Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Patrick, I believe that Tim answered your last question here: $$$ for Software/Firmware? | FlexRadio Systems Community Ed, K0KC > > From: Patrick Greenlee >To: Ed Wilson ; "flexradio@flex-radio.biz" > >Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 10:21 AM >Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? > > > >Thanks for the link. Good info, direct, no nonsense, factual. > >I see what all the negative weeping and wailing is about but am not convinced it is altogether warranted. You get a great radio and software plus software support of "YOUR" version of the software. You never loose the capability you have paid for. Later if you think the then current version is sufficiently superior to what you have in features./functionality you can upgrade, essentially getting a new and better radio for $200. > >If the "Microsoft model" (Flexes wording) is actually followed the user could wait for more than one major release to go by before "buying in" again. This would be following the MS model. Consider you have MS Windows Vista 1.0 and over time Vista releases ratchet up to 4.4.13 and you decide you want to buy version 4. MS doesn't make you buy versions 2 and 3. > >Am I missing something? Any official Flex contradiction to my interpretation? > >73, > >Patrick NJ5G > > > >On 5/13/2014 8:36 AM, Ed Wilson wrote: > >Try this...straight from the horse's mouth :) >> >> >>https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/smartsdr_upgrade_fees >> >> >> >>Ed, K0KC >> >> >> >>> >>> From: Patrick Greenlee >>>To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz >>>Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 9:30 AM >>>Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? >>> >>> >>>I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an >>>official definitive description of the annual software upgrade costs and >>>conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a >>>morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR 404 but >>>can't find the "motherlode" the official word from Flex. I'd >>>appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to >>>wherever I can read the "official word." I want the ground truth from >>>the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts. >>> >>>73, >>> >>>Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator) >>> >>>___ >>>FlexRadio Systems Mailing List >>>FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz >>>To opt out of the Reflector: >>>http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz >>> >>> >>> >> >>No infections found in this incoming message >>Scanned by iolo System Shield >>http://www.iolo.com > > > ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Try this...straight from the horse's mouth :) https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/smartsdr_upgrade_fees Ed, K0KC > > From: Patrick Greenlee >To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz >Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 9:30 AM >Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? > > >I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an >official definitive description of the annual software upgrade costs and >conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a >morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR 404 but >can't find the "motherlode" the official word from Flex. I'd >appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to >wherever I can read the "official word." I want the ground truth from >the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts. > >73, > >Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator) > >___ >FlexRadio Systems Mailing List >FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz >To opt out of the Reflector: >http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > > > ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
It is already answered in the license agreement in the SSDR user guide: "This Agreement permits the installation or use of multiple copies of the Software Product, and the installation of the Software Product on more than one computer at any given time, on a system that allows shared use of applications, on a multi-user network, and on any configuration or system of computers that allows multiple users.This Agreement entitles you to install the Software Product on any number of computers for exclusive use with FlexRadio Systems’ software defined radios (“SDRs”)..." 73 Greg On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 3:03 PM, Ray, K9DUR wrote: > John, > > That would be a question for Flex. However, based on the complexities > introduced by trying to restrict the software to a specific radio, my guess > is that 1 fee would cover the entire station. > > 73, Ray, K9DUR > http://k9dur.info > > -Original Message- > From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of > John > Kramer > Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 3:22 PM > To: Flex Reflector > Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? > > What happens if you own 3 SSDR radio's ? Do you need to pay $ 200.00 per > radio ? > ie. is the software fee for the individual radio or for the entire station > ? > > > 73 > John > > > > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
John, That would be a question for Flex. However, based on the complexities introduced by trying to restrict the software to a specific radio, my guess is that 1 fee would cover the entire station. 73, Ray, K9DUR http://k9dur.info -Original Message- From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of John Kramer Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 3:22 PM To: Flex Reflector Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? What happens if you own 3 SSDR radio's ? Do you need to pay $ 200.00 per radio ? ie. is the software fee for the individual radio or for the entire station ? 73 John ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Second try... -- Forwarded message -- From: Date: Tue, May 13, 2014 at 12:22 PM Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? 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: Ian Scoble Cc: FlexRadio Reflector Date: Tue, 13 May 2014 12:22:06 -0700 Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? After spending 30+ years in the computer industry doing hardware and software for communications, I think I have a different perspective from most hams SDRs, all of them, are not really Radios. They are Computers which come with an associated "modem" input/output device. A very state-of-the-art modem. That "modem" converts between electrical energy at RF frequencies and streams of digital bits. When you step way back, it's not so different from the modems we used to use to hook our computers to phone lines for converting between audio frequencies and digital bits. Just way, way faster. Once the RF is in bits, handling those bits as needed for your application is just a computer engineering problem as it has been for decades. The "SDR industry" is arguably on the forefront of using computers for such purposes, needing very careful engineering to meet the stringent demands of real-time signal processing with an appropriate combination of hardware and software, especially cheap enough to make a consumer product. They're not alone though. Companies making things like set-top boxes to process many channels of video from cable or satellite do similar engineering, and get it cheap enough for mass market entertainment. That's no doubt helped a lot to make the kinds of chips et al that we now see in ham gear possible. So our "radios" now involve computer-industry concepts, like software upgrades, support, releases, etc. Flex has, if I read it correctly, chosen a path of "supporting" each major release for free, and charging something for the next release, if you want to get the new features and enhancements. That's a pretty typical policy in the computer industry. If anything, Flex' policy seems very user-friendly. Commercial software often involves paying a hefty upfront cost, and then an annual "support fee" of perhaps 20% of that cost for bug fixes, and a lot more again for the next major release. We, as hams, need to get our heads around the fact that computers are different from traditional radios. There's two other questions I think are relevant around the topic of "paying for software updates". First, how long will minor releases be provided (the free ones), and how long will subsequent major releases (the $$$ ones) be guaranteed to be compatible with the hardware I buy today? Software companies usually have an "end-of-life" policy, which says how long they will continue to do these releases. Microsoft just ended Windows XP support, to the chagrin of users whose PCs are working just fine and don't want to upgrade but now won't get fixes for the next "critical flaws" that are discovered in XP. Similarly, I have a 5-year-old Apple IMac, which works just fine, but the last several releases of MacOS aren't compatible with that old hardware. So even if I buy the latest major release, I can't use it. The hardware has been declared obsolete, by the manufacturer, as far as the software evolution is concerned. A published price structure for major and minor software releases doesn't guarantee that any such releases will actually occur, or whether they will fix the problems or provide enhancements that matter to you, or that they will be able to be used with your hardware. That's life in the computer world. My experience has been that a piece of computer hardware has a typical useful lifetime of 3-4 years. It may still function for a long time after that, but don't count on any "support". Besides, by then the technology will have advanced so much (Moore's law et al) that you'll probably want a new device anyway. I've already experienced this with my Flex-3000. It works fine, and I still enjoy using it. Since its release, Support has been providing new releases which fixed bugs and incorporated a few minor enhancements, but they seem to be coming less and less frequently now. There hasn't been a release with a major change in years, and there must be hundreds of "enhancement requests" still languishing in the queue for consideration. The latest major software effort has been released with a new name - SmartSDR, and released a "roadmap" of pending future releases. It however won't work on my Fle
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
What happens if you own 3 SSDR radio’s ? Do you need to pay $ 200.00 per radio ? ie. is the software fee for the individual radio or for the entire station ? 73 John On 13 May 2014, at 9:01 PM, Greg wrote: > What Ray said. :) > > This is how Gerald explained it. > > I just read a post where someone said when an update comes out you have to > pay $200. Just not true. Updates for the version that came with the radio > are at no cost. The $199 is for when a new VERSION comes out. > > 73 > Greg > > > > On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 11:49 AM, Ray, K9DUR wrote: > >> Larry, >> >> Yes, you can buy a later release without buying all of the intervening >> releases & you would get all of the features added in the intervening >> releases also. >> >> 73, Ray, K9DUR >> http://k9dur.info >> >> >> >> ___ >> FlexRadio Systems Mailing List >> FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz >> To opt out of the Reflector: >> http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz >> > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Greg, AB7R, wrote, "I just read a post where someone said when an update comes out you have to pay $200. Just not true. Updates for the version that came with the radio are at no cost. The $199 is for when a new VERSION comes out." To expand on that a bit more: We are currently on v1.2.1. According to the "roadmap", Flex intends to release v1.3.x by the end of July & v1.4.x by the end of October to complete the set of features promised for the initial software. These releases will be free. When v2.x.x is released a fee will be required to upgrade to v2. Any updates to v2 will be free to purchasers of v2 until v3.x.x is released, etc. 73, Ray, K9DUR http://k9dur.info ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
What Ray said. :) This is how Gerald explained it. I just read a post where someone said when an update comes out you have to pay $200. Just not true. Updates for the version that came with the radio are at no cost. The $199 is for when a new VERSION comes out. 73 Greg On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 11:49 AM, Ray, K9DUR wrote: > Larry, > > Yes, you can buy a later release without buying all of the intervening > releases & you would get all of the features added in the intervening > releases also. > > 73, Ray, K9DUR > http://k9dur.info > > > > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Pete, As a software developer, I can attest to the fact that maintaining multiple versions of the same software is a REAL pain in the #@%! You want to avoid it if at all possible. Flex has stated on numerous occasions that each new release will contain all of the bug fixes and feature enhancements contained in all previous releases. 73, Ray, K9DUR http://k9dur.info ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Larry, Yes, you can buy a later release without buying all of the intervening releases & you would get all of the features added in the intervening releases also. 73, Ray, K9DUR http://k9dur.info ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Patrick, You are correct. That is the way I have heard it explained by more than Flex employee. We are currently on v1. Upgrades will be free until v2 is released. At that time, you have the choice of upgrading or not. All feature additions to the major releases will be cumulative. That is, v4 will have all of the features added in v2 & v3, v5 will have all of the features added in v2, v3, & v4, etc. So, if there is nothing that trips your trigger in v2, don't buy it. However, if they come out with a whiz-bang feature you can't live without in v4, buy it & you not only get the newfeatures in v4 but also everything added in v2 & v3 as well. 73, Ray, K9DUR http://k9dur.info ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Using your example, suppose you skip a version. You're on Version 2, skip 3 (no new features of interest at the time), and get Version 4. Further down the road, you now want the new feature(s) that were in Version 3? Will Version 4 already have Version 3 features activated or will there be an additional "buy" option to get the Version 3 feature(s)? Pete, wa2cwa On Tue, 13 May 2014 08:24:46 -0700 Greg writes: > Yes you can skip a version. I think Gerald used the scenario in one > of his > explanations. Say you are on ver 2Ver 3 comes out and nothing > of > interest for you so you don't subscribe to that version. But later > ver 4 > is released and you love ityou can subscribe to that version. > > 73 > Greg ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Yes you can skip a version. I think Gerald used the scenario in one of his explanations. Say you are on ver 2Ver 3 comes out and nothing of interest for you so you don't subscribe to that version. But later ver 4 is released and you love ityou can subscribe to that version. 73 Greg On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 7:44 AM, Dave Movius wrote: > This looks like what folks are looking for: (SmartSDR Software Upgrades > and Licensing) -- straight from the horses mouth !! > > > http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-6000-signature-series/smartsdr/ > > > On May 13, 2014, at 8:12 AM, wrote: > > > > Look for upgrades > http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-6000-signature-series/smartsdr/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sent from Windows Mail > > > > > > > > > > > > From: Patrick Greenlee > > Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 8:30 AM > > To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > > > > > > > > > > > > I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an > > official definitive description of the annual software upgrade costs and > > conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a > > morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR 404 but > > can't find the "motherlode" the official word from Flex. I'd > > appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to > > wherever I can read the "official word." I want the ground truth from > > the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts. > > > > 73, > > > > Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator) > > ___ > > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > > To opt out of the Reflector: > > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > > ___ > > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > > To opt out of the Reflector: > > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
This looks like what folks are looking for: (SmartSDR Software Upgrades and Licensing) -- straight from the horses mouth !! http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-6000-signature-series/smartsdr/ > On May 13, 2014, at 8:12 AM, wrote: > > Look for upgrades > http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-6000-signature-series/smartsdr/ > > > > > > > Sent from Windows Mail > > > > > > From: Patrick Greenlee > Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 8:30 AM > To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > > > > > > I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an > official definitive description of the annual software upgrade costs and > conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a > morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR 404 but > can't find the "motherlode" the official word from Flex. I'd > appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to > wherever I can read the "official word." I want the ground truth from > the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts. > > 73, > > Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator) > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
I agree with Patrick. Excellent hardware and the software to go with it. Writing software like this is far from trivial. I wouldn't even hazard a guess on the thousands of lines of code or even the thousands of man hours involved to get to the point that you can release a product out the door to the user base. By comparison, the hardware part is easy. Those that write the software have homes, families, and kids that need to go through college. They all need to be paid. What gets lost is that while software doesn't look like the hardware you own, the time and effort to product it does cost money. What you have never expires. No different from what you use today on a 'iron' type of radio. Even some TS440s are still running despite all the PLL issues they had. :) Everyone's option continues to be the same. Vote with your wallet. (As Greg J. told me on the phone yesterday. If you want to make a little money in Ham Radio, start with a lot of money. So true). Mike va3mw On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 10:26 AM, Patrick Greenlee wrote: > Thanks to everyone who helped the little old man across the street. > > 73, > > Patrick NJ5G > > > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
The one thing not 100 per cent clear is whether you can skip from version 1 to version (say) 4. I presume one can, it's the most "consistent" way to read what they say, but the policy I read doesn't say so outright. Larry WO7R On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 7:21 AM, Patrick Greenlee wrote: > Thanks for the link. Good info, direct, no nonsense, factual. > > I see what all the negative weeping and wailing is about but am not > convinced it is altogether warranted. You get a great radio and software > plus software support of "YOUR" version of the software. You never loose > the capability you have paid for. Later if you think the then current > version is sufficiently superior to what you have in > features./functionality you can upgrade, essentially getting a new and > better radio for $200. > > If the "Microsoft model" (Flexes wording) is actually followed the user > could wait for more than one major release to go by before "buying in" > again. This would be following the MS model. Consider you have MS Windows > Vista 1.0 and over time Vista releases ratchet up to 4.4.13 and you decide > you want to buy version 4. MS doesn't make you buy versions 2 and 3. > > Am I missing something? Any official Flex contradiction to my > interpretation? > > 73, > > Patrick NJ5G > > > On 5/13/2014 8:36 AM, Ed Wilson wrote: > >> Try this...straight from the horse's mouth :) >> >> https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/smartsdr_upgrade_fees >> >> Ed, K0KC >> >> ------------ >> >> *From:* Patrick Greenlee >> *To:* flexradio@flex-radio.biz >> *Sent:* Tuesday, May 13, 2014 9:30 AM >> *Subject:* Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? >> >> >> I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an >> official definitive description of the annual software upgrade >> costs and >> conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a >> morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR >> 404 but >> can't find the "motherlode" the official word from Flex. I'd >> appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to >> wherever I can read the "official word." I want the ground truth from >> the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts. >> >> 73, >> >> Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator) >> >> ___ >> FlexRadio Systems Mailing List >> FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz <mailto:FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz> >> >> To opt out of the Reflector: >> http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz >> >> >> >> No infections found in this incoming message >> Scanned by *iolo System Shield* >> http://www.iolo.com >> > > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Thanks to everyone who helped the little old man across the street. 73, Patrick NJ5G ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Thanks for the link. Good info, direct, no nonsense, factual.
I see what all the negative weeping and wailing is about but am not
convinced it is altogether warranted. You get a great radio and
software plus software support of "YOUR" version of the software. You
never loose the capability you have paid for. Later if you think the
then current version is sufficiently superior to what you have in
features./functionality you can upgrade, essentially getting a new and
better radio for $200.
If the "Microsoft model" (Flexes wording) is actually followed the user
could wait for more than one major release to go by before "buying in"
again. This would be following the MS model. Consider you have MS
Windows Vista 1.0 and over time Vista releases ratchet up to 4.4.13 and
you decide you want to buy version 4. MS doesn't make you buy versions
2 and 3.
Am I missing something? Any official Flex contradiction to my
interpretation?
73,
Patrick NJ5G
On 5/13/2014 8:36 AM, Ed Wilson wrote:
Try this...straight from the horse's mouth :)
https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/smartsdr_upgrade_fees
Ed, K0KC
*From:* Patrick Greenlee
*To:* flexradio@flex-radio.biz
*Sent:* Tuesday, May 13, 2014 9:30 AM
*Subject:* Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an
official definitive description of the annual software upgrade
costs and
conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a
morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR
404 but
can't find the "motherlode" the official word from Flex. I'd
appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to
wherever I can read the "official word." I want the ground truth from
the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts.
73,
Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator)
___
FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz <mailto:FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz>
To opt out of the Reflector:
http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
No infections found in this incoming message
Scanned by *iolo System Shield*
http://www.iolo.com
___
FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
To opt out of the Reflector:
http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Look for upgrades http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-6000-signature-series/smartsdr/ Sent from Windows Mail From: Patrick Greenlee Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 8:30 AM To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an official definitive description of the annual software upgrade costs and conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR 404 but can't find the "motherlode" the official word from Flex. I'd appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to wherever I can read the "official word." I want the ground truth from the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts. 73, Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator) ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an official definitive description of the annual software upgrade costs and conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR 404 but can't find the "motherlode" the official word from Flex. I'd appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to wherever I can read the "official word." I want the ground truth from the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts. 73, Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator) ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
I have been a flex follower for a good number of years and yes I do like the look of the the 6XXX series of radios but I do have to start to think twice about paying for software updates, if I keep the radio 5 years and have to pay 200 dollars a year (assuming I want the updates) that¹s another 1K so a 2.5K radio becomes 3.5K equivalent to a approx 40% price increase I don¹t think so ! I got sick of Microsoft for this so I jumped ship to Apple expensive but I was prepared to pay this premium for the privilidge of free updates plus something that gives me very little trouble and have to do very little management. I have a feeling that I maybe looking else where when the time comes for an upgrade, the market is about to be flooded with direct sampling SDR¹s. I have not seen any other Amateur companies take this path (yet) but I know of two other people that have already jumped ship from flex for this reason. My two cents worth apologies for starting or carrying on this thread. Regards Ian G0CTO On 12/05/2014 19:16, "Paul Jursinic" wrote: >Everyone, > >The SmartSDR software upgrade policy is listed on the web site under the >SmartSDR product page in the Upgrades tab >(http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-6000-signature-series/smar >tsdr/) > >Flex Radio general policy with regards to SmartSDR can be found here. I >think most questions are answered in this citation. > >Also, I have found that direct questions about SmartSDR when addressed >directly to FlexRadio are answered quickly and clearly. > >Paul K9IRO > > > > > >-Original Message- >From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of >GARY HUBER >Sent: Monday, May 12, 2014 2:04 PM >To: David Land; FlexRadio Reflector >Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? > > > >David, the subject of annual charge for the software for the 6xxx series > >radios crossed my mind too. While an annual fee to make the high-end radio > >work might not be a deal breaker for those who buy the top of the line >FLEX > >radio, I can see a possible challenge for/from those who buy the the >sub-$3k > >6300. I would want that question answered before I bought or ordered a > >6300. > > > >I currently run a FLEX-1500 as a sub-receiver of my Ten-Tec OMN-VII and > >really like the combination. > > > >73 & DX, > >Gary - AB9M > > > >-Original Message- > >From: David Land > >Sent: Monday, May 12, 2014 12:36 PM > >To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz > >Subject: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? > > > >So, now that the new 6300 model is out it's got my attention. The hardware > >specs look great but what about the software? Is Smart SDR ready for prime > >time? Does it have all the features of the latest version PowerSDR >software > >I'm using now with my FLEX3000? Are upgrades free or is there some kind of > >annual charge for the s/w? > >I looked around on the flex website for answers to these questions but > >could not find any answers... > >73, Dave > >___ > >FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > >FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > >To opt out of the Reflector: > >http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > > > > > >___ > >FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > >FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > >To opt out of the Reflector: > >http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz >___ >FlexRadio Systems Mailing List >FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz >To opt out of the Reflector: >http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Everyone, The SmartSDR software upgrade policy is listed on the web site under the SmartSDR product page in the Upgrades tab (http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-6000-signature-series/smartsdr/) Flex Radio general policy with regards to SmartSDR can be found here. I think most questions are answered in this citation. Also, I have found that direct questions about SmartSDR when addressed directly to FlexRadio are answered quickly and clearly. Paul K9IRO -Original Message- From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of GARY HUBER Sent: Monday, May 12, 2014 2:04 PM To: David Land; FlexRadio Reflector Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? David, the subject of annual charge for the software for the 6xxx series radios crossed my mind too. While an annual fee to make the high-end radio work might not be a deal breaker for those who buy the top of the line FLEX radio, I can see a possible challenge for/from those who buy the the sub-$3k 6300. I would want that question answered before I bought or ordered a 6300. I currently run a FLEX-1500 as a sub-receiver of my Ten-Tec OMN-VII and really like the combination. 73 & DX, Gary - AB9M -Original Message- From: David Land Sent: Monday, May 12, 2014 12:36 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? So, now that the new 6300 model is out it's got my attention. The hardware specs look great but what about the software? Is Smart SDR ready for prime time? Does it have all the features of the latest version PowerSDR software I'm using now with my FLEX3000? Are upgrades free or is there some kind of annual charge for the s/w? I looked around on the flex website for answers to these questions but could not find any answers... 73, Dave ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
Anyone interested I have a Flex 1500 and Yaesu mike for sale for $550.00. I use it as Gary with my Omni 7 and as a standalone unit as well. Thanks, Cecil GARY HUBER wrote: > David, the subject of annual charge for the software for the 6xxx series > radios crossed my mind too. While an annual fee to make the high-end radio > work might not be a deal breaker for those who buy the top of the line FLEX > radio, I can see a possible challenge for/from those who buy the the sub-$3k > 6300. I would want that question answered before I bought or ordered a > 6300. > > I currently run a FLEX-1500 as a sub-receiver of my Ten-Tec OMN-VII and > really like the combination. > > 73 & DX, > Gary - AB9M > > -Original Message- > From: David Land > Sent: Monday, May 12, 2014 12:36 PM > To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz > Subject: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? > > So, now that the new 6300 model is out it's got my attention. The hardware > specs look great but what about the software? Is Smart SDR ready for prime > time? Does it have all the features of the latest version PowerSDR software > I'm using now with my FLEX3000? Are upgrades free or is there some kind of > annual charge for the s/w? > I looked around on the flex website for answers to these questions but > could not find any answers... > 73, Dave > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz > > > ___ > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz > To opt out of the Reflector: > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
It is explained here und upgrades http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-6000-signature-series/smartsdr/ Sent from Windows Mail From: David Land Sent: Monday, May 12, 2014 12:36 PM To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz So, now that the new 6300 model is out it's got my attention. The hardware specs look great but what about the software? Is Smart SDR ready for prime time? Does it have all the features of the latest version PowerSDR software I'm using now with my FLEX3000? Are upgrades free or is there some kind of annual charge for the s/w? I looked around on the flex website for answers to these questions but could not find any answers... 73, Dave ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
David, the subject of annual charge for the software for the 6xxx series radios crossed my mind too. While an annual fee to make the high-end radio work might not be a deal breaker for those who buy the top of the line FLEX radio, I can see a possible challenge for/from those who buy the the sub-$3k 6300. I would want that question answered before I bought or ordered a 6300. I currently run a FLEX-1500 as a sub-receiver of my Ten-Tec OMN-VII and really like the combination. 73 & DX, Gary - AB9M -Original Message- From: David Land Sent: Monday, May 12, 2014 12:36 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w? So, now that the new 6300 model is out it's got my attention. The hardware specs look great but what about the software? Is Smart SDR ready for prime time? Does it have all the features of the latest version PowerSDR software I'm using now with my FLEX3000? Are upgrades free or is there some kind of annual charge for the s/w? I looked around on the flex website for answers to these questions but could not find any answers... 73, Dave ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
[Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?
So, now that the new 6300 model is out it's got my attention. The hardware specs look great but what about the software? Is Smart SDR ready for prime time? Does it have all the features of the latest version PowerSDR software I'm using now with my FLEX3000? Are upgrades free or is there some kind of annual charge for the s/w? I looked around on the flex website for answers to these questions but could not find any answers... 73, Dave ___ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz To opt out of the Reflector: http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
