Sunair RT-8500WB SOFTWARE-DEFINED, WIDEBAND, LF/MF/HF TRANSCEIVER
The Sunair RT-8500WB Software-Defined, Wideband, LF/MF/HF Transceiver is a time proven solution in communications applications requiring rugged, reliable, and flexible equipment.
This next generation transceiver operates continuously (100% duty cycle) in AME, NB-FM, USB, LSB, ISB, CW, Data, or MELPebased Digital Voice modes. The Sunair RT-8500WB Software-Defined, Wideband, Military LF/MF/HF Transceiver is the ideal exciter for the LPA-8200 1-kW amplifier with its 100 mW output, which automatically increases to 125 W for continued service if the LPA- 8200 goes into Bypass mode.
The Sunair RT-8500WB Software-Defined, Wideband, LF/MF/HF Transceiver uses software-defined digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which supports the latest developments in high speed waveform processing, including 48-kHz wideband operation capability for faster, more secure data communications links. This technology enhances the functionality of the CPU as well as the Synthesizer, Digital Audio, and Digital IF stages.
The Sunair RT-8500WB Software-Defined, Wideband, LF/MF/HF Transceiver can accommodate Type 1 encryption such as ANDVT, KY-99, KG-84(), and KG-40 as well as commercial privacy devices or optional internal MELPe digital voice F/W with DES 56, AES 128 & AES 256 encryption functions. The audio interface supports analog or VoIP connections, while the CPU allows for remote control and programming via Ethernet or serial port.
With a factory-installed module and the optional licenses, the Sunair RT-8500WB Software-Defined, Wideband, LF/MF/HF Transceiver complies with MIL-STD-188-203-1A and STANAG 5511/5522 (TADIL-A/Link 11 and NILE/Link 22) for data link operation. This transceiver is also compatible with MILSTD-188-110 A/B/C and STANAG HF modem waveforms.
The RT-8500WB transceiver offers Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) as an internal option in accordance with MIL-STD-188-141 A/B/C, FS1045A, and S4538. The RT-8500WB’s design also allows
it to accommodate single or split-site operation as transmitter-only or receiver-only.
A large, color touchscreen with wide viewing angle shows the unit’s operating status in English. The radios’ advanced built-intest (BITE) capability provides feedback to the lowest replaceable
module (LRM) level by means of test result messages in English on the display as well as LED indications.
The RT-8500WB can operate from both ac and dc voltage sources with automatic changeover if one of them fails. The radio’s internal power supply provides energy to the internal modules as well as to external accessories.
The RT-8500WB’s intuitive modular design allows for ease of maintenance, expansion, and upgrade throughout the equipment life cycle at minimal expense. Its construction minimizes undesirable RFI and EMC effects by using multiple layers of shielding as well as filtering and protection on the individual control lines.
Thousands of these radios are in daily service as integral components of critical strategic communications solutions worldwide.
• Analog or VoIP audio interface
• VoIP ATM ED-137B/C
• Software-Defined SSB and ISB configurations
• 48-kHz wideband operation
• DSP-based syllabic squelch and tone squelch
• Remote control via RS-232/422/485 and Ethernet
• Comprehensive BITE to LRM
• Internal 115/230 Vac power supply
• Data Link – MIL-STD-188-203-1A TADIL A and Link 11/22
(factory installed option)
• HF Data – MIL-STD-188-110 A/B/C and STANAG
• ALE – 2G MIL-STD-188-141 A/B/C and 3G STANAG 4538
• Secure Digital Voice (MELPe S4591)
• 100 mW output for the 1-kW LPA-8200
• 125-W operation in Bypass mode
• 150-W and 1-kW antenna couplers
CERTIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS
- Data Link – MIL-STD-188-203-1A TADIL A and Link 11/2 (factory installed option)
- Type 1 encryption such as ANDVT, KY-99, KG-84(), and KG-40 as well as commercial privacy devices or optional internal MELPe digital voice F/W with DES 56, AES 128 & AES 256 encryption functions
- HF Data – MIL-STD-188-110 A/B/C and STANAG
- ALE – 2G MIL-STD-188-141 A/B/C and 3G STANAG 4538
- Secure Digital Voice (MELPe S4591)
- MIL-STD-188-203-1A and STANAG 5511/5522 (TADIL-A/Link 11 and NILE/Link 22) for data link operation
- MILSTD-188-110 A/B/C and STANAG HF modem waveforms
- MIL-STD-188-141 A and FS1045A
- MIL-STD-188-141 B and STANAG 4538
- MIL-STD 810F, Method 516.5, Procedure 1
- MIL-STD 810F, Method 514.5 & MIL-STD-167-1
- EN 300 373-2 v1.2.1
- EN 301 843-5 v1.1.1
- EN 60950
- Notified Body 1177
- STANAG 5066 controller
Software-Defined, Wideband, LF/MF/HF Transceiver
A Software-Defined, Wideband, LF/MF/HF Transceiver is a flexible radio system that uses software to handle functions usually done in hardware, covering very low frequencies (VLF) up to high frequencies (HF), with broad spectrum coverage, enabling versatile communication (voice, data) for military, aviation, and ham radio, often using direct-sampling digital architecture for high performance.
- Software-Defined Radio (SDR): Core concept where signal processing (modulation, demodulation, filtering) is done in software, not fixed hardware, allowing instant changes in functionality.
- Wideband: Capable of processing large chunks of the radio spectrum at once, from kilohertz (kHz) to hundreds of megahertz (MHz).
- LF/MF/HF: Covers specific frequency ranges:
- LF (Low Frequency): 30-300 kHz (e.g., navigation, long-range comms)
- MF (Medium Frequency): 300 kHz – 3 MHz (e.g., AM radio, maritime)
- HF (High Frequency): 3 MHz – 30 MHz (e.g., international broadcasting, amateur radio).
- Direct Sampling: High-speed Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) sample the RF signal directly, converting it to digital data for FPGA/PC processing, reducing analog hardware.
- Hardware: Often includes high-performance FPGAs, fast USB/Ethernet interfaces, and sometimes external Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) for better sensitivity on LF/MF.
- Military & Aviation: Secure command & control, situational awareness.
- Ham Radio: Flexible communication across bands, spectrum analysis.
- Research: Monitoring VLF/LF/MF/HF signals (e.g., Perseus receiver).









