Options Sub-Tab
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Noise Reduction
Figure 82: Noise Reduction Controls
Noise Reduction (NR) attempts automatic computation of a filter that maximizes the coherent or non-noise
like signals and as a result, filters out the rest of the signal, which includes noise. It is best used for speech
signals with a good signal to noise ratio or tones.
#Taps: This determines the length of the computed filter. The longer the filter, the better the non-
coherent signals (noise) will be cancelled. It also introduces latency equal to the number of filter
taps divided by the sample rate in samples per second and is in addition to Delay (see below). The
larger the number of taps, the longer it takes for the filter to converge but upon achieving
convergence, the better the filter will be.
Delay: Determines how far back to look in the signal before beginning to compute a coherent signal
enhancement filter. With large delays, there is a higher likelihood of detrimental affects to normal
speech. Latency is also introduced that is equal to the Delay.
Gain: Determines the adaptation rate of the filter. The larger the number, the faster the filter will
converge but the less stable it will be.
Block LMS: We have implemented a fast Block LMS (least means square) routine. This routine is
faster than the original routine, gives more taps in the filter, and will work on I/Q signals, which
enables BIN (binaural audio) to remain available.
Automatic Notch Filter
Figure 83: Automatic Notch Filter Controls
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The Automatic Notch Filter (ANF) attempts automatic computation of a filter to remove one or more
carrier tones that are interfering with the signal of interest.
#Taps: This determines the length of the computed notch filter. The longer the filter, the larger the
number of tones that can be cancelled and the more effective the cancellation will be. It also
introduces latency (signal delay) equal to the number of filter taps divided by the sample rate in
samples per second and is in addition to Delay (see below). The larger the number of taps, the
longer it takes for the filter to converge but upon achieving convergence, the better the filter will be.
Delay: Determines how far back to look in the signal before beginning to compute a cancellation
filter. The larger the delay, the less the impact on normal speech, and the more likely the filter will
be able to concentrate only on longer term coherent signals such as carrier tones. Latency is
introduced that is equal to the Delay.
Gain: Determines the adaptation rate of the filter. The larger the number, the faster the filter will
converge and the less stable it will be.
Block LMS: We have implemented a fast block LMS routine. This routine is faster than the old
routine, gives more taps in the filter, and will work on I/Q signals which enables it to work in BIN
mode.
Buffer Size
This controls the size of the DSP buffers, which determines the size of the FFT filter and therefore the
group delay (latency) through the digital filter. Higher values will result in more latency and sharper (“brick
wall”) filters. Lower values will allow nearly real time monitoring with filters that “roll off” (as opposed to
the typical “brick wall” filters).
Note 1: Using lower values will negate the effects of some of the narrowest filters
(25 or 50Hz).
Note 2: The DSP Buffer is completely independent of the Audio buffer size.
Noise Blanker
This controls the detection threshold for impulse noise. If a signal sample exceeds this detection threshold,
the sample will be set to zero and the filtering in the radio serves to interpolate through this zero sample.
This noise blanker is identical in theory to those in traditional radios. The detection threshold in our noise
blanker has the unique feature that they are signal strength dependent. This enables them to function
properly at all signal levels.
This control is preferable when the spikes are very large in comparison to the average signal. However,
when the spike is smaller, Noise Blanker 2 provides a much cleaner reconstruction of the signal since the
signal is more likely to look like the mean. For this reason, the Noise Blanker 2 threshold should always be
about four or five less than the Noise Blanker threshold.
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Noise Blanker 2
This controls the detection threshold for a pulse. If a signal, pulse or not, exceeds this detection threshold,
the sample will be replaced by a computed estimation of what the signal sample should have been given an
interpolation of the signal samples around it in time. By replacing the noise pulse with an interpolation of
the signal, distortion is greatly reduced over that of traditional noise blankers.
When seeing a significant amount of impulsive noise, being too aggressive with Noise Blanker (NB) can
damage the signal. However, completely removing the large pulses is desirable prior to operating the
smoother acting Noise Blanker 2 (NB2). Therefore, when seeing many repetitive noise pulses, it is
probably best to use both NB and NB2. The NB Threshold is adjusted to just begin to lower the noise from
the pulses, after which NB2 is turned on, with a threshold of four or five less than that of NB. Both together
can spectacularly reduce impulse noise, resulting in increased intelligibility of the signal under severely
adverse conditions.
Window
This control selects the DSP windowing function that will be applied to the power spectrum in the main
display when using Spectrum, Panadapter, Histogram, and Waterfall displays. The default is Hanning,
which is the best setting for many high-level signal measurement needs. The purpose of the windowing is to
diminish bleed-through to adjacent “bins” which results from a tone that is not exactly on the center
frequency of one of the “bins” (or parallel filters) in the power spectrum calculation. The bleed through is
caused by using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to calculate the power spectrum. We need to use it for
the sake of efficiency. That said, it is important to understand that the FFT writes the data (mathematically
speaking) on a circle and not on a line. When the last sample meets the first sample on a circle, it is very
probable that it will not meet up or join in a continuous fashion. This discontinuity acts in exactly the same
manner a key click causes a wide spectrum. The window is used to mitigate this key click-like
phenomenon. The Rectangular Window bleeds through the worst. The best in our selection is the
Blackman-Harris Window, which bleeds through the least. For further reading on windowing, please see
the following link.
Let us consider each option and some of their characteristics.
Rectangular: This means the data has no window applied. No shaping is applied to the incoming
signal. As a result, you will have the greatest sensitivity in the power spectrum and the greatest
bleed through or interference with adjacent bins.
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Hanning, Hamming: These windows are based on a raised cosine shape. In addition to providing
continuity (Hanning) or near continuity (Hamming), these both provide a shape that makes the
slopes of the signal agree at the beginning and the end of the signal buffer. This filter provides for
both good
Window Mathematical Description Graphical Depiction
Hanning
Hamming
Figure 84: Hanning and Hamming Windows (Kaiser also displayed)
Welch: This applies a shaping function to the data before the FFT is computed. The figure gives its
shape.
Window Mathematical Description Graphical Depiction
Welch
Figure 85: Welch Window
This picture is from a 512 long Welch Window. We actually use a 4096 long window but this does
illustrate the qualitative features. Notice that at the left and the right end, we have forced the
continuity by applying this tapering function. This continuous move to zero at the endpoints
mitigates the “key-click” phenomenon that would otherwise result from the boxcar or rectangular
window.
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Blackman, Blackman-Harris: We use Blackman-Harris to design all filters in the signal
processing chain for all modes. This provides for minimal bleed through as we have described and
the best shape factor for our needs in the overlap-save filtering routines. While it has some good
features, these features are probably not ideal for the CW power spectrum displays. There is a
penalty to pay for the smoothing near the ends afforded by the windows. If you have experience in
the use of FFTs and the display of the power spectra that result, you know that a smaller FFT at a
fixed sample rate causes a wider range of frequencies to be contained in one bin of the power
spectral results. This means that a tone will look more like a large lobe or finger than a tone spike.
The same phenomenon is present in the best windows. While the spreading of the “main lobe” of a
tone is not as bad as taking an FFT of half the size, it is wider than one bin. The formulae for all of
the Blackman filters are of this form:
f(x) = a0 − a1 cos(πx) + a2 cos(2πx) − a3 cos(3πx)
The individual parameters by type:
o Blackman: a0 = 0.42, a1 = −0.5, a2 = 0.08, a3 = 0
o Blackman Harris: a0 = 0.35875, a1 = 0.48829, a2 = 0.14128, a3 = 0.01168
o Blackman Nuttall: a0 = 0.3635819, a1 = 0.4891775, a2 = 0.1365995, a3 = 0.0106411
Parzen, Bartlett, Exponential, and Riemann: These windows are much less widely used and are
included for completeness. They sometimes perform better for a particular application and some
experimentation on the users part should be undertaken to find the window that gives the most
pleasing display to you.
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