Expert Electronics ColibriDDC User manual

Expert Electronics
© 2022 Expert Electronics
ColibriDDC
USER MANUAL
1.2.0
Perfect for remote operation
Direct Sampling SDR receiver

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ColibriDDC User Manual © 2022 Expert Electronics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. READ IT FIRST 5
1.1 Congratulations .......................................................................................... 5
1.2 Features ...................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Supplied accessories ................................................................................... 6
1.4 Precautions ................................................................................................. 6
1.5 ExpertSDR2 Software License Agreement ................................................ 7
1.6 Copyrights ................................................................................................... 8
1.7 Contacts ...................................................................................................... 8
2. HARDWARE DESCRIPTION 9
2.1 FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION ................................................................... 11
2.2 REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION ..................................................................... 12
2.2.1 Antenna ................................................................................................. 12
2.2.2 Grounding .............................................................................................. 13
2.2.3 External Control devices ........................................................................... 13
2.2.4 Reference input ....................................................................................... 13
2.3 CONNECTORS PIN-OUT ............................................................................ 14
2.3.1 EXT CTRL ............................................................................................... 14
3. ExpertSDR2 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION 16
3.1 Global controls panel ................................................................................ 16
3.2 Software receiver settings ....................................................................... 19
3.2.1 Receiver control panel .............................................................................. 19
3.2.2 Frequency and S-meter indicators ............................................................. 22
3.2.3 DSP control panel .................................................................................... 24
3.2.4 Panorama description .............................................................................. 27
3.2.4.1 Spectrum Scope ................................................................................... 27
3.2.4.1.1 Spectrum Scope scaling ...................................................................... 27
3.2.4.2 Waterfall ............................................................................................. 29
3.2.5 Status bar ............................................................................................... 29
3.3 Options ...................................................................................................... 30
3.3.1 Device menu ........................................................................................... 30
3.3.1.1 VAC ................................................................................................... 31
3.3.1.2 DSP ................................................................................................... 32
3.3.1.3 Ext Ctrl ............................................................................................... 36
3.3.1.4 Expert ................................................................................................ 36
3.3.2 Sound card menu .................................................................................... 38
3.3.2.1 Sound card .......................................................................................... 39
3.3.2.2 Line output .......................................................................................... 39
3.3.3 Display menu .......................................................................................... 40
3.3.3.1 Main window ........................................................................................ 40
3.3.3.2 Spectrum ............................................................................................ 42
3.3.3.3 Waterfall ............................................................................................. 44
3.3.3.4 Grid ................................................................................................... 45
3.3.3.5 Filter .................................................................................................. 45

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
3.3.3.6 Background ......................................................................................... 46
3.3.4 CAT menu .............................................................................................. 48
3.3.4.1 ECATv1 .............................................................................................. 48
3.3.4.2 OmniRig .............................................................................................. 49
3.3.5 Panel menu ............................................................................................ 50
3.3.6 Features menu ........................................................................................ 54
3.3.7 ExpertSync menu .................................................................................... 55
3.3.8 CW Skimmer menu ................................................................................. 56
3.3.9 Shortcuts menu ....................................................................................... 57
3.3.10 IQ Recorder menu ................................................................................... 58
3.3.11 TCI menu ............................................................................................... 59
3.3.12 Spot settings menu .................................................................................. 59
4. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 61
4.1 Receiver .................................................................................................... 61
4.2 Other ......................................................................................................... 62
5. RECEIVER OPERATIONS 63
5.1 Local operation ......................................................................................... 63
5.2 Remote operation .................................................................................... 64
5.3 Frequency Tuning ..................................................................................... 65
5.4 RIT ............................................................................................................ 66
5.5 Digital modes operation ........................................................................... 67
6. RESET DEFAULT SETTINGS 68
7. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 69

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ColibriDDC User Manual © 2022 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
1READ IT FIRST
1.1 Congratulations
On behalf of the whole Expert Electronics company, we'd like to thank you for purchasing the
ColibriDDC SDR receiver!
The ColibriDDC receiver provides you with amazing versatility, which is why it is very popular
among people who's goal is to create a specific setup, preserving a high-quality radio
performance.
1.2 Features
A compact ColibriDDC receiver was designed to work on HF band 0.09 to 55 MHz, for better
performance you can add the internal BPF-module (160-10M bands). With the help of external
filters, ColibriDDC can effectively operate on frequencies up to 800 MHz. LAN interface allows
you to use the receiver remotely via LAN cable and to connect several receivers to one PC at the
same time, for various projects. Also, you can hook up the receiver with the RaspberryPi3 (with
installed ExpertRS software) and use it from any place on the Planet, you just have to have a
reliable internet connection.
Note:
· The basic version of the receiver doesn't include the BPF-module.
Main features and capabilities of the receiver
· RX path based on DDC (Direct Down-Conversion) architecture
· ExpertRemote system provides full remote control of the receiver
· 2 software receivers (each up to 312 kHz) + SubRX for each of them (4 slices total) +
independent wideband Bandscope up to 62.5 MHz
· ExtCTRL connector to control external devices with 7 powerful keys with open collector
· 100 Mbps Ethernet LAN interface provides fast and reliable connection to PC
· TCI interface for seamless connection with third-party software like SDC (with its own
Skimmer), LogHX, SWISSLOG and RUMlog, more are coming
· Record IQ channel with the bandwidth up to 312 kHz
· Receiving in undersampling mode up to 800 MHz (requires external BPF)
· High-quality 24-bit audio– DAC installed for the smallest signal delays
· Low power consumption, 5V / 0.64A
· External reference generator input 10 MHz

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ColibriDDC User Manual © 2022 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
· Small size W 65 x H 26 x L 125 mm
PC requirements
· CPU Intel Core i3 1.6 GHz and higher
· 8GB RAM
· Video card, minimum resolution 1024x600, 128 MB, OpenGL 1.5 support and higher
· Local network connector 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps
· The ExpertSDR2 works with Windows 7-10, OS Linux Ubuntu x64 and macOS 10.12 and
newer
1.3 Supplied accessories
· ColibriDDC receiver
· Power supply 5V 2A
· Adapter SMA - PL259 (UHF)
· LAN – cable
Additional equipment:
Additionally you can purchase the following devices:
· BPF-kit for HF bands
· E-Coder Plus, E-Coder panel or E-Coder mini kit for convenient remote operation
1.4 Precautions
To prevent any damage to the transceiver, please read these operating rules
carefully before attempting to operate on the air.
· Carefully read this manual first, otherwise connecting and operating the ColibriDDC could lead
to fatal errors
· Visually inspect the ColibriDDC receiver for the absence of mechanic damages before
connecting it to PC
· Before connecting the ColibriDDC to the AC power line, ensure it is grounded. Never use the
receiver without grounding!
· It is forbidden to connect the ColibriDDC to PC with the voltage presence on it or in the
switched condition
· It is forbidden to use the power supply with the voltage higher than +16 V. Remember! The
the device supplied with AC voltage!

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ColibriDDC User Manual © 2022 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
· If the ColibriDDC was stored in abnormal climatic conditions, it is recommended to keep it in
normal operating temperatures for at least 2 hours before switching on
· It is forbidden to use and store the receiver in the dusted rooms and expose it to direct
sunlight for a long time
· Before connecting the external devices to connector EXT CTRL read the Manual, learn tables
and diagrams of connecting the external devices
· DO NOT connect a VGA monitor to EXT CTRL port, you will damage the receiver!
· Remember! The transistor switches have limitations of supply voltage and current, going
through them. DO NOT allow polarity reversal!
· DO NOT use the ColibriDDC in temperatures lower than 0ºC (32ºF) and higher than +50ºC
(122ºF)
· Avoid the exposure of the atmospheric downfalls on the ColibriDDC and never spill any liquids
(especially aggressive) on it
· It is forbidden to use the receiver during storms!
· Always disconnect the antenna from the receiver when not in use, or if there is a danger
of atmospheric electricity
· Don't open the receiver, it has radio elements, which have high-sensitivity to the static
electricity. This document contains all necessary information about the internal design to
satisfy the Users’ curiosity. To repair the receiver, ask the manufacturer
· Ensure the receiver and any connecting cables are free from the effects of electromagnetic
interference and uncontrolled currents and voltages
· Keep the receiver out of the reach of children
· If the receiver emits an abnormal odor, or smoke, immediately turn it OFF and remove the
power cable. Contact your closest Expert Electronics dealer for advice
· Always take great care when transporting the receiver
· Ground the antenna-mast and antenna-feeders to avoid accumulation of atmospheric static
electricity on them
· Always use ferrite beads on antenna and other cables, connected to the receiver
· Use Ethernet lightning protection for regions prone to lightning strikes.
1.5 ExpertSDR2 Software License Agreement
ExpertSDR2 software is the proprietary product and intellectual property of Expert Electronics.
It is forbidden to modify, copy or disclose to third parties ExpertSDR2 software distribution.
Official versions of the software are published on the manufacturers website in section
"ColibriDDC receiver / Downloads".

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ColibriDDC User Manual © 2022 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
New versions of the ColibriDDC receiver software may have different titles from time to time.
This license agreement applies to all new versions of the software and may be supplemented
and / or amended unilaterally by Expert Electronics.
The manufacturer reserves the right to alter and / or improve the ColibriDDC receiver software,
adding new features and bug fixes. In this regard, the software may be different from the
description herein. Ask your closest dealer on the availability of new, more complete version of
the User Manual, or look for them on the official website of the manufacturer in the section
"ColibriDDC receiver / Documentation".
Users of the ColibriDDC receiver can update the software by themselves, by downloading from
the official website of the Expert Electronics company.
The manufacturer is not responsible for the consequences of the user utilizing an unofficial or
modified version of ExpertSDR2 software and/or changes the settings or other files which are
related to the ExpertSDR2 functionality.
The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for the material, moral or any other kind of damage,
whether expressed or implied, caused by using of a third-party software.
The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for the material, moral or any other kind of damage,
whether expressed or implied, caused by using of external devices along with the ColibriDDC
receiver.
1.6 Copyrights
Expert Electronics company holds copyrights for the ColibriDDC receiver, intellectual property:
ExpertSDR2 software and all User Manuals and Instructions for the device and software.
It is forbidden to present this document as your own, sell it or use it in any other commercial
activity.
Expert Electronics company does not guarantee, that the functions and their qualities described
in this manual, and also combinations which were not described in the manual, comply with the
User purposes, if it is not mentioned in the Manual. Expert Electronics company does bear any
responsibility for the material, moral or other kinds of damage expressed or implied by such
actions.
1.7 Contacts
MANUFACTURER
Expert Electronics
Web-site: www.eesdr.com
E-mail: [e-mail]
You can contact us via mentioned above mail address about: your orders, inquiries, technical
support, software support.

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ColibriDDC User Manual © 2022 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
2HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
ColibriDDC receiver based on the 4-layered, 110х60 mm PCB. All elements are installed on the
top layer of the PCB with SMC assembly. The manufacturing process is fully automatic and is
carried out by the high-quality Taiwan manufacturers. All functional units of the receiver are
placed on the PCB under the shields.
Assembled PCBs are installed in the light, anodized aluminum case. Solid case protects the
receiver from the mechanical damages and shields the PCB from the electromagnetic
emissions.
Structural schematics:
Receive path consists of the following functional units:

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ColibriDDC User Manual © 2022 Expert Electronics
HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
· Ant – antenna connector.
· LPF – Low Pass Filter with 55 MHz bandwidth. This filter allows to receive the signals from the
first Nyquist zone, to eliminate the signals from the second Nyquist zone. This filter is required
if you don’t use external band filters. You may disable LPF, in this case signals evade the filter
and move along the receive path.
· ATT - attenuator -20 dB. Attenuator allows to “weaken” signals to eliminate the receiver
overload while receiving strong signals. You may disable Attenuator, in this case signals evade
the Attenuator.
· ADC – high-speed analog-to-digital converter with 125 MHz sample rate and 14-bit resolution.
ADC is the heart of the receiver; it performs direct sampling of all signals in the 62.5 MHz
bandwidth.
· FPGA – Field Programmable Gate Array. It performs all high-speed processing operations.
Inside the FPGA happens the first down conversion of signals. It is similar with the first
converter in a common super-heterodyne, but all operations processed in a mathematic order
with binary logic.
· MCU – Microprocessor Control Unit. It is responsible for the data exchange between the
receiver and a PC and controls all ColibriDDC systems.
· LAN – LAN interface. The data exchange between the ColibriDDC and a PC is carried out via
LAN cable with 100 Mbit/sec speed.
· PLL – Phased-Locked Loop provides the reference clock frequency 125 MHz to clock ADC.
There might be two sources of the reference signal for the PLL: TCXO and external reference
oscillator with 10 MHz frequency.
· TCXO – Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator with 20 MHz frequency. This is a high-
stability oscillator with temperature instability 0.5 ppm.
· REF – connector for an external reference oscillator with 10 MHz frequency. Note, that
stability and phase frequency of the source of the reference frequency influence the quality of
the received signals.
· EXT CTRL – connector for controlling of the external devices. The receiver has 7 switches
with open collectors, which might be might be configured by the User for each band. For
example, you may control band pass filter, antenna switches etc.
· DAC – Digital-Analog Converter with 24-bit resolution. This unit performs reverse conversion of
digital signals into the analog audio-signals. It generates sound in the filter bandwidth and
transfers it to the PHONES connector.

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ColibriDDC User Manual © 2022 Expert Electronics
HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
2.1 FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION
#
Name
Description
1
LAN interface
LAN connector for connection of the ColibriDDC to the local
network via the LAN cable.
2
Power supply connector
Connector for the unipolar power supply with +5V and max 1А.
Receiver has an internal protection from polarity reversal and
supply overload.
3
Headphones jack
Here you may connect headphones with 16-30 Ohm impedance or
speakers.
4
Power on/off button
Press the button to power on/off the device.
5
LED indicator, colors:
green and yellow
LED is indicating the Network mode:
1. Green LED is blinking - setting up the connection between the
receiver and PC.
2. Green LED is constant – the receiver is in the DHCP-client
mode
3. Yellow LED is constant – the receiver is in the DHCP-server or
Static-IP mode.

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HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
2.2 REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
#
Name
Description
6
SMA connector
“female”
Connector for HF and VHF antennas.
7
BT (Boot) button
Button for the emergency firmware update.
8
EXT CTRL connector
Connector for controlling of the external devices
9
Reset IP address
button
Press to reset IP address and UDP-port of the receiver to default
state, IP: 192.168.16.200, port: 50001.
10
External reference
oscillator Input 10 MHz
10 MHz CMOS level
input
Appropriate Voltage amplitude for this input: 1...3 V Pk-to-Pk and
10 MHz frequency. Input impedance 2 kOhm.
Warning! Improper use or higher voltage may damage the
receiver!
2.2.1 Antenna
Before connecting the antenna, check the integrity of the antenna-feeder path.
For best results, the antenna should have an impedance of 50 Ohm to match the 50 Ohm
impedance of the receiver.
The antenna should have an SWR level not worse than 1.5:1. If the SWR is worse than 1.5:1,
match the cable and the antenna to the desired level.
Warning!
i Always use E-type ferrite beads on antenna and other cables, connected to the
receiver!

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HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
2.2.2 Grounding
To eliminate the risk of electric shock it is essential to use a reliable grounding in the setup with
the ColibriDDC receiver.
Warning!
i Never use water or gas pipes for grounding!
2.2.3 External Control devices
The ColibriDDC receiver allows you to control external devices via seven electronic keys in the
EXT CTRL connector.
With the keys you can have direct control of antennas, low-noise preamplifiers and external
band pass filters. You can adjust keys' triggers in the software Settings (more details in EXT
CTRL ).
Note:
· The Electronic keys have a built-in protection diodes for inductive loads (relays, fans,
solenoids, etc.) with a maximum reverse voltage of 75 V and current up to 200 mA. If your
inductive load gives a higher reverse current, it is necessary to use an external diode in parallel
to the connected load.
Warning!
i Never use a VGA cable from your monitor, to connect external devices
i Never connect monitors with the VGA interface to the ExtCTRL connector
i Incorrect connection of external devices and / or uncontrolled galvanic
connections could lead to the malfunctions of the transceiver or its failure!
2.2.4 Reference input
A 10 MHz external reference oscillator can be connected to the REF IN connector with a
coaxial cable.
Set the Use external reference checkbox in the ExpertSDR2 menu to use an external
reference oscillator (more details in Device menu).
Signal parameters of the Reference Frequency:
· Reference signal frequency of 10 MHz
· Reference signal voltage: min. 2.5 V; max. 3.3 V
· Input impedance of 2 kOhm, 1pF (standard CMOS-input)
· SMA type connector (female)
Note:
36
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HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
· Use an external reference oscillator via REF IN connector to increase the stability of the
receiver's tuning frequency, if +/- 0.5 ppm stability is not enough. Also transceiver's frequency
synchronization with an external reference oscillator is used when you want to sync several
devices with each other, from one reference oscillator.
· The Phase frequency of the transmitted and received signals depends on the phase
frequency of the external reference oscillator.
2.3 CONNECTORS PIN-OUT
2.3.1 EXT CTRL
Out #
Output name
Description
Note
1
X1
Programmable key with open collector
Output
2
X4
Programmable key with open collector
Output
3
X7
Programmable key with open collector
Output
4
NC
In reserve.
Input/Outp
ut
5
I2
Connection of buttoned detector. Connect to ground. In
reserve.
Input
6
CP
Contact of the protective diode
--
7
X3
Programmable key with open collector
Output
8
X6
Programmable key with open collector
Output
9
NC
In reserve.
Input/Outp
ut
10
I1
Connection of buttoned detector. Connect to ground. In
reserve.
Input
11
X2
Programmable key with open collector
Output
12
X5
Programmable key with open collector
Output

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HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
13
X8(РТТ)
Programmable key with open collector for control of
external PAs PTT
Output
14
+5V
Voltage contact +5V,current up to 100 mA.
Attention! Never connect the load with current more than
100 mA, it may fatally damage the receiver.
Attention! Never connect external power supplies to this
connector, it will seriously damage receiver.
Output
15
GND
Ground
--
Note:
· When an electronic key with open collector triggers, it leads to key's ground connection.
Voltage drop equals 0.7V.
· Logic inputs of the buttoned detectors are reserved.
Warning!
i While connecting an inductive load (relay, solenoids, fans etc.) to the X1-X8 keys,
it's important to connect the protective diode in parallel to the load!

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HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
3ExpertSDR2 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
Software settings which won't be mentioned or addressed in this manual, are set by default or
provided to the user's self-study and experiments. All the unmentioned settings cannot cause
the fatal damage of the ColibriDDC receiver hardware, so you can safely experiment with them.
You're dealing with the software-defined radio – SDR, the main settings and signal processing is
held in the software.
3.1 Global controls panel
This panel consists of the following buttons:
- the Start button switches on/off the ExpertSDR2 software.
- enable/disable button of the second software receiver (RX2).
- In the RX2 drop-down menu, you can select receiver's window configuration.
RX2 window has the same interface as the RX1.
Note:
· Two independent software receivers can operate simultaneously only in one Nyquist zone 0-
62 MHz or 62-124 MHz or 124-186 MHz and so on up to 800 MHz.

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ExpertSDR2 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
- Attenuator level can be set via the drop down menu or by successive
presses of the indicator button, which cycles upwards the attenuation coefficient in the following
order: -20dB, -10dB, 0dB, +10dB.
Note:
· While using optional BPF-kit, the attenuator and the preamplifier values are stored for each
filter and each band accordingly. When the Low Pass Filter (LPF) is enabled for the whole first
Nyquist zone, its attenuator/preamplifier level is already stored.
· When you use BPFs along with the RX2, the filters are controlled by the RX1.
· Attenuator specifics: S-meter values and audio level have program compensation when
you use the attenuator because signal level on the antenna input is always the same and
doesn't depend on the attenuator level. With this solution, a user doesn't need to calculate
real values on his own, every time when the -20 dB attenuator is used. Also, he doesn't need
to adjust AF or RF level every time when the -20 dB attenuator is used, like in most classic
transceivers.
Attenuator influences only receiving dynamic range, S-meter and audio level stay the same. If
you disconnect antenna you can see how receiver’s noises are changing when you switch the
ATT. Receiver's noise level is lower when you select ATT 0 dB, it means that RX sensitivity is
higher, but RX noise level is higher when you use ATT -20 dB, it means that RX sensitivity is
worse. It is done in the hardware.
- enable/disable the wide bandscope in the same Nyquist zone as the RX1, from 0 to 62
MHz or 62-124 MHz or 124-186 MHz and so on up to 800 MHz (BS).
When you use the bandscope, set the Use LPF checkbox in the Options > Device menu, for
better receiving on 0-55 MHz.
The bandscope window can be either adjusted inside the ExpertSDR2 window or can be
displayed as the separate window on the second monitor. Navigation and settings of the
bandscope are similar to the panorama settings of the main receiver.
- enable/disable sound output from the PC's sound card (SC). It doesn't stop sound
output from the front panel, it duplicates output from the PC's sound card.
- enable/disable button of the frequency memory panel (MEM).

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ExpertSDR2 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
- Volume slider. This setting is stored per band, it affects the LF
output on the receiver's front panel and PC's sound card output. Speaker icon has the mute
function.
- In the Profile manager menu you can:
· add a new profile, by entering the name of the profile in the “Profile name” field and pressing
Add button.
· set the settings of the whole program to the default state, by the Default button.
· Update the settings of the certain profile from the list to the current settings.
· Remove the certain profile from the list.
Note:
· All new profiles will be stacked up to the drop-down menu as a new line.
- Options menu described options .
- About button opens the new window with the info about current version of the
ExpertSDR2 software:
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ExpertSDR2 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
- pressing the Fullscreen mode button will unfold the software window on the whole
screen.
3.2 Software receiver settings
These settings are divided into four logical parts, described below.
3.2.1 Receiver control panel
- volume and balance control menu for the first and second receivers separately (Mixer).
When you use only RX1, the Mixer settings are off, but when you enable the RX2, it activates
Mixers for both RXs.

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ExpertSDR2 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
- open the 18-band RX equalizer menu (EQ).
- button enables the VAC (data exchange via Virtual Audio Cables).
- button enables the squelch (SQL). Displayed as the vertical yellow needle on the S-
meter. If the air signal – green needle, surpasses the SQL trigger threshold – yellow needle, then
you'll hear the sound of the receiving station on the receiver's LF output. If the signal level is
lower than the trigger threshold, you'll hear nothing.
- button mutes LF signal (Mute).
- show the HF stations markers on the panorama from the EiBi database (EiBi). Hover
with the mouse pointer on the station frequency and you’ll see its name.
- IQ-files recording is required for storing the RX bandwidth panorama (IQ). The file is
saved to the C:\Users\User_Name\ExpertSDR2\ExpertSDR2\wave\.
- turn on the CW Skimmer, more details in CW Skimmer (SKM).
- bigger S-meter button (SM).
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