[Discuss-gnuradio] USRP Update

[Matt Ettus]

In this issue
=============
- Flex400 Daughterboard Available
- Daughterboard Status
- Antennas
- Datasheets
- Shipping Updates
- Low stocks on TVRX, DBSRX
- Year-end special

Flex400
=======

        The Flex400 Transceiver daughterboard is now available.  This board
covers 400 to 500 MHz, both transmit and receive.  Output power is  100
mW, and receive noise figure is 3-5 dB.  It has over 20 MHz bandwidth on
both TX and RX, and can operate full duplex as long as you separate the
TX and RX frequencies (TX and RX have separate PLL synthesizers).  There
are 2 antenna ports, one for TX and RX and one for  RX only.  This
allows simple connection to downstream amplifiers and TR switches.

        The Flex400 costs $225, and up to 2 of them may be used with a USRP at
a time.  The Flex400 is in stock now and shipping.  Pictures of the
board are available on the ordering page.  Full design files are
available from the Ettus Research download page:

        http://www.ettus.com/Download.html



Daughterboard Status
====================

        The long awaited Flex900, Flex1200, and Flex2400 (800-1000 MHz,
1200-1300 MHz, and 2300-2500 MHz respectively) transceiver boards are in
 pre-production now, and should be available in January.  Final pricing
has not been set, but is expected in the $225 to $300 range.


Antennas
========

        In addition to the 4 PCB antennas which we have been selling for some
time, we now carry a tri-band vertical whip which covers 400 MHz and
1200 MHz, as well as the ham 2M band.  These antennas are an ideal match
for the Flex400 and Flex1200, and are available for $45.


Datasheets
==========

        Datasheets for the USRP and the antennas are now available on the Ettus
Research ordering page, along with pictures of all items for sale.  See:

        http://www.ettus.com/custom.html

Shipping Updates
================

        In order to streamline the shipping process, all shipments are made on
Wednesdays.  Any order received by 8 AM Pacific time on Wednesday will
be shipped that Wednesday.  Any orders received after that will have to
wait until the next Wednesday.

        US customers now have the option of DHL next day service.  This is
still subject to the Wednesday-only shipping schedule.

        Current inventory status is available through a link on the ordering 
page.

Low Stocks on TVRX and DBSRX
============================

        We currently have only 8 TVRX and 8 DBSRX boards left in stock.
Replacements may take as long as 8 weeks due to long component lead
times, so order soon if you are going to need either of these boards in
the near future.

Year-end special
================

        We still have 4 pre-production models of the USRP left.  The only
difference between these and the current units is that they do not have
the capability to use an external oscillator, and they have 2 "blue
wire" jumpers on them.  These units are available for $100 off the
normal price of a USRP.  Please email address@hidden if you are interested.