Tag iface

IFace – FAQ

If you still have doubts about the validity of our IFace (click here), read below the answers to the most frequent questions we have received so far.

Q. What are the differences between IFace and IFace 2?

A. IFace and IFace 2 are 100% compatible. IFace 2 is an optimized version of IFace and is smaller. IFace 2 replaces the first version (which will no longer be sold).

Q. Can I continue to use the RTX without an SDR receiver connected to the IFace?

A. Obviously yes, the IFace does not influence the functioning of the radio in the least, it only serves to take a copy of the IF signal so that it can be sent to the external SDR receiver.

Q. What bandwidth can I see with the panadapter?

R. It depends, but above all, it does not depend on the IFace. It depends on the external SDR receiver you are going to use. For example, a classic RTL-SDR without decimation can typically reach 1 MHz bandwidth. An RSP1 can reach 10 MHz. If decimation is used, as we recommend, the band typically displayed is around 200 kHz (however more than enough for most applications).

Q. Is PTT necessary?

R. It depends, not always. It depends on the type of radio, in particular how the reception circuit is made. For example, if it uses part of the transmitter circuits then the answer is yes, otherwise if they are clearly separated the answer is no.

Q. What do “PTT Active High” and “PTT Active Low” mean?

A. Digital signals, such as the PTT signal, can be active high or active low. In the case of “active high” the PTT signal goes from 0 V to a higher value, typically 5 V or more. In the case of “active low,” the PTT signal goes from 5 or more volts to 0 V. Generally inside the radios the signal is “active high”. The “active low” signal is typical of an open-collector or open-drain transistor configuration.

Q. My radio does not have the CAT interface: at what frequency should the external SDR receiver be tuned?

A. In this case, if you do not use synchronization between computer and radio via CAT interface, the frequency to be used to receive correctly through the SDR panadapter is that of the IF to which the IFace is connected. Refer to the specific documentation for the installation of our interface.

Q. Can I use the CAT cable to change the frequency regardless of the VFO knob on the RTX or the software and have the same frequency value on both the SDR software and the radio?

A. Obviously yes, that’s what we recommend doing. If you use CAT to synchronize the radio and the SDR software, you will have full control of it directly from the computer screen.

Q. Where do I connect the coaxial cable braid to the IFace?

A. It can be connected to one of the holes on the PCB or, if coaxial connectors are not used, to one of the pads where the external part of the connector should be welded.

Q. I have an RTX that already has an IF output. If I connect my SDR there, would I get the same performance as if I used the IFace?

A. No. Generally, with IFace, the performances are better because we can connect it directly after the first IF mixer and before the roofing filter. This results in a band displayed on the screen that is much wider than that displayed on the radio’s IF output.

Q. What do you need besides your IFace card to have a complete panadapter?

A. In general, you need an A / D converter for RF signals, also called an SDR receiver (ex. RTL-SDR or SDRplay) and a special program for the computer (HDSDR, SDR Console, SDR #, SDRuno etc.). That’s it.

More questions? Please use the following form.

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SDR interface for the FT-897

Follow the steps below to install the IFace card in the YAESU FT-897. Installation is really very easy.

As always we start from the block diagram and try to find information on where to get the first intermediate frequency signal. We use the first because it is not filtered, i.e. the band is still wide. The following images make it very clear where this point is located. The PTT may not be necessary, the TX and RX circuits are well separated.

The power supply can be taken soldering a thin wire on the fuse F1001.

At this point all that remains is to identify the points on the PCB where to take the signals: refer to the following images.

If you are convinced of the goodness of the proposal buy an IFace using the button below.

WARNING: Although the installation of IFace is not difficult, it is done at your own risk. TSP S.r.l. is not responsible for any damage, unwanted side effects or anything else.

For more information do not exist to write to us.
Have fun!

TS-2000SDR: new testimonial!

Our client Alberto IK0ZTL just sent us a nice testimonial on how he used our IFace card to add an SDR receiver to his nice TS-2000.

He did a great job by inserting everything into the radio, including the RTL-SDR converter, so that he only had the USB cable out to connect to the computer.

Find all the nice work described in a PDF to download right below.

Instead, to buy an IFace, use this following button.

Good reading, congratulations to Alberto and good listening with SDR technology.

SDR interface for the IC-756PROIII

These are the instructions to install the IFace interface inside of the Icom IC-756PROIII. The installation is very easy.

The IC-756PROIII, as well as other radios, has a fairly complex configuration and uses three different intermediate frequencies. We are interested in the first, the “wide band” one, the first one of the main band pass filter (the roofing filter so to speak). Below is a video with the sequence of operations to be performed to obtain a sufficient bandwidth to make a panoramic receiver around the chosen IF frequency. Going over you can find some images that illustrate how to install the interface for SDR.

The following image shows the point where the IF signal will be taken. The first IF frequency is 64.455 MHz.

Let’s start by analyzing the wiring diagram. We have to find the first mixer, the PTT and where to take the power supply. From the following images everything will appear clear.

At this point we have to locate the points where we connect the electric cables to the IFace. The following images show where to take the various signals.

This last image shows the inside of the RTX and where the IFace interface is to be placed.

To buy an IFace please one of the buttons below.

ATTENTION: Though installing the IFace is not difficult, you do this at your own risk. TSP S.r.l. is not responsible for any damage, unwanted side-effects or whatever.

For more information do not hesitate to write us.
Have fun!

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NEWS July 18, 2024
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