Adjustable horizontal AGC-T bar in Panadapter

WA8SRA

Both the PowerSDR-based HPSDR software, and the cuSDR64 HPSDR software implement a horizontal dotted or dashed line that runs from left to right across the Panadapter display. This line represents the current level of the AGC-T setting with respect to signal amplitude, and it can be moved up or down via the mouse which in turn changes the AGC-T setting. The converse is also true; change the AGC-T slider setting, and the line moves accordingly.

The ability to see a visual representation of the AGC-T level within the context of the current noise floor and signal levels, greatly aids in the understanding and adjustment of AGC-T.

I think this would be a great asset to SmartSDR

73, Dale
WA8SRA

k0eoo

Yes, I would LOVE to see that AGC-T display on SSDR one of these days....

rfoust

Neat idea, I like it.

Al_NN4ZZ

Hi Dale,
Do you have a snapshot of what this looks like?  

I added an idea a few weeks ago to put the AGC-T numeric value on the panadapter bar.   Maybe a combination of the two would be worth considering.  Some like graphical representations and others like numbers, so having both covers all the bases.   Here is a link to the idea I referenced:

https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/add_preamp_and_agc_status_to_the_panadapter_bar

Regards, Al / NN4ZZ  
al (at) nn4zz (dot) com

WA8SRA

Hi Al,

Here are a couple of screenshots:

From cuSDR64 console:
< http://www.hamsdr.com/personaldirectory.aspx?id=3505 >

From OpenHPSDR PowerSDR mRX PS console:
< http://www.hamsdr.com/personaldirectory.aspx?id=3506 >

73, Dale
WA8SRA

Al_NN4ZZ

Dale,
I combined both ideas and made a mockup using the SSDR screen.  Does this capture it correctly?  I also updated the other idea since I don't know of any good way to combine them for the vote total. 

Regards, Al / NN4ZZ  
al (at) nn4zz (dot) com

CLICK to view full size......

WA8SRA

Hi Al,

That looks perfect -- nice work!

73, Dale
WA8SRA

Stan VA7NF

Since the numeric doesn't have any meaning, why not display the signal level  (-98dbm rather than 44).  This especially makes sense on the flag and side display.

Ken - NM9P

I really like the concept, but I wonder....If you have multiple slices open on the same pan, with different AGC-T levels, would it start to get really confusing?  I often run 2 or 3 slices when DXing and have the AGC-T set more tightly on the "mob" slice as opposed to the DX station's slice because I don't need the extra noise, just an idea of the condition of the DX station's listening frequency band.

Perhaps an alternative could be a change in color on the slice/filter **** that does the same thing?  Or some variation on the theme?  (A tic mark on the slice, a partial line that crosses the slice/RX filter **** for an inch or so each direction,  a tic-mark with a color change below it....)

I am not sure that I would need a line all the way across the screen because the AGC-T only affects what is happening within my RX filter bandwidth.

pa0bie

I like the idea's about lines. I have already asked before the possibility of marker lines for measurements.  https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/marker_lines

Al_NN4ZZ

Hi Stan,
Maybe show both values.   I'm guessing that the number from the slider position could remain constant and the actual signal level could vary based on conditions.  The slider number is basically a value of 0 - 100% of the available adjustment.   Does that makes sense?   

- left of the line in the border show both (44 and -98dbm)
- when hovering on the slider show the slider percentage (44)

So here is another mockup.....

Regards, Al / NN4ZZ  
al (at) nn4zz (dot) com

CLICK to see full size....



  

Al_NN4ZZ

Ken,
Here is another option.....also posted in the other idea.

Regards, Al / NN4ZZ  
al (at) nn4zz (dot) com

N7AIG

Hi All,

Like everyone else, I have been interminably confused by the meaning of the AGC-T slider on PowerSDR. It does function somewhat like an RF Gain control on other radios. Today I sat down and fed my Flex-1500 audio through VAC and into a PC Oscilloscope, and I finally have the facts, at least for the Flex-1500.

First off, when AGC is engaged (i.e. not Fixed) the output is limited to around -3 dBFS. Fixed AGC allows the level to go beyond and into clipping if a strong enough signal is being received.

Secondly, I found the following relation at AGC Slope = 0:

Knee[dBm] = -10 - Preamp - AGCT

So for example, when AGC-T is set to 70, the knee of the gain curve is at -80 dBm when the Preamp gain = 0. For Preamp gain = 10 dB, the knee goes to -90 dBm, and so on.

I haven't checked the Flex-3000 yet, and I don't know about the Signature Series.

- 73 de Dave, N7AIG

Al_NN4ZZ

The boxes with the AGC numbers could display when you hover on the line and disappear a few seconds later or when you move, just like the filter width display does.   Keeps the screen from being too busy.  

Or if some folks like the numbers being visible all the time there could be a fade option.
- 1 second
- 5 seconds
- never

We know the developers like providing options....;-)

Regards, Al / NN4ZZ  
al (at) nn4zz (dot) com

Tim - W4TME

I have added this to the feature request list.