Expert Electronics

Software Defined Radio

ExpertSDR3
for
SunSDR2 DX
New Generation Software
USER MANUAL

© 2024 Expert Electronics

1.1.6
 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

1. DOCUMENT CONTROL 6
2. READ IT FIRST 8
2.1 Congratulations ....................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Features .................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 SunSDR2 DX hardware evolution ................................................................... 8
2.2.2 SunSDR2 DX main features and capabilities ................................................. 9
2.2.3 SunSDR2 DX Block diagram ........................................................................... 11
2.2.4 TX Path ............................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Supplied accessories .............................................................................................. 12
2.4 Precautions .............................................................................................................. 12
2.5 ExpertSDR3 Software License Agreement ......................................................... 14
2.6 Contacts .................................................................................................................. 14
2.6.1 Copyrights ........................................................................................................ 14
3. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 15
3.1 Receiver ................................................................................................................... 15
3.1.1 The list of SunSDR2 DX hardware RX filters ............................................... 15
3.1.2 SunSDR2 DX Capabilities Notes ................................................................... 16
3.2 Transmitter .............................................................................................................. 17
3.3 Other ........................................................................................................................ 18
3.4 Firmware-based protections ................................................................................. 19
4. FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION 20
5. REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION 22
5.1 Antenna .................................................................................................................. 24
5.2 Grounding .............................................................................................................. 24
5.3 Accessories ............................................................................................................ 25
5.4 External Linear Amplifier ..................................................................................... 26
5.4.1 Binary Code Decimal (BCD) or BAND-data connection ........................... 27
5.4.1.1 BCD to SPE range of PAs ........................................................................ 29
5.4.1.2 BCD to ACOM range of PAs ................................................................... 30
5.4.1.3 BCD to Elecraft KPA1500 ......................................................................... 31
5.4.1.4 BCD to Burst range of PAs ...................................................................... 32
5.4.2 Connection to EB104 range of PAs .............................................................. 33
5.5 External Control devices ...................................................................................... 34
5.6 Reference input ..................................................................................................... 34
5.7 DAC OUT low power output ............................................................................... 34
5.8 ADC IN and RX OUT ............................................................................................ 35
6. CONNECTORS PIN-OUT 36
6.1 MIC1 ........................................................................................................................ 36
6.2 MIC2 ....................................................................................................................... 36

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6.3 EXT CTRL .............................................................................................................. 37

6.4 ATU cable ............................................................................................................... 39
7. Setup procedure 40
7.1 Mac specific MicPC setup .................................................................................... 44
8. Device Manager 50
9. ExpertSDR3 software description 55
9.1 Global controls panel ............................................................................................ 55
9.2 Transceiver control panel ..................................................................................... 60
9.3 Indicators ................................................................................................................ 65
9.4 DSP control panel .................................................................................................. 68
9.5 Panorama ................................................................................................................. 71
9.5.1 Spectrum Scope ............................................................................................... 71
9.5.1.1 Spectrum Scope scaling ............................................................................ 74
9.5.2 Waterfall .......................................................................................................... 75
9.6 Status bar and quick settings ................................................................................ 76
9.7 Settings menu ........................................................................................................ 80
9.7.1 Mic signal processing ..................................................................................... 80
9.7.2 Receiver audio / Line out ............................................................................... 87
9.7.3 RX filter DSP ................................................................................................... 89
9.7.4 TX modulator DSP .......................................................................................... 90
9.7.5 Radio ................................................................................................................. 91
9.7.6 Autostart .......................................................................................................... 93
9.7.7 Visuals .............................................................................................................. 94
9.7.8 Other ................................................................................................................. 97
9.7.9 Settings folder ................................................................................................. 97
9.8 Operating System (OS) installation dependencies ........................................... 98
10. RadioSync 99
10.1 CAT commands .................................................................................................... 105
11. RadioSpot 113
12. RadioMacros 115
13. TRANSCEIVER OPERATIONS 120
13.1 Band Manager ...................................................................................................... 120
13.2 Output power per band ....................................................................................... 122
13.3 S-meter ................................................................................................................. 124
13.4 RX1/RX2 TX priority ........................................................................................... 125
13.5 E-Coder panels .................................................................................................... 125
13.6 Connection to AAT-100 tuner ............................................................................ 132
13.7 Transverter (XVTR) ............................................................................................. 134

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13.8 Frequency Tuning ................................................................................................. 135

13.9 Voice Recorder Operation .................................................................................. 136
13.10 IQ Recorder formats ............................................................................................ 137
13.11 RIT/XIT .................................................................................................................. 139
13.11.1 RIT ................................................................................................................... 139
13.11.2 XIT ................................................................................................................... 140
13.12 CW mode ............................................................................................................... 141
13.13 Digital modes operation ...................................................................................... 145
14. Remote operation 146
14.1 Stage #1 (Server) ................................................................................................. 146
14.2 Stage #2 (Client) ................................................................................................. 157
14.3 Setup examples .................................................................................................... 162
14.3.1 Remote EE RX + Local EE TRX ................................................................... 162
14.3.2 Remote EE RX + Local classic TRX ............................................................. 163
15. RESET SETTINGS AND FIRMWARE 166
16. Troubleshooting guides 167
16.1 How to open the transceiver ............................................................................... 167
16.2 Low output power on HF .................................................................................... 170
16.3 VHF TX path check algorithm ............................................................................. 172
16.4 ATT resistors replacement ................................................................................... 174
16.5 ADC replacement ................................................................................................. 175
17. Hardware modifications 177
17.1 HF/VHF switching relay ...................................................................................... 177
17.2 Spectrum improvement ....................................................................................... 178
17.3 Supply voltage stability ....................................................................................... 180
17.4 RF interference elimination ................................................................................. 182
17.5 Mic1 fix ................................................................................................................... 183
18. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 186

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1 DOCUMENT CONTROL

Document Comment Date ExpertSDR3

version version
1.0.0 The first edition of the user manual. 4 Aug 2023 1.0.4 Beta
86.8 SDR
firmware
1.1.0 New sections: 5 Sep 2023 1.0.4 Beta
- RadioSpot; 86.8 SDR
- RadioMacros; firmware
- Troubleshooting;
- Hardware modifications.
TCI added as a signal source to signal processing
settings.
New note about software protection against high
SWR.
Multiple text corrections.
1.1.1 A lot of text corrections and clarifications, i.e.: 21 Nov 2023 1.0.5 Beta
Mic1 fix applicable only to Gen1, 86.8 SDR
DAC OUT info, firmware
Rotator,
AAT-100 SWR, etc.
1.1.2 New sections: 28 Dec 2023 1.0.6 Beta
- ATU cable 86.8 SDR
- Complete overhaul of the External Linear firmware
Amplifier section
Clarified info about Mic selection and utilities
connection to TCI server
1.1.3 Precautions for VHF operation in FM mode 12 Feb 2024 1.0.7 Beta
Expanded Drive slider description 86.8 SDR
Firmware Manager firmware
APF - audio peak filter, not analogue
Link to the mic signal adjustment guide
1.1.4 Setup for the Server software on RaspberryPi 22 Feb 2024 1.0.7 Beta
section was expanded 86.8 SDR
firmware
New section for remote operation: Setup
examples

1.1.5 Updated cable schematic for connection to SPE 14 Mar 2024 1.0.7 Beta
PA 86.8 SDR
firmware
New BCD schematic for connection to Burst PA

1.1.6 Expanded CW mode section 29 Oct 2024 1.0.9 Beta

86.8 SDR
firmware

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Text updates according to changes presented in

the latest software version
RX.ANT button description
Add device function in Device Manager

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2 READ IT FIRST

2.1 Congratulations

Thank you for purchasing one of our best modern SDR transceivers.

This SunSDR2 DX transceiver is the smallest 100W 160M-6M + 2M HF/VHF SDR transceiver in the
world, which makes it an ideal companion for your future contests and DXpeditions.

2.2 Features

This SunSDR2 DX transceiver is based on the popular, well-known SunSDR2 PRO model. On top of all
our previous radios' functionality, the SunSDR2 DX transceiver offers extra features, such as compact
hardware design, active cooling, improved power supply system and dedicated connector for a native
external ATU.
The upgraded hardware design coupled with the ExpertSDR3 software makes this high-performance
SDR transceiver an outright base station for any DXpeditions.

2.2.1 SunSDR2 DX hardware evolution

Gen1
Date Batch Serial Numbers Data
Nov 2019 1st TW EED064219XXXXX NA

Gen2
Date Batch Serial Numbers Data
Dec 2019 2nd TW EED065119XXXXX · Redesigned heatsink, with thinner and more
frequent high effective grill
· Improved temperature sensor placement for
more accurate temperature readings

Gen3
Date Batch Serial Numbers Data
July 2020 3-4-5th TW EED062920XXXXX · Improved TX IMD3 up to ~37 dB across all HF
1st RU EED060121XXXXX bands, with 100W output power

EED062021XXXXX · Output power on 6M band has been

increased up to 80W
· Improved SDR PCB protection from cross-
talks and protection for the supply chain

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Date Batch Serial Numbers Data

· Added ferrite bead on the flex-cable
connecting PA and SDR PCBs for more stable
operation with external ATU
· Added filtering of the headphones' connector

Gen4
Date Batch Serial Numbers Data
Dec 2021 6th TW EED064421XXXXX · Slight improvement of the RX path

Gen5
Date Batch Serial Numbers Data
Dec 2022 7th TW EED064622XXXXX · Redesigned TX filter of the DAC chip,
providing better TX signal linearity
· Redesigned PA input band pass filter,
improving linearity of the PA operation
· Improved structure of 160, 6M TX filters
· More resilient RX/TX switching node on PCB

Gen5.5
Date Batch Serial Numbers Data
Oct 2022 2nd RU EED063122XXXXX · Improved structure of 80, 10, 2M TX filters

Gen5.6
Date Batch Serial Numbers Data
Aug 2023 8th TW EED062923XXXXX · Improved resilience of the PA input supply line
Oct 2023 3rd RU EED063523XXXXX
June 2024 4th RU EED061724XXXXX

Note: Certain SunSDR2 DX units from earlier batches may have hardware upgrades from
later revisions, rendering them Gen5 and newer.

2.2.2 SunSDR2 DX main features and capabilities

· Independent RX path based on DDC (Direct Down-Conversion) architecture
· Independent TX path based on DUC (Direct Up-Conversion) architecture
· Output power: 100W on HF, 80W on 6M and 8W on 2M

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· 2 software RXs + SubRX for each of them (4 slices total) + independent wideband Bandscope up
to 80 MHz
· Remote control operation, using it, you can connect Microphone, PTT and CW-key to the E-
Coder2 panel for the easiest setup
· TCI interface for seamless connection with third-party software, the list of software with TCI
support is published on our website
· Professional TX processing module provides the most advanced tuning capability for voice
operation
· High-performance built-in stereo audio codec 24-bit with 114 dB dynamic range (CS4272)
· ExtCTRL connector to control external devices with 8 powerful keys with open collector
· ALC connector for external power amplifiers*
· VHF transverters support
· An opportunity to use the transceiver as a signal generator via DAC OUT connector (SMA
connector)
· An opportunity to use external filters in the middle of the RF path, using ADC IN and RX OUT
(SMA connector)
· Monitoring delay in CW mode is about 2-3 ms
· Input for external 10 MHz reference oscillator
· An opportunity to use the transceiver in SO2V mode
· Full duplex or half duplex modes*
· Antenna switch with 2 HF antenna connectors and separate VHF antenna connector (Mini UHF
connectors)
· Internal power-meter for HF and VHF bands and SWR-meter for HF band
· Ethernet LAN interface provides a fast and reliable connection to PC
* These current transceiver hardware functions will be fully supported in the future ExpertSDR3 software
releases.

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2.2.3 SunSDR2 DX Block diagram

2.2.4 TX Path

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2.3 Supplied accessories

· SunSDR2 DX transceiver
· In-build cooling fan fastened to the heatsink (140mm x 140mm)
· LAN cable for connection to a local network (1.8m)
· Power Supply cable with Anderson Powerpole connector (2m)
· Audio-adapters JACK 6.3mm to JACK 3.5mm (2 pcs)
· Adapter Mini UHF — HF PL259 1Ft (0.3m 1 pc)

2.4 Precautions

To prevent any damage to SunSDR2 DX hardware, please read the following operation rules carefully,
before connecting and attempting to operate the SunSDR2 DX.
· Visually inspect the SunSDR2 DX transceiver, checking for any mechanical damages before
connecting it to LAN and PC.
· Ensure SunSDR2 DX transceiver is properly HF grounded before connecting the transceiver to the
DC power line. Never use the SunSDR2 DX transceiver without HF ground.
· Do NOT operate (plug or unplug) with the LAN cable on powered SunSDR2 DX. Always power off
the transceiver first and only then perform any LAN cabling operations.
· Do NOT use the power supply with the voltage higher than +15.8 V. DO NOT reverse polarity!
· The transceiver is powered by DC voltage! Never use AC power supply with the transceiver.
· Do NOT use the SunSDR2 DX in temperatures lower than 0ºC (32ºF) and higher than +50ºC
(122ºF).
· Avoid the exposure of the atmospheric downfalls on the SunSDR2 DX and never spill any liquids
(especially aggressive) on the transceiver.
· High humidity can cause moisture to enter the SunSDR2 DX. Moisture can cause corrosion of
internal components and degradation of properties such as electrical resistance, thermal
conductivity, physical strength, and size. The transceiver is rated to operate at 8- to 80-percent
relative humidity, with a humidity gradation of 10 percent per hour.
If the SunSDR2 DX was stored in abnormal climatic conditions (very high or very low temperature
and/or high humidity), it is recommended to keep it in normal operating temperatures for at least 2
hours before switching it on. Buildings in which the climate is controlled by air-conditioning in the
warmer months and by heat during the colder months usually maintain an acceptable level of
humidity for the transceiver. However, if the transceiver is located in an unusually humid location, you
should use a dehumidifier to maintain the humidity within an acceptable range.
· Do NOT store and use the Transceiver in the dusted rooms. Do NOT expose it to direct sunlight for
a long period of time (longer than 2 hours).

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· Do NOT connect a VGA monitor to EXT CTRL port, because such connection will damage the
transceiver! Read the appropriate sections of this manual before connecting transceiver to the
external devices via EXT CTRL connector; learn tables and diagrams providing information of typical
external devices connections.
· DO NOT transmit without a load, always use dummy load or matched antenna. Operating without
the proper load will lead to overheating of the engaged components and may result in failure.
SunSDR2 DX has in-build non-matched antenna protection, do NOT try to override the protection.
· DO NOT use the transceiver during storm and/or lightning weather conditions!
· Use Ethernet lightning protection for regions prone to lightning strikes.
· Always disconnect the antenna from the transceiver when not in use, or if there is any potential
danger of the atmospheric electricity impact.
· Don't open the transceiver, it contains high-sensitivity radio elements, which may be easily damaged
by the static electricity. This document contains all necessary information about the internal design to
satisfy the Users’ curiosity. Contact the manufacturer if there is any need to repair the transceiver.
Unauthorized self-repair voids the warranty.
· Ensure the transceiver and any connecting cables are free from the defects caused by the
electromagnetic interference and/or high currents and voltages.
· Always take great care when moving or transporting the transceiver.
· Always consider to use RFI protection; ground the antenna-mast and antenna-feeders to avoid
accumulation of atmospheric static electricity on them; use ferrite beads on antenna cable and other
cables, connected to the transceiver.
· FM mode operation on VHF is 50% duty cycle. The transmit duration is limited to 5 minutes. Any
damage to the hardware caused by not following the transmit duration limit is not covered by
warranty.
· The transceiver must be operated by a licensed HAM only to prevent damage to the transceiver itself
and avoid causing harmful interference on the air. Always operate under country specific HAM
license rules and regulations.
· Keep the transceiver out of the reach of children.
· If the transceiver emits an abnormal odor, or smoke, immediately turn it OFF and remove the power
cable; then contact your nearest Expert Electronics dealer for advice.
· RF Sense is not a recommended method of amplifier control, any potential equipment failure caused
by RF Sense is not covered by manufacturer's warranty.
Relying on RF output detection while activating T/R relay will lead to three major problems:
1. RF output will be switched on when there is RF output already
2. The switching can cause a transient high SWR that may damage the exciter.
3. Switching under power may cause arching, which damages the T/R relay itself. Even if it doesn't
cause an immediate failure, it can put more stress on the equipment, leading to premature failure.
The best practice is to use a separate keying line to engage the T/R relay slightly before the exciter
starts making power. Adjust PTT switching delay in the software.

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2.5 ExpertSDR3 Software License Agreement

The ExpertSDR3 software is the proprietary product and intellectual property of Expert Group LLC. It is
forbidden to modify, copy or disclose to third parties ExpertSDR3 software distribution.
All official versions of the software are published on the Expert Group LLC website ExpertSDR3 section.
ExpertSDR3 future or updated software versions may have different titles. This license agreement applies
to all existing and future software versions; and may be supplemented and/or amended by Expert Group
LLC at any time without prior notice.
Expert Group LLC reserves the right to edit and/or improve the ExpertSDR3 software, adding new
features and bug fixes. In this regard, the software may differ from the description herein. Contact your
nearest dealer for the latest complete version of the User Manual, or check our official website for the
updates.
Expert Group LLC assumes no responsibility for the material, moral or any other kind of damage,
whether expressed or implied, caused by using an alpha/beta or modified version of the ExpertSDR3
software and/or changes to the settings or other files which are related to the ExpertSDR3 functionality.
Expert Group LLC assumes no responsibility for the material, moral or any other kind of damage,
whether expressed or implied, caused by using of a third-party software.
Expert Group LLC assumes no responsibility for the material, moral or any other kind of damage,
whether expressed or implied, caused by using of external devices along with radios controlled by
ExpertSDR3.

2.6 Contacts

Expert Group LLC

Web-site: www.eesdr.com
E-mail: [email protected]

2.6.1 Copyrights
Expert Group LLC holds copyrights for the ExpertSDR3 software and all User Manuals and Instructions
for the device and software. It is strictly prohibited to present this document as your own, sell it or use it
in any other commercial activity.

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3 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Receiver

Characteristic Value
RX frequency range, MHz 0,09 ... 65; 95 ... 148
ADC type LTC2209
RF ADC, bit @ MHz 16 @ 160
Independent software receivers 2 (+2 SubRX)
Sample rate for each receiver, kHz @ 24 bit 39; 78; 156; 312
Sensitivity, uV 0.2
Maximum width of the Bandscope, MHz 80
Blocking Dynamic Range (BDR) on HF, dB 130
Blocking Dynamic Range (BDR) on VHF, dB 129
Dynamic Range over IMD3 (2 kHz), dB 110
Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (2 kHz), dB 119
Local oscillator (TCXO), MHz +/- ppm 20 +/- 0.5
ATT/Preamp, dB -20 dB; -10 dB; 0 dB; +10
Additional VHF preamplifier, dB +27
Built-in audio codec, bit / Dynamic Range, dB 24 / 114

3.1.1 The list of SunSDR2 DX hardware RX filters

HF octave band pass filters:
Band MHz Data

160M 0-2.5 Chebyshev I - 7 Order

80M 2.5-4 Chebyshev I - 3 Order

60M 4-6 Chebyshev I - 3 Order

40M 6-7.3 Chebyshev I - 3 Order

30M 7.3-12 Chebyshev I - 3 Order

20M 12-14.5 Chebyshev I - 3 Order

17-15M 14.5-21.5 Chebyshev I - 3 Order

12-10M 21.5-30 Chebyshev I - 3 Order

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Band MHz Data

6M 30-65 Chebyshev I - 3 Order

HF WideRX filter: LPF (low pass filter)

Band MHz Data

160-6M 0-65 Chebyshev I - 7 Order

Narrow band pass filter for VHF 2M

Band MHz Data

2M 144-148 (SAW Filter) - preferred for normal operation

VHF WideRX
Band MHz Data

VHF 95-155 Butterworth - 5 Order

Additionally, SunSDR2 DX has filters which are a part of the RX path and cannot be switched off:
HPF for VHF (100 MHz cut frequency) to eliminate strong out-of-band stations coming from HF.
LPF for HF (70 MHz cut frequency) to eliminate strong out-of-band stations coming from VHF.
There is 1 dB attenuation on VHF in comparison to HF, which does not influence sensitivity because there
is a +27 dB VHF LNA.
3.1.2 SunSDR2 DX Capabilities Notes
· Independent software receivers: SunSDR2 DX has single ADC and supports two independent
software receivers, which are sharing single antenna input. Therefore, when you jump from one band
to another with RX1 (main), the ANT input for the RX2 also changes to the same ANT input by default.
For example, if you were operating on the 40M band (using both RX1 and RX2 on ANT3 input); and
then switched the RX1 (the main receiver) to ANT2 input and jumped to 80M band, the settings of the
RX2 (the secondary receiver) will change to the same antenna input.
· HF/VHF simultaneous reception: Because of the SunSDR2 DX has two independent software RXs
and single ADC, it cannot receive on HF and VHF simultaneously. The SunSDR2 DX can either use
both receivers to work in the first 0...80 MHz, or the second 80...160 MHz Nyquist zone of the ADC.
· Duplex capabilities: Duplex mode is supported by SunSDR2 DX at the hardware level, however the
capability is yet to be implemented at the SunSDR2 DX firmware and software levels. SunSDR2 DX
and ExpertSDR3 have two independent software RXs, and currently they can be used by one or two
operators only for receiving at the same time. For the 1st operator to receive on RX1 frequency using
one antenna connector (e.g. A2) and the 2nd operator to transmit on RX2 frequency using the other

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antenna connector (e.g. A3) at the same time, we should implement the Duplex mode. At this point,
while you transmit with either software RX, receiving on the other RX is blocked.
· Diversity Reception: It requires at least two ADC, hence two hardware receivers. This way, each ADC
can work with a separate antenna, which allows to phase and eliminate an unwanted interference.
Since SunSDR2 DX has single ADC, diversity reception cannot be implemented with current hardware
versions of the SunSDR2 mainline. However, it will be considered in future SunSDR hardware revisions.

3.2 Transmitter

Characteristic Value
TX frequency range, M All amateur bands (160-6; 2 M)
RF DAC, bit @ MHz 14 @ 640
Built-in audio DAC resolution, bit 24
Maximum output power on HF, W 100
Maximum output power on 6M, W 80 (50 for Gen1, Gen2)
Maximum output power on VHF, W 7 (up to 8)
TX IMD3 on HF / VHF, dB 37 / 30 (since Gen3)
TX filters Output LPF on the DUC chip:
202 MHz (Eleptic - 7 order)
8 x LPF:
160M: (Eleptic - 5 order)
80M: (Eleptic - 5 order)
60-40M: (Eleptic - 5 order)
30-20M: (Eleptic - 5 order)
17-15M: (Eleptic - 5 order)
12-10M: (Eleptic - 5 order)
6M: (Eleptic - 5 order)
2M: (Eleptic - 5 order)

Note: · Nominal (PEP) HF output power of the SunSDR2 DX is 100W, in SSB mode it
might differ from 30W up to 80W; peak-factor is the reason for that, and it
equals 3 for voice signals. TONE signals have constant output power, with
maximum 100W. PEP voice signals at 100W have real power approximately 3
times lower. To increase the real power of voice signals, use the compressor and
other features in the Mic signal processing 80 module.

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3.3 Other

Characteristic Value
Default static IP address and Port 192.168.16.200:50001, 50002
Antenna input impedance, Ohm 50
DC voltage range in RX/TX, V 8...14.8 / 10...14.8
Recommended DC voltage, V 13.8
Current consumption RX/TX, A 1.2 / 24
Power consumption RX/TX, W 16.5 / 330
Operating temperature, °C (°F) 0...+50 (+32...+122)
Dimensions L x W x H, mm 190 x 170 x 80
(inches) (7.48 x 6.69 x 3.14)
Fan dimensions L x W x H, mm 140 x 140 x 25
(inches) (5.51 x 5.51 x 0.98)
Weight, kg (lbs) 1.8 (3.96)

Warning! iExpertSDR3 uses two UDP ports for each radio. The indicated port (50001 by
default) is used for control data, and the next following (50002 by default) is
used for signals transfer. Do not use these ports in another applications. The
default 50001-2 can be changed in ExpertSDR3 settings.

Note: · Watch the power supply voltage: max allowed power supply voltage for TX
mode is 14.8V. If the voltage exceeds 14.8V, the SunSDR2 DX will not go into TX
mode. This limitation is because of max 14.8V voltage supported by in-build
power amplifier.
· The fan of the transceiver is controlled by the SunSDR2 DX firmware, it should
start rotating at about 40 degrees Celsius. There are 3 speed rotation modes,
which depend on the internal temperature: 40-50, 50-60, 60+.
· All SunSDR2 transceivers must operate with loads close to 50 Ohm impedance
(mandatory requirement).
Based on our experience, antenna SWR may be at 4-5 for RX mode without
significant drop in quality of reception. We do not recommend going above
SWR 1.7-2 for TX mode.

There are few ways to identify your transceiver MAC address.

Option 1 - in a router/switch. If your transceiver is connected directly to a router/switch, then the IP
and MAC addresses can be found in the router/switch's ARP table. In the ARP table, locate your
transceiver's IP address in the 'Internet Address' column, and then MAC address in the 'Physical Address'

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column. The first 2 bytes of the MAC address is '00EE' and the rest 4 bytes are the serial number of the
transceiver. MAC address is in-built, and it cannot be changed.
Option 2 - with transceiver directly connected to PC via LAN cable. In Windows run command prompt,
then type the command “arp -a” to view the arp table and press enter. In MacOS/Linux run “arp -a”
command in Terminal.

3.4 Firmware-based protections

There are following types of SunSDR2 DX unique firmware in-build protections:

1. Software PA protection against high SWR. The transceiver will not go into TX mode if the following
conditions are met: the SWR is 5+, and the output power is higher than 25W.
2. If SWR is above 5 and the output power is equal to or below 25W, the software will attempt to reduce
the SWR level for 5 seconds. If the SWR cannot be reduced to below 5, the transceiver will go into RX
mode.
3. If SWR is above 3.5 and below 5 while in TX mode, the output power will be automatically reduced to
10W. After switching back to RX mode, the Drive level will return to original state (set by the user).
4. If the temperature of the heatsink reaches 75° Celsius, the transceiver will automatically go into RX
mode.
5. If the connected power supply voltage is above 14.8V, the transceiver will power off the internal PA
unit.
6. If the power supply current is equal to or above 25A while in TX mode, the transceiver will go into RX
mode.
7. If the power supply current is above 25A while in RX mode, the transceiver will shut down completely.
8. A single TX cycle is defaulted to maximum 5 minutes uninterrupted session regardless of the mode.
This is a software embedded safety precaution intended to prevent TX filters overheating.

Important: internal PA protection is disabled during native ATU tuning (when AAT-100 is installed).

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4 FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION

# Name Description

1 PWR The power on/off button; use the button to power on/off the device.

2 IND The power and connection LED indicator; use to monitor the device operation
modes:
Green double blinks, pause, double blinks (constant cycle) – the device
searching the network. If the LED is in the double blink state for a prolonged
time, it means connection between the device and PC cannot be established,
likely due to the burnt Ethernet chip.
Green constant light - the network connection is established; the device is
connected.
Green steadily blinking - the device is in bootloader mode; you need to install
firmware using ExpertSDR2/3 software.
Green and red are blinking - the device has been reset; you need to install
firmware using ExpertSDR2/3 software.
Red constant light - the device is in transmission mode.
Red steadily blinking - the FPGA chip got burnt and requires replacement.
Orange/Yellow - WLAN mode is enabled. The internal WLAN module is not
available for SunSDR2 DX, this indication passed with firmware roots from
SunSDR2 PRO. It will be disabled in the next versions of the firmware. Press the

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# Name Description
BT button on the rear panel while the transceiver is active, this way you switch it
to LAN mode, LED will change its color to green.

3 MIC2 The dynamic microphone socket; use to connect a dynamic microphone MH-31,
or any other type of the dynamic microphone with the RJ-45 connector and
similar pin-out.
Note: Allowed output impedance is not less than 500-600 Ohm.

4 MIC1 The electret microphone jack 6.3 socket; use to connect an electret microphone
from a PC’s headset.

5 PHONES The headphones jack 6.3 socket; use to connect speakers or headphones with
16-30 Ohm impedance.

Warning! iNever use headphones with mono connector! If you have

mono headphones, use the stereo 6.3 mm Jack and connect
headphones to one of the channels.

Warning! iNever connect two stereo channels with each other!

Note: · Headphones with high impedance may sound quieter.

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5 REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION

# Name Description

6 A2 The HF antenna connector; use when operating on HF or 6m band.

7 A3 The HF antenna connector; use when operating on HF or 6m band.

8 ATU The external connector designed for the connection to AAT-100 native
Antenna Tuner Unit (ATU).

9 RX OUT The RX OUT connector; use for the receiver’s internal front-end output.

Warning! iImproper use or high voltage through this connector may

damage the transceiver!

10 ADC IN The ADC IN connector; use for connecting receiving antennas. Between ADC
IN and RX OUT you can put a transverter, additional Band Pass Filters (BPFs),
preamplifier, attenuator etc.
When the signal is going into ADC IN, it bypasses all receive Band Pass Filters
(BPFs).

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# Name Description

Warning! iImproper use or high voltage through this connector may

damage the transceiver!

11 DAC OUT The DAC OUT connector; use for connecting external power amplifiers,
transverters, and as a signal generator of the measuring signal.
When the signal is going on the air through DAC OUT, it bypasses all transmit
Band Pass Filters (BPFs).

Warning! iImproper use or high voltage through this connector may

damage the transceiver!

Note: · Transmission is possible only on the amateur bands

12 12V DC IN The Anderson Power pole connector, is the DC power source connector with
voltage of up to +14.8V and maximum load current 24A. Recommended DC
voltage 13.8V.
The transceiver has a shutdown circuit, protecting the device from the power
polarity reversal.

13 REF The REF connector; use as an input connector to an external reference

oscillator with 10 MHz CMOS level. Appropriate Voltage amplitude for this
input: 1...3 V Pk-to-Pk. Input impedance 2 kOhm.

Warning! iImproper use or high voltage through this connector may

damage the transceiver!

14 GND The ground connector.

15 A1 The VHF antennas connector; use when operating on 2m band.

16 ALC The ALC input connector; use for external power amplifier.

Note: · ALC is not supported yet, it will be implemented with the

new firmware.

17 EXT CTRL The EXT CTRL connector; use to control external devices.

Warning! iImproper use or higher voltage through this connector may

damage the transceiver!

18 PTT The PTT footswitch connector, jack 6.3.

19 RST The reset button, use the button to reset IP-address and UDP-ports of the
transceiver to the default values: 192.168.16.200, ports: 50001, 50002.

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# Name Description

20 KEY The CW key connector, jack 6.3.

21 BT Use the BT button to send the transceiver in the boot mode.

Warning! iDO NOT PRESS WITHOUT NEED!

22 LAN The RJ-45 LAN connector; use to connect to local network via the LAN cable.

23 GPS The GPS connector, NOT AVAILABLE in this device series.

5.1 Antenna

Always check the integrity of the antenna-feeder path before connecting the antenna.
For best results, the antenna should have an impedance of 50 Ohm to match the 50 Ohm impedance
of the HF nodes of the transceiver.
The recommended antenna SWR level is no worse than 1.5:1! Use AAT-100 native Antenna Tuner Unit
or other common matching devices if the SWR is worse than 1.5:1.

Warning! iAlways use E-type ferrite beads on antenna and other cables, connected to the
transceiver!

Note: · A mismatched antenna-feeder path might lead to non-linear distortion of the

transmitted signal, HF interference on the transceiver's cables and/or
interference of TV's or other devices.
· Do not transmit on a receiving-only antenna, such as magnetic loop or any
other similar kind, which might be damaged by incoming TX power.

5.2 Grounding

It is essential to use a reliable grounding connection for the transceiver to eliminate the risk of electric
shock. The best grounding point is the GND connector.

Warning! iNever use water or gas pipes for grounding!

iDo not use the SunSDR2 DX transceiver without a reliable grounding!

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5.3 Accessories

The above diagram provides pinout for various accessories, which can be connected to the KEY socket
(rear panel).

PTT Footswitch has to be connected to the PTT socket to control the transceiver's TX mode. The
connector type is mono 6.3 mm Jack. When the footswitch pressed down, the PTT Line connects to the
Ground (Case) and turns on the transceiver TX mode. The red LED TX indicator on the front panel and
in the software window, indicating the TX mode is on. The release of the footswitch will return the
transceiver to RX mode.
Straight Key has to be connected to the KEY socket using the mono 6.3 mm Jack, with disconnected
ring contact. Pressing the key turns on the transceiver TX mode and generates a continuous CW signal
(manual mode). The release of the straight key will return the transceiver to RX mode.
Twin-paddle key (single-paddle) has to be connected to the KEY socket using the stereo 6.3 mm Jack.
Pressing one of the key's paddles (or one side - for single-paddle) will turn on the transceiver TX mode
and begin automatic generation of dots and dashes. The release of the paddle will return the transceiver
to RX mode.
CW key connection via COM-port (Windows or Linux only).
CW paddle can also be connected to the COM-port of your Windows PC, according to the picture
below.

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5.4 External Linear Amplifier

You can connect various external Power Amplifiers (PAs) to the transceiver. The number of required
wiring connections depends on the external PA model, check the following section.
Connect a 50 Ohm HF cable to the transceiver's antenna connectors A2, A3 (or A1 if it's a VHF PA),
connect the other end of the cable to the input of the PA. To control the TX mode of the external PA,
you can use the X8 pin of the EXT CTRL connector (make sure to enable the PA button in the
ExpertSDR3). Generic connection diagrams are below:

Warning! iIf you control PTT switching relays inside the PA by switching EXT CTRL
relays, you have to use a protective diode.
iIf you control electric switching schematic inside the PA, there is no need in a
protective diode.

Note: · While connecting the cables, transceiver and PA should be switched off.
· There is a number of 3rd party Power Amplifiers, which can be controlled via TCI,
like RF-kit, BURST and Linear Amp Gemini.

If an external PA supports operation with the transceiver's ALC system, you can connect it via cable with
RCA-type phono plugs. The ALC voltage range -3...0 V (note the warning below).
Warning! iALC is not supported yet, it will be implemented with the new firmware.

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iThere is a small delay in the ALC-system functionality, which may lead to a

short-term overload of the external PA. This phenomenon could cause either
off-frequency emissions or failure of your PA! The User of the transceiver
must take this condition into consideration and accept full responsibility for the
potential consequences of using the ALC-system. Expert Group LLC is not
responsible for direct or indirect damages of any kind caused by using the
ALC-system.

5.4.1 Binary Code Decimal (BCD) or BAND-data connection

Some amplifiers are designed to receive Binary Code Decimal information from the radio to enable them
automatic band change, in comparison to detecting the RF from a couple of “dits” on the key. Use a
BAND-data cable to connect the ExtCtrl connector of the transceiver to a power amplifier (PA) which
supports BCD control. With the help of this cable, the transceiver can switch bands and turn an external
PA to TX mode. It can be used with MB1, SunSDR2 DX, SunSDR2 PRO and SunSDR2 QRP.
Binary Coded Decimal is a process for converting decimal numbers into their binary equivalents. The built
in Band Decoder provides source driver outputs, which provide a source of 12V DC for the “hot” side of
external relays or switches in the amp or antenna switch. Set up the ExtCtrl connector in the Band
Manager menu 120 exactly as below:

X3 = A, X4 = B, X5 = C, X6 = D
Empty checkbox = high level
Set checkbox = low level
As an alternative you can assemble your own 4-wire cable, which must be able to plug into the Ext CTRL
socket on the transceiver and to, for example, the AUX socket of a KPA500 amp. Use a DB15 male plug

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for the SunSDR2 transceiver end and either a male or female plug for the amplifier end as appropriate
(beware of buying VGA cables which are not wired pin to pin in some cases). It is convenient to add four
more wires to the cable to enable the amp PTT line, 12Vdc, Ground connection and a wire for a
thermostatically controlled fan for the SunSDR2 PRO (4th additional wire is not needed for the
SunSDR2 DX/QRP and MB1).
Make-up of the cable:
4 wires for BCD (as an example)
Pin 2 X4 Bit 1
Pin 7 X3 Bit 0
Pin 8 X6 Bit 3
Pin 12 X5 Bit 2
Optionally three wires to include: amplifier PTT control & 12V DC & ground
Pin 13 X8 PTT
Pin 14 +12V DC
Pin 15 Ground
For the SunSDR2 PRO an additional wire to thermostatically control fan ON/OFF
Pin 3 X7 for fan control

Note: · For fan control you need to enable the Thermostat in the Status bar, it'll
automatically activate Key 7 for both RX & TX modes. Add a tap on the Pin 14
wire for 12V DC and to the Pin 15 wire for ground/earth. The fan is fed with the
12V DC and the ground connection switched by the SunSDR2 PRO. You may
choose to add a diode (e.g. 1N400X etc.) across the fan connection for
protection.

Thanks to Erik Carling G0CGL / EI4KF.

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5.4.1.1 BCD to SPE range of PAs

Using our standard BAND-data cable, PTT and BCD band data are automatically passed to the SPE PA,
just set SPE PA to "Yaesu Band-Data".
In this schematic we use relay 4.5V (IM02GR), stabilitron 6.8V (MMSZ5235B, VD1) and diode (1N4148,
VD2).

The schematic using optocoupler.

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5.4.1.2 BCD to ACOM range of PAs

Use the cable wired as shown below for the BCD connection to ACOM PA, tested with ACOM 1200S.

Thanks to Mathias Davidheimann DD5MD.

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5.4.1.3 BCD to Elecraft KPA1500

Using an HD15 cable, wired as shown below, PTT and BCD band data are automatically passed to the
Elecraft KPA1500 amplifier. Setting it up like this will enable the PA to automatically follow the radio’s
band changes and the TX enable (PTT in).
In KPA1500 set "Radio Type" to "BCD". Connect Shields on HD15's and use clamp-on ferrites on both
ends.
SunSDR2 DX Elecraft KPA1500
Ext Ctrl Comment Male HD15 pin# Female HD15 pin#
X1 BCD-3 1 -> 14
X2 BCD-2 11 -> 9
X3 BCD-1 7 -> 3
X4 BCD-0 2 -> 13
X8 PTT out to PA 13 -> 10
GND GND 15 -> 5

Set the Ext CTRL settings as shown below, they differ from the standard configuration.

Thanks to Terry N1KIN and Erik Carling G0CGL / EI4KF.

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5.4.1.4 BCD to Burst range of PAs

Below you'll find the recommended wiring for connection to Burst PA, tested with Burst 1000A.

As with BAND-data cable for SPE, this cable has a relay 4.5V (IM02GR), stabilitron 6.8V (MMSZ5235B,
VD1) and diode (1N4148, VD2).

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5.4.2 Connection to EB104 range of PAs

Use the cable wired as shown below for the connection to EB104 PA, tested with EB300.

PA manufacturer recommends the wiring without the relay and 5V diode, but we still suggest
implementing them in the cable for guaranteed galvanic isolation.
Set the Ext CTRL settings as shown below, they differ from the usual configuration.

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5.5 External Control devices

The SunSDR2 DX transceiver allows you to control external devices via seven electronic keys in the EXT
CTRL connector. With these keys you are getting direct control of antennas, external band pass filters,
external PA's bands, HF preamplifiers, external transverter PTT etc. Commutation depends on the band
and RX/TX mode.
You can adjust Ext CTRL operation in the Band Manager window 55 .

Warning! iNever use a VGA cable from your monitor, to connect external devices!
iNever connect monitors with the VGA interface to the ExtCTRL connector!
5.6 Reference input

A 10 MHz external reference oscillator can be connected to the REF IN connector with a coaxial cable.
Press the EXT.REF button in the Filters menu 76 to enable REF input on the rear panel of the
transceiver.
Signal parameters of the Reference Frequency:
· Reference signal frequency of 10 MHz
· Reference signal voltage: min. 2.5 V; max. 3.3 V
· Input impedance of 2 kOhm
· SMA type connector (female)

Note: · Use an external reference oscillator via REF IN connector to increase the
stability of the transceiver's tuning frequency, if in-build +/- 0.5 ppm stability is
not enough for your application. The transceiver's frequency synchronization
with an external reference oscillator can also be used to sync several devices
with each other from a single reference oscillator.
· The Phase frequency of the transmitted and received signals depends on the
phase frequency of the external reference oscillator.

5.7 DAC OUT low power output

The DAC OUT is the transceiver's low-power output, which functions in the wide frequency range. It
could be used for connection of external power amplifiers, transverters and as a source of measuring
signal.
DAC OUT output parameters:
Output power: 1...3 mW (for Gen5 and newer)
Frequency band: 0.1...150 MHz
Transmitted signal band: 20 kHz
Impedance: 50 Ohm

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5.8 ADC IN and RX OUT

The ADC IN connector is the direct receiver input, which is bypassing Band Pass Filters (BPFs). Use the
ADC IN for connection of RX antennas, transverters, additional BPFs, preamplifiers, attenuators etc.

Warning! iMaximum allowed signal level on the ADC IN connector is 0.3V of the active
voltage (RMS). Do not exceed this level, as it may result in the transceivers
overload and ADC fatal damage.

Note: · The signal from ADC IN connector goes directly to the ADC input and may be
amplified by the +10dB preamplifier (set it in the software).
· ATT is disabled when you use ADC IN alone, without RX OUT.
· When you select ADC IN, A3 antenna input is still working and can pick up
some strong stations, the A1 and A2 inputs are disabled.

The RX OUT connector is the output of the transceiver’s receive path. When the ADC IN is enabled, the
signal (received on the HF path from the active antenna input) goes to the RX OUT. An additional filter
or box of switched filters, preamplifier, attenuator, signal divider, etc., can be added between the RX
OUT and ADC IN connectors. To use it RX OUT:
Select ADC IN, in this case the signal goes either: A3 ANT (for HF)-> internal BPF-> RX OUT -> there
you put your external BPF/ATT/PREAMP -> ADC IN

Note: · The signal passing through the HF path, with output via RX OUT, can be
attenuated by the -20dB attenuator (set it in the software).

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6 CONNECTORS PIN-OUT

6.1 MIC1

# Contact Description Note

1 MIC Mic signal input Input
2 +2V DC 2V supply into the MIC Output
3 GND Ground --

6.2 MIC2

# Contact Description Note

1 DWN TNG Not implemented in the software --
2 UP TNG Not implemented in the software --
3 +5V DC 5V output with maximum current up to 20 mA Output
4 MIC GND MIC case --
5 MIC Mic signal input Input

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# Contact Description Note

6 PTT TNG PTT signal input
Connection of the PTT to the GND will turn the transceiver to the Input
TX mode
7 GND Ground --
8 FST TNG Not implemented in the software --

6.3 EXT CTRL

# Output Name Description Note

1 X1 Programmable key with open collector Output
2 X4 Programmable key with open collector Output
3 X7 Programmable key with open collector Output
4 RB RS-485 (-) Line. In reserve. Input/Output
5 I2 Connection of buttoned detector. Connect to ground. In reserve. Input
6 CP Contact of protected diode --
7 X3 Programmable key with open collector Output
8 X6 Programmable key with open collector Output
9 RA RS-485 (+) Line. In reserve. Input/Output
10 I1 Connection of buttoned detector. Connect to ground. In reserve. Input
11 X2 Programmable key with open collector Output
12 X5 Programmable key with open collector Output
13 X8(PTT) Programmable key with open collector for control of external PAs
Output
PTT
14 +13.8V
Pin to supply external devices, nominal current 1A Output

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# Output Name Description Note

There is a 1A fuse integrated in the line - 2A fused
15 GND Ground --

Warning! iThe Electronic keys have the built-in protection diodes for inductive loads
(relays, fans, solenoids, etc.) with the max current of up to 500 mA.
iWhile connecting an inductive load (relay, solenoids, etc.) to the X1-X8 keys, it
is important to connect an external protective diode in parallel to the load.
Switching voltage must not exceed 50V!
iIncorrect connection of external devices and/or uncontrolled galvanic
connections could lead to the malfunctions of the transceiver or its failure!

Note: · When an electronic key with open collector is in TX mode - it is opened, and
the voltage on the output pin drops to 0.7V (logic 0). If your PA does not
switch TX/RX in this condition, it most likely needs "dry contact" (0V), hence
we recommend connecting via a 12V relay to the X8 (pin 13, 0.7V) and +12V
supply (pin14) or optocoupler to +12V supply. IMPORTANT: A protection diode
should be used in parallel with a relay, cathode to +12V.
· The pin 14 is directly connected to an external power supply connector and has
the same voltage. Pin 14 power line has the in-build 1A fuse combined with the
serial diode for the line protection. The pin 15 (GND) has a direct connection to
the common GND of the radio and direct connection to a negative pin of the
power supply connector.
· The X8 key is designed for control of the external PA (controlled by the PA
button in ExpertSDR3).

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6.4 ATU cable

# Output Name Description Note

1 ATU IND Line to signal that ATU is tuned Input
2 RS485A RS-485A line. In reserve. --
3 RS485B RS-485B line. In reserve. --
4 --
5 --
6 VCC Power supply line --
7 ATU TUNE Line to signal to ATU to start tuning Output
8 GND Ground --

Note: · ATU connector can be used only for connection to AAT-100 external tuner.

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7 Setup procedure
1. Make sure you have downloaded and installed the latest version of the ExpertSDR3 software from our
web-site.
2. On Windows only: Add all .exe files from ExpertSDR3 folder to the Windows Firewall exceptions list
for both Private and Public networks.
3. Update transceiver's firmware to the latest version (86.8 or newer), otherwise it won't work properly.
More details in Device Manager 50 section.
4. Check if AnyDesk or other application (ICOM IC-9700 network connector, for example) does not
block the common ExpertSDR3 UDP ports pair (50001 and 50002 by default). ExpertSDR3 always
uses two ports for each radio; one is indicated in the Options-> Radio-> Address-> Port 91 and +1
e.g.: 50001 (indicated) and 50002.
Note: · If you see the Failed to read the device calibrations! message, but you can ping the
transceiver, it likely means AnyDesk (or other software) installed on the same PC and
uses UDP port 50001. The ports in use can be validated by running ‘netstat’ command
in Windows and Linux and ‘lsof’ command in Mac (see Ports Validation Procedures
below).

5. Make sure your PC/notebook has a fixed IP address with subnet 192.168.16.X e.g.: 192.168.16.50. On
direct LAN connection between SunSDR2 DX and your PC/notebook, both devices must be in the
same subnet. Make sure your PC IP address is not 192.168.16.200, because this IP is used by SunSDR2
DX by default.
6. After unboxing, for the initial run, SunSDR2 DX must be directly connected to your PC/notebook
with a CAT5/6 Ethernet cable. Additionally:
- Make sure that PC and transceiver both are in the same sub-net (see step 4 above).
- Connect headphones and microphone to the respective ports.
- Connect HF-antenna to the either A2 or A3 connector.
7. Run ExpertSDR3. The Device Manager application will start, displaying the list of available SunSDR2
transceivers in its main window.
8. Click-on the Start button on the line with your transceiver; this will launch ExpertSDR3 instance.
9. Start the radio by clicking the Start transceiver button in the ExpertSDR3 top-left corner.
10.In the ExpertSDR3 top right corner, select the microphone you are going to use.
11. In quick Sound Card settings, in bottom right corner, select the audio driver.

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12. If everything is done correctly, you will see the air noise on the panorama, and hear the sound in the
headphones.

Ports Validation Procedures

In Windows
start ‘Command Prompt’ application (‘CMD’), type the following command and press Enter:
netstat -ano | find "50001"

Look at the response, then type the following command, replacing ‘XXXX’ with process ID (four digits
on the right side) and press Enter:
tasklist /fi "PID eq XXXX" (using above example screenshot XXXX replaced with 6260).

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The response will display the application name, which is using UDP port 50001. In above example, it is
“SdrApplication.exe”, which is ExpertSDR3. In case of other application (like AnyDesk) is using port
50001, its name will be displayed.

In Linux
start ‘Terminal’, type the following command and press Enter:
netstat -anpe | grep "50001"

The response will display the application name, which is using UDP port 50001 – in the above example it
is “SdrApplication” (on the right side of the screenshot). In case of other application (like AnyDesk) is
using port 50001, its name will be displayed.

In macOS
start ‘Terminal’, type the following command and press Enter, then enter admin password and press
Enter:
sudo lsof -i4UDP:50001

The response will display the application name, which is using UDP port 50001 – in the above example it
is “SdrApplic” (on the left side of the screenshot). In case of other application (like AnyDesk) is using
port 50001, its name will be displayed.

Note: · It is always a good idea to check both ports - 50001 and 50002 (defaults).

If you have found that, say, AnyDesk is using UDP port 50001, this is exactly what is preventing
ExpertSDR3 to communicate with the transceiver. Either completely delete AnyDesk, or alternatively (if
you need to use AnyDesk further) temporarily delete AnyDesk first, then change the port in the
ExpertSDR3 to any unused port (50071 for example) in the Options-> Radio-> Address-> Port (Note:
second port will automatically be set to 50072 for this example). When port changed and connection
ExpertSDR3 to transceiver is successful, then install AnyDesk back.

Note: · It is always a good idea to check what UDP ports are already in use in your OS,
before reassigning port in ExpertSDR3. For the port checking use:
netstat -ano (in Windows)
netstat -anpe (in Linux)

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sudo lsof (in Mac)

Note: · TCPView application can also be used on Windows for port checking. Select UDP v4
and sort all ports by Local Port.

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7.1 Mac specific MicPC setup

Unfortunately, due to the security access for Microphone limitations in current version of the
development framework for Mac computers, some extra steps required to enable in-build and external
microphones (including Bluetooth) to be used as MicPC in macOS Ventura (all models Intel/Silicon).

Important: Below procedure has to be repeated before launching every new ExpertSDR3 Beta version
for the first time.
1. Go to System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Microphone.

If this is the first time you are launching ExpertSDR3, the ExpertSDR3 will not be in the Microphone list,
and you can go straight to step 5 below. However, if you have used any version of ExpertSDR3 before
and granted MicPC access for it, then ExpertSDR3 is listed in devices, and you have to revoke the access
rights to previous version, before proceeding with new beta. Perform the following steps:

2. Open Terminal and issue the following command:

sudo tccutil reset Microphone com.eesdr.expertsdr3
press Enter

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enter password and press Enter again

The system response 'Successfully reset Microphone approval status for com.eesdr.expertsdr3' ensures
that revoke is complete, and now you would not see ExpertSDR3 listed in System Settings -> Privacy &
Security -> Microphone.

3. Remove old ExpertSDR3 version from Application folder and Restart OS (this is the easiest way to
deal with Apple TCC relaunch).

4. Connect provided .dmg, move ExpertSDR3 into Application folder.

5. Open Terminal and issue the following command:

codesign --force --deep --sign - /Applications/ExpertSDR3.app
Important: the above command assumes ExpertSDR3 application is located in the Application folder. If
you keep ExpertSDR3 application in other than Application folder, then use your path
replacing /Applications/ExpertSDR3.app.

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6. Navigate to ExpertSDR3 and launch it. On a first launch under Ventura, you will get the following
warning:

7. Press "Cancel" and then open System Settings -> Privacy & Security and in right pane scroll down till
Security section; you will see the notice that "ExpertSDR3.app was blocked, because it is not from an
identified developer". Click 'Open Anyway'.

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8. The next pop-up will prompt you to enter an account password; enter your password and click
'Unlock'.

9. The next popup will prompt that macOS cannot verify the developer, just ignore it and click 'Open',
this will trigger ExpertSDR3 Device Manager to start.

10. Press 'Start' in ExpertSDR3 Device Manager.

Important: when main ExpertSDR3 window will open, do NOT start transceiver as yet.

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11. Make sure that Sound Card indicator in the Status bar is inactive (gray), right click on it and select
(with drop-down arrow at right) the desired devices for Core Audio Mic and Headphones. Also make
sure that MicPC is selected (in right top corner of ExpertSDR3). Initially you can select in-build devices,
however if you have external devices already connected, you can select those at this stage. Once desired
devices selected, activate the Sound Card indicator with left mouse button click, it'll become green. With
ExpertSDR3 compiled with Qt6.5 builds there is no need to authorize additional devices as MicPC, the
procedure is performed once.

12. Turning transceiver ON, you will get prompted to enable ExpertSDR3 access to microphone. Click
'OK'.

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From now on, the selected microphone is enabled as MicPC.

Note: · At this stage, after ExpertSDR3 is launched and certain microphone is determined as
MicPC, the plug-and-play use of new microphones as MicPC is not supported under
macOS Ventura. If you want to connect alternative microphone as MicPC, you have
to do it before you start the ExpertSDR3 Device Manager.

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8 Device Manager
ExpertSDR3 Device Manager is the first window you will see after launching the ExpertSDR3 application.
The window is divided in two sections, the Devices on the left-hand side of the window and the System
on the right-hand side of the window.

Note: · When application is launched in Windows PC, it will check for support of DirectX11
API. If the DirectX11 is not supported, then ExpertSDR3 will use OpenGL
(experimental function).
· When application is launched in Mac PC or Linux PC, there is no Graphic API
selection.

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The Devices section (Windows layout).

# Name Description
1 Serial number Radio model SunSDR2 DX - serial number.

2 IP address The selected device IP address: 192.168.16.200 (default value).

3 Port number The selected device port: 50001 (default port).

4 Start The Start button, click-on the button to launch an ExpertSDR3 instance to work
with the selected device.
5 Autostart The Autostart switch button, toggle-on the button to enable automatic launch
of the instance. Toggle-off the button to disable automatic launch of the
selected device.
6 Chevron The chevron button, toggle-on/-off the button to show/hide the graphics APIs
(Windows only) menu for the selected device.

7 DirectX11 The DirectX11 radio button, click-on the button to choose DirectX11 as a
graphics API for the selected device.
8 Vulkan The Vulkan radio button, click-on the button to choose Vulkan as a graphics
API for the selected device.

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# Name Description
9 OpenGL The OpenGL radio button, click-on the button to choose OpenGL as a graphics
API for the selected device.
10 Discover The Discover icon, click-on the icon to re-run scan for the available devices.

11 Add device The Add device icon, click-on the icon to open a Add device window. Select
Device model, enter IP address:port, enter serial number.
12 Firmware The Firmware Manager icon, click-on the icon to open the Firmware Manager
Manager window.

Note: · Add device function was implemented for manual addition of a device, in case
automatic discover doesn't work. It'll be especially helpful for those who uses
VPN.
Also, this function allows you to create a virtual instance for any device to take
a look at the GUI.
· Before open the Firmware Manager, the ExpertSDR3 checks for active
instances, and if detected - you'll be asked to close all the instances and to run
the Firmware Manager again.

If any of your radios is running on an older firmware version, you can update it via the Firmware
Manager menu, by clicking on Firmware Manager button (11).

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It is recommended to set the default IP address (192.168.16.200:50001) before starting the firmware
update of your transceiver. Press the Firmware button to start the Firmware update. If the radio is
connected to LAN and has different from the factory default IP address, during firmware upgrade
preparation, the process could be hanged. Switch OFF and ON the radio with the PWR button on the
front panel (SunSDR2 DX/PRO). The green LED will start blinking and in 10-15 secs the upgrade will be
completed.

Note · If you don't see your transceiver displayed in the Firmware Manager window, it
Windows Only means the ExpertSDR3 Device Manager is blocked by Windows settings (e.g.,
Windows Firewall). To work around, add all .exe files from the ExpertSDR3
folder to the Windows Firewall exceptions list for both Private and Public
networks, or disable the Firewall and your antivirus software.

The System section

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# Tab Name Description

1 Profile Navigate to the tab to personalize your account and to enable the edit mode:
· Set a profile picture, drag the desired picture to the avatar field.
· Enter your Callsign.
· Enter your Name.
2 Remote Navigate to the tab to enter your Profile credentials for remote operation,
check Remote operation 146 section for the details.
3 Expert Sync Navigate to the tab to configure the required port for the ExpertSync server.

Note: · It was designed to sync between any number of ExpertSDR3

instances/devices. Synchronization could be set up within the
same local host or within the home network (between different
PCs in the same LAN). Using ExpertSync you can synchronize
RX1, RX2 frequencies, filter bandwidth and RIT parameters.

4 Information Navigate to the tab to check the details of the ExpertSDR3 software version
and its build date.

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9 ExpertSDR3 software description

Default main layout of the ExpertSDR3 software.

Compact layout of the ExpertSDR3 software (band and mode panels are disabled).

9.1 Global controls panel

This panel consists of the following buttons:

- toggle the Start button to switch-on/-off the receive mode in the ExpertSDR3 instance.

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- click-on the RX2 button to enable/disable second software receiver. Right-click on the button
to switch between the RX2 window views (vertical or horizontal). For more information about the RX2
button operations, refer to the RX1/RX2 priority section 125 .

- click-on the BS button to enable/disable wide bandscope in the same Nyquist zone as the RX1,
from 0 to 80 MHz or from 80 to 160 MHz. When bandscope is in use, Band Pass Filters can still be
active or you can switch to the WideRX filter. More information about RX filters operation is presented
in the Filters menu 76 (the chain sign in the status bar).
The bandscope window is displayed as a separate window. Navigation and settings of the bandscope are
similar to the panorama settings of the main receiver.

- click-on the PA button to enable/disable the X8 pin in the ExtCTRL connector, which is reserved
for control of an external power amplifier (PA). There are two ways to control X8 pin:
1. Global state of the PA key - PA button is displayed on the software main window.
2. Save by band, if you enable this function in the Settings-> Radio-> PA section 91 the Global PA
button will be replaced with the PA column in the Band Manager window, where you can assign it to any
band.
Note: · To activate X8 in Tune mode, enable Use in Tune in Settings-> Radio-> PA section.

- press the left mouse button to enable RX.ANT button, it'll set the selected antenna for all bands
in the RX-only mode. When transmission is prohibited due to the RX.ANT being enabled, the TX

antenna has a yellow background and the RX antenna has a green background . When RX.ANT
button is active you still can change the TX antenna output, but RX antenna selection is locked.

- press the right mouse button to open a drop-down menu, where you can select A2 or A3
antenna for RX-only mode.

- the ATU button is displayed in the main software window when AAT-100 is connected to the
transceiver. If you disable the ATU button, then AAT-100 will switch to bypass mode.

- there is a special indicator (it turns orange if ATU has pre-saved

parameters for the current frequency, and dark-gray if the memory is empty). For more information
about the AAT-100 indicator operations, refer to this section 132 .

- click-on the B.M button to open the Band Manager window. For information about the window
functionality, refer to this section 120 .

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- click-on the XVTR button to open the Transverter Manager window. Transverter operations are
described in this section 134 .

- click-on the Attenuator/preamp with the left mouse button to cycle upwards the attenuation
coefficient in the following order: -20dB, -10dB, 0dB, +10dB or right mouse button to cycle it
backwards.
Note: · When using Band Pass Filters (BPFs), the attenuator and preamplifier unique values
are stored for each individual filter and band. And if you use the WideRX filter (LPF)
for the entire Nyquist zone, the attenuator/preamplifier level is identical for all the
bands.
· Attenuator specifics: Because of the antenna's input signal level remains unchanged
regardless of the attenuator level when the attenuator is in use the S-meter values
and audio level will have software compensation. This means you no longer need to
calculate real values every time you use the -20 dB attenuator. Moreover, unlike most
classic transceivers on the market, this transceiver doesn't require an adjustment of
AF or RF level every time the -20 dB attenuator is used. The attenuator only
influences the receiving dynamic range level, the S-meter and audio level remain
unchanged. If you start switching the ATT while the antenna is disconnected then you
would be able to observe changes of the receiver’s noises. For example, when you
select ATT 0 dB the RX noise level will reduce, which means the RX sensitivity is higher.
And if you select ATT -20 dB the RX noise level will increase, which means the RX
sensitivity is lower. These functions are now handled by our new hardware.

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- adjust the Volume slider to change the volume. The volume settings are stored
per band; it affects the LF output on the transceiver's front panel and PC's sound card output. Toggle the
Speaker icon to mute/unmute the audio.

- adjust the Monitor slider to change the monitoring volume. Toggle the
Headphones icon to enable/disable monitoring. This function allows you to listen to the generated signal
and control its quality.
Note: · An excessive monitoring volume may lead to the positive acoustic connection between
the microphone and headphones and cause a self-triggered audio path.
· In CW mode, the transceiver will always generate a monitoring signal, even if you
don’t click-on the MON button.
· TX CW signal is always displayed on the panorama.
· If you noticed the transceiver HF crosstalk on the PHONES jack, install ferrite beads
with transparency 1000-4000 on the coax cable of the antenna and Mic cable.
Make 5-10 winds of cable around the bead. Such crosstalk may impact an external
PA, thus they should be eliminated. The crosstalk phenomenon may occur due to the
HF current on the outer part of the cable.

- click-on the Stations button to open the Stations menu. To add a new station in the menu, press
the Save station button, marked with blue rectangle, close to the main frequency indicator

. CTCSS and repeater settings are also stored in memory.

Previously saved stations can be edited; and any of the stations’ parameters can be applied to RX1 or
RX2 receiver. The list of saved stations can be exported and imported (for sharing and backup
purposes). Click-on the Bin icon to clear all the stations from the list.

- toggle the Expand left/right buttons to tile the ExpertSDR3 controls to the left/right corner of the
window.

- click-on the Settings button to bring up the Settings menu from the bottom of the ExpertSDR3
window. For more information about the ExpertSDR3 settings, refer to this section 80 .

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- click-on the About button to open the information window, containing the version and the build of
the ExpertSDR3 currently in use.

- press the Fullscreen button to enter full screen.

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9.2 Transceiver control panel

In this panel, the buttons and sliders layout dictated by selected mode. The above picture displays the
NFM mode layout.

- toggle the TX button to manually enable/disable the transmission.

- toggle the TUNE button to manually enable/disable the transmission of the tone signal.
Note: · To activate ExtCTRL X8 key in Tune mode: tick the Use in Tune checkbox in Settings-
> Radio-> PA section.

- click-on the BT button to enable Burst Tone. Some repeater models goes to "sleep" mode when
timeout is reached; to awake the repeater from sleep simply send the Burst Tone of the exact frequency
for a short period of time (common tone frequency value is 1750 Hz, however this can vary in some
repeaters).
To form a Burst Tone:
1. Set the NFM mode.
2. Set the tone frequency.
3. Set the required tone TX time, enough for the current repeater.
4. Press the BT button.
The transceiver will send the FM tone signal with your settings.

to adjust signal Timeout and Frequency, right mouse click to open the drop-down
menu.
Remain in TX – click-on the button to keep the transceiver in TX mode after timeout.

- VOX (Voice Activated Transmit) button enables the TX mode when a signal detected in the
microphone. VOX settings are saved for each microphone type, and can be adjusted in the Mic signal
processing 80 menu.
- Mixer button opens the menu with volume and balance control for the first and second software
receivers. If only RX1/VFO A is in use, the Mixer settings disabled. As soon as you start using VFO B for
RX1 or RX2, the Mixer settings get enabled.
Sync with VFO is the special function that syncs VFO A and VFO B balances in according to their
position on Panorama. If the VFO located on the left, then it will be better heard in left phone. And if the
VFO located on the right, then it will be better heard in the right phone.

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- toggle the Mute button to mute LF signal.

- click-on the SQL button to enable/disable squelch. Squelch threshold is displayed as a vertical
yellow needle on the S-meter. If the air signal (green needle), surpasses the SQL trigger threshold
(yellow needle), then you will hear the sound of the receiving station on the receiver's LF output. And if
the air signal level is below the trigger threshold (yellow needle), you won’t hear a thing.

- click-on the CTCSS button to enable Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System. In some cases, it
might be necessary to activate squelch with the help of the CTCSS tones.

- right mouse click to open a drop-down menu.

How to use CTCSS mode:
1. Set the NFM mode.
2. Set the receiver's tone frequency in the RX TONE input-box.
2.a. Set the transceiver's tone frequency in the TX TONE input-box.
3. Press one of the buttons RX/TX, RX ONLY, TX ONLY:
RX/TX - CTCSS mode is active in RX and TX modes.
RX ONLY - CTCSS mode is active in RX mode.
TX ONLY - CTCSS mode is active in TX mode.
4. Press the CTCSS button to activate CTCSS mode.
5. Receive signals with the CTCSS tone.
5.a. Press the PTT button on the Mic to transmit the signals with the CTCSS tone.
6. Release the PTT button on the Mic to turn to RX mode.

- click-on the RPTR button to enable repeater mode. This function is usually used on the 10M, 6M,
2M and 70cm bands.

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- right mouse click on the RPTR button to get access to the Shift parameter. You
can use this function to adjust the TX frequency for a certain repeater. The sub-receiver displays the TX
frequency, and the main receiver displays the RX frequency. Parameters set in the Shift are saved for
each AM, LSB, USB and CW modes.

- click-on the Line Out to MP3 file button to record audio in MP3 file.

- click-on the Line Out to Sound Card button to transfer audio stream into Sound Card. Line Out
settings are presented in Settings-> Receiver audio section 87 .

The SPLIT feature is only available in AM, SSB and CW modes.

- click-on the SPLIT button to initiate a split state. When in split state you will receive on the VFO A
frequency, and transmit on the VFO B frequency with the parameters set in Shift. 5. Pressing the
SPLIT button the second time TX frequency returns to VFO A frequency.

- right mouse click on the SPLIT button to get access to the Shift parameter.
Parameters set in the Shift are saved for each AM, LSB, USB and CW modes.
Note: · When CW key is pressed while you are in the CW mode with the BREAK IN and SPLIT
functions enabled, the transceiver will turn to TX on VFO B frequency automatically.
· When the PTT signal received via the CAT-system or COM-port (if configured) while
you are in digital mode, the transceiver will turn to TX on VFO B frequency
automatically.

The Break.In can be used in SSB and CW modes.

- toggle the Break.In button to initiate the Break.In mode. When CW key is pressed while you
are in this mode, the transceiver will automatically turn to the TX mode.

- right mouse click to open the CW settings drop-down menu.

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Macros Speed - this field displays the CW macros generation speed via TCI interface.
Macros delay - this field displays the CW macros generation delay after its switch from RX to TX via TCI
interface.
Speed - this field displays the speed of the CW signal being sent. This value determines reference Dot
length.
Break In - this field displays the TX->RX delay for CW-keyer. The time control is useful for keeping the
transceiver in the TX mode. Use this field to set the time required for the transceiver to hold in the TX
mode after the CW key is released.
PTT-CW delay - this field displays the RX->TX delay for CW-keyer. This delay is applied to RF signal
only, it won't affect audio monitoring. Use this feature for the TRX connection to external PAs.
Pitch - this field displays the CW signal's frequency tone control (also used for the RX mode).
Dot - this field displays the determined Dot length in relation to the CW-keyer and macros.
Dash - this field displays the determined Dash length in relation to CW-keyer and macros.
Dash-Dot pause - this field displays the determined Dash-Dot pause length in relation to the CW-keyer
and macros.
Pause - this field displays the determined Bigger Pause length in relation to the CW-keyer and macros.
Ramp - this field displays the CW signals' slope length control. The higher the manipulation speed, the
shorter the slopes.
Iambic – toggle the button to enable/disable automatic dots and dashes generation. When you press
the CW-keyer while the IAMBIC mode is off, it will generate tone signal with PITCH frequency.
Reverse paddle - toggle the button to enable/disable generation of dots and dashes in reverse order.
Type B - toggle the button to enable/disable CW mode type B.

The Stereo can be enabled in WFM mode.

- click-on the Stereo button to enable Stereo mode for FM BC stations. In this mode ExpertSDR3
automatically detects whether the station is strong or not, and if it transmits in stereo.

- to display the HAM bands buttons

panel in the main software window, go to Options-> Pallet -> Contest -> Bands panel and activate the
panel.
In some regions, you will be able to operate on the 4M (70 MHz) and 5M bands. Transmit using low
power output DAC OUT, to get more power you can use an external power amplifier. To receive on
4M/5M band, use ADC IN. In Ireland, you can operate on 8M band.

- to display the HAM modes buttons panel in the main

software window, go to Options-> Pallet -> Contest -> Modulations panel and activate the panel.

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- click-on the Record button to record the RX filter signal and your microphone signal in
the TX mode. Click-on the Play button to play back the record. For further information about the Voice
Recorder functions refer, to this section 136 .

- adjust the AGC slider to change AGC sensitivity control of your transceiver. The adjusted
parameter is saved per band per mode. The AGC sensitivity control is an equivalent of the Automatic
Gain Control in classic transceiver.

- right click mouse to open the menu where you can select the preferred air noise
level above horizontal scale. The automatic AGC threshold is saved per band per mode. The receiver's
AGC has a parameter maximum allowed amplification of the RX signal. In ExpertSDR2 this parameter
called RF gain, in ExpertSDR3 we named it AGC (max gain). The AGC is used to amplify weak RX signal
until its max value is achieved, or the amplification coefficient has reached the parameter you set. For
example, if you select FAST or NORM parameter then the signal volume on the AGC's output will never
exceed the maximum allowed volume. And if you select AGC OFF parameter then the signal's maximum
volume can exceed this threshold and get clipped. We've kept the AGC OFF parameter for digital modes
(e.g. FT8, FT4, etc.) to eliminate AGC influence on the RX signal for better decoding. For voice modes
we recommend to use AGC NORM and AGC FAST for CW.

- adjust the Drive slider to change the output power (HAM bands only). Right click on the
Drive slider to copy Tune slider value.

- adjust the Tune slider to change the output power in Tune mode (carrier).

- adjust the Mic.2 slider to change the microphone gain level. In the CW mode, this slider
switches to WPM slider.

- right mouse click on Mic to choose between Mic.1, Mic.2, Mic.PC (your PC
microphone) or E-Coder2 (if microphone is connected to E-Coder2 panel) options from the drop-
down menu. The microphone you select in this menu will be used for operation in voice modes!
Note: · If the Mic.PC option has been selected from the Mic menu, and it doesn't match the
Mic setting in the Sound Card, the software will inform you about it by displaying the
red highlighted mic icon.

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9.3 Indicators

- the S-Meter displays the signal level in the RX filter bandwidth. This scale
consists of two grade types, one in S-units at the bottom and another in dBm at the top.
The signal strength in dBm to mW is displayed in yellow in the top left corner. If no antenna connected,
the S-Meter will show radio's internal noises level. In TX mode, the output power is indicated in W and
antenna’s in SWR (for frequencies below 60 MHz). For further information about S-meter operations,
refer to this section 124 .
Note: · Software protection against high SWR is always active. If SWR is higher than 3.5 with
output power higher than 10W, software will automatically lower the output power
below 10W. To use the transceiver with an external tuner adjust the output power to
8W, this way the output power will be constant despite SWR changes during tuning.

- the antenna switch indicator displays the antenna input used by RX and TX.

- toggle the Start/Stop button to execute IQ-file recording. IQ files are the records of the whole
RX Panorama bandwidth. Go to the Settings to configure the files directory and select one of the three
file format options ExpertSDR2, HDSDR, Wave. All the recorded files formats can be played using
HDSDR software. For further information about IQ recorder formats refer to this section 137 .

- click-on the Eraser icon to clear off all displayed spots from the Panorama.

- click-on the Save station button to add a new station to the Stations menu.

- click-on the Lock icon to lock frequency tuning for a software receiver.

- VFO A frequency indicator (main receiver).

- click-on the grayed TX indicator button to switch the red TX status between the two VFOs. There
are two TX indicators, one near VFO A frequency and another near VFO B frequency. The active one is
marked red and the inactive is marked gray. The TX indicator in red denotes the frequency of the
associated VFO which you're transmitting on.

- the Band Stacking Memories indicator (VFO A only), can be used for a quick switch of
frequency/mode changes within the active band. Each memory slot has a frequency, mode, and RX filter
settings. Each band has five memory slot's associated with it. The memory slots latest state saved
automatically. The switch stacks procedure includes the following steps:
- right mouse click on the band selection button;

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- left mouse click on the selected band in the band panel.

- left mouse click on the band selection icon to open the band menu.

- left mouse click on the mode selection icon to open the mode menu.

Note: · CW works only in CW-U for all bands by default, and cannot be changed by user.
The CW-U was a logical choice because if a frequency inside the RX filter has raised,
the tone lowers, and you watch the signal in the filter moving right-to-left. And if you
use the DSE feature, when the signal is on the left or right filter's side, you can hear a
panoramic effect.
· To operate in digital modes select DIGL/DIGU. The part associated with Digital
modes buttons is still in development, therefore some features are either yet to be
implemented or implemented partially. For example, currently if you select the FT8, it
will only set the filter width.
· Amplitude Frequency Characteristic (AFC) has deemphasis when you operate in
NFM. The European standard determines the AFC slope in WFM with time constant
50 us (like in first order LPF), US standard 75 us.

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Because there is no unified standard for NFM, our development team used its own set
parameter. In NFM, time constant is high, which allows to mute HF noise when there
are no stations. The AFC can be adjusted by user to a desired level.

- quick memory navigation buttons (total 15 cells). Every new frequency entry is added
in the cells automatically if the receiver stands still on a single frequency over a second. You can jump
back and forth over recorded frequencies by pressing left/right arrows or select a certain frequency
from the list.

- VFO B frequency indicator (sub-receiver).

- click-on the SUB button to enable sub-receiver (VFO B). Use it to enable the
second RX filter on the same band with VFO A.
Note: · The audio from the VFO B is not audible when it is out of the panorama bandwidth
(not visible).
· The Red color of the IF (either VFO A or VFO B) indicates active transmission on the
frequency.
· Click-on middle mouse button is switching the point and the click control on the
panorama between VFO A and VFO B receivers. The TUNE A or TUNE B near the
mouse cursor indicates which of - VFO A or VFO B – is currently controlled.
· If selected band is changed, the SubRX will be switched off automatically.

A>B – assign the VFO A frequency to VFO B

B>A – assign the VFO B frequency to VFO A
SWAP – swap frequencies between the VFO A and VFO B

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9.4 DSP control panel

- press the left mouse button to enable Receive Incremental Tuning (RIT).

- press the right mouse button to open a drop-down menu, where you can set the
frequency offset and tuning step (used for control from E-Coder/E-Coder2 panels) in Hz. Reset -
resets the offset value to zero (more details in RIT 139 ).

- press the left mouse button to enable Transmit Incremental Tuning (XIT).

- press the right mouse button to open a drop-down menu, where you can set the
frequency offset and tuning step (used for control from E-Coder/E-Coder2 panels) in Hz. Reset -
resets the offset value to zero (more details in XIT 140 ).
Note: · When you enable RIT or XIT modes, RX filter becomes yellow, so you won’t confuse it
with VFO B.

- press the left mouse button to reveal a drop-down menu and select required tuning step size.
There are 9 values available: 1 Hz, 5 Hz, 10 Hz, 25 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz.
AGC presets menu. Press the left mouse button to switch between NORM and FAST. Press the right
mouse button to switch off and on receiver's AGC.

- AGC is off.

- preset with fast AGC reaction, recommended for CW mode.

- preset with normal AGC reaction, recommended for all other modes.
You can adjust the speed of AGC reaction for FAST and NORM presets in Settings-> RX filter DSP 89 .

- press the SAM button to enable/disable Synchronous AM demodulator.

- press the NB button to enable Noise Blanker and remove impulse interference.

- press the right mouse button to open drop-down menu with NB settings.
Adjust the trigger Threshold depending on the interference level (right-click will reset the default value).

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Note: · Set NB threshold so NB will cut only pulse noise if it surpasses the threshold. As a rule,
pulse noise is a high-amplitude and short in time signal, with an amplitude much
higher than useful signal. If it will be cut from the mix of signals the useful signal won't
be corrupted. For correct operation, the threshold level should be adjusted higher
than useful signals. In this case, NB will work perfectly. If the threshold will have the
same level as useful signals or lower, the NB will try to cut useful signals and you'll hear
and see distorted signals in phones and spectrum scope. If noises have white spectrum
(not pulse) with low level (lower than useful signals), the NB cannot be used in this
case, use NR.

Adjust the Pulse width slider (right-click will reset the default value).

- press the BIN button to enable binaural audio mode (pseudo-stereo) (the phasing of the audio
signal within the RX filter gives a stereo-like effect).

- press the NR button to enable the adaptive Noise Reduction. This is a special adaptive filter, which
removes any abnormal noises and white noise in the RX filter band.

- press the right mouse button to open a drop-down menu with NR settings.
Adjust the Quality value which influence the speed of adaptation rate. The lower the value the cleaner
the sound, but adaptation takes more time (right-click will reset the default value).

- press the ANC button to enable Automatic Noise Cancellation. This is the new algorithm of
adaptive noise cancellation for voice modes, it removes the constant noise, trying to keep the received
station intact. When you receive a very weak station ANC may distort the sound.

- press the right mouse button to open a drop-down menu where you can select one of
three presets, which is optimal for a certain air situation.

- press the ANF button to enable Automatic Notch Filter for adaptive rejection of the narrowband
interference in the receiving band (interference, carrier signals, CW signals, etc.).

- press the right mouse button to open a drop-down menu with ANF settings.
Adjust the Quality value which influence the speed of adaptation rate. The lower the value, the cleaner
the sound, but adaptation takes more time (right-click will reset the default value).
Note: · If there are no interferences, ANF could slightly affect the reception quality of the
desired signal. Disable ANF, if you don't need it.

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- press the APF button to enable Audio Peak Filter for CW and SSB modes. Activating APF makes
CW stations to sound clearer by amplifying the CW signal in the center of the RX filter (creating a
triangle filter's AFC while maintaining rectangular form beyond the filter).

- press the right mouse button to open a drop-down menu with APF settings.
Frequency – tone frequency (pitch) of the voice signal (available only for SSB).
Gain – analog peak-filter amplifying factor.
Quality – analog peak-filter quality (slope sharpness) (available only for SSB).
Note: · When filter bandwidth is thinner than 200 Hz, there is no point in APF, thus it is
switched off automatically.

- press the NF button to enable/disable all set Notch Filters.

Press the NF+ button to add a new filter placing it inside the RX filter. To remove an existing Notch filter
click twice with a left mouse button or once with the middle mouse button on it.
Notch Filter is the IIR filter, its quality depends on its width. On the panorama you can see the result of
the Notch Filter operation, it cuts out signals inside the filter. Tune and adjust the width of the Notch
Filter the same way you do that for the main RX filter. For fine-tuning rotate the mouse wheel with a 1 Hz
step.
You can set up to 8 Notch Filters for each band. When you change the band, you automatically activate
previously set Notch Filters settings for the current band. Each Notch Filter stores two parameters: tuned
frequency and width, until you delete it. RX1 and RX2 may operate on different bands, thus you may have
up to 16 active Notch Filters at the same time.

RX filter bandwidth presets. Presets list depends on the mode type:

- AM, NFM modes (8 – 16 kHz);

- SSB, DIGI modes (2.5 - 3.3 kHz);

- CW mode (50 - 500 Hz).

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9.5 Panorama

The Panorama window is divided by the horizontal scale in two parts: Spectrum Scope and Waterfall:

9.5.1 Spectrum Scope

The Spectrum Scope displays combined air noise, signals (the Spectrum, with the sample rate of 39-312
kHz, adjustable by User) and the RX filter to tune and listen to the stations. For further information
about Spectrum parameters, refer to this section 94 .

Other parameters displayed in Spectrum Scope window are:

Band Indicator - The Band Indicator, at the top of the window, is a horizontal line with the band name
that reflects the current band boundaries. The Band Indicators are color-coded, the blue line
corresponds with an Amateur band, and the orange line with a Broadcast band. (Note: amateur 20M
band is shown on above picture).
VFO A filter. In its default state, the VFO A filter is represented by the vertical red line that indicates the
tuning frequency. The RX filter bandwidth is represented by the gray translucent area around the tuning
frequency; the listened audio is limited by the bandwidth boundaries. A tuning frequency is displayed at
the RX filter right-hand side. To view the filters' low and high frequencies' edges ("L:" and "H:") hover
over the filter. (Note, the "O:" reflects the mouse cursor frequency inside the filter).
The Power Level of signals (dBm) is represented by the vertical scale on the left-hand side of the
spectrum scope. You might notice variation in the dBm readings on the Panorama and S-meter, this is
due to different algorithm used in its calculation:
1. The Noise level, displayed in the spectrum scope, calculation is based on the actual spectrum scope
resolution.

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Note: · In ExpertSDR3, the FFT settings were replaced by the adaptive spectrum resolution
feature. This feature is based on the constant of ~9.53Hz per sample ("single-unit
filter") and adapts to the sample rate and window size.
· The only exception is ExpertSDR3 for ColibriNANO, with sample rate values higher
than 384 kHz resolution will drop.

In general, the panorama consists of single-unit filters. Each of the filter calculates power in its own band
and display the result as an individual unit (per filter) on the panorama. A spectrum line (the bright blue
line on the screenshot above) is a group of such units. If a strong useful signal, with a high signal-to-
noise ratio, present inside the single-unit filter, then panorama and S-meter readings will be the same.
This rule applies to monochrome and/or narrowband signals (e.g. CW, PSK), or carrier tone signals. If
there are no useful signals, then the panorama reading will indicate air nose level in the filter bandwidth.
2. S-meter displays a sum of useful signals and noises in the bandwidth within the RX filter bandwidth.

S-meter calculation example: combined (noise + signal) calculation within RX Filter

Source conditions:
Sample rate 39062 Hz
- FFT size 4096
- CW filter bandwidth 500 Hz
- noise level on panorama -160 dBm (approximate readings from the screenshot)

Back-end process of the S-meter readings calculation (with air noise inside RX filter):
Step 1. The FFT bin band (single-unit filter) is always ~9,53 Hz, in current example the calculation goes
like this: 39062/4096 = ~9,53 Hz.

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Step 2. Calculate the difference between RX filter bandwidth and single-unit filter: 500 Hz / 9,53 Hz =
~52,46 (times). RX filer bandwidth is approximately 52.46 times wider than a single-unit filter.
Step 3. Calculate the difference in dB between summed noise power in single-unit filter bandwidth and
summed noise power in RX filter bandwidth: 10*log(283) = ~17 dB. i.e. noise power in 500 Hz bandwidth
will be higher than in single-unit filter on 17 dB.
Step 4. Calculate S-meter readings. -160 dBm + 17 dBm = -143 dBm.
Step 5. S-meter shows the signal power in the RX filter bandwidth and panorama shows the graph of
amplitude spectral density.

Final result:
Approximate S-meter readings will be -143 dBm.

Conclusion:
The calculated value of the S-meter readings is similar to real readings on the screenshot. The difference
is 1.5 dB, it could be a deviation of the noise level from -143 dBm (assumed from the screenshot). If a
useful signal present within the RX filter bandwidth (e.g. SSB signal), then S-meter will display the sum of
all the voice components power within the filter bandwidth. Each individual voice component will be
displayed lower than the overall S-meter readings on panorama. This is also valid for TX mode.
Note: · If current mode is CW with filter bandwidth 20 Hz and sample rate 312 kHz, the S-
meter readings and panorama noise level will be approximately the same.

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9.5.1.1 Spectrum Scope scaling

When the mouse cursor moved over the left side vertical scale, a “hand” icon will appear with the
following operational options:
- To change the dBm scaling, click-on and hold the the right mouse button, then drag it up/down.
- To change the air noise floor position in relation to horizontal scale, click-on and hold the left mouse
button, then drag it up/down.

The horizontal scale between the spectrum scope and waterfall shows the frequency of the certain point
on the spectrum:

When the mouse cursor moved over the horizontal scale, a “hand” icon will appear with the following
operational options:
- To zoom in/out the panorama, click-on and hold the right mouse button and move mouse left/right.
- To change the ratio of the spectrum to waterfall, or click-on and hold the left mouse button, then drag
mouse in “up/down” direction.

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Important: Zoom position marker defines the zoom in/out panorama center:

There are few ways to change position of the Zoom marker:

1. Hold down left mouse button on the Zoom marker and move mouse to the left/right; or
2. Hoover over the horizontal frequency scale and click the mouse wheel; or
3. Hoover over the horizontal frequency scale and double click left mouse.
9.5.2 Waterfall
Waterfall graphic (Spectrogram) is the timed spectrum scope assembled out of the amplitude -
brightness, frequency - horizontal, and time – vertical parameters.
By default all the parameters pre-configured based on our recommended settings, but can be
customized if required. To customize the parameters follow the instructions in Settings-> Visuals
section 94 .

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9.6 Status bar and quick settings

Quick settings and status bar located at the bottom of the main window:

- the sample rate indicator in the far-left corner of the control panel; left mouse click to select a
sample rate from the drop-down menu.

- the connection indicator displays your transceiver current state. The yellow means your
transceiver is unavailable, and the green the transceiver is available.

- right mouse click on the connection indicator opens a drop-down Filters menu
with the filter type selection:
AUTO – use this option to auto-enable the RX wide filter when the bandscope, and/or the second
receiver on another band is switched on.
HF.LPF – use this option to manually enable the wide filter for the entire HF (0...65 MHz) or VHF
(95...155 MHz) band, depending on the RX1 position.
BPF – use this option to manually enable the HF band pass filters or VHF SAW filter, depending on the
RX1 position.
VHF.LNA – use this option to auto-enable the Low Noise Amplifier for the VHF band.
EXT.REF – use this option to enable the REF input connector, on the rear panel, to connect to an
external 10 MHz reference oscillator.
Note: · When using RX1 and RX2 on the same band, the SunSDR2 DX uses BPF for both
receivers. However, if you switch the RX2 to another band while the RX filter is set to
AUTO mode, then the SunSDR2 DX will auto-switch from the BPF to HF.LPF. You still
can use BPF in these situations, but they will be controlled by the RX1, and the RX2 will
only be able to listen to the air outside the pre-filtered band.

– Device information button; click on the button to view information about the operated SunSDR2
DX hardware and firmware status in a pop-up window.

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– temperature indicator displays the current reference temperature inside the transceiver.
Right mouse click on the indicator to choose between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

U: - voltage supply indicator (measured in the transmitter path).

I: - current consumption indicator (measured in the transmitter path).

– tone generator indicator (displayed when generator is enabled).

– E-Coder panel indicator (active when E-Coder/E-Coder2 is connected to PC). For

further information about E-Coder operation, refer to E-Coder section 125 .

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– Sound Card indicator with the drop-down menu

option. It's editable while the icon indicator is gray color, when activated, the icon color changes from
gray to green. There are two sets of options: “Microphone” and “Headphones” icons, that are explained
below.

– the “Microphone” indicator icon, provides access to the sound card physical input and driver
type selection. Left mouse click on the icon to select options from the drop-down menu.
Note: · If Mic.PC is selected in the Mic menu, but it is not selected in the Sound Card settings,
the “microphone” icon will turn red, notifying that the current selection is not active.

– the “Headphones” indicator icon, provides access to the sound card physical output and driver
type indicator. Left mouse click on the icon to select parameters from the drop-down menu.
Note: · Make sure that all sound devices parameters are set correctly before enabling Sound
Card.
· 48 kHz Sample Rate is pre-defined by the software and cannot be changed.

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- the TCI indicator; right mouse click to open the settings. Enter the required TCI
Server port and click-on the Log view button to view a command log in a pop-up window. Left mouse
click to activate TCI server.

– left mouse click on the E.Sync indicator to activate the ExpertSync. The
indicator legend: gray - disabled, orange - connecting to server, green - connected to server.
Right mouse click on the E.Sync indicator to access the ExpertSync settings menu with the following
options:
Synchronize RX1 – toggle to activate this option if you'd like to synchronize the RX1 receiver of the
current transceiver with other transceivers connected to the same ExpertSync server.
Synchronize RX2 – toggle to activate this option if you'd like to synchronize the RX2 receiver of the
current transceiver with other transceivers connected to the same ExpertSync server.
Synchronize filter – toggle to activate this option if you'd like to synchronize the filter bandwidth of the
current transceiver with other transceivers connected to the same ExpertSync server.
Synchronize RIT – toggle to activate this option if you’d like to synchronize the RIT parameters of the
current transceiver with other transceivers connected to the same ExpertSync server.

– the CPU load of the current ExpertSDR3 instance in Operating System.

– the ExpertSDR3 application zoom scale. Left mouse click to open selection of scale presets
from the drop-down menu.

– time and date indicator. Left mouse click to switch between

local time and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

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9.7 Settings menu

The global ExpertSDR3 Settings menu (“wheel” icon in the top right corner of the ExpertSDR3
window) is opened by the left mouse button click.

To close the Settings menu either click-on the wheel icon again or click-on arrow icon in the
left bottom part of the Settings menu.
The Settings menu contains selectable subsections in the far-left vertical pane. Selected subsection icon
is colored.

9.7.1 Mic signal processing

Mic signal processing settings is in the top left corner of the far-left vertical pane (“Microphone” icon).

The Mic signal processing menu represents the chain of the software modules. These modules are placed
in order the voice signal passes through them:
Boost-> Noise cancellation-> DC block-> Rotator-> Preprocessing-> Noise gate-> Filters->
Compressor-> Equalizer-> Clipper.
The Mic Gain slider (the AGC max gain), located on the right-hand side of the main ExpertSDR3
application window, applies to the processed Mic signal that is already passed through all the modules.
Note: · ExpertSDR3 and ExpertSDR2 use different DSP algorithms (processing modules);
hence, ExpertSDR3 and ExpertSDR2 provide inherently different end-user experience.
The rationale behind the ExpertSDR3 transformation is to preserve the quality of the
TX signal within the capabilities offered by a new programming framework.
· Unlike the ExpertSDR2, the ExpertSDR3 always keeps the Mic AGC active, and it
cannot be changed.
· Nevertheless, the overall concept of setting up the mic signal in ExpertSDR3 and
ExpertSDR2 is very similar, thus we recommend using the video made by Vasily R6NY
ex. RN6LHF as a guide.

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– Boost: is a Mic signal input amplification measured in dB.

– the Noise cancellation role is to suppress ambient noises (e.g. TV, vacuum
cleaner, street noise, etc.). This feature allows the operator to maintain high TX signal quality in noisy
environments.
Note: · Very loud ambient noises may still overlap with an operator’s voice and cause the
signal distortion.

– the DC block role is to effectively eliminate the Time constant in the

microphone signal. Changing of the Time constant value in the range of 1-10 ms impacts quality of the
signal. For example, if you reduce the Time constant value to 1 ms, you will notice low frequency signal
degradation. And if you change the Time constant value to 10 ms, then you will notice the signal
improvement.

– Rotator (Phase Rotator). Every single human voice is unique and has its
own AFC. This is the reason why we are recommending this module parameters to be adjusted by every
user individually.
Stages – displays the total number of phase rotators.
Frequency – frequencies above the indicated figure (it works like a threshold) will have their phase
changed.
The algorithm itself is simple:
- First, adjust the Stages parameter (also known as Taps in some applications) in order to reach the max
symmetric AFC. Check the result in the analyzer after each change of the Stages parameter.

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- Then change the Frequency parameter, with a 50 Hz step, for example. Only the frequencies above
this threshold are processed by the Rotator, the frequencies below the threshold are ignored.
Rationale behind the Phase Rotator feature:
Sound vibrations created by human speech have asymmetric amplitude, comprising negative and positive
half-waves. Sometimes the asymmetric levels so significant they can create asymmetric signal peaks. In
such cases the compressor and limiter, controlled by peak or RMS signal level, would rapidly drop their
levels. Due to such dramatic drift (vary in real-time) and after passing the Mic processing chain, the voice
sound will become unnatural.
Unlike in equalizers, when voice signal phase ratios altered by the Phase Rotator, the AFC remains intact.
As the result, the voice harmonics get shifted in respect to the main frequency, which improves the signal
symmetry. The elimination of the majority of asymmetric peaks in the signal reduces the "aggressiveness"
level of the compressor influence, which in return makes the “resulting voice” sound dense and natural at
the same time.
Moreover, the Rotator generates a psychoacoustic effect by amplifying low frequencies that makes the
voice sound “clearer”. This effect is caused by harmonics time-shift in respect to a voice fundamental
frequencies. After the voice is processed by the Rotator, the harmonics and main frequencies will be
reproduced at a different time. This makes the harmonics more prominent to the human brain and
creates a psychoacoustic effect of a “clearer” voice.

– the Preprocessing module enriches the signal with new harmonics by

imitating a tube (valve) preamplifier.
Mode has three algorithms Mild, Medium and Strong. Each of the algorithms determines harmonic
distortion intensity of the Mic signal.
Level is a preamplification of the input Mic signal prior to the preprocessing.

– the Noise Gate (or Gate), removes all signals below the Threshold level. Its
main role is to reduce the noise in speech pauses. The Gate will forward a signal to the next processing if
the signal has surpassed the Threshold (state: gate open). And if the signal is below the Threshold, the
gate will either ignore it, or pass it through to the next processing only after considerable attenuation
(state: gate is closed). It is recommended to enable the Gate in the cases, where the desired signal level
exceeds the noise level, and assumed to be set above the noise level and below the useful signal level.
Note: · The Noise Gate does not remove noises from a signal. When the Gate is open, then
the signal and noise will get through.

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– the Filters (Parametric filter module) is a graphic

display of a summed AFC (Amplitude-Frequency Characteristic) configuration. In the graphic, the AFC is
represented by a white line and every enabled filter by its own-colored chart area. Up to 5 filters can be
used concurrently. The filter types available are:
Lowpass – is a Low Pass Filter (LPF) that passes through signals only with a frequency lower than the
determined cut-off threshold. The cut-off required threshold is determined by Frequency. The Quality
determines the required steepness of the filter slope.
Highpass – is a High Pass Filter (HPF) that passes through signals only with a frequency higher than the
determined cut-off threshold. The required cutoff threshold is determined by Frequency. The Quality
determines the required steepness of the filter slope.
Bandpass – is a Band Pass Filter (BPF) that passes through signals only with a frequencies within the
determined band range and filters out frequencies outside of the range. The required cut-off threshold is
determined by Frequency. The Quality determines required bandwidth of the passband.
Notch – is a band-stop filter with a narrow stopband. It filters out a determined range of frequencies and
passes through all the other frequencies as is. The required tuning frequency is determined by Frequency.
The Quality determines the required stopband bandwidth.
Peak – is also known as Bell filter. This filter is similar to the Notch filter, but it has many flexible settings.
It boosts or cuts a determined frequency by a Gain value applied to the surrounding frequencies in a bell-
shaped curve. The required tuning frequency is determined by Frequency. The Quality determines the
required cut-off bandwidth.
Low Shelf – is a filter that boosts or cuts frequency signals below the cut-off threshold determined by
Frequency. The Gain value determines required boost or attenuation for the frequency levels below the
cut-off threshold. The Frequencies above filter’s AFC will not be adjusted.
High Shelf – is a filter that boosts or cuts frequency signals above the cut-off threshold determined by
Frequency. The Gain value determines required boost or attenuation for the frequency levels above the
cut-off threshold. The Frequencies below filter’s AFC will not be adjusted.

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– the Compressor is used to reduce dynamic range of the audio signal. In

other words, the primary role of the compressor is to minimize the discrepancy between quietest and
loudest sounds.
The compressor automatically controls the Volume. The Downward compression reduces loud sounds
over a determined Threshold, while quiet sounds remain unaffected. This compression may improve
sound audibility in rough environments, where background noises may suppress quiet sounds. While the
loud sounds easily audible, the quiet sounds are not. An overall volume increase can improve the quiet
sounds, but this will also impact the loud sounds making them unbearable for human ear. When the
downward compression is applied to such audio, the overall volume may be increased to the level at
which both sound levels become comfortable.
Ratio – determines input/output signals exceeding Threshold. For example, the ratio of 3:1 translates to
the input level of 3 dB over the threshold, and the output signal level of 1 dB over the threshold.
Threshold – is a compressor that reduces the level of an audio signal if its amplitude exceeds a certain
threshold (in dB).

– Equalizer:
the primary role of the Equalizer is to perform the finest tuning on a required frequency. The Parametric
equalizer module with graphic display of the resulting AFC represented by a white line and each of the
equalizers by its own marker and colored chart area. To adjust an equalizer, either drag the marker on
the graph or adjust its parameters in the tiles underneath. An equalizer tile parameters from top to
bottom: frequency, gain, quality. Right mouse click on a band sign to set default settings to any EQ band.
There are eight filters (left to right): High Pass, Low Shelf, Peaking or Bell (4 units in between), High
Shelf, Low Pass (on the right); those function similar to the Filters module described above.
When the Spectrum mode is enabled, the Equalizer graph can serve as a TX signal analyzer. The
controls of the analyzer can be found at the top right corner of the Equalizer menu. The analyzer does

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not process signals, it only displays the signal entering the modulator. Press the Accumulate button to
display your voice peak values during the time of analysis. An average value of the spectral density
amplitudes represented by Grey color. Peak values of the spectral density amplitudes represented by
Yellow color.
Spectrum – is a display of the real Mic TX signal in respect to pink noise line. When the Spectrum is
enabled, the pink noise line shows the energy spread by frequency.
Signal – is a time diagram of a signal that will be sent on the air. This mode enables you to visually
inspect TX signal as well as to observe the Rotator, Compressor and Clipper effects.
Before Modulator / After Modulator – enables you to choose the kind of signal to display in the
analyzer and to pass to the PC sound card.

– Clipper. Clipping is a form of waveform distortion that occurs when the

output Voltage exceeds the Threshold. The clipping sounds like splutters and cracks, and looks like
altered signal peaks in an oscilloscope. The Clipper reduces signals peak-factor and increases RMS
power while distorting the signal. The CESSB filter bandwidth is locked to 0 Hz low and 5 kHz high. If
you want to use TX filter bandwidth higher than 5kHz do not use Clipper.
Threshold – the threshold level is set in dB. If a signal exceeds this level, the Clipper will cut it.
Note: · Use the Clipper to increase RMS output power in SSB, AM and NFM modes. In
compare to the ExpertSDR2, the ExpertSDR3 RMS output power is somewhat lower
due to the higher quality of the output signal.
· Clipper in ExpertSDR3 works as CESSB algorithm.

– VOX is triggered when the Threshold is exceeded by the microphone's voice

signal. VOX settings are saved independently for each microphone.
Threshold – VOX response threshold.
Timeout – time before the transceiver switches back to receive mode.

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– in the Profile menu you can adjust voice signal parameters separately for
each microphone: Mic1, Mic2, MicPC, E-Coder2 Mic (if connected) or apply them to a signal coming
from TCI. If Mic2 is selected in this menu, while Mic1 is in use, the displayed settings will not be applied to
the Mic signal. Profile can be used to import and export Processing module settings to share with other
hams.

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9.7.2 Receiver audio / Line out

Receiver audio settings and Line out (“Headphones” icon).

Equalizer
If Equalizer is “ON”, it will apply settings to the receiver audio.

The RX equalizer has 5 editable sets and Reset icon .

If Use for monitoring function is “ON”, it will apply RX equalizer settings to the self-monitoring audio
(after signal processing).
Note: · This effect (EQ settings) is not applied to the transmitted signal.

Loudness
If the Loudness function is “ON”, it will apply tone and AFC compensation to the receiver audio in
accordance to a selected mode:
· No age compensation,
· Under 30 years,
· From 30 to 60 years,
· Over 60 years old.
Compensation AFC is based on the average hearing loss statistics.
Balance is applied to global receiver audio Balance.
Line out menu is controlling PC sound card Line out settings.

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Toggle RX1/2 Record to MP3 file to activate recording of the sound output from the sound card in the
RX and TX modes in MP3 format.
The max file length is 30 min. You can customize the files location directory.
Note: · Sample rate is always 48 kHz.
· Sound output via the Line out will be simultaneous with the sound output from the
transceiver.
· Line out volume has a constant max value and cannot be changed by the operator.
· Line out always operates in 2 channels.

Toggle RX1/2 Sound Card to activate audio playback from the RX1 or RX2 in the selected audio
device/driver.
Note: · Sample rate is always 48 kHz.
· Signal output delay via the sound card is card/platform/OS dependent and can be up
to 250-500 ms. In some scenarios, it is adjustable via Audio driver selection.
ExpertSDR3 supports the following drivers: standard Windows drivers (MME, WDM-
KS, WASAPI) and professional audio cards driver ASIO, Apple built-in and Linux
built-in audio drivers.
For Windows 10 ASIO4ALL is the fastest driver (minimal latency), WDM-KS is
slightly slower (moderate latency), WASAPI and MME slower (the biggest latency).
For Windows 11 the audio driver latency is different, please consult MS
documentation.
Please consult relevant information for Apple and Linux-based PC.
· If the sound card installed in the PC supports a certain type of driver (and driver is set
in OS), then it will be displayed in the drop-down menu.

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9.7.3 RX filter DSP

RX filter DSP settings menu. In this menu you can customize the AGC parameters, Filter taps, and Filter
bandwidth for each mode, i.e. SSB (LSB/USB), CW, AM, NFM, DIGI (DIGL/DIGU) (“RX” icon).

AGC:
Attack – when a signal gets stronger, this value determines how quickly the AGC will decrease gain.
Decay – when a signal gets weaker, this value determines how quickly the AGC will increase gain.
Hang time – sets time (in ms) to keep the signal level the same, after the Attack period is over and
before the Decay period is initiated.

FILTER Taps – is a value that determines a shape of the RX filter. The higher the value, the more
rectangular its shape gets. The higher the value, the higher the signal pass delay. Optimal filter taps are
set to 1500 by default. The users can customize the settings as required, balancing between acceptable
filter slopes and signal delay.

FILTER WIDTH – here you can set up four filter bandwidth presets for each mode, if required.
Enter the desired preset name in F.WIDTH column and configure its Low and High edges in their
respective columns.

To reset to default settings, click on the reset button.

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9.7.4 TX modulator DSP

TX modulator DSP settings menu. In this menu you can customize the bandwidth, offset and taps for
each mode modulator (“TX” icon).

SSB/DIGL/DIGU/AM modulators.
Low – is a low front filter frequency.
High – is a high front filter frequency.
Offset – is a frequency offset used in digital modes. The frequency offset requirements depend on a third
party digital mode software. To determine the right offset refer to the selected digital mode software
instructions.
Taps – is a value that determines a shape of the TX filter in SSB and DIGL/DIGU modes. The higher the
value, the more rectangular its shape gets. The higher the value, the higher the signal delay and CPU
load.
The default Taps value is 800 that is equal to 20 ms delay. Each 100 taps is equal to 2.5 ms delay.
Note: · Limits of the TX filter bandwidth in SSB mode: low – from 1 Hz up to 200 Hz, high –
from 1000 Hz up to 10000 Hz.
· The modulation coefficient of the AM mode is locked by default at 0.95 (95%). So
that carrier power is approximately 50% to sidebands 50%.

NFM modulator - Narrow FM.

Deviation – is an FM signal deviation. The width of the signal on the air will be twice the deviation width.
High – is a frequency of the high filter slope of the LF signal before FM demodulator. You can set the
required LF signal width from zero up to high filter edge.

Generator is a section with the dual-tone signal settings; – tone generator indicator in Status bar
(active when generator is enabled).
Choose between One tone or Two tones mode to generate the dual-tone signal.
The Tone 1, Tone 2 - set independent frequency for the Tone 1 and Tone 2 signals respectively.

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9.7.5 Radio
Firmware settings menu. In this menu you can customize the transceiver IP address, Calibrations, internal
PA operation and ATU control (“Radio” icon).

PA
Toggle the Save by band to enabled, to replace the Global PA button by the PA column in the Band
Manager window.
Toggle the Use in Tune to enabled, to activate X8 ExtCtrl key in Tune mode.

Address
IP - is a current transceiver IP address.
Port - is a current transceiver UDP Port. ExpertSDR3 always uses two ports for each radio, one is
indicated, and another is “increment +1”: e.g.: 50001 (indicated), 50002 (hidden). To change the IP
address and Port, enter new values in their respective fields and click on the Set New Address button.

Calibrations
Frequency correction: adjust the Coefficient value when received signal (known frequency) does not
match with the tuned frequency.
Correction of the displayed frequency can be done in accordance to the known pulse time signals on the
14.996MHz (preferably), 4.996MHz and 9.996MHz IARU region 1 frequencies, or 5.0MHz, 10.0MHz,
15.0MHz IARU region 2 frequencies. If the received time signal does not match with the tuned frequency,
adjust the Coefficient until they match, by following the below steps:
1. Select the minimal sample rate 39 kHz.
2. Select CW mode.
3. Tune on 14.996 kHz in day-time, 9.996 or 4.996 in night-time (note: the higher the calibration
frequency the better).
4. Zoom Panorama to the maximum level.

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5. If peak of the time signal is away from the red tuning filter, change the Coefficient until they match.
After each change click-on the Write button (note: corrections are stored in the transceiver's firmware).
Note: · Coefficient is a multiplier; the higher the coefficient - the higher the deviation.
Examples:
1'800'000 * 1.001 = 1'801'800 (based on the 1,8 MHz with multiplier 1.001)
144'100'000 * 1.001 = 144'244'100 (Based on the 144,100 MHz)
The higher the frequency for calibration, the higher the adjustment precision.
If you have a "known signal" generator, then you can use it to define frequency
coefficient (same logic applies: higher frequency is better, with 79 MHz limit).
Note that all SunSDR2 DX transceivers are calibrated at the manufacturing and
usually will not require an additional calibration.

Power correction – is a per band output power value correction menu. "Value = 100" means the
maximum output power of the transceiver.
Note: · Power correction is a coefficient, not Watt; the coefficients are not equal to real
output power.
Example: power coefficient 50 on 20M is not equal 50W, it can be close to 60W.
The power coefficients for the output power below 100W are not equal through every
band. Maximum care is recommended when changing coefficients: always start with
lower values. Adjustments may also be required when connecting an external power
amplifier to the transceiver.
· These settings are stored in the transceiver firmware and deemed as the primary
power output settings.
· After adjusting the power values, click on the Write button.

Default – click on the Default button to return to default settings of the section.
Read - click on the Read button to read the firmware settings from the transceiver's memory.
Write - click on the Write button to store the hardware settings in the transceiver's memory.

ATU
Enable the Stay on TX for the transceiver to stay in TX mode after tuning with the connected AAT-100
is completed.

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9.7.6 Autostart
Click on the AutoStart menu to add 3rd party applications to ExpertSDR3 startup.

Enter the executable file path into Application file path field and toggle to enable.
The same application can be launched with different arguments, you can have up to three instances of
the application with different arguments at a time. The Arguments may determine a unique settings file
for a certain instance, to learn about supported arguments refer to the 3rd party application instructions.

Click-on the Delete icon to remove a 3rd party application from the Autostart list.
Note: · Bat scripts for Windows 10/11 and .sh files for Linux and macOS are supported.

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9.7.7 Visuals
The ExpertSDR3 instance appearance can be adjusted via the Visuals menu.

Spectrum
Enable the Auto position to auto-position the noise floor level in respect to the horizontal scale. If
enabled, the noise floor will always stay above the horizontal scale.
The Position offset sets the distance between noise floor and horizontal scale. The higher the value, the
bigger the distance.
Position of the Fast <-> Slow slider sets the animation speed of the spectrum scope.

Waterfall
When Scalable waterfall is enabled:
Position of the Fast <-> Slow slider sets the speed of the waterfall (spectrogram) animation.
Change the Min and Max values to adjust contrast of low and high power signals displayed in the
waterfall. The Waterfall color is calculated based on the noise floor (Min) and most powerful signal level
(Max). The color adjustment is a non-stop process. Adjust Min/Max values to make the noise floor
darker or brighter.
For example, when you are operating with AM stations where the central frequency towers above all
other signals. By lowering the Max value, you will make the weaker signals more sound on the
spectrogram.

Contest
Enable the Bands panel to display all bands on one panel in the Transceiver control panel section.
Enable the Modulations panel to display all modes on one panel in the Transceiver control panel
section.
Enable the Zoom cursor follows VFO to make sure the zoom cursor follows the frequency set from TCI.

Spot

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By changing the Limit value, you can set the number of spots within a range of 50 - 500 to be displayed
in the Spectrum at a time (the more spots the higher CPU load).
By changing the Lifetime value, you can set a spot lifetime between 3 - 60 minutes.
If the ExpertSDR3 is connected to a logger with a spot share capability, the spots will be displayed in the
panorama. The ExpertSDR3 does not have its own Spot server implemented yet.
The left mouse click on a spot in tunes spot’s frequency to tune it to VFO A, and the right to VFO B.

Customize

Click on the Spectrum line color and the Fill color to select the required color from the palette.
The Waterfall color scheme provides selection of color scheme from the predefined waterfall color
patterns.
The following options are available for the spectrum Background setup:
Color - is a single solid color option. Right mouse click on the color palette to set the default color.
Gradient – allows you to select the main Top color and an additional Bottom color that will blend in the
middle of the spectrum. Right mouse click on the color palette to set the default color.
Picture – allows you to add an image. You can also adjust the image with the Brightness and select the
fill from the Fill mode: Fit, Crop, Stretch. Right mouse click on the selected picture to set the default
image.
Animation – enables the snowflake animation.

Peak Spectrum

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When Enable is “ON” the spectrum peaks will be displayed.

Line color – allows you to select the line color from the palette.
Line opacity - is a value that determines the opacity of the colored line.
Fill color - allows you to select the fill color from the palette.
Fill opacity – is a value that determines the opacity of the colored fill.
Hold count – allows you to set the hold time of the spectrum peaks display in FPS.
Averaging - is a value that determines the smoothness of a peak lowering down to the noise floor level.

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9.7.8 Other

Broadcast data
This section is currently in development.
IQ Recorder
Select the IQ file format between ExpertSDR3, WAVE or HDSDR. More information about IQ recorder
formats is in this section 137 .
Select the folder to save IQ files.
Profile
Profile settings file holds all the Settings menu and ExpertSDR3 instance parameters.
Profile settings can be imported/exported for backup and share purposes.

9.7.9 Settings folder

ExpertSDR3 settings are stored in specific and OS dependent locations:
Windows: C:\Users\User_Name\AppData\Local\Expert Electronics\ExpertSDR3
Linux: /home/[UserName]/.config/Expert Electronics/ExpertSDR3
Mac OSX: /Users/[UserName]/Library/Preferences/Expert Electronics/ExpertSDR3

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9.8 Operating System (OS) installation dependencies

Linux only.
In Linux ExpertSDR3 is auto-installed in the system folder /opt/ExpertSDR3. Shortcuts for ExpertSDR3
and RadioSync are provisioned during the installation and placed within the list of installed applications.
It is recommended to use install.sh, so the installation process can automatically create the permission
rules for USB-devices, making ColibriNANO receiver and E-Coder2/E-Coder control panels to work
without manual OS permission changes.
To delete ExpertSDR3, start uninstall.sh; it will also delete the rules created earlier.

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10 RadioSync

SyncPair unit is a core RadioSync function that is virtually bridging SunSDR2 DX (TCI) and 3rd party
(non-TCI) devices. ExpertSDR3 instance has its own in-build TCI server. Each SyncPair unit has a two-
way connection, the TCI connection towards the ExpetSDR3 and the connections towards 3rd party
software/hardware. Unlimited number of SyncPair units can be setup within the same ExpertSDR3
instance (the TCI server), these units are independent of each other.

Note: · RadioSync is installed along with ExpertSDR3 and the RadioSync application shortcut
is placed in the same installation folder: e.g. C:\Program
Files\ExpertElectronics\ExpertSDR3 (in Windows).

Common RadioSync functionality:

- click on the export/import icons to share/backup current settings.

- click on the information icon to view current RadioSync version.

- click on the plus icon to create a new SyncPair unit.

Header settings for each SyncPair unit:

- toggle the switch to enable/disable a SyncPair unit. If a unit is enabled, its connection
parameters cannot be changed.

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- is a field for custom SyncPair unit name.

- click on the bin icon to delete the selected SyncPair unit. You can delete a SyncPair unit only
when it's disabled.

Click on the marked arrow button to collapse a SyncPair unit from the menu to a string. This feature is
very convenient when you have established multiple SyncPair units.

Core settings for each SyncPair unit, left side:

- enter valid IP address and port of the ExpertSDR3 TCI

server (not IP address and port of the transceiver) to establish a connection between a SyncPair and TCI
server. By default you can see a working value: localhost:50001.

Color indicators:
· Grey indicator - inactive
· Green indicator - connected / device is opened (CAT/VAC)
· Yellow indicator - establishing connection
· Red indicator - failed to connect / open device

Note: · A Transceiver Control Interface (TCI) is an advanced solution for a seamless

integration between the ExpertSDR2/3 (server) and 3rd party applications (clients).
The TCI offers all the required control commands similar to CAT system and much
more. Unlike CAT system, it can transfer IQ-streams from the ExpertSDR2/3 to the
clients (e.g. Skimmers, etc.) via numerous channels such as LAN, Internet, CW
macros, and Audio In/Out streams for digital modes. The TCI universal multi-client
interface is able to support unlimited concurrent connections with radio Loggers,
Skimmers, PAs, antenna switches, etc. Moreover, it is an open protocol solution that
can be used with multi-band transceivers, that support single, dual, or multiple
receivers/transmitters. This is a game-changer in SDR radio, isn't it! But wait, it is also
an open-source protocol, the usage of which we've discussed with hardware and
accessory developers. For instance, the Band Pass Filters unit with LAN interface can
now get an information about radio frequency via LAN, switch filters, the same applies
to antenna switches and PAs, and so on. The TCI integration experience is so
seamless, you would not believe your eyes!

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· For more information, detailed TCI manual and demo-client software, please visit
GitHub documentation repository.

Transceiver 1/2 - click on the dropdown menu to select RX1 or RX2 receiver.
TX as Mute - toggle the switch to replace TX command with Mute. For ColibriDDC and ColibriNANO, it
is required to Mute transmission when the connected transceiver is in TX mode.

Right side.
All active modules on the right side of every SyncPair unit are interdependent. For example, if CAT and
VAC are active, and the TX device is selected in the Sound Card module, then a PTT command received
from CAT will automatically capture the TX signal from VAC. Otherwise, the TX signal will be captured
from the Mic selected in ExpertSDR3.

- the CAT module emulates the

behavior of Kenwood TS-480 CAT protocol, that is limited to commonly used commands (the list of
commands 105 ). It works the same way as the ExpertSDR2. This module is required for synchronization
with third-party software such as N1MM, FL-DIGI etc.
Port name – click on the dropdown menu to select a COM-port number.
Parity – click on the dropdown menu to select a parity (e.g. Even, Odd, Space, Mark).
Data – click on the dropdown menu to select the number of data in bits (e.g. 5, 6, 7, 8).
Stop bit – click on the dropdown menu to select the number of stop bits (e.g. 1, 1.5, 2).
Baud rate – click on the dropdown menu to select the port speed (baud rate) (e.g. 1200, 2400, 4800,
9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200).
PTT – click on the dropdown menu to select the COM-port line activating the TX mode (e.g. DTR, RTS).
Keyer - click on the dropdown menu to select the COM-port line for the CW mode (e.g. DTR, RTS).
CW Skimmer mode – toggle the switch to enable the right operation with the CW Skimmer. When
enabled, the tuning frequency displayed in the CW Skimmer will correspond to the center frequency of
the panorama in the ExpertSDR3. The right settings for the CW Skimmer are SoftRock-IF, which
controls work through OmniRig.

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- the PTT transfer module is required

for configuration of the PTT signal transfer from E-Coder2/E-Coder panel to TCI interface, which then
forwarded to DTR or RTS line. It automatically splits the TX signal source by activating PTT-transfer
when the PTT-footswitch is pressed. This feature was implemented for better compatibility with N1MM
logger. If CAT / VAC / PTT-transfer set up in one SyncPair unit, then the choice of TX signal source is
determined by the state of the PTT-key:
- If the PTT-footswitch is pressed, you will transmit the mic signal
- If the PTT-footswitch is not pressed, you will transmit the signal from VAC
Port name – click on the dropdown menu to select the COM-port number.
PTT – click on the dropdown menu to select the COM-port line activating the TX mode (e.g. DTR, RTS).

- the Sound card module is required for

configuration of a 3rd party application connections via VAC.
TX - click on the dropdown menu to select a sound card's output and driver for the audio signal
originated from the 3rd party application that will be transferred to the RadioSync via VAC.
RX - click on the dropdown menu to select a sound card's input and driver for the audio signal received
by the RadioSync that will be transferred to a 3rd party application via VAC.
Sample rate – click on the dropdown menu to select the sampling frequency (e.g. 8, 12, 24, 48 kHz).
TX gain – use this field to configure an additional signal amplification in the virtual audio cable's TX path
in dB.
RX gain – use this field to configure an additional signal amplification in the virtual audio cable's RX path
in dB.
Different RX/TX devices – toggle the switch to enable different devices for RX and TX audio in the
RadioSync. This is required if you decided to use two different devices or audio drivers concurrently.

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Note: · The following conditions must be met to enable transmission of a signal from the
selected TX device ExpertSDR3 via RadioSync:
- CAT interface must be active.
- If a PTT command comes from CAT interface, then the TX signal received from the
Sound Card takes a priority. However, if the PTT transfer module is enabled and the
PTT command has been received by the module before the command originated from
the CAT interface, then it will block the transmission from the Sound Card. This new
algorithm aims to aid the N1MM logger with priority management of the traffic
originated from the Mic and CAT.
· VAC is always operate in 2 channels

- the IQ output module is required for

configuration of the IQ signal transfer from TCI to the sound card via VAC. This is required for CW
Skimmer.
RX - click on the dropdown menu to select an input and driver for the audio signal received by
RadioSync that will be transferred to a 3rd party application via VAC.
Sample rate - click on the dropdown menu to select the sampling frequency (e.g. 48, 96, 192, 384 kHz).
Gain - use this field to configure a gain of an IQ output signal. Due to its weakness, IQ signals require an
additional amplification to be able to pass through from the Sound Card to a 3rd party software.

- the TCI transfer module is required for

TCI configuration between the web-socket and COM-port. The module was designed to support the 3rd
party software/hardware that don't have an in-build web-socket connection. The TCI command can be
transferred via CAT-module by adding the "TC:" prefix to the TCI command (e.g."TC:volume:-6").
Port name – click on the dropdown menu to select the COM-port number.
Parity – click on the dropdown menu to select the parity (e.g Even, Odd, Space, Mark).
Data – click on the dropdown menu to select required number of data in bits (e.g 5, 6, 7, 8).

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Stop bit – click on the dropdown menu to select the number of stop bits (e.g 1, 1.5, 2).
Baud rate – click on the dropdown menu to select the port speed / baud rate (e.g 1200, 2400, 4800,
9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200).

- the Rig Sync is an experimental

module. The module is designed to synchronize ExpertSDR3 and 3rd party transceivers via COM port, it
is practically duplicating the OmniRig application features. The module is always polling the connected
transceiver. This module was tested with Elecraft K3 and Kenwood TS-2000.
Radio - click on the dropdown menu to select the transceiver for synchronization.
Port name – click on the dropdown menu to select the COM-port number.
Parity – click on the dropdown menu to select the parity (e.g. Even, Odd, Space, Mark).
Data – click on the dropdown menu to select the number of data in bits (e.g. 5, 6, 7, 8).
Stop bit – click on the dropdown menu to select the number of stop bits (e.g. 1, 1.5, 2).
Baud rate – click on the dropdown menu to select the port speed /baud rate (e.g. 1200, 2400, 4800,
9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200).
RTS - click on the dropdown menu to select the level (e.g. low, high).
DTR - click on the dropdown menu to select the level (e.g. low, high).
Poll interval - is the time interval between polls transmission. Choose from the range between 50 and
2000 ms to configure the poll interval for your connection.
Timeout – is the time interval the RadioSync will have to wait for the answer from the transceiver.
Choose from the range between 200 and 2000 ms to configure the timeout for your connection.

Information for developers:

· TCI protocol uses web-socket interface for data transfer, but not all developers are willing to
implement web-socket in their applications. You can reach out to developers who have not yet
implemented TCI in their software, ask them to support TCI via a COM port.

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10.1 CAT commands

Here you can find the list of CAT commands supported by the CAT module in RadioSync software. This
module emulates the behavior of Kenwood TS-480 CAT protocol, that is limited to commonly used
commands.
CAT commands are composed of a text command (Latin alphabet), various parameters, and the
terminator that signals the end of the control command.
EXAMPLE: Command to set VFO A to 7 MHz

Text command Parameter Terminator

FA 00007000000 ;

CAT commands can be classified in the following order:

1) Input command (Incoming to RadioSync)
a) Set command (Sets a particular condition)
b) Read command (Gives an answer)

2) Output command (Outgoing from RadioSync)

a) Answer command (Transfer a state of a parameter)

Chain of actions for the FA command to set VFO A to 7 MHz

To set the frequency to 7 MHz, the “FA00007000000;”

following command is sent from CAT Set command
system to RadioSync via COM-port

To read the frequency of VFO A, the “FA;”

following command is sent from CAT Read command
system to RadioSync via COM-port

As a reply to Read command RadioSync “FA00007000000;”

send an answer to CAT system via COM- Answer command
port

The list of supported CAT commands:

AG Sets or reads the AF gain Parameters:
Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
A G P1 P2 P2 P2 ; 0: Always 0
P2
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
000(min) - 255(max)
A G P1 ;

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Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A G P1 P2 P2 P2 ;

AN Select the antenna connector HF A1/ HF A2 Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
A N P1 ; 1: Selects HF A1
2: Selects HF A2
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A N ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A N P1 ;

CN Sets or reads the CTCSS tone number Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
C N P1 P1 ; 00 - 41
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C N ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C N P1 P1 ;

CT Sets or reads the CTCSS function status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
C T P1 ; 0: CTCSS function OFF
1: CTCSS function ON
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C T ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C T P1 ;

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FA Sets or reads the VFOA frequency Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
F A P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 Specify the frequency in Hz
(11 digits).
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
For example, 00014195000
P1 P1 P1 ;
for 14.195 MHz.
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The blank digits must be 0.
F A ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
F A P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
P1 P1 P1 ;

FB Sets or reads the VFOB frequency Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
F B P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 Specify the frequency in Hz
(11 digits).
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
For example, 00014195000
P1 P1 P1 ;
for 14.195 MHz.
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
The blank digits must be 0.
F B ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
F B P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
P1 P1 P1 ;

FT Turn on or turn off Split mode Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
0: Split OFF
F T P1 ;
1: Split ON
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
F T ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
F T P1 ;

FW Turn on or turn off Split mode Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
F W P1 P1 P1 P1 ; 0000 – 9999 (in Hz)
CW: 0050, 0080, 0100,
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0150,
F W ;
0200, 0300, 0400, 0500,
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0600, 1000, 2000
F W P1 P1 P1 P1 ;
DIGL/DIGU: 0250, 0500,
1000, 1500
SSB/AM/FM:
0000=Normal (2 kHz),
0001=NAR (2.7 kHz),
0002=NAR2 (3 kHz)

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GT Selects or reads the AGC constant status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
G T P1 P1 P1 ; 000: OFF
001: Fast
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
002: Slow
G T ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
G T P1 P1 P1 ;

IF Retrieves the transceiver status Parameters:

P1
Specify the frequency in Hz
Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (11 digits).
P2
00000
P3
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RIT frequency ±9990 Hz
P4
I F ; 0: RIT OFF, 1: RIT ON
P5
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0: XIT OFF, 1: XIT ON
P6
I F P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 Always 0.
P7
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 00
P8
P1 P1 P1 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P3 0: RX, 1: TX
P9
Operating mode.
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
P10
See FR and FT commands.
P3 P3 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P7 P8 P9
P11
Always 0.
31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 P12
0: Split off, 1: Split on
P10 P11 P12 P13 P14 P14 P15 ; P13, P14, P15
Always 0.

KS Sets or reads the CW electric keyer’s keying speed Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
; 010(min) – 060(max) in
K S P1 P1 P1
WPM
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
K S ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
K S P1 P1 P1 ;

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MD Recalls or reads the operating mode status Parameters:

P1
Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1: LSB
2: USB
M D P1 ;
3: CW
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4: NFM
5: AM
M D ;
6: DIGL
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7: CW
8: Unused
M D P1 ;
9: WFM

MG Sets or reads the microphone gain status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
M G P1 P1 P1 ; 000(min) - 100(max)
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
M G ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
M G P1 P1 P1 ;

NB Sets or reads the Noise Blanker (NB1) function status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
0: NB1 OFF
N B P1 ;
0: NB1 ON
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
N B ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
N B P1 ;

NL Sets or reads the NB1 level Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
; 001(min) - 010(max)
N L P1 P1 P1
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
N L ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
N L P1 P1 P1 ;

NR Sets or reads the Noise Reduction (NR) function status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
0: NR OFF
N R P1 ;
1: NR ON
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
N R ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
N R P1 ;

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PA Sets or reads the pre-amplifier function status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
0: Pre-amplifier OFF
P A P1 ;
1: Pre-amplifier ON
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P2 (Answer only)
P A ;
0: Always 0
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P A P1 P2 ;

PC Sets or reads the output power Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
000(min) – 100(max)
P C P1 P1 P1 P1 ;
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P C ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P A P1 P2 ;

PR Sets or reads the Speech Processor ON/OFF Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
0: Speech Processor OFF
P R P1 ;
1: Speech Processor ON
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P R ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P R P1 ;

PS Sets or reads the Speech Processor ON/OFF Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
0: Power OFF
P S P1 ;
1: Power ON
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P S ;
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P S P1 ;

RA Sets or reads the Attenuator function status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
R A P1 P2 ; 00: Attenuator OFF
01: Attenuator ON
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P2
R A ;
00: Always 00
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
R A P1 P1 P2 P2 ;

RG Sets or reads the RF gain status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
R G P1 P1 P1 ; 000(min) – 100(max)
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
R G ;

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Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
R G P1 P1 P1 ;

RX Sets the receiver function status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
R X ; 0: Always 0
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
R X P1 ;

SD Sets or reads the DSP filter settings Parameters:

P1
00 – 13
Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SSB/FM (Hz)
S H P1 P2 ; 00: 1000, 01: 1200,
03: 1400, 04: 1800,
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 05: 2000, 06: 2200,
07: 2400, 08: 2600,
S H ; 08: 2600, 09: 2800,
10: 3000, 11: 3400,
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12: 4000, 13: 5000
AM (Hz)
S H P1 P2 ; 00: 2500, 01: 3000,
02: 4000, 03: 5000

SL Sets or reads the DSP filter settings Parameters:

P1
Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 00 – 11
S L P1 P2 ; SSB (Hz)
00: 0, 01: 50,
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
03: 100, 04: 200,
S L ; 05: 300, 06: 400,
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 07: 500, 08: 600,
08: 700, 09: 800,
S L P1 P2 ; 10: 900, 11: 1000

SM Reads the S-meter status Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
0: Always 0
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P2
S M P1 ; Meter readings
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0000 - 0020
S M P2 P2 P2 P2 ;

SQ Sets or reads the squelch level Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1

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S Q P1 P2 P2 P2 ; 0: Always 0
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P2
S Q P1 ; Meter readings
Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 000 - 255
S Q P1 P2 P2 P2 ;

TX Sets the transceiver in TX mode Parameters:

Set 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 P1
0: Always 0
T X P1 ;
Read 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Answer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
T X P1 ;

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11 RadioSpot

RadioSpot gets data (callsign and frequency) from Telnet servers about spots and transfers it to
ExpertSDR3 via TCI.

Note: · RadioSpot is installed along with ExpertSDR3 and the RadioSpot application shortcut
is placed in the same installation folder: e.g. C:\Program
Files\ExpertElectronics\ExpertSDR3 (in Windows).

Common RadioSpot functionality:

- click on the export/import icons to share/backup current settings.

- click on the information icon to view current RadioSpot version.

- click on the plus icon to add a new Telnet connection.

Header settings for each Telnet connection:

- toggle the switch to enable/disable a synchronization setup. If a setup is enabled its

connection parameters cannot be changed.

- is a field for Telnet connection name.

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- click on the bin icon to delete the selected Telnet connection. You can delete a setup only when it
is disabled.

Click on marked arrow button to collapse Telnet setup connection from the menu to a string. This
feature is very convenient when you have established multiple setups.

Core settings for each Telnet connection, left side:

- enter valid IP address and port of the ExpertSDR3 TCI

server (not IP address and port of the transceiver) to establish a connection between a SyncPair and TCI
server. By default you can see a working value: localhost:50001.

Color indicators:
· Grey indicator - inactive
· Green indicator - connected
· Yellow indicator - establishing connection
· Red indicator - failed to connect / open device

Right side.

- the Telnet module settings.

Callsign - a field where you should enter your callsign.
DX cluster - enter DX cluster server address. Here are a couple of lists with active DX-clusters: link1, link2
as an example.
Spot color - click-on the colored field to open the color palette, where you can pick the desired color for
spots from a certain DX cluster server.
Note: · Default server’s telnet port in RadioSpot utility equals 23 (standard port for telnet). If
you indicate telnet address without the port, then RadioSpot will automatically use
port 23.

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12 RadioMacros

RadioMacros is designed to transmit on the air automated CW messages and recorded SSB/AM/NFM
voice messages or wave files.

Note: · RadioMacros is installed along with ExpertSDR3 and the RadioMacros application
shortcut is placed in the same installation folder: e.g. C:\Program
Files\ExpertElectronics\ExpertSDR3 (in Windows).

Common RadioMacros functionality:

- click on the export/import icons to share/backup current settings.

- click on the information icon to view current RadioMacros version.

- click on the plus icon to add a new Macros setup configuration.

Header settings for each Macros setup:

- toggle the switch to enable/disable a synchronization setup. If a setup is enabled its

connection parameters cannot be changed.

- is a field for custom Macros setup configuration name.

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- click on the bin icon to delete the selected Macros setup. You can delete a setup only when it is
disabled.

Click on marked arrow button to collapse Macros setup from the menu to a string. This feature is very
convenient when you have established multiple setups.

Core settings for each Macros setup, left side:

- enter valid IP address and port of the ExpertSDR3 TCI

server (not IP address and port of the transceiver) to establish a connection between a SyncPair and TCI
server. By default you can see a working value: localhost:50001.

Color indicators:
· Grey indicator - inactive
· Green indicator - connected
· Yellow indicator - establishing connection
· Red indicator - failed to connect / open device

Transceiver 1/2 - click on the dropdown menu to select RX1 or RX2 receiver.

Right side.

- the Dialogs section contains the Show Macros panel button,

pressing it you'll open the Macros panel. There are two types of Macros panels: CW and SSB, what panel
is displayed/active depends on what mode is selected in the ExpertSDR3.

- CW macros panel.
TRX 1/ TRX 2 - what software receiver will transmit the Macros.
Title [1] - the title of the Macros setup.

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30 wpm - Macros speed in wpm set in BreakIn menu.

- crosshair sign, when colored means that this Macros panel is active.
F1-F12 - quick Macros buttons, each can be named in the CW Macros menu. Pressing a button you start
the transmission and put certain Macros in a queue, active queue is displayed below F buttons.

- SSB macros panel.

TRX 1/ TRX 2 - what software receiver will transmit the Macros.
Title [1] - the title of the Macros setup.
- crosshair sign, when colored means that this Macros panel is active.
F1-F12 - quick Macros buttons, each can be named in the SSB Macros menu. Pressing a button you start
the transmission of the selected wave file.
Footer settings for each Macros setup:
CW Macros

- here you can:

1. Name each of twelve F buttons, the name will be displayed in the Macros panel.
2. Enter the CW Macros text.

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SSB Macros

- here you can:

1. Name each of twelve F buttons, the name will be displayed in the Macros panel.

2. Select the path of the wave file.

3. click-on the mic sign to open the RECORDING window.

- in the RECORDING window you can record

your own voice and prepare a special message for the transmission. In the Profile menu of the Mic signal
processing 80 menu you can select TCI to apply signal processing to the recorded file before
transmitting it on the air.

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- pressing the wheel sign in the left top corner of

the RECORDING window opens the audio input/output settings, similar to the main ExpertSDR3.

- click on the Record button to start recording, then press it again to stop recording.

- click on the Play button to listen to the recording.

- click on the Save button to save the recorded wave file.

- click on the bin icon to delete the recorded wave file.

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13 TRANSCEIVER OPERATIONS
This chapter describes all basic transceiver functionality.

13.1 Band Manager

Use the RX ANT, TX ANT to assign an antenna input for RX and TX modes to a specific band, including
XVTR bands.
To control external devices, use the RX/TX Ext.Ctrl to set up the Ext.Ctrl pins for RX or TX modes per
band. The Ext.Ctrl settings for the RX mode and TX mode can vary. The Ext.Ctrl connector output uses
transistor keys with “open collector”. For more information about the Ext.Ctrl connection to PAs refer to
the External Linear Amplifier 26 section. The Ext.Ctrl connector can be used for:
- switching the narrowband filters in the RX mode;
- switching the LPF in the TX mode;
- control an external PA via BAND-data cable (PA should support Yaesu BAND data protocol) or
Ext.Ctrl to PTT cable;
- arrange your own antenna switch, having only the relay.
RX Ext.Ctrl - are electronic keys settings for the RX mode.
TX Ext.Ctrl - are electronic keys settings for the TX mode.
1...7 - are electronic keys numbers.

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If you activate Save by band function in Settings-> Radio 91 -> PA menu, the PA (X8 key) can be
assigned separately to any band.
Use the Delay RX > TX to adjust the delay between engaging TX mode and actual RF signal appearance.
Note: · It usually takes several ms from the moment of the ExpertSDR3 received the TX
command from TCI Client (e.g. MSHV) to the moment of the actual signal gets
forwarded by the ExpertSDR3 to Power Amplifier (PA). The TX mode “ON”
background actions sequence is outlined below:
1. TCI Client sends the “Switch to TX mode” TCI command to the ExpertSDR3.
2. The ExpertSDR3 is slowly decreasing the RX volume (it takes 1-2 ms).
3. The ExpertSDR3 sends the "Turn ON TX mode" command via UDP protocol to the
transceiver. The ExtCtrl forwards the “Switch to TX mode” command to the PA.
4. The delay (0-1000 ms, as set in the Band Manager). The transceiver turns
into TX mode after the configured delay timeout. (Note: In CW mode, delay is set in
Break.In menu-> PTT-CW delay of 0-50 ms).
5. The TX signal goes on the air, with a soft front.

Use the Delay TX > RX to adjust the delay between the actual RF signal stop and the RX mode
engagement.
Note: · The sequence of actions to turn to RX mode:
1. TCI Client sends the “Switch to RX mode” TCI command to the ExpertSDR3.
2. The ExpertSDR3 is slowly decreasing the TX volume (it takes 1-2 ms).
3. The delay (0-1000 ms, as set in the Band Manager). The transceiver turns to
RX mode after the configured delay timeout. (Note: there is no delay for CW mode
in this sequence).
4. The ExpertSDR3 sends the "Turn OFF TX mode" command via UDP protocol to the
transceiver. The Ext.Ctrl forwards the “Switch into RX mode” command to the PA.
5. The RX signal appears on the panorama with soft volume raise.

RX gain - is used to adjust the correction coefficient when an additional external preamplifier in the RX
path.
Power - this is a software power correction coefficient similar to a Settings-> Radio-> Calibrations->
Power correction 91 . It can be used to lower the maximum output power for per band.
Note: · Power correction in Settings-> Radio-> Calibrations-> Power correction menu takes
precedence over software power correction coefficient.

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13.2 Output power per band

ALC is not supported on a SunSDR2 firmware level yet. The ALC system has a small delay, and can cause
an external PA overload. ALC is much worse in comparison to a fixed power correction per band. This is
why we recommend to use power correction by setting max output power per band in the Settings->
Radio 91 -> Calibrations-> Power correction menu. Such setup will allow an external PA operation
without overload.
An example of the fixed output power correction setup (per band) to 50%:
1. Connect an antenna to the transceiver. Select the correct antenna in ExpertSDR3 and set the Tune
slider to 100%.
2. Click on the TUNE button to send maximum output power and stable amplitude carrier signal on the
air. This step allows you to check if the max output power is OK for the selected band.
3. Toggle the Tune switch to 50%.
4. Open Settings-> Radio 91 -> Calibrations-> Power correction menu and change the output power to
50% for each band. Click on the “Write” button after all the bands are set to 50%. Toggle the Drive
slider to the maximum level. The transceiver output power should be similar to the output power in Tune
mode.
5. Validate the output power per band using an external Power Meter.
Note: · The transmitter output power is band and mode specific, it is independent of the
software RX.
Example: RX1 is operating on the 40M band in CW mode and is set to 75% output
power. Then RX2 is also tuned to the 40M band with CW mode. In this case, the
power in RX2 will automatically be set to 75% and will change synchronously with RX1.
· The transmitter output power in TUNE mode is band related only and is independent
of mode. If both software RXs are tuned to the same band, the TUNE sliders will be
controlled synchronously.
· The Tune slider is the carrier signal controller of the output power in the Tune mode.
In all other modes, use the Drive slider. The Power correction coefficients are not
equal to real output power (i.e. coefficient 50% on 20M is not equal to 50W), but
can be adjusted. The coefficients are varying from band to band, they are NOT the
same. Please be careful when making changes in Power Corrections and always start
with low values.
· The output power in a range of 1W - 100W is not linear across all bands. Every band
requires its own amplification coefficient for the internal PA, which is set in
engineering menu during the manufacturing process. This is due to physical
differences of the transceiver components such as capacitors, ferrite rings, etc.; we
perform measurements and individually adjust amplification coefficients for each of
our transceivers during the manufacturing. The Top end internal PA values, when the
Drive slider set to 100% at each band, are set close to 100W; and they are more or

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less in line. However, the Low values (i.e. below 30-35%) may vary in Watts from
band to band.
· The output power meter shows accurate values starting from about 10-15W.

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13.3 S-meter

S-meter readings depend on the filter bandwidth. For example, when 3 kHz filter set for SSB mode, the
S-meter readings will be at the higher level; when 100 Hz filter set for CW mode, the S-Meter readings
will be lower.
The transceiver’s internal noises level is dependent on the Preamp level (sensitivity). For example, when -
20dB ATT is set, the sensitivity will be at its worst, and the S-meter readings at the higher level. When
+10dB Preamp is set, the sensitivity will be higher and the transceiver’s noises will be at their lowest level.
Follow this link, to view the calibrations tables for HF (Table 3) and VHF (table 4).
For example:
29 MHz -127 dBm ~ S0.5 (preamp on)
52 MHz -127 dBm ~ S3.5 (preamp on)
Use the signal generator connected to an antenna port to compare the generator signal with the S-
Meter readings for all S-levels, and to the above-mentioned table's data.
Note: · S-Meter in the ExpertSDR3 has two different calibrations: for HF (0-30 MHz) and
VHF (30-300 MHz). HF and VHF signals with the same dBm level will have different
S-scale values.
For example: HF S9 = -73 dBm = 50 uV (50 Ohm), VHF S9 = -93 dBm = 5 uV (50
Ohm). S-Meter in the ExpertSDR3 corresponds to the IARU recommendations, each
device is individually calibrated at the manufacturing.

Right mouse click on the S-meter to choose between the Mic meter and the Power meter modes, or to
enable the S-Meter in a separate window by selecting the Show S-Meter.

In the Mic meter mode, the S-meter represented by the microphone's peak signals level (orange needle)
and the RMS (white needle) signals level.
In the Power meter mode, the S-meter represented by the output power level and the SWR.

- the external S-meter resizable window that displays the Mic level,
SWR and output power.

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13.4 RX1/RX2 TX priority

RX1 and RX2 have equal TX priority, with some exceptions. By default, when the RIT/XIT is off, the TX
frequency is equal to the RX frequency.
1. The CW-key and PTT inputs are the only exceptions, as these inputs are solely controlled by RX1 with
default settings.
2. Break-in mode special conditions:
· When the Break-in is active for both RX1 and RX2, then the RX1 has the priority over RX2, and the
transmission will occur on the RX1 TX frequency.
· When the Break-in is active only for RX2, then the RX2 has the priority over RX1; and the “closed”
CW-key will engage the TX on the RX2 TX frequency.
3. VOX operation special conditions:
· When the Mic1 is assigned to RX1 and the Mic2 is assigned to RX2, and the VOX for the RX1 and
RX2 is active, then the VOX on the RX1 will be given a priority; and the VOX on the RX2 will not be
activated.
· When Mic1 is assigned to RX1 and Mic.PC is assigned to RX2 or vice versa, then the VOX on both
the RX1 and the RX2 will be active. The VOX activated with Mic.PC, will transmit on the RX2 TX
frequency.
4. The ExpertSDR3 detects TX frequency for each radio using the following logic:
· By default, the TX frequency is equal to RX frequency (VFO A).

· If the SPLIT is engaged, then the TX frequency will be equal to VFO B frequency.

· If the XIT is enabled, then the TX frequency will be equal to VFO A + XIT offset.
5. To transmit on the RX2 frequency with CW-keyer, follow the below procedure:
· Step 1: Connect the CW-keyer to the E-Coder/E-Coder2;

· Step 2: Activate the RX2 in E-Coder settings;

· Step 3 (optional): Enable Break.In for both RX1 and RX2.

13.5 E-Coder panels

To use E-Coder2 control panel with ExpertSDR3 you might need to update its firmware, here is the
installation procedure:
1. Launch the Ecoder2Firmware.exe file, it’s placed in the same folder with ExpertSDR3.

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2. Press the Discover button, you’ll see a connected to PC E-Coder2 panel. Then Press the Open button.

3. You’ll see that the Firmware button is active, press it.

4. It’ll start the Firmware update process.

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5. When the Firmware update is finished, you’ll see this window.

That’s all, enjoy your E-Coder2!

- right mouse click on the E-Coder2 indicator to open a window with

Detected E-Coders, where you can enable/disable control panel mic input.

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- right mouse click on the E-Coder2 [1] to open a new menu with E-Coder2 settings.
Note: · E-Coder2 has a DSP processor on board for self-monitoring without delays, avoiding
the transfer of the signal to a PC with ExpertSDR3 and back to the panel. With
enabled monitoring, the signal from the mic is being processed by the built-in DSP
processor and played directly in headphones connected to the E-Coder2. At the same
time, mic signal is transferred to ExpertSDR3 without processing. The built-in DSP
processor is required for the monitoring audio to be almost identical to what you
actually send on the air and remove any delays.
· When ExpertSDR3 detects E-Coder2, a new mic (E-Coder2) will appear in mic
selection list. The audio you hear from the headphones connected to the transceiver is
duplicated to the E-Coder2 headphones connector.

The schematic picture of the E-Coder panel with buttons and knobs is on the menu left side. Left mouse
click on any button/knob icon to assign a function from the list. Right mouse click on the knob icon to
assign a function from another list for a press action.

The following functions can be assigned to the E-Coder panel buttons and knobs:
NO – the button is unused.
Main:
Start/Stop – toggle the button to start/stop the ExpertSDR3.
Band Up/Down – toggle the button to switch band up/down.

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Modulation Up/Down – toggle the button to switch mode up/down.

AGC Up/Down – toggle the button to switch AGC type up/down.
Filter Up/Down – toggle the button to switch the receiver's filter up/down.
Preamp Up/Down – toggle the button to switch the preamp or attenuator level up/down.
Step Up/Down – toggle the button to change the tuning step up/down.
Zoom In/Out – toggle the button to switch spectrum zoom modes in/out.
TX – toggle the button to enable/disable manually operated transmit mode.
TUNE – toggle the button to enable/disable tone signal in TX mode.

VFO:
A->B – use to assign the frequency from heterodyne VFO A to heterodyne VFO B.
B->A - use to assign the frequency from heterodyne VFO B to heterodyne VFO A.
A<->B - use to enable frequency exchange between VFO A and VFO B.
Change VFOA/VFOB – use to switch between VFO A and VFO B.
IF as RIT – use to tune the RIT offset by moving the filter over the panorama.
Lock - use to lock the frequency tuning.
RX2 On/Off - use to enable/disable RX2.
RIT On/Off – use to enable/disable RIT offset.
RIT Reset – use to reset RIT offset to 0.
XIT On/Off – use to enable/disable XIT offset.
XIT Reset - use to reset XIT offset to 0.
Sub RX On/Off - use to enable/disable SubRX.
Split On/Off - use to enable/disable Split mode.
Switch DDS/IF – use to enable the frequency tuning by moving the filter over the panorama, in other
words changing the digital IF; or when filter stands still and spectrum moves. This is the central frequency
tuning.
Switch Receiver – use to switch between software RX1 and RX2. The main knob will tune the frequency of
one of the receivers.
Adaptive Tune - use to enable/disable adaptive tuning. The faster you rotate the main knob, the bigger
the step.
Fine Tune - use to enable/disable fine tuning (when adaptive tuning is disabled), slows the tuning speed
by 10 times.

Usually while you operate with RX1 and RX2 simultaneously, you need to listen to either one of them or
both of them in different channels (left/right). To enable this we have added special functions to the E-
Coder2 panel, that set the mixer for both RXs.

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Audio:
Listen both RX1, RX2 – is a default setting that enables equal volume in both channels for both RXs.
Listen RX1 only – is a setting that allows to listen to RX1 in both channels.
Listen RX2 only - is a setting that allows to listen to RX2 in both channels.
Listen RX1 in left, RX2 in right – is a setting that allows to listen to RX1 in the left channel and RX2 in the
right channel.
Listen RX1 in right, RX2 in left - is a setting that allows to listen to RX1 in the right channel and RX2 in
the left channel.
There are similar settings for VFOs:
Listen both VFO A/B – is a default setting that enables equal volume in both channels for both VFOs.
Listen VFO A only - is a setting that allows to listen to VFO A in both channels.
Listen VFO B only - is a setting that allows to listen to VFO B in both channels.
Listen VFO A in left, VFO B in right - is a setting that allows to listen to VFO A in the left channel and
VFO B in the right channel.
Listen VFO A in right, VFO B in left - is a setting that allows to listen to VFO A in the right channel and
VFO B in the left channel.
Mute – is a setting that allows to switch off the sound.
Switch RX and mute former – is a setting that allows to change the software receiver and mute the
former one.
TX/Play – is a setting that allows to switch to TX and play the signal record in air.
Voice recording – is a setting that allows to enable/disable voice recording.
Volume Up/Down – is a setting that allows to volume adjustment up/down.
VOX - is a setting that allows to enable/disable VOX for the software receiver selected in the E-Coder
settings.
MON - is a setting that allows to enable/disable monitoring of your TX signal.

DSP:
ANF –enable/disable auto notch filter.
BIN – enable/disable binaural mode.
NR – enable/disable noise reduction.
APF – enable/disable audio peak filter.
NB – enable/disable noise blanker.
NB2 – enable/disable noise blanker 2.
NF – enable/disable notch filters.
NF+ – add a new notch filter on panorama.
SQL – enable/disable squelch.

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SAM – enable/disable Synchronous AM demodulator.

In some cases, it is necessary to scroll the menu with the mouse wheel to display SQL and SAM.

The following functions may be assigned to the E-Coder panel knobs:

Unused – encoder is unused.
Mic Gain – Mic gain adjustment.
Squelch - squelch threshold adjustment.
Filter Low/High – tuning the frequency of the low/high filter's front.
Filter Width – adjusting the filter width.
Filter Shift - shifting the filter's central frequency.
Drive – adjust the output power.
Tune Drive - adjust the TUNE output power.
AGC Gain – AGC Gain control.
CW Speed – CW Speed control.
RIT Offset – adjusting the RIT Offset.
XIT Offset – adjusting the XIT Offset.
Volume – volume adjustment.
Monitor – monitoring (self control) volume adjustment.

In the central part of the menu you can see another settings panel:
Enable - enable E-Coder2 panel control.
Use IF - frequency tuning by moving the filter over the panorama.
Use IF as RIT - tuning by IF when the RIT offset is on.
Use IF as XIT - tuning by IF when the XIT offset is on.
VFO B - enable sub-receiver.
Adaptive Tune - enable/disable adaptive tuning, the faster you rotate the main knob, the bigger the step.
Fine Tune - enable/disable fine tuning (when fine tune is disabled), 10 times slows the tuning speed.
Key Led - enable backlit keypad.
Encoder Led - enable backlit encoder.
Transceiver 1 - select RX1 or RX2 receiver.
No transfer PTT - do not pass PTT command via TCI.
Transfer PTT to TCI – enable reroute of the PTT signal from the panel to TCI.
Sound card panel displays mic signal level and headphones audio level connected to the E-Coder2.
--
In the menu on the right you can see the E-Coder2 internal DSP core's settings:

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There are 2 ways to monitor yourself with E-Coder2:

1. Toggle the Monitor switch to enable/disable the DSP core in the panel. If enabled, all mic (connected
to E-Coder2) audio is being processed through the panel's DSP core and played in headphones, not
only the signal which is being transmitted. Use this mode to adjust the DSP parameters for the
monitoring signal you hear through headphones connected to the E-Coder2.
2. Toggle the Monitor in TX switch to enable/disable the TX monitoring through E-Coder2. If disabled
you’ll listen to the actual TX signal transmitted on the air, but with a delay. If the Monitor in TX is
enabled, it will automatically activate monitoring through E-Coder2 DSP-core only in TX mode.
Monitoring yourself through a mic and headphones connected to the E-Coder2 allows you to eliminate
the delay, but the sound will slightly differ from what is actually transmitted on the air.
Low Pass filter - toggle the switch to enable/disable LPF.
Frequency – use to adjust the cutting edge of the LPF.
Noise gate – toggle the switch to enable/disable noise gate.
Threshold – use to set the threshold level for the gate to open and pass through the useful signal. The
threshold must be set above the noise level, but below the useful signal level.
Compressor - toggle the switch to enable/disable compressor.
Threshold - set the Threshold for the compressor to reduce the level of audio signals if their amplitude
exceed this Threshold.
Ratio - determines the ratio of input/output signals that exceed the Threshold, i.e. the 3:1 ratio means
input level is 3 dB exceed the Threshold, and the output signal level is 1 dB exceed the Threshold.
AGC - toggle the switch to enable/disable Mic AGC.
Gain - set the gain level that will be applied to your Mic signal.

There are three LEDs on the E-Coder panel, from left to right:
1. Lights green when the VFO B is active
2. Lights red when on TX
3. Lights orange when the RX2 is active
Note: · The functions you can assign to buttons and knobs are the same for E-Coder2, E-
Coder and E-Coder Plus.
· If you change parameters with horizontal knobs on E-Coder/2 or TCI these changes
will be briefly displayed in the ExpertSDR3 window.

13.6 Connection to AAT-100 tuner

The ATU button is available in ExpertSDR3 when ATT-100 external tuner is connected to the SunSDR2
DX. If the ATU button is manually set to disabled in the software, it will set the ATT-100 to a BYPASS
mode.
- Minimal output power for tuning is 5W
- Recommended output power for tuning is 15W
- Maximum output power for tuning is 20W

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Click on the TUNE button in the ExpertSDR3 to perform manual tuning. If “initial” SWR is within the
“tunable” limits, the tuner will engage the tuning process. When the tuning completed, the ExpertSDR3

will display the pop-up window . After the successful tuning, the
ExpertSDR3 will save the tuner values with 50 kHz “step” (i.e., 7.0-7.05; 7.05-7.1; 7.1-7.15, etc.).

- the ATU indicator is orange when the ATT-100 has saved

parameters for the current frequency; and it turns dark-gray if the ATU memory is empty. When ATU is
enabled and the tuning engaged on a frequency with earlier saved parameters, then ATU will use memory

settings and the ExpertSDR3 will inform you that the tuner is .
Tuning is not required when the SWR is below or equal to 1.25. With the SWR values of 3.5 and above,
the tuning will not occur due to the high SWR level; instead the ExpertSDR3 will switch to RX mode and

display the pop-up window informing you about it .

The SWR value you see in the ExpertSDR3 window shows SWR between SunSDR2 DX and AAT-100.
The ATT-100 performs its own measurement of the SWR, and these values may differ from those
displayed in the ExpertSDR3 SWR-meter. ATT-100 performs tuning based on its own SWR values.
Stay On TX can be enabled in Settings-> Radio 91 -> ATU; if enabled, it will force the transceiver to stay
in TX mode after the ATU tuning is completed.
The tuner current status is displayed in the software status bar, e.g. ATU: Tuning; ATU: Tuned; ATU: Failed
to tune.
Note: · If you operate using one HF antenna connector e.g. A2 and have an active AAT-100
connected to A3, pressing the TUNE button will start the tuning process of AAT-100
on A3. To use TUNE feature the standard way (on A2 in the current example) set
AAT-100 to BYPASS mode.

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13.7 Transverter (XVTR)

First of all you should know that in XVTR mode you can use all antenna ports and ADC IN (for RX
mode) and DAC OUT (for TX mode) connectors.
For example, If operating frequencies of your XVTR are 430...431 MHz, enter them in Begin freq and
End freq fields. Frequency of internal XVTR LO is 402 MHz, enter it in RX LO freq and TX LO freq
fields.
Now deduct XVTR LO frequency from XVTR operating frequency to get IF of your transceiver (real
frequency which your transceiver will transmit on).
Example: 430 - 402 = 28 and 431 - 402 = 29.
Use in-build RX/TX indicators to validate the accuracy of your receiver (RX) IF and transmitter (TX) IF
settings. When the IF correlates with one of the ham bands, and the XVTR bandwidth is within the ham
band limit, the indicator will turn green. This means your settings are correct, and you are good to go on
the air.

An XVTR antenna switch can be controlled from the Band Manager. Bear in mind, the antenna
input/output determined by its IF values.
The Max XVTR frequency limit is 99 GHz.

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13.8 Frequency Tuning

There are several ways to tune frequency:

· Fine-tuning.
This tuning way accuracy depends on the STEP setting. Place the mouse cursor anywhere on the
spectrum or waterfall graph and roll the mouse wheel forward/backwards - the tuning frequency will
increase/decrease in STEP increments.
· Quick tuning by the mouse click.
A mouse cursor in the spectrum is represented by a crosshair. The exact current frequency and its dBm
level are displayed alongside the cursor. Use left mouse click to fetch RX filter.
Note: · When the Sub-receiver is enabled, click-on the mouse wheel on the panorama to
switch the Quick tuning by the mouse click between the VFO A and VFO B.
TUNE A or TUNE B information will be displayed near the mouse cursor, confirming
which receiver is controlled.
· Use both - the Quick tuning by the mouse click and Fine-tuning modes. Click on the
station and then perform fine-tuning with the wheel.

· Dragging the RX filter over the spectrum scope.

Hold down left mouse click on the filter, then drag-and-drop as required.
· Moving the spectrum, the RX filter stands still.
Hold down right mouse click anywhere on the spectrum, then move the spectrum. The filter will not
change its position in respect to the spectrum.
· Moving the spectrum, the RX filter moves along.
Hold down right mouse click on the filter to move it left/right.
Note: · The above is not a "best recommended" tuning process, it just allows you to observe
the air outside of the panorama window without changing the tuning frequency.

· Click on the digit of the frequency indicator.

Click on the left button to increase the value; click on the right button to decrease the value; click on
the wheel to reset all digits on the right to zero.
· Rotate the mouse wheel on the digit of the frequency indicator.
Scroll mouse wheel forward to increase the value; scroll the mouse wheel backward to decrease the
value.
· Synchronous tuning by the click on the bandscope.
Hover over the required bandscope position and left mouse click to move RX filter to the required
location on bandscope and panorama.

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13.9 Voice Recorder Operation

The voice recorder allows you to record the signal in the RX filter bandwidth in receive mode, and to
record the microphone signal in transmit mode.

Toggle the Record button to Start/Stop recording of the receive voice signal.
Note: · Recording of the received signal is available in all modes.
· The format of the recorded file is RAW. By eliminating format conversion we're
reducing CPU load. Make sure there is enough space in the HDD/SSD.
· Recorded files are saved in the following directory:
Windows: C:\Users\User_Name\AppData\Local\Expert
Electronics\ExpertSDR3\voice
Linux: /home/[UserName]/.config/Expert Electronics/ExpertSDR3/voice
Mac OSX: /Users/[UserName]/Library/Preferences/Expert
Electronics/ExpertSDR3/voice

Recording of the microphone signal:

1. Click on the microphone PTT button or the ExpertSDR3 TX button to switch the transceiver to the TX
mode.

2. Click on the Record button to start recording the transmitted microphone signal.

3. Click on the Record button again to stop the recording.

Play the recorded signal without transmitting it on the air:

1. Right mouse click on the Play button to play back the recorded voice signal in headphones or
in an internal speaker. This will suppress the receiver output.
2. Once the record playback ends, the receiver output will return to active state.

Play the recorded signal with transmitting it on the air:

1. Left mouse click on the Play button to play back the recorded voice signal in phones and
transmit it on the air. This will suppress the receiver output.
2. Once the record playback ends, the receiver output will return to active state.
Note: · Voice recorder transmits the recorded signal "as is" with max volume level. If the
recorded signal wasn't initially compressed by the transmitter, it has lower RMS power,
than the compressed signal.

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13.10 IQ Recorder formats

Each IQ Recorder file format has its own unique header information:
· WAVE - the standard wave header followed by payload;
· HDSDR - the standard wave header + auxi header followed by payload;
· ExpertSDR3 - the standard wave header + ExpertSDR3 header followed by payload;

A central frequency and Sample Rate values can be found in ExpertSDR3 header.
//===============================================
struct SysTime
{
uint16_t wYear;
uint16_t wMonth;
uint16_t wDayOfWeek;
uint16_t wDay;
uint16_t wHour;
uint16_t wMinute;
uint16_t wSecond;
uint16_t wMilliseconds;
};

struct HdsdrHeader
{
SysTime startTime;
SysTime stopTime;
uint32_t centerFreq;
uint32_t spare[32];
};

//===============================================
struct EsdrHeader
{
uint32_t version;
SysTime start;
SysTime stop;

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double freq;
double sampleRate;
double preamp;
};

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13.11 RIT/XIT

13.11.1 RIT
When the RIT offset is ON, the RX frequency is the TX frequency diverged by the offset value. In this
case, the TX frequency is represented by a red line and the RX frequency by an orange line surrounded
by the filter band (see the AM mode example in the below screenshot).

- right mouse click on the RIT offset value to open the drop-down
menu and set a frequency offset in Hz.
If you hover over the RIT filter, the following information will be displayed below the main receiver’s
frequency indicator:
RIT: - the frequency offset.
L: and H: - the low and high filter's edges frequencies.
O: - the mouse cursor frequency inside the filter.

To adjust a single edge of the RIT filter bandwidth: Hold down left mouse click on the filter edge (the
selected area will be highlighted), then drag and drop to the desired position.
To adjust both edges of the RIT filter bandwidth: Hold down right mouse click on the filter edge (the
selected area will be highlighted), then drag and drop to the desired position.
When the RIT is enabled, frequency tuning changes a bit:
Hold down left mouse click inside the RIT filter to drag it over the panorama within 50 kHz distance from
the VFO A frequency.
Hold down right mouse click inside the RIT filter to move the whole panorama with the filter.

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Click the mouse wheel on the RIT button to reset offset.

Note: · Unless RIT is reset, the latest settings of a disabled RIT offset will be saved. Therefore,
the next time the RIT is activated, its offset value will remain the same.

13.11.2 XIT
When the XIT offset is ON, the TX frequency is the RX frequency diverged by the offset value. In this
case, the TX frequency is represented by a red line and the RX frequency by an orange line surrounded
by the filter band (see the AM mode example in the below screenshot).

- right mouse click on the XIT offset value to open the drop-down
menu and set a frequency offset in Hz.
If you hover over the RX filter the following information will be displayed below the main receiver’s
frequency indicator:
XIT: - the frequency offset.
L: and H: - the low and high filter's edges frequencies.
O: - the mouse cursor frequency inside the filter.

When the XIT is enabled, the frequency tuning is a little bit different:
Hold down left mouse click on the XIT IF to drag it over the panorama within 50 kHz distance from the
VFO A frequency.
Hold down right mouse click on the XIT IF to move the whole panorama with the filter.
Hold down the middle mouse click on the XIT button to reset the offset.

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Note: · Unless XIT is reset, the latest settings of a disabled XIT offset will be saved. Therefore,
the next time the XIT is activated, its offset value will remain the same.

13.12 CW mode

In late 2022 we've released the new CW-core, which is an integrated part of the transceiver's firmware.
The new CW-core is available in ExpertSDR3 only (note: ExpertSDR2 has previous CW-core version).
To enable new CW-core, please ensure you use the latest ExpertSDR3 application version, AND your
SunSDR2 DX has the latest firmware loaded - this is essential when upgrading from ExpertSDR2 to
ExpertSDR3.
There are several sources of CW signal in ExpertSDR3:
1. KEY input in transceiver
2. KEY input in E-Coder2 panel
3. TCI
Then we should say, that there are several means to playback CW-signal:
1. Transceiver (firmware)
2. E-Coder2 (firmware)
3. ExpertSDR3:
- Sound Card output
- Line Out into Sound Card
- Line Out into wave file
- A special core which displays CW signal on the panorama
Difference between “old” and “new” CW-core:
“Old” CW-core: Both CW-core firmware and software components had its own delays. The
combination of the aforementioned delays resulted in a combined delay during the monitoring of the
CW signal.
For example, a CW key connected to the transceiver and monitoring audio was routed via a PC Sound
Card. During the CW operation, a single character of the CW sequence may appear to be “lost” due to
the OS delay. In the meantime, the CW-core did not “loose” anything and the CW sequence was
transmitted on the air as it should. As a result, the monitoring signal deviated from what was actually
transmitted on the air, causing misinterpretation and confusion. The above scenario could happen in
reverse order.
“New” (actual) CW-core: we have managed to achieve the minimal monitoring delay (about 3 ms) by
combining the CW signal generation and monitoring within the same device. The recommended way of
use is when both CW-key and headphones are connected to transceiver or E-Coder2. From now on, the
macros is "played" in the transceiver's firmware, not ExpertSDR3 application (like it used to be in “old”
CW-core). The new CW-core eliminates the “PC CPU issue”, the scenario when less powerful CPU
caused an increased symbol intervals for CW macros, which could be interpreted as uneven CW
manipulation.
Additionally, the new CW-core improves CW macros operation by using TCI.

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Note: · CW works only in CW-U for all bands, and it cannot be changed by user. CW-U was
a logical programming selection choice: when you raise a frequency inside an RX
filter, the tone lowers - this is because signal goes from right to left side of the filter.
Also, when DSE feature is in use (when the signal is on the filter's left or right side), a
panoramic effect could be heard.

When you transmit in CW mode you'll always see your signal on panorama, examples below:
TX CW signal with the vertical dynamic range scale set to 60 dB.

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The same TX CW signal with the vertical dynamic range scale set to 120 dB.

The same TX CW signal zoomed by horizontal frequency scale.

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The same TX CW signal in comparison to a RX CW signal when the scale is matched.

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13.13 Digital modes operation

Operation in digital modes is available with SunSDR2 DX / ExpertSDR3 in combination with 3rd-party
digital mode applications.
Note: · Select generic DIGL/DIGU buttons to operate in digital modes.
· The "Digital" part of modes menu is not finished yet. At the moment, selecting FT8,
for example, will only set filter width.

More information about the connection between ExpertSDR2 and digital software is explained in the
User Manual Addendum by Erik Carling EI4KF.

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14 Remote operation
Expert Remote System (ERS) design brief:
Server software and ExpertSDR3 Client instance are connecting to the Cloud as clients. Server and
Client handshake via the Cloud; and then attempt to establish a direct peer-to-peer connection (to
achieve the best performance). In a scenario when peer-to-peer connection cannot be established (due
to a number of reasons: NAT, network settings, global or local routing issues, various delays, latency,
jitter), Server and Client will attempt to establish the connection while using Cloud as proxy (note:
proxy scenario is impacted by increased lag). It is not possible to create your own cloud, the only Cloud
server which can be used for remote operation is currently placed in Expert Electronics office.
You do not need to open any specific ports for Server and Client (as those operating as outgoing
connections, not incoming). Server-Cloud-Client exchange is automated; there is no need to manually
enter anything (IP, UUID, etc.).
Expert Remote System (ERS) setup procedure is explained in next sections. Note, there are two stages
of the setup: setup Server and setup Client.

14.1 Stage #1 (Server)

1. User Profile has to be created via the Expert Electronics Cloud service. Follow this link and create your
Profile. Enter your Email (it will become your Login) and Password; (record what you have entered, this
data will be needed in the next steps).

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2. Email will be sent to your email address after registration completed. Confirm your email following the
link in the received email (just follow the link and finish email confirmation procedure).
3. Login into your Profile using the following this link.

4. Enter your Email, Password and press Log in. If all data is entered correctly then you’ll successfully
authorize. If logged in successfully, then Log out, this completed setup procedure.
5. On the next steps you will have to install and setup the Server software. Open the ExpertSDR3 web-
page.
6. Download the Server (Starter) software for the operational system installed on remote location PC.
Below is the example/instruction for Windows PC.
7. Unzip the downloaded ZIP file to any path (on a PC, which will be used on remote location.

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8. In unzipped folder, open the config.json file with the Notes application or any similar.

9. In strings:
"email" : "[email protected]" enter you email
"secret" : "your_password" enter your password
For example:

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"email" : "[email protected]",
"secret" : "ywefgrhrtjykuyk234567*&@D"

Warning! iEntered data should be inside quotation marks!!!

10. Save the changes in this file.

11. Launch the runME file. It is extremely important to launch this file, it creates specific functionality: in
case of broken internet connection server stops working; but as soon as internet connection is re-
established the server will also re-establish connection with the Cloud.

12. After the Server launched, Windows Firewall may request to grant a permission: make a rule to add
server .exe file to the exceptions list.

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13. Two black windows will appear. In first Connect successful message will be displayed (means
successful connection to the Cloud).

This is the end of the Server software setup.

You can add the runME file to the Windows auto launch list, so that Server will be launched
automatically at Windows startup.
For the transceiver to operate properly, it has be configured in the same network with the PC (server);
i.e., connected directly to PC or router/switch. Transceiver power button must be switched on.
ExpertSDR3 software should be completely removed from server PC, otherwise it will conflict with the
Server software.

Warning! iYour transceiver should have the latest available firmware (for example 86.8
for ExpertSDR3 1.0.8), as displayed below. If you have an earlier firmware
version (from either ExperSDR2 or alpha/beta versions of ExpertSDR3) -
update it. Older firmware versions ARE NOT compatible with ExpertSDR3
Remote.

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Setup for the Server software on RaspberryPi

RaspberryPi and transceiver must be in the same subnet, should be connected to each other via a
router/switch. Server software supports RPi3, RPi3+, RPi4. At the moment connected radios are not
displayed in the device list. Server software doesn't have GUI or console window like on Windows.
You will need to write an image on SD-card (8GB minimum) using Win32 Disk Imager (or alternative).
You will see 2 new drives in My PC. Open boot-> config.json and enter your data. Recommended SD-
card format at least UHS-1 (up to 104 Mb/s) and speed class 10 (10 Mb/s).
There are two ways to change account info after image is installed on RPi SD-card, the first way:
1. Remove the flashcard from RPi.
2. Insert this flashcard in the card reader.
3. Open it using file manager.
4. Section fat-> boot-> config.json change data and save changes.
5. Insert this flash card back into the RPi.

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The second way:

1. Connect an external monitor to RPi and open Terminal.

2. Enter sudo mousepad /boot/config.json

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3. Enter email and password you've indicated when registered your ERS account. Instead of
[email protected] indicate your email, instead of "password" enter your password.

The system is ready for operation when you connect LAN radios to the Server, such as SunSDR2
DX/PRO/QRP, ColibriDDC. It's important to have RPi in the same sub-net with the transceiver or
receiver. Only ColibriNANO connects directly in the RPi, radios with LAN should be connected in a
router within the same sub-net with RPi.

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If RPi doesn't detect ColibriNANO after the image installation and log in into your account, most likely
receiver driver isn't installed properly. Fix that doing the following:
1. Download the installation script install_ColibriNANO_rules.sh

2. Enter in Terminal: cd ~/Downloads/

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3. Enter in Terminal: sudo chmod +x install_ColibriNANO_rules.sh

4. Enter in Terminal: sudo ./install_ColibriNANO_rules.sh

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5. Restart Raspberry PI.

6. Check that ColibriNANO is visible among available devices using the WEB-client, the receiver should
be displayed when you enter your account here https://cloud.eesdr.com:5450.

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14.2 Stage #2 (Client)

This section covers ExpertSDR3 (Client) setup (on your home PC).
1. Launch the latest ExpertSDR3 version (note: at the moment of this this guide is created, latest version
is 1.0.9).

2. In Device Manager go to Remote tab (holding the left mouse button scroll the tabs to the left) and
enter your Profile credentials. Ensure the URL is as following: cloud.eesdr.com:5450

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3. Press Login and wait for the Successfully authorized message will appear.

4. Wait until you see the list of your available devices. Press the Start button for the device you wish to

use. The green cloud icon indicates that this device is available for remote operation (and it is not
local).

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5. Important! Wait until the connection between the Client and the Server is established.

If the connection icon has a lightning in it - it indicates that the peer-to-peer connection is

established (most reliable and fast option). If there is no lightning icon , it indicates the connection
is established via proxy (EE Cloud server), and this connection may have higher delays.

6. Important! Press the “ON” button only after the connection is established!

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7. After “ON” button pressed - it’ll become blue (indicates ExpertSDR3 (Client) and Server are
successfully connected); then spectrum and waterfall will be active.
Note: · Since ExpertSDR3 1.0.9 client automatically reconnects to the Server if the connection
is broken.

8. With the ICMP Ping less than 100ms you should have smooth operation in SSB and digital modes.
Note: · Transmission in CW mode is not implemented yet!

Below is an example of Client connection based on the following connection: PC <-> Wi-Fi <-> mobile
phone <-> mobile internet YOTA (LTE).

Warning! iIf your Ping value is higher than 125ms, you’ll have decoding issues in digital
modes (FT8 for example)

9. Press the marked area with the right mouse button, you’ll open a connection settings menu.

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10. Important! If you have an unstable Internet connection you can adjust connection parameters by
lowering Bitrate in Traffic tab and increasing Latency in Buffering tab. We recommend to set Latency
value slightly higher than max Ping value.

WEB-client
Another way of controlling devices in ERS is WEB-client. Enter the following link in your browser:
https://cloud.eesdr.com:5450/ (reauthorize if necessary). Select device from available list and click
Connect button.
Note: · TX mode is not available in WEB-client!

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14.3 Setup examples

14.3.1 Remote EE RX + Local EE TRX

This example describes connection of a ColibriNANO + RPi4 set up for remote operation with a local
Expert Electronics transceiver (MB1, SunSDR2 DX/PRO/QRP).
1. Set up remote ColibriNANO + RPi4 following the instruction presented in this section 146 .

2. Launch ExpertSDR3 on a local PC. Enable ExpertSync in the Device Manager with default Server port
50040.
3. Start local transceiver ExpertSDR3 instance, then start remote ColibriNANO ExpertSDR3 instance.
Note: · The device you launch first acts as Main. This feature doesn't have particular
functionality at the moment, it is reserved for further development of the ERS.
· At the moment if you use two transceivers this way both will turn to TX mode when
you enable it from any instance by any means (TX button, PTT, etc.)

4. Enable E.Sync in the transceiver's and then ColibriNANO's ExpertSDR3 instance (button will turn
green).
5. Voilà! ExpertSDR3 instances are synced, tuning frequency in any instance will have effect on both.
You can lower or mute local transceiver instance and listen to remote ColibriNANO (which is
probably placed somewhere far away from air noises). When you turn to TX mode with local
transceiver, ColibriNANO will be muted.

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14.3.2 Remote EE RX + Local classic TRX

This example describes connection of a ColibriNANO + RPi4 set up for remote operation with a local
Kenwood TS-2000 transceiver.
1. Set up remote ColibriNANO + RPi4 following the instruction presented in this section 146 .
2. Connect a classic transceiver to a local PC via COM-port or USB-COM adapter (example below).
Make sure that COM-port is displayed in Windows Device Manger. Install proper drivers for your
COM adapter if necessary.

3. Launch ExpertSDR3 on a local PC, then start remote ColibriNANO ExpertSDR3 instance and
RadioSync.
4. Make sure that ExpertSDR3 instance and RadioSync have the same TCI port.
5. Setup Rig Sync (in Experimental state) in RadioSync for your classic transceiver (TS-2000 settings as
an example below). In the Port name field indicate the COM-port used by your transceiver (displayed
in Windows Device Manager).

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Note: · Remember that each classic transceiver has its own settings.

6. Enable TCI in ColibriNANO ExpertSDR3 instance and a SyncPair unit you've set up earlier.
7. Voilà! ExpertSDR3 instance and your classic transceiver are synced, tuning frequency in ExpertSDR3
will have effect on a transceiver and vice versa. When you turn to TX mode with local transceiver,
ColibriNANO will be muted.

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15 RESET SETTINGS AND FIRMWARE

In some circumstances you may need to reset IP address and ports of the transceiver via following steps:
1. Switch off the transceiver with the PWR button;
2. Press and hold the RST button on the rear panel of the transceiver, you will hear a light click;
3. Switch on the transceiver with the PWR button. The LED will blink different colors (green and red);
4. Release the RST button;
5. Wait until the LED turns to constant green light, it means the reset went successfully.
After the reset procedure the transceiver will have the default IP-address 192.168.16.200 and ports
50001, 50002.

In case there is something wrong with the device, but you cannot connect with it to figure it out, you may
try to do a “deep” reset:
1. Switch off the transceiver with the PWR button;
2. Press and hold BT and RST buttons simultaneously;
3. Switch on the transceiver with the PWR button. The LED will blink different colors (green and red);
4. Release RST and BT buttons, LED will blink with green light.
5. Launch ExpertSDR3 Device manager and open the Firmware Manager. There you should see your
transceiver in the list, start firmware installation process.
6. Wait until the LED turns to constant green light, it means the reset went successfully.
Warning!
Do not switch off the transceiver with the PWR button while LED is blinking.

Sometimes you might need to activate the boot-loader mode, to reinstall the transceiver's firmware:
1. Switch off the transceiver with the PWR button;
2. Press and hold the BT button on the rear panel of the transceiver (you will hear a light click).
3. Switch on the transceiver with the PWR button. The LED will blink with a single green light;
4. Release the BT button;
5. Launch ExpertSDR3 Device manager and open the Firmware Manager. There you should see your
transceiver in the list, start firmware installation process.
6. After firmware installation is finished, LED will turn to constant green light.

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16 Troubleshooting guides

16.1 How to open the transceiver

1. Unscrew 4 screws on the front panel, remove the metal panel and plastic bezel.

2. Unscrew 2 top screws on the rear panel.

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3. Grip the front of the heatsink and pull it for 2 cm (like on the picture below), you'll see the power
amplifier (PA) PCB attached to the heatsink.

4. Carefully pull out the flex cable with the pincer.

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5. Pull the heatsink till the middle of the case (like on the picture below), make sure that cables
connecting SDR and PA boards are not pulled tight.

6. Disconnect 3 colored UFL cables from the SDR PCB (bottom) and pull the heatsink with PA board out
of the case.

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16.2 Low output power on HF

1. Make sure that firmware 91 and software 120 output power corrections are set to max level.
2. Connect a 100 W/50 Ohm dummy load to A2 or A3 antenna port, select it in ExpertSDR3.
3. Set the Drive slider to 100%.
4. Press the TX button.
If the output power is significantly lower than 100W, do the following:
1. Set the Drive slider to 0.
2. Press the TX button.
Current should be about ~4.7A on HF bands, if it's lower, then most likely one of the transistors is dead
and requires replacement. Each RD16 transistor draws 0.35A, each RD100 transistor draws 1.5A.
3. Open the transceiver and check the HF voltage on the XS2P connector, it should be around 1V.

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4. Check RD16 and RD100 transistors to make sure they are not short-circuited.
5. Do the output power check according to the picture below.
RD16 red contacts (gates) transistors input.
RD16 yellow contacts HF amplitude should be increased in comparison to red contacts.
RD100 green contacts (gates) transistors input.
RD100 blue contacts HF amplitude should be increased in comparison to green contacts.

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16.3 VHF TX path check algorithm

1. Check the RX capability on VHF.

If yes
Solution: proceed to step 3.
If no – either no reception or with big attenuation.
Solution: Replace K4_ANT relay or antenna connector A1 (if relay replacement wasn’t enough).

2. Check the output signal with oscilloscope on 2M band via DAC OUT. Signal level on the DAC OUT
connector should be 1.5 V pk-pk (+5...+8 dBm) with max Drive level.
Note: transmit for 3-5 seconds. Do not transmit for a long time.
If yes – there is a signal with required level on DAC OUT.
Solution: proceed to step 3.
If no - there is no signal with required level on DAC OUT.
Solution: proceed to step 2.1.
2.1. Check the output signal with oscilloscope on the output #4 of the K1_A4 relay. Signal level should be
1.5 V pk-pk (+5...+8 dBm) with max Drive level.
If yes - there is a signal with required level on #4 output of K1_A4 relay.
Solution: Replace K1_PA relay. Check step 2 once again.
If no - there is no signal with required level on #4 output of K1_A4 relay.
Solution: Replace K1_A4 relay. Check step 2 once again.

3. Go to VHF 2M and select A1 connector in the software (connect 50 Ohm dummy load). Check the
signal on the input (1st pin) of the amp module RA08H1317M (covered with the shield with screws).
Signal level on the input contact should be 1.5 V pk-pk (+5...+8 dBm) or higher with max Drive level.
Note: transmit for 3-5 seconds. Do not transmit for a long time.
If yes – there is a signal on the amp input.
Solution: proceed to step 4.
If no - there is no signal on the amp input.
Solution: Replace K1_PA relay. Check step 3 once again.

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4. Check the signal on the output (4th pin) of the amp module RA08H1317M (covered with the shield
with screws). Signal level on the output contact should be around 30-50 V pk-pk (35-38 dBm) with max
Drive level.
If yes - there is a signal on the amp output.
Solution: Check the signal on the LPF output, power meter, on the 3rd pin of K1_ANT relay (switches
TX/RX modes on VHF). Replace LPF components or power meter or K1_ANT relay.
If no - there is no signal on the amp output.
Solution: Replace amp module RA08H1317M.

VHF relays (K4_ANT, K1_ANT, K1_PA), RX/TX switch relay (K1_A4) and RA08H1317M are placed on the
SDR board close to the A1 antenna connector.

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16.4 ATT resistors replacement

1. Open the transceiver.

2. Replace the marked resistors on the SDR board: R1_ATT, R3_ATT, R5_ATT and R2_ATT, R4_ATT,
R6_ATT. 2 groups by 3 resistors are placed on the opposite end to the A1 connector, from left to right:
62 Ohm – 200 Ohm – 62 Ohm 0603, HF and VHF resistors are the same.

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16.5 ADC replacement

1. Open the transceiver.

2. Remove the shields and unscrew the marked screws.

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3. Remove the heatsink below the PCB, because it will dissipate the heat while soldering. ADC chip
marked with green rectangle; it needs to be resoldered/replaced. Here is a step-by-step instruction:
1. After you remove the ADC chip, you need to clean the contacts on the PCB and then fine clean them
with alcohol.
2. Apply a very fine tin layer to the contacts and bottom of the ADC chip.
3. Coat the contacts on the PCB with a fine layer of flux.
4. Cover the contacts on the PCB with a very fine layer of soldering paste. Soldering paste should be of
a room temperature and thoroughly mixed for 7–10 minutes prior.
5. Place the PCB on a heating oven, keeping it perfectly leveled.
6. Setup ADC on the PCB so that their contacts will be perfectly aligned.
7. Shield the closest plastic elements: connectors/relays.
8. Switch on the heating oven, the temperature should be 180 Celsius.
9. Then use the fan to solder the ADC to the PCB. Fan temperature should be 330-340 Celsius. Fan
nozzle should be of square form and slightly bigger than the ADC size (~1 mm).
10.The fan tip should be 1.5-2 mm from the ADC in a perfect 90 degrees. Fan speed should be slightly
higher than minimal.
11. Wait until the soldering paste will start to melt and wait for 20 seconds, then switch off the fan and
heating oven. Be careful, do not disturb the PCB after heating, closest elements to ADC could fall off.
4. After soldering check the test zones on the back of the PCB for short circuit. Assemble the transceiver
in the reverse order, power it and check noise floor level, it should be -118…-121 dBm with ATT 0 dBm in
CW mode with filter bandwidth 500 Hz.

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17 Hardware modifications

17.1 HF/VHF switching relay

This modification is applicable to the transceivers from Gen1-4.

1. Open the transceiver.
2. Orange rectangle marks the K1_A4 relay (p/n: IM02GR), you need to remove the capacitor marked
with red rectangle.

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17.2 Spectrum improvement

This modification is applicable to the transceivers from Gen1-3.

1. Open the transceiver.
2. Mount capacitor CAP CER 100uF 6.3V X5R 0805 on top of the C7_A3.

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3. Mount Zener Diode 5.1V 200mW ±6% Surface Mount SOD-323 (Part Number: MM3Z5V1C) on top
of the C69_A2.

4. Replace R33_A2 with ES SMD 1.3K Ohm 1% 1/10W 0603 and mount CAP CER 1000pF 50V X7R
0603 on top of it.
Replace R32_A2 with RES SMD 6.8K Ohm 1% 1/10W 0603.

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17.3 Supply voltage stability

This modification is applicable to the transceivers from Gen1-2.

1. Open the transceiver.
2. Solder 1 capacitor: 1uF 0805 25V on top of the DD1_A2 chip, between the 3rd and 7th pins.

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Marked on the PCB:

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17.4 RF interference elimination

This modification is applicable to the transceivers from Gen1-2.

1. Open the transceiver.
2. Solder 2 capacitors: 0603 10nF 50V, to the marked pads.

As a result it should look like this, for example:

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17.5 Mic1 fix

This modification is applicable to the transceivers from Gen1.

1. Open the transceiver.
2. Remove the marked coil using a solder machine with a heating fan (250 C max) or two soldering
machines.

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3. Install the unsoldered coil (or jumper) between marked contacts.

4. As a result it should look like this, for example:

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5. Make sure there is no short circuit between Earth and 5V supply.

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18 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

European Union Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer Expert Group LLC

Address Polyakovskoe schosse, 16-3, ABK-1, off. 408 Taganrog,
347927
Russian Federation

Equipment HF/50MHz/VHF Amateur Radio Transceiver Series, Base Station

Brand Name Expert Electronics

Type SunSDR2 DX, SunSDR2 PRO

RE Directive
We declare on our sole responsibility that this equipment complies with the essential requirements of the
Radio Equipment Directive, 2014/53/EU, and that any applicable Essential Test Suite measurements
have been performed.

EMC Radio Spectrum

EN 301 489-1 : V2.2.3 (2019) 301783 : V2.1.1 (2016-03)
EN 301 489-15 : V2.2.1 (2019)

RoHS Directives
We declare on our sole responsibility that this equipment complies with the restriction of the use of
certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment Directives 2011/65/EU and
2015/863/EU.

Technical Documentation (RoHS)

EN IEC 63000:2018

ExpertSDR3_ENG_DX © 2024 Expert Electronics