[Discuss-gnuradio] Optimising performance of N210 + XCVR2450

[Michael Hill]

I have a few queries regarding some of the options for improving the performance of the XCVR2450 + N210.

1) The N210 can offer 50MSPS with 8 bit I&Q samples or 25MSPS with 16bit 1&Q.
If using 16 bit I &Q samples, I'd just leave the UHD input block with "Complex int 16".
How do I implement 8 bit I&Q (e.g. what input type do I use? and if it is 16bit.. do I have to decimate my signal in half or something? I don't need to do anything to the hardware or firmware do I?)

2) After reading further, I see that the N210 can apparently offer 100MSPS total host bandwidth with 8bit!
These seems to imply that 50MSPS refers to both transmitting and receiving simulatneously
Does this mean that if i'm only transmitting that I can thus use 100MSPS some how?

3) How do I change/set ports on the XCVR2450 or check which i'm using:
>From what I read with the instructions, one shouldn't transmit unless they have an antenna or 50ohm terminator attached or it will damage the device?
I'm transmitting out of port J2 and have a terminator on J1. When I swap.. I seem to get lower power signals out of port J1?
I haven't (as far as i'm aware, done anything to change the settings... or port preference)

Does this mean that it transmits out of both ports, and one of mine is damaged?
Is it true that port J1 is the default port? in which case why are my signals coming out of both?
Do both ports offer transmit and receive, or is one port set to one function and the other port the other..

Sorry for the basic question but i've found conflicting info on the net regarding this, and still very much in the learning phase.

Thanks again gnuradio discussion list!!

-Michael