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Reviews For: EXPERT ELECTRONICS SUNSDR2 DX

Category: Transceivers: HF Amateur HF+6M+VHF+UHF models - non QRP <5W

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Review Summary For : EXPERT ELECTRONICS SUNSDR2 DX
Reviews: 17MSRP: $2175.00 USD
Description:
The SunSDR2 DX transceiver based on the well-known SunSDR2 PRO transceiver with several hardware improvements. It is a 100W-HF; 50W-6M; 8W-2M transceiver, very compact, has active cooling and improved supply system, meaning it’s perfectly suited for DXpeditions. Also, we've added a separate connector for an external ATU, thus SunSDR2 DX has all the functionality you got used to in our radios and even more. Improved hardware along with the ExpertSDR2 software makes this high-performance SDR transceiver the perfect base station. The evident choice for a true contester! Hardware improvements in comparison to SunSDR2 PRO: Improved supply system, which leads to less heating and less power consumption HPF for VHF (100 MHz) to eliminate strong out-of-band stations coming from HF LPF for HF (70 MHz) to eliminate strong out-of-band stations coming from VHF New VHF LNA chip - PGA103+ New high-performance built-in stereo audio codec 24 bit with 114 dB dynamic range Sturdy DIP-type ExtCtrl connector New connectors: external tuner control, GND Improved PCB topology
Product is in production
More Info: https://eesdr.com/en/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
43.8174.7
EI2IP Rating: 2023-02-04
Best radio to date Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Had the 7610 and dx101, some were missing bands i.e. 7610 no 4M, dx101 no 8/5M (40/60Mhz) bands and it's general coverage about 30Mhz was rubbish.
Sold the dx101 in less than two months, I just hated the radio, overrated.

Running the SunSDR2 DX on V3, works a treat, also use the radio on 40Mhz band, and it's a dream to use.
Software is detailed just user friendly.

What limitations are these guys on about, I can work DX daily, TCI is a dream..
Connecting with WIN 11 was simple.
This radio is PLUG an PLAY, it works, sure you can tailor rx, tx, filters ete but overall it works out of the box, once you assign a ip address.

Take the previous review from N2*** with a pinch of salt, you notice he doesn't go into details as to the issues he had.

I use my daily, and it just works.
Check out my YT videos.

De Ei2iP, Robbie
N2UNL Rating: 2023-01-13
Tried it. Wanted it to work out. Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
My opinion ,
Their view of where they want it to go is fantastic and so is all the projected future visions that they have posted on YouTube. I patiently went through V2. all the frustrations and then came V3. well it was ok for a new release as expected, not perfect. The EE group forum was great and so was EE for support but when it comes down to the radio it has it's limits as to what they want to do with it, hardware wise. If you want a radio that you can pug and play this isn't the radio for you. I had no problem with connecting it to my Mac or my PC. It needs a lot of work with what is here now before they move forward. I know they have hopes and dreams of this working out with the new firmware but it's going to take a lot of time. I gave it a chance and worked with remote control from the developers to correct it in my pc to with it wasn't working out. Save you're time and purchase something else.
G3RCE Rating: 2023-01-12
Superb Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Just read the previous review by W3FRG and agree totally with him.
This is my second SunSDR2DX, the first one owned a couple of years ago but sold for some reason?
I have been using the SunSDR2PRO for some time now
I have recently replaced it with the latest GEN5 SunSDR2DX which is my favourite by far.
I was attracted to the SunSDR2PRO when they first
came out, such a neat appealing and small unit, a credit to the Expert Electronics team.
I have compared it with most of the latest SDR transceivers and non SDR transceivers, and in my opinion it is as good as the best out there.
With a magnificent GUI, so well laid out.
Very sensitive and selective, The 100 watt DX is a very neat, compact unit with a silent fan that just keeps the temperature steady.
Apparently, the DX pedition to Bouvet Island shortly, will be including SunSDR2DXs, this says everything.
(Transceivers owned before, Apache Anan 7000DLE MK11, Elad FDM duo, Flex 6300 and 6400, ICOM iC-7610, Kenwood TS890S, TS990,
Yaesu FTDX5000MP, FTDX101D, FTDX101MP, FTDX10 etc etc, all very good performers.

HNY
Rob G3RCE
---------------

W3FRG Rating: 2022-12-26
Superb SDR Transceiver in every aspect Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I previously had a Flex 6KM for over 3 yrs and the SW was still not all working, but in the pipeline and promised. Their remote system was great, however.

I had been following the Expert Electronics Equipment line since their inception for some 10 yrs.
Once they announced the Dx model which was 100w output, 160-10M, plus 6 & 2M, and especially their Remote System, I was sold.
You just create an account on the EE Cloud and log in. Once logged in your operating remote, it couldn’t be easier.

I purchased the SunSDR2 Dx in early July ’21 from NSI in Washington State.
I kept the Flex until I was satisfied with the SDR Dx operation, just two weeks, and then the Flex went up for sale.

For connection and control of 3rd party pgm’s, they have TCI, which my RF Kit 2K+ Amp just upgraded to, so connection and control was greatly simplified.
All control functions are now done on the LAN via TCI.
Just plug in the Ip Address and Port and you’re connected; No additional cables or hardware required. It couldn’t be simpler.

There are many videos available from EE and on the Internet for setting up the Audio, Digital and CW operations.

Support has been superb and is readily available either direct from EE or their online, and very active, forum. I received replies almost immediately and never had a question go unanswered.

The current SDR2 SW is super. No cluttered or crowded screen with selections blocking the screen. Layout is very intuitive and easy to follow.
EE is actively working on the latest SDR3 SW, in Alpha currently, that’s advanced in many respects.

I am very impressed and satisfied with the SDR2 Dx operation and available support.

Tom W3FRG

I have now operated the SunSDR2 Dx for approx. 1.5 yrs. and it has progressed with "Documented updates" from the Alpha to Beta SW.
It is one great radio, and they are continually making great advances with the SW. updates.
The Beta 3 version 1.0.2 was released as of Dec 23, 2022
The GUI is the best, no cluttered screen and with TCI no additional cables or programs to be concerned about. Menus are easily accessible, and the EESDR audio setup is great to use.
Logging, Spotting and Digital pgms are easily installed and operated.
W9BB Rating: 2022-08-17
NICE RADIO Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Nice radio does a great job, Does take time to learn the in and out's but the reward is well worth the effort and learning curve. Once you get on the air SDR radio's are simply amazing. This radio is my newest SDR and performs as expected .. Once you use SDR's you will never twist another knob.
SP5GQ Rating: 2022-08-03
GREAT SDR TRX Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The radio is great, but you need to have minimal knowledge of computers and networks.
M1ABK Rating: 2022-07-23
A very good SDR Time Owned: more than 12 months.
UPDATE - 23-07-2022

Having now owned this for over a year, with it being powered up 24x7x365 and used daily and in contests on 50Mhz I can say that this is a definite keeper for me.

Recently upgraded the software to version 3.X which works well and whilst still in development is very stable and works well.

One feature that I missed (or didn't understand!) was the TCI integration.

This makes FT8 very easy to use with JTDX or any other programs that support this protocol and does away with virtual ports entirely and simply works very well.

With Version 3.X software I originally had problems getting the CAT working (it didn't seem to have any CAT control!!) with N1MM contest logging and Log4OM main logging programs, but discovered via the support forum that there was a small program called 'RadioSync' from SunSDR that gives such capability and is actually very simple to use - one thing for new users is to ensure that in setup of this program that you use the 'localhost 40001' port setup if you are actually on the PC running the software - this confused me for a while so may save you sometime!!

Overall remains a very flexible radio which is still having software developed for it and works superbly for me and what I want to do with it - you may have other views and want it to do other things but for me it's stable, multifunction and simply great !!!!

-------------------------------------------------------------


I became a SunSDR2 DX owner with some trepidation. I am lucky to own (or have owned) some great transceivers (TS950, IC,7800, IC7600, IC7610, Anan 8000 DLE).

I am keen 50Mhz operator and so with a little HF use I have only used it on this band, working contests and difficult low signal work using FT8, Q65 etc. I use all my transceivers run into a ACOM 1200S

Some are keepers some not, but I was intrigued with the technical approach and software of the SunSDR range BUT I was concerned about some of the setup challenges that seemed to be present.

I'm a computer person and so I wasn't too worried but it was in the back of my mind!

First impressions.

Wow isn't it small! - great for expeditions etc. (although of course, you'll need a computer!). Great packing, great quality (although would have been good to have another of cable so I could use two aerials out of the box!!)

Initial setup

Actually quite straightforward although I can see why people struggle a little - not sure why such 'change from default network address is needed. This is one area that I think could be improved.

First use

I'm experienced in setting up / using SDR radios with Virtual port emulators VAC's, etc. and so it was straightforward for me and was 15 minutes work once I'd found where to set them up - you don't have to set these up BTW - you can use it without these by just using the 'basic' software but most of us will want to use CAT control and digital modes such as FT8 which requires such setup.

I was using FT8 within 40 minutes of starting which is not too bad in my view but if you're a novice on such setups I'd do the background reading (especially on the CAT and VAC side of things) and allow half a day.

With regard to how good it is - I can only echo what others have said. The software is stable and works very well, updates are a little irregular and a new version 3.0 is a major change in look and feel. The performance is excellent in the real world, as with all radio's careful setup of transmitting audio is required to get good audio but its flexibility and features are second to none in my view, up with anything else out there and maybe a little ahead in feature terms - eg which other software has DX Cluster spots directly on the operating screen? - This one feature netted me a new DXCC on a 6M phone!

The support forum is active and the support from the manufacturer is excellent (I had one question on a function within the software and it was answered more or less by the return of email!)

On the downside - not many really.

Even though I'm experienced on networks etc. I am struggling a little to get it working remotely with the provided software but it's still early days.

Documentation - is very good both from the supplier and also from other users - BUT it can be difficult to find for novice users look for the 'dummy' setup documentation which will help you a great deal. Make sure you have the latest copies !!!

Setup wrinkles - as with all SDRs there are a lot of setup options. Some are a little hidden away and it's not always immediately clear their effect on operation. Take your time to examine the software and its setup it will pay benefits in the long run !!

Digital modes - I set up the audio for good SSB and DX Pileup working but it was pretty awful on digital. I discovered that this was immediately fixed by using the 'microphone AGC' tick box (which was suggested to be turned off for good SSB and a limiter to be used instead - right for SSB but not right for digital), at least that was my approach you may choose to do it differently - its so flexible there are many ways to do this !!


Summary

Still early days but I think this will be a keeper. Currently, my 'old' goto radio the 7610 has not had much use recently and my ANAN 8000 isn't being used as much either! - performance is excellent, flexibility is excellent and the functions that it has are top-notch in my view at least as good but in many. many areas better than its current competitors

The transceiver has been on 24X7 monitoring FT8 50Mhz for transatlantic openings and Phone 50Mhz contest etc. since I received it and its worked flawlessly so far.

I like it - and the more I use it and become familiar with it the stronger this feeling gets.

If I remember I will do a longer-term review as I'm conscious that longer-term review is usual useful rather than the 'first' flush of enthusiasm !!!

73
Chris


KD8CGH Rating: 2022-07-10
Great performer that is a joy to use Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I bought my SunSDR DX2 last Christmas. This is my second "black box" SDR transceiver. My Hermes Lite 2 QRP transceiver was my gateway to computer interfaced "black box" SDR transceivers. Both use Ethernet to transfer data to a computer that runs the main software for high speed data transfers with the option of remote operation.

For years my main rig has been my venerable Elecraft K3, #70 bought in 2007. I updated the K3 by adding an IF interface, an LP-Pan to generate I/Q and a 192 k Behringer USB A/D. I use Win4K3 to control the K3 and seamlessly integrate the spectrum and waterfall display. In addition to the K3 I have built a K2, KX1 and have a KX3, so yes I like Elecraft radios. As the K3 is twice obsoleted and Elecraft no longer makes boards for it I considered upgrading to a K4, but at twice the price of the SunSDR2 DX I couldn't justify it.

At this point I have three rigs that I can operate from my shack laptop with integrated panadapter displays. The SunSDR DX2 has become my favorite to operate. It covers 160 m to 2 m and all modes. While the K3 could theoretically operate 160 m to 6 m and all modes I didn't buy the crystal filter options to support AM and FM operation. A 2 m transverter for the K3 was also a very expensive option.

The SunSDR2 software is very good. Not quite up to the incomparable Simon Brown's SDR Console, but very good. Expert Electronics has developed another data interface called TCI. Third party apps that supports TCI allows seamless integration for both control and audio signals without messing with virtual ports and audio cables. This is great for digital modes like FT8 which can use JTDX which supports TCI without the virtual interfaces and associated settings that WSJT-X needs that are always out of sync if you have multiple rigs.

As you might expect with an SDR, there is a plethora of settings for transmit and receive equalization and filters. There are SSB enthusiasts that have developed settings for excellent voice transmission. I'm using the same Yamaha CM500 headset that I use for my K3 and it appears to work well.

The spectrum and waterfall displays are well done and if you use an app like SDC (Software Defined Connection) it's skimmer displays decoded CW call signs in the spectrum. SDC also provides digital modes and a host of useful features.

On the CW side there is an audio peaking filter that does a great job and an option to use stereo audio to help tune, but I mostly rely on the spectrum to fine tune. The cons are that it is not QSK and to use CW without annoying latency you have to key and listen to the radio directly. There are both a straight key support and a built in keyer with many adjustments.

There are three antenna connections on the back that are selectable by band. I have one set up for HF, one for 6 m and one for 2 m to match my antennas. A con is that they are mini UHF, so I had to get some extra min UHF to UHF jumpers in addition to the single one that came with the radio.

Doing A/B comparisons with the K3 I really can't determine a performance difference in receiving. There are few published lab reviews of this radio. The best quantitative review I found was from DC4KU published in CQ DL and available from his web site. Comparing Werner's review findings to QST and Sherwood Engineering for the FT-DX10, IC 7300 and IC 705 I saw very close results between the three, similar to rig to rig variation seen in SEI test results. Comparing Werner's SunSDR2 DX results to QST results for the Elecraft K3S and Flex 6600M I see that RMDR and third order intercept are within a few db of each other. For Noise Figure and Minimum Discernible Signal the K3S comes out a bit ahead of the SunSDR2 and Flex. For all practical purposes all three have great performance.

Overall this is a great radio that is a pleasure to use.
N8WGM Rating: 2022-05-29
Excellent radio once you learn it Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Learning curve...remember that. READ THE MANUAL available online.

It takes effort to learn this radio. It is different than a knob and button radio. I've had this for about a week and am still learning how to use it.

First thing....they don't tell you that you need a specialized cable to run an amplifier. You can run an amp from the ALC jack and RCA cable. It does run but not well.

The specialized cable is available and is needed to run an amplifier keyer like the Ameritron ARB 704 if you are using an older tube amp. There are other cables to work with modern solid state amplifiers. Check with Expert Electronics or where you bought the radio from.

If you go with a Heil Pro 7 headset, make sure you get the one with the Yaesu pin cable for Mic2 jack in the front of the SunSDR2 DX.

Settings....tons of settings for TX and RX. Start slow and day by day make changes and learn the radio. It is kind of fun. You may make changes that prevent you from doing what you want. Don't worry. You will figure it out...and there is a lot of folks to ask online.

My previous radio was the Yaesu FTDX10 and it has an excellent receiver. I prefer the SunSDR2DX as the RX is so adjustable and so good. That and it takes up less room on the desk and on the monitors.

Love the mouse interface. Very much like the Anan radios or the Elad FDM Duo. Software is very simple and quick. Best I've used so far.

Noise blanking and other filters work well. Much better than the DX10.

Slight bit of latency. CW and SSB. I've gotten used to it. Not too bad.

Fan is very quiet. Not on very much.

Lots to learn on this radio. It is fun though.

I recommend this radio highly. It kind of grows on you.

G4POP Rating: 2021-11-16
Wow! Fantastic! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Expert Electronics SunSDR 2 DX report

Intro
These are my comments about the SunSDR 2 DX from Expert Electronics in Russia, having previously used SDR receivers extensively with various software interfaces since the inception of SDR.

I have no connection or interest in the Expert Electronics company and these are my personal opinions after many years’ experience in amateur radio, here are some of the radios that I have owned………………………..

Conventional HF radios:
Yaesu FT100, FT101D, FT901D, FT990, FT1000 MP, FT1000 Mk5, FT757DX, FT857, FT897, FT817, FT225RD
Kenwood TS751, TS850, TS950, TS570, TS870, TS2000
Icom IC851, IC756 ProIII, IC7600, IC7300, IC706, IC7000, IC7100
Elecraft K2, KX2, KX3, K3
(Plus, homebrew 19-inch rack AM radios, R115, AR88, various Marconi, Heathkit, Drake and Collins etc)

SDR Radios:
Softrocks (Various), RFSpace SDR-IQ, SDR-IP, Excalibur, Airspy, Hermes, SDRPlay, Funcubes, Kiwi, Flexradio 6400 and now the SunSDR 2 DX

Hardware – Pros.
The hardware ranks as the best that I have tried so far, being extremely sensitive and with excellent rejection without losing selectivity. I have not noticed any bad intermod and blocking is the best I have experienced even during the recent CQWW contest.
Good connectivity to multiple aerials and any external equipment like amplifiers, extra filters or external receivers although I must say the receiver is one of the best performers so I cannot see the need to interface an external receiver or external filters.
Construction is to the highest engineering standards and the size is such that the radio will be ideal for DX-peditions, portable and holiday operations, unlike the huge empty boxes of other market leading SDR’s the Sun takes very little desk space.
Immediate start-up of about 2 seconds so there is no delay before you can use it! The fan is totally silent and moves high volumes of air, so the radio never gets hot and no fears about corrupting an SD card if it’s not powered up in the correct sequence.
Two microphone sockets and a Phones socket make it simple to use both a desk/hand mic and a head set without any plug swapping and additionally the opportunity to use the PC mic and speakers or headset.
A single LAN cable connection to either the PC or to broadband hub, if remote operation is required, with all CAT, I/Q and audio data via this single connection. I have found a direct PC connection to be somewhat better because my broadband hub seems to not handle large amounts of data too well.

Hardware – Cons.
There have been complaints about the use of miniature UHF coax sockets which require adaptors or fly leads to convert to PL259 but providing you purchase good quality leads or adaptors I don’t have an issue with this.



Software – Pros.
As my good friend Simon Brown G4ELI says “With SDR it’s all about the software” and this is so true!
Apart from some of the free software available on the internet like SDR Radio Consul, HDSDR etc the Expert SDR Version 2 and soon Version 3 is deffinately the best manufacturers software I have used.
For SDR purists it is possible to change just about every parameter available while if left at the default settings it is also easy for the newcomer to SDR to use. The pleasing interface is highly configurable with even the spectrum background image able to be user defined.
Tailoring of RX and TX audio is by far the best I have ever encountered, bordering on studio quality having the ability to modify most parameters found in professional audio programs or hardware, truly enabling the user to make the proverbial silk purse out of a sow’s ear of even the most basic microphone, even a Yaesu MH31 mic can be made to sound superb by correct use of the audio tools included in the software.
The TCI interfacing to other software is a real bonus and it provides seamless integration with compatible programmes, hopefully more programmers will support this in the future.

Software – Cons
The interface of Expert SDR V 2 is a little cluttered and there are a couple of controls that could be better positioned but most of these very small problems have been addressed in version 3 which is in the very early stages of Alpha testing at the time of writing but is due for general release soon.
Unlike almost every radio available over the last 30 years there is no CW-R mode, although many users have requested it! hopefully this will be added in the very near future.
AGC Threshold was removed from ESDR 2 but I notice it is back in ESDR 3 so hopefully that very usefull feature will be retained.
Many settings are not persistent (remembered), but I am sure these will be resolved in the future.

Performance
The SunSDR 2 DX consistently outperformed my Flex 6400 in side-by-side tests on HF plus the Sun provides a surprisingly good 2M performance and includes provision of repeater use. The receiver is what I call hot and lively with even the weakest signals being readable with a little tweaking of controls.

Overall Impressions.
Deffinately a keeper! The SunSDR has increased my radio activity due to its versatility and performance which is hard to beat, I can’t stop playing with it!

I now understand why Vasily and Roman are always smiling, it’s because they know they have produced a world beating radio at an affordable price.
Terry G4POP