Using the signal generator is an excellent way to set transmit levels. Note that you also need to calibrate your microphone input. Ensure that you are hitting 0dB on peaks for the best signal to noise ratio possible.
Eric Wachsmann FlexRadio Systems > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > radio.biz] On Behalf Of Army Curtis - AE5P > Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2006 4:14 PM > To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz > Subject: [Flexradio] Using the signal generator to set levels > > Happy New Year all, > > I have a question concerning level setting for the group please. Running > SDR > 1.6.2 on a 2.6 GHz P-4 laptop with the SB MP3+ USB sound card. I'm using > the > SDR-1K to drive several VHF/UHF/microwave transverters, and in turn using > the transverters to drive amplifiers. All of this is for a rather serious > rover contest setup I'm working on. > > I want to accurately set RF levels through the transverters and into the > amplifiers. The tone generator option under Setup/Tests seems like the > ideal > tool to use for this. I set the tone frequency with the slider to about > 1,000 Hz, and turn the signal generator option to tone. When I hit PTT, > everything keys up, with the SDR console indicating exactly 1.00 watts out > (at 28 MHz). I can use this to set the input attenuator on the transverter > to achieve the exact output power I need to drive the amplifier. All is > well. > > However, when I then turn off the signal generator and attempt to transmit > using SSB, all output indicators are much lower than what was set with the > tone. The SDR console normally indicates somewhere between 0.250 and 0.500 > watts output, with correspondingly lower output from the transverter. > > I understand the difference between average and peak output power on SSB. > Can anyone comment on what I should expect using the tone generator method > to set RF levels, and what output I should then see on SSB. Along this > line, > suggestions on setting the various transmit levels for compression, ALC, > mike gain, compandor, etc., etc. would be very much appreciated. Using the > Heil Pro headset with the DX type mike element. I'm not interested in HiFi > audio; this is strictly a contest type setup so maximum punch is the order > of the day. > > Appreciate any suggestions and/or guidance. > > 73, > > Army Curtis - AE5P > Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas > > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.16.0/609 - Release Date: 12/29/2006 > 4:48 PM > > > > _______________________________________________ > FlexRadio mailing list > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ > FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com _______________________________________________ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
