----------------------------------------------------------------------
          Software Defined Amateur Radio Transceiver

          KG-TRX  ver.1.0.0 Manual for Alinco's DX-SR9

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you very much for downloading KG-TRX.

This is SDR software which can transmit and receive using Alinco's DX-SR9 transceiver. Not only demodulating, but also modulating the I/Q signal to transmit. The signal processing is accomplished by the software using digital code processing technology, external special devices or programming are not necessary; simply connect the radio and PC and you will experience exciting SDR operation.

For maximum enjoyment, please read this manual COMPLETELY before using KG-TRX software!

About this software:
This is a freeware. The author or Alinco is not responsible of any consequence the user may encounter by using this software.
Please read our guidance posted on http://www.alinco.com/terms.html for our software distribution policy.

Necessary hardware to utilize KG-TRX:

* Transceiver
Note: This software has been tested with Alinco's DX-SR9 transceiver, and performs as stated.

* PC Control Interface Cable:
For the control interface, such as changing frequencies and other parameters, a genuine Alinco accessory ERW-7 (USB port) or ERW-4C (serial port) is necessary. Please install the correct driver to be able to use the PC control cable beforehand.

* Antenna:
An external antenna capable of HF transmission and reception is necessary.
In addition, Alinco's automatic antenna tuner EDX-2 is controllable with the KG-TRX interface.

* Audio System Cables:
A pair of commonly available straight stereo audio cables with 3.5mm stereo plug are necessary in order to connect the I/Q ports of the transceiver to the sound card terminals (input and output) of the PC.

* Microphone for PC:
A PC microphone is necessary; as DX-SR9's microphone is not usable during SDR operation. An internet-telephone headset can be used, however we strongly recommend a high-quality device for best performance and comfort.

* Speaker for PC:
A PC speaker is necessary, as DX-SR9's speaker mutes during SDR operation. A headset is desired, as noted above.

PC Requirement:
A PC that meets the following specifications is necessary. Please note that a higher spec PC is essential to fully enjoy the functions of SDR operation. Slower PC or lower quality sound devices may not work properly.

OS............Windows Vista or 7 (64-bit also supported)
CPU..........Intel Core i5 2.4GHz or faster
Memory.......2 GByte or more
Sound device......48kHz 16bit sampling / Stereo recording and replay capable
Display device....Resolution 1024x768pixel, color 32bit or higher (the Sound Blaster series made by Creative has been tested and recommended)
Mouse.............Center wheel is necessary, fast-scrolling feature is strongly recommended

The specifications mentioned above apply in the U.S., most latency and delay can be avoided this way.

Receiver for monitoring purposes:
To facilitate easy setup, it's adviseable to have a local HF receiver available in order to monitor your own signal and properly tune the modulation of your transmitting signal.

About a sound device
In SDR operation, modulation and demodulation of RF signals are processed by software. Therefore a receiving sensitivity or the transmission quality greatly depend on the performance of the sound device. If you experience poor receiving sensitivity or transmission quality, the use of a better sound device (sound card) may improve performance. 

Installation and uninstallation of KG-TRX:

Unzip the downloaded file and place the the .exe file in any directly of your preference.
Any archiver software is usable, but please be sure to fully unzip the compressed file.

KG-TRX does not modify the registry at all; therefore the uninstallation is done by simply deleting the KG-TRX folder.

The three files contained in the unzipped folder are as follows:

* kgtrx.exe = the program 
* readme.txt = This Instruction Manual  
* MemoryList.txt = preprogrammed memory data information


Basic setup of KG-TRX:

Please follow the instructions below for the wiring and setting preparations before using KG-TRX. 
Be sure that the normal operating setup, such as the DC power supply and antenna connections etc are operating properly in analog, stand-alone mode before starting the SDR mode.
After completing the wiring and settings, please also adjust the transmission and reception levels when you connect KG-TRX to a transceiver for the first time.

1.Wiring connection between the transceiver and the PC

Three connections are required. Please refer also to the instruction manual of DX-SR9 (2.12 SDR Operation).

Connect the stereo audio cable between the audio input terminal such as LINE-IN of the sound device and the DX-SR9's "IQ" terminal. The "MIC" or microphone port is NOT usable while operating in the "SDR" Mode. If your PC is equipped only with the MIC port, please use a high quality USB-connection external sound card.
Connect the stereo audio cable between the audio output terminal such as LINE-OUT of the sound device and the DX-SR9's "MOD" terminal. If your PC isn't equipped with the LINE-OUT port, please use an external high quality USB-connection sound device.
Connect the PC control cable, either ERW-4C or ERW-7 between the respective port (serial or USB) and the "CLONE" terminal of the DX-SR9.

2.Preparations for microphone and speaker
Connect a speaker and a microphone to the PC. A common headset may be usable, for best results be sure to use a better-quality device.
USB headset is also usable if capable of stereo recording and stereo replay with 48kHz 16bit sampling.

3.Turn on the transceiver and set to the SDR mode
Press MODE key of DX-SR9 to select FM mode. Press FUNC key then the MODE key to display "SDR" on the DX-SR9's LCD screen.(Repeat the same key operation to exit from the SDR mode)

4.Start the KG-TRX and set the terminal com port connection
Double-click kgtrx.exe to start the program. Click on "Settings" of KG-TRX tool bar, then select "Device".
Choose the correct devices displayed in "Device settings" window in the pull-down menu.

Setting the RX Parameters
I/Q signal input....Select the sound device that connected to the IQ terminal of DX-SR9.
Speaker.....Select name of either the speaker or the speaker terminal.

Setting the TX Parameters
Microphone......Select the sound device that controls your microphone.
I/Q signal output.....Select the sound device that is connected to the MOD terminal of DX-SR9.

Setting item of the Radio column
RS232C port.........COM port number that the ERW-7 has been assigned to. Be sure that the cable is inserted to the USB port already.
(If COM port number is unidentified, please use the device manager of the Windows, and check the COM port number that "USB Serial Port" is assigned. In case of ERW-4C, select the Com port that the serial port is assigned.) 

If all of the settings are completed, please click the OK key.

5.Receiving the signal
Confirm that the receiver is operating by observing audio (open squelch - white noise) comes out of the PC speaker by adjusting the VOL slider within the KG-TRX interface. If not, check the wiring instructions and device selections in the "Device settings" window.
Please follow the below instruction and confirm that you can actually receive the signal. A local AM broadcast station is a good signal source for initial receiver level adjusting.

Adjustment sequences for transmission and reception
When you change sound devices or using KG-TRX for the first time, please tune the reception and transmission levels. Especially be sure that the quality of your transmission signal is properly tuned for communications; it should be clean and not overdriven or distorted.

1.Adjustment of the reception levels
The gain level adjustment of the input signal is necessary in case the 'S' meter and a spectrum screen indication is too high or low; and reception sound may be distorted.

There are two gain adjustment that interact with each other; KG-TRX gain and Windows' sound device level setting.
When the 'S' meter indicates stronger level than actual level and the sound is distorted when the VOL level is high, or the S meter shows lower signal level than actual, adjust the KG-TRX gain.
Click the "Gain" menu in the "Settings" on the tool bar. Adjust Input gain in the RX item of displayed Gain settings window to a moderate level while watching the 'S' meter.
"Waterfall gain" setting affects the contrast display of the spectrum screen only; not the signal processing, so set it to your visual preference.

In case the KG-TRX adjustment can't tune the levels properly, try the following Windows settings:

The receiver sound may be distorted when a very strong signal is being received in I/Q spectrum. In this case, use of "GAIN" setting (RF amp and attenuator function of KG-TRX) will eliminate the problem, just like analog QRM from strong adjacent stations. 

2.Adjustment  of the transmission level:
In order to prevent distortion or insufficient output power levels, you should very carefully and properly tune the TX signal level when you set it for the first time or after replacing the sound devices. Use of a receiver for monitoring actual transmitting signal is necessary. Use a dummy-load for tuning is recommended. Low-power transmission is preferred during the tuning.

To tune, set the monitoring receiver's frequency to the KG-TRX's indicating frequency. Select AM modes for both monitor and KG-TRX. Press TX key on the KG-TRX to transmit. While transmitting, click on the Setting menu on the tool bar to select "gain" menu. In the Gain setting window, adjust "Output gain" and "Mic gain" by talking to the microphone. Output gain affects the TX power level and Mic gain affects the speech level. After the setting is done, press the TX key again to toggle the transmitter "OFF" and to stop transmitting. Change the different modes such as SSB and FM to verify that your TX sound is clear in all modes of operation.


Input level adjustment sequence by Windows
In the "Device setting" window (Settings > Device menu), click "Sound settings of Windows" link in the lower left corner to tune the input level property of your PC sound device by using the Windows' control. Tuning sequence is the same as the sound level setting with other devices; just check on the box and slide the levels to obtain the best performance.

The initial setup and tuning are complete.

== IMPORTANT== Cautions while using KG-TRX == IMPORTANT ==

NEVER turn off the transceiver while KG-TRX is activated. By doing so may cause malfunctions with the software and PC operation. Please start KG-TRX and turn on the DX-SR9 again if you had accidentally terminating KG-TRX immediately before switching the DX-SR9 off.

In case KG-TRX has stopped working during the transmission, turn off the DX-SR9. Restart KG-TRX first, then turn on the DX-SR9 to restore normal operation. 


About the delay of the reception sound:
Due to the inherent properties of digital sound processing, the received sound may be delayed slightly depending on the processor loads of your PC and the sound device. Usually clicking the "BUFF INIT" icon on the tool bar may help minimize the trouble by clearing the buffer.
However, it may be necessary to upgrade your sound device or CPU to better or faster one if the delay of the sound occurs too frequently.

About cutting off the TX signal
TRY NOT TO CHANGE THE KG-TRX FUNCTIONS WHILE TRANSMITTING IN ACTUAL QSO.
This can cause loads to the software and may cause an intermittent transmitted signal.


About the reception of the 0Hz ingredient
The 0Hz ingredient which is direct current is an important signal by the demodulation using the I/Q signal, but cannot get a 0Hz ingredient by the circuit in a transceiver and the sound card. Therefore a signal is not demodulated normally when a 0Hz part hangs in the band of the reception signal. Such 0Hz part is shown on the spectrum screen on the KG-TRX as a red solid line, and will not allow the receiving signal spectrum to touch the line.

About S meter indication
There are indications such as 1, 3, +20dB etc on the S meter of KG-TRX, but these signs are general and not very accurate due to many variables. 
The 'S' meter levels depend actual RF RX signal level settings, and again is just relative.

Explanation of the screen display of KG-TRX
The screen display of KG-TRX is composed of four segments; from the upper section
The menu section 
The tool bar section which can choose frequency indication and the modes
The spectrum screen section in waterfall display
The Status bar displaying the time, sound device etc.
All the necessary operations are performed from the tool bar, but other frequently used parameters such as mode or filter settings are available in the menu interface. The active key is lit; the details of the display can be set by the Display menu in the Settings menu.

You may change the size of the screen of KG-TRX freely. In addition, you can change visibility of the tool bar or the color of the indication. You may change the setting of the indication; please identify the Display settings screen "setting contents of each setting window".

Basic operation of KG-TRX

Starting and closing KG-TRX
Always turn on the DX-SR9 first before starting the KG-TRX program. Be sure that the DX-SR9 is in the SDR mode. To close, click on the red X icon on the upper right corner of the program. Be sure to turn off the transceiver after closing the KG-TRX.

Setting the operating frequency
Enter the frequency with using a keyboard. For example, if it is 28.5MHz, Enter [2][8][period][5] then hit the enter key.

Tuning to the receiving signal
Turn the wheel of the mouse on KG-TRX screen to tune the frequency by preselected step. 

The frequency step can be set using STEP keys in the tool bar of KG-TRX or the Step menu.
In addition, the frequency can be directly selectable on the spectrum screen. Details will follow.

Setting the modulation mode
Use MODE key in the tool bar or the Mode menu to choose a mode of operation. IF filter and AF filter width are chosen automatically.

Setting the volume (AF audio level)
Slide the Vol bar to the right or left to change the receiving audio output level. If the max level is not loud enough, use Windows's audio output property adjustment.

Setting the squelch level
Slide the SQL bar to the right and left to change the receiver squelch level. Squelch is used in AM and FM reception.

Setting the reception gain (RF amp and attenuator)
Select +10 to increase the sensitivity with RF pre-amplifier, or select 0, -10 or -20 to attenuate the RF gain to eliminate adjacent strong stations or QRM.

Setting AGC (Auto Gain Control)
Use the AGC keys on the tool bar or AGC from the menu to change AGC speed.
For phone, use SLOW (SSB) or MID (AM). For CW, use FAST. 
For the FM mode, you may not notice the difference but the S-meter indication may vary.

PTT operation (change of TX and RX)
Click the TX key in the tool bar to toggle between transmission and reception.
After clicking the TX key, "STANDBY..." appears then turns to "RX". Please start talking after the "RX" is being indicated.

Click the TX key (RX is displayed now) again to go back to receive.
Note: You can't change the frequency during transmission. 
While transmitting features such as the antenna tune, I/Q recording replay and the memory list function are not available. CW can be operated by using the mouse. Instruction will follow.

Setting the output power level
Use POW keys on the tool bar or the menu to set the TX output power.

Operating EDX-2 antenna tuner
Click ANT TUNE key of the tool bar to perform the tune the automatic antenna tuner EDX-2. After tuning is completed, it will automatically return to receiving state.
The same operation is available even when the EDX-2 is not connected; however your antenna is actually NOT tuned. This function is NOT an internal automatic antenna tuner.

Convenient functions of KG-TRX
As for IF (intermediate frequency) filters and the AF (audio system) filters are software-based DSP. Therefore, it is variable freely. The IF and AF filter functions are useful to help reduce interference and clarify the desired received audio.

There are two kinds of filter settings; preset and user-custom setting.

Use AF filter keys from the tool bar or the AF FIL menu to change AF filter width. IF filter keys on the tool bar or the IF BW menu change IF filter bandwidth. In addition, "USER" keys on the filter menus or simply dragging the filter indication will change the width freely at custom setting. Double clicking on the IF filter screen will provide a setting window for more detailed adjustment. The IF filter characteristics can be determined in the MISC setting in the Setting menu on the tool bar.

Digital Signal processing function
KG-TRX is capable of noise and beat reducing and audio sound enhancement using DSP technologies. Available effects of the DSP features are as follows.

NR (noise reduction)
Effectively reduces the noise in the reception signal.

AN (automatic notch)
Effectively reduces a beat sound in the reception signal.

3D (stereophonic sound)
Sound effect to clarify the audio.

Click a DSP key of the tool bar to select the DSP menu.

Depending on the reception situation or IF filter and the AF filter levels, the DSP feature may seem less effective or insufficient. Use 3D function only when you are equipped with a stereo headset or speakers.

Virtual key function in the CW mode
It is possible to operate CW with using a mouse at the time of the transmission in the CW mode. After clicking a TX key in CW mode, use the mouse to click on the CW-key area right next to the ANT TUNE key. It transmits while clicking the mouse and remains lit red while transmitting. After transmitting, click on the TX(RX) key to receive. Please note that NO break-in keying or monitoring feature is available.


Audio meter function
Just below the S meter, an audio level meter is available to monitor the strength of received sound and the transmission voice level. In case the indicator reaches maximum, distortion may occur for both TX and RX sounds.
When it happens, please lower volume in reception. Lower the voice or the microphone gain. You may turn off the audio level meter in Display setting in the Setting menu.

I/Q band record and replay function
The I/Q signal which KG-TRX takes in a PC can be captured and recorded on the hard-disk of your PC for replaying later. 
Click I/Q REC key on the tool bar to record. The recorded data is stored by a file name of the frequency with a date and the time in the "Raw" folder that is automatically created in a directly or folder where kgtrx.exe is stored. Click I/Q REC key again to stop recording.
While recording, you can't move to the range outside of the recording I/Q range.

To replay, click I/Q PLAY key to open the file selection window, then select the I/Q file in the RAW folder. Click the I/Q PLAY key again to stop replaying.
Replay is not possible while transmitting, and transmitting is not possible while replaying the I/Q recording.

Sound record function
Recording receiving signal and transmitting speech is possible in WAV format. Click WAV REC key of the tool bar to record, and click WAV REC key again to stop recording.

A recorded WAV file is named with a date, time,and the frequency, and stored in "Wav" folder created automatically in a folder with kgtrx.exe.

Fc SET function
KG-TRX is capable of operating -24kHz to +24kHz range, but the 0 to +24KHz performs with less sensitivity due to the influence of the filter in the transceiver. By clicking on the Fc SET key in the tool bar, the selected signal is brought to the best performing range automatically. In addition, you may set it to use only the better-performing -24kHz to 0KHz range only in the Misc settings menu in the Settings menu on the tool bar.

BUFF INIT function
When software and hardware becomes highly loaded, an unacceptable sound delay may occur.
In such case,  Click on the BUFF INIT key. You may click it several times until the delay may be reduced. It may be necessary to reboot the program when BUFF INIT can't completely resolve the issue.

Spectrum indication function
KG-TRX displays the current receiving state using a waterfall and graphical indication, just like a spectrum scope. Point on the signal and clicking tunes to the selected signal directly.

Memory list function and operation 
Memory list function is to store the receiving or transmitting frequencies and recalling them later. 
To add the new frequency in the list, click the edit menu then add new freq menu in the tool bar of the memory list window. The frequency is added at the bottom of the list. 
To recall the stored frequency, simply select it and click on the list. 
To edit names, select the line on the list then press edit name menu. After renaming, press any place on the list.
To overwrite the current data with another, select the line to overwrite then click over write menu. Select Yes in the confirmation window. 
To delete the data, click on the line to be deleted and click the delete menu, then click Yes on the confirmation window.


Spectrum screen and its operation 
A line and a letter provided with green in the graph screen indicate the current receiving frequency. The range shown with light green indicates the current receiving range.
Green indications turns to red while transmitting.

Dragging and pointing on the screens will indicate respective frequency for several seconds then disappears.

Clicking on the screens chages the operating frequency. Right-clicking on the screens enables the tracking mode and the letters turn to sky blue. Right-click again to exit from tracking mode.

The width of the graphical and waterfall screens are variable by dragging the mouse pointer.
To customize the screen display parameters such as colors, use Display setting menu in the Settings menu.


Indications and function of the menu bar
The menu bar menu of KG-TRX is as follows:

Settings: 
Device..... Displays sound devices and the COM port setting
Window Gain.....Displays different Gain adjustment setting window
Display.....Displays different KG-TRX display-related parameter setting window
Misc... Displays other misc setting parameters.
Mode.....Operating modulation modes
IF BW.......Selects IF band filter 
AF FIL......Selects AF band filter
AGC.........Selects AGC
TX PWR......Sets the TX power level
RF Gain.....Sets RF amp and attenuator level
Step .......Selects the frequency step
The DSP.....Selects DSP menu
Help ....Version information of KG-TRX

Indications and function of the Tool bar menu
From the first block, the left side of the tool bar
S meter and frequency screen
IF filter screen
AF filter screen

TX/RX indicator: Off When the squelch is closed, lites green while squelch is open. Indicates red while transmitting. 

TX/RX key
Antenna tune key
CW Keying area
Fc SET key
BUFF INIT key
MEM key
VOL slider
SQL slider

From the second block, the left side of the tool bar
Mode key
IF filter key (IF)
AF filter key (AF)
AGC setting key (AGC)
DSP setting key (DSP)
RX gain setting key (GAIN)
TX power setting key (POW)
Step setting key (STEP)
I/Q REC key
I/Q PLAY key
WAV REC key

Setting contents of each setting window

Device settings screen / Functions are explained already in previous chapters.

RX
I/Q signal input
Speaker

TX
Microphone
I/Q signal output
RS232C port
Update sound device list
Sound settings of Windows


Gain settings screen / Functions are explained already in previous chapters.

RX
Input gain
Waterfall gain

TX
Mic gain
Output gain

Display settings screen 
Frequency and filter display
Preset color...Selects the preset combination of color variations of KG-TRX.
On color...Selects lighting color of your preference.
Off color...Selects light-off color of your preference.
Fill color...Selects filter color of your preference.
Back color...Selects the background color of the screen of your preference.
Draw off segments...Display variation. Select your preference.
Enable audio meter...Turns on an audio level meter.
Use the color palette to change colors.

Spectrum display
Fill spectrum...The indication variation of graph indication. Suit to your preference.
Draw old spectrum...The graph display smoothness. Suit to your preference.

Waterfall display
Color...Select color of the water fall screen.

Tool key
Color...Select the color of the tool key per your preference.

Tool bar
Operate bar...Display the first block of the tool bar.
Settings bar...Display the second block of the tool bar.

Tool bar position
Top...Place tool bar in the upper part of the KG-TRX screen.
Bottom...Place tool bar in the bottom of the KG-TRX screen.

Window
Show always on top...Displays KG-TRX screens always on top of all windows.

Misc settings screen

Mouse wheel
Wheel acceleration...Frequency changes according to the speed of mouse wheel turning speed.

Wheel invert.....Inverts the default mouse and frequency direction.

Beep
Beep volume...Regulates the volume level of the beep sound during the keyboard operation.

IF filter
Filter shape...Sets characteristic of the side-cutting of the IF filter.

CW
CW tone...Sets the side tone frequency at the time of the CW reception.
I/Q tuning area
-24kHz ~ +24kHz ...Receives all I/Q bands as the tuning range.
-24kHz ~ 0Hz ... Receives the half but better performing range only.

Raw play
Once...In I/Q band replay, it replays only once.
Loop...repeats I/Q replay.

Resetting KG-TRX
In case that KG-TRX is malfunctioning, turn off the program. Select kgtrx.ini file in the KG-TRX folder and delete it to reset. Turn on the KG-TRX again.
All parameters will return to default after resetting.

If the trouble still persists, please verify the Windows setting and/or radio/antenna-related hardware.

About a bug and an error
Please direct errors and bugs reports to:
k.g8956@ymail.plala.or.jp

Copyright reserved.
Alinco and ALINCO logo are registered trademarks of Alinco Incorporated, in Japan, the United States, EU States, Russia, China and other countries.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective holders. 
============================================= end of document
