What’s your idea of the perfect tuner? Here’s my wish list:

• Easy to operate
• Finds and remembers settings
• Covers 160-6 meters
• Matches just about anything you can throw at it
• Automatic operation

There are some good candidates out there, like the FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL. It will convince your radio that it’s connected to a 50-ohm antenna system—or close to it.

This review is based on the Tuner Genius XL (TGXL) 1×3 model, but there’s also an SO2R version.

Both are identical except for the antenna interface. Two transceivers and two antennas can be connected simultaneously on the SO2R model. The 1×3 version accommodates one transceiver and up to three connected antennas. During operation, one of three antennas is selected.

On both models, switching is done via remote control by LAN, serial interface, or individual signals from the transceiver.

FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL Features

The Tuner Genius XL is the first self-contained SO2R (single operator, two radio) tuner in the amateur market. This tuner covers 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz with the ability to tune up to 10:1 SWR. All functions can be controlled either from the front panel of the tuner or by using a Windows computer software application. This allows the Tuner Genius XL to be moved off the desktop to a more convenient location, while still maintaining full control by computer.

Handling up to 2,000W ICAS of power, the Tuner Genius XL has considerable headroom above the 1,500W legal limit. Accurate peak responding RF power and SWR meter displays are also provided, so you really don’t need a separate watt/SWR meter in your shack. The easy-to-read 4.5-inch color display is centered on the front panel.

Electrically, the TGXL is a pi network tuner with three changeable elements, a series inductor with two capacitors to ground—one at the input and the other at the output. A pi network is a good choice for matching the relatively low 50-ohm impedance of a transmitter and relatively high and unknown impedances of an antenna system. The combination of discrete L or C components determines each network element’s value—one of 255 possible values. This provides 255³ (16,581,375) possible matching combinations. Because the matching circuit also forms a low pass filter, it also provides additional harmonic suppression.

All of this is enclosed in a sturdy metal case, resembling the FlexRadio Power Genius XL companion amplifier. The Tuner Genius XL provides three operational modes: standby, operate, and bypass selected by two front panel buttons.

Plays Well with Others

The Tuner Genius XL easily integrates with the Power Genius XL RF amplifier and all FLEX-6000 series HF transceivers. These station components communicate with each other using a LAN connection via ethernet or Wi-Fi. When used in conjunction with a Power Genius XL amp and a FLEX-6600 or FLEX-6700 transceiver, you can have a fully functional SO2R station.

You may enjoy this review on the FlexRadio Power Genius XL Amplifier too.

In addition, the TGXL supports frequency detection from other brands of HF radios at the inputs and automatically chooses the appropriate setting for tuning. This band-switching mode may require double-keying before the first transmission for non-Flex radios before it tunes. You still need to set up a PTT or the TGXL will not go into TX mode. RF Sense is for frequency detection. Alternatively, you can use data from your radio.

TGXL PTT lines are opto-isolated, but they won’t tolerate high voltages or an AC voltage. Be aware of this if you use an older transceiver. Incoming PTT line specs should be checked before you connect. Some operators may want to use a keying buffer in all cases as insurance to prevent any possible damage to the exciter or tuner due to possible transient voltage spikes or RF ingress.

Setup: TGXL User Interface

For Flex radios, you start the Tuner Genius XL Windows Utility program on a Windows-based computer. It will find your Tuner Genius XL tuner automatically and direct you to the copy of the front panel display.

The configuration has five separate tabs: network settings, CAT/CI-V information, FlexRadio settings, Antenna Genius (a remote switchbox option), and other, which is a collection of miscellaneous settings. These allow you to customize radio, antenna, and other settings for your particular station.

The user interface has all the same functions available on the front panel. All you need to do is point and click.

Tuning Process for the FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL

There are two modes of tuner operation: manual and automatic. In automatic mode (default), you start a tune operation to better match the transmitter and the antenna system. If one is found, the match solution (L/C/L values and frequency) is stored in memory and automatically used when the frequency of the transmit slice is within the match frequency range, with the same antenna selected.

Go through each antenna on each band once, then the tuner will use the tuning values closest to your operating frequency for the antenna you’re currently using. There are 10 memories per band, and up to four tunings per band can be saved. Once set up, TGXL will remember individual settings for each frequency change.

Band configuration settings let you select ranges of frequencies that the tuner will selectively ignore for resonant antennas. For example, suppose your 80M dipole is resonant at 3750 kHz. In that case, frequencies near this value can be bypassed by selecting the Enable Bypass check box in the 80M row, then entering the range of the bypass in the Bypass Start and Bypass Stop columns.

Manual tuning is also possible to tweak a current or saved setting. Three front panel controls allow manual tuning by turning one of three knobs found along the bottom edge of the front panel or clicking on them in the TGXL control app on your computer. The first and third knobs select the capacitance with the second adjusting inductance values.

Once you have tuned a frequency, the solution is saved. When you change bands on the radio, the tuner senses your new frequency and is ready almost instantly. It uses relays rather than servo-controlled inductors and capacitors.

TGXL on the Air

I have several HF antennas at my location, so I chose an inverted L (160/80m) and a rotatable 40m D-40 dipole. These would require tuning somewhere within the range of their coverage. In addition, I used a triband Yagi on 20/15m to test the abilities of a non-Flex radio (Icom IC-7610).

The FLEX-6400M and an Icom 7610 were both connected through a Power Genius XL to the tuner. The Flex used the LAN for PTT and frequency tracking. The 7610 used a CI-V and conventional PTT line consisting of a shielded cable with RCA connectors on the A inputs. Internal tuners on both radios were bypassed.

Starting with the potentially challenging 160M band on the Flex, I checked for matches on five frequencies across the band. All read 1.26:1 or less using the onboard TGXL SWR meter. The seek time for 160 meters was under 10 seconds. For 80 and 40 meters it took less than five seconds to arrive at an initial tuning solution. Once stored, the memory settings are applied within milliseconds. When returning to a previously memorized band segment, the TGXL makes one relay click noise and it’s tuned in a fraction of a second.

With the IC-7610, the frequency tracking followed the radio. The front panel tune button was used to set up the memory locations, requiring a carrier from the 7610. I also found that the TGXL control software would duplicate the tune button function on the front panel for the Icom. Tuning setup can be done from any radio that produces band data for the TGXL.

Finally, I changed the 80m settings to add a bypass start/stop. Since the measured antenna resonance was 3780 kHz, I set the bypass to 3730 kHz through 3830 kHz (50 kHz each side of resonance.) The tuner ignored the range set to be bypassed and continued to access memory settings for the other portions of the band.

Overall Impressions of the FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL

Whether you’re currently a Flex owner or not, this is a tuner you should consider. It works well in the SmartSDR ecosystem and is built like a tank. At the time of writing this review, I know of no tuner that accommodates two radios simultaneously.

It’s a perfect match for the PGXL amp, which also has SO2R capabilities. It’s also compatible with the Antenna Genius 8×2, a smart matrix antenna switch that supports eight antennas and two radios while operating on your existing LAN/WAN.

If you have a PGXL or other solid-state amp, the TGXL is a must, since the tuning is precise and repeatable. You’ll also be protecting those expensive transistor finals. Once you have set up the TGXL with tuning solutions for your antennas, you are good to go. Because the TGXL quickly follows the radio’s frequency as I tune my 6400M and IC-7610, a tuning solution is ready to go even before I transmit.

The post Ham Radio Product Review—FlexRadio Tuner Genius XL appeared first on OnAllBands.

Solid-state amplifiers have become mainstream as vacuum tubes have become more difficult to find and solid-state power capabilities have increased.

Now it is commercially feasible for amateur radio amplifier manufacturers to provide maximum legal output power, plus headroom, using the new generation of solid-state devices. Though comparable tube amplifiers are currently less expensive, it’s likely that the price point on solid-state amps will continue to drop.

If you are searching for a high-performing solid-state linear amplifier, the Power Genius XL (PGXL) amplifier is exactly what you need. It’s the only amplifier on the market that allows fully integrated single-operator, two-radio (SO2R) operation using a single amplifier. It also works equally well in single-operator mode.

The Power Genius XL transforms your FlexRadio FLEX-6000 series radio (or any other brand radio) into a legal-limit powerhouse with headroom to spare.

The PGXL delivers 1,500 watts thanks to the pair of NXP MRF1K50H LDMOS transistors, each rated at 1.5 kW dissipation. That’s 1,500 watts at full ICAS duty cycle using any amateur mode. Also unique to the PGXL is a technology called MEffA (Maximum Efficiency Algorithm). It controls the DC voltage and bias levels on the PA to yield high efficiency and low intermodulation distortion.

This amplifier is built to broadcast industry standards, incorporating low pass and high pass band switched RF output filter networks. All signal harmonic energy is directed into an internal resistor load, eliminating the reflection of this harmonic energy back into the amplifier.

This feature improves amplifier stability, distortion, and efficiency.

PGXL Amplifier Features

Up front is a color touch screen with power and SWR readings shown as horizontal bar graphs.  Temperature and voltage readings are displayed numerically. The A and B input/outputs show amplifier class settings, band information, and keying method. Rounding out the display is the local IP address and software version.

You can also communicate with the amplifier using Power Genius XL Utility software (downloadable from the FlexRadio website), which mirrors the display settings on your computer screen.

To the left of the display is a horizontal bar. I originally thought this was just part of the front panel design.

Actually, it’s a handle built into the PGXL that makes carrying the amp easy, compared to holding it like a box. Behind the handle, you’ll find an open space for airflow, populated with LED lighting indicating the operating state. Yellow is standby, green is operate mode, red is transmit, and purple is firmware update.

Band switching is automatic, controlled via a transceiver interface, LAN for Flex radios or by sensing the RF input signal. The PGXL operates at full power with an antenna system SWR up to about 2:1. Output power folds back between 2:1 and 3:1. Above 3:1, the amplifier stops transmitting.

The unit does not include an antenna tuner, but a companion Tuner Genius XL is available at DXEngineering.com.

The Power Genius XL features a predistortion sampler output for transceivers that can use this signal for predistortion processing to reduce transmitted intermodulation distortion. There are separate predistortion samplers for the A/B transceiver inputs.

Separate bias settings can be used for linear modes and nonlinear modes to increase efficiency when possible. Class AAB (more linear, less efficient) is intended for AM, SSB, and PSK modes. Class AB (less linear, more efficient) is intended for FM, CW, RTTY, and other digital modes. Bias selection is automatic when the amplifier is paired with a FLEX-6000 series transceiver. It can also be selected manually from the front panel or by using the PGXL Utility software.

Easy Peasy

Adding a PGXL to a FlexRadio FLEX-6000 series transceiver is a simple five-step process:

• Plug the PGXL into 240 VAC power
• Insert an ethernet LAN cable
• Connect the coax from the radio(s)
• Connect ANT 1 and ANT 2 to the respective inputs of the amplifier and connect the antennas to the two outputs of the PGXL
• Install the desktop software on your PC and configure the PGXL to your radio

Only have 120 VAC outlets? The internal power supply will automatically sense the input voltage. Maximum power output is limited to 700W, and the power meter scales adjust to reflect this. Drive power is also attenuated to minimize the possibility of overdriving the amplifier

The Flex PGXL can also be easily configured to work with any radio from other manufacturers because it supports CAT, CI-V, BCD band decode, and RF sensing. Detailed information appears in the operating manual.

How Does it Perform in Everyday Operation?

The PGXL is a device you can forget about during operation. It can be left powered on in standby for minimal current draw and jumps to instant operation when you press operate. The standby/operate functions are fully integrated into SmartSDR Maestro and SmartSDR iOS. In fact, an entirely new set of meters can be selected in the amplifier app to monitor the PGXL power output, SWR, and temperature on your computer screen.

You can place the amp just about anywhere that your home network and sufficient AC voltage is available. For example, I’ve placed mine in another part of the shack, since my operation position is a bit crowded. If you use any of the FLEX-6000 series radios, Tuner Genius, or Antenna Genius, you’ll find that they communicate with each other on the network.

First Impressions of the Power Genius XL

Power Genius is a reasonably compact unit, especially for one that delivers 1,500W on 160 through 6 meters with about 50W of drive. The amplifier power switch is on the rear panel. I found this unusual, as most amps have them on the front panel. It’s not a deal breaker, but sometimes inconvenient.

I’ve had the Power Genius XL with the FLEX-6400M transceiver and the Tuner Genius automatic antenna tuner for a while. Setup is relatively simple—just configure the PGXL touch screen or computer app for the radio(s) you plan to use.

The FLEX-6600/6600M provides SO2R operation from one box, or you can choose any two transceivers. In my case, I don’t have an SO2R configuration. I use the A input/output for my Flex radio and the B input/output channel for my other radios—the best of both worlds. There’s 70dB of isolation between the A/B connections and only one can transmit at a time. It’s almost like having two amps.

On the Air

I’ve used the Power Genius XL on all bands from 160 through 6 meters, primarily on SSB. My antennas include a Yagi for 20 through 6 meters, inverted-L wire for 160 and 80 meters, rotatable dipole for 40 meters, and a Big IR vertical for 80-6 meters.

When the going got tough during poor band conditions or atmospheric noise on 160/80 meters, the PGXL made the difference between QSO and no QSO. I generally leave it in standby mode so it’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. 

When using the FLEX-6400M, the amplifier tracked the band using the ethernet connection to communicate. Using other rigs like the Icom IC-7610, the amplifier sensed the frequency and selected the proper band if I used the C-IV connection—in this case a standard 3.5mm male to male audio cable. The TGXL tuner adds additional versatility, something to be discussed in a future review.

Virtually any transceiver that provides a PTT output to control an amplifier will also work with the PGXL. The PTT control is optically isolated with very low voltage and current, so it will work with any transceiver. This requires a brief pulse of RF from the transceiver, then release of the PTT, VOX, or CW keyer. The amplifier then operates normally following a band change.

The PGXL keeps its cool with fans in the power supply unit, the RF deck, and the filter compartment. The firmware manages the fans independently based on information from sensors in each compartment. To help manage that, the PGXL offers three user-selectable fan profiles (standard mode, contest mode, and broadcast mode) in order of increasing fan speed.

In standby mode, the PGXL fan is quiet after it cools down. In operational mode and receiving, the fan is only moderately noisy. As with other solid-state legal-limit amplifiers, the fan gets louder after a long full-power transmission as it tracks the internal temperature and provides more cooling.

Remote operation is supported by Flex SmartSDR. This is very helpful for me since I often spend the winter months in warmer climates. I can pull out an iPad or iPhone, turn on the station remotely, and get on the air. You can bring the amp online or offline from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone and monitor. It also will let you monitor PGXL power output and SWR.

Currently there is no remote on/off control built into the amplifier—perhaps that may be added in the future. In the meantime, I use a homebrew remote relay switch. As for connecting to the PGXL utility, it can be done through a VPN connection and a Node Red program running on a PC or Raspberry Pi. There’s plenty of information on this, the relay switch, and other subjects on the FlexRadio community discussion board.

PGXL Amplifier Review Summary

The FlexRadio Power Genius XL is a great solid-state, maximum-legal-limit amplifier for 160 through 6 meters. It integrates seamlessly with FLEX-6000 series radios, but it also works well with other transceivers, with or without band data connections.

As you might expect from an amplifier at this price point, it has outstanding performance. It produces 1,500W output on any band with about 50W drive and hardly breaks a sweat—something that cannot be said about just any amplifier. It will cruise along in any mode, including digital, at full throttle/full output all the time. Of course, the amp will fold back or shut down extremely fast if a fault is found, making the PGXL bulletproof.

But wait, there’s more. The FlexRadio Power Genius XL manual and other documentation is available from DX Engineering.com to give you the bigger picture.

The post Ham Radio Product Review: Power Genius XL Amplifier—Go on a Power Trip appeared first on OnAllBands.

Story by Paul Sakalas, KJ8EEP

As anyone who’s ever been will tell you:

You’ll see a lot of awesome stuff at the annual Dayton Hamvention.

And if you need proof, check out this stunningly restored 1964 Ford Econoline van wearing vintage Collins Radio livery and crammed with period-correct Collins S-Line Ham equipment.

The van was part of the Collins Amateur Radio Club display and better yet, we were able to talk with Ted Craven W0TCW, a former employee with Collins Radio, to get all the details behind the Econoline’s history.

“I was the factory service rep for Ham gear,” Ted says. “So I drove it.”

And more importantly, Ted knew the van’s origin story.

“Back in 1964, Collins bought the van directly from the Ford Motor Company,” Ted explains. “They took it to a cabinet shop in Texas, and had them completely re-do the inside. Then it went back to the Collins factory to put all the electronics in it.”

Once it was ready to go, the Ford crisscrossed the country showing off the S-Line and, when needed, it operated on the air for demo (and sometimes emergency) purposes. It attended the 1964 World’s Fair in New York—and, yes, it was at the 1966 Dayton Hamvention too.

All told, the Econoline racked up 40,000 miles between 1964 and 1966.

The van carries its own DC power, yet can also be plugged into “shore power” AC for supplemental power needs. In addition to those that are permanently attached, the van carries along extra masts and antennas in the small rear cargo area and in lockers on the roof. Out back you’ll also find the DC power distribution system and the RF amplifiers.

Collins Radio used the van up to about 1966, when it was sold into private ownership. Interestingly, the Econoline was bought by another Ham, Ed Moory W5DBR, who used it in his electronics wholesale business.

Yet since it was just an ordinary used van at the time, Moory pressed the Econoline into service doing the sort of jobs that you’d expect an old van to be used for.

“He used it to deliver appliances,” Ted laments. “He gutted it, and beat it to death.”

Thankfully, the trusty Ford’s story doesn’t end there.

The van resurfaced decades later in a condition that Ted describes as “rusted out and beat up.” Recognizing the van’s history and provenance, it was quickly snapped up by Collins Radio enthusiast Jim Stitzinger WA3CEX in the early 1990s. And as Ted tells it, the purchase wasn’t a coincidence.

“The story goes,” he laughs, “that Ed Moory’s wife called Jim and said ‘Would you get this thing outta here!'”

With the help of fellow Ham Darrel Huth WB6VHK, the Econoline was returned to its original specs both mechanically and cosmetically, with great lengths taken to ensure that its period-correct Collins Radio equipment functioned flawlessly.

Together with representatives from the Collins Amateur Radio Club, the van now travels nationwide attending regional Hamfests and other large events—including the 75th anniversary celebration of the founding of Collins Radio.

It’s even served as Special Event station W0CCX.

But our favorite part of this rig is out back, where in addition to the amplifiers, cables, and antenna storage, we’re greeted by a bulkhead crammed with signatures, callsigns, dates, and locations—each one a testament to this van’s place in history and the adventures it’s had.

As we shook his hand and said goodbye, Ted asked that we sign the van’s rear bulkhead.

It’s an honor we wouldn’t miss.

73.

The post Vintage Ford Econoline Collins Radio Van Spotted at Dayton Hamvention® appeared first on OnAllBands.