The TURF Region set for your Flex Radio will determine if 60m is available for Transmit. If you running Win10 there are 2 things you can do to help PowerSDR with Latency issues:1) FULL SCREEN MODE: Run PowerSDR in maximum (full screen), windows 10 is supposed to treat it with more CPU time and less Latency.Because it assumes you want priority in full screen.2) GAMER MODE: Open PowerSDR and put it in 'Focus' (click on the top line of PowerSDR), then on the keyboard hit the Windows Logo + G keysThis will bring up a Gamer panel. On the right side of the gamer panel is a ON/OFF button, this will put PowerSDR into Gamer mode.This is supposed to give your game (PowerSDR in this case) less latency.CPU% not functioning or Temp & Volts not working:Click Start, type ' cmd' in the Search box.Right click cmd.exe, and select Run as administrator.At the prompt, type lodctr /R and press ENTER. (note the 'R' is a capital letter)This will repair the PerfMon pointers (those are stored in the registry).You should see this message if the process was successful:Info: Successfully rebuilt performance counter setting from system backupNOTE: FT8 & JTAlert-x have a rather large penalty on your CPU in a crowded band (like 80m and 40m) trying to decode 20 or so signals simultaneously.
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The more signals to decode, the higher CPU. You can copy the default 'Skin' to use as a starting point for creating a new 'Skin'.Skins under V2.7.2 or V2.8.0 are found in the following location (Click on the START button and enter the following in the search window):%ProgramData%FlexRadio SystemsPowerSDRSkinsHighlight the 'Default 2012' folder and press CTRL C, then CTRL VYou will now have a new Folder called 'Default 2012 - copy'Right click on folder and rename it your call sign (ie. KE9NS)Navigate into the new FOLDER inside the 'Console' folder.
These are the files you can change.In my KE9NS example I changed the 'picDisplay.png' file which is the background of the Panadapter.Started from scratch with Adobe PhotoShop.1)Create a new picDisplay.png file with a canvas of 1000 x 550 (the standard skin is a 100 x 50 image, but that will be too blurry if we add a call sign).2)Pick a background color (use the eyedropper tool to pick a color from some other image), and use the paintbucket tool to fill the canvas.3) Now add a background lighting enhancement, so click on Filter-Render-LIghting Effects-have fun. The image on the left is virtually lit from the bottom right.
The image on the right is virtually lit from 3 sources above the skin (like on old radio with light bulbs over the dial).4) Now add your callsign to the image in the upper left corner. Pick your Font (i used LCDMono) and size (i used 72pt) and Opacity I added a lensflare (Filter-Render- Lens Flare) just to the callsign.5) Next, I replaced the slider(s).
RX2 sliders are slightly smaller,so there are 2 sizes.6) Since the slider we are creating is round,and all image formats save files with 4 sides, we need to create a cavnas with on opaque background (i.e. A see through background), it shows up as a checkerboard pattern in Adobe.7) I found some knob images on the web and scaled them down to fit.I have now also included a background without the call sign but with a robinson projection.The slider replacements are slightly larger than the original 20 x 20 and 16 x 16. My Slider(s) are 22 x22 and 19 x 19 (see below)Click to download the 'Skins' (without my callsign)At this pointgo to PowerSDR - Setup - Appearance - and select the new 'Skin'.The Panadapter will now look like the photo at the top of this page.At this point its best to shut down PowerSDR and reboot your computer. FireWire (IEEE 1394):If your having trouble getting your Flex-3000 or Flex-5000 to connect to your FireWire card, it may be the driver.When Windowsdoes an 'overnight update', it sometimes updates the FireWire 1394 OHCI driver (switches drivers), which ends up causing trouble for some older hardware. Your Radio works one day, but not the next)Microsoft Support if your Window 8 or Windows 10 FireWire card stops working or acts strange.Read and follow this link to fix it:Download:Download:NOTE: If you are having troubles running a Flex-3000 or Flex-5000 at 192k sample rate, try the Legacy Driver.
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And change the sample rate only from within PowerSDR: setup-Audio-Primary-Sample Rate. Device manager will list your FireWire card as: IEEE 1394 host controller (Either LSI, TI, or VIA 1394).I would not recommend VIA chipset FireWire cards.Below is a picture of the SYBA 1394 PCI-express card (for a Windows Desktop). I purchased from ebay.It uses a PCI-Express TI chip 'XIO2213B' IEEE-1394b OHCI Controller(but XIO2221 should work as well)This board has both 400mbit and 800mbit connectors (you still use the older 400mbit connector)I suggest you only purchase a 1394b board (to make sure its newer)(Note the 1394b connectors on top vs the 1394a connector on the bottom). I also use a StarTech.com EC13942A1 1394a FireWire ExpressCard (for my Windows Laptop). It works great.Above is an 1394 FireWire ExpressCard for Laptop computers with ExpressCard slots (preferably ExpressCard 2.0). ExpressCard is really just PCI Express in a different formatFlexradio.exe app Go into Flexradio app1) set Operate Mode to 'Normal'. Click the DPC button to confirm the Firewire connection has low latency.
If not, check your PC for un-needed and unused programs. You may need to reinstall the OS for a clean start. High latency will cause very strange audio issues. You will eventually see a few time the computer encountered high latency, hit the Clear button to make sure it doesnt happend that often.2) Buffer size: Dictated by the PowerSDR - Setup. So dont try and change it here.
PowerSDR ESC Noise Cancelling or Signal EnhancingTHE SETUP:If you have a Flex 5000a with the 2nd receiver option (RX2) and are running PowerSDR 2.7.2 or 2.8.0 you can use the ESC 'Enhanced Signal Clarity' feature to reduce noise on the band using a 2nd antenna (RX2). The RX2 antenna needs to pick up the noise as strong or stronger than your main antenna (RX1). I use a vertical for RX2 and a Yagi or G5RV for my main RX1 antenna. My Vertical tends to be very noisy, and my horizontal antennas tend to be very quiet.HOW IT WORKS:ESC'Enhanced Signal Clarity' works by allowing you to sync both RX1 and RX2 receivers together, then allows you to change the phase relationship of RX2 vs RX1.
Noise Cancelling happens by moving the RED target around until the noise is subtracted from the real signal. It works very similar to a noise cancelling headphone: detect the noise and inject the same exact signal 180 degrees out of phase to cancel it out of the original signal (i.e.
Null Forming). A perfect solution would be an RX2 antenna that picks up nothing but noise since its possible to cancel out the real signal as well.The additional benefit is that you can improve a weak signal as well, by aligning RX1 and RX2 signals to add, rather than subtract.Below is a short youtube iphone video I took showing how well ESC works for Noise Canelling using a G5RV on RX1 and a Vertical on RX2. PowerSDR remotely from anywhere using:Windows desktop 'TeamViewer' (with 2-way audio without Skype)TeamViewer (free for personal use) allows for 2-way audio between your Computer with your Radio that is going to allow Remote control, and your Remote location. TeamViewer does not require any 'Port Forwarding' of your Router.Its similar to Chrome remote desktop, but allows for 2-way audio.There is no audio/video sync issues like there is with Microsoft RDP. No connection drops like RDP.And No need to worry about launching PowerSDR before running RDP.Download and install TeamViewer on both your Radio computer, and Remote computers, and create a free TeamViewer account (based on your email address). Link both computers to this 1 email account.1)Open TeamViewer, Just below Your ID,click on 'Easy access' (Unattended Access) of TeamViewer of at least your Radio Computer.Then on your Remote computer (not the Radio computer) you will now be able to connect using TeamViewer'Remote Control: using password' option.2) (both computers) TeamViewer-Extras-Options-Remote Control-Play Computer sounds and Music3) (both computers) TeamViewer-Extras-Options-Meeting-Share Computer sounds and Music4) (Flex Computer) Download the free VoiceMeeter Banana program and install.
You dont need to use the audio program (which is actually very nice), your just using the drivers (it will install 2 sets of drivers: Vaio In/Out and Aux vaio In/Out)5) (Flex Computer): Setup Either VAC1 or VAC2 to the following:(NOTE: VAC2 requires you to use VFOB 'TX'. Windows desktop RDPRemote Desktop Connection (with 2-way audio)You may not know it, but built into Windows is ' Remote Desktop Connection'. This will allow you to fully operate PowerSDR remotely (both transmit audio and receive) to any other Windows device running the same 'Remote Desktop Connection'. Its located in C:Windowssystems32 and actually called mstsc.exe. (or you can just search for it)See above: I now have a version of the Griffen Powermate software to allow remote use of the Knob when using Remote Desktop Connection.Note1: The Remote Desktop app is not the same as 'Remote Desktop Connection'. There are many versions of Remote Desktop and none allow remote microphone audio to be sent back to the local computer. There are some programs that can be purchased that allow remote microphone audio, and you could use Skype to complete the missing microphone audio, but there is no need if both computers are Windows PC'sTHIS FIX FOR 'REMOTE DESKTOP' IS A MUST:Control Panel.
Do a search for 'Edit Group Policy'. Then Click on the 'edit group policy' linkLocal Group Policy Editor-Computer Configuration-Administrative Templates-Windows Components-Remote Desktop Services-Remote Desktop Session Host-Device and Resource Redirection-Limit Audio Playback Quality-Enable-HighBelow is a short youtube iphone video I took showing how to setup 'Remote Desktop Connection' and use it. 1) On your HOST Flex Computer:You need to allow Internet Port 3389 to pass through your Modem, and Router to your local comptuer running PowerSDR.
Open your Modem and/or Router config page and port forward 3389 to the local IP address of your PowerSDR computer (the IP is usually something like 192.168.x.x). This now allows all external Remote Desktop data to tunnel from the Internet directly to your local computer.2) On your HOST Flex Computer:You must authorize Remote Desktop to allow specific users to access your local computer.To do this, Do a windows search for: systempropertiesadvanced, then click REMOTE tab, then click allow users, then click select users. Add your current user as a Remote Desktop user. By default your main user account should already be authorized to have remote access. If you normally turn on your computer and you dont need to type in a password to get to your desktop, then you will need to go to the User Account panel and add a password.
CAT & Virtual COM (serial) PortPC programs can communicate with the FLEX via CAT commands (which is just a serial COM port). General PowerSDR Settings for max operationPowerSDR.exe app Go into PowerSDR app and click on 'Setup'.1) General-Options settingsProcess Priority to 'HIGH' or 'REALTIME' (if you have a really fast computer).
REALTIME can sometimes cause strange behavior if your computer doesnt have the horsepower.2) General-Filters: reset filters for 9999hz3) Audio: Primary Buffer (lowest possible, but with no sound output issues) 1024 works, but NR and ANF dont work well. Set to 20484)Sample Rate: 192000 (better audio and larger Panadapter window)Mic Boost = ON, because we need to turn the MIXER MIC input down half way.
(this arrangement seems to work better)5) Audio:VAC use for digital modes, or remote operation modes.The image is VAC1 using VB-Audio software (Free)for RX1. The sample rate should be 44100 for everything that uses the VAC (both in PowerSDR and your digital software)6) When using RDP 'Remote Desktop' set to the following to get audio to/from the remote PC. The image below is VAC1 using Sound Mapper for RX1. VAC1 works with VFO A and B. VAC2 works with either receiver, but appears to be designed for RX2 & VFO B.
To select VFO B simply click on the TX button in the VFO B windowYou may need to make sure your Flex PC has the STEREO MIX listed under RECORDING devices in the Audio Section of Windows. STEREO Mix usually gets installed when you install the device driver provided by the sound chip mfg. (not the driver Windows finds/installs for you). With the setup you see below, you can plug a Mic/headset into your PC and use it with the Flex. (or remote mic/headset). You just need to make sure the default Playback device is your PC speakers and default Record device is your PC mic input.7)Display: Update Period: 20-30ms (keeps your waterfull up to date quickly when you change frequencies, but higher CPU usage8) Display: Low Level - High Level: adjust per antenna and band for a slight blue color in the background with no signal.9)DSP: Options: 4096 Buffer size get you the sharpest filters but more delay.10)DSP: AGC/ALC: To get more avg talk power, set the Leveler to 5,1,125,170 (higher settings could result in undulations). Set to the ALC to 1,20,170.
This allows you to keep your avg ALC up close to 0db but allows peaks to cross over 0db without distortion. Use the 2nd meter 'COMBO' to keep an eye on your ALC avg and peak.11) For SSB Transmit: save a 4K profile name. HIGH=4000, LOW=100, for eSSB save a 6.5k profile name: HIGH = 6500, LOW=0. Enable the Leverer and use the ALC12) For AM Transmit: Search down below for AM Mode Operation (proper Setup).
This includes disabling the ALC and enabling the CPDR.13) MIXER:whatever MIC input you use, move the slider down around half way. But you need to enable the MIC BOOST from Step 4)14) MIC: set the MIC gain half way (around 32)15) You can use the CPDR half way (around 4)16) You may need to enable MIC BOOST (back on item 4) Settings-Primary-Audio17) Make sure the TX MIC output meter does not go over 0db18) Make sure the TX ALC output meter does not go over 0db. Flex 5000 AUDIO eSSB / AM SetupI now use a audio-technica BPHS1 studio headset/ dynamic microphone (40-20,000hz).Although Condenser microphones are typically superior in sound quality and possess a lower bottom end, there are some downsides. This is a Hidden menu function and requires an Array Solutions, Inc. Power Master 1 Calibrated SWR/Watt meter.Focus on the PowerSDR window and press the following keys: F!!!!!!!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DO NOT touch anything on this page unless you are willing to brick your radio if you mess up.DO NOT touch the Input/Ouput side of this window ever.Calibrations will NOT work correctly unless you are at Factory Defaults.DO NOT run any other programs on your PCALWAYS HIT THE CLEAR ALL BUTTON FIRST on this page.ONLY SELECT 1 BAND AT A TIME, TO BE SAFE.Select 1 Band that you would not normally use, just in case you mess up. CALIBRATION OF THE TRX (Transmitter and RX1)P: Production TRX / IO test!!!!!!!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DO NOT touch anything on this page unless you are willing to brick your radio if you mess up.DO NOT touch the Input/Ouput side of this window.Calibrations will not work correctly unless you are at Factory Defaults.VERY IMPORTANT: make sure to leave the console screen size as small as possible (do not maximize the console screen). Tests will fail when the console is maximized.(Clicking on 'Run Selected Tests' with RX1 & ANT1 connected to a Dummy load will go through a series of TX and RX adjustments)CALIBRATION OF THE RX2R: RX2 Calibration menu!!!!!!!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DO NOT touch anything on this page unless you are willing to brick your radio if you mess up.Calibrations will not work correctly unless you are at Factory Defaults.(Clicking on 'Run Selected' with RX2 & Antenna RX1-tap connected to a Dummy load will go through a series of TX and RX adjustments).
I:Voltage & TempS:PreselectorC: EEPROM Calibration restore, save, resetV: VU CalibrationFlexwire I2C.ZZFY CAT command can be used to send a I2C command (address and 2 bytes of data)The HERO preselector menu button sends a address = 0x40 with 2 bytes of data representing the Band and Ant selected from that HERO panel.CNTL + ALT + U sends address 0x4c + data to trigger external relays. But its for use only with the XVTR screenDEBUG SCREEND: Debug, check& set drive & final bias Amps,carrier Null, scanner!!!!!!!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DO NOT touch anything on this page unless you are willing to brick your radio if you mess up.(Clicking on the Q2,Q3,Q4,Q1 values will adjust the Drive levels and change the Transmit Idle Amp levels)Test=?Gen=?Sig=?Fan= PA fan on/offBias= I believe these values are set when you run the PA Bias calibration stated up above. This section allows you to override them.Carrier Null:I believe these values are set when you run the TRX calibration state up above. This section allows youto override them.Impulse= I believe these values are set when you run the TRX calibration state up above.
This section allows youto override them.XVTXEN=?QSD = Quadrature Sampling Detector (receiver on/off)QSE =Quadrature Sampling Encoder (on/off)RCA TX1,2,3, = key TX1,2,3Off=?FPLED=?CTS=?External Ref= 10 mhz GPS ref?Int Speaker=there is none on the 5000a, although I see a provision on the PCB for an audio speaker amp.Headphone =. This mod project was started 1/1/2016 by me, Darrin KE9NS and is based uponthe GPL Open Source PowerSDR 2.7.2 SVN: 5123 code provided by Flex Radio Systems, Inc.With generous help provided by Flex Radio Systems, Inc. (Thank You!)This Source code includes 5 project under the PowerSDR umbrella: DttSP written in C, PowerMate written in C, PowerSDR written in C#, Inno Setup Compiler (to create the Full Installer), and Advanced Installer 14.5 (to create the incremental installer)DttSP and PowerSDR code was provided by Flex Radio Systems, Inc.PowerMate code was provided by Griffin, Clev R. Munke, and me Darrin ke9nsPowerSDR modifications beyond 2.7.2 are provided by: me Darrin ke9ns, and dh1tw for the DJConsole codeSWL.csv file from eibispace.de (thank you)SWL2.csv file of my own with additional short wave stations. It is automatically added to the SWL.csv listdxloc.txt file initially from HRD (thank you), modified by me Darrin ke9nsEN.dat file updated by the FCC at: Note: Iamat.zip is a large file and I only use the EN.dat file inside.FCCDATA.dat file generated by PowerSDR itself from the EN.dat file. This file is to determine the US State.Currently compiling under Visual Studio 2017 (VS2017) v15.8.0 and NET 4.5.2After you download and install VS2017, you must then download and install any VS2017 patches.NOTE:Sometimes the visual design form can become out of sync with its underlying.cs code file, for example, you remove code pointed to by an element on the Form, the Form will not open for display, even if you put the code back.If Visual Studio Refuses to display a Form, Close the offending Form (not the project), then click Build-Clean Build, then Rebuild. Now reopen the offending Form and it should open up properly now.Also, this means its best to make a CTRL C, CTRL V copy of the entire Project after a successful update and run.
PowerSDR KE9NS v2.8 Feature explanation'SWL List' Key word search:ALE: Automatic Link Establishment (Decode using PC-ALE)WWV, Time: Time signals (Both Voice and digital. KE9NS v2.8 Revision History3/13/20: v2.8.0.154 Mod Meters.
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