Expert Electronics MB1 User manual

Expert Electronics
© 2017 Expert Electronics
MB1
USER MANUAL
1.2.0
HF/50 MHz/VHF TRANSCEIVER
Direct Sampling SDR transceiver

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MB1 User Manual © 2017 Expert Electronics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. READ IT FIRST 8
1.1 Congratulations ........ 8
1.2 Features ........ 8
1.3 Supplied accessories ........ 10
1.4 Precautions ........ 11
1.5 Software license agreement ........ 13
1.5.1 ExpertSDR2 Software License Agreement ..... 13
1.5.2 Windows 10 Software License Agreement ..... 13
1.5.3 Other Software License Agreement ..... 14
1.6 Copyrights ........ 15
1.7 Contacts ........ 15
2. CONNECTIONS 16
2.1 Antenna ........ 16
2.2 Grounding ........ 16
2.3 AC power ........ 16
2.4 Front Panel accessories ........ 17
2.4.1 Microphone(Dynamic/Electret) ..... 17
2.4.2 Headphones ..... 18
2.4.3 USB devices ..... 18
2.5 Rear Panel ........ 19
2.5.1 Accessories ..... 19
2.5.2 External PC ..... 20
2.5.3 External Linear Amplifier ..... 21
2.5.4 External Control devices ..... 22
2.5.5 Reference input ..... 24
2.5.6 XVTR ..... 24
2.5.7 DAC OUT low power output ..... 25
2.5.8 RX IN and RX OUT ..... 25
2.6 Connectors pin-out ........ 26
2.6.1 MIC1 ..... 26
2.6.2 MIC2 ..... 26
2.6.3 COM ..... 27
2.6.4 EXT CTRL ..... 27
2.6.5 PA PTT Outputs ..... 29
3. FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION 30
4. REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION 42
5. MAIN SCREEN DESCRIPTION 47
5.1 MB1 GUI ........ 47
5.1.1 Section 1 ..... 47
5.1.2 Section 2 ..... 48

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5.1.3 Section 3 ..... 49
5.1.4 Section 4 ..... 52
5.1.5 Section 5 ..... 53
5.1.6 Section 6 ..... 53
5.1.7 Section 7 ..... 53
5.1.8 Section 8 ..... 54
5.1.9 Section 9 ..... 54
5.2 Local panels ........ 54
5.2.1 ATU ..... 54
5.2.2 DSP SETTINGS ..... 56
5.2.3 FRONT END SETTINGS ..... 57
5.2.4 Manual frequency input ..... 59
5.2.5 MEMORY PANEL ..... 59
5.2.6 MIC/CW SETTINGS ..... 60
5.2.7 MIXER ..... 61
5.2.8 NFM-SETTINGS ..... 63
5.2.9 PROFILES ..... 64
5.2.10 RX EQUALIZER ..... 64
5.2.11 VOX/COMPRESSOR SETTINGS ..... 65
5.3 Desktop GUI ........ 66
5.3.1 Global controls panel ..... 66
5.3.2 Software transceiver settings ..... 70
5.3.2.1 Transceiver control panel ..... 71
5.3.2.2 Frequency and S-meter indicators ..... 82
5.3.2.3 DSP control panel ..... 84
5.3.2.4 Panorama description ..... 87
5.3.2.4.1 Spectrum Scope ..... 87
5.3.2.4.1.1 Spectrum Scope scaling ..... 87
5.3.2.4.2 Waterfall ..... 89
5.3.3 Status bar ..... 89
5.4 Options ........ 89
5.4.1 Device menu ..... 90
5.4.1.1 Mic ..... 91
5.4.1.2 VAC ..... 91
5.4.1.3 VOX ..... 92
5.4.1.4 DSP ..... 92
5.4.1.5 TX ..... 96
5.4.1.6 CW ..... 97
5.4.1.7 Ext Ctrl ..... 98
5.4.1.8 PA ..... 99
5.4.1.9 Expert ..... 100
5.4.2 Sound card menu ..... 103
5.4.2.1 Sound card ..... 103
5.4.2.2 Line output ..... 104
5.4.3 Display menu ..... 105
5.4.3.1 Main window ..... 105
5.4.3.2 Spectrum ..... 106
5.4.3.3 Waterfall ..... 109
5.4.3.4 Grid ..... 110

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5.4.3.5 Filter ..... 110
5.4.3.6 Background ..... 111
5.4.3.7 Indicators ..... 112
5.4.4 CAT menu ..... 113
5.4.4.1 RX1 receiver ..... 113
5.4.4.2 RX2 receiver ..... 115
5.5 Panel menu ........ 115
5.6 Features menu ........ 120
5.7 ExpertSync menu ........ 121
5.8 CW Skimmer menu ........ 121
5.9 Shortcuts menu ........ 123
5.10 IQ Recorder menu ........ 124
5.11 TCI menu ........ 125
5.12 Spot settings menu ........ 126
5.13 MB1 Utility ........ 127
5.13.1 Main ..... 127
5.13.2 Sensors ..... 128
5.13.3 Temperature ..... 129
5.13.4 Fan Speed ..... 129
5.13.5 About ..... 130
5.14 Windows settings ........ 131
5.14.1 Date and time settings ..... 131
5.14.2 Switch off screen saver ..... 132
5.14.3 Switch off sleep mode ..... 134
5.14.4 Network adapter settings ..... 136
5.14.5 System recovery ..... 139
5.14.5.1 Create restore point ..... 139
5.14.5.2 Use restore point ..... 145
5.14.6 Windows password ..... 152
5.14.6.1 Enable Windows password ..... 153
5.14.6.2 Disable Windows password ..... 155
6. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 159
6.1 Receiver ........ 159
6.2 Transmitter ........ 160
6.3 Internal PC ........ 160
6.4 Other ........ 161
7. TRANSCEIVER OPERATIONS 162
7.1 Turning ON/OFF the transceiver ........ 162
7.2 Frequency Tuning ........ 162
7.3 Adjusting the AF gain ........ 164
7.4 Adjusting the RF gain ........ 165
7.5 Muting the received audio ........ 165

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7.6 Internal speaker On/Off ........ 166
7.7 Using the Band Memory ........ 166
7.8 Selecting the Operating Modes ........ 167
7.9 ATT/PREAMP control ........ 169
7.10 Selecting AGC presets ........ 170
7.11 Frequency Tuning Lock ........ 171
7.12 VFOA and VFOB control ........ 171
7.13 Changing RX Filter width by knob ........ 173
7.14 RX Filter Shifting ........ 173
7.15 Select RX Filter presets ........ 173
7.16 ZOOM-In/Out the panorama ........ 174
7.17 Squelch level adjusting ........ 174
7.18 DSP Functions ........ 175
7.19 IQ files recording ........ 176
7.20 Frequency Tuning STEP Changing ........ 177
7.21 Antenna switch ........ 177
7.22 Functional buttons using ........ 178
7.23 DRIVE level adjusting ........ 180
7.24 Microphone gain control ........ 180
7.25 TX Monitoring Gain ........ 181
7.26 Voice Recorder Operation ........ 182
7.27 Transverter mode operation ........ 183
7.28 Transmitting in CW mode ........ 183
7.29 Transmitting in Voice mode ........ 183
7.30 DAC OUT operation ........ 184
7.31 CTCSS Tones using ........ 184
7.32 Burst Tone using ........ 185
7.33 Bandscope operation ........ 185
8. SPLIT OPERATION 186
8.1 SPLIT + Sub RX Operation ........ 187
9. SUB RECEIVER USING 187
10. RIT/XIT OPERATIONS 188
10.1 RIT ........ 188
10.2 XIT ........ 189
11. SHIFT BUTTONS OPERATION 190
12. DIGITAL MODES OPERATION 190

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
13. RX2 OPERATION 191

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MB1 User Manual © 2017 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 one of
the best modern SDR transceivers!
The MB1 transceiver consists of an SDR transceiver and a fully functional PC in a single case,
thus providing limitless opportunities and flexibility for numerous applications!
1.2 Features
Check out this section before you start operating on the air.
Here you will learn about transceiver's features, supplied accessories, precautions
and the license agreement.
The MB1 transceiver is a game changer, it's a transceiver and a PC in a single package. It has a
classic design, developed over several decades, with the most advanced DUC/DDC SDR-
technologies - Direct Down Conversion (DDC) and Direct Up Conversion (DUC) and a fully-
featured high-end personal computer with an Intel Core i5 processor on board.
Two independent software receivers with a bandwidth of 312 kHz and a sub-receiver in each
of them
Broadband overview of up to 80 MHz
High quality IPS 7" touch screen display with a 1280x800 resolution
ExpertSDR2 software in two styles: Desktop style and MB1 display (for integrated GUI)
Supports any software applicable for Windows 10 OS
Record and play on air fragments (IQ files) with a bandwidth of up to 312 kHz
Features of the transceiver
An independent receive path with Direct Down Conversion (DDC)
A separate independent transmit path, constructed on the basis of Direct Up Conversion
(DUC)
Remote control operation
Very minor delay in CW mode (about 10 ms)
An opportunity to use the transceiver in SO2R mode
Full duplex or half duplex modes*
4 HF and 2 VHF antenna connectors

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Four separate programmable PTT outputs for external power amplifiers
Supports connection of VHF transverters
An opportunity to use the device as a measuring receiver
An opportunity to use the transceiver as a signal generator (DAC OUT)
Embedded power supply unit
* Full-duplex mode is supported by the transceiver's hardware, but is not implemented in the
firmware and software yet. This mode will be implemented in future versions of ExpertSDR2
software
PC capabilities of your transceiver
Installation of digital modes software
Installation of HAM and Contest logs
Two CW Skimmers may be used on different bands
The transceiver can connect to the LAN and the Internet
Use of Internet applications (e.g. e-mail, Skype, ICQ, TV, etc.)
Play video and audio files
Watch TV via USB-receivers
An opportunity to connect two external displays, keyboard, mouse
An opportunity to connect external speakers into the PHONES jack on the front panel

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1.3 Supplied accessories
The transceiver may be supplied with the additional option - Automatic Tuner Unit (ATU) for
matching impedance of antennas and 50 ohm output path of the transceiver.
Basic configuration:
MB1 transceiver
N o te :
ATU is not installed in the transceiver in the Basic configuration
PTT-microphone MD15
Power Supply Cable to connect the transceiver to AC mains network
Backup fuse 5A
Standard configuration:
MB1 transceiver + ATU
N o te :
ATU is installed in the transceiver in the Standard configuration
PTT-microphone MD15
Power Supply Cable to connect the transceiver to AC mains network
Backup fuse 5A
Additional equipment:
Additionally you can purchase the following devices:
E-Coder panel or E-Coder mini kit for convenient remote operation
PTT footswitch

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READ IT FIRST
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 MB1 could lead to the
fatal errors
Before connecting the device to AC network 110-220 V 50-60 Hz, visually inspect the MB1 for
the absence of mechanic damage
DO NOT use the MB1 in temperatures lower than 0ºC (32ºF) and higher than +60ºC (140ºF)
If the MB1 was stored in abnormal climatic conditions, it is recommended to keep it in normal
operating temperature for at least 2 hours before switching on
Before connecting the MB1 to AC network, ensure it is grounded. Never use the MB1
transceiver without grounding!
Before connecting external devices read the Connections section
Note, the MB1 output switches are limited to the values of the supply voltage and the current
passing through them, do not allow polarity reversal
Connect external devices to the MB1 only according to wiring diagrams shown in this manual
Never connect external devices, which are live or in a switched-on condition, to the MB1
Use only AC networks in the range of 110-220V. Remember - the device supplied with AC
voltage with a frequency of 50-60 Hz
Never use or store the MB1 in dusty rooms, nor allow prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
Avoid the exposure of atmospheric downfalls on the MB1 and never spill any liquids (especially
aggressive) on it
Do not emit HF/VHF signal with power more than 1W in the same room or near the MB1
transceiver
Do not open the MB1. It contains radio components, which are highly sensitive to static
electricity. For any repairs of the device please contact us
Do not transmit without a load (dummy load/matched antenna) - this will lead to overheating
of the active output components, and may cause their thermal breakdown. The same applies
to an unmatched load
If the transceiver emits an abnormal odor, or smoke, immediately turn it's power OFF and
remove the power cable. Contact the nearest Expert Electronics dealer for advice
Never stand the transceiver on the front or rear panel - this may damage controls and/or the
display
Always take great care when moving or transporting the transceiver

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Maintain a minimum distance of 10cm between the cooling vents of the transceiver and
another object
Never cover the cooling vents which must always be open to allow sufficient ventilation.
Failure to do so may cause malfunctions
Be careful to avoid dropping metal objects (screws, clips, metal filings, etc.) through the vents,
which may cause damage to the transceiver
Always disconnect the antenna from the MB1 when not in use or if there is a danger of
atmospheric electricity
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 transceiver
Ensure the MB1 and any connecting cables are free from effects of electromagnetic
interference and uncontrolled currents and voltages
To avoid damage to the MB1 or causing harmful interference on air, it should be operated
only by competent HAM amateurs
Keep the MB1 out of reach of children

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MB1 User Manual © 2017 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
1.5 Software license agreement
1.5.1 ExpertSDR2 Software License Agreement
The MB1 transceiver runs under the ExpertSDR2 software.
ExpertSDR2 software is the proprietary product and intellectual property of the Expert
Electronics. It is forbidden to modify, copy or disclose to third parties ExpertSDR2 software
distribution.
When shipped the MB1 transceiver supplied with the latest official ExpertSDR2 software.
Official versions of the software are published on the manufacturers website in the "MB1
Transceiver/Downloads" section.
New versions of the MB1 transceiver 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 the Expert Electronics.
The manufacturer reserves the right to alter and / or improve the MB1 transceiver 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 "MB1
Transceiver / Documentation" section.
Users of the MB1 transceiver can update the software by themselves, by downloading it from
the official Expert Electronics website.
The manufacturer is not responsible for consequences of the user utilizing an unofficial or
modified version of the ExpertSDR2 software on the MB1 transceiver and/or changes the
settings or other files which are related to the ExpertSDR2 functionality.
1.5.2 Windows 10 Software License Agreement
The built-in PC of the MB1 transceiver, runs under the licensed Microsoft Windows 10 OS.
Use the Windows 10 OS according to the Microsoft license agreement.
You can read the Microsoft License Agreement in Windows settings: START--SETTINGS--
System--About--Read the Microsoft Software License Terms.
MB1 User is responsible for compliance with the Microsoft License Agreement. The
manufacturer assumes no responsibility for compliance with the Microsoft License Agreement.

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1.5.3 Other Software License Agreement
The user can install any third-party software on the MB1 transceiver, supported by Windows 10
Home OS, 64 bit.
If you install third-party software you must follow:
The license agreement of the ExpertSDR2 software
The Microsoft Windows 10 license agreement
A third party software license agreement, which you are going to install or is already installed
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 the virus-software, which may appear while
using the MB1 transceiver.
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 MB1
transceiver.

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1.6 Copyrights
Expert Electronics company holds copyrights for the MB1 transceiver, intellectual property:
ExpertSDR2 software, MB1 Utility and all User Manuals and Instructions for the device and
software.
Before you are going to share this document in the Internet or via email, get written (or via
email) permission to do that.
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 material, moral and other kinds of damage to the expressed or
implied for such actions.
1.7 Contacts
MANUFACTURER
Expert Electronics LLC
Web-site: www.eesdr.com
E-mail: [e-mail]
You can contact us via mentioned above mail address: your orders, inquiries, technical support,
software support.

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2CONNECTIONS
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 HF nodes of the transceiver.
The antenna should have 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 and/or use an ATU.
N o te :
U sing a mismatched antenna-feeder path might cause non-linear distortion of the
transmitted signal, HF interference on the transceiver's cables and/or interference of TV's or
other devices.
Transmitting with a receiving antenna may damage it.
Warning!
Always use E-type ferrite beads on antenna and other cables, connected to the
transceiver!
2.2 Grounding
To eliminate the risk of electric shock it is essential to use a reliable grounding connection for
the transceiver.
Warning!
Never use water or gas pipes for grounding!
Never use the MB1 transceiver without a reliable grounding!
2.3 AC power
Connect the transceiver to the AC mains network with the power cable supplied with the
transceiver. Make sure, that the power outlet has the grounding/earth terminal and that it
matches the type of the power cable in use.
Warning!
It is recommended to set the E-type Line Filter on the Power Supply cable near
the rear panel of the transceiver.

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CONNECTIONS
2.4 Front Panel accessories
You can connect different accessories to the front panel of the MB1.
2.4.1 Microphone(Dynamic/Electret)
Dynamic microphone. The transceiver's kit includes a standard dynamic MD-15 microphone
with a PTT button - to activate transmission.
MD-15 microphone connects to the MIC2 connector on the front panel of the transceiver.
MIC 2 microphone input is designed to connect dynamic microphones with an output
impedance of 500-600 Ohm. You can find MIC 2 connector pin-out in the MIC 2 section.
N o te :
By repeated short presses of the M I C button, you can select the M I C 2 input in the
software, to work with a dynamic microphone.
Electret microphone is not supplied with the transceiver.
MIC 1 microphone input on the front panel of the transceiver is designed to connect electret
microphones.
You can connect any computer or other electret microphones via the Jack adapter 6.3mm -
3.5mm.
N o te :
By repeated short presses of the M I C button, you can select the M I C 1 input in the
software, to work with an electret microphone.
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CONNECTIONS
Line-In input.
MIC 1 input on the front panel of the transceiver can be used as a line-in input.
Use the monophonic 6.3 mm Jack Plug for connection.
2.4.2 Headphones
Connect headphones to the PHONES jack. It's allowed to use headphones with a 8-64 Ohm
impedance or active speakers.
To connect headphones use the stereo 6.3 mm Jack Plug.
Warning!
Never use headphones with a mono connector! If you have a monophonic
headphones, use the stereo 6.3 mm Jack and connect them to one of the
channels.
Never connect two stereo channels with each other!
N o te :
W hen you connect headphones to the transceiver, the internal speaker will continue to
operate. To disable it, open the MIXER local panel and turn off the speaker with the
SPEAKER button (more details in Local panels ).
H eadphones with high impedance may sound quieter.
2.4.3 USB devices
You can connect any standard USB device with a current consumption of up to 500 mA to
USB connectors e.g. flashcards, mouse and keyboard, wireless mouse and / or keyboard,
WLAN adapters etc.
N o te :
After connection of the U S B device, it may take some time to automatically search and install
drivers for it. After installation, the OS will begin to work with the USB device in regular mode.
In some cases, it may be required, to search for drivers over the Internet and / or use manual
installation.
Older U SB devices may not be supported by the W indows 10 Home x64. Read the
Instructions for your U S B device to make sure that it is supported by the Windows 10 Home
x64 OS.
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CONNECTIONS
2.5 Rear Panel
2.5.1 Accessories
You can connect several accessories to the transceiver's rear panel, as shown on the picture
above.
PTT Footswitch should be connected to the PTT socket, it controls the transceiver's TX
mode. Connector type - 6.3 mm Jack.
When you press the footswitch, PTT Line connects to the Ground (Case), it causes the
transceiver to turn to TX. A red LED TX indicator on the front panel and in the software window,
indicates that the TX mode is on.
Releasing the footswitch returns the transceiver to the RX mode.
Straight Key should be connected to the KEY socket using the mono 6.3 mm Jack. Pressing
the key turns the transceiver to the TX mode and it generates a continuous CW signal (manual
mode). Manipulate the key according to the message you want to send.
Releasing the straight key returns the transceiver to the RX mode.

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CONNECTIONS
Twin-paddle key (single-paddle) should be connected to the KEY socket using the mono
6.3 mm Jack. Pressing one of the key's paddles (or one side - for single-paddle) will turn the
transceiver to the TX mode and begin automatic generation of dots and dashes.
Releasing the paddle returns the transceiver to the RX mode.
N o te :
Adjusting and switching of manipulation modes, speed and other parameters of the CW
signal, can be done in the local panel on the transceivers display (more details in Transmitting
in CW mode ).
COM-port for connection of a CW key.
CW paddle can also be connected to the COM-port according to the picture below.
In the ExpertSDR2 DOT/RTS = DOT/CTS and DASH/DTR = DASH/DSR.
In the ExpertSDR2 you set COM-port pins of an external PC, which uses DTR and RTS for
keying. DTR and RTS from an external PC should be connected to local DCR and CTS pins,
which are showed on the picture with the paddle. DCR and CTS are RX lines (inputs) that is
why they used like this.
Warning!
While connecting a CW key to the COM-port, avoid any contact of the key with
the transceivers's case, other devices' chassis and/or any other earth point!
2.5.2 External PC
The transceiver can be connected to another PC with a COM-port cable. Using a COM-port
cable and the CAT-system, you can adjust the transceiver's frequency and other parameters.
N o te :
The cable type should be Null modem / crossing.
W hile connecting the cables, the transceiver and a PC should be switched off.
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