Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

[Robert Costa]

The only issue I have is that PSDR does not have a PR40 only profile. They have 
a PR40 and a W2IHY EQ profile. I have a PR40 with my 5000a and I have been told 
to just use the 781 profile, but the PR40 is not a 781.  I would like to hear 
from Flex on why there is not a PR40 only profile.

73






On Saturday, December 28, 2013 11:43 AM, Jack Haverty  wrote:
 
-- Forwarded message --
From: 
Date: Sat, Dec 28, 2013 at 10:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors
To: k3...@arrl.net


You are not allowed to post to this mailing list, and your message has
been automatically rejected.  If you think that your messages are
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-- Forwarded message --
From: Jack Haverty 
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Cc:
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2013 10:11:29 -0800
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors
On 12/27/2013 10:27 AM, Craig Schroeder wrote:

What advice do you have for me on the most important factors that I
should consider in purchasing my first SDR radio?

---

Hi Craig,

I've had my Flex-3000 for 4+ years and I've had a lot of fun with it.
There's a lot to learn about the SDR world...and it's changing fast
too.

To me, the most important
 factor in selecting a Software Defined Radio
is ... The Software.   The Software determines not only the
traditional performance of the radio (sensitivity, selectivity,
functionality, etc.) but more importantly it determines how you will
interact with the radio, i.e., the "User Interface".

Traditional "knobby radios" of course have knobs, switches, sliders,
etc., and you're stuck with using them for whatever activity you're
doing with your radio.   With Software, things change.  You can select
a different piece of software for different activities, and change at
will by loading different software.

For example, when I'm DXing, I use DXLab software, and interact
primarily with the logging, spotting, and information windows.   When
contesting, I use N1MM, and interact with it's band map, QSO window,
etc.  When doing RTTY, I use MMTTY (sometimes several at the same
time).  All
 of this is with the Flex-3000.   I don't need knobs at
all, and in fact it's hard to imagine how someone could design a
comparable "radio" with the same functionality but only using
knobs/switches.

Since SDRs don't have knobs, you sometimes need some kind of basic
software that provides those generic functions that you'd otherwise
have on knobs.  The mouse/keyboard interface isn't as natural (for me
at least) when using such "virtual knobs and switches" but it does
give you a basic ability to use the radio.   However, I've found that
when I'm doing "serious work", I interact primarily with software that
is designed for that activity.  So, with my Flex-3000, I interact with
DXLab and N1MM (the task-oriented software) much more than I interact
with PowerSDR (the virtual knobs software).

The exception to this is the Panadapter, which essentially provides a
visual display of what's going
 on.   I look at it a lot, even though I
manipulate the radio through N1MM or DXLab.   I yearn for the day when
the Panadapter display is integrated with the N1MM bandmap...so
everything I need to watch is in one place.  Most SDR software
provides some kind of similar visual display, but some (e.g.,
"Skimmers")are more suited for certain activities than others.

So, bottom line -- I suggest you figure out what software you'd like
to use to do whatever kinds of radio activities you enjoy.   Then
figure out which of the SDR hardware works well in the overall system
configuration where you'll use that software.

PowerSDR forms the base for using the Flex hardware.  As far as I can
tell, it's the only available option for Flex hardware.    But there
are many other software choices available too for other hardware -
variants of PowerSDR (e.g., PowerSDR HDSDR), SDR-Radio, cuSDR,
 etc.),
and many choices for hardware that they support.   Instead of
comparing Flex-1500, Flex-3000, and Elecraft KX-3, you would compare
PowerSDR (or other base software) and whatever other software you
would like to use, and evaluate how it works with the various hardware
choices.

There's lots of activity in the SDR world.   Fortunately there's also
a lot of information available about all that activity too, and people
talking about their experiences.   Here's an example:
http://n8msa.blogspot.com/2013/11/ddc-sdrs-status-report.html
There's also websites with lots of info, e.g., https://sdrzone.com/

Another thing to consider is the possibility of splitting RX and TX,
like hams used to do back in the 60s before transceivers dominated.
Much of the
 advantage of SDRs is in the receiver, where the DSP
algorithms can do amazing things and provide powerful tools like
panadapters.  Splitting the RX and TX functions 

Re: [Flexradio] Trying to contact VAC support

[Jay Nation]

Just rechecked the download link I was told to use. File downloads fine 
as do the previous versions, just edit the link.


Jay - NO5J

On 12/28/2013 6:34 PM, Ron Kolarik wrote:

Mark if it's an older version of VAC in the original purchase email
it may not work. Try changing it to 4.13 in the URL that you have,
I think that's the latest version.

Ron
K0IDT

- Original Message - From: "Mark Lunday" 
To: ; 
Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2013 5:37 PM
Subject: [Flexradio] Trying to contact VAC support


I need to re-download VAC using my existing license, but I am not 
getting a

response from the support email address for VAC, and the email address
provided in the original email that I purchased VAC with is no longer
active.  Is anyone else having issues?

Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
Greensboro, NC  FM06be
wd4...@arrl.net
http://wd4elg.blogspot.com



---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus 
protection is active.

http://www.avast.com


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Re: [Flexradio] Trying to contact VAC support

[Ron Kolarik]

Mark if it's an older version of VAC in the original purchase email
it may not work. Try changing it to 4.13 in the URL that you have,
I think that's the latest version.

Ron
K0IDT

- Original Message - 
From: "Mark Lunday" 

To: ; 
Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2013 5:37 PM
Subject: [Flexradio] Trying to contact VAC support



I need to re-download VAC using my existing license, but I am not getting a
response from the support email address for VAC, and the email address
provided in the original email that I purchased VAC with is no longer
active.  Is anyone else having issues?

Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
Greensboro, NC  FM06be
wd4...@arrl.net
http://wd4elg.blogspot.com



---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection 
is active.
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[Flexradio] VAC

[Robert Kearbey]

I also am putting together a new PC. My concern is also about downloading VAC 
via my existing VAC subscription. Communicating with "him" has been as issue in 
the past. Looking for info. 
Bob k6dds
iPhone
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Re: [Flexradio] PSDR v2.7.2 Instability (TM)

[TM]

Tim:

Thanks as always for the response.

I did do the reset to factory defaults earlier in the week per Ray's 
suggestion.  Don't want to jinx myself, but the system has been 100% solid ever 
since.

73, Tom
K1FR

-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of Tim 
Ellison, W4TME
Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2013 5:05 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PSDR v2.7.2 Instability (TM)

I agree.  I can attest that in 99.99% of the issues I have resolved with 
symptoms like yours, the PowerSDR software installation was not the root cause. 
 A reset to factory defaults and using the newly created database for a while 
before importing or transferring data from a previous version of PowerSDR is a 
tried and true troubleshooting technique.

If you read the release notes, there is a section about how the higher 
performing streaming Firewire driver will stress systems that were marginally 
operational. You did not tell us how big a DPC spike you are experiencing, but 
anything over 2000-2500 uS is where th trouble starts.  The new driver can 
"absorb" larger spike, but you have to configure the driver operation mode to 
safe mode 1 or 2 and set the PowerSDR audio buffers to a larger value to queue 
the streaming IQ and MIDI data during the DPC induced data outage.

If you are still having issues, I recommend that you submit a support ticket 
via our HelpDesk (http://helpdesk.flexradio.com) so we can assign you a case 
number and investigate it further. Our support team has much more experience 
troubleshooting and resolving these types of issues.


Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems™
4616 W Howard Ln, Suite 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com 
Web: www.flexradio.com 

logo
On 12/23/2013 6:44 PM, Ray, K9DUR wrote:
> Tom,
>
> Before blowing PowerSDR v2.7.2 away & re-installing, try a "Reset to 
> Factory Defaults".  This sounds like a database corruption problem.
>
> 73, Ray, K9DUR
> http://k9dur.info
>
> -Original Message-
> From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of 
> TM
> Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 5:51 PM
> To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
> Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PSDR v2.7.2 Instability (TM)
>
> Bill:
>
> Your experience sounds very much like mine - worked great for a few 
> days then became unstable.  I thought it had improved yesterday with a 
> different buffer size; however, today the system is so unstable PSDR 
> will only run for a few minutes prior to freezing and crashing.
>
> I had run LatencyMon v4 last evening, and things looked like normal - 
> some DPCs but very untroubling.  Found the v6 upgrade which is now 
> reporting pretty large DPCs from, like yours, the NVidia card.  Also 
> the DirectX kernel.  Well, the NVidia drivers were just updated 
> recently and are the latest. Do you know if there are any performance 
> levers to adjust there? Not sure where to look for a solution to the 
> DirectX kernel DPC - just starting to look around now.
>
> I am not ready to blame v2.7.2 either at this point; however, why 
> things worked at first and are now so unstable with no known changes 
> to the computer is most puzzling.  Think the next thing I will try is 
> blowing 2.7.2 away and trying a fresh install.  If no go there, then 
> maybe rolling back to previous version makes sense until possible bugs with 
> computer get sorted.
>
> Also, just in case have run all the virus and malware checkers I have 
> with no issues.  Getting ready to run TDSKiller while at dinner. If 
> there are any really nasty bugs hiding and stealing system resources, 
> that should find them.
>
> 73, Tom
> K1FR
>
>
>
> ___
> FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
> FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
> http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
> Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
> Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/  Homepage: 
> http://www.flexradio.com/

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[Flexradio] Trying to contact VAC support

[Mark Lunday]

I need to re-download VAC using my existing license, but I am not getting a
response from the support email address for VAC, and the email address
provided in the original email that I purchased VAC with is no longer
active.  Is anyone else having issues?

Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
Greensboro, NC  FM06be
wd4...@arrl.net
http://wd4elg.blogspot.com


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Re: [Flexradio] PSDR v2.7.2 Instability (TM)

[Ron Feltman]

MINE WORKS FABULOUSLY!
 
rON 


 
If Americans ever allow banks to control the issue of their currency,
first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks will deprive the people of 
all property 
until their children wake up homeless. 
-Thomas JeffersonEND THE FEDERAL RESERVE! 

 
 
> Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2013 17:05:28 -0500
> From: t...@flex-radio.com
> To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
> Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PSDR v2.7.2 Instability (TM)
> 
> I agree.  I can attest that in 99.99% of the issues I have resolved with 
> symptoms like yours, the PowerSDR software installation was not the root 
> cause.  A reset to factory defaults and using the newly created database 
> for a while before importing or transferring data from a previous 
> version of PowerSDR is a tried and true troubleshooting technique.
> 
> If you read the release notes, there is a section about how the higher 
> performing streaming Firewire driver will stress systems that were 
> marginally operational. You did not tell us how big a DPC spike you are 
> experiencing, but anything over 2000-2500 uS is where th trouble 
> starts.  The new driver can "absorb" larger spike, but you have to 
> configure the driver operation mode to safe mode 1 or 2 and set the 
> PowerSDR audio buffers to a larger value to queue the streaming IQ and 
> MIDI data during the DPC induced data outage.
> 
> If you are still having issues, I recommend that you submit a support 
> ticket via our HelpDesk (http://helpdesk.flexradio.com) so we can assign 
> you a case number and investigate it further. Our support team has much 
> more experience troubleshooting and resolving these types of issues.
> 
> 
> Tim Ellison, W4TME
> Customer Experience Manager
> FlexRadio Systems™
> 4616 W Howard Ln, Suite 1-150
> Austin, TX 78728
> Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
> Email: t...@flexradio.com 
> Web: www.flexradio.com 
> 
> logo
> On 12/23/2013 6:44 PM, Ray, K9DUR wrote:
> > Tom,
> >
> > Before blowing PowerSDR v2.7.2 away & re-installing, try a "Reset to Factory
> > Defaults".  This sounds like a database corruption problem.
> >
> > 73, Ray, K9DUR
> > http://k9dur.info
> >
> > -Original Message-
> > From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of TM
> > Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 5:51 PM
> > To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
> > Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PSDR v2.7.2 Instability (TM)
> >
> > Bill:
> >
> > Your experience sounds very much like mine - worked great for a few days
> > then became unstable.  I thought it had improved yesterday with a different
> > buffer size; however, today the system is so unstable PSDR will only run for
> > a few minutes prior to freezing and crashing.
> >
> > I had run LatencyMon v4 last evening, and things looked like normal - some
> > DPCs but very untroubling.  Found the v6 upgrade which is now reporting
> > pretty large DPCs from, like yours, the NVidia card.  Also the DirectX
> > kernel.  Well, the NVidia drivers were just updated recently and are the
> > latest. Do you know if there are any performance levers to adjust there? Not
> > sure where to look for a solution to the DirectX kernel DPC - just starting
> > to look around now.
> >
> > I am not ready to blame v2.7.2 either at this point; however, why things
> > worked at first and are now so unstable with no known changes to the
> > computer is most puzzling.  Think the next thing I will try is blowing 2.7.2
> > away and trying a fresh install.  If no go there, then maybe rolling back to
> > previous version makes sense until possible bugs with computer get sorted.
> >
> > Also, just in case have run all the virus and malware checkers I have with
> > no issues.  Getting ready to run TDSKiller while at dinner. If there are any
> > really nasty bugs hiding and stealing system resources, that should find
> > them.
> >
> > 73, Tom
> > K1FR
> >
> >
> >
> > ___
> > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
> > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
> > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
> > Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
> > Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/  Homepage: 
> > http://www.flexradio.com/
> 
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> Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/  Homepage: http://www.flexradio.com/
  
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Re: [Flexradio] PSDR v2.7.2 Instability (TM)

[Tim Ellison, W4TME]

I agree.  I can attest that in 99.99% of the issues I have resolved with 
symptoms like yours, the PowerSDR software installation was not the root 
cause.  A reset to factory defaults and using the newly created database 
for a while before importing or transferring data from a previous 
version of PowerSDR is a tried and true troubleshooting technique.


If you read the release notes, there is a section about how the higher 
performing streaming Firewire driver will stress systems that were 
marginally operational. You did not tell us how big a DPC spike you are 
experiencing, but anything over 2000-2500 uS is where th trouble 
starts.  The new driver can "absorb" larger spike, but you have to 
configure the driver operation mode to safe mode 1 or 2 and set the 
PowerSDR audio buffers to a larger value to queue the streaming IQ and 
MIDI data during the DPC induced data outage.


If you are still having issues, I recommend that you submit a support 
ticket via our HelpDesk (http://helpdesk.flexradio.com) so we can assign 
you a case number and investigate it further. Our support team has much 
more experience troubleshooting and resolving these types of issues.



Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems™
4616 W Howard Ln, Suite 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com 
Web: www.flexradio.com 

logo
On 12/23/2013 6:44 PM, Ray, K9DUR wrote:

Tom,

Before blowing PowerSDR v2.7.2 away & re-installing, try a "Reset to Factory
Defaults".  This sounds like a database corruption problem.

73, Ray, K9DUR
http://k9dur.info

-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of TM
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 5:51 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PSDR v2.7.2 Instability (TM)

Bill:

Your experience sounds very much like mine - worked great for a few days
then became unstable.  I thought it had improved yesterday with a different
buffer size; however, today the system is so unstable PSDR will only run for
a few minutes prior to freezing and crashing.

I had run LatencyMon v4 last evening, and things looked like normal - some
DPCs but very untroubling.  Found the v6 upgrade which is now reporting
pretty large DPCs from, like yours, the NVidia card.  Also the DirectX
kernel.  Well, the NVidia drivers were just updated recently and are the
latest. Do you know if there are any performance levers to adjust there? Not
sure where to look for a solution to the DirectX kernel DPC - just starting
to look around now.

I am not ready to blame v2.7.2 either at this point; however, why things
worked at first and are now so unstable with no known changes to the
computer is most puzzling.  Think the next thing I will try is blowing 2.7.2
away and trying a fresh install.  If no go there, then maybe rolling back to
previous version makes sense until possible bugs with computer get sorted.

Also, just in case have run all the virus and malware checkers I have with
no issues.  Getting ready to run TDSKiller while at dinner. If there are any
really nasty bugs hiding and stealing system resources, that should find
them.

73, Tom
K1FR



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Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

[Jack Haverty]

-- Forwarded message --
From: 
Date: Sat, Dec 28, 2013 at 10:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors
To: k3...@arrl.net


You are not allowed to post to this mailing list, and your message has
been automatically rejected.  If you think that your messages are
being rejected in error, contact the mailing list owner at
flexradio-ow...@flex-radio.biz.



-- Forwarded message --
From: Jack Haverty 
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Cc:
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2013 10:11:29 -0800
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors
 On 12/27/2013 10:27 AM, Craig Schroeder wrote:

What advice do you have for me on the most important factors that I
should consider in purchasing my first SDR radio?

---

Hi Craig,

I've had my Flex-3000 for 4+ years and I've had a lot of fun with it.
There's a lot to learn about the SDR world...and it's changing fast
too.

To me, the most important factor in selecting a Software Defined Radio
is ... The Software.   The Software determines not only the
traditional performance of the radio (sensitivity, selectivity,
functionality, etc.) but more importantly it determines how you will
interact with the radio, i.e., the "User Interface".

Traditional "knobby radios" of course have knobs, switches, sliders,
etc., and you're stuck with using them for whatever activity you're
doing with your radio.   With Software, things change.  You can select
a different piece of software for different activities, and change at
will by loading different software.

For example, when I'm DXing, I use DXLab software, and interact
primarily with the logging, spotting, and information windows.   When
contesting, I use N1MM, and interact with it's band map, QSO window,
etc.  When doing RTTY, I use MMTTY (sometimes several at the same
time).  All of this is with the Flex-3000.   I don't need knobs at
all, and in fact it's hard to imagine how someone could design a
comparable "radio" with the same functionality but only using
knobs/switches.

Since SDRs don't have knobs, you sometimes need some kind of basic
software that provides those generic functions that you'd otherwise
have on knobs.  The mouse/keyboard interface isn't as natural (for me
at least) when using such "virtual knobs and switches" but it does
give you a basic ability to use the radio.   However, I've found that
when I'm doing "serious work", I interact primarily with software that
is designed for that activity.  So, with my Flex-3000, I interact with
DXLab and N1MM (the task-oriented software) much more than I interact
with PowerSDR (the virtual knobs software).

The exception to this is the Panadapter, which essentially provides a
visual display of what's going on.   I look at it a lot, even though I
manipulate the radio through N1MM or DXLab.   I yearn for the day when
the Panadapter display is integrated with the N1MM bandmap...so
everything I need to watch is in one place.  Most SDR software
provides some kind of similar visual display, but some (e.g.,
"Skimmers")are more suited for certain activities than others.

So, bottom line -- I suggest you figure out what software you'd like
to use to do whatever kinds of radio activities you enjoy.   Then
figure out which of the SDR hardware works well in the overall system
configuration where you'll use that software.

PowerSDR forms the base for using the Flex hardware.  As far as I can
tell, it's the only available option for Flex hardware.But there
are many other software choices available too for other hardware -
variants of PowerSDR (e.g., PowerSDR HDSDR), SDR-Radio, cuSDR, etc.),
and many choices for hardware that they support.   Instead of
comparing Flex-1500, Flex-3000, and Elecraft KX-3, you would compare
PowerSDR (or other base software) and whatever other software you
would like to use, and evaluate how it works with the various hardware
choices.

There's lots of activity in the SDR world.   Fortunately there's also
a lot of information available about all that activity too, and people
talking about their experiences.   Here's an example:
http://n8msa.blogspot.com/2013/11/ddc-sdrs-status-report.html
There's also websites with lots of info, e.g., https://sdrzone.com/

Another thing to consider is the possibility of splitting RX and TX,
like hams used to do back in the 60s before transceivers dominated.
Much of the advantage of SDRs is in the receiver, where the DSP
algorithms can do amazing things and provide powerful tools like
panadapters.  Splitting the RX and TX functions isn't much of a hassle
these days, since the software does a good job of providing the
integrated "transceiver" interface.  You may choose to have a separate
SDR receiver, and simply use your existing transmitter.

If you're not sure where you want to go, you can get started without
spending a lot of money, especially if you already have a decent
transmitter.   For ex

[Flexradio] 5000A for sale

[Scott Haslam]

I am selling my Flex-5000 to help pay for my Flex 6700.

My Flex-5000 has the 2nd receiver and the ATU and was purchased in April of
2011.

Like new condition in a smoke free home and in perfect working order with
latest updates.

Shipped in the original box with all original manuals and cables. I am the
original owner.

Radio has had minimal use and well cared for.

Asking for $2400 and will pay for shipping to the 48 states.

Thanks,

Scott Haslam

k7dsh
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Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem

[Jim Jannuzzo]

Randy,
The Flex radios have a strong "tribal elder" culture.   The learning curve is 
so steep at the beginning that a book could be overwhelming.  
Communities like this one are simply a newfangled elmer. 
Jim KJ2P  
 
> Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem
> From: randyh...@charter.net
> Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2013 23:03:24 -0500
> CC: patric...@windstream.net; flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz; 
> flexradio@flex-radio.biz
> To: jsqu...@msn.com
> 
> This is the kind of information somebody should write a book for Dummies 
> about.  I am qualifed to read it and would buy it, maybe buy two so I could 
> read it twice.
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> > On Dec 19, 2013, at 12:08 PM, Jim Jannuzzo  wrote:
> > 
> > 
> > Ahh but there is:  It's called DDutil plus the Flex Knob.  I use DDutil to 
> > set the three buttons in the Knob set to execxute macros that change my 
> > display from  -115 to -135.  The three macros are:M31   ZZDQ-115;ZZDN-120;  
> >  
> > M32   ZZDQ-125;ZZDN-130;
> > M33   ZZDQ-115;ZZDN-120; ZZDQ is the CAT command that sets the Panadapter 
> > display, and ZZDN sets the waterfall display minimum.   Using the three 
> > buttons, I can easily tailor the display to a busy night on 40M versus a 
> > quiet time on 10M. Jim KJ2P> 
> >> Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a user accessible control to set the 
> >> "sensitivity/gain" for the waterfall.  Maybe there is and I don't know how 
> >> to do it.
> >> 
> >> Patrick NJ5G
> > 
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> > http://www.flexradio.com/
  
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Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

[William Owens]

Randy,

Yes, you have a valid point. When you add the possibility of buying a nice used 
5000 (no smoking, well cared for…..almost a given since Flexers seem to be 
meticulous) the value option expands. I certainly have seen a number of 5K 
offerings from those moving on to the SmartSDR models.

73,
Bill
AD5EW


On Dec 27, 2013, at 10:21 PM, Randy Hall  wrote:

> I had emailed my thoughts to Craig earlier today.  My thoughts are that the 
> best value for a $1 today is on a used Flex 5000a being sold by a Flexer 
> moving up to the 6000 series.  If he didn't like it, the depreciation hit he 
> would take for selling it in six months could be non-existent.  For those of 
> us with 5000s know how great the receive AND the transmit can be when 
> properly set and matched with the proper mic.  Of all the mic's I have tried, 
> the Heil PR 40 stands above the rest.  I can hardly go a night with out 
> getting a compliment on the audio. 
> 
> Randy
> N4FNB
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Dec 27, 2013, at 4:56 PM, William Owens  wrote:
>> 
>> Hello Craig,
>> 
>> If I understand you correctly, you are fairly new to ham radio. The Flex 
>> 1500, being a QRP radio (low power) is a fun radio but it is possible you 
>> may be frustrated by not being able to make as many contacts as you could 
>> with the 3000, being a 100 watt unit. Working QRP takes more patience than 
>> with a higher power radio. They both have their place, but if this will be 
>> your only radio, I would recommend the Flex 3000.
>> 
>> I have been a ham for 30 years and have had a variety of radios, some at 
>> least twice as much money as the 3000. There have been long periods where my 
>> radio sat boxed up on a shelf, having gotten bored or distracted by other 
>> life events.
>> 
>> In the two and one half years that I have owned the 3000, I have had it on 
>> everyday, if for no other reason than to listen to the activity on the 
>> various bands.
>> 
>> I have never had so much fun with any other radio. The 3000 is the best bang 
>> for the buck. It too will retain its value, and I don’t think you will ever 
>> regret it. 
>> 
>> Whatever you choose, make sure your computer is up to snuff and in the case 
>> of the 3000, buy a firewire card recommended by Flex (primarily with a TI 
>> chipset).
>> 
>> Good luck and have fun!
>> 
>> Bill
>> AD5EW
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Dec 27, 2013, at 12:27 PM, Craig Schroeder  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Dear Flex Users Group Members,
>>> 
>>> I have some Christmas money to invest in my first SDR radio.  I am very 
>>> interested in the hobby aspects of SDR, but I must admit that there is a 
>>> certain appeal to "old school" knobs.
>>> 
>>> Therefore, the Elecraft KX3 has a certain appeal, but being a newbie, I am 
>>> not clear if the Flex 1500 or 3000 offer SDR performance advantages that 
>>> are more important considerations.  I do understand both systems use the 
>>> same SDR software from Flex Radio.
>>> 
>>> What advice do you have for me on the most important factors that I should 
>>> consider in purchasing my first SDR radio?
>>> 
>>> Thank you,
>>> 
>>> Craig
>>> KD0TXL
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>>> http://www.flexradio.com/
>> 
>> 
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Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

[Patrick Greenlee]

I am a retired computer scientist first lisc in 1962 who came back to HF 
after a 13 year hiatus. Studying for the Extra Class I found out about the 
existence of SDR and thought, "Gee, shouldn't I have one of those?"  I read 
and researched and ordered a Flex 5000A with two receivers and ATU (no VHF 
for me in this radio.)  My previous HF rigs include the Atlas 350XL, and the 
Drake TR-7 (both made in the USA like the Flex) and twiddling knobs on them 
was fun but interacting with the Flex is an order of magnitude or greater 
more fun.


I concur with the comments regarding getting a 3000 or 5000 and not the 1500 
for your only rig. In my opinion a 1500 is a great source of fun when 
conditions and luck converge but as a previous poster stated, likely a 
source of frustration when much of the time you will not have any/many good 
contacts.  Wanna play QRP or QRPP, fine, there is a slider on-screen to turn 
down the drive as low as you want on the 3k and 5k. You can use the 3K or 5K 
at low power but not the 1500 for high power.  There are few or no COTS HF 
amps (someone correct me if I'm wrong) available to take 5 watts in and give 
you at least 100 watts.


Bottom line:  a 3 or 5 K can run high or low power but the 1500 can not put 
out more than a few watts. In many instances the 1500 just doesn't have the 
umph for reliable coms.  You may find someone to talk with but you will 
settle for the limited number who can hear you.  It is frustrating to hear 
so many stations and not be able to be heard much of the time. Given the 
right conditions the 1500 might talk to anyone anywhere but the right 
conditions may be rare.


Welcome to ham radio.  Have fun.

Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: David Movius

Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 9:25 PM
To: 'Craig Schroeder' ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

Craig,

While I have been a "knob radio" ham for many years, I became intrigued with
SDR about 1 1/2 years ago.  Without giving up my knob radio, I thought about
getting a Flex 3000 for starters.  Shortly after subscribing to this
reflector, a Flex 5000A came up for sale by a ham who had placed an early
order for the Flex 6000 series radio, so I jumped on his 5000A.

The comments by others up to this point are very applicable in helping make
a good decision.  For full disclosure, I am technically challenged with many
of the nuances associated with the broad opportunities available with SDR.
Somewhat out of naivety I jumped into the SDR arena.  (I have a bad habit to
go "where angels fear to tread")

Bottom line, that decision has without a doubt given me the most fun I have
had in ham radio.  There is a learning curve and points of frustration with
the SDR paradigm change, but there is this wonderful community of fellow SDR
enthusiasts who are more than happy to offer assistance and encouragement.
In addition, Neal Campbell has provided invaluable assistance to me (and
many others) getting over a number of hurdles.

Now I am looking forward to soon acquiring one of the new Flex 6000 series
radios.  I am hooked on SDR (literally crazy about it), and will never look
back to a radio with knobs.  A new or updated radio with each upgraded
iteration of the software is amazing -- at least for me.  Support and
service from FlexRadio are also excellent.

You are asking good questions and hopefully you will soon arrive at the
point where your Santa Claus gift can be put to good use.

Cheers and Happy New Year !!

Dave W7IWW



-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of Craig
Schroeder
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 11:28 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

Dear Flex Users Group Members,

I have some Christmas money to invest in my first SDR radio.  I am very
interested in the hobby aspects of SDR, but I must admit that there is a
certain appeal to "old school" knobs.

Therefore, the Elecraft KX3 has a certain appeal, but being a newbie, I am
not clear if the Flex 1500 or 3000 offer SDR performance advantages that are
more important considerations.  I do understand both systems use the same
SDR software from Flex Radio.

What advice do you have for me on the most important factors that I should
consider in purchasing my first SDR radio?

Thank you,

Craig
KD0TXL
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Re: [Flexradio] Possibly wrong region bandplan in FW after upgrade.

[Tim Ellison, W4TME]

Actually, the TURF region of your radio, which is in the firmware does 
determine your BandText data.  If you have had your radio TURFed for a 
different region, then you will have region specific BandText data and 
Band Edge data.  The later is determined by your IARU region.


Ray is right that the info displayed under the VFO is "display only" and 
has not effect on the transmit limits of your radio. If you modified 
your BandText data in a previous version of PowerSDR, the procedure 
described below will allow you to transfer it to a different version of 
PowerSDR successfully.


Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems™
4616 W Howard Ln, Suite 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com 
Web: www.flexradio.com 

logo
On 12/21/2013 10:47 AM, Ray, K9DUR wrote:

Rob,

The text that is displayed in the VFO areas is determined by the BandText
table in the database.  It is not dependent on the firmware.  The firmware
only controls where you are allowed to transmit.
   
1. Open the PowerSDR-DataTransfer utility. (Be sure you close PowerSDR

first.)
2. Select your v2.6.4 database as the source database.
3. Select your v2.7.2 database as the destination database.
4. Select "Transfer by Table".
5. Click on "BandText" so that it is the only table selected.
6. Click on "Replace Tables".

You old band plan text should be back.

Note that this only affects the text that is displayed in the VFO display.
It will NOT affect what your transmit frequency limits are.  If the transmit
band limits are wrong, then that is a question for Flex support.

73, Ray, K9DUR
http://k9dur.info



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