Re: [Flexradio] to order a 6300 or not.
Totally agree and well stated Mike. My introduction to SDR and Flex was about two years ago. I have truly enjoyed the challenge and learning curves, and have gained a great deal of respect for FlexRadio staff, support and commitment. I recently graduated from Flex 5000 to 6700 and have never enjoyed ham radio so much. Flex radios definitely capture the passion and imagination of many, while there are many wonderful optional radios out there for others. Dave W7IWW -Original Message- From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of Michael Walker Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 1:06 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] to order a 6300 or not. I replied to someone offline on this, but you will have multiple views on this. There are your early adopters (like me) and your 'hanger oners', like others. I don't expect it to be perfect at first and may never. I do know it will be an education and very interesting and we will all learn things. Flex won't solve everything for everyone and to think otherwise is wrong. But... the big but... I trust Flex to do the right thing and to support their customers. The company is very customer and technology focused and that... is good enough for me. If I wanted an appliance, I would stay with my TS480 at my remote base. :) 73 all, Mike va3mw See you all at Dayton! http://www.qrz.com/db/va3mw On Wed, May 14, 2014 at 2:56 PM, amsct...@comcast.net wrote: I am comparing a working 5K installation to a prospective 6X00 purchase. All of my comments are relative to any given 5K installation, and I did not take proper FireWire and VAC function as a given, as many people struggle with these subsystems. FireWire and VAC performance differ from system-to-system, and I wrote this to a broader audience than the original poster. The differences for someone that primarily uses digital modes (I know this doesn't cover the OP) aren't subtle at all. DAX simply works better, on a wider range of PCs, than VAC. I would, and did, upgrade for this reason alone. Mike - N8MSA - Original Message - From: James Orleff jorl...@orleff.com To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 2:13:47 PM Subject: Re: [Flexradio] to order a 6300 or not. I believe he asked for reasons to dump his 5000a and upgrade. Many of the reasons stated seem to apply more to someone comparing the purchase of a 5000a vs a 6300. If you already have a working 5000a, the differences are more subtle and he will of course have to decide. On 5/14/2014 12:29 PM, amsct...@comcast.net wrote: The major real-world differences/benefits: - Elimination of a poorly supported datalink (Apple FireWire) True, but it's not poorly supported for HIM, as he is using it = no immediate benefit - Low-bandwidth networking, by virtue of the DSP being located in the radio, provides excellent performance -even over WiFi Perhaps, but he did not state a need for remote access, so again no immediate benefit. - Very easy to get digital audio into and out of the radio. Helpful even when not operating digital modes. For example. a PC can be used to record QSOs without using VAC. A nice feature, but any benefit depends on whether he has bought and is using VAC already, and he doesn't say = ??? - More dynamic range than the 5K means less intermodulation and de-sense - Wider panadapter bandwidth allows you to see more at a glance - Lower TX IMD - Much less RF intrusion into the Signature's chassis Very good reasons if those things are a problem for him. The wider panadapter might be compelling. Issues: - The DSP isn't that much different than PSDR, so it isn't going to sound much different than your 5K until sometime around the end of the year. These are the differences today, as I see them. Best of luck with your purchasing decision. 73 de Mike - N8MSA http://n8msa.blogspot.com/ The 6300 is clearly cleaner and more elegant, but from a day to day operating perspective I concur with him that there doesn't seem to be a killer app in the 6300 for the owner of a 5000a. 73, JJ W0FAA - Forwarded Message - From: w...@reagan.com To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 10:44:35 AM Subject: [Flexradio] to order a 6300 or not. I have had Flex rigs from the first 1000 kit to my current 5000a. I have downloaded all the spec sheets, that are out there, and read all the beta testing remarks from the various testers. None of which really tell me much about how the 6300 will work out in the real world,under day to day hamming. I have not seen any comparisons to the performance of the 6300/5000a, weather they be suggested improvements over the 5000a or even improvements based on the new 6300's technology. The 6300, looks great on paper and the engineering write-ups, but what will I gain in REAL
Re: [Flexradio] Ready to quit
Hello Bill, Suggest you consider contacting Neal Campbell. Computer nuances are not my forte but Neal changed my Flex life from frustrating to great joy. Below is a link to get an idea of his support options. He would no doubt welcome a phone call to discuss your situation(s) so you can decide how best to proceed. Whatever you do, I hope you do not quit. Once you get everything working, you may find the passion for SDR that many of us enjoy. Take a look at the link below. http://www.abrohamnealsoftware.com/Support.htm Vy 73, Dave W7IWW -Original Message- From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of William and Susan Sent: Monday, March 10, 2014 3:54 PM To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Ready to quit Well, I guess I am just about ready to quit. I have bought and tried to install SDR-Ui, I could not. I bought and tried to install the Hercules DJ controller and could not. I have bought the Flex Controller and tried to put that in line and I could not. So, I will give it a try one more time and if fail then I might as well sell this computer, flex radio, DJ control, and a Flex radio control. Now I admit I am a nit wit when it comes to loading computers with stuff.,But, I do know how to run whatever programs I have in it. Now when I try to load up the Flex it tells me there is another flex running but I do not see it anywhere. I have 3 Masters Degrees, I was a FBI Profiler with a specialty of hunting down Serial Sadistic Sex Offenders. The point being I am not an idiot with all things. I have checked the internet but they simply say to download things but not tell me what to do with them once it is downloaded. If anyone has the program Team Viewer I would gladly let you take control of this computer and set it right for me. Ok Any last time help would be greatly appreciated. Bill ___ 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/ - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4335 / Virus Database: 3705/7145 - Release Date: 03/03/14 Internal Virus Database is out of date. ___ 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/
Re: [Flexradio] Flex 3000 or 5000 Remote operation assistance
Mathew, In run Flex 5000 via remote using TeamViewer and Skype for the audio link. Steve's description is essentially the same setup I use and it works extremely well. I had to fiddle with some of the audio anomalies Steve mentioned. One set of settings in each Skype account (SkypeToolsOptionsAudio Settings) was to check the Auto adjust Microphone and Auto Adjust Speaker... boxes. Others may custom set these levels, but it seemed to smooth things out for me when those boxes were checked. I have looked at RemAud (as mentioned by Steve), but the setup is bit over my head at this time. With Skype working, I will stick with it for the time being. Good luck. Remote operation with the Flex is lots of fun. Dave W7IWW -Original Message- From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of Steve Sterling Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2014 9:59 AM To: FlexRadio Reflector Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 3000 or 5000 Remote operation assistance Mathew-- using Skype for the audio portion of remote operations is pretty easy. Think of it this way-- you treat the Flex as if it is another person (account) to Skype, and PowerSDR as the speaker and microphone instead of the host computer's speaker and microphone. a. As in all remote audio solutions, you will need virtual audio cables, software that connects the audio in and out of the Flex to Skype. This link http://kc.flexradio.com/KnowledgebaseArticle50230.aspx talks about the 3rd party software most of us use, although this software is now in version 12 I think and the article talks about version 4. The article is still relevant. Note: there is a trial version-- don't use this as it will overlay advertising audio on your transmitted signal! Note 2: you will need this virtual audio cable software to interface with any of the digital-mode programs as well. b. Load Skype software onto your host Flex computer and create a separate skype account for your Flex. I use my call (WA7DUH-Flex). Set up Skype so it starts with the computer startup (toolsOptionsGeneral). Also so Skype will only answer those that are in it's contact list and automatically answers when called (toolsOptionsPrivacy). Go ahead and hook Skype on your host to your computer speaker and microphone temporarily, establish you normal Skype account in this new account contact list, etc. That is-- make sure Skype is fully working person to person and automatically answering, etc. before attaching audio to the Flex. c. With PowerSDR running-- On the Flex host computer's Skype, go to the audio settings (toolsOptionsGeneralAudio). Change Skype's audio input from the computer microphone to Audio Out or whatever you named the audio out channel as discussed in the Knowledgebase article. Change Skype's audio out from the computer speaker to Audio In or whatever you named the audio input channel as discussed in the Knowledgebase article. d. In PowerSDR VAC audio setup (SetupaudioVAC) make sure PowerSDR is also attached to the appropriate virtual audio cable channels, and set the audio out to about -20db and the audio in to about -6db. Also on this audio setup page, I set Allow PTT to override/bypass VAC for phone and Auto Enable must be off. Call your Flex Skype account from your remote computer(s). You should have audio remote. Adjust audio levels in PowerSDR (SetupAudioVAC) from the starting levels recommended in d. above to suit your particular configuration. You can also manipulate the audio a bit within the Skype remote computer. IMPORTANT CAVEAT-- using Skype for the remote audio has some funky results. Skype has very complex algorithms to cancel echo and background noise. It reacts poorly to normal HF static, trying to cancel it etc. This results in audio level pumping and such. I have Skype always attached to my PowerSDR as a backup/alternate and for my friends to listen, but I have moved to RemAUD. But I used Skype exclusively for 3 years, and the setup is much easier. RemAUD requires router forwarding setups, firewall setups, etc. to get to work, but is designed specifically for remote communications audio. Good luck-- I probably missed some important steps so if you get stuck come back to the list for help. Steve WA7DUH Remoting as a snowbird in Lake Havasu AZ On 2/27/2014 8:08 AM, hmattc...@juno.com wrote: from: Matthew-KJ4TN I am trying to access my Flex-3000 remotely. I am using TeamViewer to access myrig, and am trying to use Skype for XMIT and Audio. What would be the best way toconnect Skype up to the Flex radio to be able to listen and XMIT through my remotelaptop? Thanks for any tips you would give me. Matthew-KJ4TN ___ 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/
Re: [Flexradio] post-I Internal tuner of Flex-3000
I match a standard G5RV 80-10 meters with only the ATU in my Flex 5000 with no difficulty achieving 1.0:1 SWR on all bands except 17 meters which is 1.4:1 SWR. Actually, on 80 meters the antenna will tune with SWR 1.0:1 without ATU at resonance. Dave W7IWW -Original Message- From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of hmattc...@juno.com Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2014 3:59 PM To: dwmu...@gmail.com Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] post-I Internal tuner of Flex-3000 Dave, Thanks for the article. Is anyone using a closed loop that will tune on the Flex from 80-10 meters? The length of my antenna and ladder line length may not be cut properly. I am using a closed loop of 262ft fed with ladder line into a 4:1 balun and into a short piece of RG213 into the shack window. Is there any antenna that will tune 80-10 meters thru the 3000 There may not be such an antenna? Thanks for anyone,s assistance. Matthew-KJ4TN ___ 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/ - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4259 / Virus Database: 3658/6969 - Release Date: 01/02/14 Internal Virus Database is out of date. ___ 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/
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 ___ 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/ - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4259 / Virus Database: 3658/6914 - Release Date: 12/12/13 Internal Virus Database is out of date. ___ 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/
[Flexradio] Receiving antennas
Interested in hearing about experiences with various receiving antennas useful for input to Flex 6000 series radios (monitoring various band slices) that are effective up to 30 Mhz, and possible 6 meters. 1.Magnetic Loop - better mounted low, or at top of tower, or doesn't matter? 2. Wire arrays? Dave W7IWW ___ 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/
Re: [Flexradio] Powered Speaker Recommendation for Flex 5000
I also run Bose Companion II powered speakers with Flex 5000 and legal limit amplifier with no rf issues. The sound quality is excellent. Dave, W7IWW -Original Message- From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of Dale Hankins Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 4:15 PM To: Roger Cole Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Powered Speaker Recommendation for Flex 5000 I have used the Bose companion II for foul years withe all the flex radios running legal limit. Never had issues with rf . Great sound. At this time I have my 6500 , 3000 and 1500 hooked up at the same time, I only run one radio at a time but could run all. Great sound built great, look great. Sent from my iPad On Oct 9, 2013, at 8:41 AM, Roger Cole rcole...@twcny.rr.com wrote: Curious to hear what folks are using for powered speakers on their Flex 5000. Presently using a pair of JBL E20 bookshelf speakers with a little amp. Can’t seem to keep the RF out of the speakers however. Your thoughts and recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 73, Roger ___ 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/ ___ 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/ - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4142 / Virus Database: 3604/6734 - Release Date: 10/08/13 ___ 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/
Re: [Flexradio] RF in the shack - Flex 5K
My RF problem occurred through mic cable resulting in distorted audio on 15 and 17 meters. When mic cable replaced with properly shielded cable there was complete resolution of my RF problem. I thought FireWire may have also been culprit, but it wasn't. I changed to Granite FireWire anyway. Dave, W7IWW -Original Message- From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of k4...@fastmail.fm Sent: Monday, March 25, 2013 4:05 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] RF in the shack - Flex 5K Haven't been following this discussion Robert but 2 things solved my rf problems. First, grounding the computer, second adding an rf choke at the wire antenna feed point. Almost forgot - getting the antenna far enough away from the shack too. 73 Wayne K4ELO On Mon, Mar 25, 2013, at 04:42 PM, Robert Costa wrote: I wish I could say that. RF ingress issue abound in my case, but I still have 2 more tasks to potentially eliminate my issue and I will see if I can be RF ingress free. The granite cable did not do it for me. 73 kb6qxm Robert From: W1JCW w1...@hotmail.com To: Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net; flexradio@flex-radio.biz Sent: Monday, March 25, 2013 10:53 AM Subject: [Flexradio] RF in the shack - Flex 5K Granite cable is the best solution to RF back to the computer or into the Flex. Once I replaced my cheap 1394 cable with Granite all issues disappeared. 73- W1JCW John ___ 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/ ___ 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/ ___ 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/ ___ 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/
