Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual
On 5/27/2013 2:29 PM, Edwin Marzan wrote: I plan to pick up one of the many Flex 5000A's that will become available when the new game changer radios are finally shipped. After reading these posts I am a bit concerned... From: patric...@windstream.net To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 07:53:16 -0500 Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual Everyone has a personal opinion regarding manuals. That is fine except where you think your personal preference trumps my needs. I too would like a complete and up to date manual and PDF or similar is fine as I have a printer. I would accept a hypertext version even though it precludes traditional printed copies. After all if I don't have a computer to read the manual on I won't be running a Flex radio. I want a manual not a license to participate in a scavenger hunt trying to find a tidbit here or there. I'm not trying to dictate to anyone what they do with information, how they get it or how they store/access it but a complete manual with TOC, chapters, etc. is not a bad thing, traditional or hypertext. I have managed software developments and I know that the developers prefer slinging code over documenting. More functionality is nice but if the users can't employ it, then so what. Here I sit with one of the niftiest products in the world, the true cat's meow of ham radios and I have to participate in an ongoing scavenger hunt for what should be in the basic documentation. I'm happy for the individuals who have the time to devote to find out how to use this technological marvel and I do appreciate it when they share their knowledge but if a proper manual were available mere mortals could employ any features available without need to sit at the feet of the "priesthood." I realize we are beating a dead horse and units of output will not be in proportion to units of input. Ask for what you will but "The Team" is off chasing the new shiny ball and what was the new shiny ball is now a step child. History will repeat itself. Corporate philosophy/culture, even in a young company, is a powerful influence and the most likely outcome as regards the manual for the new shiny ball is a repeat of the situation we have now. Functionality will easily win out over documentation in the contest for attention. Sales are effected much more strongly by nifty features than by the quality of the documentation. Wait a year and history will repeat itself. There will be posts bemoaning the lack of sufficient documentation to employ the whoopee capabilities of the 6K series. I would be absolutely thrilled to be proven wrong but don't suspect to receive even mild titillation. Regarding the idea that the concept of centralized and complete documentation is obsolete... BOVINE EXCREMENT!!! If you think the maintainers and operators of the nation's warfighting capability are reduced to web searches and burning incense at the shrine of self appointed gurus you are out of touch with reality. Many manuals are electronic now but still complete. You don't maintain a joint strike fighter, or even a predator drone by looking around the internet to find bits of data to put in your iPad.RANT: MODE=OFF Patrick AF5CK -Original Message- From: Bill Tynan Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 7:06 PM To: John Kramer ; Gedas Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual John: I'm sure that Goodreader and Apple must be better at storing things than Windows with Outlook Express and/or Windows Live Mail. I lost all of the many files I had stored. I don't even know what the last OSCAR number issued was, and I am in charge of issuing OSCAR numbers. 73, Bill Tynan, W3XO -- From: "John Kramer" Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 4:48 PM To: "Gedas" Cc: Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual With the introduction of the Apple iPad tablet, I now have ALL my manuals/service manuals etc all on my tablet. There is an app called "Goodreader" for the iPad. Make files in Goodreader for the various manufacturers, and download your manuals off the internet and into your iPad. Generally speaking, my iPad is always with me wherever I go, so ALL my manuals including VHF/UHF HT, mobile, HF, amplifiers, ATU, noise cancelling units etc etc are all on there, and easy and quick to get to. I also have lots of other ham apps on the tablet, so it is really convenient to have everything on there and take it with me. All new manuals that arrive in the boxes, stay untouched and go into my filing cabinet, and remain in new condition - something that buyers appreciate if I sell the item one day 73 John, ZS5J On 26 May 2013, at 11:21 PM, "Gedas" wrote: George gets a Gold star IMO ! Exactly my thoughts. There are tons of things I wish I knew more about my radio to make it even more enjoyable. Many times I am forced to go hunting for tips & tidbits using forums, online groups, & over-the-air nets in the hopes of getting an answe
Re: [Flexradio] Flex Financing
On 5/20/2013 1:40 PM, Drax Felton wrote: For many other pricey hobby products: Jet skis, motorcycles, boats, etc. one can get manufacture labelled financing to buy one. Why not in Amateur Radio where the only option is a multi-thousand credit card charge? ___ 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/ Maybe the cost would increase, only to be passed on to the customers. ___ 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 radio] Newbie Follow-up
On 5/18/2013 7:38 PM, Barry Jablonski wrote: Ditto here Ken/John, I've owned four flex's: 1k, 5kA, 3k and 1.5k. I will never buy another one. Barry WB2ZXJ ___ 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/ I had a Flex 5000A and loved that radio, but sold it to make way (and have money) for a 6700. Sure, I was buying something I had neither seen nor heard, but trusted that Flex (based on their past performance) would not mess this up. There is some serious geekery going on over there at Flex Radio Systems; they produce and support one heck of a product line. In the meantime, I really miss that 5000A, which has a new home in eastern Indiana; I even considered picking up a 3000 or 1500 to keep me from Flex/SDR withdrawal. My backup radio - an IC7000 - has become my primary radio again. While a good radio, it is nowhere near the Flex line of radios, nor is it intended to be. A Flex 3000 (or even a 1500 with a 100-watt amp) would blow the IC7000 into the weeds in a side-by-side comparison, but the ICOM still has some features the Flex does not have (try going mobile with a Flex ;) ). All radios have their good and bad features, and all radios, like everything else, have a life span for support from the manufacturers of the parts used therein. I read that the company that makes an essential part of the 5000A is no longer making that part - such is the way of manufacturing. There are no guarantees, even disregarding the current economy. Meanwhile, when the 6700 arrives and I find the time to get it installed, I will try to report back here on how it works for me. All others' mileage may vary. 73, Jerry ___ 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] Limited Network Setup and Flex 6700 - Questions
As I eagerly await the Networking Quick Reference guide (as well as the 6700) from Flex, I am contemplating how I will connect my PC to the 6700. I have a USB wireless adapter (thankfully, no RFI from this) for Internet access and printing from this PC, as well as an unused gigabit ethernet port on the motherboard. Could I just use that port for direct connection to the Flex and keep the wireless adapter as it is? Using DPCLAT.exe, I see numbers in the consistently low 100's on my current setup running Windows 7/32. Running a CAT5 cable from the router (located across the house) to a switch in the radio room would be a fairly major project, but could be done if necessary. Other than the "main" computer near the router and a printer, there is rarely any other WiFi activity on my network. Just trying to plan (pre-arrival) ahead as much as possible without over-engineering this stuff... Thanks in advance, Jerry- W2TXB ___ 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 3K and 5K software shut down QRO.
To make things worse, every situation differs somewhat. When I used a 5-W transmitter, I had no RFI problems (one ground rod). Changed to a 100-watt ICOM IC-7000, and everything went nuts. I added two more 8-ft. ground rods and a few ferrites, and the problem was mostly solved. The coax line isolator and use of a copper ground bus for the radio and AT-Auto fixed everything, and I have since removed all the ferrite chokes. Now using this setup with the Flex 5000 without problems. 73, Jerry Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: "William H. Fite" Sender: flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:56:30 To: Neal Campbell Cc: Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 3K and 5K software shut down QRO. I, like the others who've checked in here, have put ferrites on every single cable in the shack. It seems like overkill but I've had absolutely no issues with RF since doing so. Also, of course, be sure that your station ground is really good, ground wires or straps are as short as possible, and all that stuff that you doubtless have done already. Good luck. You'll find the entry point sooner or late. Hopefully sooner. Bill On Mon, Sep 12, 2011 at 9:41 AM, Neal Campbell wrote: > You might try an isolator from RFWorks between the antenna and your shack. > That or an UNUN/BALUN depending on your antenna situation. > > BTW, what are your antennas? > > 73 > Neal > > On Mon, Sep 12, 2011 at 8:54 AM, W1JCW wrote: > > > No luck adding the ground or the two chokes on each end of the fire ware > > cable. > > > > It seems just 20m even when I don't use my Acom 2k. If I turn the drive > up > > to 75w > > the audio cuts in and out and I can hear the relays in the 5K. > > > > All other bands qro are fine, no issue. > > > > Must be some harmonic on 20m getting into the box or feeding back into > it. > > > > Suggestions ?? > > > > 73- > > W1JCW > > John > > > > > > From: W1JCW > > Sent: Friday, September 09, 2011 8:44 AM > > To: Ray, K9DUR > > Subject: Flex 3K and 5K software shut down QRO. > > > > > > I don't have a ground on the PC so I'll add that tonight and see how it > > works. > > > > I did have a choke on each end of the fw cable but that didn't work but I > > had no ground then. > > I'll put a choke on each end of the fw if adding the ground on the PC > > doesn't work. > > > > Stay tuned. > > > > Thanks for the replies. > > > > 73- > > W1JCW > > John > > > > > > From: Ray, K9DUR > > Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2011 8:11 PM > > To: fmeac...@aol.com ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz > > Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Current Flex 3000 software shuts down when > > runninghigh power. > > > > > > Frank, > > > > That definitely sounds like RF feedback. The most likely culprit is the > > firewire cable. I had the same issue running my amp with my FLEX-5000A. > > > > First, make certain that your PC is connected to the shack ground. After > > all, it is better than half of the radio. > > > > If you are using the stock firewire cable that came with the rig, replace > > it > > with the one by Granite Digital. Is costs about $40 & is availabel from > > Flex. > > > > Finally, if you still are having problems, add ferrite chokes at each end > > of > > the firewire cable. > > > > The above steps eliminated my RF feedback problems entirely. Now I can > run > > 1kW on all bands with no issues. > > > > 73, Ray, K9DUR > > http://k9dur.info > > ___ > > 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/ > > > > > > -- > Abroham Neal Software > www.abrohamnealsoftware.com > Work:(540) 645 5394 > Mobile:(540) 645 8171 > ___ > 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/
Re: [Flexradio] New 1500
Having played with PowerSDR (demo mode) on laptop, I will say that a desktop is a much better way to go. If you plan to operate portable, a laptop is the only way to go. For desktop PC's, check farther back in these archives for Neal, who custom-builds PC's that work with Flex radios. You could also build your own, as many of us have. I thought there were some Mac/Boot Camp users here having great results. Maybe they will chime in. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: CHARLES WHITE Sender: flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 10:20:56 To: Subject: [Flexradio] New 1500 I need to buy a Window OS for the 1500, my Mac with Boot Camp just does not run that well. In fact, the thing does not really run at all. Any suggestions? Is a laptop just as good as a desktop? Or does it make any difference? I have been to Fry's and Best Buy but come away confused as all the Windows OS computers are just too many variations. Thanks Charlie White K6TBB San Diego ___ 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/
Re: [Flexradio] The Flex 1500 and Field Day, a slightly OT question
It is times such as this when one of those little Honda generators would be great to have. More toys... :) Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: "Ralph W5JGV" Sender: flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 18:17:23 To: Reply-To: w5...@w5jgv.com Subject: Re: [Flexradio] The Flex 1500 and Field Day, a slightly OT question > So here's a thought I had today. I have a perfectly good 12 volt > automobile battery here, why not operate the 1500 off battery power > during field day? Then I got to thinking, I don't have a lap top and the > PC the 1500 runs with is connected to the AC mains so I looked up the > rules. A class E station is one characterized as a home station running > off battery power for the transmit and receive gear. So what do you > think, would I be a Class E station? Or does the fact that technically > the PC is part of the radio and is running off the mains violate the > spirit of things? IMO, using commercial power for any part of the control system for the radio takes you out of the Class E category. If the computer system does not eat too much power, you could use a 12 volt DC to 120 volt AC inverter to power the computer and monitor, or you might be able to borrow a laptop for your FD ops. Many laptops will operate just fine directly from 12 volts, but they usually will not charge the battery. You may need a charged battery to boot the laptop, then switch to external power. Or, just use a small 2 volt DC to 120 volt AC inverter to run the laptop. 73, Ralph W5JGV - WD2XSH/7 ___ 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/
