Need to decide on a software defined Radio

[GoogleCodeExporter]

NW0W to purchase and begin testing use of the Hermes SDR or the Apache-Labs 
"ANAN-100D"

Anan-100D isn't due out until March.  It also employs a 100w amp and bandpass 
filters.

These are things we MAY NOT desire initially.  The upside to the Anan-100D is 
that it will include the Cyclone IV FPGA with ability to load and use software 
cores.  It's based on the ANGELIA board.  And advanced version of Hermes.

SPEC: 

* 100W RD100HHF1 Based 160M - 6M rugged Linear amplifier
* Combination of 7 LPF and 5 HPF Banks for front end Filtering (User 
Configurable as well)
* 6M  LNA
* Dual Phase Synchronous LTC2208 16 Bit ADCs, additional third ADC via 
daughterboard
* Large 115K (EP4CE115) Cyclone IV FPGA
* Supports 7 High performance Independent Receivers on a single ADC
* Supports 2 Coherent Receivers using independent ADCs/antennas for beam 
forming/diversity
* reception (expandable to 3 Coherent Receivers using the coming daughterboard)
* FPGA has enough space to add on multiple soft core processors for standalone 
operation
* Onboard 128MB Flash
* Onboard 32Mbit Synchronous RAM

/trunk

Original issue reported on code.google.com by timhavens on 20 Jan 2013 at 4:27

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hermes SDR appears to be easier to procure, with fewer Apache-Labs 
"Restrictions" at this point, so we'll settle for using it.  It's priced below 
$1,000 USD.  So seems like the least expensive way to start out, and we can 
always 'upgrade' to something else in the future.  It's spec's aren't quite as 
impressive as the Angelia board espeshilly in the Number of LE's (logic 
elements) available in the FPGA (approx. 60% fewer) which is a let down in some 
ways.  

We had hoped to use the Anglia board and have the ability to push more logic 
and processing of the results into the FPGA initially.  However, it costs twice 
as much, and there are some Apache-Labs restrictions on it at this point, 
making it less attractive for Feb 2013.  (Maybe after time goes by it'll become 
easier, and we'll revisit this area).

Specifications & Highlights:

Continuous, uninterrupted, receive coverage from 10KHz to 55MHz. .

Supports Real-Time display of entire sectrum from 0-55mHz (with suitable PC 
software)

Supports 7 fully independent receivers (sharing the same antenna - and with 
suitable PC software)

Each receiver can display 48/96/192kHz of spectrum

Blocking Dynamic Range (ARRL Method) no detectable gain compression
below ADC overload

Transmit and receiver image rejection > 110dB

Full duplex operation, any split over entire 160m to 6m range.

Transmitter two-tone 3rd order IMD of -50dBc on 20m @ 400mW output

500mW RF output on 160 – 10m amateur bands, 350mW on 6m

Built-in high performance preamp, with a noise floor typically -135dBm in 500Hz

Software-selectable 31dB input attenuator in 1dB steps

High performance receiver – same specifications as the HPSDR Mercury receiver 
(ie Dynamic Range typically 125dB)

FPGA code can be updated via the Industry Standard TCP/IP network Ethernet 
connection

Seven user-configurable open-collector outputs, independently selectable per 
band and Tx/Rx (for relay control, etc - with sequencing via PC code)

Separate open-collector PTT connection for amplifier control, etc, with 
sequencer

Microphone PTT jumper-selectable from tip or ring connection

Bias for electret microphones via jumper

Four user-configurable 12 bit analogue inputs (for ALC, SWR etc)

Three user-configurable digital inputs (for linear amplifier over temperature, 
etc)

Can operate from a 13.8v DC supply or 12v and 5v supplies

Jumper selected in-built low noise and high efficiency switch mode power supply 
designed by Kjell Karson,LA2NI – less than 600mA (receive - one receiver) 
from a 13.8V supply

I2C bus connector for control of external equipment

Full QSK operation (performance dependant on associated PC and control software)

Low-level transmitter output for transverter use via user-selectable output 
attenuator

Stereo audio outputs at line and headphone levels

In-built 1W stereo audio amplifier for directly driving speakers

Direct, de-bounced connections for a Morse key (straight or iambic) and PTT

Low phase noise (-137dBc/Hz @ 1kHz) 122.88MHz master clock, which can be 
phase-locked to an internal 10MHz TCXO or external fequency reference

Low phase noise (-140dBc/Hz @ 1kHz at 14MHz) 122.88MHz master clock,
which can be phase-locked to an internal 10MHz TCXO or external frequency
reference

Direct ribbon cable interface to Apollo 15W power amplifier, low pass filters 
and automatic ATU

Industry Standard TCP/IP network Ethernet interface supports static, APIPA or 
DHCP IP address

Hermes responds to ping and ARP requests and auto senses network connection 
speed

Eight (8) Layer PCB design for the most professional, state-of-the-art, design 
available.

Original comment by timhavens on 18 Feb 2013 at 1:05

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Decided on Apache-Labs OpenHPSDR "Hermes" based on price, availability, 
support, capability, and active developer group.

Original comment by timhavens on 25 Mar 2013 at 1:54

• Changed state: Done