FlexRadio Power Genius XL User Manual
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FlexRadio Power Genius XL User Manual

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Power Genius XL
User Guide
Power Genius XL Firmware Version 3.4.16
Power Genius XL Utility Version 2.2.10
27 August 2020
Copyright 2020 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.
FlexRadio is a registered trademark and SmartSDR is a trademark of FlexRadio.
All other brands or names are trademarks of their respective owners.

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Summary of Contents for FlexRadio Power Genius XL

  • Page 1 Power Genius XL Firmware Version 3.4.16 Power Genius XL Utility Version 2.2.10 27 August 2020 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved. FlexRadio is a registered trademark and SmartSDR is a trademark of FlexRadio. All other brands or names are trademarks of their respective owners.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Front Panel ..........................6 Back Panel ..........................7 PTB/BCD Connector Pinout ....................... 9 Power Genius XL Setup, Configuration, and Testing ............... 10 Unpacking and Setup ......................10 Connecting the Power Genius XL Windows Utility ..............12 Basic Configuration ......................... 14 3.3.1...
  • Page 3 9.5.4 Other Tab ......................... 53 Usage Chart ..........................54 10 Firmware Upgrade Procedure ......................55 11 Factory Reset the Power Genius XL ....................57 12 Alarms ............................57 13 Specifications ..........................58 14 FCC Statement ..........................58 15 Appendix ............................59 15.1...

  • Page 4: Important Notice

    When attached to an antenna, this amplifier can generate RF electromagnetic fields which require evaluation according to your national law to provide any necessary isolation or protection required, concerning human exposure. Page 4 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)
  • Page 5 ▲- If any defect, abnormal result, or other observations occur that are not covered by this User Guide, immediately cease operation and contact FlexRadio Support or local distributor for operational advice or repair of the unit.

  • Page 6: Features Of The Power Genius Xl

    2 Features of the Power Genius XL • Full legal power on all HF bands and 6M in all modes. 1500W ICAS with headroom for 2000W • Unique Maximum Efficiency Algorithm (MEffA™) for efficiencies up to 75% • Duplexed filters maximize harmonic suppression and efficiency •...

  • Page 7: Back Panel

    Either of the A or B sections can be keyed at any one time, but they cannot be keyed simultaneously. Please refer to the table below. Page 7 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)
  • Page 8 PTT Input B: Optoisolated female RCA connector. Ground the center pin to key the B section of the amplifier. See Required RF Output Delay (TX Delay) for usage details. Ethernet connection: RJ45 Local Area Network Ethernet connection Page 8 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 9: Ptb/Bcd Connector Pinout

    – The 60-meter band cannot be selected with this method. Filters – The amplifier engages output filters using a BCD value; the table above shows which filter is selected for each value. Page 9 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 10: Power Genius Xl Setup, Configuration, And Testing

    • Place your Power Genius XL on a flat, stable surface. Make sure the amplifier has at least 30cm (12 inches) of open space in front and back to ensure adequate cooling. Follow these steps and reference the diagram to connect your Power Genius XL: 1.
  • Page 11 If any tests fail, the amplifier cannot be operated and will not advance into standby mode. If any POST test fails, an alarm message will be displayed. Contact FlexRadio Support for assistance. There are no user-serviceable components inside the amplifier.

  • Page 12: Connecting The Power Genius Xl Windows Utility

    3.2 Connecting the Power Genius XL Windows Utility The Power Genius XL amplifier must be configured to work with the transceiver or transceivers that will drive it. The basic configuration of the amplifier is accomplished using the Power Genius XL Utility. To install the utility, please reference Installing the Power Genius XL Utility in the appendix.
  • Page 13 • Check that your PC and Power Genius XL share the same logical network (the IP address of your PC and the Power Genius XL should be similar, though not identical). If you still have trouble, please submit a HelpDesk ticket for assistance.

  • Page 14: Basic Configuration

    3.3.2 Network Tab: Configuring the Network The Power Genius XL is configured at the factory (or after a factory reset) to use DHCP IP addressing and will automatically secure an IP Address appropriate for your network. This configuration should be sufficient for most situations.

  • Page 15: Network Tab: Testing Network Configuration

    You can use the Power Genius XL Utility Network tab to assign a static IP Address, static Network Mask, and Gateway. Static IP addresses are sometimes desirable but require specific technical knowledge of your network. The network settings dialog performs basic validation of the network settings. Note the red X next to an incorrectly formatted subnet mask.
  • Page 16 The utility will reconnect to the amplifier when it appears on the network. Before moving to the next step, please click the configuration (gear) icon. Page 16 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 17: Flexradio Tab: Configuring For A Flex-6000 Series Transceiver

    3.3.4 FlexRadio Tab: Configuring for a FLEX-6000 Series Transceiver. To pair the amplifier for use with a FLEX-6000 Series transceiver, turn the radio on, then click on the FlexRadio tab in the Power Genius XL Configuration screen Location of Radio SN Select the discovered Radio SN Serial Number: The utility program will detect your FLEX-6000 transceiver(s) automatically.
  • Page 18 When the same FLEX-6000 transceiver is connected to both Power Genius XL ports (A and B), you can select the same serial number for both Port A and B sections. This configuration enables advanced Single Operator Two Radio (SO2R) operations, with a single transceiver and amplifier.

  • Page 19: Advanced Configuration

    3.4.1 Configuring the Power Genius XL The Power Genius XL amplifier must be configured to work with the transceiver or transceivers that will drive it. The basic configuration of the amplifier is accomplished using the Power Genius XL Utility program described above.

  • Page 20: Required Rf Output Delay (Tx Delay)

    There is no need to set the "TX Delay" value in the transceiver. i – A best practice is to create a Power Genius XL TX Profile for your FLEX-6000 Series transceiver and load that when using the Power Genius XL.
  • Page 21 Connect the amplifier's PTT Output (port A or B) to the exciter in place of the keying device. • When the amplifier is keyed, the Power Genius XL will then manage the output keying signal delay and asserts PTT at the transceiver when the amplifier is ready to accept RF.

  • Page 22: Interfacing With Other Exciters

    3.4.3 Interfacing with Other Exciters You can connect more than one type of radio to a Power Genius XL, provided each radio is exclusively connected to one of the amplifier ports (A or B). Though each port has multiple interfaces to receive band data and key the amplifier, the amplifier does not support multiple radios on a single amplifier port.
  • Page 23 Configuration To configure the amplifier, click on the CAT/C-IV tab in the Power Genius XL Configuration screen. Select the appropriate radio model from the Radio type drop-down menu for the amplifier port where the radio is connected.
  • Page 24 RS-232 (CAT) connections use a straight-through female to female DB9 cable. Connect either the CAT Input A or CAT Input B connector on your Power Genius XL to the CAT connector on the Kenwood transceiver using a female to female DB9 cable.
  • Page 25 Configuration To configure the amplifier, click on the CAT/C-IV tab in the Power Genius XL Configuration screen. Select "Kenwood" from the Radio type drop-down menu for the amplifier port where the radio is connected. Select the serial communication port speed and configuration parameters that apply to your radio. Click the Save button to record the configuration in the amplifier.
  • Page 26 RS-232 (CAT) connections use a straight-through female to female DB9 cable. Connect either the CAT Input A or CAT Input B connector on your Power Genius XL to the CAT connector on the Icom transceiver using a female to female DB9 cable.
  • Page 27 IC-7800 $6A (6A Hex) 1. Change the CI-V address of the ICOM radio to a value supported by the Power Genius XL firmware (see table above), and select the corresponding ICOM Model in the Power Genius XL Windows Utility. 2. Connect a PTT cable between the radio and the appropriate port (A or B) on the amplifier.
  • Page 28 3. You will need to select the corresponding radio in the Power Genius XL Windows utility for this to work. The data rate is really up to you – 9600 is just fine – however, the ICOM exciter must be set to the same data rate as the Power Genius XL.
  • Page 29 You can connect either the CAT Input A or CAT Input B connector on your PG XL to the CAT connector on the Yaesu transceiver using a female to female DB9 cable. Page 29 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)
  • Page 30 Band Data A or Band Data B (DB15) connector on the amplifier BCD connections, use a custom cable configured as shown in this diagram. i – Optocouplers protect all serial and digital inputs or outputs on the Power Genius XL Page 30 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio.
  • Page 31 Configuration To configure the amplifier, click on the CAT/C-IV tab in the Power Genius XL Configuration screen. Select the appropriate radio model from the Radio type drop-down menu for the amplifier port where the radio is connected. Select the serial communication port speed and configuration parameters that apply to your radio.
  • Page 32 Frequency Measurement • The Power Genius XL will measure the frequency of an RF signal applied to one of its inputs and automatically switch in the appropriate filters. This mode of band switching often requires that you double-key briefly before the transmission to allow the filter switching to complete.

  • Page 33: Testing

    Turn the radio and amplifier on and select a band on the radio. The band information should appear on the front panel of the amplifier and the Power Genius XL Windows Utility for the port you have chosen.
  • Page 34 The heatsink temperatures and cooling fan speeds will increase. Provided the SWR remains in the • green range of the meter, increasing the drive power should produce corresponding increases in I output power. Page 34 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 35: Operating The Power Genius Xl

    – When properly configured, a convenient method for switching between Standby and Operate mode is using software that is connected to the Power Genius XL over the network. The front panel STBY/OPER button toggles the operational state between STANDBY and OPERATE mode.

  • Page 36: Operate Mode

    Drive and a PTT signal. The front panel meters are active, the LED backlights turn green, band/frequency data is processed, and the correct filters are selected and displayed. i – Before entering the OPERATE mode, the Power Genius XL will perform a quick self-test of all the modules. 4.2 Setting Amplifier Bias Class The Power Genius XL has two preset amplifier bias classes.

  • Page 37: Amplifier Bias Class Modes

    CW, FM, FSK, MFSK, Digital (see note) i – FlexRadio transceivers will switch the Power Genius XL bias class to AB when DIGU and DIGL modulation modes are selected in Smart SDR. When you are transmitting a phase-shift keyed digital mode like PSK, we recommend that you either disable MEffA or select USB/LSB for the modulation mode and disable any audio processing.

  • Page 38: Transmitting

    1 second. i – The MEffA indicator on the Power Genius XL Windows Utility is "clickable," and allows the operator to switch MEffA mode ON or OFF.

  • Page 39: Swr Meter

    A FLEX-6000 Series transceivers, in which case it will display your radio's name • BCD band data • • PTB band data • CAT band data Page 39 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 40: Temperature And Voltage

    4.3.6 Additional Information This section shows the amplifier serial number, device name, firmware version, the IP address, and IP Addressing mode. Page 40 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 41: Status Led (Backlight)

    The yellow backlight indicates the amplifier is in STANDBY mode. To change to OPERATE mode, press the STBY/OPER button on the front panel. 4.4.2 Operate Mode – Green backlight Page 41 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 42: Transmitting - Red Backlight

    IP address of the device. Once the upgrade is complete, the amplifier will restart. i – When the amplifier is first turned on, these status LEDs gradually brighten, meant to simulate a tube filament warming up. Page 42 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 43: 120 Vac Operations

    4.5 120 VAC Operations The Power Genius XL uses a commercial-grade AC / DC power converter to run the amplifier. The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is rated at its full output power when it is supplied with more than 200 volts AC (50 or 60 Hz). The amplifier can be operated on less than 200 VAC, but at a reduced power level.

  • Page 44: Maximum Efficiency Algorithm (Meffa™)

    You are now ready to operate. If you don't want to go through this process, you can leave the MEffA box unchecked in the Power Genius XL Utility program tab "Other" and use a fixed drive level that will correspond to fixed power output on a given band.

  • Page 45: Automatic Power Control (Apc)

    – When APC detects that the PA heat sink temperature is nearing its upper limit, it reduces the output power if the MEffA system cannot contain the temperature. When the amplifier cools to 60°C, APC will restore full power. Page 45 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 46: Harmonic Load

    In addition to a set of low pass filters, the Power Genius XL employs separate high pass filters that route generated harmonics to an internal 400-watt dummy load, called the Harmonic Load. Commonly found only in broadcast-grade transmitters, unwanted harmonic energy is not reflected to the output stage and is safely dissipated.

  • Page 47: Thermal Management (Cooling)

    The Harmonic Load and Filter Compartment fan will go to the maximum speed at Harmonic Load heat sink temperature of 65°C or higher, regardless of fan profile selection. The Harmonic Load and filter compartment in the Power Genius XL can be safely operated to 110°C, at which point the amp will issue a fault and shut down.

  • Page 48: The Power Genius Xl Windows Utility

    9.1 Windows Utility Front Panel Display The Power Genius XL Utility provides a remote copy of the amplifier's front panel display that is updated as the amplifier runs. The title bar of the screen includes a button that opens the configuration screens, a button that opens the firmware update screen, and a button that pins the screen so that it is always on top of other screens.

  • Page 49: Standby Operate Mode

    To make the MEffA mode change permanent, use the Save button on the Configuration screen. 9.5 Amplifier Configuration Dialog Clicking the Configuration button (gear icon) at the top right of the Power Genius XL Utility screen opens the amplifier configuration dialog. Page 49 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio.

  • Page 50: Network Tab

    9.5.1.1 Device Name The Power Genius XL Utility supports creating custom "Device Name" to an amplifier. This name is simply a short text string that is associated with a specific amplifier. It can be set, changed, and cleared on the Network tab of the Configuration screen, as shown below: In this case, the user has set the nickname to N7HQ-PGXL.

  • Page 51: Cat/Ci-V Tab

    9.5.2 CAT/CI-V Tab Use the CAT / CI-V tab when a FlexRadio 6000 Series transceiver does not control the amplifier. Choose the make and model of the transceiver that is connected to each of the amplifier ports and the details of the communication protocol between the radio and the amplifier.

  • Page 52: Flexradio Tab

    Before beginning this configuration, make sure your FLEX-6000 Series transceivers are turned on and connected to the same logical network on LAN that hosts the Power Genius XL. The Power Genius XL utility will discover the FLEX-6000 Series transceivers over the network.

  • Page 53: Other Tab

    30 seconds after transmitting, or a band change operation concludes. Page 53 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 54: Usage Chart

    9.6 Usage Chart The Power Genius XL Utility collects operational data from the amplifier and can chart that data on a graph over time. The Usage Chart button in the Utility's menu bar displays the chart. In the following example chart, we see two transmissions over a short period.

  • Page 55: Firmware Upgrade Procedure

    10 Firmware Upgrade Procedure The Power Genius XL Utility can be used to upgrade the firmware in your Power Genius XL amplifier over the network. Start the utility program and connect to the amplifier. 1. If the amplifier is in OPERATE mode, click the STBY/OPER button to change to STANDBY mode.
  • Page 56 During the reboot, the Power Genius XL Utility screen may show that it is connecting. After the reboot is complete, the amplifier will reconnect, enter Standby mode, and you may resume regular operation. Page 56 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 57: Factory Reset The Power Genius Xl

    11 Factory Reset the Power Genius XL The configuration of the Power Genius XL can be reset to the "factory defaults" using the following procedure: • Turn the amp off using the power switch on the back panel. • Press and hold STBY/OPER front panel button Turn ON the amplifier.

  • Page 58: Specifications

    This device may not cause harmful interference, and • this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired • operation FCC ID: 2AK7NSKYPower Genius XL001 Page 58 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. August 27, 2020 (FW:3.4.16 Utility:2.2.10)

  • Page 59: Appendix

    15.1 Installing the Power Genius XL Utility The Power Genius XL Utility program is an integral part of the amplifier system. The utility is used to configure the amplifier, update the amplifier's firmware, and operate the amplifier remotely. Section 9, Features of the Power Genius XL Utility of this document, describes the features and usage of the program in detail.
  • Page 60 Decide if you want a desktop shortcut created, then press Next >. Finally, when ready, press Install. When the installer completes, you see a choice to run the Power Genius XL utility. Ensure that box is checked, and click Finish.
  • Page 61 When the utility completely loads, it will detect any Power Genius XL amplifiers that are ON and active on your LAN then display them in a list. Please proceed with Connecting the Power Genius XL Windows Utility. Page 61 of 61 Copyright 2020 FlexRadio.

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