DX Engineering is pleased to welcome ELAD to its prestigious lineup of more than 175 manufacturers whose products can be found at DXEngineering.com. Click here to review all the brands available.
The Italian-based company, with a U.S. division in South Carolina, was established in 1990 by Franco Milan and has built a loyal following among amateur operators worldwide who give high praise for ELAD’s SDR transceivers and receivers. For example, five-star reviews of the ELAD FDM-DUO at eham.net note its outstanding performance, best-of-class software and firmware updates, stunning reception, superior filtering, and big clean sound with all the benefits of SDR. One owner called the ELAD FDM-DUO an “incredible” transceiver that “works great as a standalone QRP rig.”
You’ll now find the following products from ELAD, an acronym for Elettronica Analogica e Digitale (Analog and Digital Electronics), at DXEngineering.com:
FDM-DUO SDR Transceivers
This versatile SDR QRP transceiver with a 5W output can operate independently without a PC. The compact device (7.09″ W x 2.7″ H x 6.1″ D) incorporates the latest SDR technology, featuring a fast analog-digital converter that directly samples the received HF signals into digital form. A downstream DSP module handles filtering and processing, while an ARM processor manages the control unit signals.
One of the significant features of the FDM-DUO is its ability to function as a standalone unit, making it an ideal companion for QRP enthusiasts, even when traveling. The user-friendly controls include a large VFO knob, two smaller knobs for volume and filter adjustments, and six buttons below a clear LCD for direct access to essential functions. Additional settings are accessible via a menu system.
When connected to a PC, the FDM-DUO transforms into a highly advanced SDR receiver and transmitter, offering capabilities typically found in much larger radios. It covers a frequency range from 9 kHz to 54 MHz and includes a 16-bit ADC with a 122 MHz sampling rate. The device supports various receive modes, including SSB, CW, AM (with Sync-AM), FM, WFM (with Stereo and RDS), RTTY, and DRM. The transmitter provides 5W output power, with an alternative HF output jack offering 0 dBm output.
The transceiver includes:
- 3 USB A/B cables
- USB adapter to USB Micro-B
- 2 audio cables with stereo 3.5mm jack plug on both sides
- NF extension cable with stereo 3.5mm jack plug/socket
- DC plug power supply cable, other side open
- 9-pin D-Sub connector
- USB stick with FDM-SW2 software, manuals in EN and IT (PDF)
- Electret type hand microphone, RJ-45 connector, Icom compatible
- Quick Start Guide
FDM-DUO-R SDR Receiver
Covering a receive frequency range from 9 kHz to 54 MHz, this shortwave receiver utilizes state-of-the-art SDR technology that can be operated like a traditional radio. It includes familiar controls such as a large VFO knob, dials for volume and filters, and pushbuttons for frequently used settings, making it as user-friendly as a classic receiver. Its advanced internal components, including a fast AD converter and powerful digital processing capabilities, ensure excellent reception.
Its two antenna inputs are selected by programmable band edges, ensuring the correct antenna and filter module are used based on the frequency. A TCXO provides good frequency stability, with the oscillator’s side band noise being low at -130 to -136 dBc, resulting in a low noise floor and excellent sensitivity. An external 10 MHz precision clock reference can also be used as the master clock.
The FDM-DUO-R can be used with or without a computer. Without a computer, it is an excellent companion for SWL, even when portable. When used with a computer, it offers state-of-the-art SDR capabilities such as a waterfall display, decoding, recording, and more. The supplied FDM-SW2 software allows the operation of up to four receivers simultaneously.
FDM-S3 SDR Receiver
The FDM-S3 offers 24 MHz bandwidth that can be scanned simultaneously, allowing up to four receivers to operate at the same time. The device functions as a direct sampling SDR with a variable sampling rate of up to 122.8 MHz. It covers a reception range from 9 kHz to 108 MHz, with an optional downconverter available for even higher frequencies. One of the unique aspects of the FDM-S3 is its variable sampling rate, which ranges from 98 to 122 MHz depending on the band. This flexibility allows for more favorable divider ratios for down-sampling, enhancing sensitivity and dynamic range.
TM-2 Console for SDR Radios
This handy desktop USB controller provides the knobs, buttons, and display for the operation of several different software programs for SDR receivers and transceivers. It was developed specifically for SDR users who prefer the tactile operational comfort of a “traditional” knobs-and-buttons radio, while using the most up-to-date SDR technology. The unit allows the manual manipulation of an SDR or rig control program without the need to touch a mouse or watch a computer monitor. This is especially helpful when a limited screen area is in use by other programs for logging, digital, and contest operations. Works with Elad, Microtelecom Perseus, and other SDR SW receivers and transceivers.
