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Description

The SunSDR2 DX transceiver is the smallest 100W 160M-6M + 2M HF/VHF SDR transceiver in the world, which makes it an ideal companion for your future contests and DXpeditions. It is based on a popular, well-known SunSDR2 PRO model. On top of all our previous radios' functionality, the SunSDR2 DX transceiver offers new features, such as compact hardware design, active cooling, improved power supply system and dedicated connector for a native external ATU. The upgraded hardware design coupled with the ExpertSDR2/3 software makes this high-performance SDR transceiver an outright base station for any DXpeditions and home use.

Hardware improvements in comparison to SunSDR2 PRO:

  • TX IMD3 ~37 dB across all HF bands, with 100W output power
  • 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 (CS4272)
  • Has a dedicated connector for an external tuner - AAT-100
  • Antenna switch supports Predistortion without external devices

 

Hardware evolution of SunSDR2 DX is described in the User Manual, section 2.2.1.

Main capabilities

  • 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, 80W 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
  • TCI interface for seamless connection with third-party software, the list of software with TCI support
  • 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)
  • Monitoring delay in CW mode is about 2-3 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 are not implemented in the ExpertSDR3 software.

 

Architecture description

Block diagram SunSDR2DX

 

SunSDR2 DX complete set

  • Transceiver SunSDR2 DX
  • External fan, size 140 x 140 mm
  • LAN-cable for connection to a local network (1.8m)
  • Power cable for connection to a power supply (2m)
  • Audio-adapters JACK 6.3mm to JACK 3.5mm (2 pcs.)
  • RF Cable Mini UHF — HF PL259 1Ft (0.3m 1 pc.)

 

Additional accessories:

 

Specifications

RF ADC, bit @ MHz 16 @ 160
ADC type LTC2209
RX Frequency range, MHz 0.1...65; 95...155
Independent software receivers 2 + 2 SubRX
Sample rate, kHz @ bit 39; 78; 156; 312 @ 24
Bandscope, MHz 80
RX HF filters, MHz (LPF: 65 or 9 x BPF) + constant LPF: 70
RX VHF filters, MHz (WideRX: 95-155 or SAW filter for 2M: 144-148) + constant HPF: 100
BDR on HF, dB 130
BDR on VHF, dB 129
Sensitivity, uV 0.2
DR IMD3, dB 110
RMDR, dB 119
ATT/Preamp, dB -20; -10; 0; +10
VHF LNA, dB 27
RF DAC, bit @ MHz 14 @ 640
TX Frequency range, M All amateur bands 160-6; 2
Output power on HF, W 100
Output power on 6M, W up to 80*
Output power on VHF, W 7 (up to 8)
TX IMD3 on HF, dB 37 on HF / 30 on VHF
Local oscillator TCXO, MHz +/- ppm 20 +/- 0.5
External 10 MHz oscillator input +
Built-in audio codec, bit / Dynamic Range, dB 24 / 114
RF input/output 2HF, 1VHF (Mini_UHF)
ADC IN, DAC OUT (SMA)
PC interface LAN 100 Mbit
DC voltage range in RX/TX, V 8...14.8 / 10...14.8
Recommended DC voltage, V 13.8
Current consumption RX/TX, A 1.2 / 24
Power consumption RX/TX, W 16.5 / 330
Operating temperature, °C/°F 0...+50/ +32...+122
Dimensions L x W x H, cm/inches 18.5 x 16.5 x 10.5/ 7.48 x 6.69 x 3.14
Weight, kg/lbs 1.8/ 3.96

* 80W until 53MHz, then output power is slightly decreased.
Specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation and specifications are only guaranteed within the amateur radio bands.

Video

Documentation


pdf Terms of the product's warranty


pdf SunSDR2 PRO Getting Started
pdf Empezando (Getting Started in Spanish) 
11-09-19


pdf "Setting up SunSDR2 PRO for DUMMIES" by Pete Parisetti, MM0TWX
pdf El primer procedimiento 11-09-19


pdf User Manual v.1.3.2 06-07-22
pdf Manual de Usuario v1.3.2 22-09-20


ATU connector pin-out


pdf User Manual Addendum (UMA), by Erik EI4KF

pdf Adenda del Manual del Usuario version 6.12 12-05-21


Setup instructions for WSJT-X, ExpertSDR2, and MacLoggerDX


 

Useful diagrams


pdf ExtCtrl to SPE Expert PAs connection diagram


pdf ExtCtrl to ACOM PAs connection diagram


pdf ExtCtrl to EB104 connection diagram
Recommended by EB104 manufacturer

pdf ExtCtrl to EB104 connection diagram with relay


pdf ExtCtrl to SPE via S-BOX v2.1 (block-diagram)

pdf ExtCtrl to SPE via S-BOX v2.1 (schematic-diagram)


 

pdf Connecting an external PA, relay, etc. to the SunSD2 DX
In this document, you can find information about how to connect the SunSDR2 DX to an external PA or relay to control the external BPF, antenna switch, etc.


pdf Control cable schematic for external PA VL-1000 (Yaesu)
This schematic allows you to assemble your own control cable for PA VL-1000 by Yaesu. With this cable, you control PA's bands and RX/TX mode. This cable might be used for control of other devices, which works with 4-contact control protocol by Yaesu, i.e. PAs, antenna switches, etc.


pdf SO2V operation

pdf SO2V operation with SDC
Both diagrams can be used for creating two working places with a single SunSDR2 PRO/DX transceiver.


ExpertSDR2

Warning! Software is device-specific! Don't mix software with unsuitable hardware, it may lead to issues that are not covered by warranty!

 Windows


installer ExpertSDR2 v.1.3.1 Update11_SunSDR2_DX
installer ExpertSDR2 x64 v.1.3.1 Update11_SunSDR2_DX
SDR firmware v. 72 dd: Fall 2021
PA firmware v. 12 dd: July 2020
Published on 12-10-2020
pdf ExpertSDR2 1.3.1_Release_Notes
ExpertSDR2 1.3.1_Update 11_Release_Notes

Warning!
To use the ExpertSDR2 software, please install the Visual Studio Redistributable 2017 either from the ExpertSDR2 installer or from the official Microsoft website:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2977003/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads

 

 Linux x64


installer ExpertSDR2 v.1.3.1 Update11
Published on 13-10-2021

Warning!
ExpertSDR2 tested on Ubuntu 20.04 x64.


mac oc x macOS


installer ExpertSDR2 v.1.3.1 Update11
Published on 14-10-2021

Warning!
ExpertSDR2 was tested on the latest macOS release. ExpertSDR2 might crash during the closing, but it doesn't affect software operation at all.

ExpertSDR3

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 1.0.7 Beta, FW 86.8

Download Windows Download Linux Download macOS

ExpertSDR3 minimal system requirements:

  • ОS Windows 10 x64 or later versions, Linux Ubuntu 22.04 x64 and the latest patches of versions 11 (BigSur)/ 12 (Monterey)/ 13 (Ventura) of macOS (Intel and Silicon)
  • 4 core CPU Intel Core i3 or Core i5
  • 8 GB RAM
  • Video card with support of DirectX11 or higher
 

Expert Remote System (ERS)

Server (Starter) for Expert Remote System, build 20221028

Download Windows Download Linux

Download ARM64 linux

Download ARM64 RPi

 

Videos




Release notes

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

  • Added a module where you can select third-party software to be launched along with the ExpertSDR3
  • Implemented Scalable waterfall
  • Now you can control waterfall speed
  • For ColibriNANO implemented auto-preamp
  • For ColibriNANO implemented “ADC overload” indication
  • Implemented ExpertSync module, the server is a part of the ExpertSDR3 Device Manager, and clients are in every ExpertSDR3 client instance. It allows you to sync tuning frequencies, modes, filter BW and RIT among all EE devices
  • You can assign overall volume and monitoring volume to E-Coder knobs 
  • Fixed bugs from the previous alpha
  • E-Coder panel support
  • ExpertRemote system for RX mode
  • TX modulator settings
  • PTT function
  • Break-In function for each software RX
  • Firmware update capability
  • New TCI 1.5 (specification)
  • Fixed numerous bugs from the previous alpha
  • Memory panel operation was improved (CTCSS / repeater settings are stored in memory, now you can apply them for each receiver)
  • Improved Band Manager (added: PA key control, set max output power for per band, and adjust additional preamp/ATT coefficient for external preamp/ATT)

Articles and Reviews

Expert Remote System (ERS) reviewed by Werner Schnorrenberg (DC4KU) (July 2022)
English version / German version
Published in Funkamateur

Release Schedule

ExpertSDR3 1.0 Final - May 2024

During the year, we will publish minor releases of the program with bug fixes, without reference to specific dates.

Articles and Reviews


Expert Remote System (ERS) reviewed by Werner Schnorrenberg (DC4KU) (July 2022)
English version / German version
Published in Funkamateur


Output voltage spikes investigation, by Ivan De Cesaris IZ0JNY/HB9ETO (December 2021)


Review published in CQ DL 1/2022 and 2/2022, by Werner Schnorrenberg (DC4KU) (November 2021)
German version / English version


eHam.net review page


AAT-100 tuner review in Radioamater, by Pavel Misek (OK7PM(April 2021)
In Czech


Review of the SunSDR2 PRO and SunSDR2 DX by Graziano Roccon (IW2NOY) (March 2020)


Review in Radioamater, by Pavel Misek, OK7PM (January/February 2020)
Part 1 / Part 2
In Czech


ExpertRemote system reviewed by Werner Schnorrenberg (DC4KU) (November 2019)
Published in Funkamateur 3-2020