maybe you are a bit surprised why I am posting this article about the true HF SSB Transceiver with no CW capability as I am pure CW operator and it is widely known that I am not interesting in other modes so much.
Well it is right but the true also is that I am interesting in any kind of sophisticated technology, novelties, innovative features and interesting modern techniques used in radios and related radio communication gears...
HF SSB Transceiver Codan NGT VR
NGT VR HF transceiver provides comprehensive solutions to suit your communication needs. The NGT VR HF SSB transceiver is suitable for base station and vehicle applications. The HF transceiver incorporates all the usual features of CODAN leading-edge High Frequency (HF) radio technology, and also features an innovative handset and Easitalk™ as standard. CODAN Automated Link Establishment (ALE) capabilities, voice encryption, phone calling features, and remote diagnostics/configuration are optional.
Key features
Innovative handset
The handset can access all programming and procedures in a convenient and consistent manner. It provides an advanced interface, more efficient operation and easier network management.
Users can program channels, functions and addresses into the handset to meet their own requirements. These functions can then be accessed via a series of hot keys. A built-in address book can store up to 100 addresses that can be easily retrieved via the menu.
The handset may be mounted in any position that makes viewing easier. The handset provides a comprehensive display of information.
Emergency Selcall
As HF transceivers are often used in places where safety of life is at risk, the CODAN NGT VR HF transceiver has a unique emergency calling facility. A distress signal can be sent automatically to selected stations.
Multiple channels
The NGT VR HF transceiver has a capacity for 20 channels.
Easy installation
Every aspect of the NGT VR HF transceiver has been designed for easy installation in fixed and mobile environments. The unit is small and convenient to mount.
Smart monitoring
A variety of channels can be monitored while the radio is muted, and calls can be received on any of the channels being scanned.
Free tune receiver
Free tune receiver mode enables you to tune into any frequency and store it as a channel with your own label. Also, users can listen to AM stations, short-wave broadcasts and more.
Testing and protection
All CODAN transceivers are fully protected from faults such as antenna damage, overvoltage and reverse polarity, which can destroy other transceivers. A three year warranty is available to every registered user.
Other features
High dynamic range Rx
The high dynamic range of the NGT receiver provides better reception in difficult conditions.
Voice Encryption
The optional Voice Encryptor provides communication security (COMSEC) and enables users to communicate sensitive information in confidence, without complicated setup procedures. It also provides visual confirmation that the conversation is secure.
Remote diagnostics/configuration
With Remote Diagnostics your radio installation can be tested remotely by another station to measure parameters such as signal strength, battery voltage levels and power.
It is also possible to remotely reconfigure most transceiver parameters including a facility to disable the transceiver.
Service and support
All CODAN customers are supported with our worldwide network of Accredited Service Centers. Regular auditing and training by CODAN technical staff ensure the best after sales service.
Advanced features
Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)
To automatically select the most suitable channel, ALE is available as an option. CODAN ALE provides full interoperability with other equipment compliant with FED-STD-1045 ALE.
In addition, CODAN HF transceivers outperform many conventional ALE systems through the use of CODAN Automated Link Management (CALM).
CALM provides the following additional capabilities and features:
- Multiple networks can be scanned simultaneously at a scan rate of 8 channels per second. This enables up to 3 times more channels to be scanned in the same time as other ALE systems.
- A profile of channel characteristics is developed over time using a 24 hour based Link Quality Analysis (LQA) database, which has over 7 times more storage capacity and uses a higher data resolution than conventional ALE systems. This significantly reduces sounding activities and enables the transceiver to select a suitable channel at any time of the day from the moment it is switched on.
- The Listen-Before-Transmit capability detects both voice and ALE activities on the channel before initiating ALE. This avoids interfering on channels that are engaged.
Easitalk™
The NGT VR HF transceiver uses Digital Signal Processing techniques to process received audio signals to minimize the effect of interference and reduce noise. Easitalk is simple to operate and extensive testing has shown that its performance is not affected by the language of the user.
BITE
Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) is a process that can be initiated by the user to test and report on certain aspects of the system’s performance.
Calling facilities
The NGT VR HF transceiver comes standard with selective calling and optionally supports phone calling, and remote diagnostics and configuration. All incoming calls are time-stamped to identify precisely when each call arrived.
Selcall: Selcall gives users more flexibility. An operator can call a single transceiver and only that unit will respond—no more listening to noise while waiting for a call. The called transceiver will also signal that the message has been received.
Phone call: This optional function enables the transceiver to make telephone calls via suitable bases equipped with a telephone interconnect.
Technical specifications
| Frequency range | 1.6–30MHz Tx, 250 kHz – 30 MHz Rx |
| Channel capacity | 20 channels |
| Operating mode | Single sideband (J3E, USB, LSB, AM) |
| Frequency stability | ±0.3 ppm (–30 to +60°C) |
| Primary voltage | 12 V DC nominal, negative earth |
| Primary power | 2011 Receive (no signal): 0.7 A Transmit: J3E voice: 6 A, J3E two-tone: 10–14 A |
| Receiver sensitivity | –125 dBm (10 dB SINAD) |
| Transmitting power | 125 watts PEP |
| Spurious and harmonic emissions | Better than 65 dB below PEP |
| Temperature | –30 to +60°C |
| Size and weight | 2011 RF Unit: 210mm W x 270mm D x 65mm H; 3.3 kg 2020 Handset: 65mm W x 35mm D x 130mm H; 0.3 kg |
| ALE link quality data | 24 hours of up to 100 stations and 100 channels using a total of 72675 discrete sets of LQA data |
| ALE link quality data resolution | Local: 8 bits SINAD, 8 bits BER Remote: 5 bits SINAD, 5 bits BER |
| Dust | MIL-STD-810F method 510.4 |
| Vibration | MIL-STD-810F method 514.5 |
| Shock | MIL-STD-810F method 516.5 |
Options / accessories
| Option | Purpose |
| CALM | FED-STD-1045 ALE/CALM |
| D | Remote Diagnostics |
| P | Phone call |
| COMSEC | Voice Encryptor |
| CONSOLE | NGT Desk console for base station use |
Easitalk™
The atmospheric noise to which all HF radios are susceptible can make communication over an HF radio difficult. The result of this atmospheric noise is difficulty in understanding the other party. CODAN has developed ‘Easitalk’, which reduces the noise on the HF medium. Easitalk processes the received audio signal. Easitalk is a standard in-built feature that can be turned on or off at the press of a button. No other user action is required.
Noise reduction systems
In the past, noise reduction techniques applied to HF haven’t been user-friendly or effective. While DSP (Digital Signal Processing) did reduce the level of background noise, voice clarity suffered as a result. Noise reduction units were bulky and difficult to adjust for optimal performance. None of the past noise reduction techniques were an inbuilt feature.
Easitalk™
CODAN has developed an in-built noise reduction facility designed to noticeably improve communication quality under a wide variety of conditions.
If you are integrating CODAN NGTs into an existing network that contains other HF transceiver models, the NGT can still use Easitalk to its full benefit; Easitalk processes the incoming audio signal, not the outgoing.
Unlike previous noise reduction units, which required installation and expert knowledge to operate, Easitalk is an in-built transparent feature with no knobs or switches to adjust. To use Easitalk, it’s as easy as pressing an on/off button.
On USB the EasiTalk works perfectly. The DSP noise reduction algorithm is aggressive but the modulation is almost not affected just background noise is suppressed effectively.
ReplyDeleteI realized that EasiTalk is magic feature even also on CW! The audio on CW is smooth and beautiful.