FlexRadio Systems FLEX-5000 Series User Manual

F R O N T C O N S O L E C H A P T E R 3
 SR (Spur Reduction): Activates the Spur Reduction algorithm (see page 84).
 BIN (Binaural Audio): Activates the Binaural algorithm. Binaural audio is a special feature of
PowerSDR. It generates a pleasing effect as the two phased channels (I and Q) are mapped to
the left and right audio channels. The phasing of the demodulated and filtered audio signal
within the passband gives a stereo-like, spatial effect to the received signal. When tuning across
CW signals, they will seem to move in “space” as you tune the radio. Many experienced
operators feel that binaural audio gives them a competitive advantage under contest conditions
where the effect allows them to more easily pick signals out of a pile up. Wearing headphones
increases the effect of the spatial separation.
Note: BIN is not available when operating FMN, AM or SAM.
(12) VFO Controls
Figure 57: VFO Controls
These controls are only available for the main receiver RX1.
 SPLT (Split): Enables Split operation using VFO B (or the lower section of VFO A if RX2 is on,
see page 51) for the transmit frequency. The frequency text in VFO B (or lower part of VFO A)
will turn red to indicate that it is the transmit frequency.
 0 Beat: Centers the signal peak within the RX1 filter passband. An exception is made in CW
mode if the CW Pitch is within the passband. In this case, the signal is tuned to the CW Pitch.
Note: 0 Beat is only available if AVG is enabled for the Display.
 IF→V: Translates any offset created by Filter Shift and shifts it back to baseband. Useful when
chasing a signal with the Filter Shift control (see also page 58).
 A >B: Transfers the contents of VFO A to VFO B (frequency, mode, and filter). If RX2 is on, this
tunes RX2 to the same frequency RX1 is on.
 A< B: Transfers the contents of VFO B to VFO A (frequency, mode, and filter). If RX2 is on, this
tunes RX1 to the same frequency RX2 is on.
71  2003-2008 FlexRadio Systems

FlexRadio Systems FLEX-5000 Series Specifications

General

Brand	FlexRadio Systems
Model	FLEX-5000 Series
Category	Transceiver
Language	English

Summary

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

Unpacking and Deciding on a Location

Details unpacking and initial placement considerations for the FLEX-5000.

Location Considerations

Factors to consider when choosing a location for the FLEX-5000 in your shack.

Physical Connections

Explains how to connect the radio's front and back panel ports.

Front Panel Connectors and Controls

Details the connectors and controls on the front panel of the FLEX-5000.

Back Panel Ports and Connectors

Details various back panel ports including antenna, power, FireWire, and audio connections.

FLEX-5000C Computer Connections

Instructions for connecting peripherals to the FLEX-5000C's embedded computer.

Network Connection

Guidance on connecting the FLEX-5000C to a local area network or modem.

Installing the FLEX-5000C

Step-by-step instructions for installing the FLEX-5000C.

Set up and Configure the Computer

Steps to set up and configure the pre-installed operating system.

Installing the FLEX-5000A

Step-by-step instructions for installing the FLEX-5000A.

Configuring the Driver with the FLEX-5000 Control Panel

Configures driver settings like sample rate, buffer size, and operation mode.

Chapter 2 PowerSDR Installation & Setup

Upgrading From an Earlier Version

Guidance on upgrading from a previous version of PowerSDR.

PowerSDR Installation

Steps for downloading and installing the PowerSDR software.

PowerSDR Setup Wizard

Outlines the steps for the initial PowerSDR setup wizard.

Initial PowerSDR Configuration

Parameters and settings for the initial configuration of PowerSDR.

Audio Parameters

Configures audio settings like buffer size, sample rate, and latency.

Antenna Port and External Keying Lines

Configures antenna ports and external keying lines for each band.

Audio Mixer

Controls the audio lines into and out of the FLEX-5000, similar to Windows sound mixer.

Chapter 3 Front Console

VFO A

The main tuning VFO for the primary receiver RX1 and the transmitter.

Tuning Controls

Details controls for synchronizing VFOs, locking frequency, and adjusting tune steps.

VFO B

The secondary VFO, used in specific instances and for tuning RX2.

Multimeters

Explains the RX1, RX2, and TX meters for monitoring signal parameters.

Band Selection & Band Stacking Memories

Controls for selecting operating bands and saving/recalling band settings.

Mode Selection

Options for changing the demodulation routine and selecting modes like LSB, USB, CW, etc.

Filter Controls

Settings for customizable, mode-specific filters and variable filter adjustments.

Mode Specific Controls

Adjusts settings specific to the selected transmission mode (Phone, CW, Digital).

Display Controls

Controls for adjusting display views like Panadapter, Waterfall, and Spectrum.

MultiRX Controls

Enables a second receive channel within the passband for RX1.

DSP Controls

Configures DSP functions like noise reduction, blankers, and filters.

VFO Controls

Controls for manipulating VFO frequencies and settings like Split, RIT, and XIT.

CPU %

Displays total CPU load, indicating potential performance issues.

Start/Stop Button

Activates/deactivates PowerSDR and acts as an RX/TX indicator.

MON (Monitor)

Monitors transmitted audio through receiver speakers for adjustments.

Chapter 4 Setup Form

Reset Database

Resets the radio's options and current state to default.

Import Database...

Imports settings from a backwards-compatible database file.

General Tab

Configures general settings including hardware, options, calibration, and RX2.

Audio Tab

Configures audio settings including buffer size, sample rate, and VAC.

Display Tab

Customizes the appearance of spectrum, waterfall, and meter displays.

DSP Tab

Configures DSP functions like noise reduction, blankers, and filters.

Image Reject Sub-Tab

Adjusts phase and gain for receive and transmit image rejection.

Keyer Sub-Tab

Configures CW keyer settings including pitch, connections, and options.

AGC/ALC Sub-Tab

Customizes AGC, Leveler, and ALC settings for user preference.

Transmit Tab

Tailors transmit signal characteristics using compression and filtering.

PA Settings Tab

Configures power amplifier settings, including gain by band.

Appearance Tab

Customizes the appearance of the front console elements.

Keyboard Tab

Associates keyboard keys with operating functions as shortcuts.

Cat Control Tab

Enables interface with third-party logging and remote control software.

Tests Tab

Provides tools for testing transmitter IMD, audio balance, and signal generation.

Chapter 5 Operating Forms

Memory Form

Allows saving and retrieving frequency, mode, filter, and other settings.

Wave Form

Enables recording and playback of station audio or pre-processed IF audio.

Equalizer Form

Provides 3-band, 10-band, or 100-band equalizers for audio modification.

XVTRs Form

Configures up to 16 external transverters for use with PowerSDR software.

CWX Form

Controls automatic Morse code transmission and sending code from the keyboard.

Mixer

Controls audio lines into and out of the FLEX-5000, similar to Windows sound mixer.

Antenna

Configures antenna ports and keying lines for receivers and transmitter.

ATU

Controls the internal, optional Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU).

Chapter 6 Operation

Power-Up Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for powering up the FLEX-5000 transceiver.

Power-Down Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for powering down the FLEX-5000 transceiver.

Tuning Methods

Explains various methods for tuning signals using the radio interface.

Voice Transmission Operation

Setup procedure for quickly establishing voice transmission (SSB, AM, or FMN).

CW Transmission Operation

Setup procedure for quick CW transmissions using internal/external keyers.

Third Party Program

Guides operation with third-party programs using CAT and virtual COM ports.

Digital Mode Operation

Connects PowerSDR to digital mode programs via CAT and Audio connections.

Configure PowerSDR CAT Control

Sets up PowerSDR to connect to third-party software via CAT control.

Configure PowerSDR Keyer Connections

Sets up PowerSDR to connect to third-party CW programs using CAT port.

Virtual Sound Connection

Utilizes virtual sound connections for digital mode programs.

Programs Needing to Connect to the Default Sound Device

Enables PowerSDR for programs using the default sound device.

Chapter 7 Specifications and Architecture

FLEX-5000A and FLEX-5000C Transceiver Specifications

Details the technical specifications for the FLEX-5000A and FLEX-5000C transceivers.

FLEX-5000C Embedded Computer Specifications

Details specifications for the FLEX-5000C's embedded computer hardware and software.

FLEX-5000 Architecture

Shows the full duplex/triplex architecture of the FLEX-5000 transceiver.

Declarations of Conformity

FCC and EU compliance statements for the FLEX-5000A transceiver.

Appendix A Buffers and Sample Rate

Filter Effects

Illustrates how buffer size and sample rate affect filter bandwidth, slope, and latency.

Latency Effects

Explains how buffer size and sample rate affect system latency.

Underlying Theory

Explains fundamental theory behind signal processing, DFT, and FFT.

Appendix B Updating the Flex-5000 Firmware

Automatically

How to update firmware using the FlexLoader utility automatically.

Manually

Steps for manually updating the FLEX-5000 firmware.

Download and Extract the Firmware

Instructions for downloading and extracting firmware files.

Update the Firmware

Procedure to execute the firmware update using the Burn.bat file.

Appendix C Optimizing the AGC

Input and Output Signal Levels at Various Max Gain Settings

Shows input/output signal levels at different Max Gain settings with Slope set to zero.

Appendix D Window Functions

Rectangular Window Function

Describes the rectangular window function with no shaping applied.

Hanning and Hamming Window Functions

Explains Hanning and Hamming windows based on raised cosine shape.

Blackman, Blackman-Harris and Blackman Nutall Window Functions

Discusses Blackman window functions used for signal processing chain filters.

Other Window Functions

Mentions less common window functions for completeness and experimentation.