Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000.
Maarten, I believe that K5FR's DDUtil program will allow the F3K & F5K to control multiple transverters. It is not as straightforward as the X2 connector on the SDR1K, but it does make the functionality possible. 73, Ray, K9DUR http://k9dur.info ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000
Actually multiple transverters can be controlled with either the F3K or the F5K using DDUTIL and one of the output options associated with that program 73 W9OY ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000.
If you are a VHF/UHF person that uses multiple transverters the SDR1000 is the only way to go. Only the SDR 1000 has an UCB port to easily control multiple transverters. You cannot do this with the 3000 or 5000. With the 5000 you can control one transverter but it is difficult to control multiple. The SDR 3000 has no transverter output at all. (what an omission) The SDR3000 and 5000 have the flexwire port that, as far as I know, has no functionality yet. The soon to be released 1500 only has 48KHz of spectrum view. 73 Maarten N1DZ ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000
First thank you all for responding. At this point I am leaning towards the F3K. My primary operating bands are 80,40,20 so transverters are not of concern. Because I use a loop, ATU's are not a concern. I am use to computers and I am currently using a dual boot system with Windows XP, Windows 7 as operating systems. The basic setup is A quad core, 3 Ghz processor with 8 G of ram. I use some specialized software that uses the 8 G ram otherwise it would be a waste. So it sounds like I just need a couple more $ in the account. I wonder if there will be any "sales" in December. Thanks again Don ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000.
Hi Don, I have owned my SDR-1000 since 2005. Here are some disadvantages of the SDR-1000: Probably the biggest concern is that the performance depends on the sound card that you use in your PC. There are only a few supported. I use the M-Audio Delta 44 alternating with the HPSDR Ozy/Janus. I am in a suburban setting so I can't say much about weak signal performance (I sure miss my folks 80 acre farm), but the closest broadcast station is less than one mile away and two hams are less than a block away. I love the SDR-1000 performance. The I and Q signals are connected to the SDR-1000 through 3.5 mm miniature stereo phone jacks. These often are scratchy and that's the first thing I check when diagnosing a problem. Some hams have gone to far as to bypass the jacks and wire directly to the circuit board. I'm also using 1:1 audio isolation transformers in the I and Q lines to reduce any RFI and get rid of the sound card DC "hump" in the panadapter display. The PC to SDR-1000 control is through a PC printer connection. Some PC cables don't carry all the wires that the SDR-1000 uses and some types of PC printer ports don't work. The SDR-1000 uses a DC-to-DC switching converter that generates a low-level signal that wanders in frequency. It doesn't bother me, but some hams have added filtering or used a different voltage source. The SDR-1000 is a stack of boards. Some hams have reported board-board connector problems, but I have not had any. The original SDR-1000 was a three board stack. The RFE (R F Expansion) board was added for a low-noise pre-amplifier and ham band filters. FlexRadio no longer can supply the RFE boards. Another option is the 100 Watt Power Amplifier. Works just fine. I think that the ATU is an LDG Z-100 tuner that was specially-built to interface to the SDR-1000. It's not going to do bedspring matching, but it is integrated and fast. A downside is that you can't see the board LEDs to count the flashes for results. I tried a fiber to "light pipe" the LED to the front panel, but without good results yet. QSK: I don't really need to hear between my dits, so I am not concerned about any QSK limitations. The SDR-1000 has had engineering revisions. You might be able to have FlexRadio Systems upgrade you on the ECOs. The oscillator stabilizer really reduced warm-up time for me. I used to leave the SDR-1000 on all day to warm up for a frequency- measuring test. The SDR-1000 likes a good supply voltage. I discovered that my "25 Amp" DC supply did not really provide 25 Amps without voltage sag. Some hams have done the "PTC Voltage Stabilization" high stability mod for frequency-critical work. Knob: I was originally determined to get the accessory tuning knob when I bought my SDR-1000, but deferred buying it until I had some more money. After I started using mouse or keyboard tuning, I had no desire to buy the knob; I just didn't need it. I still like my hand-cranked radios, but do not need a knob to enjoy my FlexRadio. For six meter operation, the SDR-1000 needs a receive preamplifier added and a transmit power amplifier. I think the 6 meter power output is 1/2 Watt. I've made a barefoot 6 meter contact across town. Lots of DDS spurs on 6 and 10 meters. The DEMI 144 option is designed for transverter operation. You would need a receive preamp and transmit PA (5 to 10 mWatt output) for direct operation. The frequency coverage is 144 to 146 MHz. As I am selling rigs for our move, I have no desire to sell the SDR-1000. It is the best receiver that I have ever used. (I have not had access to a Flex-5000) Other stations tell me the transmit audio is exceptionally good. The SDR-1000 is one of those radios that substantially changed amateur radio. Mike - AA8K Don wrote: I am interested in purchasing a SDR radio. Lately I have noticed several sdr-1000 radios that have come up for sale. So I'm trying to weigh the advantages primarily between the 1000 & 3000 and ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000.
> > So generally is there really a 4-500 dollar difference between the two? > Tim and Lee have given you one perspective. Let me TRY to provide another. I'd say it depends on what you want to achieve, what you consider $500 worth of difference, your experience with computers, and your approach to the radio. I'm still running an SDR-1000 and I just love it. I haven't seen anything that's sufficiently compelling to make me want to upgrade to a 3K or 5K. The biggest problem, in my own operating, with the SDR-1000 is the frequency drift that Tim noted. As a digital-mode operator, this made me INSANE... UNTIL I got a real TXCO and installed it in the radio. Simple mod, with tremendous results. Now? Rock solid frequency to the hz. Tim and Lee are also 100% correct that the SDR-1000 takes a lot more "fiddling around" than the current generation of radios. If you're less of a computer guy, and more of a radio guy, you might find this fiddling annoying. OTOH, if you're like me and comfortable with computers and not in a rush to try the latest software... I tend to set my radio up and only upgrade versions maybe twice a year... the fiddling is kept to a minimum and things tend to stay working well. The SDR-1000 uses the same software as the new Flex radios, so from a usage perspective (features, controls, etc) they're identical (not counting the optional second receiver in the 5K). So, while the new Flex radios are undoubtedly superior (better build quality, more integrated, more frequency stability, easier setup and use) the older SDR-1000 is a real value. And if you're looking to "get your feet wet" in SDR, see what the excitement is about, and don't mind tweaking this and that (a bit like assembling a kit radio)... the SDR-1000 could be an inexpensive way to do it! And heck... after a few months you could always sell the SDR-1000 and buy a 3K :-) Peter K1PGV ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000.
Don, There are a lot of differences between the FLEX-3000 and the SDR-1000. The SDR-1000 was a ground breaking radio, but it has its warts. These were eliminated with the FLEX family of SDRs 1.) With the recent changes in the FLEX-3000 preamp, the FLEX-3000 has better IP2 and IMD DR3 performance numbers than the SDR-1000 with any of the approved sound cards. 2.) The FLEX-3000 utilizes an on-board ADC and DAC provide the A/D and D/A conversions, therefore you do not have to use an external sound card to provide this function. An external sound card has to connect to the SDR-1000 via audio cables that have to be engineered to minimize RFI ingress, eliminate ground loops and can be difficult to manage since moving the radio a little bit can significantly effect the performance of the radio. 3.) The SDR-1000 has known frequency stability issues (long warm up times and drift) and MUST be manually recalibrated every time a new database is used. This requires a signal generator of known frequency and strength along with a dummy load. To get accurate RX image rejection calibrations, you need a RF signal source for all bands you will be operating on. The FLEX-3000 has BITE (built in test equipment) and stores its calibration info in its internal EEPROM. Calibration of the FLEX-3000 is rarely needed and if it is, it can be done easily without any additional test equipment for all but one test (PA bridge cal). 4.) The SDR-1000 is not really usable on 6m. Less than 1 watt output and the RX is deaf as a post. The FLEX-3000 is very good on 6m 5.) DDS spurs. The SDR-1000 is riddled with them making the upper bands (12 & 10m) almost unusable. The FLEX-3000 does not have this problem. Also the SDR-1000 is prone to DC-DC converter noise (aka "the traveling hump"). 6.) It is a discontinued radio. Don't expect the same level of support from FRS with it as you will with in-production radios. The FLEX-1500 is not a released radio. It will have a lot of the same characteristics of the FLEX-5000 and FLEX-3000, but it will not have the performance levels of those radios. Its performance levels will also be less than the SDR-1000. Being only a 5 watt radio, you will need a specialized amp that will take a 5 watt input to generate 300 watts or use two amps. The lower sampling rate of 48 KHz will result in a narrow visual bandwidth on the panadapter as compared to the FLEX-5000 and FLEX-3000. And lastly, the FLEX family of radios represents the present and future of FlexRadio systems' products. The SDR-1000 is a first generation product and has technical limitations that may preclude it from moving forward with the FLEX family of SDRs. So you question boils down to is it better to spend a little extra $$ for a FLEX-3000 as opposed to the SDR-1000. I would say it is a no brainer to go with the FLEX-3000. It is much better engineered than the SDR-1000, more convenient (less hassle) and easier to use too. -Tim -Original Message- From: flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of Don Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 11:54 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000. I am interested in purchasing a SDR radio. Lately I have noticed several sdr-1000 radios that have come up for sale. So I'm trying to weigh the advantages primarily between the 1000 & 3000 and possibly the 1500 which is looming in the background. Considering that I live in An apartment, have one antenna and probably will never run more than about 250-300 watts. In the used department I see the 1000 selling between $6-900 depending options and the 3000 for about $1350. So generally is there really a 4-500 dollar difference between the two? BTW the antenna is a 40-meter loop fed by twin lead and a Plaster BT1500A tuner. Thanks for your input. Don ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to telli...@itsco.com ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000
The short answer is yes its worth the 500 bux The SDR-1000 while an excellent radio is first generation. As such it was the platform the designers learned on. It is missing much of the present day functionality and fine tuning that the F3K possesses. It also takes considerable time to set up correctly, and that set up needs to be repeated at various times as software development progresses. I own all three radios the F5K F3K and SDR-1000 and I would never trade my F3K away before I traded my SDR-1000 Unless you are satisfied with the limitations of a 5 watt radio I would not consider a F-1500 for your needs. The RX will be awesome I'm sure but the TX at least for my operating style would be terribly limiting. The 13dB difference between 5 watts and 100 watts to the operator on the other end of a QSO is not trivial. For your situation I expect the F3K is about the perfect bang for the buck radio 73 W9OY ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Flexradio] FlexRadio SDR-1000, 1500 and 3000.
I am interested in purchasing a SDR radio. Lately I have noticed several sdr-1000 radios that have come up for sale. So I'm trying to weigh the advantages primarily between the 1000 & 3000 and possibly the 1500 which is looming in the background. Considering that I live in An apartment, have one antenna and probably will never run more than about 250-300 watts. In the used department I see the 1000 selling between $6-900 depending options and the 3000 for about $1350. So generally is there really a 4-500 dollar difference between the two? BTW the antenna is a 40-meter loop fed by twin lead and a Plaster BT1500A tuner. Thanks for your input. Don ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flex-radio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flex-radio.com/ Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
