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FlexRadio Genius XL User Manual

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Tuner Genius XL
User Guide
Tuner Genius XL Firmware Version 1.1.16
Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility Version 1.1.16
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.

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  • Page 1 Tuner Genius XL Firmware Version 1.1.16 Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility Version 1.1.16 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

    SO2R Switch Model ......................16 6.1.3 All Models ......................... 16 Basic Configuration ........................20 6.2.1 Connecting the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility program ..........20 6.2.2 Network Tab: Set a Custom Device Name................. 22 6.2.3 Network Tab: Configuring the Network ................23 6.2.4...
  • Page 3 8.4.4 Manual Tuning Controls ....................63 Remote Operation ........................... 64 10 Firmware Upgrade Procedure ......................64 11 Factory Reset the Tuner Genius XL ....................65 Page 3 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 4 Messages ..........................66 13 Specifications ........................... 67 14 FCC Statement ..........................67 15 Appendix ............................68 15.1 Installing the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility ..............68 15.2 Power Derating Table ......................70 15.3 Connection Information and Pin Out Diagrams ..............71 15.3.1 Power Connector.......................

  • Page 5: Important Notice

    In addition, when attached to an antenna, this tuner can induce RF electromagnetic fields, which require evaluation according to Page 5 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 6 – Ensure proper ventilation around the tuner; This includes 30 cm (12 inches) clearance in front and back. i – The Tuner Genius XL should be located at least 1 meter (3 feet) from any device that transmits 2.4GHz Wifi.

  • Page 7: Product Description

    The API is published so you can write software applications for your tuner. The Tuner Genius XL is compatible with any modern HF radio on the market today. When used with a Power Genius XL and a FLEX-6600 or FLEX-6700 transceiver, you have a competitive, fully functional SO2R (single operator, two-radio) radiosport station.

  • Page 8: Directional Coupler

    The integrated TGXL sampler is remarkably flat - to just one-tenth of a dB throughout its operational spectral range, and it remains flat up to 80MHz. Page 8 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 9: Tune

    4.4 Receive During receive, the tuner can optionally bypass the tuned matching circuit. 4.5 Bypass 4.6 Standby 5 Features of the Tuner Genius XL DC Power +12 to +20VDC - < 2A via 2-conductor 5.5mm x 2.1mm plug Antenna Switching options:...

  • Page 10: Front Panel

    Config Reset 5.1 Front Panel Designed to be easy to use and intuitive, the front panel consists of nine elements: Figure 5-1 Tuner Genius Front Panel Page 10 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 11 C2 (see schematic). Operate LED – Indicates operate mode. Alarm LED – Indicates a fault or alarm condition. Bypass LED– Indicates the tuner is in bypass mode. Page 11 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 12: Back Panel

    (TX) to the currently selected output (ANT 1, 2, and 3). Only the port A connections are active, and the tuner can be controlled only by a single radio. Figure 5-3 1x3 Antenna Switching Option Page 12 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 13: So2R Antenna Switching Option

    A input and output it on the A output, or it will tune the signal on the B input and output it on the B output. The A and B sections of the tuner can be controlled independently by two radios. Page 13 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 14 A or B sections can be keyed, but they cannot be keyed simultaneously. Figure 5-5 SO2R Switching Option Figure 5-6 SO2R Switching Option Drawing Page 14 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 15 Band Data In: Pin-to-Band or BCD Ethernet connection: RJ45 Local Area Network Ethernet connection DC Power input: Nominally 15 volts DC, center pin positive Main Power Switch Station Ground Page 15 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 16: Tuner Genius Xl Setup, Configuration, And Testing

    Windows™ PC with an ethernet connection, connected to a local area network (LAN). Place your Tuner Genius XL on a flat, stable surface. Ensure the tuner has at least 30cm (12 inches) of open space in front and back to ensure adequate cooling. Then, follow these steps and refer to the following diagrams to connect your Tuner Genius XL.
  • Page 17 The typical wiring configuration for the 1x3 tuner is shown in the diagram above. The wiring for the SO2R tuner and using the tuner with the Power Genius XL are similar and depicted below. Figure 6-2 Basic SO2R Connection Diagram Page 17 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio.
  • Page 18 Figure 6-3 SO2R Plus PGXL Connection Diagram Page 18 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 19 Depending on your Local Area Network (LAN) configuration, this may indicate a network problem and prevent further setup. Contact FlexRadio Support for assistance. When the start-up sequence completes and resolves an IP address, the tuner will enter Operate mode and announce its presence on your Local Area Network.

  • Page 20: Basic Configuration

    6.2.1 Connecting the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility program The Tuner Genius XL must be configured to work with the transceiver or transceivers that will drive it. The basic configuration of the tuner is accomplished using the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility program. Please see section 15.1, Installing the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility, for installation instructions.
  • Page 21 (outlined in red) to open the tuner’s configuration settings, then continue to the next section of this document to set the tuner’s basic configuration. Page 21 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 22: Network Tab: Set A Custom Device Name

    6.2.2 Network Tab: Set a Custom Device Name You can customize your Tuner Genius XL by configuring a device name to identify your tuner. This name will appear on the tuner’s front panel, in the utility’s Available devices list, and in the utility’s main window.

  • Page 23: Network Tab: Configuring The Network

    6.2.3 Network Tab: Configuring the Network The Tuner 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 24 Tuner Genius XL. Once you have pressed save, the configuration dialog will close, and the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility will wait for the tuner to reset. The utility will reconnect to the tuner when it appears on the network.

  • Page 25: Flexradio Tab: Configuring For A Flex-6000 Series Transceiver

    6.2.4 FlexRadio Tab: Configuring for a FLEX-6000 Series Transceiver. To pair the tuner for use with a FLEX-6000 Series transceiver, turn the radio on, then click on the FlexRadio tab in the Tuner Genius XL Configuration screen. Make sure to check the Enabled box, then follow the instructions...
  • Page 26 1x3 pairing with the ANT1 output on a 6600M Click the Save button to record the configuration in the tuner. The Tuner Genius XL tuner is now configured for use by the FLEX-6000 Series transceiver. Please proceed to section 6.5, Testing.

  • Page 27: Advanced Configuration

    20 milliseconds to allow the tuner to select the correct tuning solution. i – A best practice is to create a Tuner Genius XL TX Profile for your FLEX-6000 Series transceiver and load that when using the Tuner Genius XL.
  • Page 28 Connect the tuner’s PTT Output (port A or B) to the exciter in place of the keying device. When the tuner is keyed, the Tuner Genius XL will manage the output keying signal delay and assert PTT at the transceiver when the tuner is ready to accept RF.

  • Page 29: Interfacing With Other Exciters

    6.3.2 Interfacing with Other Exciters You can connect more than one radio type to a Tuner Genius XL, provided each radio is exclusively connected to one of the tuner ports (A or B). Though each port has multiple interfaces to receive band data and key the tuner, it does not support multiple radios on a single tuner port.
  • Page 30 Configuration To configure the tuner, click on the CAT/C-IV tab in the Tuner Genius XL Configuration screen, and check the Enable checkbox for the appropriate port. Select the Kenwood CAT protocol from the Radio type drop-down menu for the tuner port (Kenwood CAT protocol is effectively a generic protocol supported by many makes of transceivers).
  • 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 Tuner Genius XL to the CAT connector on the Kenwood transceiver using a female-to-female DB9 cable.
  • Page 32 Configuration To configure the tuner, click on the CAT/C-IV tab in the Tuner Genius XL Configuration screen. Select “Kenwood” from the Radio type drop-down menu for the tuner port where the radio is connected. Next, select the serial communication port speed and configuration parameters that apply to your radio. Finally, click the Save button to record the configuration in the tuner.
  • Page 33 Create a custom cable connecting pins 2 (GND) and 3 (SEND) from the 8-pin DIN ACC 1 jack and a standard RCA plug from the PTT-IN RCA jack. Pin 3 connects to the center conductor of the RCA plug, and pin 2 to the outer conductor. Page 33 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 34 CI-V Patch Cable Connect the REMOTE output from the transceiver to the appropriate CI-V Input A or CI-V Input B connector on your Tuner Genius XL. Page 34 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 35 Configuration To configure the tuner, click on the CAT/C-IV tab in the Tuner Genius XL Configuration screen. Select the Icom from the Radio type drop-down menu for the tuner port where the radio is connected. Next, select the CI-V communication port speed and configuration parameters that apply to your radio.
  • Page 36 You can connect either the CAT Input A or CAT Input B connector on your tuner to the CAT connector on the Yaesu transceiver using a female-to-female DB9 cable. Page 36 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 37 6.3.1.4, Band Data and Frequency Measurement-based restrictions, applies in this case. BCD connections use a custom cable configured as shown in this diagram. i – Optocouplers protect all serial and digital inputs or outputs on the Tuner Genius XL Page 37 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio.
  • Page 38 No additional configuration is required for BCD mode. The tuner will detect the presence of a BCD or Pin-to- Band interface. Click on the CAT/C-IV tab in the Tuner Genius XL Configuration screen. Click the Save button to record the configuration in the tuner.
  • Page 39 PTT interface. However, it is essential to check your exciter manual to determine the keying voltage and current, especially with older radios. The Tuner Genius XL PTT lines are optoisolated, but they will not tolerate high voltages or an AC voltage. Therefore, be prepared to provide a keying buffer relay designed for the task, like the Ameritron™...

  • Page 40: Interfacing With The Power Genius Xl

    BYPASS or STANDBY mode during tuning. When using a PGXL and a FlexRadio transceiver, the tuner instructs the PGXL to switch to STANDBY while the TGXL searches for a match. Other combinations of amplifiers and exciters will not benefit from this. Operators must be aware of how their system functions in this regard.
  • Page 41 Genius. Many of these amplifiers follow traditional tube designs that require tuning before use. Some are solid-state designs that can be interfaced with your exciter to select output filters. 6.3.4.4 SPE 6.3.4.5 ACOM Please proceed to section 6.5, Testing. Page 41 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 42 PTT interface. However, it is essential to check your manual to determine the keying voltage and current, especially with older radios. The Tuner Genius XL PTT lines are optoisolated, but they will not tolerate high voltages or an AC voltage. Therefore, be prepared to provide a keying buffer relay designed for the task, like the Ameritron™...

  • Page 43: Antenna Genius Integration

    6.4 Antenna Genius Integration The Tuner Genius XL will interface directly with an Antenna Genius (AG) 2x8 or 1x8 switch. Please refer to the Antenna Genius User Guide available {here} for instructions on setup and configuring that device. Integrating an Antenna Genius (AG) will unlock additional solution memories in the Tuner Genius XL and automatically switch to an appropriate antenna for the frequency or band you are using.

  • Page 44: Using The Antenna Genius User Interface

    6.4.3 Additional Slots per Band The Tuner Genius XL will add up to four Antenna Genius antenna slots per band and alter the Band Configuration dialog to match it. This powerful advanced but easy-to-use feature allows you to configure how Page 44 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio.
  • Page 45 Tuner Genius XL manages multiple antennas. Each antenna slot per band is capable of 10 frequency memories. Page 45 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 46: Testing

    The input power and SWR will be displayed.  Start the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility program. It will find your Tuner Genius XL tuner automatically. Click on your tuner to select it, then click on the Connect button. Page 46 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio.
  • Page 47 The tuner status screen will appear as shown below. Next, click on the configuration settings button (outlined in red) to open the tuner’s configuration settings dialog window. SO2R Version 1x3 Version Page 47 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 48: Operating The Tuner Genius Xl

    7 Operating the Tuner Genius XL 7.1 Changing Modes The Tuner Genius XL provides three operational modes: Standby, Operate and Bypass. In Standby and Bypass modes, the tuner does not modify incoming or outgoing signals. In Operate mode tuning solutions are applied to the incoming and outgoing signals.

  • Page 49: Receiving

    7.2.1 What is a successful match? The Tuner Genius XL tries different combinations of capacitance and inductance values during automatic tuning until it finds a combination that yields an SWR less than (or closest to) the set maximum for the band. That value can be set in two ways: ...

  • Page 50: Automatic Tuning

    7.2.3 Automatic Tuning Page 50 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 51: Manual Tuning

    7.2.4 Manual Tuning While the Tuner Genius XL’s default mode of operation is to create tuning solutions automatically, manual tuning is possible. Three front panel controls allow manual tuning, accomplished by turning one of three knobs found along the bottom edge of the front panel. The first knob selects the first capacitor (C1) in the PI network, the second knob selects the inductor (L1), and the third knob selects the second capacitor (C2).

  • Page 52: Transmitting

    The SWR meter shows the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) on the input port after the tuning solution. It represents the SWR “seen” by the transmitter or amplifier. Page 52 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 53: Ptt, Band, And Frequency Data

    Antenna Genius Antenna Port: Displays 1-8 or / of not present. Bypass or Operate: 7.3.4 Additional Information This section shows the tuner’s firmware version, IP address, [Address Mode], and device name. Page 53 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 54: The Tuner Genius Xl Windows Utility

    8.1 Tuner Chooser Screen The Chooser screen is the first screen that appears after starting the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility program. The Local Devices tab shows a list of tuners available in your local area network (LAN). Click on a tuner to select it, then click the Connect button to display the tuner.

  • Page 55: Windows Utility Front Panel Display

    The red outline box indicates the tuning solution that is currently applied. 8.3 Tuner Configuration Dialog Clicking the Configuration button (gear icon) at the top right of the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility screen produces a menu of three selections: 1.

  • Page 56: Network Tab

    8.3.1.1 Device Name The Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility supports creating a custom “Device Name” for a tuner. This name is simply a short text string that is associated with a specific tuner. 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-TGXL.
  • Page 57 6.2.3, Network Tab: Configuring the Network for details. 8.3.1.3 Remote access The Tuner Genius XL can be controlled remotely with the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility program by setting an authorization code in the field shown above. The value entered here is effectively a password that allows access to the program from a non-local area network such as the Internet.

  • Page 58: Cat/Ci-V Tab

    FLEX-6000 Series transceivers. Click the Save button after the choices have been made. 8.3.3 FlexRadio Tab Figure 8-1 A FLEX-6600M configured for operations on Port A and ANT 1 on the Transceiver Page 58 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 59 Before beginning this configuration, make sure your FLEX-6000 Series transceivers are turned on and connected to the same Local Area Network that hosts the Tuner Genius XL. The Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility will discover the FLEX-6000 Series transceivers over the network.

  • Page 60: Antenna Genius Tab

    Use the Other tab to adjust the front panel backlight intensity, set the per-band bypass configuration, and the receive mode bypasses. Display Backlight Intensity This control sets the brightness of the front panel display. Click Save to make a change permanent. Page 60 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)
  • Page 61 For example, a lower value may take longer than a higher value for the tuner to find a match. i – Note that setting the tuner to find the lowest possible value is enticing the performance gain of a Page 61 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 62: User Interface Elements

    The utility application provides a TUNE button. A mouse click on this button starts a tuning cycle on the frequency currently shown on the display. Page 62 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 63: Manual Tuning Controls

    8.4.4 Manual Tuning Controls The three circular “knobs” on the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility display show the current tuning solution (C – L – C). These can be adjusted manually by clicking on the leftmost “knob” and adjusting the value with the mouse wheel.

  • Page 64: Remote Operation

    9 Remote Operation 10 Firmware Upgrade Procedure The Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility can be used to upgrade the firmware in your Tuner Genius XL over the network. First, start the utility program and connect to the tuner. 1. Click the configuration icon (gear) and select the Firmware Upgrade button. The Tuner Genius XL...

  • Page 65: Factory Reset The Tuner Genius Xl

    During the reboot, the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility screen may show that it is connecting. After the reboot is complete, the tuner will reconnect, enter Operate mode, and you may resume regular operation. i – If the upgrade fails with a bootloader error on your first attempt, please press the Upgrade button again to complete the process.

  • Page 66: Messages

    PTT UNKEY Lorem ipsum Messages 12.3 The following are messages. Message Description -MANUAL TUNING TUNING SAVED MEMORY CLEARED CONFIG RESET Page 66 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 67: 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: 2AK7NSKYTuner Genius XL001 Page 67 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 68: Appendix

    15 Appendix 15.1 Installing the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility The Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility program is an integral part of the tuner system. The utility is used to configure the tuner, upgrade the tuner’s firmware, and operate it remotely.
  • Page 69 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 Tuner Genius XL utility. Ensure that box is checked and click Finish.

  • Page 70: Power Derating Table

    3:1 – 5:1 5:1 – 8:1 8:1 – 10:1 160/80/60/40/30 2000W 1500W 20/17/15/12 2000W 1750W 1500W 2000W 1750W 1500W 1000W 1500W 1250W 1000W High SWR Page 70 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 71: Connection Information And Pin Out Diagrams

    This RCA connector is provided to supply a Push-To-Talk signal to other devices. The center pin is grounded when PTT is asserted. Note that the Tuner Genius XL provides this signal after making any adjustments to the tuning solution when it receives PTT. This signal can therefore be used to synchronize RF generation so that the RF signal is never generated before the tuner is ready to receive it.

  • Page 72: Ci-V Connector

    It auto-senses polarity as well, so if you are using a direct connection to your PC, you do not need a crossover cable. Please refer to the network configuration options. Page 72 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 73: Ptb/Bcd Connector Pinout

    160m None Frequency (MHz) Pin 11 Pin 12 Pin 13 Pin 14 Hex Value i – The 60-meter band cannot be selected with this method. Page 73 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

  • Page 74: Firmware Recovery Procedure

    18. Turn ON the TGXL, it should start normally. 19. Start the TGXL Windows Utility, you should see the TGXL listed (or it may autoconnect). Page 74 of 74 Copyright 2023 FlexRadio. All Rights Reserved. 10 January 2023(FW:1.1.16, Utility: 1.1.16)

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