The SDR-1000
Emphasis on the high bands (902 through 10 GHz) has been a priority at ARS KMGT for the past few years. The low bands were in good condition, requiring only standard maintenance. Improvements to the microwave station for the high bands have been the main focus, with various options considered. Initial operations using a FT-100D as a 144 MHz intermediate frequency (IF) were successful, but it became clear that unless everyone was on a phase-locked frequency reference, finding signals was challenging. To maximize microwave QSOs during contests, a visual representation of the band would be beneficial in reducing variables affecting microwave QSOs. The Icom 756 series radios with the "bandscope" feature appeared to be ideal for driving the microwave equipment. In 2002, an Icom 756 Pro II was used as the IF radio at 28 MHz, which drove a SSB Electronics LT2S 144 MHz transverter, subsequently powering the microwave transverters. While the bandscope was useful, it lacked sensitivity; good signals on the microwave bands were necessary for effective use. Despite these limitations, the setup proved to be functional and enjoyable for microwave operations. The original write-up on the Icom 756 Pro II interfacing provides further details on this configuration. Connections were made with Ken - K5UHF during the June VHF 2001 Contest, and later at the CSVHFS Convention in Dallas, where discussions included Gerald's software-defined radio project. The conversation highlighted the radio's architecture and technical aspects, with inquiries about the possibility of implementing a bandscope feature. Gerald assured that it was feasible, being a software issue. Over the following years, the SDR project progressed, leading to the SDR-1000's readiness in 2005. In October 2004, the SDR-1000 was acquired from Flex Radio, along with a new compact Shuttle XPS computer. However, initial issues arose with the visual basic version of the software failing to control the SDR effectively, despite attempts to resolve the problem. After consultation with Flex Radio, it was suggested to try the new Power-SDR Beta software written in C, which showed some improvements, although intermittent audio issues persisted.
The described system focuses on enhancing microwave communication capabilities within the high-frequency bands. The transition from traditional analog equipment to a software-defined radio (SDR) platform represents a significant evolution in operational flexibility and performance. The choice of the Icom 756 Pro II as an intermediate frequency radio, coupled with the SSB Electronics LT2S transverter, illustrates a common approach in amateur radio to utilize existing equipment while upgrading functionality through transverters.
The implementation of the bandscope feature, while initially limited by sensitivity, provides a visual representation of the frequency spectrum, facilitating the identification of active signals in a crowded band. This is particularly advantageous during contest operations, where quick identification and tuning to active stations can significantly enhance QSO rates. The integration of SDR technology further amplifies this capability, allowing for advanced signal processing and dynamic adjustment of operational parameters.
The SDR-1000, as a pivotal component of this setup, showcases the shift towards digital signal processing in amateur radio. The utilization of a compact computing solution, like the Shuttle XPS, aligns with modern trends of minimizing space while maximizing performance. The challenges encountered with software compatibility and control signal integrity highlight the complexities inherent in transitioning to SDR systems, emphasizing the importance of robust software development and hardware interface design.
Overall, this setup not only exemplifies the advancements in microwave communication technology but also reflects the collaborative spirit of the amateur radio community in overcoming technical challenges and enhancing operational capabilities through innovative solutions.Emphasis on the high bands (902 thru 10 GHz) had been a priority here at ARS KMGT for the last few years. The low bands were in pretty good shape, so not much other than standard maintenance was needed there.
However, improvements to the microwave station for the high bands have been a main focus with lots of options considered along the way. Initial operations using a FT-100D as my 144 MHz IF for the high bands worked just fine, however it became apparent unless everyone (including myself) was on a phase locked frequency reference, then finding signals were always a bit of a struggle. In order to maximize microwave QSOs during the various contests, a visual representation of the band would be ideal in helping eliminating one of the variables of making a microwave QSO.
The Icom 756 series of radios with the "bandscope" seemed to be the ideal candidate for driving the microwave equipment. In 2002, I started using an Icom 756 Pro II as my IF radio at 28 MHz. I used that to drive a SSB Electronics LT2S 144 MHz transverter. That in turn was used to drive the microwave transverters. It was immediately evident that the bandscope was useful, but not all that sensitive. Fairly good signals on the microwave bands needed to be present in order to make good use of the bandscope.
However, this setup came to be very handy and fairly enjoyable for microwave use. Aside from the bandscope sensitivity and other operating quirks of the 756 Pro II, it was the best I could do at that point. See the Original write-up on the Icom 756 Pro II interfacing for details on this setup. I met Ken - K5UHF from his roving expedition up here during the June VHF 2001 Contest. Ken and I had a good time working each other as he roved from North Dakota on his way back to Texas. Later on, we met up at the CSVHFS Convention in Dallas that July. At the convention, Ken invited me to have dinner with him one night. That`s where I got the opportunity to meet Gerald, AC5OG. Discussion over dinner was of Gerald`s software defined radio project. Now, I was an electrical engineer by schooling, and grew up in a digital world, but boy I was blown away by the talk of the radio`s architecture and technical details.
However, the main question I had at the time for Gerald was "can you do a bandscope " As I indicated I wanted to use the radio for an IF on the VHF bands and be able to see the signals. Gerald indicated at the time that it should not be a problem, "its just software!" Over the next few years, I looked over Gerald`s "SDR" and waited for it to get to a state where I thought I was ready to try it out and use it as an IF radio.
Well, here we are in the year 2005 and the SDR-1000 is ready to go! In October or so of 2004, I got my SDR-1000 from Flex Radio. I also got a new computer to run the SDR. I wanted something that was not going to take up a bunch of room in the shack, so I looked into a Shuttle XPS system. Its a nice computer for sure, small, compact and fairly quiet. However, I had issues from the beginning with this computer. I could not get the visual basic version of the software to properly control the SDR. Numerous attempts and the trying of different parallel cables did not make any difference. With that, calls to Flex-Radio were not unanswered, but they were unable to give me a definite fix. It was suggested however to try the new Power-SDR Beta software written in C. My guess it was the computer parallel port not having enough signal to control the radio. The new Power SDR software written in C seemed to work, but I was having other issues of intermittent audio, echo sounding signals, etc.
This was tracked down to the actual 🔗 External reference
The described system focuses on enhancing microwave communication capabilities within the high-frequency bands. The transition from traditional analog equipment to a software-defined radio (SDR) platform represents a significant evolution in operational flexibility and performance. The choice of the Icom 756 Pro II as an intermediate frequency radio, coupled with the SSB Electronics LT2S transverter, illustrates a common approach in amateur radio to utilize existing equipment while upgrading functionality through transverters.
The implementation of the bandscope feature, while initially limited by sensitivity, provides a visual representation of the frequency spectrum, facilitating the identification of active signals in a crowded band. This is particularly advantageous during contest operations, where quick identification and tuning to active stations can significantly enhance QSO rates. The integration of SDR technology further amplifies this capability, allowing for advanced signal processing and dynamic adjustment of operational parameters.
The SDR-1000, as a pivotal component of this setup, showcases the shift towards digital signal processing in amateur radio. The utilization of a compact computing solution, like the Shuttle XPS, aligns with modern trends of minimizing space while maximizing performance. The challenges encountered with software compatibility and control signal integrity highlight the complexities inherent in transitioning to SDR systems, emphasizing the importance of robust software development and hardware interface design.
Overall, this setup not only exemplifies the advancements in microwave communication technology but also reflects the collaborative spirit of the amateur radio community in overcoming technical challenges and enhancing operational capabilities through innovative solutions.Emphasis on the high bands (902 thru 10 GHz) had been a priority here at ARS KMGT for the last few years. The low bands were in pretty good shape, so not much other than standard maintenance was needed there.
However, improvements to the microwave station for the high bands have been a main focus with lots of options considered along the way. Initial operations using a FT-100D as my 144 MHz IF for the high bands worked just fine, however it became apparent unless everyone (including myself) was on a phase locked frequency reference, then finding signals were always a bit of a struggle. In order to maximize microwave QSOs during the various contests, a visual representation of the band would be ideal in helping eliminating one of the variables of making a microwave QSO.
The Icom 756 series of radios with the "bandscope" seemed to be the ideal candidate for driving the microwave equipment. In 2002, I started using an Icom 756 Pro II as my IF radio at 28 MHz. I used that to drive a SSB Electronics LT2S 144 MHz transverter. That in turn was used to drive the microwave transverters. It was immediately evident that the bandscope was useful, but not all that sensitive. Fairly good signals on the microwave bands needed to be present in order to make good use of the bandscope.
However, this setup came to be very handy and fairly enjoyable for microwave use. Aside from the bandscope sensitivity and other operating quirks of the 756 Pro II, it was the best I could do at that point. See the Original write-up on the Icom 756 Pro II interfacing for details on this setup. I met Ken - K5UHF from his roving expedition up here during the June VHF 2001 Contest. Ken and I had a good time working each other as he roved from North Dakota on his way back to Texas. Later on, we met up at the CSVHFS Convention in Dallas that July. At the convention, Ken invited me to have dinner with him one night. That`s where I got the opportunity to meet Gerald, AC5OG. Discussion over dinner was of Gerald`s software defined radio project. Now, I was an electrical engineer by schooling, and grew up in a digital world, but boy I was blown away by the talk of the radio`s architecture and technical details.
However, the main question I had at the time for Gerald was "can you do a bandscope " As I indicated I wanted to use the radio for an IF on the VHF bands and be able to see the signals. Gerald indicated at the time that it should not be a problem, "its just software!" Over the next few years, I looked over Gerald`s "SDR" and waited for it to get to a state where I thought I was ready to try it out and use it as an IF radio.
Well, here we are in the year 2005 and the SDR-1000 is ready to go! In October or so of 2004, I got my SDR-1000 from Flex Radio. I also got a new computer to run the SDR. I wanted something that was not going to take up a bunch of room in the shack, so I looked into a Shuttle XPS system. Its a nice computer for sure, small, compact and fairly quiet. However, I had issues from the beginning with this computer. I could not get the visual basic version of the software to properly control the SDR. Numerous attempts and the trying of different parallel cables did not make any difference. With that, calls to Flex-Radio were not unanswered, but they were unable to give me a definite fix. It was suggested however to try the new Power-SDR Beta software written in C. My guess it was the computer parallel port not having enough signal to control the radio. The new Power SDR software written in C seemed to work, but I was having other issues of intermittent audio, echo sounding signals, etc.
This was tracked down to the actual 🔗 External reference