Expert Electronics SunSDR2 DX User manual

Expert Electronics
© 2020 Expert Electronics
SunSDR2 DX
USER MANUAL
1.3.2
HF/50 MHz/VHF TRANSCEIVER
Direct Sampling SDR transceiver

3
SunSDR2 DX User Manual © 2020 Expert Electronics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. READ IT FIRST 6
1.1 Congratulations .......................................................................................... 6
1.2 Features ...................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Supplied accessories ................................................................................... 7
1.4 Precautions ................................................................................................. 8
1.5 ExpertSDR2 Software License Agreement ................................................ 9
1.6 Copyrights ................................................................................................. 10
1.7 Contacts .................................................................................................... 10
2. FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION 11
3. REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION 13
3.1 Antenna .................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Grounding ................................................................................................. 15
3.3 Accessories ............................................................................................... 16
3.4 External Linear Amplifier ......................................................................... 17
3.5 External Control devices .......................................................................... 17
3.6 Reference input ........................................................................................ 18
3.7 Transverter connection ............................................................................ 18
3.8 DAC OUT low power output ..................................................................... 19
3.9 ADC IN and RX OUT .................................................................................. 19
4. CONNECTORS PIN-OUT 21
4.1 MIC1 .......................................................................................................... 21
4.2 MIC2 .......................................................................................................... 21
4.3 EXT CTRL .................................................................................................. 22
5. ExpertSDR2 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION 24
5.1 Global controls panel ................................................................................ 25
5.2 Transceiver control panel ......................................................................... 29
5.3 Frequency and S-meter indicators ........................................................... 44
5.4 DSP control panel ..................................................................................... 47
5.5 Panorama description .............................................................................. 50
5.5.1 Spectrum Scope ...................................................................................... 50
5.5.1.1 Spectrum Scope scaling .......................................................................... 51
5.5.2 Waterfall ................................................................................................ 52
5.6 Status bar ................................................................................................. 53
5.7 Options ...................................................................................................... 54
5.7.1 Device .................................................................................................... 54
5.7.1.1 VOX .................................................................................................. 55
5.7.1.2 DSP ................................................................................................... 55
5.7.1.3 TX .................................................................................................... 59

4
SunSDR2 DX User Manual © 2020 Expert Electronics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5.7.1.4 CW .................................................................................................... 61
5.7.1.5 Ext Ctrl ............................................................................................... 62
5.7.1.6 Expert ................................................................................................ 64
5.7.2 Sound card ............................................................................................. 66
5.7.2.1 Sound card .......................................................................................... 66
5.7.2.2 Line out .............................................................................................. 67
5.7.3 VAC menu .............................................................................................. 69
5.7.4 Display ................................................................................................... 70
5.7.4.1 Main .................................................................................................. 70
5.7.4.2 Spectrum ............................................................................................ 72
5.7.4.3 Waterfall ............................................................................................. 75
5.7.4.4 Grid ................................................................................................... 76
5.7.4.5 Filter .................................................................................................. 76
5.7.4.6 Background ......................................................................................... 77
5.7.4.7 Indicators ........................................................................................... 78
5.7.5 CAT ....................................................................................................... 79
5.7.5.1 ECATv1 .............................................................................................. 79
5.7.5.2 OmniRig .............................................................................................. 81
5.7.6 Panel ..................................................................................................... 82
5.7.7 Features ................................................................................................. 87
5.7.8 ExpertSync ............................................................................................. 87
5.7.9 CW Skimmer .......................................................................................... 88
5.7.10 Shortcuts ................................................................................................ 90
5.7.11 IQ Recorder ............................................................................................ 91
5.7.12 TCI ........................................................................................................ 91
5.7.13 Spot settings ........................................................................................... 92
6. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 94
6.1 Receiver .................................................................................................... 94
6.2 Transmitter ............................................................................................... 95
6.3 Other ......................................................................................................... 96
7. TRANSCEIVER OPERATIONS 97
7.1 Local operation ......................................................................................... 97
7.2 Remote operation .................................................................................... 97
7.3 Frequency Tuning ..................................................................................... 97
7.4 Antenna switch ......................................................................................... 98
7.5 Voice Recorder Operation ........................................................................ 99
7.6 SPLIT operation ...................................................................................... 100
7.6.1 SPLIT + Sub RX Operation ..................................................................... 101
7.7 RIT/XIT .................................................................................................. 101
7.7.1 RIT ...................................................................................................... 101
7.7.2 XIT ...................................................................................................... 102
7.8 Digital modes operation ......................................................................... 103
7.9 Firmware-based protections .................................................................. 103
7.10 Settings folder ........................................................................................ 104

5
SunSDR2 DX User Manual © 2020 Expert Electronics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
7.11 2 TRXs on 1 PC ....................................................................................... 104
8. RESET SETTINGS AND FIRMWARE 105
9. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 107

6
SunSDR2 DX User Manual © 2020 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 SunSDR2 DX transceiver is the smallest 100W SDR transceiver, which is perfect for
contests and DXpeditions!
1.2 Features
The SunSDR2 DX transceiver based on the well-known SunSDR2 PRO transceiver with several
hardware improvements. It is a 100W-HF; 50W-6M; 8W-2M transceiver, very compact, has
active cooling and improved supply system, meaning it’s perfectly suited for DXpeditions. Also,
we've added a separate connector for an external ATU, thus SunSDR2 DX has all the
functionality you got used to in our radios and even more. Improved hardware along with the
ExpertSDR2 software makes this high-performance SDR transceiver the perfect base station.
The evident choice for a true contester!
Hardware improvements in comparison to SunSDR2 PRO:
· Improved supply system, which leads to less heating and less power consumption
· HPF for VHF (100 MHz) to eliminate strong out-of-band stations coming from HF
· LPF for HF (70 MHz) to eliminate strong out-of-band stations coming from VHF
· New VHF LNA chip - PGA103+
· New high-performance built-in stereo audio codec 24 bit with 114 dB dynamic range
· Sturdy DIP-type ExtCtrl connector
· New connectors: external tuner control, GND
· Improved PCB topology
Main features and capabilities of the transceiver
· Independent RX path based on DDC (Direct Down-Conversion) architecture
· Independent TX path based on DUC (Direct Up-Conversion) architecture
· Output power: 100W on HF, 50W on 6M and 8W on 2M
· 2 software RXs + SubRX for each of them (4 slices total) + independent wideband
Bandscope up to 80 MHz
· Remote control operation, using it, you connect PTT and CW-key to the E-Coder panel.
Microphone and E-Coder are connected to the remotely set up PC

7
SunSDR2 DX User Manual © 2020 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
· TCI interface for seamless connection with third-party software, the list of software with TCI
support is published on our website
· Professional TX processing module provides the most advanced tuning capability for
voice operation
· ExtCTRL connector to control external devices with 8 powerful keys with open collector
· ALC connector for external power amplifiers*
· Supports use of VHF transverters*
· An opportunity to use the transceiver as a signal generator via DAC OUT connector (SMA
connector)
· An opportunity to use external filters in the middle of the RF path, using ADC IN and RX
OUT (SMA connector)
· A small delay in CW mode (about 10 ms)
· Input for external 10 MHz reference oscillator
· An opportunity to use the transceiver in SO2V mode
· Full duplex or half duplex modes*
· Antenna switch with 2 HF antenna connectors and separate VHF antenna connector (Mini
UHF connectors)
· Internal power-meter for HF and VHF bands and SWR-meter for HF band
· Ethernet LAN interface provides a fast and reliable connection to PC
* These functions are supported by the transceiver's hardware, but is not implemented in the
ExpertSDR2 software. They will be supported in the future ExpertSDR software releases.
Minimal PC requirements
· CPU Intel Core i3 / Core i5 or better
· 8GB RAM
· Video card, minimum resolution 1024x600, 128 MB, OpenGL 1.5 support and higher
· The ExpertSDR2 works with Windows 7-10 32/64 bit, Linux (Ubuntu/Kubuntu 20.04 LTS x64)
and macOS 10.15 and newer
Block Diagram will be available later.
1.3 Supplied accessories
· SunSDR2 DX transceiver
· External fan fastened to the heatsink, size 140 x 140 mm
· LAN-cable for connection to a local network (1.8m)

8
SunSDR2 DX User Manual © 2020 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
· Power cable for connection to a power supply (2m)
· Audio-adapters JACK 6.3mm to JACK 3.5mm (2 pcs.)
· Adapter Mini UHF — HF PL259 1Ft (0.3m 1 pc.)
Additional equipment:
Additionally you can purchase the following devices:
· E-Coder Plus, E-Coder panel or E-Coder mini kit for convenient remote operation
· PTT footswitch
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 SunSDR2
DX could lead to fatal errors.
· Visually inspect the SunSDR2 DX transceiver for the absence of mechanic damages before
connecting it to PC
· Before connecting the SunSDR2 DX to the DC power line, ensure it is grounded. Never use
the SunSDR2 DX transceiver without grounding
· It is forbidden to connect the SunSDR2 DX 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
transceiver is powered by DC voltage!
· If the SunSDR2 DX 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 Transceiver in the dusted rooms and expose it to direct
sunlight for a long time
· Before connecting the external devices to EXT CTRL connector 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 transceiver!
· Remember! The transistor switches have limitations of supply voltage and current, going
through them. DO NOT allow polarity reversal!
· DO NOT use the SunSDR2 DX in temperatures lower than 0ºC (32ºF) and higher than +75ºC
(167ºF)

9
SunSDR2 DX User Manual © 2020 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
· DO NOT transmit without a load (dummy load/matched antenna) - it will lead to
overheating of the engaged components and may result in their failure. The same applies to
an unmatched load
· Avoid the exposure of the atmospheric downfalls on the SunSDR2 DX and never spill any
liquids (especially aggressive) on it
· It is forbidden to use the Transceiver during storms!
· Always disconnect the antenna from the Transceiver when not in use, or if there is a
danger of atmospheric electricity
· Don't open the Transceiver, 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 Transceiver, ask the manufacturer
· Ensure the Transceiver and any connecting cables are free from the effects of
electromagnetic interference and uncontrolled currents and voltages
· To avoid damage to the Transceiver or causing harmful interference on air, it should only be
operated by licensed HAMs
· Keep the Transceiver out of the reach of children
· If the transceiver 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 moving or transporting the transceiver
· 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
1.5 ExpertSDR2 Software License Agreement
The ExpertSDR2 software is the proprietary product and intellectual property of Expert Group. It
is forbidden to modify, copy or disclose to third parties ExpertSDR2 software distribution.
Official versions of the software are published on the manufacturer's website in the section
"SunSDR2 DX Transceiver/Downloads".
New versions of the ExpertSDR2 software for the SunSDR2 DX transceiver 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 Group.
The manufacturer reserves the right to alter and/or improve the SunSDR2 DX 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 section "
SunSDR2 DX Transceiver / Documentation".

10
SunSDR2 DX User Manual © 2020 Expert Electronics
READ IT FIRST
Users of the SunSDR2 DX transceiver can update the software by themselves, by downloading
from the official website of the Expert Group company.
The manufacturer is not responsible for the consequences of the user utilizing an unofficial or
modified version of the 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 SunSDR2 DX
transceiver.
1.6 Copyrights
Expert Group company holds copyrights for the SunSDR2 DX transceiver, 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 Group 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 Group 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 Group
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.