Re: [Flexradio] 1000
I can dispel the mystery, Duffy! I'm shifting to a Perseus receiver, mostly for the improvements the RF recording (IQ file) feature offers over the SDR-1000 in bandwidth and ease of use. Understandably, the ham community sees the SDR-1000's recording ability as a curiosity, but for MW DXing it adds an entirely new dimension to the hobby. The Perseus left Italy today, and should be here in approx. 10 days, and the SDR-1000 left for its new owner yesterday. I've followed Perseus' development since Nico first mentioned his prototype in the HPSDR email reflector some time ago. My correspondence with him, and the information he has provided to the Perseus Yahoogroup, indicate he is on board with the needs of the SWL/MW DX crowd. I also like the idea of the direct-sampling approach of Perseus, which can offer wider bandwidths for IQ recording. As you probably know, Perseus currently provides for 400 kHz bandwidth, but Nico says the hardware will support up to 800 kHz. He is working on finalizing changes to the software to operate in the wider mode and testing it heavily. This wider IQ recording will require *significant* PC horsepower, though; that's why I've upgraded to a better laptop (to take on DXpeditions) and am building a new desktop PC also. The ability to record a large chunk of the band, for later playback and DX, will fit in well with my busy schedule. It's pretty much the TIVO approach to SWL/MW DXing. On those rare occasions when my DXpeditions coincide with an excellent opening (as during the recent Queen Charlotte Islands DXped.), it will be great to sort through the signals again and again, catching the ones that got away during the real-time hunting. Trans-Pacific MW DX has interesting fade patterns, and weak signals will often rise above the muck for just a short time, only to fade away again, and maybe never return. (Hmm, I wonder if 160 meters ham DX signals go through similar fade patterns?) Reviewing various 9-kHz MW channels via the WAV-IQ recording will give me more DX to try and catch. Using IQ recordings are a moot point, of course, for the ham community. It's no use trying to get into a QSO with an op that's not real-time! The Perseus software Nico has written (modified Winrad I believe) provides for time/date stamping of the recordings, and an easy slider method to move forward and backward in the recording. These will be essential features during playback, something unfortunately lacking in PowerSDR's WAV file recorder. Nico is looking at adding timer functionality, which will be super for those MW DXers who like to record a few minutes across the top of each hour and then play the recording later, trying to catch top-of-the-hour IDs. Finally, I'm ready to do more DXing again and less quality time with soldering irons! The SDR-1000/HPSDR enclosure has been a fun project (it took me most of the summer) and it's indeed a super receiver, but I'm ready for a change. BTW, the final price of the Ebay auction covered 100% of my costs invested in the 2-year-old SDR-1000, the HPSDR boards, the Ten-Tec Enclosure, and the PowerMate tuning knob. It pays to create first-rate auction copy photos! One more thing-- a big thanks to all who responded to my questions on the Flex Reflector and forum over the last 2+ years, and a thanks also to the many gurus who have shared their knowledge about the SDR-1000 and SDR technology. I've learned a lot, and I only wish that more MW DX hobbyists were as technically minded, active, and gung-ho about pushing the limits of radio, rather than whining about IBOC QRM, for instance! 73, Guy -- Message: 18 Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:19:45 -0500 From: Duffy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Flexradio] 1000 To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed What I would like to know is since Guy is a serious BC band an MW DXer what will he replace that custom receiver with all that money ?? Duffy ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] FA: FlexRadio SDR-1000 Receiver w/ HPSDR Atlas/Janus/Ozy Boards
There are other variations possible, Jerry! For instance, in addition to offering a rare TX-only model and a rare RX-only model, why not include a copy of the original SDRConsole program written in Visual Basic 6? Nothing like vintage software to complete a collectable SDR package :^) Guy -Original Message- From: Jerry Flanders [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:47 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: flexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] FA: FlexRadio SDR-1000 Receiver w/ HPSDR Atlas/Janus/Ozy Boards WOW! - after only two days, bid is up to $681 for this special receive only model. If/when I ever sell my conventional SDR-1000, I think I may split it into two pieces first (one rare RX only model and another rare TX only model!) ;-) Good ad, Guy, and obviously effective. Jerry W4UK At 08:17 PM 11/4/2007, you wrote: Flexers: Over the last two years I've thoroughly enjoyed my SDR-1000, and more recently the enhancement offered by the HPSDR boards. However, I'm moving on to other radio hobby activities and have my gear for auction. Please check out Ebay item # 140175926854 ... ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] [hpsdr] FA: FlexRadio SDR-1000 Receiver with HPSDR Atlas/Janus/Ozy Boards
Jerry, You're not that far off, I guess! I work as a graphic designer and writer for T-Mobile, and have worked at ad agencies in the past. It's easy to write enthusiastically about products as good as FlexRadio's g Guy KE7MAV -Original Message- From: Jerry Flanders [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2007 6:15 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [hpsdr] FA: FlexRadio SDR-1000 Receiver with HPSDR Atlas/Janus/Ozy Boards Check this out, guys - KE7MAV's Ebay presentation is a good lesson in ad writing. You work on Madison Avenue, Guy? Jerry W4UK At 08:19 PM 11/4/2007, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: * High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List * Over the last two years I've thoroughly enjoyed my SDR-1000, and more recently the enhancement offered by the HPSDR boards. However, I'm moving on to other radio hobby activities and have my gear for auction. Please check out Ebay item # 140175926854 or click this link if interested: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemrd=1item=140175926854ss PageN ame=STRK:MESE:ITih=004 Best DX, Guy Atkins KE7MAV ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
[Flexradio] Photos of SDR-1000, HPSDR, LP Filters Enclosure Project
Flexers may be interested in four photos I've posted to the Web: http://www.guyatkins.com/files/sdr_front.jpg Front of homebrew SDR-1000/HPSDR (receive-only) enclosure with Griffin Powermate tuning knob and LW, MW1, MW2, and Bypass filter position switch. http://www.guyatkins.com/files/sdr_rear.jpg Rear view with USB ports for Griffin Powermate tuning knob and PC control line, antenna input BNC, audio in/out jacks, and cooling fan. http://www.guyatkins.com/files/sdr_inside.jpg Inside view, showing original SDR-1000 board stack along side of HPSDR Ozy control board and Janus sound card replacement board; W1VLF custom low pass filters for LW, MW1, MW2 with shielded rotary switch; cooling fan; custom, balanced I/Q connection between SDR-1000 and Janus board; various other custom cables, including short DB25-to-DB25 IDC ribbon cable (replaces bulky parallel port cabling). Torroid and binocular core ferrites used throughout for RFI supression. http://www.guyatkins.com/files/sdr_inside2.jpg Another inside view of the homebrew SDR-1000/HPSDR receiver enclosure. I've recently completed the combining of my receive-only SDR-1000, HPSDR Janus and Ozy boards, and Paul Cianciolo W1VLF's low pass filter modules into a single enclosure. This effort does away with three separate assemblies and a snarl of external cabling, and makes the whole affair more compact and neater. I was going to need to build an enclosure for the HPSDR boards anyway, so I decided to repackage the entire SDR radio's components under one roof. A Griffin Powermate USB knob is attached to the cabinet front for traditional knob tuning to complement keyboard/mouse control. The low pass filtering for longwave, medium wave lowband, medium wave highband, and a bypass position is accomplished by a four-position rotary switch to the left of the tuning knob. I avoided having to use a separate power supply for the HPSDR boards' +12V, -12V, and +5V requirements by supplying appropriate voltages directly from the SDR-1000 board stack. The -12VDC regulator on the HPSDR Janus board conveniently uses the -15V output from the SDR-1000's DC-DC converter as its input supply. I previously modded the DC-DC converter by replacing the stock chip with a much higher quality, low-RFI module bought on Ebay. (No more wandering spurs!) The SDR board stack conveniently sits on some unused Atlas board DIN connectors, and four spacers on the stack are insulated from the bottom of the Janus board. The stack is secured to Atlas with multiple loops of monofilament fishing line, around the stack spacers and tied through plated-thru holes in Atlas. A thin 1/8 sheet of medium-density foam fits between the upper Ten-Tec enclosure cover and the edges of all boards except Atlas. The slight pressure with this foam completes the securing of the boards and makes the assembly quite stable. One of the DIN connectors is still available for the future Mercury board, although I will have to move the project to a larger enclosure if I want to make more slots accessible for other HPSDR boards/devices. Lettering on the enclosure (a Ten-Tec BK-959) is still to come, but for now it's a fully functional SDR-1000 with improved dynamic range and lowered noise floor due to the HPSDR boards replacing the former Presonus Firebox sound card. I have yet to do any serious DXing with the radio connected to the HPSDR boards, since I hadn't used them until this project was completed. However, I'm heading north to the Queen Charlotte Islands (BC) today for a week-long DXpedition with other MW enthusiasts...the setup will get a through test soon! More details and photos on the low pass filters I use for trans-Pacific MW DXing with the SDR-1000 can be found here: www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com Guy Atkins KE7MAV Puyallup, WA ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] Wave recordings
Thanks Eric. Having a way to fast forward or scroll ahead within PowerSDR's WAV recorder module would still be very useful, as the purpose is to be able to see interesting signals popping up on the panadapter over time, and then tuning to them to listen. With strong, non-DX signals always present within the recorded IQ file's spectrum, I don't understand how a standard WAV audio editing program could reveal interesting signals with it's typical o'scope-like display. Wouldn't it take playback to the PowerSDR panadapter to make sense of what's contained in the IQ WAV? Guy KE7MAV Puyallup, WA -Original Message- From: Eric Wachsmann [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 9:34 AM To: 'Guy Atkins'; 'Flex Radio' Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Wave recordings Note that the IQ files are just WAV files. It is what is contained in the samples that makes it an IQ file. So any wave file player that supports floating point wave files should work fine to edit them. Note that the values are likely to be very low as the IQ files are recorded before AGC. Most audio applications allow you to scale the amplitude scale to be able to see small changes in the signal level. Eric Wachsmann FlexRadio Systems -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] radio.biz] On Behalf Of Guy Atkins Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 10:48 AM To: 'Flex Radio' Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Wave recordings Would the Soundforge Audio Studio and other similar WAV editing programs actually work for Jim's purpose specifically with *IQ* files? My thinking is that it would not...but then again, I haven't tried it. I too would like to see some common controls such as fast-forward and rewind added to the IQ recorder in PowerSDR. Similar to Jim's purpose, I want to record medium wave for hours at a time for later playback, looking for spikes on the 9 kHz foreign channel spacings. The current recorder is fine for simple playback, but not suitable for jumping ahead to sample other portions. Guy KE7MAV Puyallup, WA -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 8:26 AM To: Flex Radio Subject: [Flexradio] Wave recordings Jim, if you use a program like this, Sony Soundforge Audio Studio, you can see the whole wave files at once. You could then click on the active portion. You can edit out unwanted portions and save what you need. http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/products/product.asp?pid=454 73 Zack -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/pipermail/flexradio_flex- radio.biz/attachments/20 070723/7e6e1099/attachment.html ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] Manual notch filter?
Yes, I've done this before with the Radio Plus Quantum Phaser and my current Wellbrook phased array. Some of my MW DX friends have done extensive work in this area by modifying the MFJ phaser, or building Misek-based units such as the phasers Dallas Lankford designs. Mark Connelly in particular is leading the pack with phasing approaches. His Web site is a wealth of information: http://www.qsl.net/wa1ion/ Part of the difficulty in phasing semi-locals from my usual DXpedition locations at the WA coast is the combination of groundwave and skywave during the prime sunrise/sunset DX windows. Arrival angles of the foreign DX varies a lot at sunrise, too, and makes it very tough to impossible to achieve a steady null. Guy KE7MAV -Original Message- From: Jim Dunstan [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:47 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Manual notch filter? SNIP Hi, Have you tried RF phasing to reduce local MF interference? For example you would be receiving A3Z on your phased array or Beverage and you can be receiving KOMO on a small loop antenna. Combine the signals and adjust the loop so its phase cancels KOMO on your DX antenna. You could also use a small whip for KOMO and use a separate combiner/phase shift circuit to do the same thing. MFJ used to market such a device ... designed for HF ... however I have heard of dxers modifying it for MF. Personally I have used this kind of 'RF phasing' for qrm rejection with my interest in Crystal Radio DXing. It takes a little getting used to but it works. I bring the antenna into the shack into a kind of 2 stage antenna tuner (2 high Q circuits in series) carefully adjust both circuits to maximize the DX and minimize the QRM. In my experience it is easier to deal with the interference of weak signals before detection. Jim VE3CI ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
[Flexradio] Receive-Only SDR (was: Manual notch filter?)
Hi Jim, Feedback from Flex hasn't been very promising over the last year regarding a receive-only unit. My SDR-1000 was probably one of the last receive-only units they sold. It disappeared from their Web site shortly after my purchase in late 2005. I certainly hope Flex reconsiders, as there are fewer and fewer new communications receivers on the market for those who have interest in the RF spectrum other than ham radio. Some of my MW DX friends have been very interested in the SDR-1000 over the last year, but they don't want a transceiver and/or Flex won't sell them a RO version. A receiver version of the Flex 5000 would be impressive, and appeal to receiver afficionados in the market for a WJ HF-1000, Ten-Tec RX-340, JRC NRD-302A, etc. I ran a blog for about a year, specifically to share my investigations into the SDR-1000 as a MW DX receiver and for tropical bands shortwave use. Check out: www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com. It's also linked from the Knowledge Base on the Flex-Radio site. I stopped updating the blog last December, as I came to the conclusion the radio is very worthy for MW DXing as long as you add appropriate low pass filtering. I may restart the blog in the future with info from my experience repackaging the SDR-1000, the low pass filters, and HPSDR Atlas/Ozy/Janus into a single enclosure. Guy KE7MAV -Original Message- From: Jim Dunstan [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 2:15 PM To: Guy Atkins; flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Manual notch filter? At 10:03 AM 7/11/2007 -0700, you wrote: Yes, I've done this before with the Radio Plus Quantum Phaser and my current Wellbrook phased array. Some of my MW DX friends have done extensive work in this area by modifying the MFJ phaser, or building Misek-based units such as the phasers Dallas Lankford designs. Mark Connelly in particular is leading the pack with phasing approaches. His Web site is a wealth of information: http://www.qsl.net/wa1ion/ Part of the difficulty in phasing semi-locals from my usual DXpedition locations at the WA coast is the combination of groundwave and skywave during the prime sunrise/sunset DX windows. Arrival angles of the foreign DX varies a lot at sunrise, too, and makes it very tough to impossible to achieve a steady null. Guy KE7MAV Hi, I see you are no novice regards ekeing out MW dx. I also find the flexradio an excellent DXing receiver, which makes me think there is a market for a similar receive only unit, built on a single board. Jim, VE3CI ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] Receive-Only SDR (was: Manual notch filter?)
That's encouraging news, Gerald. Thanks for mentioning your tentative plans for a receive-only model again. Please give consideration to onboard low pass filters for longwave and medium wave. They probably wouldn't need to have as many poles of filtering as mine do. I have three separate LP filters for longwave, lowband MW, and highband MW; but appropriate switching could be built into PowerSDR. Mine are manually switched via relays on the inputs outputs, but it's a small price to pay for the benefit they provide on LW/MW. These take care of the odd harmonics issue wonderfully, and are the key to hot performance with the SDR (and presumably new Flex models) below 160 meters. Guy KE7MAV -Original Message- From: Gerald Youngblood [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 6:39 PM To: 'Guy Atkins'; 'Jim Dunstan'; flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Receive-Only SDR (was: Manual notch filter?) Guy, Actually, we will consider a receive only version after we get the A, C, and D models as well as the second receiver into full production. For that version, we can sacrifice some of the ham band optimized filters in return for the use on the low bands. It would still give general coverage on HF through 6m. Gerald Gerald Youngblood, K5SDR FlexRadio Systems Ph: 512-535-4713 Fax: 512-233-5143 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] Manual notch filter?
Tim, Would a notch like this be able to work outside of the filter passband, but within the panadapter window? It would be great to put a wide manual notch on an adjacent channel signal to knock down splatter. However, this might work better (or at all) with software phasing algorithms such as Gerald mentioned in his Dayton presentation. Guy Atkins KE7MAV Puyallup, WA ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] ShuttlePro, PowerMate. or neither?
I think the PowerMate knob works--and looks--great when mounted right on the front of the SDR-1000. At the bottom of this blog entry is a photo and comments of how I routed the cabling: http://sdr-1000.blogspot.com/2006_07_02_archive.html I used the ShuttlePro ver. 2.0 for a while, and even had custom button labels printed for use under the clear keycaps. It just wasn't my style, though. My use of the radio is split 50/50 between mouse and Griffin PowerMate knob. Guy Atkins KE7MAV Puyallup, WA -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim Ellison Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 7:43 PM To: Alan NV8A; Flex Group Subject: Re: [Flexradio] ShuttlePro, PowerMate. or neither? I have the Griffin PowerMate. I use it rarely. I find that using a mouse for me is the easiest. I do understand that a lot of people like the ShuttlePro because of its ability to program the buttons and the center joystick. I keep the PowerMate on my desk because the blue LED bottom looks cool and it blends in well with my radios (I bought a black one rather than silver). -Tim, W4TME -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alan NV8A Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 10:33 PM To: Flex Group Subject: [Flexradio] ShuttlePro, PowerMate. or neither? Which, if any, of the suggested accessories that are alleged to make control of an SDR easier have people used? What did you like or not like about either. Are ther eothers that are better still? 73 Alan NV8A ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] High CPU Usage Lockups - Help Needed
I did try deselecting the web check options, but no joy. The swapout of McAfee Security Center for the Avast antivirus products made no difference, either. The SDR-1000 runs fine on my 1.4 GHz Centrino laptop. Although the CPU usage is much higher on average (than the desktop PC used to show when it ran PowerSDR properly), it runs great continuously, even with a few other programs running. I think I may next try reinstalling XP in repair mode. Perhaps in my zealousness to optimize XP, I deleted or corrupted a file I shouldn't have touched. My backups don't go back far enough to the time before I started aggressively tweaking. Thanks to all who have given suggestions to try. Guy Atkins KE7MAV Puyallup, WA -Original Message- From: Eric Wachsmann [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Ken N9VV' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'Guy Atkins' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Sent: 4/2/2007 12:20 PM Subject: RE: [Flexradio] High CPU Usage Lockups - Help Needed Note that the web check should die gracefully (exception handling) if no internet is found or anything like that. Still not a bad thing to try. Eric Wachsmann FlexRadio Systems -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] radio.biz] On Behalf Of Ken N9VV Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 7:59 PM To: Guy Atkins Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] High CPU Usage Lockups - Help Needed Guy look at SETUP -- General -- Options right hand side. UNcheck the *Beta* and *Release* boxes just in case they are trying to get out on the Internet to look for updates to the code. If you have a good firewall, the whole console could be spinning it's wheels trying to get through it. Ken Guy Atkins wrote: I've been using many versions of PowerSDR with nearly no glitches for over a year, on a AMD Athlon XP 2400+ (2.0 GHz) system with 1.25 GB of RAM. The sound card in use is the Presonus Firebox with firmware updated successfully last summer, and the latest 1.21 driver. DirectX and my Nvidia drivers are all up to date, as well as Windows XP updates and with OS optimizations recommended by other SDR-1000 owners. I use the parallel cable that was supplied with the SDR-1000. However, despite the smooth-sailing for months, all my versions of PowerSDR (beta production, 1.3 through 1.8, plus K6JCA and K20X versions) have all started exhibiting the following behaviour, with no other applications or unnecessary processes running: 1. Fine receive operation for approx. 1 minute, then... 2. Rapidly increasing CPU utilization, from ~35-40% (w/display enabled) or from ~12-25% (w/no display) to higher levels, then 100% CPU, then... 3. Audio motorboating stutter, display freezing, and complete PowerSDR lockup, all within a few seconds. This is usually accompanied by full lockup of Windows. Lockups take just a little bit longer to occur when I have the display turned off, but CPU still goes to 100% followed by full lockup. 4. The lockup is normally so bad I can't do a CNTRL-ALT-DEL to gracefully shut down... I need to switch off the computer with the power supply switch. What could be causing this behavior? I have checked and rechecked every aspect I can think of, including trying Fail-Safe and Optimized BIOS settings on my motherboard. I've reviewed my start-up services (via services.msc) over over again, and tried some less aggressive settings after re-reading various XP optimization recommendations from the Flex- Radio reflector and elsewhere. I have tried deleting the .MDB database and starting fresh, as well as uninstalling and fully reinstalling a few of the PowerSDR versions. I usually run very conservative latency settings (large buffers) in the PowerSDR setups and on the Firebox Soundcard. I don't mind latency, as I'm using the SDR in receive-only mode. I typically have the Process Priority setting at high or above normal. Going to real time doesn't offer any improvement. For the life of me I can't think of what changes I may have made to this desktop PC to cause PowerSDR to react this way with all versions. I used to be able to run PowerSDR with other applications concurrent, for hours at a time, perfectly. Now I can't even run it alone for two minutes without lockups that require a complete reboot! Thanks in advance for any pointers or direction! Guy Atkins KE7MAV Puyallup, WA USA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.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/ FlexRadio Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/ ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz
[Flexradio] FIXED -- High CPU Usage Lockups
Hi Al, Your advice led me to a search that eventually helped me solve the problem. It turns out that I had Universal Plug and Play Device Host enabled in Services. It was reaching out and trying to find PnP devices across the network (I think) and that caused CPU to skyrocket and lock up PowerSDR. This is a different thing than regular PnP that looks for devices on the local computer. The first clue that the UPnP was the problem was that PowerSDR worked OK if I booted the PC without a network connection. Aha! I think checked services.msc and discovered that I had UPnP set to manual. Evidently something was starting this service after a couple minutes of PowerSDR activity. I'm not a computer guru, so I may not have the description of the purpose of UPnP correct, but I do know that setting it to disabled in the Services window has fixed the problem! The CPU total percentages, with multiple programs loaded, not stays a steady 28-38% with panadapter displayed. Thanks to all who offered suggestions. Guy Atkins, KE7MAV Puyallup, WA -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 2:53 PM To: Guy Atkins Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: [Flexradio] High CPU Usage Lockups - Help Needed Hello Guy, Have you check the SCVHOST.EXE in windows task manager processes tab There is a handle problem with this that MS has not addressed in the updates, but did post a hotfix for it on there web. You will see that sometimes too many instances of this handle are open and do not close after the call. Have you tried start run cmd.exe. type this in the comand line tasklist /m | more/p it will show ALL processes running or you can download HighJack This and print out a log. You can find HighJack This on google. Al ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/
[Flexradio] High CPU Usage Lockups - Help Needed
I've been using many versions of PowerSDR with nearly no glitches for over a year, on a AMD Athlon XP 2400+ (2.0 GHz) system with 1.25 GB of RAM. The sound card in use is the Presonus Firebox with firmware updated successfully last summer, and the latest 1.21 driver. DirectX and my Nvidia drivers are all up to date, as well as Windows XP updates and with OS optimizations recommended by other SDR-1000 owners. I use the parallel cable that was supplied with the SDR-1000. However, despite the smooth-sailing for months, all my versions of PowerSDR (beta production, 1.3 through 1.8, plus K6JCA and K20X versions) have all started exhibiting the following behaviour, with no other applications or unnecessary processes running: 1. Fine receive operation for approx. 1 minute, then... 2. Rapidly increasing CPU utilization, from ~35-40% (w/display enabled) or from ~12-25% (w/no display) to higher levels, then 100% CPU, then... 3. Audio motorboating stutter, display freezing, and complete PowerSDR lockup, all within a few seconds. This is usually accompanied by full lockup of Windows. Lockups take just a little bit longer to occur when I have the display turned off, but CPU still goes to 100% followed by full lockup. 4. The lockup is normally so bad I can't do a CNTRL-ALT-DEL to gracefully shut down... I need to switch off the computer with the power supply switch. What could be causing this behavior? I have checked and rechecked every aspect I can think of, including trying Fail-Safe and Optimized BIOS settings on my motherboard. I've reviewed my start-up services (via services.msc) over over again, and tried some less aggressive settings after re-reading various XP optimization recommendations from the Flex-Radio reflector and elsewhere. I have tried deleting the .MDB database and starting fresh, as well as uninstalling and fully reinstalling a few of the PowerSDR versions. I usually run very conservative latency settings (large buffers) in the PowerSDR setups and on the Firebox Soundcard. I don't mind latency, as I'm using the SDR in receive-only mode. I typically have the Process Priority setting at high or above normal. Going to real time doesn't offer any improvement. For the life of me I can't think of what changes I may have made to this desktop PC to cause PowerSDR to react this way with all versions. I used to be able to run PowerSDR with other applications concurrent, for hours at a time, perfectly. Now I can't even run it alone for two minutes without lockups that require a complete reboot! Thanks in advance for any pointers or direction! Guy Atkins KE7MAV Puyallup, WA USA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.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/ FlexRadio Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] High CPU Usage Lockups - Help Needed
Thanks for your ideas, Bill. The only change I could think of that I made to the system was an upgrade to the latest, greatest McAfee Security Center. I'd been suspecting this was a resource hog for other reasons, so this morning I decided to fully remove it (which took some research effort!) and install Avast Antivirus software instead. Things are still the same, however. (Even with the new antivirus software temporarily disabled.) The CPU cycles are loafing along for the first 1-2 minutes with PowerSDR, then BAM! CPU usage hits the ceiling and lockups begin (display 1st, audio 2nd, then full lockup). I don't see any other process that is using CPU cycles significantly. System Idle Process is usually high (which is a good thing), until the PowerSDR percentage skyrockets. Here's what the Performance Tab of the Windows Task Manager looks like when PowerSDR goes 100%: http://www.guyatkins.com/files/sdr/cpu100.gif Does any of the numeric data in the lower half of the screen look suspicious to anyone? I've run full scans for trojans, worms, and viruses with various utilities and the system keeps coming up clean. I also regularly scan for spyware and other malcontents. I will check out the AMD CodeAnalyst Performance Analyzer later this weekend when I get the chance. 73, Guy Atkins KE7MAV Puyallup, WA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com -Original Message- From: Bill Tracey [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 7:31 AM To: Guy Atkins; flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] High CPU Usage Lockups - Help Needed Ugh - good computer, gone bad -- maddening. Probably going to take a bit of detective work to sort out the issue. Can you think of any new hardware/software you installed in the near vicinity of things getting flakey? That would be the first thing I'd look at in terms of sorting out where the problem is originating from. Another diagnostic - bring up task manager,. process tab, sort by CPU usage. Is it PowerSDR sucking all the CPU when things go bad? Are there processes other than PowerSDR running that appear to be using significant CPU when things go bad. For some deeper detective work, you can get the AMD CodeAnalyst Performance Analyzer from http://developer.amd.com/downloads.jsp to get a better idea of where the cycles are going. This will take a bit of work to install and setup, but it will show you where the cycles are going which may give a clue as to what is broken. Hope some of this helps. Bill (kd5tfd) At 02:01 AM 3/31/2007, Guy Atkins wrote: I've been using many versions of PowerSDR with nearly no glitches for over a year, on a AMD Athlon XP 2400+ (2.0 GHz) system with 1.25 GB of RAM. The sound card in use is the Presonus Firebox with firmware updated successfully last summer, and the latest 1.21 driver. DirectX and my Nvidia drivers are all up to date, as well as Windows XP updates and with OS optimizations recommended by other SDR-1000 owners. I use the parallel cable that was supplied with the SDR-1000. However, despite the smooth-sailing for months, all my versions of PowerSDR (beta production, 1.3 through 1.8, plus K6JCA and K20X versions) have all started exhibiting the following behaviour, with no other applications or unnecessary processes running: 1. Fine receive operation for approx. 1 minute, then... 2. Rapidly increasing CPU utilization, from ~35-40% (w/display enabled) or from ~12-25% (w/no display) to higher levels, then 100% CPU, then... 3. Audio motorboating stutter, display freezing, and complete PowerSDR lockup, all within a few seconds. This is usually accompanied by full lockup of Windows. Lockups take just a little bit longer to occur when I have the display turned off, but CPU still goes to 100% followed by full lockup. 4. The lockup is normally so bad I can't do a CNTRL-ALT-DEL to gracefully shut down... I need to switch off the computer with the power supply switch. ... snip ... Guy Atkins KE7MAV Puyallup, WA USA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.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/ FlexRadio Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] FS: Contour ShuttlePro Ver. 2.0
The ShuttlePro controller has been sold. Thanks for your interest. Guy ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/
[Flexradio] FS: Contour ShuttlePro Ver. 2.0
I have a Contour Shuttlepro controller, version 2.0 (black enclosure) with original CDROM of drivers and manual for sale. It's like new and has been used only an hour or two, maximum, as I have found the simplicity of the Griffin Powermate more to my liking for use with the SDR-1000. First $55 gets it, shipped free in continental US. Paypal only. Check my excellent Ebay feedback if you wish-- username 4nradio. 73, Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] Microsoft Power Toys for XP - Applicationactivation on mouse position
Another way to change the focus for the mouse (and selected keyboard input) is to use Sami Aintila's program HotWheel. He posted this information to the FlexRadio reflector over a year ago: -Original Message- From: Sami Aintila [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 11:44 AM To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Mouse wheel/keyboard control for background windows I have written this small program that is becoming almost useful. HotWheel enables you to capture mouse wheel and selected keyboard events and send them to any application even when its window doesn't have focus (it's in the background or minimized). As an example I have created a simple HotWheel configuration for PowerSDR. Most keyboards have a little-used key called Scroll Lock and a corresponding LED indicator. In this example, event capture is disabled when Scroll Lock is off. When Scroll Lock is on, the following events will be sent to PowerSDR: - mouse wheel roll and click - ctrl+arrow keys (up/down=tuning, left/right=sets tuning step) - NumPad 9/3 = Band Up/Down - NumPad 8/2 = Filter Up/Down - NumPad 7/1 = Mode Up/Down The active top window will receive all other mouse and keyboard input, so you can work normally with that application, and simultaneously have some limited control over SDR-1000 without activating the PowerSDR window. Note 1: Using the NumPad keys usually requires that Num Lock is on as well. Note 2: The Band/Filter/Mode controls are mapped to keys M/N/B/V/X/Z (PowerSDR default settings). If you have changed these in PowerSDR Setup, the HotWheel configuration file has to be modified accordingly. If you want to give it a try, you can download the HotWheel program and configuration files using the link below. Written and tested on Windows XP Pro (SP2), but should work with Win2k and later. Please note that this is experimental software: USE AT YOUR OWN RISK! http://kotisivu.dnainternet.net/ahti/sdr-1000/HotWheel.zip Unzip the files into some directory and run the .exe file. A small window will open and then disappear after a couple of seconds. HotWheel is now running in the background consuming only minimal system resources. Simply run the .exe file again if you want to terminate the process. I will not be describing the configuration file syntax here, because it may change in future versions. And those with a little programming experience can probably figure it out on their own! Most importantly, you will need a list of Windows virtual key codes. 73, Sami OH2BFO 73, Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/
Re: [Flexradio] Sub RX toggle Key and Sub RX Volume
Joe, That is an excellent idea, and the application extends beyond the ham bands. I know I'd make regular use of the slider to chase down and identify parallel outlets in the broadcast band, such as the multiple NHK and NHK2 (Japan) frequencies, or the Aussie ABC national/regional stations. On a good morning they pop up all over the dial when DXing from the Washington coast. I hear the stronger ones from home, but it takes the coastal location and a Beverage or K9AY to get them by the dozens. Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Joe - AB1DO Sent: Friday, January 05, 2007 4:32 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Sub RX toggle Key and Sub RX Volume Here's an alternative idea. How about a single slider that distributes the AF between Sub and Main RX. Kind of like an audio balance slider, but instead of balancing between L and R, balance between Sub and Main. Assuming equally strong Sub and Main RX signals, then: - Slide all the way to Main and you only hear Main - Slide all the way to Sub and you only hear Sub - Slide half way between Sub and Main and both are equally loud. Obviously, if Sub and Main have different signal strengths, then the mid point will be more towards the weaker of the two. Just a thought, 73 de Joe - AB1DO ___ 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 Knowledge Base: http://kb.flex-radio.com/
[Flexradio] Wave File Recording - Frequency Errors in Playback
Has anyone encountered offset frequencies (frequency error) when playing back pre-processed audio in PowerSDR? For instance, if I record the approx. 20 to 40 kHz above below (depending on whether I'm in 48K or 96K sampling) a local MW station at 1000 kHz, I set the SDR-1000 at 1000 kHz upon start of the playback. All is fine at that point, and I'm hearing the 1000 kHz station at zero-beat. However, if I want to tune within the recorded I.F. bandwidth up to the next station at 1010 kHz, it actually requires me to tune to approx. 1010.580 kHz. This offset is required for zero-beat of every signal within the recorded I.F. swath of frequencies, but the offset seems to vary from session to session, or at different points in the playback. Also, it's very annoying that the offset bounces around if I change modes. It's really tough to use this I.F. recording feature to go back and catch DX signals if I can't rely upon something as basic as frequency accuracy / readout. Has anyone encountered behavior like this before with the I.F. recording? On a related note, it would be great to see a few more basic controls for playback in the GUI, such as incremental fast forward or rewind. HD recording software such as Total Recorder Pro and RecAll Pro are two excellent examples of programs that have very easy-to-use interfaces. PowerSDR's recording panel doesn't need anywhere near the amount of features found in these two, but fast forward and rewind would help out a lot when trying to find a particular spot in a long recording. 73, Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/flexradio_flex-radio.biz/attachments/20061104/82838b73/attachment.html ___ 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
Re: [Flexradio] Recording a Wave File
Tim, Since we're on the subject of wave file recording and playback, have you encountered offset frequencies when playing back pre-processed audio? For instance, if I record the approx. 20 to 40 kHz above below (depending on whether I'm in 48K or 96K sampling) a local MW station at 1000 kHz, I set the SDR-1000 at 1000 kHz upon start of the playback. All is fine at that point, and I'm hearing the 1000 kHz station at zero-beat. However, if I want to tune within the recorded I.F. bandwidth up to the next station at 1010 kHz, it actually requires me to tune to approx. 1010.530 kHz. This offset is required for zero-beat of every signal within the recorded I.F. swath of frequencies, but the offset seems to vary from session to session. Also, it's very annoying that the offset bounces around if I change modes. It's really tough to use this I.F. recording feature to go back and catch DX signals if I can't rely upon something as basic as frequency accuracy / readout. Have you encountered any behavior like this before with the I.F. recording? On a related note, it would be great to see a few more basic controls for playback in the GUI, such as incremental fast forward or rewind. HD recording software such as Total Recorder Pro and RecAll Pro are two excellent examples of programs that have very easy-to-use interfaces. PowerSDR's recording panel doesn't need anywhere near the amount of features found in these two, but fast forward and rewind would help out a lot when trying to find a particular spot in a long recording. 73, Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim Ellison Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 7:54 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Flex Group Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Recording a Wave File Scott, Reverse the wave options - pre for RX and Post for TX There is no need to have the MOM or MOX engaged. Just play the file. There is a KB article that explains this in the works. I just have not had time to make the appropriate screen shots. -Tim --- Tim Ellison Integrated Technical Services Noli nothis permittere te terere. - common phrase spoken by Roman slaves. ___ 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
Re: [Flexradio] Edirol FA-66 Firewire with 192 KHz sampling rate addedto list of supported sound cards
This is great news, John. Could you tell me if the Edirol unit in 192 kHz sampling also permits RF recording of a 192 kHz swath of frequencies? Thanks, Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Basilotto Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 7:47 AM To: Reflector Subject: [Flexradio] Edirol FA-66 Firewire with 192 KHz sampling rate addedto list of supported sound cards FlexRadio Systems is pleased to announce that we are now a Roland distributor for the Edirol FA-66 FireWire Audio Interface. The Edirol box will replace the PreSonus Firebox as the recommended unit best suited for portable and serious audio applications. The Delta 44 remains as our recommended PCI soundcard. The FA-66 is capable of running sampling rates of 192, 96, and 48 KHz. While the FA-66 will work with most systems, we recommend using a late model computer when running at 192KHz. SNIP ___ 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
Re: [Flexradio] Spur?
Tim, Paul says his spur is 1200 Hz below the tuned frequency. This would be within the passband in most cases, and interfering, as it's only about 1 kHz down. This doesn't sound like the normal 11 kHz IF stuff, unless he meant to type *12000* Hz. Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim Ellison Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 4:42 PM To: PAS; flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Spur? You are seeing the DC components of the 11 KHz IF or 0 Hz of the IF. This is normal and nothing to be alarmed about. In normal operation it is almost buried in the noise. It will always stay 11.025 KHz below the RX carrier point so it will not affect RX in any way. -Tim --- Tim Ellison ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] ) Integrated Technical Services ( http://www.itsco.com ) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of PAS Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 6:53 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Spur? I have a constant wide spur (about 300-400hz wide) on the panadapter screen about 1200hz below the tuned frequency. I have tried recalibrating the image, etc. I use an external oscillator at 100mhz but also tried a clean one at 10mhz with the same results. I use the Delta audio card and latest versions of the console. the spur moves slight up and down with tuning but does not go away. All bands and modes. Any ideas? Paul kb8mou ___ 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 ___ 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
Re: [Flexradio] hilbert transform bin
I for one would like to see this as an enhancement. The BIN effect is not only useful on some DX signals to help mentally separate signal from noise, but can make strong AM stations more enjoyable for program listening. There are occasions when I've found Synchronous AM to provide best reception of AM mode DX, and binaural, or a simulation of it, would be a nice addition to Synchronous AM for these reasons. Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA USA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Robert McGwier Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 7:09 AM To: FlexRadio Subject: [Flexradio] Coherent AM detection and BIN Robin and others: Synchronous AM detection is actually two different processes. 1) Track the carrier to zero. 2) coherently add the two sidebands If you do coherent addition of the sidebands you get improved immunity selective fading occurring but it then means you have a strictly real signal. We can simulate BIN by doing a Hilbert Transform on the audio. Is this desireable? Bob ___ 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
Re: [Flexradio] Has anyone received a reply from Presonus?
The first time I emailed them, prior to the release of the original firmware fix, I received a nice reply from their marketing VP. However, I've not heard back since I contact them again about this current issue (of fixing the fix). Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA USA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim Ellison Sent: Sunday, June 18, 2006 7:51 AM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Has anyone received a reply from Presonus? I was wondering for those who e-mailed Presonus about getting the new firmware that fixes the problems with the beta firmware that was available from Flex received a response to your e-mail/snail mail?I have not and to be perfectly honest, I am getting a little perturbed at there lack of response. This is the 7th e-mail that I have sent to the company since I have owned the Firebox that has gone unanswered. Also calls to the Tech Support line. Of which someone rarely answers, are not returned either. -Tim --- Tim Ellison mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Integrated Technical Services http://www.itsco.com/ Apex, NC USA 919.674.0044 Ext. 25 / 919.674.0045 (FAX) 919.215.6375 - cell PGP public key available at all public KeyServers Skype: kg4rzy ___ 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
Re: [Flexradio] SDR-1000 poor perfomance on receive.
I'd agree with Bob on this. Appropriate LPFs or a high grade preselector are pretty much a necessity when tuning below 160m for medium wave or LW. I use a Palstar MW-550P which improves the situation on medium wave tremendously, except 530-550 kHz where the MW-550P has hardly any preselection for some reason. I've tried increasing turns on the large inductor inside the preselector to extend it's coverage a bit lower, but without much success. I've also tried some extra fixed capacitance in parallel with the air variable cap. From 550 kHz on up I have no problems, though. Here in the Seattle/Tacoma area I have numerous 50 KW'ers which are as strong as -13 dBm on my 700 ft. Beverage and other antennas, but the SDR-1000 and MW-550P preselector handle them well enough to allow weak trans-Pacific mediumwave stations to be heard between the 10-kHz spaced North American stations. Although not optimized for this band, the SDR-1000 does extremely well on medium wave. More information on the SDR-1000's use for the broadcast band can be found on my blog. 73, Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Robert McGwier Sent: Monday, May 29, 2006 12:16 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: FlexRadio Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDR-1000 poor perfomance on receive. Something isn't right. I listen to 660 AM and 1010 AM and other NYC stations a lot and I never have a problem. Now the filters in front of the QSD are not optimized for these LF and MF frequencies. If you intend on using this regularly as an AM broadcast radio, I would suggest you design a LPF that cuts off as low as you can stand to design (or buy). Strong signals on (say) 4.5 MHz will mix down into the passband at 1500 kHz. A strong broadcast station at 1600 kHz will be audible at 533 kHz, etc. Bob KD5NWA wrote: I recently bought a SDR-1000 at Dayton and have been playing with it. I'm using a Delta-44 card with my 2.4 GHz Pentium 4 PC, parallel port connect, and V16.1 software. I have no reception of AM broadcast stations from 520KHz to 780KHz, my alarm clock picks up several stations, the SDR-1000 nothing, not even a trace that there are stations there. I keep picking up a Mexican station on 40KHz and every 20KHz or so thereafter up to around 300KHz even with the pre-amp off. On several of the bands below the AM band I have massive spurs -40dB to -55dB, as you tune near them they disappear and new ones show up a few KHz away. General lack of signals on the band, when I hook the same antenna to a TS-930, I see lots of signals and AM stations below 790KHz. ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/pipermail/flexradio_flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] s-meters and vitual knobs :-)
Hi Ken, Thanks for the link to PSP Audioware. Some of those GUIs are beautifully rendered, and they appeal to my eye candy senses. I'm a graphic designer by trade, so I'm attracted to well-arranged pixels :^) Unfortunately, something as photorealistically rendered as this console, http://www.pspaudioware.com/images/PSP_608MD.jpg for instance, cannot provide the tactile feedback that's such a part of the hands-on satisfaction gained from decades of radios. OK, so you can mouse-click a nice, 3D-shaded rendition of a knurled knob...and it accomplished whatever computerized function it's intended to do. But do your fingers and mind *enjoy* that click as much twisting the original real knob that the image is seeking to represent? I guess that's why I love the PowerMate and Shuttle Pro2 peripherals with my SDR-1000. I really like Jeff WA6AHL's addition of the analog meter, not so much for the trip down memory lane, but for the quick, visual feedback the relative pointer position gives. I don't have to be looking directly at the meter to get a rough idea of signal strength and/or fade characteristics. With the numeric readout, I need to think about the numbers for a moment to gain the same understanding. It's similar to how auto enthusiasts prefer a traditional needle tachometer rather than a digital readout. I'm glad to see radio software exiting that in-between era of making the computer display look like a traditional radio. As Duane N9DG described so well, the wise use of monitor real estate takes an entirely different approach of efficiency and ergonomics. I look forward to modular approaches such as the Squeak Smalltalk efforts (a la Bob G3UKB: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/g3ukb/_ No doubt about it; we're beginning an exciting era of radio progress! Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA www.sdr-1000.blogspot -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Ken N9VV Sent: Saturday, April 15, 2006 6:12 PM To: Duane - N9DG; FlexRadio Systems email reflector Subject: Re: [Flexradio] s-meters and vitual knobs :-) Hi Duane, For me, the photo realistic S-Meter is an absolute FAVORITE. I remember when John KD5NRA coded it on his laptop while traveling home to Austin, TX after an exciting Dayton-05. John was so fired up from Gerald's presentation that his creative energies overflowed at S9+60db :-) Phil N8VB picked up the idea and then incorporated it into his SoftRock implementation. In the past 2 weeks, Jeff WA6AHL has created a detachable version in his brilliant new console adaptation. So more traditional displays adapted for the PC are very popular. Supporting material can be found among the THOUSAND DOLLAR consoles: http://www.pspaudioware.com/ de Ken
Re: [Flexradio] PreSonus FIREBOX firmware fix
Great recommendation, Bob, as firms which provide quick, helpful service like this don't often get the praise to balance out the complaints. I fired off a big thank you note to two people on the Presonus contact list. The fix works great, and really flattened out the 85 kHz panadapter display on Jeff WA6AHL's version of PowerSDR (an excellent and useful console, BTW). Not only did it flatten the display, it improved the linearity of the panadapter all the way out to the edges. For instance, domestic medium wave stations now line up perfectly (with the vertical grid lines) every 10 kHz across the wide panadapter's range. Previously, they appeared compressed in the last 15 kHz or so, and were far out of alignment. It's much easier to eyeball the frequency of all signals of interest now, without using the mouse cross-hair readout method. Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA sdr-1000 blog: www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Bob Tracy Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 7:40 PM To: FlexRadio Reflector Subject: [Flexradio] PreSonus FIREBOX firmware fix OK guys, I installed the firmware upgrade this morning and it seems to work great. Now, let's show that we can praise as well as we complain. Drop a note to PreSonus and let them know you appreciate the good customer service. I did. Bob, K5KDN
Re: [Flexradio] how to use drm
Hi Bill, The compiled version of DREAM can be found here: http://www.rarewares.org/aac.html The link is about 1/2 way down the page. There's also a link to a DLL that may be needed. 73, Guy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Robert McGwier Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 2:46 PM To: Bill Nagle Cc: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] how to use drm Bill: I should write down some instructions on getting the free one. It works BETTER than the for pay one unless I can find the instructions for the free one. Surely someone here has a pointer? Bob
Re: [Flexradio] Panadapter at 96k questions
Hi Eric, Which *external* sound card in the marketplace would be second in line to the Firebox in basic performance? I use the Firebox but I don't like the roll-off and other panadapter glitches in the 96K mode. Thanks for your comments. Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA SDR-1000 blog: www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile. -Original Message- From: Eric Wachsmann - FlexRadio [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2006 10:46:29 To:FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Panadapter at 96k questions I should have also mentioned that similar testing was done with the Delta 44 and it has no such effects at the 96kHz setting. Eric Wachsmann FlexRadio Systems -Original Message- From: Eric Wachsmann - FlexRadio [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 10:46 AM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'; 'FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz' Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Panadapter at 96k questions I got a chance to check this out here this morning and I saw the same thing that Paul did. Basically, it looks like there is an anti-aliasing filter around 24kHz on the FireBox, even in 96kHz mode. Because of this, there is substantial roll-off past 24kHz. There is also some roll-off of the noise floor around the same point. The long and short of it is that the FireBox is not an ideal device for 96kHz operation with the SDR-1000. We have updated our website accordingly. Eric Wachsmann FlexRadio Systems -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] radio.biz] On Behalf Of Paul Shaffer Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11:59 AM To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Panadapter at 96k questions It would be nice to get a comment from flex-radio, perhaps a release notes or something on this. From what the DSP developer says, it's a known condition. I don't see that here, with version 1.6 Delta44 PCI card Dell Optiplex 170L Radio issued Nov.'05 I have the Firebox and PowerSDR set at 96k, but I have not ruled out a mistake on my part someplace. If you tune to 5.0MHz WWV looks perfect. But now tune to 4.985MHz and it vanishes completely. If this is not what _you_ see with the 96k rate I may have a problem. From the description, it sounds as though something in Paul's system is remaining at the 48 KHz sample rate when he sets the system to 96 KHz. Perhaps it's his soundcard? ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archive Link: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/pipermail/flexradio_flex- 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://mail.flex-radio.biz/pipermail/flexradio_flex-radio.biz/ FlexRadio Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com
Re: [Flexradio] LO Calibration Schematics
Dan, Something to check before sending the radio back to Flex-Radio: are you absolutely sure you have the I/O cables for your particular soundcard correctly connected to the SDR-1000? If the radio was spot-on initially, before the problem occurred, then your cables would be fine. However, if what you describe has been the situation since you first powered it up, then it would pay to investigate the cabling. I had the large amount of error that you describe, and could not adjust the frequency calibration because the offset was so great. However, someone quickly stepped in on the Flex-Radio reflector to suggest checking for swapped cables. Bingo! that was the problem, and the SDR-1000 calibrated fine after that. In my case with the Firebox soundcard, I had missed the setup instructions that said note that the 1/8 tip connects to the odd numbered plugs (left channel) while the 1/8 ring connects to the even numbered plugs (right channel). I hope your solution is as simple as mine was. 73, Guy Atkins -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Dan Hammill Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 11:14 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] LO Calibration Schematics My brand new SDR-1000 has a serious problem whereby the 200 MHz reference oscillator seems to have permanently settled more the a full 1.0 MHz away from 200 MHz after only a few hours' use. Consequently, because of the software's hard limit of 1.0 MHz for LO correction, I can't calibrate the radio to be on-frequency at all, regardless of ambient temperature. The radio is about -12 KHz off frequency at 28 MHz with a +1.0 MHz correction, and at least -20 KHz off with zero correction (didn't check the exact offset). However, since I can't set an exact LO offset, the actual delta between desired and actual frequency varies widely depending upon which part of the HF spectrum I'm in. Initially, the radio would calibrate against WWV perfectly at all WWV freqs. This unit was just put on-line within the last month, right out of the box. I'm thinking I have a defective reference LO. Unfortunately, I don't have a freq counter at home to check the exact frequency. Two questions: 1. What is FlexRadio's policy on replacing defective parts on new units? 2. Who is the correct person to request a full set of schematics and a BOM from? Thanks 73, Dan KB5MY
Re: [Flexradio] New Blog on Trans-Pacific MW and Tropical Band
Hi Trevor, I'd hesitate to duplicate any comments or additions to my blog on the Flex-Radio reflector, as I'm sure my interests are in the minority. However, it's easy enough to check the blog occasionally. There are also services out there which will notify you via e-mail when someone's blog is updated. I will say that the recent comments under the Introduction section of my new blog for the SDR-1000 is a good example of debate on the merits of receivers. I had no idea my observations would have stirred up such responses. It may not be a flame war, but you can begin to warm your hands over the heat... g I try to tread lightly when discussing lab tests and such, as there are others far more knowledgeable than myself. I do, however, know a good receiver when I get my hands on one; the proof is in the logbook. If the SDR-1000 turns out to be lackluster for MW and tropical bands, I'll know soon enough! In any case, I'm sure there's some fiction mixed with the facts in the comments I've received at www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com I'm particularly interested in any Flexers' response to Dallas Lankford's critical comments in my blog, particularly his comments such as the SDR-1000 having an estimated 8500 spurs greater than -110 dB over its entire range. Whaaat?? 73, Guy -Original Message- From: Trevor Smithers [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 10:36 AM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] New Blog on Trans-Pacific MW and Tropical Band Could I suggest that any comments on this subject are also published here as well - I've read Guy's review and found it extremely interesting, as I'm sure others will. When I first started using the SDR, back end 2004, I found the receive performance on 160 wide open to BCI. The cure was a Kiwa BCB filter which cleaned up top band a treat and probably any breakthrough on 80 as well. For anyone interested in VLF the Kiwa 500khz low-pass filter is also very effective. http://www.kiwa.com/bcb.html http://www.kiwa.com/LPF.html Trevor G0KTN
[Flexradio] New Blog on Trans-Pacific MW and Tropical Band DXing with the Flex-Radio SDR-1000
Members of the Flex-Radio reflector may be interested in following the weblogof my experiences, pro con, with the SDR-1000. I intend to add to this blog as time allows (hopefully weekly) as I discover how my receive-only version performs for trans-Pacific mediumwave DXing and the tropical bands. I have a good beginning so far, with sections on: Introduction Key Points Unique Features Drawbacks and Solutions Initial Setup and Calibration Power Up: First Impressions of the SDR-1000 DXpedition Time The URL for the blog is: www.sdr-1000.blogspot.com I welcome your online comments and questions.73,Guy AtkinsPuyallup, WA
Re: [Flexradio] Resvisiting an old request for changes
Alan, I totally agree with you on your suggestions for the width control of the filters. The slider is very twitchy to use right now. A linear distribution of the bandwidth range would be much easier to operate. I would also very much like to have the shift control be sticky when changing modes. It shouldn't have to be readjusted every time I do a quick check of reception on the opposite sideband and then return to the previously tuned sideband. Guy Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile. -Original Message- From: Alan Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 20:23:56 To:FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Resvisiting an old request for changes Please consider making the following changes in PowerSDR: 1. LSB and USB should share the same bandwidth because both modes are SSB. 2. CWL and CWU should share the same bandwidth because both modes are CW. 3. AM and SAM should share the same bandwidth because both modes are AM. 4. In voice modes (SSB and AM ) the Width control is not useful because the rate of change from 2kHz to 9.99kHz only covers the top 10% of the control travel! Instead of attempting to vary the width from 25Hz to 9.99kHz using a log. taper Width control, let's try this instead: Whenever a new filter is selected, the width control is CENTERED at that filter's bw. The lower limit of the width control is the next lowest filter BW. The Width control's upper limit is the next larger BW above the current bandwidth. Finally, let the Width control have a linear taper so that bw control can be smoothly adjusted over the entire range of the slider. For example; selecting the 2.6kHz filter, the range of the centered Width control's range is 2.1kHz to 4.0kHz. If you wish to go narrower, press e.g., the 2.1kHz filter. Now the range of the centered Width control is 1.0kHz to 2.6kHz. This scheme would work with Var 1 Var 2, so long as the software algorithm keeps an ordered list of bandwidths. E.g., selecting Var 1 ( set to 3.4kHz) the range of the centered Width control is 2.6kHz to 4.0kHz. Comments about these change requests are most welcome. 73, Alan K2WS ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] RF Noise from Presonus Firebox
Hi Ross, That was good timing of your inquiry about the Firebox noise! I just returned from a four-day DXpedition (chasing foreign MW and tropical bands) to the Washington coast, and encountered noise from my Firebox, too. This was my first serious use of my relatively-new SDR-1000 and I had not noticed any noise at my home location (fairly RF-quiet). However, in a DC-only DXpedition setting with zero noise other than atmospheric, any RFI is immediately noticed. I tracked down a pulsing, broadband hissing noise to the Firewire DC input, which is connected to my deep-cycle batteries via a distribution systemfeeding all other DC gear. With all other equipment turned off, I noticed no difference in the noise level when unplugging the I/O cables and the Firewire cable. The only thing remaining was radiation from the unit's case or power cable, or conduction via the power cable. I tried temporarily grounding the Firebox's metal case, without effect. I happened to have a Amidon FT-140-J torroid core (1.40" diameter)on hand, so I did a field mod of cramming as many turns of the DC cable through the torroid as would fit. The coaxial DC connector is attached less than an inch past the torroid. Voila... noise gone! The only noises remaining were very low-level spikes and buzzes here and there, visible on the panadapter. I tracked these down to RFI emanating from the Compaq X1000US laptop screen (noises change pitch and intensity when I touch myhand to the surrounding LCD cover, aluminum in the X1000 series). I don't know if the RFI is coming directly from the laptop(screen) casing, or going outthrough the various parallel USB cables. I've always thought this was a pretty quiet laptop, but the SDR-1000 shows up any little signal ina RF-quiet environment.In the future I'm going to experiment with RFI clamp-on ferrites on every cable. By the way, after calibrating the SDR-1000's level with a XG-1, the background noise with Beverage antenna attached was around-132 dBm at medium preamp setting, and -140 to -144 dBm at the high setting. Very impressive! These readings were just after local dawn at the coast, where noise levels canbe eerily low in mid-winters (WA State has the fewest T-storm days per year in the continental USA). A Beverage antenna aimed out over the ocean at dawn knocks down domesticmediumwave and tropical bands frequencies to the east, leavingweak DX from Asia and the Pacific in the clear. So...try a torroid core to clamp down the noise from the Firebox. If your setup is like mine, theRFI is coming from the power cable.The "J" series Amidon core is one I've often used over the years for constructing impedance matching transformers, baluns, etc. 73, Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA -Original Message-From: Ross [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 8:09 PMTo: FlexRadio@flex-radio.bizSubject: [Flexradio] RF Noise from Presonus Firebox I am running with 2 computers, one driving the SDR1000 thru a presonus Firebox the other a normal soundcard to my FT1000MP. I had the computer with the SDR1000 turned off while changing sound cards around. Then switched it on and the noise level in the FT1000 on 20m increased significantly. Unplugging the cables from the computer controlling the SDR1000, the offending item is the cable going to the Presonus firebox. Has anyone noticed this problem, of RF from the Firewire connection, and importantly what is the best method to eliminate it.? Regards Ross ZL1WN
Re: [Flexradio] Initial Frequency Calibration Troubles
Thanks, Bob. This turned out to be the problem. The SDR1000 self-calibrates fine now. 73, Guy Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile. -Original Message- From: Bob Tracy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2006 12:58:47 To:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Initial Frequency Calibration Troubles Guy, Check the Line In/Line Out connectors on the back of the SDR-1000, you may have them reversed. 73, Bob, K5KDN -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Guy Atkins Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 12:53 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Initial Frequency Calibration Troubles During initial setup of my sdr1000 I'm getting a readout about 22 kHz high, and I'm having trouble correcting it through the auto Cal and the manual clock offset. Evidently this amount of readout error is beyond the adjustment range of both methods. Any suggestions as to what could be causing this? The soundcard here is the Firebox, with sampling rate set to 48,000 Hz. Thanks, Guy Atkins Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile. ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
[Flexradio] Initial Frequency Calibration Troubles
During initial setup of my sdr1000 I'm getting a readout about 22 kHz high, and I'm having trouble correcting it through the auto Cal and the manual clock offset. Evidently this amount of readout error is beyond the adjustment range of both methods. Any suggestions as to what could be causing this? The soundcard here is the Firebox, with sampling rate set to 48,000 Hz. Thanks, Guy Atkins Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile.
[Flexradio] Fw: Initial Frequency Calibration Troubles
Thanks, Bob. I'll check this when I get home. All the interconnects are in the dark confines of the back of my rackmount case. It's very possible I got the I/O switched. Guy Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile. -Original Message- From: Bob Tracy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2006 12:58:47 To:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Initial Frequency Calibration Troubles Guy, Check the Line In/Line Out connectors on the back of the SDR-1000, you may have them reversed. 73, Bob, K5KDN -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Guy Atkins Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 12:53 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Initial Frequency Calibration Troubles During initial setup of my sdr1000 I'm getting a readout about 22 kHz high, and I'm having trouble correcting it through the auto Cal and the manual clock offset. Evidently this amount of readout error is beyond the adjustment range of both methods. Any suggestions as to what could be causing this? The soundcard here is the Firebox, with sampling rate set to 48,000 Hz. Thanks, Guy Atkins Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile. ___ FlexRadio mailing list FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Dual Watch
Excellent, Phil! One thing I'm not clear on. Does the sub-rx need to be tuned within the 96 khz window? Seems like it would need to be. My interests are in listening to stations that are a few Mhz apart, such as the Chinese MW outlet on 963 khz and their parallel HF frequencies in the 90 and 60 meter bands. Guy Sent wirelessly via BlackBerry from T-Mobile.
[Flexradio] SDR-1000 for MW DXing - 9 kHz Channels
Hi guys, Greetings from a lurker! I've been mostly reading the mail here, and have learned a lot about the SDR-1000 and it's cooperative development on many fronts. My DXing "specialty" since 1990 has more and more been trans-Pacific MW DX from the Pacific Northwest USA. I participate in Beverage expeditions (DXpeditions to the WA coast four or more times per year to chase mediumwave broadcasters from across the Pacific and into Asia. I also pursue Asian mediumwave DX from my inland location east of Tacoma, WA.My home is about 120 miles inland from the coast (300 degrees bearing, and over a mountain range) so the reception definitely isn't enhanced by the coastal effect as on the DXpeditions, hi! Despite the obstacle of not being on the coast, and living near an RF-jungle where the mediumwave dial is packed with S9 + 50db signals from Tacoma/Seattle, I still manage to log MW stations from Japan, China, Korea, Tahiti, Malaysia, and other countries from home. A few weeks ago, trans-Atlantic MW DX was heard for a few evenings, too, especially by my friends to the north in Victoria, BC. Antennas here are a NW-oriented Beverage antenna, and a broadband, nonresonant loop antenna at the moment. I've also used switched EWE antennas at this location. Anyway, I'm using an IC-756Pro as the main receiver right now, but the SDR-1000 appears to be an even better choice for the type of DXing I do. Chasing the trans-Pacific DX on the 9-kHz "splits" has a lot in common with ham radio contesting, as both require radios capable of hearing a weak DX station adjacent to a powerful signal in a band chock-full of powerhouses. However, I understand that MW DXing with the SDR-1000 requires a lowpass filter to reduce the susceptibility to 3rd harmonic energy. My questions are-- 1. what amount of attenuation is required for the lowpass filter? 2. will a custom-configured LP filter for the SDR-1000's bandpass filter bank be sufficient? 3. would an external (antenna in-line) lowpass filter be better? I've been considering building a couple of 5th-order lowpass filters, one with a 1100 kHz cut-off frequency and another with a 1700 kHz cut-off, and switch between them depending on what frequency I was DXing in the MW band. 4. would the Palstar MW-550P preselector be a better choice in place of a lowpass filter? It offers 20 db of attenuation just 10 kHz removed from the tuned frequency, and up to 50 db attenuation further out. Use of this device would reduce energy on the band above *and* below the frequency of interest, perhaps reducing RF blocking effects and improving the chance of the DX to be heard (often just one or two kHz away from a local 50 kw station on the North American 10 kHz channel spacing). A friend of mine in Oregon, 30 miles from the nearest MW broadcaster, finds the MW-550P to improve the performance of his receivers and rendering the DX stronger and with less noise. If it can help in his rural environment, I'd think it could be of real benefit here in suburbia, even with the sturdy "frontend" of the SDR-1000. Thanks for any comments or advice relating to the SDR-1000, potentiallyas a premier mediumwave DXing rig. Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA USA
Re: [Flexradio] Frequency stability
This site, which I've had bookmarked for a long time, offers low-priced 10 Mhz frequency standards for homebrewers: http://www.aade.com/ AADE offers nice little digital frequency displays, too, for old-tech radios. The firm is just a few miles from me, but I don't know if it's an actual storefront or a cottage industry run out of an amateur operator's home. Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA -Original Message-From: Ross [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005 5:16 PMTo: FlexRadio@flex-radio.bizSubject: [Flexradio] Frequency stability Bob,(and others) Would making up a 10mhz refence standard and usingGPS based timing, improve the frequency stability of the SDR1000. If so, suggestions please as to where to obtain or build up a precision standard. Thanks Ross ZL1WN
