USER MANUAL CommRadio CR-1a Communications Receiver
Contents
1. CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 8 Exit options e Push M to continue clicking to next menu selection e Rotate T 1 increment CW or CCW The frequency will not change e Timeout see selections below e Above screen images indicate selection of VHF or UHF after timeout 3 Band Key Configuration Next CW Click of M Rotate M to select Shortwave or Amateur BAND key configuration 4 Automatic or Manual Tuning Mode Controls Next CW Click of M Switch between automatic and manual frequency step size and mode while tuning through amateur and shortwave bands Same exit options Automatic Provides automated mode changes and standard frequency steps Provides Rapid Tune for speed tuning page 12 To Select Push M to highlight Rotate M to select Automatic or Manual Same exit options CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 9 CCW Menu Options are accessed by pushing M to enter Menu from the main frequency display Filter bandwidth selection is always the default Rotating M CCW accesses options that are less frequently used Note all menu items are sequential and can be accessed by CW or CCW rotation 5 AGC Speed AGC attack time equals AGC decay time There are 3 speeds available Push M to enter Menu options filter bandwidth always the default and rotate M 1 click CCW Exit options e Push M to con2. Black Crackle ESD Protection ESD Diodes Antenna ports Power Jacks USB Port Keys Knobs Hardware Design Limitations e LW 150 kHz 480 kHz The CR 1a was designed to tune down to 500 kHz The tuner is programmed to provide tuning to 150 kHz However there is no dedicated pre selector in this range The IF is also in this range and signals from other bands can be heard The CR 1a performance is not guaranteed in this range and is provided for experimental purposes Good performance has been reported from one CR 1a owner who uses an external LW pre selector Regulatory Compliance e FCC Mark Declaration of Conformity Part 15 e CE Mark Europe elsewhere e ROHS No Pb lead Origin amp Warranty amp Satisfaction Guarantee e Designed and manufactured in USA e Limited 1 year warranty parts labor workmanship End of CR 1a Operator s Manual CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 21
3. gt to index through memory slots Select slot 4 Push MEM momentarily Exit options if frequency not selected e Rotate T 1 increment CW or CCW CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 7 D MENU Push the Menu Knob M inward momentarily to enter MENU options 1 FILTER Bandwidth Selections are the most frequent and therefore the fastest to access using the push in switch on the Menu knob M The first push M defaults to Filter selections 5 kHz total bandwidth is presently selected A second push M highlights the current selection Rotate M CW or CCW to view the available filter bandwidths The selection is made immediately and is audible Exit options gt Push M to continue clicking to next menu selection gt Rotate T 1 increment CW or CCW The frequency will not change until next increment gt Timeout see Menu Timeout selections on page 11 Bandwidth selections are MODE dependent as follows CW 500 Hz 1 0 1 8 2 2 amp 2 6 kHz SSB 1 8 2 2 amp 2 6 kHz AM 2 6 5 7 5 amp 15 kHz NBFM 15 amp 25 kHz FM Broadcast 200 kHz USA 100 kHz Europe Asia CW clicks of Menu Knob 2 Frequency Range Selection HF VHF UHF Next CW Click after the first push of M Push M to highlight Then Rotate M to select HF VHF or UHF Rotate T or timeout to return to Main display MENU HF VHF UHF EEG RANGE _FREG F FREQ RANGE
4. keys to step through options shown on display Symbols Bold square brackets denote user interaction with knobs and keys Example BAND denotes pushing the BAND key in the picture above CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 2 B Front Panel Controls 1 On Off Volume Control Menu Knob M Description Rotary Encoder 12 detents per revolution with push in switch On Off Control Push M to turn ON Hold M to turn OFF e Volume default a click of the knob independently controls the Head set and speaker volume There is no indication of the volume level on the display e Menu Push in M momentarily for Menu Selections that include O Spectrum Frequency Range Bands Filters Mode Selections o Controls AGC Squelch Brightness o Configuration Timing Time out SWL Amateur Continent Software Version 2 Display 128 x 64 pixel x 1 5 diagonal OLED Organization Frequency Band Mode active highlighted box Signal Strength S Units Filter Bandwidth Power Status Icons gt OQ900 CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 3 3 Frequency Tuning Knob T Description Rotary Encoder 15 increments no detents per revolution With push in switch Primary Use Frequency Selection Secondary Use Push once to highlight frequency cursor Then rotate to re position frequency cursor Push again to exit 4 Key Pad Radio Controls BAND Cha
5. 1 External Chassis Ground Connection 4 40 Phillips pan head screw with 1 lock washer and 2 flat washers to hold wires and lugs The CR 1a is designed with ESD diodes on all antenna and power input jacks knobs and keys It is good practice to ground the CR 1a to discharge static electricity from antennas and if other equipment is nearby that may cause reception interference In settings such as a room with indoor antennas or outdoors with temporary antennas it is not necessary to ground the CR 1a WARNING During active lightning storms it is wise to disconnect antennas from all radio equipment 12 Internal Lithium lon Rechargeable Battery not shown The internal battery is a Tenergy model 30006 Li 18650 3 7V 2600 mAh with internal protection circuitry 18650 type cells from other manufacturers may not fit the internal battery holder since they vary in diameter and length Less than 1 gm of lithium is used in this cell and therefore it is well under the limits for cartage on aircraft It is important to replace with same similar batteries that have internal protection circuitry CommRadio stocks these batteries and can provide them for a nominal charge CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 15 G Firmware Update Instructions CR 1a only As new firmware versions become available they will be placed on the CR 1a Dropbox location https www dropbox com home CR 1a 20Updates On Dropbox download
6. USER MANUAL mRadio CR 1a LD ON OFF Comm CommRadio CR 1a Communications Receiver All operating instructions and specifications apply to earlier CR 1 except I Q over USB AeroStream Communications CommRadio Division New Castle Colorado USA 303 279 3671 Email support commradio com www commradio com CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 HF VHF UHF RECEIVER BAND MODE PUSH MENL STEP LAST T VOL A CommeRadio CR 1a PUSH HOLO ON OFF Wien fie A Introduction Thank you for purchasing a CR 1a The CR 1a is meant to be intuitively obvious and fun to use not requiring a manual close at hand The CR 1a was designed to have minimal controls and no deep menu options yet be fast and efficient when changing bands and modes This manual is intended to describe the basic controls and some features which are not obvious Firmware and Manual Updates Contact support commradio com to register your warranty and to automatically receive automated email notices when updates to firmware or this manual are available You can always find the latest on our website www commradio com Definitions CW Clockwise rotation of a knob CCW Counter clockwise rotation of a knob Push Momentarily push inward on a knob lt 0 5 seconds Click Rotate the Menu knob 1 one detent CW or CCW Increment Rotate the Tuning knob 3 a few degrees CW or CCW Scrolling use lt and gt
7. User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 11 11 Rapid Tune is a feature to rapidly tune across a band in 1 kHz increments when the cursor is normally in the 100 Hz position This feature is available when AUTOMATIC has been selected 3 A Rotate M 1 click CCW from Timeout Sine DFF Push to highlight Rotate M to select OFF 2 4 6 8 10 revolutions Same exit options With the cursor in the 100 Hz position after X rotations of Pe T the cursor automatically moves to the 1 kHz position until aes ae rotation stops Then the cursor returns to the 100 Hz position QEA to allow for fine tuning 12 Broadcast Band Plans for USA or the World Europe Asia Frequency tuning steps for MW are automatically adjusted 10 or 9 kHz HF amateur allocations VHF Broadcast 200 or 100 kHz channel spacing Rotate M 1 click CCW from Rapid Tune Push to highlight Rotate M to select USA or EUROPE ASIA Same exit options 13 Firmware Versions and embedded serial number Rotate M 1 click CCW from BROADCAST Push to highlight Rotate M to view DSP amp PIC version Same exit options CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 12 E Display Power and Lock Icons Low Battery Normal Battery USB Charging Power Plug Hold gt to lock and unlock Tuning Knob Function CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 13 F Rear Pa
8. W MW HF Port 1000 Ohm 3 5 mm jack S N s 601 749 only e LW MW HF Port 50 Ohm BNC female e VHF UHF Port 50 Ohm BNC female Display e 1 5 diagonal 64 x 128 OLED Display with EMI filtered lens e Readable outdoors not in direct sunlight and manually dimmable Power Supplies e Power Jacks Powered USB and 6 18 VDC 2 1mm diameter center pin x 5 mm diameter barrel e Internal Lithium lon rechargeable battery 6 8 hour capacity with full speaker volume 10 12 hours for headset and normal speaker volume e Both supply inputs automatically charge the optional internal battery with the CR 1a powered ON or OFF Power Consumption e lt 1 0 Watt Headset and normal speaker volume e lt 1 2 Watt maximum full soeaker volume USB Mini B 2 0 Jack e Automatically charges internal battery while maintaining maximum USB power use lt 2 5 Watts e Software updates via Dropbox with automated email notifications e Q data and radio controls using o CommRadio supplied basic 200 kHz Spectrum Scope PC GUI graphical user interface o Third party software GUIs graphical user interface CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 20 Mechanical e Overall Size 5 65 W x 2 45 H x 6 10 D including knobs jacks feet e Weight 1 lb 8 oz e Knobs Machined Aluminum Black Anodized e Front Panel Machined Aluminum Powder Coated Black Crackle e Case 20 Gauge Steel Powder Coated
9. ed CW or CCW the tuned frequency changes accordingly There are 2 ways to change the position of the cursor e Use lt or gt to position the cursor This is the default use of the arrow keys e Push T momentarily and rotate CW or CCW Push T again to exit e Note the sequence of successive cursor position changes Push gt 3 times Push gt 3 more times CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 e Cursor Open Box Standard Frequency Steps HF and FM Broadcast An open box indicates a standard frequency step size within a band This occurs only if Automatic Tuning Mode is selected see Menu below 5 kHz step in international broadcast bands 10 000 MHz 200 kHz step in US FM broadcast band 88 100 MHz e Cursor Highlighted Box Standard Frequency Steps VHF amp UHF Highlighted for 25 0 and 12 5 kHz frequency steps depending on band 3 Changing Bands BAND e Push BAND e Note highlighted box indicating Amateur or Shortwave banding and the current band e lt or gt toscroll through associated bands e Or push BAND repetitively to scroll upward through bands e Amateur and Shortwave listening bands are listed in section G e To exit rotate T or allow timeout to occur 4 Changing Modes MODE e Push MODE e lt or gt to scroll through modes CW LSB USB AM and FM FM only above 25 MHz e Or push MODE repetitively to scroll through avai
10. essful the menu option for the firmware version 4 clicks CW e DSP VERSION 2000x see paragraph 13 on page 12 PIC Load Successful TSS PIC Bum Successtul Connected CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 16 H GUI for I Q and Radio Controls CR 1a Onl The CR 1a uses a USB controller FTDI FT231X to allow for remote control and output of I Q data A free GUI graphical user interface named CR1A_GUI exe is available on the CR 1a Dropbox location e CR1A_GUI zip containing 2 files and Suggest these files be placed in a desktop folder The FTDI drivers will automatically install Windows 7 and 8 e To start the GUI double click on the icon or filename labeled CR 1a_GUl exe Then click on Stream on the left Dropbox has video instructions Screen shot of the CommRadio GUI in action WWV and 2 AM broadcasters shown i a a el le O o O O O o Frequency 10 003 00 MHz Spectrum Time Mode Spectrum Mode X Y Scale Show Realtime Spectrum Port Status Show Avg Power Connected Averager TC 8 00s Noise ThresholdEnabled Remove Below 12 d8 Show Legend Refresh Interval 1 s Show Tuning Freq 3D Spectrum Waterfall 10 000MHz MDININWYS CommRadio CR 1a Signal demodulation and audio speaker amp head set is handled by the CR 1a as usual Monitor and for announcements for GUI updates CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Editio
11. lable modes e To exit rotate T or timeout CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 Frequency Stepping STEP The CR 1a Steps sequentially through frequencies and does not stop ona channel or frequency if a signal is present not a scanner Push STEP to start stepping in increments corresponding with the cursor position Cursor range 100 kHz to 10 Hz Steps within the selected band boundaries To stop stepping Push STEP or rotate T To reverse stepping direction while stepping lt or gt Memory MEM Save Recall Step Save a frequency example Save 18 150 MHz to Memory page 2 slot memory location 4 Push MEM There are 8 pages of memory Each page has 8 slots Use lt or gt to index through pages Select page 2 Note the tuned frequency is shown in upper right of display Push MEM to enter the selected page Use lt or gt to index through memory slots Hold MEM 2 seconds Exit options return to Main display e Rotate T 1 increment CW or CCW The frequency will not change until next increment e Timeout see Menu Timeout selections on page 11 Recall a frequency example Recall 18 150 MHz from Memory page 2 slot 4 Push MEM There are 8 pages of memory Use lt or gt to index through pages Select page 2 Note the tuned frequency is shown in upper right of display Push MEM to enter the selected page Use lt or
12. n 15 July 2015 17 USA Band Plans International Shortwave number name rrea_ _ Freq Number Name Freq Freq 0 41m 25 600 26 100 _ 3 5 6 25m 11 600 12 100 7 120 m 2 300 2 495 13 UHF Start Stop O FRS2 467 563 467 713 Amateur O 10m 28 000 29 700 _ 4 20m 14000 14 350 6 40m 700 730 8 80m 3 500 4 000 9 160m AM VHF Number name roa Prea Number Name Freq Freq O0 125m 222000 225 000 4 Aviation 108 000 136 975 USA FM 5 Broadcast 87 700 107 900 CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 18 J General Specifications Frequency Coverage and Modes MW HF General Coverage 500 kHz 30 000 MHz e User Configurable Band Key o Amateur Band Selections 160 m 10m o International Broadcast Bands 120m 11 m e AM SSB CW manual or auto mode selection based on tuned frequency e International Broadcasting manual or auto selection 5 KHz steps e Automatic Filter Width select with override manual selection e Tuning Resolution cursor control 1 MHz 100 10 1 kHz 100 10 Hz e MDS minimum discernible signal nominal 130 dBm with 500 Hz Bandwidth e LW 150 500 kHz is included for experimental purposes See Hardware Limitations below VHF UHF General Frequency Coverage and Performance e VHF Continuous Coverage 64 0 260 0 MHz e UHF Continuous Coverage 437 0 512 0 MHz e FM Broadcast
13. nel Jacks 6 Power Input Jack Accepts 5 mm diameter barrel with 2 1 mm diameter center pin positive Reverse polarity protected DC input voltage 6 0 to 18 0 VDC Minimum rating of user supplied power supply 2 W with internal battery removed 5 W with internal battery charging and CR 1a ON 7 Mini B USB Jack Supplies power to the CR 1a and charges internal battery USB connection to Windows PC for updating internal firmware USB connection for I Q data and radio controls Power input jacks 6 amp 7 With the internal battery installed either power input jack will charge the battery while the CR 1a is OFF or ON Both Jacks can be used simultaneously If both engaged power drawn only from power input jack 6 Jacks can be connected or disconnected while the CR 1a is ON or OFF USB Power consumption automatically limited to 2 5 W per USB Powered PC requirements Fastest battery charging is via power input jack 6 CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 14 8 External Speaker Internal amplifier delivers 0 8 Watts into 8 Ohm Speaker 3 5 mm 1 8 female mono socket tip and ring e Both speaker wires connected to the tip and ring of the external speaker socket MUST be un grounded to avoid internal amplifier damage e Not intended for sound card or amplified speakers See Headset Jack on page 3 9 MW HF Antenna Port 1 BNC Female 50 Ohm 10 VHF UHF Antenna Port 2 BNC Female 50 Ohm 1
14. nge Bands MODE AM CW LSB USB FM STEP Frequency Stepping MEM Frequency Save Recall lt Left Arrow Selection gt Right Arrow Selection lt and gt positions the highlighted cursor as a default When BAND MODE STEP or MEM are pushed then lt and gt are used for associated selections by viewing the change on the display LAST Holding the lt key will return the radio to the last frequency that was maintained for at least 5 seconds prior to pushing the key This allows a rapid return to a prior frequency regardless of band 5 Headphone Socket 3 5 mm 1 8 female stereo socket Conventionally wired for typical ear buds or headphones Delivers 40 mW into 16 Ohms Use this output for amplified speakers or sound card interfaces CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 4 C Operating the CR 1la 1 On Off Volume Menu Knob M e ON Push in momentarily until 00 In 4 seconds the CR 1a is ready and displays the last frequency and mode used before the last shut down e OFF Push in and hold until eee Release and then wait 3 second If the CR 1a does not shut down in 3 seconds hold in about 6 seconds to force shut down 2 Tuning Step Size Frequency Cursor Positioning e Cursor Positioning Decade Control The solid highlighted boxes below indicate the position of the Cursor When the tuning knob T is rotat
15. nominal 88 dBm with 200 kHz bandwidth e VHF Sensitivity 108 0 150 0 MHz nominal 98 dBm or better for 12 dB SINAD 15 kHz filter bandwidth 5 kHz deviation e UHF Sensitivity nominal 86 to 98 dBm for 12 dB SINAD 15 kHz filter bandwidth 5 kHz deviation e Standard frequency steps for each band VHF UHF Band Plan e FM Broadcast 87 7 107 9 Monaural 5 KHz audio bandwidth 76 0 MHz International e Aircraft Bands 108 000 136 975 MHz AM auto select 25 kHz channel steps e Amateur 2 m 1 25 m 70 cm upper portion starting 437 0 MHz e NBFM mode default with SSB CW mode selects e Marine amp NOAA Weather Radio e Public Service 137 0 225 0 12 5 and 25 kHz steps e FRS GMRS 462 467 MHz 25 kHz Steps e General Coverage 467 512 MHz e Note 6 m 54 MHz is not available CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 19 Receiver Architecture e HF Dual conversion VHF UHF single conversion with low IF l Q digital sampling 32 bit DSP with digital audio CODEC e DSP demodulation algorithms DSB AM SSB CW WBFM NBFM e User Selectable DSP fixed bandwidth channel filtering selections Audio System Digital CODEC e Speaker Driver 0 8 W into 8 Ohm load e Internal 2 5 diameter mylar cone communications grade speaker e External monaural speaker jack 3 5 mm stereo jack back panel e Headset Driver 40 mW into 16 Ohms 3 5 mm stereo jack front panel Antenna Inputs e L
16. the newest firmware image crla 200x zip and the firmware loader if needed CR1a Loader zip f a Unzip and place cr1a 200x pkg and CR1a Loader exe into a folder suggest your PC desktop sie Ms b Connect the CR 1a USB port to the PC T oad c Power up the CR 1a PIC Load d Double click CR1A Loader exe to start the CR1A Updater as ete shown Note it indicates Connected Connected a Select a CRIA Software File e Click Update Software box to select a C J 4 gt CRIA GUI CRIA_GUL 07 13 2015 Forch CRIA GUI O7 13 2015 the pkg file SS ae Eais in Name 2 Date modified Type MD Desktop _ erla 2000 pkg 7 13 2015 10 50PM PKG File B Downloads a i i 3 Dropbox i e 1 V at e Recent Places f Highlight the pkg file and click the mae O pen box cw Libraries i Documents g The firmware image pkg will begin a Music Pictures R to load into the CR 1a over the USB A shivering 29 Filename crla 2000 pkg X CRLA Packages Files pkg z cable amala aa h After approximately 2 5 minutes the image loading should be completed as indicated by the 4 progress bars being 100 green and successful is indicated above each bar i Close the CR1A Updater WATER Updater ES j Power down the CR 1a and then power on Confirm the DSP Boot Successful proper image by checking the OLED display after selecting DSP Load Succ
17. tinue clicking to next menu selection e Rotate T 1 increment CW or CCW e Timeout 6 HF Squelch Control is available up through 30 0 MHz Rotate M 1 click CCW past AGC SPEED Push M to highlight Rotate M CW to advance or CCW to retard Squelch Same Exit options 7 VHF UHF Squelch Control Rotate M 1 click CCW past HF SQUELCH Push M to highlight Rotate M CW to advance or CCW to retard Squelch Same Exit options CommRadio CR 1a User Manual Rev 1 Edition 15 July 2015 10 8 10 Display Brightness Control Rotate M 1 click CCW from VHF UHF Squelch Push to highlight Rotate M to adjust brightness Same exit options Frequency and Memory Step Time Steps in increments associated with cursor position The cursor position is highlighted 100 kHz 10 Hz Rotate M 1 click CCW from Brightness Push to highlight Rotate M to select 250 500 mS 1 2 5 10 seconds Same exit options Illustration below left Stepping sequentially through saved frequencies within a memory page Illustration above right Stepping through discrete frequencies cursor not highlighted Menu Timeout from menu options and the BAND MODE and MEM keys is user controllable 2 3 4 and 5 seconds Rotate M 1 click CCW from Step Time Push to highlight Rotate M to select 2 3 4 5 seconds Same exit options TIMEOUT CommRadio CR 1a
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