FlexRadio Power Genius XL User Manual

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Power Genius XL

User Guide

Power Genius XL Firmware Version 3.7.28

Power Genius XL Utility Version 3.7.28

4 January 2023

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 3.7.28 Power Genius XL Utility Version 3.7.28 4 January 2023 Copyright 2023 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
Network Tab: Configuring the Network ................15 3.2.4 FlexRadio Tab: Configuring for a FLEX-6000 Series Transceiver........18 Configuring for use with stand-alone FlexRadio M model transceivers........20 Configuring for Use with Other Exciters ................... 21 3.4.1 Configure Using the Utility Program ................. 21 3.4.2...
Page 3 9.6.4 Other Tab ........................... 64 Usage Chart ..........................65 10 Firmware Upgrade Procedure ......................66 11 Factory Reset the Power Genius XL ....................69 12 Alarms .............................. 69 13 Specifications ........................... 70 14 FCC Statement ..........................70 15 Appendix ............................71 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 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
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
Pressing the STBY/OPER button toggles the amplifier between STANDBY and OPERATE modes. The LCD Touchscreen Display shows all the essential data for monitoring the amplifier while in operation and can be used to configure the amplifier. See section 4, Operating the Power Genius XL for details. Page 6 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio.
Page 7: Back Panel
At any point in time either of the A or B sections can be keyed, but they cannot be keyed simultaneously. Please refer to the table below. Page 7 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 8 B of the amplifier is keyed and ready to accept RF drive. See section 3.5, Required RF Output Delay (TX Delay) for usage details. Ethernet connection: RJ45 Local Area Network Ethernet connection Page 8 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
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 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 10: Power Genius Xl Setup, Configuration, And Testing
Suitable coax jumper cables for interconnection of the transceiver and amplifier Place your Power Genius XL on a flat, stable surface. Ensure the amplifier has at least 30cm (12 inches) of open space in front and back to provide adequate cooling. Follow these steps and refer to the following 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 13: Configuring For Use In Flexradio Environments
3.2 Configuring for use in FlexRadio environments When the Power Genius XL is used in a FlexRadio environment, the amplifier should be connected to the Local Area Network (LAN) with the supplied Ethernet cable and must be configured to work with the transceiver or transceivers that will drive it.
Page 14 • 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 15: Network Tab: Set A Custom Device Name
3.2.3 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 when it starts. This configuration should be sufficient for most situations.
Page 16 – If incorrect network information was saved, please follow the instructions in section 11, Factory Reset the Power Genius XL. Once you have pressed save, the configuration dialog will close, and the Power Genius XL Utility will wait for the amplifier to reboot.
Page 18: Flexradio Tab: Configuring For A Flex-6000 Series Transceiver
It is not required that you connect ANT1 output on a FLEX-6000 Signature Series connect to Port A input on the amplifier. Any FLEX-6000 antenna output can be connected to any Power Genius XL Port. However, it is required that the configuration match the physical connections.
Page 19 RCA PTT Input on the amplifier back panel. A twenty millisecond (20ms) TX delay must be set for each Transmit profile that uses the Power Genius XL if you do. Select the desired keying source in the PTT Source box on the configuration screen for each radio. LAN keying manages all the necessary transmit delays automatically.
Page 20: Configuring For Use With Stand-Alone Flexradio M Model Transceivers
3.4, Configuring for Use with Other Exciters. • The amplifier will need a few extra seconds after it starts to find the FlexRadio transceiver and show the connection on the front panel.
Page 21: Configuring For Use With Other Exciters
The following describes the configuration of the Power Genius XL for use with non-Flex exciters using CAT data inputs. Start the Power Genius XL Utility program and connect to the amplifier. Double click on the amplifier in the chooser: Click the configuration icon, as shown below, outlined in red. Click on Options, then Device Settings in the drop-...
Page 22 The following configuration screen will appear. Click on the CAT/CI-V tab: The Power Genius XL implements six “dialects” of the CAT communication protocol. These dialects vary from one manufacturer to another so that the amplifier must be told which to expect from the exciter. Six dialects are supported: •...
Page 23 Click on Save to save the configuration and reboot the amplifier. When this step is done, proceed to section 3.4.3, Interfacing with Other Exciters to set up the connections between the amp and the radios. Page 23 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 24: Configure Using The Front Panel
3.4.2 Configure Using the Front Panel The Power Genius XL can be configured without using the Windows™ Utility program by use of the front panel touch screen. The A and/or B ports can be configured for use by FlexRadio Systems transceivers and other transceivers.
Page 25 Touch SAVE to save the configuration and reboot the amplifier. After a successful configuration and reboot, a screen similar to the following should appear, showing that the amplifier is ready for use: Page 25 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 26 AUTO – Enable FLEX, CAT, CI-V, BCD, P2B and SENSE and use whichever input provides data. When the FLEX button is selected, the following screen will appear: Page 26 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 27 Touch the NAME, ANT, PTT and ENABLE buttons to scroll through available options, then touch SAVE to apply the configuration. See section 9.6.3, FlexRadio Tab for information about the options. When the CAT button is selected, the following screen will appear: Touch the TYPE, RATE, LINE and ENABLE buttons to scroll through available options, then touch SAVE to apply the configuration.
Page 28: Interfacing With Other Exciters
3.4.3 Interfacing with Other Exciters You can connect more than one radio type 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 29 Front Panel to configure the amplifier to receive band and mode data from the Elecraft radio., then proceed to section 3.5, Required RF Output Delay (TX Delay) to complete the setup Page 29 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 30 Band Data (CAT) 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 31 Band Data (CAT) 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 32 Front Panel to configure the amplifier to receive band and mode data from the Icom radio., then proceed to section 3.5, Required RF Output Delay (TX Delay) to complete the setup. Page 32 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 33 You can connect either the CAT Input A or CAT Input B connector on your amplifier to the CAT connector on the Yaesu transceiver using a female-to-female DB9 cable. Page 33 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 34 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 Configuration Follow the instructions in section 3.4.1, Configure Using the Utility Program or section 3.4.2, Configure Using...
Page 35 PTT interface. However, it is essential to check your exciter’ operating manual to determine the keying voltage and current, especially with older radios. The Power Genius XL PTT lines are opto-isolated, but they will not tolerate high voltages or an AC voltage. Be prepared to provide a keying buffer relay designed for the task, like the Ameritron ARB-704 amp to transceiver interface.
Page 36: Required Rf Output Delay (Tx Delay)
TX Delay should be set to 20 milliseconds for all exciters. i – A best practice is to create a Power Genius XL TX Profile for your FLEX-6000 Signature Series transceiver and load that when using the Power Genius XL.
Page 37 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 manage the output keying signal delay and assert PTT at the transceiver when the amplifier is ready to accept RF.
Page 38: Testing The Configuration
Turn the radio and amplifier on and select a band on the radio. The band information should appear on the amplifier's front panel and the Power Genius XL Utility for the port you have chosen. Make sure all RF connections are correctly attached and tightened and that an appropriate antenna or dummy load is attached to the appropriate amplifier output.
Page 39 The heatsink temperatures and cooling fan speeds will increase. Provided the SWR remains in the meter's green range, increasing the drive power should produce corresponding increases in I output power. Page 39 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 40: Operating The Power Genius Xl
The Power Genius XL amplifier must be configured to work with the transceiver or transceivers (“exciters”) that will drive it. The basic configuration of the amplifier is accomplished using the Power Genius XL Utility program or the front panel touch screen configuration tool described above.
Page 41: Standby Mode
– When properly configured, a convenient method for switching between Standby and Operate mode uses software connected to the Power Genius XL over the LAN. The front panel STBY/OPER button toggles the operational state between STANDBY and OPERATE mode.
Page 42: Setting Amplifier Bias Class
– Before entering the OPERATE mode, the Power Genius XL will perform a quick self-test of all the modules. 4.3 Setting Amplifier Bias Class The Power Genius XL has two preset amplifier bias classes, Class AB and Class AAB. You can manually select between the two classes using the touch-screen front-panel on the amplifier or the Power Genius Utility program.
Page 43 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 transmit 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 44: Transmitting
1 second. i – The MEffA indicator on the Power Genius XL Utility is "clickable" and allows the operator to switch MEffA mode ON or OFF.
Page 45: Swr Meter
A FLEX-6000 Signature Series transceiver, in which case it will display your radio's name • BCD band data • PTB band data • CAT band data • CI-V band data • Manual band selection Page 45 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 46 Using the front panel touch screen, touch the band data source field. A configuration screen will appear. Select the desired band data source, set/change the configuration settings, if needed, then touch Save, as shown below: Page 46 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 47: Temperature And Voltage
(AAB or AB) and MEffA. 4.4.6 Additional Information This section shows the amplifier serial number, device name, firmware version, the IP address, and IP Addressing mode. Page 47 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 48: 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. 4.5.2 Operate Mode – Green backlight Page 48 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 49: Transmitting - Red Backlight
IP address of the device. Once the update 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 49 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 50: 120 Vac Operations
4.6 120 VAC Operations The Power Genius XL uses a commercial-grade AC/DC power converter to supply power to 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).
Page 51: 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 52: 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, APC will restore full power. Page 52 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 53: 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 into the output stage and is safely dissipated as heat.
Page 54: Thermal Management (Cooling)
The Power Genius XL Utility program provides a configuration option to select one of three active fan profiles: "Normal," "Contest," and "Broadcast." See section 9.6.4, Other Tab for more details.
Page 55: Harmonic Load And Filter Compartment Fan
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. This fan also obeys an algorithm that follows the accumulated key-down time; as the amount of key-down time in the last 120 seconds increases, the fan speed increases.
Page 56: The Power Genius Xl Utility
9 The Power Genius XL Utility In addition to the amplifier configuration tasks described in the previous sections, the Power Genius XL Utility provides several other features. 9.1 Utility Front Panel Display The Power Genius XL Utility provides an active remote version of the amplifier's front panel display.
Page 57: Meffa Indicator
9.6 Amplifier Configuration Dialog Clicking the Configuration button (gear icon) at the top right of the Power Genius XL Utility screen opens a sub- menu that offers three options, Always on Top, Device settings and Upgrade firmware. Choose the desired option.
Page 58: Network Tab
9.6.1.1 Device Name The Power Genius XL Utility supports creating a custom "Device Name" for 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...
Page 59 Network tab: Set the authentication code (Auth. code) to a character string between 1 and 8 characters in length. Page 59 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 60 Configure a remote amplifier by selecting the “Remote Devices” tab in the amplifier chooser: Configure the remote devices chooser by selecting the “+” icon, then entering the information about the remote amplifier: Page 60 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 61 Connect to a remote amplifier by selecting the desired amplifier in the chooser: Selecting the “pencil” icon allows you to modify an existing configuration. Selecting the “trash can” icon deletes a configuration. Page 61 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 62: Cat/Ci-V Tab
9.6.2 CAT/CI-V Tab Use the CAT / CI-V tab when a FlexRadio 6000 Series transceiver does not control the amplifier. Choose the CAT protocol dialect associated with the transceiver. See section 3.4, Configuring for Use with Other Exciters for more details. Choose the communication parameter settings. Do not use this tab to configure FLEX-6000 Signature Series transceivers.
Page 63: Flexradio Tab
Before beginning this configuration, make sure your FLEX-6000 Signature Series transceivers are turned on and connected to the same Local Area Network that hosts the Power Genius XL. The Power Genius XL Utility will discover the FLEX-6000 Signature Series transceivers over the network.
Page 64: Other Tab
– Please don't confuse Status LED intensity with the brightness level control for the front panel display. The front panel display operates at a fixed brightness and will drop into a screen-saver mode after a period of inactivity. Page 64 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 65: Usage Chart
9.7 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 brief period.
Page 66: Firmware Upgrade Procedure
The Power Genius XL Utility can be used to update the firmware in your Power Genius XL amplifier over the network. Start the utility program and connect to the amplifier. If the Power Genius XL Utility finds that firmware running the amplifier is out of date, it will display a screen like the following: and will ask: If you answer “no”...
Page 67 1. If the amplifier is in OPERATE mode, click the STBY/OPER button to change to STANDBY mode. 2. Click the firmware upgrade button in the Power Genius XL Utility program menu bar. The Power Genius XL Firmware Upgrade dialog will appear: 3.
Page 68 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 68 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved.
Page 69: 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.
Page 70: 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 70 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)
Page 71: Appendix
15.1 Installing the Power Genius XL Utility The Power Genius XL Utility program is an integral part of the amplifier system. The program is used to configure the amplifier, update the amplifier's firmware, and operate it remotely. Section 9, The Power Genius XL Utility describes the program's features and usage in detail.
Page 72 Decide if you want a desktop shortcut created, then press Next >. Finally, when ready, press Install. When the installer completes, you will see a choice to run the Power Genius XL Utility. Ensure that box is checked and click Finish.
Page 73 When the utility program completely loads, it will detect any Power Genius XL amplifiers active on your LAN, then display them in a list. Page 73 of 73 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 4 January 2023 (FW:3.7.28 Utility:3.7.28)

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