TRX Measurement Results:
Here are the most important parameters of my TRXs. I have added also parameters of other high-class popular TRXs for comparison purposes. You can go back to the list of equipment
ARRL Lab RX Test Data
XX/YY = (preamp-off) / (preamp-on); 14Mhz operation (except phase noise), 500 Hz CW filter, AGC off, High Ip mode.
RIG |
MDS [dBm] |
IMDDR3 [dB] (20kHz spacing) |
Ip3 [dBm] |
Ip2 [dBm] |
BDR [dB] (20 kHz spacing) |
Phase Noise [dBc] (at +4kHz) |
Phase Noise [dBc] (at +10kHz) |
FT-1000 |
-128/-135 |
97/94 |
+15/+5 |
+86/+88 |
142/137 |
-118 |
-125 |
IC-756 |
-128/-140 |
95/88 |
+15.4/-6.9 |
+64/+43 |
127/120 |
-130 |
-135 |
TS-870 |
-129/-139 |
97/95 |
+16/+4 |
+63/+63 |
127/123 |
-118 |
-125 |
FT-817 |
-126/-134 |
87/84 |
+5/-5.6 |
+84/+88.4 |
106/104 |
-103 |
-113 |
IC-706 |
-136/-142 |
89/86 |
-1.3/-11 |
+36.4/+38.5 |
122(nl)/120(nl) |
-118 |
-128 |
nl = test was noise limited (noise floor rose 1db before 1db of blocking desense occurred)
MDS = Minimum Discernible Signal (3db increase above noise floor). Larger negative numbers are generally better, but too much sensitivity can reduce strong signal dynamic range and Ip3. Pre-Amp On MDS numbers of -130 dBm or more are more than adequate for most HF band operating, since band noise is typically above this number. (Lower frequencies need less MDS (more +number) due to an increase in atmospheric noise.)
IMDDR3 = 2 tone (20 kHz spacing) 3rd order Two tone IMD Dynamic Range. This test shows how the RX performs in the presence of multiple strong nearby signals in relation to its sensitivity (MDS). Higher is better. Pre-Amp Off IMDDR3 numbers of +95dBm or more are considered excellent.
Ip3 = 2 tone (20 kHz spacing) 3rd order Intercept Point. This test also shows how the RX performs in the presence of multiple strong nearby signals. Higher is better. Pre-Amp OFF IP3 numbers of +15dBm are good, and +20dBm or more is excellent. Note: Low RX sensitivity can also artificially increase the measured Ip3.
Ip2 = 2 tone (8.020MHz, 6.000MHz) 2nd order Intercept Point This test shows how the RX performs in the presence of multiple strong out of band signals (such as broadcast signals on 6Mhz and 8Mhz creating birdies at 14Mhz). Higher is better. A Pre-Amp OFF IP2 of +55dBm is OK, and +70dBm or more is considered excellent.
BDR = Blocking Dynamic Range (20 kHz spacing). This test shows when the receiver's sensitivity begins to drop in the presence of strong near by signals. (Desense). A Pre-Amp OFF BDR (20 kHz signal spacing) of greater than 120dBm is good. Greater than 130dBm is considered excellent. BDR decreases as the interfering signal spacing from the receiver's listening frequency is reduced.
Phase Noise = value read from ARRL test graph at +10 kHz from the carrier. Numbers are for the worst case band. Larger negative numbers are better. Bad phase noise contributes to poor RX Blocking Dynamic Range (desense from nearby signals.) Good values are -120 dBc or better at +10 kHz. See the actual ARRL phase noise plots in each review for details of other spurious phase noise components.