SmartSDR v4,x added a new feature for the FLEX-8000 Radios called "SmartSignal," our Adaptive PreDistortion algorithm that uses advanced signal processing to provide a much cleaner transmitted signal on phone modes, especially SSB.
In Version 4.2.17 and above, this feature allows the user to sample the output of their power amplifiers and feed that back into the FLEX-8000 radio as part of the SmartSignal feedback loop so the amplifier's signal can benefit from the SmartSignal algorithm.
Important Caveats when Using the PGXL's External -60 dB Sampling Ports for APD
- SmartSignal APD is only available for the FLEX-8000 Series Radios. It will not run on FLEX-6000 Radios.
- Due to the way the PGXL RF signal path is engineered, APD can only be calibrated when the amp is in OPERATE mode.
For the Power Genius, the configuration is very simple.
All that is required to bring the amplifier into the loop is a length of 50 Ohm coax with BNC connectors on each end.
Configure SIDE A of the PGXL and the FLEX-8000 Radio.
- Connect one end of the BNC Jumper to the "-60 dB" sampling port next to the OUTPUT A antenna connector.
- Connect the other end of the BNC Jumper to the sampling port of your choice -- Either the RXA or the XVTA input -- of the FLEX-8000.
Select the correct sampling input jack in SmartSDR for Windows:
- Open the "Settings > Radio > APD" tab in SmartSDR for Windows
- Open the ANT1 pull-down menu and select either RXA or XVTA -- the same port to which you connected the BNC Jumper for SIDE A of the PGXL.
In this example, the RXA Port has been chosen:
NOTE: If the PGXL is not going to be used, select 'INTERNAL' so that the radio uses the internal sampler to keep the radio's "barefoot" signal cleaner.
- Enable the APD Button in SmartSDR's Radio Controls > TX" sub-panel
How it Works:
Now, when you transmit on ANT1 of the Radio (and SIDE A of the PGXL), the radio will sample the output of the PGXL, create an equalization formula for the signal, and modify the radio's output so that the total signal of the radio and amplifier is cleaner than it would be without the SmartSignal APD adjustments.
- As you transmit, the radio will automatically "calibrate" and apply the SmartSignal solution.
- If you change frequencies, the radio will need to recalibrate, based on the new frequency
- If you adjust your power output, the radio will need to recalibrate, based on the new power level.
If you are using BOTH "sides" of the PGXL:
Configure SIDE B of the PGXL and the FLEX-8000 Radio
- Connect one end of the BNC Jumper to the "-60 dB" sampling port next to the OUTPUT B antenna connector.
- Connect the other end of the BNC Jumper to the sampling port of your choice -- Either the RXB or the XVTB input -- of the FLEX-8000.
Select the correct sampling input jack in SmartSDR for Windows:
- Open the "Settings > Radio > APD" tab in SmartSDR for Windows
- Open the ANT2 pull-down menu and select either RXB or XVTB -- the same port to which you connected the BNC Jumper for SIDE B of the PGXL.
In this example, the RXB Port has been chosen:
NOTE: If the PGXL is not going to be used, select 'INTERNAL' so that the radio uses the internal sampler to keep the radio's "barefoot" signal cleaner.
- Enable the APD Button in SmartSDR's Radio Controls > TX" sub-panel
Now, when you transmit on ANT2 of the Radio (and SIDE B of the PGXL), the radio will sample the output of the PGXL, create an equalization formula for the signal, and modify the radio's output so that the total signal of the radio and amplifier is cleaner than it would be without the SmartSignal APD adjustments.