SunSDR2 DX - HF/6M and 2M 100W Ham Radio Transceiver

he SunSDR2 DX is a very capable SDR HF/6M and 2M 100W transceiver. It is a viable competitor to the FlexRadio 8400. This video goes over the ins and outs of the SunSDR2 DX from a CW perspective.
More FlexRadio info from Kyle AA0Z ‪@AA0Z‬
SunSDR2 DX GigaParts: www.gigaparts....

[@caulktel]

Thanks for the video, I HAVE A Hermes Lite II and always been interested in this radio.

[@slappomatthew]

Same.

[@houseofhamradio]

Happy to provide a perspective.

[@AG7SM]

It's a fun little oddball radio that has some cool features. I always fall in love with little oddball radios.

[@houseofhamradio]

Thanks Dave! It was great to have an opportunity to play with this little guy. Thanks again for the loan.

[@kuyakano8976]

I have the SunSDR2 DX and have been using it as my main HF transceiver since 2-3 years. If any viewer decides to get one, make sure you get the latest hardware generation. I believe they are at gen5 now. The one I have is gen3 and it has some hardware quirks like loss of signal, and audio issues with a directly connected headset. Usually after a longer period of operation. These effects go away by simply clicking the ON/OFF button on the SDR software (no need to reboot hardware). The DX is not full break-in CW. Its keying is very snappy though, which I personally like. The older generation DX's are rated at 80 Watt, not 100 Watt. The DX is, in my view, the most enjoyable transceiver I have owned so far for QRP operation at home. Using a power calibration of 22.5 Watt, the output will go as low as 60mW on my copy. It is also very easy to safely drive an amplifier at these lower outputs. I also own the Yaesu FTdx10, and its lowest output is 5 Watt. For me this is too high to control power on FT8 at lower levels (say 100-200 Watt output). The amplifier I have will already flirt with 300-400 Watt at 5 Watt input. The small form factor is also its nemesis. I share the view of others I have heard on the bands that temperature control can be an issue on this model. The fan is outstanding, but the less heat trapped in its confinement, the better. Part of the reason I decided to lower its power calibration and let an amplifier do all the heavy lifting. The next SDR I may purchase, if it supports TCI, is likely going to be a Flex because of its bigger size. I get unsolicited praise on the audio from the SunSDR2 DX. TCI is fantastic to interface with digital mode software, no more hassle with virtual audio cables (I don't use a computer mic or headset). ExpertSDR v3 is nice and easy to use software. The waterfall is just so pleasant to see what's going on. The DX gets far more mileage than the FTdx10 in my radio room. It hears really well on FT8 and CW. There is an active forum on the Expert Electronics web site for help. Support is responsive and knowledgeable. A final word of warning; if you buy extra pig tails for the RF ports, make sure that you get connectors with the thinner pointed center pins. There are also connectors with thicker, rounded pins on the market. Do NOT use these as they have the potential to damage the RF port which will need replacement. Check the ones that come with your SunSDR2 DX before use. The connector should mate with the RF port without any physical effort.

[@houseofhamradio]

Thanks for the additional info.

[@Ei2iP]

Mine is on 24/7 and I operate on HF/10/8/6/5/4/2M on this radio. I have the new 40Mhz low VHF bands, best radio to date, and I have owned the overrated ftdx101.

[@houseofhamradio]

Glad to hear you are happy with it. I prefer my FTDX10. I found it hears a little better.

[@juanfgonzalez2039]

What type of antennas are you using

[@houseofhamradio]

My primary antenna is a DX Commander Classic

[@spyder2289]

Absolutely insane amount of money for radio where you have to provide the display and microphone.

[@houseofhamradio]

I don't know if I agree with that but can see your point. The same can be said for the FlexRadio.

[@KA4UPW]

Networking stuff is q show stopper for me.

[@houseofhamradio]

I don't think you are alone.

[@Subgunman]

Does the software allow the radio to operate on MARS and CAP frequencies? This has been a sore point with other SDR based software.

[@houseofhamradio]

There is no hardware restriction and in talking with Dave (the owner of the radio) he said there used to be a way to open up segments in a config file but the newer version of software didn't allow for it. Bottom line: if CAP/MARS is a requirement for you, I wouldn't count on this being your choice.

[@TheArtofEngineering]

I run the Hermes Lite II been alright as a QRP rig. I operate CW....but I'm not a "gun" operator still on m L plates :). Great video. Will that run on Thetis software too? I've chatted to a ham in OZ, who has SDR experience and he swore by this little SDR rig, saying is was bang for buck..

[@houseofhamradio]

I don't know if it will run on any other software. I may have to check out the Hermes Lite 2.

[@AG7SM]

It will not run Thetis. One of the drawbacks is that the interface to the radio has not had any official documentation, so right now Expert Electronics is the sole source for the client software. It is in active development, though, and right now the beta software is complete enough that I don't feel like I'm missing anything, other than physical knobs and switches.

[@TheArtofEngineering]

@@AG7SM Thanks 🙏 73 de VK2AOE