QRPVer Minion SDR First Impressions

SSB SDR transceiver is a shortwave, ten band, multi band. QRPver Minion-SDR.

This is a compact ten-band shortwave QRP SDR transceiver (1.8, 3.5, 5, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 24, 26-29 MHz.).

This transceiver is designed to work in the lower (LSB) and upper (USB) sideband with both a telephone (SSB) and a telegraph (CW). It is possible to work in digital forms of communication “DIGI” (JT / PSK / BPSK / FSQ and all others …) as well as the reception of radio stations with AM modulation.

Onboard the transceiver there is a USB port for connecting to a computer to control the transceiver from amateur radio programs using CAT protocol “Kenwood TS-440”

The transceiver has small dimensions 100x103x30 mm. and a small weight of 450 grams. It is suitable for work on the field trip, on the nature, cottage … The same for everyday work, at home.

Specifications:
Supply voltage: 8-15v (Rated supply voltage 13.8v)
Current consumption in receive mode “RX” and 25% volume: 120mA. At 100% volume: up to 200mA.
Current consumption in “TX” transmission mode: 600-1600 ma. max.
The output power of the low frequency amplifier: >0.5w.
Nominal transmitter output power: 5W. (at rated supply voltage). And more, Maximum 9W.
The input output impedance of the antenna input is 50 ohms.

Receiver Sensitivity: 0.35uV.

The dynamic range of 95dB.

Suppression carrier signal: 80dB.

Broken sideband suppression: 70dB.

The dynamic range of the AGC: 70 dB

The spectrum display band on the display is 14 kHz. (Zoom x1).

Receiver bandwidth:
CW Mode: Set from the menu and has two quick access presets (SHIFT 600–1000 Hz. W. Band 200–1000 GHz.).
LSB / USB Mode: Set from the menu and has three fast access presets (HP 40-400, LP 1500–3500 GC.).
(Separate slice settings from the bottom and top)
DIGI mode: 3500 Hz.
AM mode: 6000Hz.

Transmitter radiation band:
LSB / USB mode: 3200 Hz. Max. (It is set in the menu. Settings for the lower and upper cutoffs are 50-300, 2500-3200 Hz.)
DIGI mode: 3500 Hz.

Opportunities:
The operating frequency ranges are 1.8, 3.5, 5, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 24, 26-29 MHz.
Operating modes: LSB, USB, CW, AM (reception only), DIGI.
Manual and electronic telegraph key (Straight Key, Jambic key or Single Paddle Key).
The mode of switching on the transmission by pressing the telegraph key (auto transmission).
Adjustable delay to receive (when CW auto transmission is on)
Adjusting the speed of the electronic key.
Enable CW self control mode.
Receiver detuning with transmitter (CW SHIFT) 0–1500 Hz. with a step of 100 Hz.
SPLIT mode.
Audio input selection mode, microphone or linear.
Adjust the sensitivity of the microphone and line input.
Three AGC modes: Fast, Medium, Slow, Disabled.
Adjust the brightness of the display. (10-100).
Automatic dimming mode when idle. (30s.)
Three-band equalizer for microphone.
NB filter.
Enable sound confirmation of pressing the control buttons.
The ability to control the transceiver via CAT protocol (Kenwood TS-440) via USB port.
Indication of the received signal level (S-Meter) from S1 to + 60dB.
Selection of the signal display spectrum or waterfall.
Power supply voltage indication.
Output Power Indication
SWR value indication

Transmission tone for tuning the antenna tuner, amplifier.

The transceiver is controlled by six buttons plus two buttons on the encoder settings and volume which are located on the front. A 1.3 “color IPS display is also located there.

On the back of the transceiver there are 9 connectors and a power switch …
Antenna input (BNC).
Power socket (5mm power jack).
Jack for connecting a USB cable (Mini USB).
Line input (3.5mm stereo jack).
Line out (3.5mm stereo Jack).
Microphone (3.5mm stereo Jack).
Telegraph key (3.5mm 4pin Jack).
External speaker (3.5mm 4pin Jack).
An output for controlling an external amplifier (3.5mm Jack).