FLEX 6000™ SDRs – SmartSDR multi Slices & Panadapters in early Q2 2013 – The Orlando 2013 Show (video interview)

FLEX 6000™ Signature Series SDR’s - SmartSDR Multiple Slices and Multiple Panadapters on the same Radio!
Orlando Ham-fest February 2013 – 67th Orlando HamCation Amateur Radio & Computer Show – The FlexRadio Booth video  interview! - See link, videos, pictures and the 1st Video of Tmate-2 HID Controller , below !

FlexRadio projects in early Q2 2013 start of deliveries: Gerard Youngblood, K5SDR FlexRadio CEO (latest Flex Insider-6):  ….. “Next, how to you make an extremely complex radio simple and intuitive to use? Leonardo Da Vinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. “Complex is easy, simple is hard”. …… Progress is visible and accelerating. Everyone is motivated, excited about what we are building, and working hard…. etc. ! – (See link below to more news!)

Flex Radio Booth at HamCation Orlando 2013- (by videosbymike

Il Team-Marketing di  FlexRadio ha preparato quest’altro Video  che mostra più in dettaglio alcune funzionalità della loro nuova interfaccia utente detta “SmartSDR” -
Il video inserito qui sotto è ricavato da una registrazione dal vivo effettuata da K5FRS con l’hardware del FLEX-6700 in corso di produzione e su cui girava proprio il Software “SmartSDR” in fase di implementazione da parte degli ingegneri FlexRadio-

Imagine a real time spectral display where the noise floor is averaged to the terrestrial noise floor. – By real time, I mean that the display follows the instantaneous power of the signal but the noise floor is almost a flat line (no “grass,” as we call it) at the noise level seen at the antenna. This remains true whether zoomed out to view half of the HF spectrum or zoomed in to just a few kHz.
[Note] The “PacMan” looking signal that flies through the bands is a Propagation Ionosonde Station located a few miles from FlexRadio Factory!

Watch the Video below “First Look” at the new FLEX-6000 SmartSDR  and the Pictures! – See link below to new HID Controller Tmate-2 made in Italy (coming-son!)

Minimum Discernible Signal (MDS and NF) – How LOW do you GO? – by Greg Jurrens – K5GJ, VP, Sales & Marketing There’s been a lot of talk these days about Minimum Discernible Signal, or MDS. What is it? What affect does it have on my receiver performance? Why do I care? – …. “The ARRL labs use a procedure to measure MDS to a signal 3dB above the noise floor (NF) measured in a 500 Hz bandwidth.

!Amplifiers are very good at amplifying… Everything – signal, and noise. We want the signal but not the additional noise that comes along for the ride. Ideally, the amplified MDS should be 3 to 6db below the environmental noise floor. Plus, the amps themselves add a bit of noise to the mix. Worse yet, using pre-amplifiers have a cost of actually LOWERING the radio’s effective dynamic range. Dynamic range is defined as the difference between MDS and input overload. The pre-amp’s gain comes right off the top of that number. In this case, too much is not just right.

The FLEX-6000 Signature Series to the rescue! – One of the unique features of the Spectral Capture Unit (SCU) of the FLEX-6000 is the Digital Variable Gain Amplifier (DVGA). This allows the software to vary the SCU’s front end performance in 0.5dB steps from -11.5dB up to +20dB of gain (up to 40 dB on the FLEX-6700 with the additional +20dB second pre-amp). The result is the perfect MDS for your QTH and situation. Just enough gain to coax the signal out of the noise, but not so much that all you hear is noise or give up dynamic range. This capability will be provided for advanced operations. Again, the flexibility of a SDR (Software Defined Radio)…. etc”  Link to Source: FlexRadio Systems (Flex Insider – Issue-5 and 6)

  
SmartSDR Panadapter Video-Demo – A -First Look- at the new FLEX-6000 SmartSDR Panadapter from FlexRadio Systems. – This is the first in a series of introductory videos (28/dic/2012)

FLEX-6700 & FLEX-6500 Signature Series, incorporano una inconsueta potenza di elaborazione dati “built-in” (dentro!) – Montano la Xilinx Virtex-6®, una FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) di alto livello, un microprocessore Texas Instruments™ DaVinci™ Digital Media Processor che incorpora un processore ARM Cortex™-A8 CPU (con processore NEON™) a 1,4GHz (1,2GHz nel FLEX-6500) ed un coprocessore DSP a 32 bit in virgola mobile da 1,2GHz (1,0GHZ nel FLEX-6500). –
La nuova Serie FLEX-6000′s ora in pre-produzione e il suo Software SmartSDR in fase di perfezionamento, sarà rilasciata all’inizio del 2° Quadrimestre 2013! - (Leonardo Da Vinci diceva: “Complesso è facile Semplice è difficile” così lo cita K5SDR CEO Flex Radio nell’ultimo Flex Insider-6!)

Link to: Official Broshure EN by the FlexRadio Systems – Ver-2  (PDF ENG.)
Link to:  Broshure in Italiano di WoodBoxRadio IT- by IK3VIG  (PDF ITA.)

Da Flex Insider Issue-5 /2012…..A proposito delle discussioni tecniche in corso sul MDS/NF (Minimo Segnale Discernibile a +3dB sul rumore o Noise Floor)  Una delle caratteristiche uniche del circuito “Spectral Capture Unit” (SCU) incorporato nella Serie  FLEX-6000′s è anche l’Amplificatore di Guadagno Digitale Variabile (DVGA). Questo sistema permette al software di variare le prestazioni del Front-end della SCU a passi di 0,5 dB da -11.5dB fino a +20 dB di guadagno (fino a 40 dB sul FLEX-6700, con l’ulteriore +20 dB del secondo pre-amp)…. così da adattare al meglio la MDS in base alle condizioni del QTH….etc.

Tmate-2 HID – Altra novità Italiana in arrivo a breve (accessorio…. geniale!)

To make your SDR … like a real Radio! - Tmate2 HID Controller Compatible with Perseus, FDM-SW1, Studio1, and PowerSDR is ……….. Coming Soon! -
(Clink the pictures to enlarge – please!)
Tmate2 HID interface, no driver required -
Link to:  WoodBoxRadio – Italy

Tmate2 1st Video: Short demo of first testing the new CAT console Tmate2. It will be compatible with most SDR applications - (04. Feb. 2013 by ik3vig)

[Note] All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders - This device (Flex-6k’s) has not been approved by the appropriate authorities in each country etc.

TS-990S Detailed Features- Price US / EU – Download16-pag Brochure ENG/JPN

TS-990S Kenwood Transceiver - Update news: Kenwood Ltd & Kenwood USA and JVCKwd JP have released Official 16-page TS-990S Brochure! – Big PDF (EU/USA/全16ページ JPN) link below – Price US/UE - See Detailed Features by Kenwood (UK) (DE) (IT) (US) (JP) link below - FCC: ID K44412000 - See Link , pictures and Video below.

TS-990S by Universal Radio (US) List $8249,95 Your Price $7999,95
TS-990S by ML&S (UK) Price: £6600,00 inc. VAT 20%
TS-990S by Maas  (DE) Price:  €.7495,00 Inc. VAT 19%
TS-990S by RS Radiostock (ES) Precio: €. 7550,00 Inc. IVA 21%

TS-990S  всережимный трансивер ( Link to: “Бермос” Москва – “Bermos” Mosca)
Рекомендованная производителем цена для РФ: 9200,00 USD по курсу ЦБ РФ на день оплаты.

株式会社JVCケンウッドは、ケンウッドブランドより、 “最高級実戦機”HF/50MHzトランシーバー「TS-990」シリーズを2013年2月末に日本をはじめ全世界で発売します。- (see link (JP) below!) - 威 風 堂 々。 ファン待望の新フラッグシップモデル -
TS-990S new JVCKenwood Flagship Arriving End February 2013 – The Price in Japan is 798,000 Yen inc. Jp. Tax (760.000 Yen no Tax) Link below!

Da Kenwood Italia – (IT) Cenni storici sulle Radio-Ammiraglie KENWOOD:  Il debutto del TS-900 nel 1973 ha inaugurato la tradizione della classe ammiraglia dei  ricetrasmettitori HF KENWOOD per uso amatoriale, che ha prodotto il TS-930, il TS-940 ed il TS-950. Progettato per l’esigenze del mercato Amateur Radio HF, il nuovo TS-990 ora si pone l’obiettivo di diventare il prodotto TOP dei DX’ers…. (vedere il comunicato e dati con il link più sotto IT)

Der TS-990S hauptempfänger arbeitet nach dem Down-Conversion-Prin­zip und ist mit einem neuen Mischer und neuen Schmalband-Roofing-Filtern ausgestattet, sodass ein IP3 von +40 dBm erreicht wird, was einen Spitzenwert darstellt. - Erstmals besitzt ein Transceiver ein Dual-TFT-Display – mit Bandscope, NF-Scope, S-Meter und vielem mehr – dies führt zu besserer Darstellung und unbeschwertem Funkbetrieb. (Markteinf.g Ende Februar 2013)

TS-990S Main Receiver – The first mixer circuit, at the heart of the main receiver, is equipped with a new double balanced grounded switch type mixer.
In order to prevent distortion when there is a large input signal, the signal route up to the first mixer includes sophisticated circuitry with carefully selected components – such as large-core toroidal coils and relays for signal switching between bands – resulting in a third-order intercept point of +40dBm (source: JVC Kenwood brochure) – Please click the pictures diagram to enlarge!

TS-990S 200W Trasmitter – The push-pull circuit utilizes VRF150MP 50V power MOSFETs to deliver a stable output of 200W on all bands. Engineers have determined the bias and matching conditions that ensure maximum possible benefit from the characteristics of the VRF150MP.
Built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU) is of the preset type and employs the relay approch, acclaimed for rapid operation. Cooling system capable of providing ample airflow to each unit. The TS-990 employs five independent variable-speed fans (.. IC-7700 employs Quad-fans!) are employed for the Switching Power Supply, the PA final section, and the ATU antenna tuner. (source: JVC Kenwood brochure) – Please click the pictures diagram to enlarge!
Link to: Download Kenwood USA Official TS-990S 16-page ADS#04513 (ENG)
Link to: Download Kenwood UE  Official TS-990S 16-page  #CA321E-E  - (ENG)
Link to: Download Kenwood JP Offic. TS-990S  全16ページ #MAA-9HF1302 (JPN)

Link to: Download the Kenwood TS-990S Brochure JPN in PDF 3MB - (JPN)
Link to: JVC Kenwood Products  TS-990シリーズ Japanese language - (JPN)
Link to: Download the latest Leaflet  by ML&S UK (NPRI_final-(2) - (ENG)
Link to: TS-990S Flaggschiff  Detailbeschreibung und technische Daten - (DE)
Link to: TS-990S Ammiraglia HF/6m Dettagli dalla Kenwood  Italia - (IT)

Link to: Comunicato Stampa 2013 – TS-990S il lancio a fine Febbraio 2013 - (IT)
Link to: News Press Release 2013 – TS-990S to be launched next month - (ENG)

[Note] The TS-990S is manufactured in Kenwood’s Japan Factory which has been assessed and registered as ISO 9001 compliant (Quality Control).

RS Radiostock Espagna (EU) has now updated its price (! update 30.01.2013)
TS-990S Precio:€. 6239,67 + €. 15,60 ES trsp + 21%  IVA = Total €. 7568,88
(!! “stale” Precio: €. 7500,00 + €. 15,60 + 21%  IVA = Total €. 9093,88)

Link to: RS Radiostock – Emisoras Base  web-page (ES)

TS-990S HF/50MHz Dual receiver & Dual TFT display Available Winter 2012. – Update !! New Video by JVC Kenwood (ENG version) 11/ott/2012 - On the Kenwood TS-990S one of the noteworthy planning policies is improvement of fundamental receive performances and a drastic modification to the external appearance.

TS-990S Demo Video | JVCKENWOOD (ENG Version)

 TS-990S JVC info: Down-conversion system on all receiving bands – Different bands can be received separately at once on the main and the sub – The sub-receiver uses TS-590S receiver – Three 32bit floating-point arithmetic DSP (One ADSP-21369 SHARCH Processor 400MHz SIMD Core, capable of 2.4 GFLOPS peak; two ADSP-21363 SHARCH 333 MHz SIMD Core, capable of 2 GFLOPS peak) – Separate main and sub receiver instead of traditional VFO A-B – Two TFT Display… and more!

Receiver performance is one of the key indicators that is used to evaluate a transceiver.  And, above all, the capability to protect against interference from adjacent signals close to the target signal is of the utmost importance. On the TS-990S thre RF filter systems protect the early stages of the main receiver from overload caused by strong out-of band signals (RF BPF – Pre Selector combine and five Roofing Filters after the 1st mix) – The Preselector is a variable bandpass filter that can be inserted or not after a series of fixed bandpass filters.

Main Receiver: Full down conversion (IF: 8.248MHz) – Newly-developed mixer IP3: +40dBm class – Roofing filters (270Hz/500Hz/2.7kHz/6kHz/15kHz) – Sub Receiver: Up/Down conversion (similar to TS-590 system) – Simultaneous dual receive. – Source Kenwood-electronics Co.Uk Leaflet ENG – Download here (link to ML&S Uk)

Mode: SSB/CW/FSK/PSK/AM/FM – TX power: 5-200W (AM 50W) – 2xVRF150 FET final working at 50V – Rear panel: Antenna connector x 4, RX IN/OUT connector, key jack, ACC2 connector, optical IN/OUT, keypad jack, USB connector (+ USB x 2 Front panel) display connector, LAN connector, REF I/O 10MHz, etc.

[Note] – Pricing and final detailed specifications: please see the official JVCKenwood sources - All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders

IC-9100 Up. Firmware V.E1 – QST review April 2012 and the “NPR rx Testing” by VA7OJ

IC-9100 update the Firmware Version V.E1 of April, 2012 – Checking Version on your rtx – The NPR Testing of many HF Receivers by VA7OJ, Adam (latest NPR updated in March, 2013) see link below –  QST reviews IC-9100 on April, 2012 by WW3DE, see the summary key 14MHz below - RS-BA1® remote control system … really cool stuff and Linck, Video and more.

IC-9100 Checking the Version installed – (idem for the IC-7410)

1) – Press and hold [F4] and [F5] while turning [ON] the IC-9100 – (idem for the IC-7410)
2) – Do NOT release [F4] and [F5] until you have READ the Version results (3)
3) – Results will appear at the bottom of the display

Results for latest V.E1 - F: 3.01-000 = Front (currently no updates) - M: 3.42-E00 = Main (currently no updates) - DM: 3.03 <00> = DSP Main (Previous version should read 3.02) - DS: 3.04 <00> = DSP Sub (Previous version should read 3.03) – (!! Read the Icom information)

[Note] for the IC-7410 HF/50MHz  is NOT granted any firmware, for now

The IC-9100 Firmware V.E1 has just been posted 13/3/2012. – This upgrade is applied from a PC via the rear-panel [USB B] port. – The IC-9100’s firmware can be updated if desired. By updating the firmware, new function(s) can be added and performance can be improved. – This capability ends months of speculation: “Is it or isn’t it?”  - - See the Utility Link, the QST Review, the latest NPR rx Testing (3/2013) by VA7OJ  and RS-BA1 remote control … below !

IC-9100 la Versione V.E1 del Firmware è disponibile dal 13/03/2012.

Con questo terminano le incertezze e le voci varie, sì l’IC-9100 ha il suo Firmware aggiornabile!
Come verificare la Versione del Firmware nell’IC-9100 e IC-7410: vedere comandi riportati più sopra; –  I dati identificativi dell’ultima Versione E1 rilascita da ICOM Inc. solo per l’IC-9100,  ove già installata a bordo oppure  dopo aver fatto l’aggiornamento, apparirano sulla parte bassa del Display con una serie di valori (vedere più sopra) - [Nota] Per l’IC-7410 non risultano ancora aggiornamenti ad oggi – (NB: Informarsi tramite tutte le news ufficiali di Icom!)

Il firmware del IC-9100 può essere aggiornato, se uno lo desidera, tramite un PC e via porta [USB-B] sul pannello posteriore. Con l’aggiornamento del firmware, naturalmente, possono essere aggiunte nuove funzioni e migliorate le prestazioni via, via da parte del costruttore. -
[Note]: A USB cable type A-B  is required. - Please read Icom ”Firmware update instructions” PDF

Link to: Icom Co. Jp Firmware V.E1 Official download page
Link to: Icom Co. Jp Firmware Update Manual Istructions

Noise Power Ratio (NPR) Testing of HF Receivers -© by Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ
- Using notched noise to evaluate dynamic receiver performance

Noise Power Ratio (NPR) Testing of HF Receivers – Using notched noise to evaluate dynamic receiver performance – (…. To put the impact of the NPR test into perspective, a -9 dBm Ptot level at 5.6 MHz BRF is equivalent to 1200 simultaneous SSB signals at -43 dBm each, i.e. S9 + 30 dB!) etc. etc…. by Adam Farson, VA7OJ/AB4OJ- (!! updated in March, 2013 – see the link below)

Con il Test NPR Adam, dimostra che il generatore di rumore bianco immette un segnale a banda larga che carica tutti gli stati del ricevitore, il Front-end, i Filtri e l’eventuale Preselettore, simulando la risposta alla ricezione di multi-segnali del DUT (come in realtà succede collegandovi un’antenna). – Il rumore bianco viene rimosso alla frequenza sintonizzata del ricevitore da un adatto filtro notch, inserito in serie. – A causa della distorsione dei circuiti del ricevitore (DUT imput), questa tacca (notch) tende a riempirsi con prodotti di intermodulazione, i cui effetti verranno oppurtunamente misurati in uscita (DUT output).

Link to: Download the NPR test in PDF by VA7OJ Adam (pdf ENG)

QST reviews the  IC-9100 on April, 2012 - An overview of the ICOM IC-9100 MF/HF/VHF/UHF Transceiver on the QST magazine by Rick, WW3DE  NCJ Managing Editor (ARRL).

Da: “Key Summary” – (Intercept values ..determined using -97 dBm reference)
Qui vengono riportati solo i numeri a 14 MHz, Pre OFF – RTX  IC-7410 / IC-9100

• …………………………………..Icom IC-7410……………..Icom IC-9100
• …………………………………QST October 2011.………….. QST April 2012
• Spacing 20 kHz blocking gain compression….144 dB…………….…….142 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz blocking gain compression….111 dB………….……….111 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range……106 dB…………….…….108 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range….….88 dB…………….………87 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order intercept……………+29 dBm……………….+29 dBm
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order intercept……………+  5 dBm…………….….+  2 dBm

See the April, 2012 issue of QST magazine for the complete review and ARRL Lab test results.
[Note]: Area Members Only – to log-in; -
Link to: ARRL – American Radio Relay League for Amateur Radio Home-page

QST pag. 55 [Large Box] RMRD, written by Bob Allison, WB1GCM
- From this review forward, we will include RMDR in the Key Measurements Summary.
Reciprocal Mixing Testing: What Is It?
You may notice two new color bars in the “Key Measurements Summary” at the top of this review. These are for Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (RMDR), with measurements at 20 and 2 kHz spacing. …….omissis …….. Reciprocal mixing is noise generated in a superheterodyne receiver when noise from the local oscillator (LO) mixes with strong, adjacent signals.

RS-BA1® Remote control system (QST… Now for the Really Cool Stuff )

An RS-BA1® remote control system consists of at least one PC, which is used as a Base station (Server) and at least one PC, which is used as a Remote station (Client). Both PCs have to be connected with a network and VAC. The Icom USB driver must be installed.
Link to: Watch the Video RS-BA1 setting (IC-7410) by GoospeedGoo

QST, verso la fine, tratta anche il Software RS-BA1® opzionale della ICOM, che consente di operare l’IC-9100 in remoto tramite Internet o una rete locale LAN. (Porta USB ad  un PC locale (Server),  un’altro PC remoto (Client). Uso di Porte audio virtuali (VAC), oltre ad uno specifico USB Driver da installare prima di collegare l’apparato al PC)
Per caricare il software, dovrete inserire l’ID del prodotto e la chiave di licenza dall’etichetta del CD acquistato. – Icom dopo la prima versione ha rilasciato un aggiornamento: Ver. 1.20 – 01/04/2011

Link to: Manuale PDF dal sito web di VA7OJ, Adam, www.ab4oj.com.
Link to: ICOM America  RS-BA1® Guida rapida di riferimento on-line
Link to: Icom USB Driver(Ver.1.10) –  Driver Utility and manuals.

[Note] – Detailed specifications: please see the official ICOM Inc. sources - All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders.

K3 the 700 Hz 8-Pole Roofing Filter INRAD – KAT500 Auto-Tuner – K3-Remote & K3/0

Elecraft ® K3 Transceiver: new Custom 700 Hz 8-Pole Roofing Filter by INRAD a useful CW/DATA filter bandwidth (…500 Hz Olivia modes etc!) and helpful for non-pileup DX work – New KAT500 Auto-Tuner that can be used with both the K3 – KPA500 and all other HF – The K3-Remote & K3/Ø ! – See the news and link below !

unpcbs™  (trademarks of Ken Kaplan and Gary Hvizdak) writing this:  6 November 2012 – In­stead of re­quir­ing 20 pre­or­ders (as we had orig­i­nal­ly ad­ver­tised), we have de­cid­ed to com­mis­sion the third batch of 700 Hz Elecraft® K3 filters when we reach 14 pre­or­ders.
At the cur­rent av­er­age month­ly pre­or­der rate, that should hap­pen with­in a few weeks at most and pos­si­bly with­in a few days.. etc.
Read more news, Term of Sale, Frequently Asked Questions and App Notes by link

Link to official web-page unpcbs™ 700 Hz Elecraft® K3 filters

KAT500 Auto-Tuner & Smart Antenna Switch - (Source Elecraft ® website)
The new KAT500 uses the same topology and performance tuning algorithms as the 100W autotuner in the K3. Typical matching range at 500 W is up to 10:1 on most bands.

Frequency Typical Matching Range and Power Limit:
1.8 — 2MHz 600W into 10 to 500 Ohms (5:1 Low Impedance, 10:1 High Impedance SWR) / 3 — 30 MHz 600W into 5 to 500 Ohms (10:1 SWR) / 1000W into 16 to 150 Ohms (3:1 SWR ) / 1000W into 16 to 150 Ohms (3:1 SWR ) and  30 — 60MHz 500W into 5:1 SWR (10 to 250 Ohms)
The KAT500 measures transmit frequency to automatically select tuning memories and antennas – The KAT500 can tune with 10 W but we recommend 20 W to 100 W for best tuning accuracy – The KAT500 has a front panel SWR display and three selectable antenna outputs.  -
Link to: Elecraft ® KAT500 official web-page
Link to: Elecraft ® KAT500 Owner’s Manual

Elecraft ® K3-Remote (including K3/Ø Remote control Head !) - This may include: 

-  Two RemoteRig RRC-1258MkII (picture below) units that provide the interface to the internet; one for the remote location and one for the local (control) location
- RRMTCBL cable set to connect the remote RRC-1258 unit to the remote K3.
- K3/0 Remote control Head.
- RRK0CBL cable set to connect a local K3/0 as the controller.
- RRK3CBL cable set to connect a local K3 as the controller.

When paired with the RemoteRig internet control system (also sold by Elecraft®) this K3 Remote system can connect your local K3 or K3/Ø to a remote K3 over the internet, including transmit and receive audio, without the need or complexity of setting up computers on each end. The K3 Remote system provides a real radio feel with immediate control feedback and very fast response times
The K3/Ø, or a regular a K3 in ‘terminal mode’, provides a unique real time remote control experience for operating a K3 located in the next room, or across the country. – [Note] The latest K3 firmware supports a compact remote control serial protocol – (Source Elecraft ® website)

Link to:  Elecraft ® K3-Remote K3 – more news and informations
Link to: RemoteRig K3-Twin Power Modification (Old RRC boards)
Link to: Official RemoteRig Website

[Note] All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders -  These events and news are reported for information only!

FLEX-6000′s a Direct Sampling SDR’s are slated for delivery in the 2nd quarter of 2013

FLEX-6000 Signature Series SDRs which are ordered now from our On-Line Store are slated for delivery in the 2nd quarter of 2013 - (news by FlexRadio Systems)
FLEX-6700 & FLEX-6500 Signature con potenza di elaborazione “built-in”:  montano la Xilinx Virtex-6®, una FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) di alto livello, un microprocessore Texas Instruments™ DaVinci™ Digital Media Processor che incorpora un processore ARM Cortex™-A8 CPU (con processore NEON™) a 1,4GHz (1,2GHz nel FLEX-6500) ed un coprocessore DSP a 32 bit in virgola mobile da 1,2GHz (1,0GHZ nel FLEX-6500). – !! Download the Brochure ENG (FlexRadio) or IT (WoodBoxRadio) PDF link below

The FLEX-6700 and FLEX-6500 coming soon, build package was released to AMS for materials procurement and pre-production engineering start-up !! – (Source: Flex Insider-Issue 2-3/2012) - FlexRadio Signs Manufacturing Partner: (AMS) – Austin Manufacturing Services located in Austin the same business complex with FlexRadio.

AMS’ is ISO 9001 certified contract manufacturer of  board and system level electronic. AMS’ offers considerable expertise and experience in complex, multi-technology, multi-configuration PCB assemblies. - Link to: AMS’s – Services Web-page

The FLEX-6000 Signature Series radios employ a Direct Sampling receiver architecture while the FLEX-Series radios (FLEX-5000, FLEX-3000, FLEX-1500) are Direct Conversion receiver and the RF signal is presented to a QSD – Quadrature Sampling Detector  a balanced mixer of sorts. – QSD receivers are only limited by the bandwidth of the audio ADC’s and balance issues in the detector.

By comparison, the FLEX-6000 Signature Series takes the conversion of RF to digital to a new level – Direct Sampling. Using  high bandwidth ADCs, the entire HF spectrum from 10kHz to 77MHz is sampled at the same time (plus 135MHz-165MHz in the FLEX-6700).
In the FLEX-6000, the Spectral Capture Unit (SCU) performs this function in real time delivering the digitized RF spectrum to the radio’s Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for additional processing. -

[Note] Inside the SCU are three main functions: filtering, level control and digitization. The Flex-6500 Flex-6700 packs more built-in digital signal process power than ever before imagined in an amateur radio transceiver - The Xilinx® Virtex®-6 FPGA works in tandem with a Texas Instruments® DaVinci® Digital Media Processor that includes a 1.4 GHz (1.2 GHz on FLEX-6500) ARM Cortex®-A8 CPU with NEON® floating point coprocessor!

On the FLEX-6000′s the SCU’s job is to take the off-air signal from an antenna jack on the radio and convert it into the best digital signal possible. – The input to each SCU is one of the many antenna or receiver connectors on the radio. Coming out of the SCU is an incredible volume of digital data  3.93 Gbps for each SCU. – Just for comparison purposes, this data would fill forty of your typical 100Mbps Ethernet cables (LAN).

Retail pricing USA as follows –> FLEX-6500: $4299 / FLEX-6700R: $6399 / and the FLEX-6700: $7499
Retail pricing UK   as follows –> FLEX-6500: £3449 / FLEX-6700R: £4799 / and the FLEX-6700: £5799

Link to: Official Broshure by the FlexRadio Systems – Ver-2  (PDF ENG.)
Link to:  Broshure in Italiano di WoodBoxRadio It by IK3VIG  (PDF ITA.)

[Note] – Pricing and final detailed specifications are yet fixed, please see the official FlexRadio sources - All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders - This device has not been approved by the appropriate authorities in each country etc.

FTdx-5000 Update Software Main V.0123 – SP1NY OLED’s display replacement tutorial

FTdx-5000′s Update Software Main Ver.0123 released 10/22/2012. The Yaesu USA information PDF (link) –  SP1NY OLED’s sub-display replacement DIY (do it yourself) tutorial – Step-by-step procedure to replace the faulty OLEDs (EL) on the FTDX-5000 Front panel – See the Software Info (link),  QST review PDF (link) below.

FTDX-5000 OLED change DIY tutorial and more info.

On the FTdx-5000′s three EL “OLED” Electro Luminescence displays maximize your operation with useful and tactical supportive information. -
[Issue]:) OLED subdisplay broken (see the picture) one vertical white line or plus lines appear in them! – More people had the same issue (see the FTdx-5000′s Yahoo Group). - It seems that it’s an mortality of the OLED driver chip that is integrated into the ribbon connector of the display or so.

Step-by-step procedure to replace the faulty OLEDs – (! other by link below)

  
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 On the first OLED one line starts faint and then become brighter and brighter. In the mean time second one showed up with it’s full brightness and thikness.
On the second OLED first line starts with almost full brightness then after about two weeks second one appeared dummy and thick, increasing brightness, day by day then starts slowly dimming or so – [Note] !! These events are reported for information only!

Link to: FTDX-5000 OLED change DIY tutorial (many items) by SP1NY

FTDX-5000 Yaesu USA Update Software with Main Ver.0123 (10/22/2012)

You need a serial cable from your computer to the serial port on the FTdx-5000′s. - If you use a USB port to serial interface adapter, make sure it is the FTDI chipset or so. – Update Software in the FTdx-5000 it takes a little practice for the many “DIY” steps procedures. – By the way, each update has all the previous updates, so you only have to do the latest one. - The tricky part is throwing the programming switch inside the back of the Transceiver!

!! Please see the versions list on the PDF Yaesu and be sure to read the entire package before doing anything.

The latest versions are listed below with the release dates (! partial list).
・ MAIN Software Version 0123 (10/22/12)
・ EDSP Software Version 0537 (7/20/11)
・ OEL (OLED) Software Version 0110 (3/23/10)
・ SM-5000 Software Version 0107 (3/23/10)
Link to: Official Yaesu USA Sofware Information released 10/22/2012
Link to: HB9ZS FT-5000 Utilities and Memory Saver – Fine Swiss utility!

FTDX5000′s QST Review -  Both receivers cover from 0.03 to 60 MHz. Receiver A is double conversion, with the first IF at 9 MHz and the second DSP IF at 30 kHz for SSB and CW and 24 kHz for AM and FM modes. Receiver B is a tripleconversion design, with the first and second IFs at 40.455 MHz and 455 kHz, respectively, and the DSP third IF identical to the second IF in the main receiver

Link to: Download the December 2010 QST review here (link-ML&S !)

[Note] All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders -  These events and news are reported for information only!

Hilberling PT-8000A is on top of the Sherwood test list – it’s a high-1st-IF (up-converting) design

The Hilberling PT-8000A HF/VHF Transceiver is on top of the Sherwood test list, best of all tested transceivers and receivers, it’s a high-1st-IF (up-converting) design too! – At 2kHz spacing the Dynamic Range is still 105dB ! and they can match the sampling SDR’s for reciprocal mixing performance. – See the Test data  on link below.

Link to: Sherwood Receiver Test Data Table updated 02 Oct., 2012
Link to: Hilberling GmBH official PT-8000A broshure D/ENG PDF

PT-8000 VLF/HF/VHF All Mode Transceiver with low noise SAW-VCXO at 640MHz. Employment of 1 GHz DDS oscillators guarantees low noise characteristics to noise suppression of -160dBc @ 10kHz at 14.2MHz.

La Hilberling GmbH continua la sua produzione di apparati diciamo di “nicchia” dal costo elevato (List price PT-8000 Transceiver, 200W, incl. Power Supply and Mic T9 = Euro 13.290,00).

Seguono, qui, alcuni dati, che si ritiene interessanti per confrontare (a few figures abaut PT-8000′s Transceiver 2008 and 2011 production) alcune importanti differenze trà il PT-8000′s del 2008 e la successiva produzione del 2011. !!

In particolare si nota il cambio della 1st IF a 40.700MHz con un rinnovo anche della architettura funzionale  ed ora  l’impiego di un solo 1st Roofing  Filter avente una BW di 50kHz e poi altri Filtri a quarzo selezionabili nella 2nd IF (Main/Sub receivers).

PT-8000 prodotto nel 2008 (11.5.08):
RX Double Super Heterodyne 1st IF 70.700MHz and 2nd IF 10.7MHz  / Xtal-Filter 1st IF 70.7MHz (BW 2.7kHz/6.0kHz/12.0kHz) and 2nd IF MAIN 10.698/SUB 10.702MHz (BW 0.5… 6.0kHz/12.0kHz)
PT-8000 prodotto nel 2011 (13.12.11):
RX Double Super Heterodyne 1st IF 40.700MHz 2nd IF 10.7MHz / Xtal-Filter 1st  40.7 (BW 50kHz) and 2nd IF MAIN 10.702/SUB 10.698MHz (BW 0.5… 6kHz/15kHz)

All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders

FTdx-3000 Menu very easy – VFO B/A now A/B! – FCC ID ok – FT1D and FTM-400D

FTdx-3000 Settings MENU now scrolling on display and set values! an innovative approach (now… like Icom inc.) – FTDX3000 approved by F.C.C.  ID K6620461X50 – New FT-1D V/U HT FCC ID K6620445X20 and FTM-400D V/U Mobile for digital  C4FM FDMA mode. - See the update pictures of a built-in 4.3-in TFT Display and other news and Link below.

List Price: $3500.00 Your Price: $2799.95  now 2699.95 (Universal Radio US market )

FTdx-3000 Utilizes a new innovative and easy menu settings system and a new 4.3-inch wide color LCD displays the operating information and the status of the transceiver functions selected. (now… like Icom inc.)

To enter into SET MENU mode, simply press the [MENU] button and turn the [CLAR/VFO-B] knob to scroll Up or Down your desired Menu number displayed on the Main LCD and access to many settings and speeds up the operation.

The layout settings [MENU-1] are very fine and offer a nice array of features for the operator. The directional arrows (keypad) and [SELECT] button help you with quick and intuitive access to settings. (please click the picture to enlarg) -

These systems have been newly developed by Yaesu Musen Co., LTD with new substantial design changes, compared to previous devices under the Vertex Standard Inc. Brand! – I have to commend Yaesu Musen Co. for coming up with such an innovative and easy approach.

In Dayton and Friedrichshafen Expo as you can see the buttons [VFO B/A] are reversed! than usual [VFO A/B] – Now in Tokyo Ham Fair these buttons to select the two VFO have been reported in the usual position: [VFO A/B]

The Main operating frequency is the most important in the radio display, with [VFO-A] frequency located just above the Main dial. The [VFO-B] frequency can be displayed on the 4.3-inch color LCD display (left). - For the [MODE] change (USB LSB CW  RTTY etc.) you have a single button with sequential selection or via Memory channels!
Link to: Download the FTDX-3000 Preliminary Brochure link a ML&S UK 

FTdx-3000 Receiver is double conversion, with the first IF at 9 MHz and the second DSP IF at 30 kHz for SSB and CW and 24 kHz for AM and FM modes (like FTdx-5000′s) but the 1st mixer is different from the 1st mix used in the 5000′ series (8x3SK294 !) (see the picture)

Independent Frequency display although the FTDX-3000 has only one receiver; the rig uses dual VFOs, essential for split operation. General coverage receive is available from 30 kHz to 56 MHz.

On the rear panel Signal are furnished: Output for an external receiver and the 9 MHz IF output and two connectors for optional u-tune unit … etc. (see picture)

The July, August and September  QST’s Cover II inserts the manufacturer’s specifications: !! 4.3-inch Large color LCD display / DR:106 dB / IP3 +33 dBm  / 14MHz Band CW (500) (IPO ON, Roofing Filter 600Hz, 2 kHzSpacing) -

Link: Video Ham Fair Tokyo 2012 YAESU Booth 【ハムフェア2012 ヤエスブース】

FT-1D 144+430 MHz HT coming-soon. – This device has been approved by the F.C.C. (FCC ID K6620445X20) !

The-FT1DR/E VHF/UHF HT provides both analog and digital communications on both bands with up to 5 watts.
It is possible to switch between analog and digital mode by pressing one button on the radio. – The FT-1D uses the C4FM FDMA for a lower BER (bit error rate) like the professional LMR (Land Mobile Radio) radios. – The FT-1D can obtain a data trasfer speed 9.6 kbps and E-GPS function for Digital ARTS (Auto-Range Trasponding System) and more.
[Note] The Digital C4FM FDMA mode is not compatible with the Digital GSMK D-STAR

Link to: FT-1D Brochure (pag. 1-2) Radioworld  http://blog.radioworld.ca/?p=2941

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FTM-400D VHF/UHF Mobile (first prototype) AM/FM/NFM/DV (C4FM FDMA, 9.6 Kbps)

Feature (preliminary): Large color touch screen. GPS/APRS functions. Packet 1200/9600bd ready.
Spectrum scope. ARTS. Bluetooth. Twin RX – Micro SD card slot.

[Note] All marks are property of their respective owners. – Specifications are subject to change without notice!

IC-7100 slanted touch screen HF V/UHF all mode DV – ID-51 D-STAR at Ham Fair 2012

IC-7100 HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Transceiver Slanted style Touch screen and ID-51A/E Dual banda D-STAR  new to the Tokyo Ham Fair 2012! – Icom IC-7100 SSB RTTY CW AM FM and D-STAR DV mode, ID-51 V/U D-STAR FM Handheld – !! See the Pre-release’s IC-7100 and ID-51 by Link below - アイコム ハムフェア2012で新製品発表！

HF-50MHz (100W) / 70MHz (50W) / 144MHz (50W) / 430MHz (35W) – (Note: Power may be different according to version. – The 70MHz band is available for some versions only) -
IF DSP for filtering / interference removal / noise reduction whith Dual DSP chips 32-bit Floating point digital processing / SD memory card slot, voice recording and data cloning / USB Audio In-Out, remote control / Built-in RTTY demodulator and decoder / Optional RS-BA1 IP Remote control /
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IC-7100: IF (Intermediate frequencies)  SSB/CW/AM/FM: 124.487 MHz, 455 kHz 36 kHz – WFM: 134.732 MHz 10.700 MHz -
The slant top controller display faces the operator and is designed to increase visibility of the display.  -  The IC-7100 provides D-STAR DV mode digital voice and low speed data communication – Built-in SD Card Slot for Voice & Log Storage – IF DSP with Twin PBT and more ….

List price ¥165,900 or so in Japan  = Yen/US $ 2,200.00  or so!
List price Marcucci Spa (IT) IC-7100 #03  €1475,00 + IVA  (21%)

The ID-51A/E series D-STAR handheld radio is an evolution of Icom’s ID-31A/E UHF D-STAR Handheld and will be capable of both VV / UU 144MHz + 430MHz dual band operation. The ID-51A/E will also include the much praised menu-driven user interface of the ID-31A/E series with a much bigger LCD screen.
Enhanced RX call sign memory records up to 50 past received call signs, which can be exported to micro SD-card.  - Increased memory channel for repeater list (n° 750)/ GPS memory (n° 200) - Limited wideband receive for AM/FM broadcast (no bar antenna!), 118-137MHz, 137- 174MHz and 380-479MHz receiver.

Link to: Download the ID-51 Pre-Release by Icom Uk web (PDF)
Link to: Download the IC-7100 Pre-Release by Icom Uk web (PDF)
Link to: Icom IC-7100 new page by VA7OJ/AB4OJ, Adam Farson 

Link to: Icom MarineCommander Website
More news: MDX-5000 System – The MarineCommander™ is Icom’s marine navigation system, which integrates various marine modules such as a Fish finder, Marine radar, AIS and VHF transceiver into the multi-function displays

The MarineCommander is compatible with the C-MAP™ MAX chart by JEPPESEN in an SD card format.

Video from Tokyo Ham Fair 2012 –  Icom Inc.  booth

[Note]:
All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders - This device has not been approved by the appropriate authorities in each country etc.

TS-990S HF/50MHz Ham Fair Tokyo 2012 – Some features overview in Kenwood booth

The KENWOOD TS-990S Dual TFT Display & Dual Receiver HF/50 at HAM FAIR Tokyo 2012, it is scheduled for worldwide launch under the KENWOOD brand in November 2012 - Some features overview in Kenwood booth! See the latest news: TS-990 Main Band Front-End, 1st Mixer +40dBm,  DSP Unit, 5 Roofing Filters a 8.248 MHz,  PA Unit with 2xVRF150, ATU Unit, Multi tunig-bar and other pictures belov!

Update 04/set/2012 – JVC Kenwood Co. (effective October, 2011, the two companies – Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC) and Kenwood Corporation – merged into JVC KENWOOD Corporation) continues to build outstanding products with high performance! – From Tokyo Ham Radio 2012 now begins the discovery of what is really inside! – (please click the picture to enlarge)
TS-990S Tokyo Video (link): Hamfair 2012 KENWOOD TS-990 Presentation by JVC KENWOOD 03/set/2012 – - - ハムフェア２０１２ケンウッドブースで実施されたTS-990プレゼンテーションステージの模様をお送りします。

TS-990S: 1st IF: 8.248 MHz – IP3: +40 dBm – Roofing Filters (Main) 270 Hz / 500 Hz /2.7 kHz / 6 kHz / 15 kHz -  Dual TFT High resolution color display and real-time Spectrum Scope – Main Display: 800×480 – Sub Dispaly 3.5″ 320×240 allow you to observe the Adjustable DSP IF Filter Passband – (you can quickly choose bandwidth and see the side to side signal-spectrum centered on the receiving frequency!) -

Slope Tune by adjusting LOW/HI Cut or SHIFT/WIDTH control….. on the Sub Display graphically displayed! - including an excellent analog-style “dial shirt” above the tuning knob ! (… this is all very verty fine!)
The front panel has so many controls, and lots of knobs! …  await until you try everything under the conditions of a grueling contest! -

TS-990S DSP technology has been enhanced thanks to three separate 32-bit Floating-point DSP Units. – One ADSP-21369 SHARCH Processor 400MHz SIMD SHARC Core, capable of 2.4 GFLOPS peak; 2xADSP-21363 333 MHz SIMD SHARC Core, capable of 2 GFLOPS peak.

Here are other pictures from the Flagship taken from the Kenwood promo and others video: The PA Unit with 2xVRF150, the ATU built like TS-590, the setting of multi bars for tuning the Main VFO into five slices of frequency, the menu screen and FSK/RTTY Encode/Decode on Display. (.. buona visione a tutti da RadioCronache!!)

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[Note]:
All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders