WR-G33DDC 'EXCALIBUR Pro'

Overview

The award-winning WiNRADiO WR-G33DDC 'EXCALIBUR Pro' is a high-performance, low-cost, direct-sampling, software-defined, shortwave receiver with a frequency range from 9 kHz to 49.995 MHz. It includes a real-time 50 MHz-wide spectrum analyzer and 4 MHz-wide instantaneous bandwidth available for recording, demodulation and further digital processing.

This product is an advanced version of the WR-G31DDC receiver, offering many additional features and improvements, such as for example:

 4 MHz instantaneous processing bandwidth
 Low-noise preamplifier
 Configurable preselection filters
 Filter bandwidth adjustable down to 1 Hz
 0.5 ppm frequency stability
 Test and measurement functions
 Pause function

The receiver's superior performance results from its innovative, direct-sampling, digital down-conversion architecture along with the use of leading-edge components and design concepts. These all result in a very high IP3, wide dynamic range, high sensitivity, and accurate tuning. These key features create a receiver in a class of its own, with wide application potential, at a very affordable price.

The entire 4 MHz DDC (digitally-down-converted) bandwidth is available for recording and demodulation. Three demodulators allow the simultaneous reception of three signal frequencies within the 4 MHz bandwidth.

Software

(Click on panel to enlarge.)

The WR-G33DDC software provides an elegant and logical user interface. There are several spectrum analyzer configurations including the 50 MHz full span with 1.5 kHz resolution. The fully-zoomable display can be viewed in either the standard or waterfall mode.

The down-converted portion is highlighted and can be selected either via keyboard or by the mouse cursor and then displayed in another window, within which three independent receiver channels can exist. For any channel, the receiver's selectivity, IF shift, passband tuning, notch, and other functions can be adjusted, and the audio spectrum of the demodulated signal can be observed.

In spite of the receiver's ground-breaking architecture, the software still remains simple and intuitive to use, containing all the features generally expected in modern receivers such as noise blanking, memories, scheduler, squelch (level, voice or noise activated), numerous tuning options, and a wide choice of demodulation modes, including user-defined and optional DRM mode.

The digital down-converter provides 24 selectable output bandwidths ranging from 20 kHz to 4 MHz. The receiver's selectivity can be adjusted with 1 Hz resolution. The bandpass audio filter's low and high cut-off frequencies are graphically adjustable, as is the notch filter and noise blanker.

The parameters of all three independent channels can be set separately, allowing each to be recorded simultaneously and independently. Recording and playback are also provided at the output of the digital down-converter, where an entire 4 MHz spectrum band can be recorded for later demodulation. Pre-buffering prevents signal loss at the start of a transmission.

A flexible scheduler function allows unattended recording of each channel at specified dates and times, and the built-in support for HFCC, EIBI and user-defined frequency databases ensures effortless storage and maintenance of frequencies.

There is also a unique "pause" function, the world's first for a shortwave receiver, making it possible to pause reception and resume it when convenient. This is very useful in case the receiver is left unattended for a period of time.

A "toolbox" full of various test and measurment tools, such as frequency error, SINAD, THD and modulation meters, logger and scheduler, complement the entire package and make it possible to use this product as a measuring receiver, replacing much more expensive (and often less capable or accurate) conventional test equipment.

The software-defined architecture allows easy software upgrades for demodulation and decoding requirements. Component variations and aging are greatly diminished in a software-defined receiver, assuring long-term premium performance.

Networking version, making it possible to remotely control the receiver over LAN or Internet, is also available.

The World's Best Receiver?

The World Radio TV publication (WRTH), with more than 60 years of experience, is considered to be the most accurate and complete guide to the world of radio on LW, MW, SW and FM, available in any form.

In addition, it also reviews and tests receivers, and their editors are known for their objectivity and very high, uncompromising standards.

WiNRADiO leading-edge products have been honored by WRTH awards several times in the past, but the five-star award won by the WR-G33DDC 'EXCALIBUR Pro' this time, is indeed rather special.