MB1 PRIME High End DUC/DDC Transceiver

MB1 Prime Features 

These are the latest upgrade differences.

• GA-IMB310TN motherboard
• Intel Core i7 9700 T
• 16GB DDR4 RAM
• 500 GB Samsung 970 EVO SSD
• Improved TX IMD3 up to ~37 dB across all HF bands, with 100W output power

MB1 Features

• Independent RX path based on DDC (Direct Down-Conversion) architecture
• Independent TX path based on DUC (Direct Up-Conversion) architecture
• 2 software RXs + SubRX for each of them (4 slices total) + independent wideband Bandscope up to 80 MHz
• ExpertSDR2 software in two styles: Desktop style and MB1 display (for integrated GUI)
• Remote control operation, using it, you connect PTT and CW-key to the E-Coder panel. Microphone and E-Coder are connected to the remotely set up PC
• TCI interface for seamless connection with third-party software like SDC (with its own Skimmer), LogHX, SWISSLOG and RUMlog, more are coming
• Professional TX processing module provides the most advanced tuning capability for voice operation
• High-quality IPS 7″ touchscreen display with a 1280×800 resolution
• Supports any software applicable for Windows 10 OS
• ExtCtrl connector to control external devices with 8 powerful keys with open collector
• COM-port for connection of external devices, like PA, antenna switches etc.
• ALC connector for external power amplifiers*
• Has a special XVTR connector for VHF transverters** (SMA connector)
• 4 separate programmable PTT outputs for external power amplifiers
• An opportunity to use the transceiver as a signal generator via DAC OUT connector (SMA connector)
• An opportunity to use external filters in the middle of the RF path, using RX IN and RX OUT (SMA connector)
• Small delay in CW mode (about 10 ms)
• Input for external 10 MHz reference oscillator
• An opportunity to use the transceiver in SO2V mode
• Full duplex or half duplex modes***
• 4 HF (UHF (SO-239) connector) and 2 VHF (N-type connector) antenna connectors
• Internal power-meter for HF and VHF bands and SWR-meter for HF band
• Record and play on air fragments (IQ files) with a bandwidth of up to 312 kHz
• Internal ATU (Automatic Tuner Unit)
• The embedded power supply unit

* ** *** These functions are supported by the transceiver’s hardware, but is not implemented in the ExpertSDR2 software. They will be supported in the future ExpertSDR2 software releases.

MB1 PC capabilities 

• Installation of digital modes software
• Installation of HAM and Contest logs
• Two CW Skimmers may be used on different bands
• The transceiver can connect to the LAN and the Internet
• Use of Internet applications (e.g. e-mail, Skype, ICQ, TV, etc.)
• Play video and audio files
• Watch TV via USB-receivers
• An opportunity to connect two external displays, keyboard, mouse
• An opportunity to connect external speakers to the PHONES jack on the front panel

MB1 Applications

• Full-function radio amateur transceiver
• Mobile contest-station
• Remote receipt point for the contests and other applications
• Spectrum analyzer with the bandwidth up to 80MHz
• Work with the external programs of digital connection types, CW Skimmer, etc.

MB1 Block Diagram

ExpertSDR2 Software

A version of ExpertSDR2 software with adapted GUI for 7″ display was specially developed for the MB1 transceiver. At the present time software works in RX/TX mode and supports two independent receiving channels with the bandwidth up to 312 kHz. A DSP library developed by company Expert Electronics allowed improvement of receiving quality and higher the stability of the software.

MB1 PRIME Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation and specifications are only guaranteed within the amateur radio bands.

* December 2020 production batch improvements!

In the Box

• PTT-microphone MD15
• Power Supply Cable to connect the transceiver to an AC mains network
• Backup fuse 5A

Optional Accessories

• VHF High Pass Filter
• E-Coder Plus Controller

MB1 Video Review by Pascal VA2PV