Easitalk™ - Advanced and innovative DSP noise reduction feature by Codan

Easitalk™

Easitalk (easytalk) is a feature of NGT transceivers that removes noise and interference from incoming voice signals. Easitalk works by applying Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques to incoming voice signals. These techniques are similar to those used with digital mobile telephones and satellite telephones.

Easitalk is simple to use because it is integrated into the transceiver - it is not in a separate unit. No tuning is required, just an on/off control.

Listening trials indicate that Easitalk outperforms other noise reduction products, and it has been successfully trialled with a wide range of languages.

By integrating speech processing within the transceiver, Codan has not only made speech processing more effective but, more importantly, has made it useful in the hands of the user. For the first time, mobile users will now be able to enjoy the benefits of noise reduction technology.

Hear the difference ... The same transmission was received by two HF tranceivers, one with Easitalk enabled and the other, without. Both transceivers were connected to the same antenna.

No Easitalk™

This is typical HF radio containing both voice and a large amount of background noise. The average signal (shown as a lighter colour) is fairly even indicating that the voice signal is not any more prominent than the background noise.




Codan advanced DSP noise reduction (Easitalk™)

Easitalk has removed much of the background noise and the average signal (shown as a lighter colour) displays a form much more like a voice waveform with highs and lows.

Does Easitalk offer any benefits over Lincompex? 

Yes. In networks that use Lincompex (LINk COMPression and EXpansion), each system in the network needs to be equipped with Lincompex software. With NGT, a single transmitter with Easitalk can be used within a network and still be able to communicate with other systems, but those systems won’t benefit from the features of Easitalk. 

For a continuous signal, Lincompex provides no discernible improvement over any other compression scheme. During inter–word quiet periods, the Lincompex receiver effectively prevents background noise levels from rising (this provides Lincompex’s apparent improvement). During continuous or substantially continuous speech, no improvement is noted. 

Under poor conditions, interfering signals may distort the recovered Lincompex control signal. Under very poor conditions the control signal cannot be properly decoded and the signal recovery mechanism breaks down completely. 

73 - Petr, OK1RP

Codan NGT VR - HF Transceiver with DSP novelty

Hello folks,

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

The DSP novelty noise reduction with unique algorithm is named Easitalk...


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.

Manuals and guides:

http://www.g4kfk.co.uk/15-04127-ENL8_NGT_VR_Getting_Started.pdf

http://www.g4kfk.co.uk/15-04126-ENL8_NGT_Reference.pdf

http://www.g4kfk.co.uk/Repair_Guide_____NGT_Transceiver_Repair_Guide_____15-04143-EN_1.pdf

http://www.g4kfk.co.uk/15-02063-ENL5-NGT-TSM.pdf

Software:

http://www.g4kfk.co.uk/NSP_5_10.zip

73 - Petr, OK1RP

New FW version ready for upload - 2.39 beta

Hello all,

New firmware is ready – 2.39b. Here are key points:

1. Better CW performance in QSK and delay mode.

2. Straight key/PC/DTR keying improved.

3. New menu entry added – MENU 41. Adjustable TX (prequel) time from 6-18msec. QSK and non QSK amplifiers can be used in line with RGO ONE and proper setting of trd. Very fast (staccato) QSK mode already available with prequel tx time trd<12. Full QSK mode to 23WPM.

4. CW erratic (rogue symbol) issue completely resolved

5. Use of less than 9 msec for trd parameter might affect CW pulses shape

Download from here

FW update instructions here

73 - Petr, OK1RP

Available RGO ONE units from 4th production lot now!

Hello all,

few RGO ONE units are available from current 4th production lot here: http://lz2jr.com/oc/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=51

They are fully assembled and aligned units with all options built in.

Now includes the following options:

- Heavy weighted knob
- Bourns optical 128ppr encoder
- H-mode high dynamic range first RX mixer
- Variable crystal 9MHz 4-pole filter
- FAN cradle

This set comes additionally with following optional boards:

ATU - Automatic antenna tuner board
BPF160/60m - Bandpass filter optional board for 160 and 60m HF bands
2.8kHz wide 8-pole crystal filter (replacement over standard 2.7kHz filter)

You can download full specification from here.

Just FYI:

5th production batch status:
RGO ONE crew started next 5th production lot radios and expected finishing date is not earlier than September – October 2022. The team is still seeking for some integrated circuits that are “out of stock” with very long delivery time. These are ATXmega MCU’s and microchip DACs and digi pots. 

Fortunately we received Analog Devices Sigma DSP chip for Audio Filter optional unit that will be available in next months.

73 - Petr, OK1RP

Looking for clean SS HF PA w/QSK - part 8 (KM3KM Mercury IIIS LDMOS kit)

 

Hi all,

here is another way how to get the SSPA for HF. The question is - if it meets all of our requirements and needed features...

In that case it is a bit special stuff as it is sold as the kit which has to be assembled and tested before using it in the hamshack.

As you know my preview parts talked about:
SPE EXPERT 1.3K-FA
ACOM 1200S
JUMA PA1000
LINEAR Amp Gemini HF-1K
Azden AZR-1000
Elecraft KPA1500
Burst-2000A

RF-KIT B26-PA RF2K-S

KM3KM Mercury IIIS LDMOS kit

This solid state HF amplifier uses a single LDMOS for fully automatic operation from 160m to 6M making 1200W with input power between 50 and 90W depending on your ALC setting. Protected against antenna SWR over 2 to 1 and also against excessive input power. Built-in power supply for 120 or 240 VAC without changing taps in the transformer, just changing the power cable plug.

Fans work silent and color front panel display. Output to three antennas selectable in the display with operator finger.
This is a kit that you put together at home but assembly is very easy to do.

• Solid state amplifier (BLF189XRA)

• 1.8 - 54 MHz
• All Protections
• RF Band Decode
• FWD / SWR Meter
• Output Digi 700 Watts
• Output SSB/CW 1200 Watts
• Antenna Selector Switch
• 7 Inch Touch Color Screen
• Di Voltage / Di Current Meter

• Integrated Power Supply 120-240v

• W12 x L13.5 x H5.5 inch

• Weight 26 pounds

FEATURES 

Maintains linearity under full output power (1200watts). 

Low harmonic content (below -43dBc on HF & -65dBc on VHF bands) thanks to an efficient Chebyshev filter. 

Fast and effective protection systems maintain the amplifier’s safety from operational damage.

 

Compact linear amplifier with 1200 watts SSB/CW & 700 watts DIGI-MODE of output power on all amateur bands from 1.8 to 54MHz (<800watts 50 to 54MHz) 

Auto sensing power supply from 120 to 240VAC.

There is nothing said about the T/R switching but it looks like relay T/R switching is used so no QSK unfortunately. 

The powerful PSU is built-in. Also extremely low noise fan cooling system is designed for that amp so you will not feel like sitting on the tarmac waiting for the jet to take off. (compare to KPA1500 or Palstar LA-1K or the SPE 1.5K amps...)

No ATU unit built-in just three antennas switch installed. So compare to other SSPA like B26-PA RF2K-S there seems to be disadvantage.

This amp provides a COOL SOLID 1 KW output on CW. It is the best bang for the buck on the market. This amp is high tech simplicity. Everything is modular and easily replaced if repair is needed which is not likely. Running 1 KW all the time leaves 200 watts of head room and because you are running near max the amp is more efficient and produces less heat than other amps designed to run at 1500 watts when you run them at 1 KW.

Five stars overall rating on eHam from currently 48 reviews is really promising... 

KM3KM website:

mercuryIIIS – KM3KM Ham Radio Parts

Assembly manual:

https://secureservercdn.net/166.62.112.107/rp7.052.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Assembly-Manual-v5.1.pdf

Operating manual:

https://secureservercdn.net/166.62.112.107/rp7.052.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Operation-Manual-mercuryIIIS-v4.0.pdf

73 - Petr, OK1RP
"auf die Dauer hilft nur Power" (Erich, HB9FIH)

Looking for clean SS HF PA w/QSK - part 7 (B26-PA RF2K-S)

 

Hi all,

when I talked to Reinhard, DH3NAB about their latest version of the SSPA (www.rf-kit.de) he advised me to wait until their new version (with PIN diodes switching, reaches <5ms switching time) will be launched. The year was 2019.

As you know my preview parts talked about:
SPE EXPERT 1.3K-FA
ACOM 1200S
JUMA PA1000
LINEAR Amp Gemini HF-1K
Azden AZR-1000
Elecraft KPA1500
Burst-2000A

Here is what the RF-Kit offers these days...

The new version B26-PA RF2K-S 

The RF-Kit B26-PA RF2K-S comes at first as a kit. In this case Kit does not mean that you get 100 plastic bags with individual parts, you need to assemble and solder boards, drill housing parts or connect the PA.

The PA kit is always delivered as an almost finished device. To make the kit an operational device, it is necessary to obtain a Raspberry® Pi 4 - 2GB and a power cord. All other necessary parts such as 1 x coaxial cable, power plug, USB cable, HDMI cable and micro SD card are included in the scope of delivery.

To finish the kit the Raspberry has to be installed (spacers are already mounted for this purpose and also the necessary fixing screws are included). Connect the supplied USB and HDMI cables, solder in the coaxial cable. Thereafter, commissioning takes place with the necessary calibration / setting.

No special tools are necessary for all this work. Screwdrivers, soldering iron, DVM, Ampere meter / current clamp and RF power meter are everything.

If you have any questions, please contact RF-Kit and a very large community at Groups.io with more than 1,300 members. A current version of the operating instructions is also available there at any time.

A micro SD card is included. Since the PA has a LAN port for possible "remote operation", the operating software can be downloaded from the Internet, and always updated with the availability of a new version.

General Features:

• Frequency Range: 1.8-30 MHz and 50-54.2 MHz

• RF-Output: 1500 Watts - 6m: 1100 Watts (with headroom)

• Exciter Drive Level: 50 Watts on all bands 

• Efficiency: Up to 70% varies by band

• TX/RX switching: ≤1mS PIN-Diode switching

• Internal Automatic Antenna Tuner ( unlimited Memories )

• 1X TRX and 4x Antennas

• Excellent signal quality

• Very silent operation due to speed controlled low noise fans

• Dual LDMOS devices rated at 3400 Watts

• 7-inch Color Touch Screen

• Multiple user selectable displays

• -55 dB output for Predistortion

• Auto RF Sens Band Selection

• TCI Interface for SunSDR

• YAESU® Band Data Interface

• YAESU BCD Band DATA output for external devices

• CAT Connectivity through USB

• CAT through IP ( UDP )

• LAN Connectivity (full Remote operation)

• Wi-Fi Connectivity ( Host or Client mode )

• Quiet internal PSU 90-290 VAC

• 800W output 110 VAC;  full power at 230 VAC

• Power Meter from 1 W through 2 KW

• Sleep mode for low power consumption
  
  

• Software Update via Internet

• Full Remote Internet operation via PC, Tablet or cell phone
  Supports platforms such Apple® IOS, Android®, Linux® and MS Windows®
  

• FCC approval for ready build kit's in US

• External Power/ON applying +12V

• Dimensions HWD: 7,4 x 12,2 x 16,7 inch. / 19 x 31 x 42,5 cm

• Weight: 35,2 lbs / 16 Kg
  

• FCC approval for ready build kit's in USA

   Join the RF2K user group at Groups.io

All of these sounds really promising and frankly speaking it looks like one of the best SSPA on the market in its category! 

You can order it directly from Germany or from their official distributors in USA.

As I had no chance to test it yet, I can only highlight that:

- ATU is built-in

- PSU unit is built-in

- PIN diodes with switching time <2ms is built-in

- 4 antenna ports are built-in 

- low noise fans used (no annoying high level "jet" noise expected)

The questions remains:

- amplifier reliability in 48hrs contest at full power and run mode

- related to preview point the cooling efficiency and operating temp

- protections functionality against badas or tired operator's mistakes

What I am missing at the first look in...?

- 6 antenna ports implementation to cover all basic ham bands

RF-KIT website:

RF-Kit - Home

Specification:

Specification_RF2K-S.pdf (rf-kit.de)

Assembly manual:

http://www.rf-kit.de/files/RF2K-S_Assembly_EN_V04.pdf

User manual:

http://www.rf-kit.de/files/User_Manual_RF2K-S_ENG_V14.pdf

Controller upgrade manual:

http://www.rf-kit.de/files/RF2K+%20Controller%20Upgrade%20Manual%20V3_070821pdf

73 - Petr, OK1RP
"auf die Dauer hilft nur Power" (Erich, HB9FIH)

RGO One - New firmware version 2.34A released

New firmware version 2.34A is released

A new version of the firmware is ready to download here

Improvements are in the front panel microprocessor and includes the following:

1. Start up issue completely resolved. On some bands and frequency segments RGO ONE can not initialize properly LO chip SI-570 on power on. So the radio is deaf on RX and there is no transmission at all. If UP or DOWN buttons are cycled everything goes fine. This new FW completely removes this problem.
2. Internal serial I2C bus speed is set to 200kbps. All daughter board including LO board communicate with FP processor via this interface. Signals – SDA1 and multiplexed clocks SCL11-SCL18
3. Out of band operation issue resolved when in SPLIT mode
4. QSY to another band issue resolved. When using main dial to change the frequency to another band or when change the frequency via CAT – RGO ONE can not transmit although tuned frequency is within HAM assigned bands . The radio worked only if UP or DOWN buttons are depressed.