| K8EZB |
Rating:  |
2022-09-21 | |
| Excellent for those willing to make the effort |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
I purchased an Apache Labs ANAN-7000DLE MkII transceiver in late December, 2021. While I had some reservations about sending a large deposit to Australia many weeks in advance of quoted delivery, the purchase process was flawless, with the radio shipped directly from India via DHL and arriving in perfect condition on the quoted schedule. It was quick and easy to get the radio up and running in a rudimentary fashion, however, despite a long, strong background working with many different computers, refining the radio software setup was something of a science project due entirely to sketchy and out of date documentation. The only manual for Thetis (the client software for the radio), while helpful to a degree, is out of date and does not reflect the current version of software. Thetis is open source software and moves ahead in fits and starts, with new versions sometimes coming only days apart, or with weeks or months between versions. There is an online forum where support is available from experienced AL users, and this has been essential to resolving pilot error issues for new users. However, this forum contains thousands of posts, some of which are out of date, and some of which offer advice which has proven to be incorrect. So, it takes some time and patience to sort through the posts and find those relevant to the issue at hand. Some good news here is that there are a handful of gurus who are on the forum almost daily and are very willing to assist with problem solving.
I want to be clear that this radio is worth the effort required to make it function as you might like. The comprehensive TX audio configuration tools and the Pure Signal technology for reducing IMD products are outstanding, and to my knowledge, are unmatched by any other currently available transceiver. The hardware itself has been bulletproof. Like others posting here, after a few weeks using this radio and associated software, I have come to have a strong preference for the user interface (computer screen, mouse, keyboard) vs knob intensive radios despite having 50+ years experience with knob radios. To date, I have completed about 2000 QSOs with this radio in SSB and digital modes, including working 100+ countries running 25-50 watts into a wire antenna. A recent unsolicited signal report when checking into a net: "S9+40, broadcast quality audio, best signal on the frequency." Highly recommended as long as the buyer is not expecting a plug and play experience. |
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| KG6TR |
Rating: |
2022-09-20 | |
| ridiculously fun radio |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
I was a holdout - I wanted knobs, and while I understood the value of a bandscope (and had them on my radios), I resisted having a computer in the loop. I only use computers in the shack for qrz logging - I don't use dx spots, do digital modes, cw skimming, etc. But the lure of eSSB operation (improving on my exceptional 101MP) proved too much and I ordered both a Flex and an Anan. Flex sadly ran into parts availability issues and the Anan showed up earlier than expected.
I had a Surface Book in the shack that I use for programming VHF/UHF radios, so figured that would cover the computing part. With the input from some other Anan, I got things configured quickly and on the air. I had my doubts about using a mouse instead of physical knobs but I quickly came to appreciate the much larger screen (30" 4K monitor) and almost infinite tweak ability of different parameters. While I had held onto, "I want my radio to have knobs," I found that I really enjoyed running the Anan.
Downsides? If you are not computer savvy, do not buy one of these unless you have someone to help. The hardware and software documentation is not complete, but the forums are a good backup.
Upsides? For eSSB, one of the best choices out there. For regular operations? One of the best choices out there. For DXing? One of the best choices out there. I don't contest but likely good for that as you can seamlessly interface other computer software.
If you're comfortable with a computer and want to customize your radio experience to the nth degree, this is a great choice. |
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| W9BB |
Rating: |
2022-08-17 | |
| great radio period ! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| Last year I sold my 200d and I been regretting the sale ever since. So after agonizing for a year I went and spent the money for a black face. Very simple another great radio in every way. They are hands down the best radio's on the market . So if you are thinking about going SDR do yourself a favor and just go buy the Anan. I have owned flex (6300-6400-2 6500s-) sun sdr2 dx Anan 200d .I smile went I use the Anan.. |
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| VK4SX |
Rating: |
2022-05-31 | |
| fANTASTIC in a word, |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
ok near 2 year review update, I liked the platform so much this time around, I bought another 7KDLEMKII,
as previous, 7851, 7610, k3-s, and now, the only rigs I have are 2 X ANAN 7KDLEMKII,
no amount of praise seems enough
Cheers
ok well it is confusing enough with TWO 7000 DLE products, one is Blue box early model, second is BLACK box MKII quite some changes so separate review space,
well I have been playing SDR since 2014 this ANAN 7000DLE MKII all though challenging with the FW / SW packages, once familiar all is worth the xtra time etc,
this model is the BLACK Box, extremely well engineered, very solid construction, not much left to the imagination with the ANAN 7000 MKII, the RX is maybe the best I have had on desk, Diversity RX with 1000ft beverage is magical really,
PS2 PURE SIGNAL is the reason I change platforms,
GONE is the 7851, 7610, K3-(S) On the desk, ANAN 7000 DLE MKII , EESDR SUNDX ,
both rigs are first class,
READING the manual is a must sorting out the DIFFERENCES between models making sure documents are correct is a must,
I have never ever received so many TX audio reports of this standard with any other Tier# 1 radio system,
very impressive,
and most definite worth the xtra setup time,
the END result is outstanding,
Dennis vk4sx |
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| WR4N |
Rating: |
2021-12-25 | |
| Nothing Else Compares! (1 Year Review) |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
1 YEAR REVIEW: Flawless! Simply The Best ... PERIOD. You want proof? Do a search for “ANAN” in any Classified Ads: All you will find is “WTB” - ZERO For Sale.
One positive to add: The ANDROMEDA is now available! It has the appearance and front display of a “traditional” radio, along with programmable buttons / knobs. The software is loaded and its truly “Plug-N-Play.” For those who fear the technical aspect, this rig is perfect for you!
ORIGINAL REVIEW: I retired and I chose the Black Version of this SDR for my Retirement Station. No other radio even compares! I also bought an ICOM 7300 which I love dearly & incorporates SDR Technology extremely well, but it’s no ANAN. The Black Version is really not different from the Version with the CPU embedded; my computer is simply external and connected via Ethernet cable. I bought a new HP with betters specs than the CPU embedded Version, can use it for many other ham or other uses and saved $400. They both have to have software downloaded, so other than one uses an internal computer and one uses an external computer, I haven’t found a difference.
I was terrified of getting everything ready to operate, but with a new high speed computer, I encountered zero issues. And having two friends with ANANs help greatly. If you operate a traditional station, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with ease of setup and operation. (You simply hit “Install” and follow the screen instructions.) These new versions and the new Software, have come a long way; documents, manual, the number of training videos available on YOUTUBE & in the Apache Labs “Academy” Page - have been a game changer. You still have to be computer literate, but no longer do you need to be a Rocket Scientist.
Space doesn’t allow for me to review all the advantages and functions, but I’ll make note of just 3 things. (1) Surreal RX Audio. (2) Noise Reduction that’s almost magical. Atmospheric noises and S-9+ Static Crashes are Gone, and with zero distortion. (3) TX Audio is already capable of sounding like FM Broadcast. The software has a 10 Band EQ and scores of ways to perfect your audio for everything from ESSB to Rare DX - and you simply save the settings and recall them whenever desired.
The one negative is Technical Support, which is virtually non-existent; users are expected to use the “Community Forum” to ask questions, get an answer from someone (hopefully), and provide input when you’re able (as well as using the resources I mentioned earlier). IMHO - Most of the Forum guys assume everyone has the same level of skill and knowledge, but we know that’s not true.
If you’re easily frustrated, don’t have a mid level degree of computers, and are unwilling to spend hours reading and digesting all the information, this radio isn’t for you (in fact, that’s why I bought the ICOM 7300 - so I wouldn’t feel rushed to get the ANAN on the air). But if you go through the learning curve, you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled radio experience in every way! Furthermore, the new ANAN ANDROMEDA, which looks and functions like a traditional radio, would be a great option for those who need everything 100% Plug & Play. |
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| WZ1U |
Rating: |
2021-10-17 | |
| Waited to long to get the Anan ! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| Well anyone that knows me knows I was always against SDR radios, but finally made the move and ordered the ANAN 7000DLE MKII (Black Version)... Purchased a dedicated computer for the Anan and with some help from some good Hams out there, I have no regrets. Its the quietest receiver I have ever had and I have had some high end radios in my time. Plus the transmit audio reports I get are the best I have received...So don't let the computer part of it scare you, there is plenty of help out there.. Once its set up your done...If you miss the knobs which doesn't bother me, maybe have a backup rig with knobs to give you that fix you need when the urge comes to turn a knob. Best $2795 I have spent for a Amateur radio in my time. Go for it and don't be afraid you won't be sorry...Good luck |
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| W8ER |
Rating: |
2021-08-10 | |
| The BEST! SImply the best. |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
The Anan 7000DLE MkII is a really fantastic radio! I have never had a finer radio in my 63 years of being a ham but let's clear up some misconceptions.
First there is Flex SDR radios. I have owned several In my opinion the Flex radios are pretty much plug and play. The software is OK, just OK. They were made and supported here in the USA and support was good .. sometimes.
Then there is Apache Labs. The radio hardware and software might be plug and play, depending on your computer experience but once set up it is beyond the best! Then Anan experience is a compilation of many years of testing and design by a community of really sharp hams, the very best! The information is on the web, all of it, and someyimes you have to dig and ask questions but it's the entire community supporting it. Anan has support here in the USA and it too is fantastic!
The 7000DLE MkII is the current product. How good is IT? Look at the ads on the internet swaps and you will find Flexes of all kinds but not Anan's. The hardware is extremely solid and reliable and made of current technology.The software is evolving but both openHPSDR and Thetis are solid. The NB is the best I've ever experienced and auto and manual notches flawless for fighting QRM. The receiver can hear a flea fart on the other side of the world! The transmitter, well it's typical Anan quality on all modes with that special emphasis on producing the cleanest possible signal. Tune up and down the band and you can spot an Anan instantly.
My 7000DLE MkII is the best and I love it! I have no doubt that if you had one, you would feel the same. |
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| KC2RGW |
Rating: |
2021-04-15 | |
| Incredible for those patient and motivated to learn operating. |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
Before I even start, this is not an appliance rig. This is best suited for people comfortable with software and operating systems and patient enough to go down a learning path and looking to fiddle and experiment.
If you are a person who needs to call tech support when your wi-fi drops out, seriously, don't even bother.
This is just an incredible rig and endlessly entertaining to experiment with (some days, it can be frustrating too). There is a lot to learn about and a lot of enjoyment to be gained as you make your way on the journey.
I've had a good pile of rigs from old 80's era, to a TS-590SG as the most current hardware rig and I also own a SunSDR2 DX as well.
The Anan trumps anything I've used. The noise reduction is simply the best algorithm there is. The Diversity tuning and the ability to beam form or phase cancel single point interference sources is amazing.
The transmit audio processing tools are well beyond anything else on the market, though they will take patience and understanding to apply optimally. The results are the most penetrating and efficient DX audio you can ever achieve or the most pleasing broadcast quality or anything inbetween that you desire to set up.
The filter skirts for both RX and TX are just razor sharp to a point where I can "see" another Anan on the scope before I even tune in and find out what someone is running. The adaptive pre-distortion or Pure Signal is why the TX "signature" is so distinct. Very few other rigs have this going and if they do they are running the same software. Pretty incredible results.
If you are not very technical, you can still run this rig but you need to understand it will be a multifaceted journey, from network path optimization for the GigE link you need, audio paths and all the options, understanding other nuances around optimizations. I find all of this to be part of the attraction. Most rigs now are so good you can plug them in and just go without really doing much to them. This gives me something to twiddle around with.
Normally with a "hardware" rig, I'm done in a week or two max. They are all set up, dialed in and that is that. With this rig there is almost always something new to go and dig into and figure out.
Now, once you have this all set up, you can just run it like an appliance. Just beware that even someone who is a techie will continue to learn things to tweak and change over months of use.
I highly recommend this rig for those willing to make the effort. Mine has been 100% reliable over this last year, no issues from the rig itself.
I have done a comparison with the SunSDR2 DX right here for anyone interested in more detail. https://sites.google.com/view/kc2rgw/home/anan-7000-dle-mkii-vs-sunsdr2-dx |
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| NN3RP |
Rating: |
2021-04-07 | |
| Outstanding! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have owned the earlier version (non MKII) which attaches to the PC. This device demands lots of computer power, RAM, CPU, Graphics so a sturdy system is required.
Not too long ago I swapped it with the CPU embedded version (MKII, i7). Many will think twice about paying the extra for this but to me it is worth it. I upgraded: the OS to WindowsPro, RAM to 32, and the disk to a 500Gb. I use the original disk to make backup clone from time to time.
I constantly visit the forum so as to keep up with valuable information, inputs from other users, and to know when to go the next version of the free software or firmware. The forum is a great place to gain knowledge of this system.
The performance of the rig is outstanding and I have thought comparing it with the IC7610 but I can't. There is much differences in between the two that it will take too much time to write about them. Anan is ahead always.
I used Anan for CW, FT8/4, RTTY, SSB and to listen to broadcasting stations. The filtering is amazing. Recreating profiles based on the ones provided makes it a breeze to start playing with the radio....I constantly save profiles and export the database.
The use of virtual COM ports is mandatory. One can use free versions. I use the pay version of Etherlogic. This device also utilizes virtual audio cables so the need to get either free version or pay for one. So you get what you paid / or not paid for.
There is quite some tweaking that needs to be done on software but once is done it is done. I take snapshots of all of the menu settings for reference as the database, from time time, might need to be reset. Each profile keeps its own settings.
I use the radio with the free versions of DXLabs, N1MM, MMTTY and it is attached to SPE amp. I can attached just about any Mic; currently HeilPR40. Modifying the CFC Profiles to match one's voice is really is a task that at the end makes you proud.
I am so happy with this radio and use it more than the Icom. This is not a buttons radio. It is just a piece of hardware that gets manipulated by software on your PC. One can attach a controller for the most common functions, i.e., Hercules DJController.
I can continue writing about it but I can't. There is so much.
If you are incline to /and are not intimidated by the use of software Apache Anan 7000DLE MKII could be your next radio endeavor.
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|
| VA3KBC |
Rating: |
2021-04-06 | |
| WOW. JUST WOW!!! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
After owning a Flex 6300 I had the opportunity to move to the Anan 7000DLE MK2, thanks Nate.
The radio is 6 months old and was offered to me first so I took the plunge with my wife's blessings.
She told me also to get the Mosley S-33 Yagi back in the fall.
Man...what a woman!!!
Anyways after receiving it and loading the file Nate emailed me I spent a couple of hours going through all the tabs to see what they were and what features the radio had.
I was blown away because I was used to the simple Flex Signature Series radio that is pretty well plug and play.
Not so with the Anan!!!
Fortunately I had help in setting up the 10 Band Perimetric Equalizer and the CFC settings and a multitude of other profiles and settings to make it sound and look good. Thanks Art. :)
PA settings for limiting the power if you are running an Amp.
Appearance to make your screen look the way you want it too.
Pure Signal!!! Amp View seeing what my signal Input Magnitude looks like. Dual RX . Easy to read tabs.
There is so much you can do to customize this SDR radio that it is a blast. Way to much to try and explain on here, but if you are the least bit timid in the computer department this is NOT a radio you would want or possibly like.
It is by no means a plug and play unit. An excellent built in 10 band EQ with CFC to make you sound like an FM station. This SDR by Anan can fit your bill.
Budget wise far less than the Flex I was thinking of replacing my 6300 by the way.
Thetis 2.8.11 is awesome as well. WOW. What more can I say.
Oh. No pay updates or upgrades either.
Open Source is great and we can update to newer software giving us a new radio in a sense.
The more I use the radio and the more I look into all the features the more I know this was the right move for me!!!
73, DJ
VA3KBC |
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