Wide SSB

Cy Stanway

I saw a video (which I can't find anymore) about a feature in SmartSDR that allows a wider SSB signal that is supposed to be upwards of 3db increase in apparent signal. Does anyone know how that is set up and how it is supposed to work?

KD0RC

Hi Cy, there is confusion over CESSB (Controlled Envelope Single Sideband) and ESSB (Extended Single Sideband).

ESSB is just a wide signal and does not have any signal increase on its own.

CESSB is the method invented by Dave Hershberger, W9GR to give a nearly 3 dB increase in average power with only 1.6% added distortion. This is the method used by Flex. To enable it, turn on PROC. You get more compression as you change from NOR to DX and on to DX+.

The 2.8 is dB increase in average power (Peak Envelop Power or PEP stays the same) is like having a nearly 200 W radio.

Because the distortion is so low (unlike analog compressors from the past), I tend to keep it on all the time.

There is a great video by Dave Hershberger explaining CESSB:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAGUmHrO3Ac

Cy Stanway

Excellent! Thank you!