Saturday, 19 January 2013

Yaesu FT-DX3000 available from LAMCO

The FT DX 3000D - Building on the YAESU FT DX Heritage
 
The FT DX 3000D is the newest member of the YAESU FT DX Series. It inherits the design concepts of the FT DX 9000 and FT DX 5000 transceivers that have received high praise from all over the world by those pursuing the highest ideal of Amateur HF communication equipment.
 
The FT DX 3000D exhibits phenomenal multi-signal characteristics first demonstrated in the top-rated FT DX 5000. Using the two signal dynamic range measuring method with 10 kHz signal separation, the FT DX 3000 performance is 108.5 dB, IP3 +37 dBm. With frequency separation of only 2 kHz between the desired signal and an interfering signal, the dynamic range measures 106 dB and IP3 +33 dBm. 
 
With all its features and amazing performance, the FT DX 3000D is a terrific rig for home or for a DXpedition at a truly affordable price.
 
£2399.95
 


160 through 6 Meters - SSB/CW/FM/AM/Digital
With efficient dimensions of 14.4" x 4.5" x 12.3" (W x H x D) and weighing in at only 22 pounds, the FT DX 3000D is a solidly packed tranceiver ready to give very high performance on all Amateur Radio bands from 160 to 6 meters.

• General Coverage Reception from 30 kHz to 56 MHz

• FM & AM - Wide and Narrow modes included
RTTY/PSK31 Encode / Decode Included
Various easy connections available for RTTY, SSTV, PSK31, JT, and other Digital Modes
100 Watts of Solid Performance
The RF Final Amplifier produces a clean 100 watt (some modes less)transmit signal. A large heat sink is combined with the die cast aluminum chassis for efficient heat dissipation. A cooling fan located beside the final amplifier and the TX Low Pass Filter ventilates the heat away from inside of the transceiver cabinet. This large axial flow fan is mechanically isolated from the chassis to reduce vibration and noise. The speed of the fan is continuously controlled by the temperature of the PA amplifier; starting at 40 degree C.
Antenna Tuner Included
High Speed Automatic Antenna Tuner included. The antenna tuner uses LC switching. It has a large capacity 100 channel memory; the tuning data is automatically memorized to reduce tuning time when changing frequency.
Famous Yaesu Main Tuning Knob
A heavy weighted balanced brass core knob is used to give the famous Yaesu smooth flywheel operating feel to the FT DX 3000D Main Dial Knob. Each user may set his/her favorite torque feeling of the Main Dial rotation.
IF Output
1st IF 9MHz signal with wide bandwidth IF Output available on the Rear Panel for after-market band scopes, CW Skimmer, etc.
USB Capable
USB input included for firmware updates. This input can also facilitates CAT, USB AUDIO IN / OUT and USB TX Control (PTT, KEY and FSK)
Remote Control From A Distant Location
External control (CAT) is possible using USB or Serial Port; this feature means the FT DX 3000D can be remotetly controlled from a distant location!
Big TFT Full-Color Display For Superior Operability and Visibility
The FT DX 3000D presents a wide view angle, high contrast LCD 4.3 inch TFT impressive full color display that provides a convenient view of the radio’s working functions. Superior operability is realized with this convenient display. It permits excellent visibility from different viewpoints. Even with the many FT DX 3000D features and functions, the TFT display makes operation of the radio easy and comfortable.

• A Block Diagram Displays RX Signal Path
• Choose Analog Type or Bar Graph Meter
• Selectable analog type or bar graph type meter indication
• Separate Independent Frequency Display
• High Speed Spectrum Scope
• Bandwidth of the spectrum scope: 20kHz, 50kHz, 100kHz, 200kHz, 500kHz, or 1MHz
• TX and RX markers appear during “spit” operation
• Level Indicator
The function names and the setting levels of the following functions are shown in the TFT main display when a function knob is rotated: Clarifier, Microphone Gain, Speech Processor, SHIFT, WIDTH, KEYER SPEED and CONTOUR
• AF-FFT Scope
An AF-FFT (Audio Frequency Fast Fourier Transform) scope is built in. This AF-FFT function was first demonstrated in the FT DX 9000 series. With this Scope, the audio characteristics of the received signals; the effect of adjusting the RX IF filter performance; and utilizing the QRM rejection features, may be visually observed. It is also possible to observe the TX audio characteristics of your own signal while using the Monitor function. This is very effective for tuning the parametric equalizer for voice characteristics and the microphone audio.
• Spectrum Scope Memory
The Spectrum Scope screen can be stored or recalled with one touch. Simultaneously the time information is recorded in the memory, so that the difference in activity may be reviewed and compared, depending on the seasons and times.
• Cursor Keys
Six keys that are used frequently in normal operation are located at the left side of the TFT display. Other functions can be operated by pressing the "SCOPE" key which changes the "Spectrum Scope screen" to "Function Key Display screen". Even if the radio is turned off, the last operated Key Function is memorized and highlighted.
Top Performing RF Front End
The RF Front End circuit is the most important element because it ultimately determines the HF Receiver performance. Our Yaesu Engineering team has concentrated superior RF Engineering knowledge into the design of the FT DX 3000D front end.

• Fifteen separate band pass filters (BPF) are used for front end protection. This effectively reduces the undesired and out of band signals.

• In the RF amplifier, the strong bipolar transistor (2SC3357) is used. This transistor shows a low NF, and provides superior intermodulation performance.

• The gain of each individual device is kept lower, and the best optimized working point, with the lowest NF, is selected.

• A custom-designed wide coverage transformer, with less magnetic saturation, is used for the I/O of the RF amplifier. This construction makes the device performance better and provides excellent multi signal performance.
Down Conversion Receiver and Powerful Narrow Bandwidth Crystal Roofing Filters
The powerful narrow bandwidth crystal roofing filter enhances the receiver multi-signal characteristics. The FT DX 3000D "Down Conversion" receiver construction is similar to the FT DX 5000. The first IF frequency is 9 MHz. This makes possible narrow bandwidth crystal roofing filters (300 Hz, 600 Hz or 3 kHz) with a sharp shape factor that creates amazing multi-signal receiving performance. The powerful narrow bandwidth crystal roofing filter enhances the receiver multi-signal characteristics.

• The 3 kHz roofing filter greatly improves SSB signal reception during close adjacent multi signal conditions.

• The 300 Hz* and 600 Hz roofing filters provide the best CW receiving environment when the adjacent signals may affect the desired signal reception.

*Note: 300 Hz filter optional
Effective QRM and QRN Rejection
Effective QRM rejection is achieved from the FT DX 3000D IF DSP. The 32-bit high speed floating decimal point DSP, TMS320C6727B (maximum 2800 MIPS/ 2100 MFLOPS) made by Texas Instruments, is used for the IF section of the FT DX 3000D. The signal is processed with the high speed 300 MHz clock frequency.

• Proven IF WIDTH and IF SHIFT functions provide great QRM rejection performance
IF SHIFT
With the normal bandwidth, the pass band area can be moved relatively, so that harmful signals are rejected from the pass band
IF WIDTH
By adjusting the band width, Interfering signals can be removed from both sides of the pass band, without changing the pass band position. The IF width function can make the pass band narrower with one-touch. This function is effective in a pile-up or contest, when the undesired signals are located just above and below the target signal. When the IF Width knob is centered (click point), the pass band width is 2.4 kHz in the SSB and CW modes. When “NAR” is turned on, the minimum pass band becomes 50 Hz (200 Hz in the SSB mode), making it possible to minimize the QRM with this sharp filter shape factor. When the IF Width is turned clockwise from the center click point, the pass band width can be extended wider, up to 4000 Hz. This may provide a richer sounding and more comfortable QSO when in a local rag chew.

• CONTOUR
The CONTOUR function ideally tailors the received audio signal without changing the bandwidth. The CONTOUR function varies the outline of the IF DSP filter pass band characteristics, and the in-band signal construction can be partially altered. Different from the IF SHIFT or IF WIDTH, the special CONTOUR pass band, can reduce or peak the desired signal, partially and continuously across the pass band. This feature is effective especially when the undesired signal is close to the center frequency.

• Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) by DSP
The installed digital noise reduction circuit provides 15 separate parameters. The noise reduction constants may be set to the optimal working point by varying the 15 step parameters according to the actual noise within the HF band. The desired signal components are peaked and the random noise components are effectively cancelled.

• IF NOTCH
This high Q circuit has steep attenuation characteristics of 70dB or more. Effective removal of a strong beat signal is obtained. The damping characteristics can be switched to wide or narrow band width, and the attenuation level may be adjusted in the Setting Mode Menu. Interfering signals may be attenuated, while minimizing the impact on the received signal.

• Digital Notch Filter (DNF) (AUTO NOTCH)
The Digital Notch Filer (DNF) is a feature that automatically follows the interfering heterodyne signals, even if there are more than one, and even if the beat frequency changes with time. This is effective in removing jamming signals.

• CW APF (Audio Peak Filter)
In the CW mode, the APF (Audio Peak Filter) function has an audio peak at the signal frequency; this improves the S/N and increases the readability of the CW signal. The APF peak frequency can be finely aligned.
Very Low Noise Floor - Terrific Signal to Noise Ratio
The S/N ratio (signal-to-noise ratio) of the local signal that is injected into the 1st IF mixer is one of the most important factors for improving the receiver properties in the ultra-multi-signal environment.

In the FT DX 3000D, the combination of it's high stability and high accuracy 40 MHz TCXO (± 0.5ppm, -10 °C ~ +60 °C), and it's DDS create the fundamental frequency of this radio, and is locked to the PLL-IC and VCO directly. This circuit construction and method creates the highest quality local signal, with superior S/N performance. This means the receiver noise floor is kept lower, and realizes the best blocking dynamic range at 2 kHz IP3 performance.
Three IPO Settings - Best Signal Reception During Changing Band Conditions
3-step IPO settings permit the operator to select the most appropriate gain for best signal reception. This variety of selections provides superior receiver performance and the best possible communications with changing band conditions.

The IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) is selected by a control switch located on the front panel. The IPO selection determines the gain of the RF amplifier. The gain setting is very effective in optimizing the receiver performance, depending on the antenna and the communication propagation conditions. The IPO, the ATT and one stage of the RF amplifier are used to optimize the signal levels that are sent to the mixer. This is especially important for HF low-band operation. The "AMP 1" uses one RF amplifier stage, and maintains a better balance between the sensitivity and the receiver performance (the gain is around 10 dB). In addition, "AMP 2" uses two stages of the RF amplification and can obtain higher sensitivity (the gain is around 17 dB); something particularly important on the 6 and 10 meter bands.
High Quality Audio With Punch
The modulation circuit of the FT DX 3000d utilizes digital variation operational modulation, which creates ideal high quality transmission audio.

• Microphone Amplifier that includes Parametric Equalizer
The modulation circuit of the FT DX 3000D utilizes the digital variation operational modulation type, which creates ideal high quality transmission audio. This radio has a parametric equalizer that makes possible versatile adjustment of the TX audio quality by aligning the TX band audio spectrum. The parametric equalizer can alter the Low, Mid and High part of the audio separately. This three stage parametric equalizer can generate high quality TX audio sound because it can be tuned in detail…without sacrificing the audio dignity.

• IF DSP Speech Processor – DX’er and Contester Proven
The SSB Speech Processor uses IF digital signal processing to increase the intelligibility of the transmitted signal during weak signal crowded conditions. The DSP increases the average power of the important speech spectrum components and reduces the TX power of the less significant components. Adjust the compression level in the Menu Mode to adapt the transmitted SSB signal to best suite your voice characteristics, the situation, propagation conditions and pile-up demands.
Three Antenna Inputs
Three antenna connectors are available on the FT DX 3000D Rear Panel.

• Having multiple antenna selections is an especially effective feature for DX and Contest operating.

• Antenna connection selections memorized and recalled when changing bands.

• The "ANT 3" input can be set for the "RX Only" antenna.
CW Features Galore
• CW APF (Receiver Audio Peak Filter) with 3 bandwidth steps
• CW Decode included
• CW SPOT
• CW Auto Zero-in
• CW Zero-in Display
• CW Full Break-in
• CW Mode reversal (USB or LSB)
• CW Keying available during SSB operation
• CW “VOX” Delay is adjustabe
• Electronic Keyer with Weight control
• Keyer paddle Dot-Dash reversal
• IAMBIC A/B selection
• “Bug” Keying emulation
• Four Message Memory (50 characters each); five w/FH-2 Keypad
• Automatic Insertion of incrementing contest number
• Automatic “Beacon” keyer mode
• Dial step setting (for the CW mode only)
• Separate KEY Jacks on the front and rear panels
5 Digital Voice Messages
Each memory channel is capable of storing up to 20 seconds of audio using the optional DVS-6.
RX Output
The "RX Output" connector on the FT DX 3000D Rear Panel accesses the signal from the receiver RF amplifier. The signal can then be output to an external receiver for in-band simultaneous receiving.
Optional Fully-Automatic ยต-Tuning Kit
The u-Tuning Kit that was developed for the FT DX 9000, is optionally available for use with the FT DX 3000D. No other Amateur Radio radio manufacturer offers a comparable device that may improve your DXing performance in some challenging operating situations.

A large diameter 28 mm inductor, with an adjustable ferrite magnetic material (Ni-Zn ferrite) core, is combined, with a high resolution and high torque stepping motor to automatically find the resonance point. By inserting these tuning units prior to the RF front end of the receiver, the IP3 points are improved by around 4 dB. Three individual tuning units are available covering frequencies from 1.8 MHz through 14 MHz. Many FT 950, FT 2000/D, FT DX 5000 and FT DX 9000 Yaesu customers have used them and found them especially effective for use on the Lower Bands.

Tuesday, 8 January 2013

Kenwood TS-990S arriving very shortly @ LAMCO Barnsley

Redefining State of the Art
New Top-of-the-range HF/50MHz Transceivers Carry on the Tradition of KENWOOD Flagship Radios
TS-990 Series to be launched next month

JVCKENWOOD Corporation has announced the launch of the new TS-990 Series of HF/50MHz transceivers, the latest KENWOOD competition-class models, in Japan and the rest of the world in late February 2013.




Launch



Feb. 2013



Note: An Amateur Radio license is required to operate these models – Level 2 for the TS-990S, Level 3 for the TS-990D.
The TS-990D is only available in Japan’s domestic market.


  • TS-990S/D


Product background and features

The debut of the TS-900 in 1973 established the magnificent tradition of KENWOOD flagship HF transceivers, designed for DX’ers with exacting requirements for long-range high-performance Amateur Radio communications. Successor series have been the TS-930, TS-940, and TS-950.   Continuing this tradition, the new TS-990 is equipped with dual receivers to enable simultaneous reception on two different bands. The main receiver employs full down conversion and features a new mixer and narrow-band roofing filters, resulting in a third-order intercept point of +40dBm; this represents the highest level of RX performance. Also equipped are triple 32-bit floating point DSPs and an original IF AGC circuit featuring leading-edge DSP technology. Advanced KENWOOD technologies deliver the top-end RX performance that DX’ers are looking for in an HF transceiver. Moreover, 50V MOSFETs are used for the final amp, ensuring stable high-output operation with minimal distortion, even at 200W RF output power. All this and more: the world’s first*1 dual TFT display – with a band scope, audio scope, and S meter – offers enhanced visibility and operating ease.
*1 World’s first transceiver with dual TFT display (JVCKENWOOD data, as of January 8, 2013) to be launched in late February 2013.

Reference: The history of KENWOOD flagship transceivers

1973: TS-900 (historic all-band SSB transceiver, featuring cutting-edge technology)
1982: TS-930 (HF transceiver with the world’s first automatic antenna tuner for Amateur Radio use)
1985: TS-940 (high dynamic range HF transceiver which was more than a match for Cycle 22 pileups)
1989: TS-950 (world’s first HF transceiver with DSP, leading the way into the new digital era)

Main Features

●Receiver

1. Down conversion employed for all Amateur Radio bands (main receiver)

The main receiver of the TS-990 employs down conversion for the first IF (8.248MHz) for all Amateur bands. This results in excellent dynamic range when adjacent unwanted signals are present – significantly better than what was possible with the up-conversion approach previously used. Even when the interfering signal is on an adjacent frequency, the TS-990 is able to maintain almost flat dynamic range characteristics, capturing just the target signal.

2. Newly developed mixer contributes to IP3 +40dBm performance (main receiver)

The first mixer circuit, at the heart of the main receiver, is equipped with a new double balanced grounded switch type mixer. In order to prevent distortion when there is a large input signal, the signal route up to the first mixer includes sophisticated circuitry with carefully selected components – such as large-core toroidal coils and relays for signal switching between bands – resulting in a third-order intercept point of +40dBm.

3. New narrow-band high-IP roofing filters help to remove adjacent interference (main receiver)

As well as employing down conversion for reception on all Amateur bands, the TS-990 is equipped with 5 high-IP roofing filters as standard. In addition to 500Hz and 270Hz filters, which provide the sort of narrow passband that is so important for CW (Morse code) operations, there is a 2.7kHz filter for SSB, as well as 6kHz and 15kHz filters suited for AM/FM use. These filters are selected automatically depending on the DSP’s final passband setting. Manual switching is also possible.

4. New VCO division-type first local oscillator divides high frequencies to ensure high C/N

The TS-990’s local oscillator features independent circuits optimized for different signals: VCO division type / DDS direct for the main receiver; DDS direct for the sub receiver; and conventional PLL for the transmitter. The newly developed VCO division-type approach adopted for the first local oscillator of the main receiver involves having the VCO oscillate at a frequency higher than the target frequency, and by dividing this frequency it is possible to generate a local oscillator signal with excellent C/N characteristics, almost as good as produced by a DDS direct circuit, and with low spurious emission equivalent to that of PLL. This reduces noise in the local oscillator and, thanks to the high C/N ratio, the target signal is not allowed to become buried in noise. The pure incoming signal can thus be shifted to a first IF.

5. ±0.1ppm TCXO ensures both high stability and reduced power consumption

As a standard signal source, the TS-990 is equipped with a TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillator) that has a frequency stability of ±0.1ppm. In addition to delivering high stability, it does not require a warm-up period like an OCXO (oven-controlled crystal oscillator), so it can start up rapidly as soon as power is applied. It also complies with the European Union’s Lot 6 standard for energy conservation, consuming less than 0.5W in standby mode. Input/output of a standard 10MHz signal is enabled.

6. Sub receiver down conversion*2 on main Amateur bands below 21MHz range

For its sub receiver, the TS-990 uses a more advanced version of the receiver found in the TS-590, which since it was launched has been acclaimed for its top-of-class RX performance. Of especial note is the fact that it uses front end circuitry that enables down conversion for the 5 major Amateur bands, so that despite being a “sub receiver” it has what it takes for full-fledged RX applications.
*2 When IF band is below 2.7kHz for 1.8/3.5/7/14/21MHz bands (SSB/CW/FSK/PSK).

7. Dedicated triple DSPs for main & sub receivers plus band scope


Triple DSPs
Each main section is equipped with its own dedicated DSP. By thus dividing the work of signal processing between the main IF, band scope and sub IF sections, KENWOOD engineers have ensured ample signal processing capability. (AF DSP is used for FM mode.)

8. Advanced AGC (Auto Gain Control), digital and analog

The audio quality of SSB and CW reception is not determined solely by audio frequency response and filter retardance: AGC performance also plays a very important role. KENWOOD fans report that they do not get tired even after listening to their radio for long periods, and this can be put down to the renowned AGC performance of KENWOOD radios. For the TS-990, engineers have further improved the DSP’s AGC algorithms and the analog AGC, resulting in an even better “KENWOOD tone”.

9. Extensive interference/noise removal features

The TS-990 Series features adjustable-passband IF filters, simple IF filter switching (A/B/C), IF notch, band elimination, digital and analog noise blankers (NB1/NB2) to reduce pulse noise, and noise reduction (NR1/NR2).

●Transmitter

1. Robust design delivers stable operation at 200W


VRF150MP
The push-pull circuit utilizes VRF150MP 50V power MOSFETs to deliver a stable output of 200W on all bands. Engineers have determined the bias and matching conditions that ensure maximum possible benefit from the characteristics of the VRF150MP, resulting in superior IMD (intermodulation distortion) performance. The DSP produces a clean modulating signal, and passing this through an amplifier with high linearity results in the renowned “KENWOOD tone”.

2. Internal automatic antenna tuner enables rapid tuning

Covering all Amateur bands from 1.8MHz to 50MHz, the built-in automatic antenna tuner is of the preset type, capable of tuning even during reception. It employs the relay approach, acclaimed for rapid operation, so the operator can quickly QSY (change operating frequency) with an instant band change. The tuner components – relays, capacitors, coils, etc. – are all rated sufficiently high to endure the 200W output.

3. Cooling system capable of providing ample airflow to each unit

To ensure a stable output of 200W, it is essential to have good cooling. The TS-990 employs a fin-type construction to enhance the heat dissipation efficiency of the large aluminum heat sink. Moreover, independent variable-speed fans are employed for the switching power supply, the final section, and the antenna tuner, ensuring ample airflow to cool each unit. Moreover, the switching power supply and final section are both served by twin cooling fans. Heat sensors are used to control fan speed, thus contributing to quieter operation.

●World's first*1 dual display

1. Dual TFT display offers excellent visibility

Located on the front panel is the world’s first1 dual TFT display, enhancing both visibility and operating ease.

Dual TFT display

2. Main display monitors target signal vicinity

The 7-inch TFT main display provides basic information on frequencies and modes as well as meters and the on/off status of key functions. It can also display internal parameter configurations and memory lists, and it features a band scope for monitoring band conditions; FFT processing by the DSP ensures a rapid sweep. The TS-990 operator can choose from a variety of display modes, including a waterfall display.

3. Sub display monitors actual target signal

The 3.5-inch TFT sub display is located just above the main dial, so the operator hardly needs to shift attention to check the frequency. But there is more: by displaying the demodulated signal audio spectrum, it enables monitoring of the actual target signal.

●Superb operating ease

1. New frequency function for intuitive operation

The frequency function that previously switched between VFO A and VFO B is now used to switch between main and sub bands. The sub receiver RX key located above the main dial is used to switch the sub receiver on/off, while the TX key enables switching between simplex and split operations. Also, the operator can tell at a glance what the current operating mode is thanks to the LEDs.

2. New split function for quick configuration

In addition to the M>S and M/S configuration found on the previous series, a 2-step split-frequency configuration has been added for quick setup.

3. Memory accessible even during split/sub receiver operation

With a maximum of 120 memory channels available, as well as storing frequencies, it is possible to arrange presets for beacons and broadcast stations. And thanks to dual-channel memory, the operator can easily access memory while receiving two frequencies simultaneously.

4. Remote PC operation of TS-990 Series

Once installed on a PC, the ARCP-990 radio control program provides remote access to almost all of the TS-990 functions. It is also possible to configure the various functions and manage memory channels. The software is provided free and can be downloaded from the JVCKENWOOD website.
Note: ARCP-990 is compatible with Windows XP (32-bit, SP3 or later), Windows Vista (32-bit, SP2 or later), and
Windows 7 (32-bit/64-bit) operating systems.

5. Data modes facilitate switching between external terminals

In addition to the mic terminal, the rear panel offers a variety of I/O options, including analog audio I/O, USB audio, and digital optical interfaces. When these are combined with data modes 1 to 3 for SSB, FM and AM, it is easy to switch between external equipment for modulation/demodulation. Also featured are Data VOX and a mute switch for each modulation line.

Rear panel

6. Enhanced convenience with 2 USB sockets on the front panel

7. Firmware updates via USB memory stick or USB cable

All company names, brand names and product names are registered trademarks or trade names of their respective holders.

●New option: SP-990 external speaker


SP-990

SP-990 with TS-990S
Recommended retail price: ¥21,945
(incl. tax)
・Full-range speaker (5W, 8ฮฉ)
・Built-in filters (3 x high-cut, 3 x low-cut)
・2 inputs (A/B)
・Mute
・Dimensions: W200 x H165 x D300 mm
 (not including protrusions)
・Weight: 2.8kgs

For further information, please contact: 

LAMCO on 0044 1226 361700

West Manchester Radio Rally 13/1/2013

West Manchester Radio Club
 
presents
 
The Red Rose Radio Rally
on Sunday 13th January 2013
 
From 11:00am to 3:00pm
 
 
The George H Carnall Leisure Centre
Kingsway Park, M41 7FJ
M60 Junction 9, Opposite the Trafford centre

Trans Atlantic Balloon Communications Flight Sponsored by LAMCO UK & Icom UK.

 David ‘M0XIT’ is busy preparing an Vine Antennas RST-Rig Case with an Icom IC-7100 + AH-4 fir a Trans Atlantic Balloon expedition later thi...