Expert Electronics SUNSDR control panel E-Coder 2 SE

Expert Electronics SUNSDR control panel E-Coder 2 SE

The new E-Coder 2 SE control panel is designed to control Expert Electronics SDR devices with a focus on remote operation. It is equipped with an HQ built-in stereo audio codec with virtually nonexistent latency.

E-Coder2 SE is next generation control panel, equipped with an HQ built-in stereo 24-bit audio codec with a 114 dB dynamic range (CS4272). When you operate in RX mode, ExpertSDR2/3 sends the same audio stream to both the TRX and the E-Coder2 SE. This allows you to listen to the air directly from the TRX or from the E-Coder2 SE, and the latency in both cases is virtually nonexistent. Additionally, in the E-Coder2 SE, we have implemented a special CW core to minimize latency when monitoring yourself during transmission. Now you can operate your TRX remotely without worrying about possible monitoring delays; this is a new reality! E-Coder2 SE will be especially useful for those who use the Expert Remote System (ERS) and place their transceiver at a distance from the operating position.

The E-Coder 2 SE connects to a USB port that provides 5V and a minimum of 0.5A.

On the rear panel of the E-Coder2 SE, you’ll find four stereo Jack 6.3 connectors: headphones, microphone (designed for asymmetrical mics), CW paddle, and PTT foot switch.

Microphone connector pin-out

CW paddle, PTT footswitch

The PTT Footswitch should be connected to the PTT socket, as it controls the transceiver’s TX mode. When you press the footswitch, the PTT Line connects to the Ground (Case), turning the transceiver to TX. A red LED TX indicator on the panel will flash while you’re transmitting.

The Straight Key should be connected to the KEY socket with the ring contact disconnected. Pressing the key turns the transceiver to TX mode, generating a continuous CW signal in manual mode. Releasing the straight key returns the transceiver to RX mode.

The Twin-paddle Key (single-paddle) should be connected to the KEY socket. Pressing one of the key’s paddles (or one side for a single-paddle) will turn the transceiver to TX mode and begin automatic generation of dots and dashes. Releasing the paddle returns the transceiver to RX mode.

In the Panel menu, you can access the settings of the E-Coder control panel. In the drop-down Device menu, you can select the type of connected control panel. Note that if one E-Coder panel is connected to the transceiver, the Panel menu displays one E-Coder 1 tab. If several E-Coder panels are connected to the transceiver, the Panel menu displays several tabs, such as E-Coder 1, E-Coder 2, etc., with identical settings for each panel.

ESDR3 settings E-Coder2 settings in ExpertSDR3 0.11.0

In the left part of the menu, you can see a schematic picture of the E-Coder panel with buttons and knobs. Press any button, and you’ll see the list of available functions.

In the right part of the menu, you can access the main panel settings, including:

• Enable: Enable E-Coder panel control
• Use IF: Frequency tuning by moving the filter over the panorama
• Use IF as RIT: Tuning by IF when the RIT offset is on
• Use IF as XIT: Tuning by IF when the XIT offset is on
• VFO B: Enable sub-receiver
• Adaptive tune: The faster you rotate the main knob, the bigger the tuning step
• Fine tune: Enable for more precise tuning
• Key Led: Enable backlit keypad
• Encoder Led: Enable the backlit encoder
• Transceiver 1: Select one of the software receivers RX1 or RX2
• No transfer PTT: Drop-down menu.
• Sound card tab: Indication of mic and headphone signals
• Monitor: Uses the DSP core in the panel, generating audio by the panel itself, eliminating monitoring delay. The sound you hear will differ from what you actually transmit on the air. Monitor in TX: Uses the ExpertSDR3 DSP, allowing you to hear exactly what you transmit but with a delay.

There are three LEDs on the E-Coder panel, from left to right:

1. Lights green when VFO B is active
2. Lights red when on TX
3. Lights orange when RX2 is active

For proper operation of the E-Coder2 SE panel, the USB port should provide 5V with a current of not less than 0.5A. Otherwise, you might encounter issues with audio, such as cracks and improper mic supply.

The E-Coder 2 SE is made in Taiwan to the highest quality standards.

The main difference between E-Coder2 and E-Coder2 SE:

1. 3 mm aluminum case makes the SE (steel edition) panel as sturdy as an armored plate and really nice to the touch.
2. It weighs 574 gr vs. 352 gr for standard version, additional grams enhance the panel’s grip on your table.
3. New coating of the main encoder and new bottom bezel with scale marks, improve overall user experience.
4. Three black anodized encoders, on top, add polish notes to the look of the panel.

In terms of price, new and old version are similar, not to the point, but similar. Please ignore old E-Coder2, since we began manufacturing E-Coder2 SE on Taiwan, so only this model is available for the international market, and it's straight better.