FlexRadio Systems FLEX-6400 Hardware Reference Manual
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FlexRadio Systems FLEX-6400 Hardware Reference Manual

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FLEX-6400 / FLEX-6600 HARDWARE REFERENCE
Version
2.1.30
29 January 2018
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.

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Summary of Contents for FlexRadio Systems FLEX-6400

  • Page 1 FLEX-6400 / FLEX-6600 HARDWARE REFERENCE Version 2.1.30 29 January 2018 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.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    7.5.1 MIC vs. LINE Use ....................22 7.5.2 Line Level ......................22 Accessory Connector ..................... 23 7.6.1 Pin 1: Line In ..................... 23 7.6.2 Pin 2: Line1 Out ....................23 Page 2 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.
  • Page 3 Connecting to a PC ....................30 8.4.1 Ethernet Cabling Requirements ..............30 8.4.2 Direct PC Connection (Link-Local) ..............31 8.4.3 Connecting via a Local Network ..............31 8.4.4 Installing SmartSDR ..................32 Page 3 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.
  • Page 4 GPSDO Lock Sequence and Status Indicators ............42 15 CALIBRATION ........................44 15.1 Frequency Calibration ..................... 44 16 KEY CONTACTS ........................45 16.1 Headquarters / USA ....................45 16.2 Outside of the USA ....................45 Page 4 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 5: Introduction

    1.1 WELCOME Thank you for purchasing the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 direct sampling software defined radio (SDR) from FlexRadio Systems. The FLEX-6400 and FLEX-6600 are top performing HF/6m transceivers that make use of the latest SDR technology using direct digital sampling at the RF input for exceptional performance and distortion free reception.

  • Page 6: Notices To The User

    Except those actions which have been described in the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Quick Start Guide, FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Hardware Reference Manual, and SmartSDR Software User’s Guide, no other manipulations to the radio are allowed.

  • Page 7: Warranty Information

    What is Covered: During the first thirty (30) days after the date of shipment, FlexRadio Systems will fully repair or replace a defective product at their discretion. For the remaining two (2) years after the date of shipment, FlexRadio Systems will replace defective parts free of charge (post-paid) for transceiver components only.

  • Page 8: Important Notice - Read Before Operating This Unit

    This warranty does not extend to non-FlexRadio Systems equipment or components used in conjunction with our products. Any such repair or replacement is the responsibility of the customer. FlexRadio Systems shall not be liable or responsible for reimbursement for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to any loss of business or profits, loss of property, loss of revenue, loss of use, loss of data, inconvenience or cost of unauthorized service.

  • Page 9: Legal Notices

    ©2013-2018 FlexRadio Systems. All rights reserved. FlexRadio Systems®, FLEX-6000™ SmartSDR™, SmartLink™ and related trademarks, names, and logos are the property of FlexRadio Systems and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
  • Page 10 FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Hardware Reference Manual Party Products and Services in this documentation does not imply endorsement by FlexRadio Systems of the Third-Party Products and Services or the third party in any way. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW IN YOUR...

  • Page 11: Copyright Information

    All rights reserved Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the behalf of FlexRadio Systems. No part of this publication may be Page 11 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.
  • Page 12 FlexRadio Systems. Page 12 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 13: Specifications

    -80 dBc below peak output Default 100-2900 Hz (Variable Default 100-2900 Hz (Variable Transmit Frequency Response 50-10 kHz) 50-10 kHz) 600 Ohms Nominal, 200-10k 600 Ohms Nominal, 200-10k Microphone Impedance Page 13 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 14: Receiver

    External Powered Speaker Output Impedance/Level 10 kOhm / 2.6Vpp max. 10 kOhm / 2.6Vpp max. 16 Ohm Minimum Load @ 21 16 Ohm Minimum Load @ 21 Headphone Output Page 14 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 15: Unpacking And Inspectation

    Use caution not to let the inner carton slip out and fall. Position the inner carton to the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 label is facing up. Carefully cut the tape and open the flaps exposing your radio. Remove the upper packing foam and set it aside.

  • Page 16: Additional Items Not Included But Required

    FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Hardware Reference Manual • One (1) FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Quick Start Guide 5.2.4 Additional Items Not Included but Required In addition to the supplied accessories, software and cables supplied with the FLEX- 6400/FLEX-6600, you will need to provide the following: • An HF-Antenna or dummy load.

  • Page 17: Front Panel Controls And Connections

    • SOLID YELLOW: GPSDO is “holdover” mode (has lost satellites) • SHORT FLASH BLUE: GPSDO is locking • LONG FLASH BLUE: GPSDO is in “hold phase” mode • SOLID BLUE: GPSDO is locked Page 17 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.
  • Page 18 In the other cases, the error code repeats until the Power button is pressed, then the radio shuts down. An additional press of the Power button is needed to restart the radio. Page 18 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 19: Rear Panel Connections

    NEVER CONNECT THE +13.8VDC POWER CONNECTOR DIRECTLY TO AN AC OUTLET. This may cause a fire, injury, or electrical shock. Δ – The FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 requires 13.8 VDC @ 25 amps measured at the radio in order to transmit maximum wattage. Multiple power cable connections between the...

  • Page 20: Fused Internally At 30 Amps

    Refer to SmartSDR documentation for explanation on how to select which port is active. ! - WARNING: THE FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 ARE CAPABLE OF GENERATING RF POWER LEVELS OF 100 WATTS. HIGH RF LEVELS WILL CAUSE SEVERE RF BURNS. NEVER TOUCH THE TRANSCEIVER ANTENNA PORT, AN EXPOSED COAXIAL CABLE END, OR A CONNECTED ANTENNA WHILE THE RADIO IS IN THE TRANSMIT MODE.

  • Page 21: Powered Speakers

    When connecting a CW paddle and using the internal electronic keyer, connect the Dot to the Tip, the Dash to the Ring and the paddle common to the Sleeve. Page 21 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 22: Balanced Audio Input (Flex-6600 Only)

    There are a number of different definitions of “line level”. The audio input device in the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 series radios is designed for a “consumer line level” specification. This is defined as -10 dBV. If you plan to use “professional line level” devices to feed your radio, you will need to reduce the output level so that it does not exceed the -10 dBV level (-8 dBu).

  • Page 23: Accessory Connector

    This input is a keying input for CW. Refer to the SmartSDR documentation for information describing how to enable this input, and what configurations are available. Pin 4 is keyed to GROUND. Page 23 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 24: Pin 5, Pin 6, Pin 7, Pin 8 And Pin 10: Ground

    7.8 TX REQUEST INPUT (INTERLOCK) This RCA connector is provided to receive an interlock signal from external amplifiers, or other external equipment. When enabled it will prevent the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 from Page 24 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 25: External Amplifier Alc Input

    If the radio has the optional GPSDO, the 10 MHz reference output is a buffered 3.3V p-p output of the 10 MHz oscillator in the GPSDO. The signal can be used to provide a reference signal for external equipment. The connector is a female SMA. Page 25 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 26: Ethernet Connector

    7.14 USB 2.0 PORTS The USB 2.0 ports are used for SmartSDR specific functions only. Do not connect unqualified USB devices to the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600. Refer to the SmartSDR documentation for information about how these work. 7.15 EXTERNAL DISPLAY External displays are not supported on FLEX-6400 and FLEX-6600 models.

  • Page 27: Rx-B Rf Input (Flex-6600 Only)

    This female BNC connector is a receiver input and low-level exciter output for use with Transverters. Refer to the SmartSDR documentation for information regarding using the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 with external transverters. The FLEX-6400 has one transverter port and the FLEX-6600 includes two transverter ports.

  • Page 28: Xvtr-A Transverter Port

    This is a thumbscrew for attaching an earth ground to the chassis of the radio. Grounding is the most important safety enhancement you can make to your shack. Always ground the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 to your station RF ground using high quality wiring with the Page 28 of 45...
  • Page 29 Your station ground should be a common point where all grounds come together. You will likely be using a PC and a DC power source so be sure to ground these devices together as well. Page 29 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 30: Installation

    FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Hardware Reference Manual 8 INSTALLATION 8.1 SAFETY Since your FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 will likely be connected to many different antenna and external interface conditions, safety is an important factor in your station setup. In addition to grounding mentioned earlier, proper Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) and lightning protection should be employed.

  • Page 31: Direct Pc Connection (Link-Local)

    8.4.2 Direct PC Connection (Link-Local) The simplest method to connect your PC to your FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 is using a Link- Local connection. Simply plug the included Ethernet cable into the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 and then directly into the network connection on your PC, Microsoft Windows™ will recognize your radio and establish a local only connection.

  • Page 32: Installing Smartsdr

    LAN component with FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 running multiple panadapters and receivers. 8.4.4 Installing SmartSDR SmartSDR is the operating software that runs along with your FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 to provide the human interface to your radio. Please refer to the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Quick Start Guide and SmartSDR Software User’s Guide for information regarding installation, configuration, and operation of your radio with this software.

  • Page 33: Fhm-X Microphones

    The microphone connects to the Microphone and Push to Talk inputs on the back panel of the FLEX-6400 or FLEX-6600. Insert the 1/8” (3.5mm) TRS plug into the MIC input (see section 7.20, Microphone Jack) and the RCA plug into the PTT input (see section 7.7, PTT Input).
  • Page 34 FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Hardware Reference Manual you can record your voice and listen to the recording to set the EQ. This is covered in detail in the SmartSDR Software Users Guide. Page 34 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 35: Transverter Setup

    The other type of transverter is a “Common IF” transverter where a relay internal to the transverter is used to switch a single IF port between receive and transmit. Both the FLEX-6400 and FLEX-6600 are capable of either Common IF or Split IF operation.

  • Page 36: Transmit Power Considerations

    10.3 RF CONNECTIONS - SPLIT IF For split IF transverters, the TX IF of your transverter should be connected to the XVTR port on the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600. The RX IF port should be connected to either RX-A or RX-B (FLEX-6600 only).

  • Page 37: Digital Mode Setup (Sound Card Interface)

    Software User’s Guide for a detailed description on configuring and enabling digital modes. The basic audio schematic is used to connect a FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 to a PC sound card: • PC Sound Card Mic / Line In <---> FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Audio Output •...
  • Page 38 PC sound card. When connecting the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 to a PC sound card, connect one of the FLEX- 6400/FLEX-6600 inputs to the LINE OUT on the sound card and one of the FLEX- 6400/FLEX-6600 outputs to the MIC or LINE IN on the sound card.

  • Page 39: Antenna Considerations

    FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 antenna matrix system. 12.1 ANTENNA SELECTION The unique ability of the FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 to receive continuously over a very wide bandwidth opens up a new paradigm in amateur transceiver operation. This also changes how you might consider the proper antenna for your station operation. First, it’s Page 39 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems.
  • Page 40 Using the antenna matrix, you can receive over a wide range, and then use your tuned narrowband antennas for transmitting. Consult the SmartSDR Software User’s Guide for antenna configuration. Page 40 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 41: Antenna Tuner Unit (Atu)

    (a high Q antenna) in addition to being very reactive. The FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 ATU is not designed to tune these types of antenna systems. An external antenna tuner that is designed to handle a wider VSWR range is recommended for these types of antennas.

  • Page 42: Optional Gps Disciplined Oscillator (Gpsdo) Setup

    14 OPTIONAL GPS DISCIPLINED OSCILLATOR (GPSDO) SETUP 14.1 GPSDO INTRODUCTION The FLEX-6400 and FLEX-6600 have the ability to attain extremely precise frequency control through the use of an optional Global Positioning System Disciplined Oscillator (GPSDO) module. After satellite acquisition and synchronization, the GPSDO is capable of maintaining frequency accuracy to <5.0 x 10...
  • Page 43 Earth. This is normal, and the radio is fully functional during this process. I - GPSDO self-installation is possible and is covered in a separate installation manual included with the GPSDO OPTION KIT. Page 43 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

  • Page 44: Calibration

    FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 Hardware Reference Manual 15 CALIBRATION The FLEX-6400/FLEX-6600 is extensively calibrated, aligned and tested as part of the manufacturing and quality assurance processes. In general, there are a limited number of hardware calibrations that can be performed by the user, but the ones available are listed below.

  • Page 45: Key Contacts

    Austin, TX 78728 U.S.A. Phone: +1 512-535-4713 Fax: +1 512-233-5143 Email: info@flexradio.com Support: https://helpdesk.flexradio.com Community: https://community.flexradio.com 16.2 OUTSIDE OF THE USA Please contact your local distributor. See www.flexradio.com/distributors. www.flexradio.com Page 45 of 45 Copyright 2018 FlexRadio Systems. All Rights Reserved.

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