The ColibriNANO opens new horizons for HF band enthusiasts, thanks to its 14-bit ADC, which provides a ~110 dB BDR and up to 3 MHz sample rate. A 0.5 ppm local oscillator gives the ColibriNANO a great frequency stability. Using the ColibriNANO remotely, in some rural area will give you the lowest air noise you've ever seen while won't rob you from any comfort or functionality. The ColibriNANO operated by our own ExpertSDR2 software and compatible with popular HAM software such as HDSDR, SDRSharp via the ExtIO library.
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
1 software receiver up to 3072 kHz + SubRX
TCI interface for seamless connection with third-party software, the list of software with TCI support
Record IQ channel with the bandwidth up to 3072 kHz
Receiving in undersampling mode up to 500 MHz (requires external BPF)
Low power consumption, 2.02 W; 0.41 A
Small size W 25 x H 17 x L 90 mm
Typical Applications
ColibriNANO block diagram
Compatible HAM software
Additional accessories:
Expert Electronics company developed the ExpertSDR2 software to control HAM radio equipment of its own design. Software version for the ColibriNANO allows you to harness all the potential of the receiver: remote operation, synchronization with the transceiver, IQ channel bandwidth up to 3 MHz, control of the preamplifier and LPF.
Appearance of the ExpertSDR2 software
Architecture description
Remote operation with the ColibriNANO receiver
To control the ColibriNANO via Internet we created the ExpertRemote system, based on the client-server connection. This system allows you to place the receiver and server in the remote location with low air noise and Internet connection. This might be some remote village or place with no electrical interference and 3G/4G Internet (or any other connection type). Using the ExpertRemote system you can enjoy clear air from your phone, tablet, notebook or PC. Even simple antennas, placed in a "quiet" place, allows you to listen to the far stations with low level.
Another feature of this system is that the receiver's software can be synchronized with transceivers and be used as the panorama adapter with high resolution. Use the transceiver to transmit signals, receive on your remotely located receiver via the ExpertRemote system.
Distant stations, rare (DX) stations or expeditions from now on will be a reality for you with our ExpertRemote system!
More information about the ExpertRemote system you can find here.
ExpertRemote system block-diagram
RF ADC, bit @ MHz | 14 @ 122.88 |
ADC type | ADS4145 |
RX Frequency range, MHz | 0.1...55 |
Undersampling, MHz | 0.1...500 |
Independent software receivers | 1 + 1 SubRX |
Sample rate, kHz @ bit | 48; 96; 192; 384; 768 @ 24 1536; 1920; 2560; 3072 @ 16 |
Bandscope, MHz | - |
RX HF filters, MHz | LPF: 55 |
Noise floor, dBm | 1.9 MHz (160M) - 131 7.1 MHz (40M) - 130 52.5 MHz (6M) - 127 |
NPR (Noise Power Ratio) with Noise Bandwidth 5 MHz, dB | 59 |
BDR on HF, dB | 110 |
BDR on VHF, dB | n/s |
Sensitivity, uV | 0.35 |
DR IMD3, not less dB | 95 |
RMDR, dB | 104 |
ATT/Preamp, dB | from -31.5 to +6, with 0.5 step |
Local oscillator TCXO, MHz +/- ppm | 122.88 +/- 0.5 |
Built-in audio codec, bit | - |
RF input with up to 15 kV ESD protection | 1 SMA connector |
Maximum antenna input voltage, without ADC overload, mV (ATT=0 dB) | 74 (Pk-Pk); 32.7 (RMS) |
PC interface | USB 2.0 |
DC voltage range, V | 4.5...5.5 |
Current consumption, A | 0.41 |
Power consumption, W | 2.02 |
Operating temperature, °C/°F | 0...+50/ +32...+122 |
Active device temperature, °C | +45...+50 |
Dimensions L x W x H, cm/inches | 9.0 x 2.5 x 1.7/ 3.54 x 0.98 x 0.67 |
Weight, kg/lbs | 43 gr/ 1.52 oz |
* More modes can be supported via external software
Specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation and specifications are only guaranteed within the amateur radio bands.
Terms of the product's warranty
User Manual for ColibriNANO receiver v1.1
This manual is good for either new or experienced users, it describes the hardware of the receiver and explains how to operate it with the ExpertSDR2 software 11.07.2018
User Manual Addendum, by Erik EI4KF
Adenda del Manual del Usuario version 6.12 12-05-21
Setup instructions for WSJT-X, ExpertSDR2 and MacLoggerDX
Three ways to work with the ColibriNANO, by Werner Schnorrenberg DC4KU (on English and German):
- connect it via USB with the Notebook/PC (Standard)
- connect it via Raspberry and LAN/WLAN with the Notebook or Smartphone/Tablet in your home network
- connect it via Raspberry to the internet (www)
Warning! Software is device-specific! Don't mix software with unsuitable hardware, it may lead to issues that are not covered by warranty!
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Warning! Library for operation with ColibriNANO receiver Library compiled for x32, x64, and x32 for WindowsXP (not tested) platforms. The library folder contains all compiled libraries and binary examples for the x32 and x64 platforms, not the x32 Windows XP. In the example_src folder, you may find the example project created with Qt 5.10 libs and compiled in Visual Studio 2017. ExtIO library to work with third-party software Attention! Ready to use setups, just download, and launch:
The ExtIO library was created using Qt 4.8.7. The SDR# software version 1005. If your Windows will not automatically download the USB driver, to use the ColibriNANO, download drivers from one of the links below and manually assign them to the undetected device in the Device Manager menu. Dismiss Windows warning regarding unsigned software and proceed with the installation.
Official driver installation guides for: |
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Warning!
Warning! Only for macOS users:
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Welcome to the new generation of SDR software – ExpertSDR3!
In 2021, we turned a new page in our history by launching the ExpertSDR3.
ExpertSDR3 software is being tested on the latest versions of Windows 10, Linux Ubuntu 22.04, and macOS 12 (with Intel CPU).
To report software bugs, please use this page.
ExpertSDR3 1.0.5 Beta
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ExpertSDR3 minimal system requirements:
Release Notes for alpha/beta versions of the ExpertSDR3 (link to a Google Drive folder)
Notas de la versión beta 1_0_0 de ExpertSDR3
Expert Remote System (ERS) reviewed by Werner Schnorrenberg (DC4KU) (July 2022)
English version / German version
Published in Funkamateur
Expert Remote System (ERS) reviewed by Werner Schnorrenberg (DC4KU) (July 2022)
English version / German version
Published in Funkamateur
ExpertRemote system reviewed by Werner Schnorrenberg (DC4KU) (November 2019)
Published in Funkamateur 3-2020
Review in QST magazine, by Pascal Villeneuve, VA2PV (June 2018)
Review by Werner Schnorrenberg, DC4KU (in German) (updated on September 2018)
Review by Pascal Villeneuve, VA2PV (December 2017)
English version / French version
Review by Adam Farson, VA70J/AB40J (July 2017)
Review on the Fenu-Radio web site (July 2017)
Review by Mile Kokotov, president of Radio amateurs society of Macedonia (July 2017)