4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
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5.
HOW IT WORKS
Antenna Genius brings together a powerful CPU, fast network interface, rugged, high power
relays and a programming/control App that runs in all supported versions of Windows. We are
confident AG is the best antenna switch you can buy.
5.1.
Tech
AG is powered by a Microchip Technology PIC32 microprocessor, a 32-bit device. Why so much
horsepower in an antenna switch? Advanced technology radios demand high-horsepower
accessories! Also, the extra computing power enables the addition of new features via firmware
updates in the future.
AG has 100BASE-T networking built-in. Based on the Ethernet standard. but ten times faster
than 10BASE-T, it is often referred to as Fast Ethernet. Officially, the 100BASE-T standard is IEEE
802.3u. 100BASE-T devices will also work fine on older 10BASE-T networks albeit at slower
speeds.
5.2.
Hardware
AG uses high quality 16 Amp relays rated at 12,800 W DC and conservatively rated for 1,000 W
RF at up to 50 MHz. AG’s relays are used for RF switching and also for the hardware lockout that
prevents two radios from being connected to the same antenna (there is also a software lockout
for redundant protection). The design priority was maximum port-to-port isolation coupled with
power handling ‘headroom’ - twice legal limit at high duty cycle - to enable reliable, long term
operation.
5.3.
Software
The AG App runs on all Microsoft-supported versions of Windows and is an integral part of the
AG system. You will use the AG App for initial set up and programming of your AG and also for
alternate antenna selection when you have more than antenna available for a particular band.
The AG App can also serve as your AG control interface if you don’t want automatic band
selection controlled by FlexRadio Slice band changes.
5.4.
FlexRadio Ecosystem
In the “FLEX-6000 Signature Series Ecosystem,” the AG App collects frequency and other data
directly from the SmartSDR (SSDR) API, a software-to-software connection performed inside
your PC or over your LAN at very high speed. No RS-232 cables to set up, no “stop bits,” nor
lethargic baud rates. It is a truly modern, intelligent, and high-speed solution.
AG will monitor any two SSDR Slices to determine the bands in use and use this data to select
the appropriate antenna(s) for each Slice.
