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FlexRadio Systems FLEX-6400

FlexRadio Systems FLEX-6400
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Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved. FlexRadio Systems is a registered trademark and SmartSDR is a
trademark of FlexRadio Systems. All other brands or names are trademarks of their respective owners.
FLEX-6400 / FLEX-6600 HARDWARE REFERENCE
Version 2.1.30
29 January 2018

Table of Contents

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FlexRadio Systems FLEX-6400 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Receiver TypeDirect Sampling
ModesSSB, CW, AM, FM, Digital
Power Output100 W
Sample Rate122.88 Msps
ConnectivityEthernet, USB
ADC Resolution16-bit
DA converter16-bit
Antenna Connectors2 x SO-239
TypeSoftware Defined Radio
Frequency Range RX30 kHz – 54 MHz

Summary

1 Introduction

1.1 Welcome

Introduction to the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 SDRs, highlighting their technology and capabilities.

1.2 Manual Layout

Explains the structure and symbols used in the Hardware Reference Manual and its relationship with other guides.

1.3 Notices to the User

Provides important safety and regulatory notices for operating the radio, including warnings and cautions.

2 Warranty Information

What is Covered

Details what the 2-Year Limited Hardware Warranty covers, including repair or replacement of defective parts.

What is Not Covered

Lists exclusions from the warranty, such as misuse, unauthorized modifications, or damage from external factors.

3 Important Notice - Read Before Operating This Unit

3.1 Precautions

Outlines critical safety precautions for operating the radio, including warnings against misuse, electrical hazards, and environmental factors.

3.2 Legal Notices

Covers copyright information, disclaimers, limitations of liability, and terms of use for the documentation and products.

3.3 Copyright Information

States the copyright ownership and usage restrictions for the document, managed by FlexRadio Systems.

4 Specifications

4.1 General

Provides general specifications for both FLEX-6400 and FLEX-6600 models, including frequency ranges, power, and dimensions.

4.2 Transmitter

Details the transmitter specifications, including architecture, DAC, output power, modulation, and emissions.

4.3 Receiver

Lists receiver specifications, covering architecture, spectral units, ADC, dynamic range, and output levels.

5 Unpacking and Inspection

5.1 Unboxing

Provides step-by-step instructions on how to safely unpack the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 radio and its accessories.

5.2 Visual Inspection

Guides the user on how to inspect the radio for any physical damage after unpacking, including checking the radio and accessories.

5.3 Reporting Damage

Instructions on how to report missing items or shipping damage, including contact information and helpful tips.

5.2.4 Additional Items Not Included but Required

Lists essential items that are not supplied with the radio but are necessary for its operation, such as antennas and power supplies.

6 Front Panel Controls and Connections

GPS Disciplined Oscillator (GPSDO) Status

Explains the LED status indicators for the optional GPSDO, detailing its warm-up, locking, and holdover modes.

7 Rear Panel Connections

7.1 DC Power Input

Details the DC power input requirements, including voltage, current, connector type, and safety warnings.

7.1.1 Fused Internally at 30 Amps

Explains the internal 30 Amp fuse for power input, its location, and the importance of using the correct rating.

7.2 Transceiver Antenna Ports [1,2]

Describes the SO-239 antenna ports, their impedance, and safety precautions related to RF exposure and connections.

7.3 Powered Speakers

Details the PWR SPKR connector for amplified PC speakers, including the type of plug to use and a caution against mono plugs.

7.4 CW KeyPaddle Jack

Explains the 3.5mm TRS KEY connector for CW operation, how to connect straight keys and paddles, and wiring details.

7.5 Balanced Audio Input (FLEX-6600 Only)

Describes the balanced audio input for the FLEX-6600, supporting microphone and line level inputs, and pinout details.

7.5.1 MIC vs. LINE Use

Differentiates between microphone and line level inputs, noting bias capabilities and recommended connections for line level.

7.5.2 Line Level

Defines 'consumer line level' (-10 dBV) for the audio input and how to adjust professional line levels.

7.6 Accessory Connector

Details the HD-15 accessory connector, its type, pin functions (Line In, Line Out), and a warning about VGA monitors.

7.6.1 Pin 1: Line In

Explains the use of Pin 1 for consumer level audio input to the transmitter, directing to SmartSDR for configuration.

7.6.2 Pin 2: Line1 Out

Describes Pin 2 as a buffered output for the left channel of the powered speakers.

7.6.3 Pin 3: Line2 Out

Describes Pin 3 as a buffered output for the right channel of the powered speakers.

7.6.4 Pin 4: KEY In

Details the use of Pin 4 as a keying input for CW operation, referencing SmartSDR for configuration.

7.6.5 Pin 5, Pin 6, Pin 7, Pin 8 and Pin 10: GROUND

Identifies pins 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 as being connected to chassis ground.

7.6.6 Pin 9: +5 VDC

Explains Pin 9 as a +5VDC output for external equipment, its current limit, and thermal protection.

7.6.7 Pin 11: Accessory TX

Describes Pin 11 as a buffered PTT output, similar to RCA connectors TX1, TX2, and TX3.

7.6.8 Pin 12: SDA IO

Details Pin 12 as the data signal for an I2C serial communication channel, used with external equipment.

7.6.9 Pin 13: Accessory TX REQ

Explains Pin 13 as a transmitter interlock signal input for external control.

7.6.10 Pin 14: PTT in

Explains Pin 14 as a Push-To-Talk input, requiring grounding to engage transmit.

7.6.11 Pin 15: SCL IO

Details Pin 15 as the clock signal for an I2C serial communication channel, used with external equipment.

7.7 PTT Input

Describes the RCA connector for external Push-To-Talk signals, requiring the center pin to be grounded.

7.8 TX Request Input (Interlock)

Explains the RCA connector for receiving an interlock signal from external equipment to prevent transmission.

7.9 External Amplifier ALC Input

Details the RCA connector for receiving ALC signals from external amplifiers, with voltage limits and a warning.

7.10 Remote Power On Input

Describes the RCA connector for remote power-on functionality, activated by shorting to ground.

7.11 GPS Antenna Input (WGPSDO Option)

Explains the SMA connector for connecting the GPS antenna for the optional GPSDO module.

7.12 10 MHz Reference Output (WGPSDO Option)

Describes the SMA connector for the 10 MHz reference output from the optional GPSDO for external equipment.

7.13 Ethernet Connector

Details the network connection port for the radio, supporting 100 megabit/1 gigabit Ethernet and auto-sensing.

7.14 USB 2.0 Ports

Explains the function of USB 2.0 ports for SmartSDR specific features and warns against unqualified USB devices.

7.15 External Display

States that external displays are not supported on FLEX-6400 and FLEX-6600 models.

7.16 10 MHz Input

Describes the external reference clock input for synchronizing the radio's master oscillator.

7.17 TX Relay Outputs [1,2,3]

Details the TX relay outputs for keying external equipment like amplifiers, noting they are isolated outputs.

7.18 RX-B RF Input (FLEX-6600 Only)

Explains the BNC connector for the second Spectral Capture Unit (SCU-B) as a receive-only input.

7.19 XVTR-B Transverter Port (FLEX-6600 Only)

Describes the BNC connector for transverter use, noting it's also an auxiliary receive antenna port.

7.20 Microphone Jack

Details the 3.5mm TRS MIC jack for pseudo-balanced microphone input, including bias voltage options.

7.21 XVTR-A Transverter Port

Describes the BNC connector for transverter use, noting it's also an auxiliary receive antenna port.

7.22 RX InRX-A RF Input

Explains the BNC connector for the first Spectral Capture Unit (SCU-A) as a receive-only input.

7.23 Headphone Jack

Details the 3.5mm TRS PHONES connector for headphones, including recommended ratings and a caution.

7.24 Chassis Ground

Explains the thumbscrew for attaching earth ground to the chassis, emphasizing its safety importance.

8 Installation

8.1 Safety

Covers safety aspects for installation, including ESD and lightning protection, and general station setup.

8.2 Radio Placement

Provides guidance on optimal radio placement for reliability and ventilation, including clearance requirements.

8.3 Environmental Considerations

Discusses environmental factors for operation, advising to avoid extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration.

8.4 Connecting to a PC

Guides users on connecting the radio to a PC, covering Ethernet cabling and network configurations.

8.4.1 Ethernet Cabling Requirements

Specifies CAT5e/CAT6 UTP cable requirements for Ethernet connection and notes on cable length and shielding.

8.4.2 Direct PC Connection (Link-Local)

Explains the simplest connection method using a Link-Local Ethernet connection directly between PC and radio.

8.4.3 Connecting via a Local Network

Describes the versatile method of connecting via an existing LAN, including DHCP and static IP considerations.

8.4.4 Installing SmartSDR

Directs users to other guides for installing and configuring the SmartSDR software, the radio's human interface.

9 FHM-X Microphones

9.1 FHM-2 Specifications

Lists the specifications for the FHM-2 condenser microphone, including element type, impedance, sensitivity, and frequency response.

9.2 Connecting the FHM-2 Microphone

Provides instructions on connecting the FHM-2 microphone to the radio's MIC and PTT inputs.

9.3 Best Practices

Offers best practices for using the FHM-2 microphone, including positioning, 'cross talking', and equalizer settings.

10 Transverter Setup

10.1 Transmit Power Considerations

Discusses transmit power levels for transverters and recommendations for modifying or amplifying the signal.

10.2 RF Connections - Common IF

Details RF connection for common IF transverter configuration, linking the transverter's IF port to the radio's XVTR port.

10.3 RF Connections - Split IF

Explains RF connections for split IF transverters, linking TX IF to XVTR and RX IF to RX-A/RX-B ports.

10.4 PTT Connections

Covers PTT connections for transverters, typically using TX1, TX2, or TX3 outputs to trigger transmit mode.

10.5 Sequencers

Mentions the use of sequencers in transverter applications with split RF outputs and their connection to radio outputs.

10.6 Multiple Transverters

Discusses the current limitation of one transverter at a time due to radio band data and future FlexRadio plans.

11 Digital Mode Setup (Sound Card Interface)

FLEX-6400 FLEX-6600 Inputs

Lists the available audio inputs on the radio for connecting to a PC sound card, including MIC, BAL, and ACC.

FLEX-6400 FLEX-6600 Outputs

Lists the available audio outputs from the radio for connecting to a PC sound card, including PHONES, PWR SPKR, and ACC.

12 Antenna Considerations

12.1 Antenna Selection

Discusses how the radio's wide bandwidth changes antenna considerations, recommending experimenting with existing antennas.

13 Antenna Tuner Unit (ATU)

13.1 Specifications

Details ATU specifications including network type, antenna connection, frequency range, VSWR range, and tune power.

14 Optional GPS Disciplined Oscillator (GPSDO) Setup

14.1 GPSDO Introduction

Introduces the GPSDO module and its capability for attaining extremely precise frequency control.

14.2 GPS Antenna Placement

Provides guidance on positioning the GPS antenna for optimal satellite signal acquisition and locking.

14.3 GPSDO Lock Sequence and Status Indicators

Details the GPSDO lock sequence and status indicators, explaining modes like warm-up, locking, and holdover.

15 Calibration

15.1 Frequency Calibration

Explains frequency calibration using the SmartSDR routine, including temperature stabilization and signal source requirements.

16 Key Contacts

16.1 Headquarters USA

Provides contact information for FlexRadio Systems Headquarters in the USA, including address, phone, fax, email, and support links.

16.2 Outside of the USA

Instructs users outside the USA to contact their local distributors and provides a link to the distributors page.

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