Re: [Flexradio] Firebox max input signal?
Hi Dan, I was wondering the same specification of the PreSonus Firebox, but did not ask them. Thanks for doing that. Obviously Firebox has better dynamic range than Delta 44 (higher max level, lower noise?). However, the best specifications I have seen is with AKM chip set as given in your link below (123 dB dynamic range with +23 dBu maximum input signal ≈ 31 Vpk-pk). Since the Tayloe detector (QSD as Gerald says) can handle about 4 Vpk-pk and we optimally could use gain of 31/4 = 7.75 (+17.8 dB) between the best practically available sound card and the sampling detector. We should also find a better amplifier to replace INA163, because it is too noisy at these low gains. So far I have not found any pin to pin replacement, but I am experimenting with two OPA2227's as dual balanced output amplifiers assembled on a small circuit board. Naturally a minor surgery has to be done to the TRX board. I wonder, why TI suggests OPA2134 together with PCB11804? It has higher noise than OPA2227. By the way, my sound card is WT192X that has AKM chip inside and can take 31 Vpk-pk. 73, Ahti OH2RZ - Original Message - From: Tayloe Dan-P26412 [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 12:41 AM Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Firebox max input signal? Here is the information that I got about the PreSonus Firebox line inputs. It looks like it is good for +18 dBu or about 17.4v pk-pk maximum. In contrast the Delta 44 is rated to +14 dBu or about 11v pk-pk. - Dan, N7VE -- For Line inputs (0dBFS=+18dBu) , we are performing something very similar to the datasheet you refer to. We attenuate the signal by approximately 5.5x to fit into the converter. Best Regards, Jonathan Hillman [EMAIL PROTECTED] PreSonus Audio Electronics 225-216-7887 x. 117 From: Tayloe Dan-P26412 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 07, 2005 2:15 PM To: jonathan hillman Subject: RE: Maximum input to the Firebox? I have looked at the manufacturer (TI, Cirrus Logic, AKM etc) specifications of several of the best 24 bit A/D devices currently on the market. On of the things that I noticed is that although the A/D input is rated at 0-5v, the reference designs of the parts often show an input buffer that has a gain of less than 1 in order to allow the input to go to a level of greater than 0-5v (5v pk-pk). Example http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/pcm1804.pdf figure 44 or http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/akm/en/product/ak5394a/ek5394a.pdf figure 13. The AKM figure 13 above shows an attenuation of about 5.3x (input R=3.3K, feedback = 620+91 ohms, gain of ~0.188x). I can see that this might be needed since line level devices such as a mixer board often are capable of relatively high outputs. A Heath-Allen mixer console (http://www.allen-heath.com/DL/ml4000ug_ap4314_4.pdf - see page 12) is rated at an output of +23 dBu, where 0 dBu is 0.775v RMS (1.096v pk or 2.192v pk-pk). Thus +23 dBu translates to ~ 31v pk-pk of audio. Thus, I might expect the line input buffer to the A/D converter to have attenuation rather than gain. I am simply trying to find out what the input buffer stage of the A/D converter looks like (gain and voltage limits) in order to best match my output to the line input of this box. - Dan Tayloe ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
[Flexradio] WAV Files from V31?
Did anyone happen to record any wav files of V31MD during the contest? We recorded several locally, but unfortunately there are just big blank spaces where we were making transmissions (since we did not operate with MON audio). It would be nice to have something with V31MD actually audible. Thanks, Gary W5ZL (V31ZL)
Re: [Flexradio] Firebox max input signal?
The AKM is one heck of a chip. As I was reminded earlier, the 120 db range is the wideband noise specification. If you want to know the range in a 500 Hz bandwidth, the noise (and dynamic range) reduces by 10*log(2/500) or 16 db for a 500 Hz dynamic range of 136 db. Since the max is 5v, this would represent a maximum signal of +18 dbm. With a 136 db dynamic range at 500 Hz, this implies the receiver sensitivity is -118 dbm. Thus connecting this A/D converter directly to the detector with no amplification would give an excellent high level blocking capabilities, but you might want 20 db of pre-amplification in order to get down to a more reasonable -135 to -138 dbm MDS sensitivity level, 500 Hz bandwidth. 136 db of blocking dynamic range capability would be quite interesting. - Dan, N7VE -Original Message- From: Ahti Aintila [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 2:39 AM To: Tayloe Dan-P26412 Cc: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Firebox max input signal? Hi Dan, I was wondering the same specification of the PreSonus Firebox, but did not ask them. Thanks for doing that. Obviously Firebox has better dynamic range than Delta 44 (higher max level, lower noise?). However, the best specifications I have seen is with AKM chip set as given in your link below (123 dB dynamic range with +23 dBu maximum input signal ≈ 31 Vpk-pk). Since the Tayloe detector (QSD as Gerald says) can handle about 4 Vpk-pk and we optimally could use gain of 31/4 = 7.75 (+17.8 dB) between the best practically available sound card and the sampling detector. We should also find a better amplifier to replace INA163, because it is too noisy at these low gains. So far I have not found any pin to pin replacement, but I am experimenting with two OPA2227's as dual balanced output amplifiers assembled on a small circuit board. Naturally a minor surgery has to be done to the TRX board. I wonder, why TI suggests OPA2134 together with PCB11804? It has higher noise than OPA2227. By the way, my sound card is WT192X that has AKM chip inside and can take 31 Vpk-pk. 73, Ahti OH2RZ - Original Message - From: Tayloe Dan-P26412 [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 12:41 AM Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Firebox max input signal? Here is the information that I got about the PreSonus Firebox line inputs. It looks like it is good for +18 dBu or about 17.4v pk-pk maximum. In contrast the Delta 44 is rated to +14 dBu or about 11v pk-pk. - Dan, N7VE -- For Line inputs (0dBFS=+18dBu) , we are performing something very similar to the datasheet you refer to. We attenuate the signal by approximately 5.5x to fit into the converter. Best Regards, Jonathan Hillman [EMAIL PROTECTED] PreSonus Audio Electronics 225-216-7887 x. 117 From: Tayloe Dan-P26412 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 07, 2005 2:15 PM To: jonathan hillman Subject: RE: Maximum input to the Firebox? I have looked at the manufacturer (TI, Cirrus Logic, AKM etc) specifications of several of the best 24 bit A/D devices currently on the market. On of the things that I noticed is that although the A/D input is rated at 0-5v, the reference designs of the parts often show an input buffer that has a gain of less than 1 in order to allow the input to go to a level of greater than 0-5v (5v pk-pk). Example http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/pcm1804.pdf figure 44 or http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/akm/en/product/ak5394a/ek5394a.pdf figure 13. The AKM figure 13 above shows an attenuation of about 5.3x (input R=3.3K, feedback = 620+91 ohms, gain of ~0.188x). I can see that this might be needed since line level devices such as a mixer board often are capable of relatively high outputs. A Heath-Allen mixer console (http://www.allen-heath.com/DL/ml4000ug_ap4314_4.pdf - see page 12) is rated at an output of +23 dBu, where 0 dBu is 0.775v RMS (1.096v pk or 2.192v pk-pk). Thus +23 dBu translates to ~ 31v pk-pk of audio. Thus, I might expect the line input buffer to the A/D converter to have attenuation rather than gain. I am simply trying to find out what the input buffer stage of the A/D converter looks like (gain and voltage limits) in order to best match my output to the line input of this box. - Dan Tayloe ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
[Flexradio] XG-1 as an accurate frequency source
Title: XG-1 as an accurate frequency source I am eagerly awaiting my departure from Brazil so I can get home to play with my new SDR1K that has been sitting in the living room for almost three weeks now. I have read the section about DDS clock adjustment and Image Null calibration procedures and I do not have a frequency generator. Rather than trying to use WWV can I use my XG-1 and set the frequency to 7.040 MHz for testing purposes? Is it accurate enough for these calibration tests? 73 de PY0/W4TME -Tim --- Tim Ellison Integrated Technical Services Apex, NC USA 919.674.0044 Ext. 25 / 919.674.0045 (FAX) 919.215.6375 - cell Skype: kg4rzy smime.p7s Description: S/MIME cryptographic signature
Re: [Flexradio] XG-1 as an accurate frequency source
Title: XG-1 as an accurate frequency source Tim, Sure. The XG-1 should work fine. A stronger signal would likely give you a better chance of getting a better null (you will run into the noise floor much sooner with the XG-1). You can use another transceiver if signal level is an issue though. The actual signal level and signal frequency used for the image null isnt really important (unlike the Frequency and Level calibrations). The main thing is that you are able to null the image of the signal. Eric Wachsmann FlexRadio Systems -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim Ellison Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 1:50 PM To: Flex Radio Subject: [Flexradio] XG-1 as an accurate frequency source I am eagerly awaiting my departure from Brazil so I can get home to play with my new SDR1K that has been sitting in the living room for almost three weeks now. I have read the section about DDS clock adjustment and Image Null calibration procedures and I do not have a frequency generator. Rather than trying to use WWV can I use my XG-1 and set the frequency to 7.040 MHz for testing purposes? Is it accurate enough for these calibration tests? 73 de PY0/W4TME -Tim --- Tim Ellison Integrated Technical Services Apex, NC USA 919.674.0044 Ext. 25 / 919.674.0045 (FAX) 919.215.6375 - cell Skype: kg4rzy
Re: [Flexradio] XG-1 as an accurate frequency source
Title: XG-1 as an accurate frequency source Gotit. Obrigado Eric. -Tim --- Integrated Technical Services "You can't close the door when the walls cave in" --Robert Hunter From: Eric Wachsmann - FlexRadio [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 3:04 PMTo: Tim Ellison; 'Flex Radio'Subject: RE: [Flexradio] XG-1 as an accurate frequency source Tim, Sure. The XG-1 should work fine. A stronger signal would likely give you a better chance of getting a better null (you will run into the noise floor much sooner with the XG-1). You can use another transceiver if signal level is an issue though. The actual signal level and signal frequency used for the image null isnt really important (unlike the Frequency and Level calibrations). The main thing is that you are able to null the image of the signal. Eric Wachsmann FlexRadio Systems -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim EllisonSent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 1:50 PMTo: Flex RadioSubject: [Flexradio] XG-1 as an accurate frequency source I am eagerly awaiting my departure from Brazil so I can get home to play with my new SDR1K that has been sitting in the living room for almost three weeks now. I have read the section about DDS clock adjustment and Image Null calibration procedures and I do not have a frequency generator. Rather than trying to use WWV can I use my XG-1 and set the frequency to 7.040 MHz for testing purposes? Is it accurate enough for these calibration tests? 73 de PY0/W4TME -Tim --- Tim Ellison Integrated Technical Services Apex, NC USA 919.674.0044 Ext. 25 / 919.674.0045 (FAX) 919.215.6375 - cell Skype: kg4rzy smime.p7s Description: S/MIME cryptographic signature
[Flexradio] DXLab commander and SDR1000
I am playing with my new SDR1000, so far virtually everything works well, Vcom is working and talking to Ham Radio deluxe perfectly. But I normally use DXlab commander and all the programs that it "brings in" when started, before I start Mixw2. Now I wish to use DXlab Commander with the SDR1000, howver it does not find the SDR1000, all I get is a heading at the top of the commander screen saying "SDR1000 not running" Can someone please give me details as to how to set up DXlab Commander. (By the way Commander, and its programs, works perfectly with my FT1000MP) Regards to all Ross ZL1WN
Re: [Flexradio] DXLab commander and SDR1000
Ross, Set the SDR1000 CAT to emulate a Kenwood 73 de Ignacio, EB4APL Ross wrote: I am playing with my new SDR1000, so far virtually everything works well, Vcom is working and talking to Ham Radio deluxe perfectly. But I normally use DXlab commander and all the programs that it "brings in" when started, before I start Mixw2. Now I wish to use DXlab Commander with the SDR1000, howver it does not find the SDR1000, all I get is a heading at the top of the commander screen saying "SDR1000 not running" Can someone please give me details as to how to set up DXlab Commander. (By the way Commander, and its programs, works perfectly with my FT1000MP) Regards to all Ross ZL1WN ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
[Flexradio] Presonus INSPIRE
Hi Eric friends Why not the less expensive PRESONUS INSPIRE audio interface for laptop ? Features - 24-bit/96k A/D/A sample rate - Four simultaneous input channels - Two microphone/instrument preamplifiers - Software Control Panel and zero latency mixer - FireWire bus-powered or powered externally It seems very nice for SDR1000 on laptop The Firebox standard price in EU is near 365,00 EURO (US$ 438,00) The Inspire only 215,00 (US$ 258,00) 73 !!! Beppe IK3VIG
[Flexradio] Panadapter center frequency error in the SoftRock 40 mode in Beta 1.4.5 Preview 4
When selecting the "Soft Rock 40" radio model and then adjusting the Center Frequency option to reflect the exact crystal frequency (7.054200 in my case) I find that the Panadapter display is not re-centered on this new frequency setting. The center of the viewable range is still 7.056000 and as you tune to the bottom of the 48kHz range you are off of the pan adapter noise display (to the left) and when you tune to the high end of the 48kHz. range you do not reach the high edge of the pan adapter. Frequencies that are within the display range are accurately measured. For example W1AW on 7.0475 is right on the nose after the correction has been entered. Another way of saying this is that the Panadapter range is skewed by the amount of thedifference from 7.056000 that isentered into the Center Frequency correction box. I hope this is clear as I am having trouble putting this into words. 73 - Mike - K9JRI
Re: [Flexradio] Panadapter center frequency error in the SoftRock 40 mode in Beta 1.4.5 Preview 4
Does that beta version support the SR-40 or do you have a special overlay version? At 06:36 PM 11/8/2005, you wrote: When selecting the Soft Rock 40 radio model and then adjusting the Center Frequency option to reflect the exact crystal frequency (7.054200 in my case) I find that the Panadapter display is not re-centered on this new frequency setting. The center of the viewable range is still 7.056000 and as you tune to the bottom of the 48kHz range you are off of the pan adapter noise display (to the left) and when you tune to the high end of the 48kHz. range you do not reach the high edge of the pan adapter. Frequencies that are within the display range are accurately measured. For example W1AW on 7.0475 is right on the nose after the correction has been entered. Another way of saying this is that the Panadapter range is skewed by the amount of the difference from 7.056000 that is entered into the Center Frequency correction box. I hope this is clear as I am having trouble putting this into words. 73 - Mike - K9JRI ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Cecil Bayona KD5NWA www.qrpradio.com I fail to see why doing the same thing over and over and getting the same results every time is insanity: I've almost proved it isn't; only a few more tests now and I'm sure results will differ this time ...
[Flexradio] ~[OT] Need advice on VHF Transverter
After posting this message I received 5 or 6 direct replies stating they had the same quandry and would I share what I found out. Thanks to Terry (W0VB), Duane (N9DG) and others, this is the straight skinny. Unless you are going to use 902 mhz. or higher you don't need the 144-28FRS. The reason is all the transverters under 902 have a 28 mhz. output the same as the 144-28FRS. Okay, if you already have the 144-28FRS you have two (2) options for getting on 2 meters. (1) Buy a preamp and an amplifier and use the 144-28FRS. (2) Get a transverter (DEMI seems to be preferred) and put the 144-28FRS up for future use. This is probably the cheaper route. Also, be advised that if you are planning to work the repeater frequencies (146 up) forget it. The SDR will work 144-146 only due to the 28-30 mhz. IF. That is about it on the transverter issue. I still plan to get on six and two meters. To that end I have decided to make the following additions to my setup. The hardware should be available prior to the end of the year, but Murphey says we'll probably have snow butt deep to a giraffe since I want it to be warm. DEMI two meter 60 watt transverter (8 week lead time). Not sure on six meters, either a DEMI amp for the SDR or a Yaesu transverter to go with the Mark V and Quadra (jury's still out). New 4 el. SteppIr yagi (also 8 week lead) with a six meter kit (6 el. on six w/32 ft. boom) to replace my XP-806 LPA which plays fair, but has to many compromises on HF and no six meters. I have been wanting to do this for a couple of years and now I have a good excuse. BTW, the LPA will be for sale about the end of the year if anyone is interested. 10/12 feet above the SteppIR will be a M2 2M12 two meter yagi (12 el. on 19.5 foot boom) This is about all I can do with antennas at this location due to zoning restrictions and tower location. After I retire (March 31) and we move to the country, I can get serious with antennas, well maybe ;-). 73, Steve - K5FR --- Steve Nance [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I had in mind to do some weak signal VHF/UHF work so I bought a 144-28FRS Transverter for my SDR-1000. Got it installed and the reality has finally set in that I don't know what I'm doing as far as taking the next step of having a usable 2 meter rig. I went to the DEMI site and low all the 2 meter stuff they have is for 28 MHz IF. Oops that won't plug and play with another device just like it. Drat, what do we do now coach? I have come to the conclusion that unless I buy a transverter that has an 144 MHz output (900 MHz up) the internal 144-28FRS is of no use to me at all and I could have saved my money. The question is; how is the best way to get on 2 meters with or without the internal transverter. I have looked for enlightenment on the Flex and DEMI sights and didn't find any advice for Dummies! I may add more transverters later depending on how this experience ends up grin. Any help, guideance or psychiatric counseling would be appreciated. 73, Steve - K5FR
Re: [Flexradio] Presonus INSPIRE
Beppe Proly a nice find! Website? Eric AA4SW V31SR From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Giuseppe Campana Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 6:47 PM To: flexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Presonus INSPIRE Hi Eric friends Why not the less expensive PRESONUS INSPIRE audio interface for laptop ? Features - 24-bit/96k A/D/A sample rate - Four simultaneous input channels - Two microphone/instrument preamplifiers - Software Control Panel and zero latency mixer - FireWire bus-powered or powered externally It seems very nice for SDR1000 on laptop The Firebox standard price in EU is near 365,00 EURO (US$ 438,00) The Inspire only 215,00 (US$ 258,00) 73 !!! Beppe IK3VIG
Re: [Flexradio] Presonus INSPIRE
Beppe Pretty slick, small firewire i/o wheres the asio drivers? Eric From: ecellison [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 10:12 PM To: 'Giuseppe Campana'; 'flexRadio@flex-radio.biz' Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Presonus INSPIRE Beppe Proly a nice find! Website? Eric AA4SW V31SR From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Giuseppe Campana Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 6:47 PM To: flexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Presonus INSPIRE Hi Eric friends Why not the less expensive PRESONUS INSPIRE audio interface for laptop ? Features - 24-bit/96k A/D/A sample rate - Four simultaneous input channels - Two microphone/instrument preamplifiers - Software Control Panel and zero latency mixer - FireWire bus-powered or powered externally It seems very nice for SDR1000 on laptop The Firebox standard price in EU is near 365,00 EURO (US$ 438,00) The Inspire only 215,00 (US$ 258,00) 73 !!! Beppe IK3VIG
