Flex 6000 Radios.

Ricky

I was thinking of getting one of these  but after reading about all of the problems I think I will stick with my Flex 3000. I have never seen so many people have so many problems using a radio like this latest and greatest radio. Seems Flex should have waited and got rid of all the bugs first before making us their Beta testers and not getting paid for it in some way. Just my two cents. I'm keeping my 3000 instead.

Mike va3mw

Ricky

People come here to report problems, so if you review this, all you will hear about is problems.  If everyone jumped in and said my  unit is working fine, the site would be overwhelmed.  

Even those that report problems will say they won't give it up at all.  

All software has bugs.  Even the one you wrote your message on.  You'll find there are very few (if any) show stoppers.

Mike va3mw

Stu Phillips - K6TU

Ricky,

I understand how you get to this conclusion from reading the Community.  Unfortunately folks are quicker to complain than praise and praise often goes unstated.  It's the nature of these online forums especially when the vocal minority use the forum as a soap box for their own complaints.

The end result blows things out of proportion.

I was a very happy Flex 5000 owner.  It was a great radio, helped me place well in a number of contests, was reliable and fun to operate.

I sold the 5000 in April last year - 5 months after FlexRadio came out with the first production release the SmartSDR software.  I have never regretted selling the 5000.  I am throughly delighted with my Flex 6700 and it beats any other radio hands down for my personal operating in DXing and Contesting.

As with PowerSDR, the software goes through an evolution process.  5 years ago, the FlexRadio email reflector looked a lot like this community today.  The vocal minority dominated the conversation with their complaints but overall, the software was very capable.  Of course, it got better... and better!

SmartSDR 1.3 has some short falls - but they are being taken care of.  SmartSDR 1.5 has the possibility of moving the goal posts a long way forward and I'm happy to wait for it.  In the meantime, the current software is robust and has helped me further improve my performance in contests.

I'm very happy.

I don't know where you are located - if you are in the SF Bay Area, let me know and I'd be delighted to host you to see the radio in operation.  No matter where you are, I'm sure you will find someone within reasonable distance who would do the same thing.

Try it!  You will be pleasantly surprised.

In the meantime, don't give in to the minority for they are just that - vocal as they may be, their views don't speak for everyone.

Stu K6TU

Cliff Batson N4CCB

Michael is right. I liked my Flex 3000 but sold it to a friend after getting my Flex 6300. I have had zero problems. I'm loving it... And the software is only going to get better and better over time. Cliff (N4CCB)

Peter K1PGV

Ricky, I think you're misinterpreting a lot of the posts here.  There are very few actual bugs post here at I see.  Lot of suggestions, lots of questions, lots of folks working out how to use some very complex functionality to achieve both simple and complex goals.

But, one thing is indisputably true:  If you like your 3000, and you don't want the performance increase that the 6000-series will give you, you should keep your 3000.  Of course, that's true regardless of whatever anybody posts here: problems, suggestions, solutions, questions, or issues.

Peter K1PGV

George KF2T

Ricky, remember that most people will post when they have an issue. My 6500 has been running every day since I got it (was one of the lucky first round) without a problem. Sure, software can occasionally throw some curves, but none have been bad at all. Most of the "problems" have come directly from my ignorance or lack of attention.

The learning curve for the 6000-series is different than any other radio. Operators need to understand at least some networking, have appropriate hardware, and adjust their thinking to reflect the fact that the 6000's are "radio servers," not "just" radios. Reading the manual and comments on here helps immensely. Because the radio operates differently than one expects doesn't mean it's the radio's fault.

That said, your radio choice is completely up to you. Personally, I adore my 6500. It's the most capable radio I've had in 40 years of hamming. But, like with anything, one size does not fit all. 

Enjoy your 3000 - it is a fine radio. If it does what you want, there's no real reason to change.

David Decoons, wo2x

Having owned a 1500, 3000, and several 5000's and now the 6500 I can say I'd never go back to PowerSDR. Eliminating Firewire and simplifying the setup has made the new 6000 series radios quite easy for a lot of computer "novices" to use

While some people have problems, most are thoroughly enjoying the radio.

Flex has a money back guarantee if you do not like the radio. If you do get one you won't be sending it back though....

Dave, wo2x

Lee - N5LN

I've been planning to get a 6300 in February.  I understand what Ricky is saying.  You don't hear many praises!  I've had some second thoughts, too.

However, as of this writing, I'm still planning to buy one in February.  I've saved my pennies and will as usual, pay cash. 

There is still a question about which:  the 6300 vs. the 6500.    

Ken - NM9P

I have a 1500 and a 6500.  I love them both, but hardly turn the 1500 on any more except to monitor my 6500 for testing because the receiver and GUI in the 6500 is so much better.  The CW QSK is smoother on the 6500 than the 3000 would be.  The TX is more effective on SSB due to the processing routine, and the list goes on and on....

The FEW frustrations and unfinished business that I have found on the 6500 are FAR overshadowed by the vastly superior performance in many, many other areas.  And they will be corrected in the upcoming software release or the next one.  This rig is still evolving, and will be for many years.  Major feature enhancement on the 3000/5000 is probably done, or will be very slow in coming.  

The 3000 is a very excellent rig, and one of the best ****-for-the-buck rigs in its price class before it was discontinued.  But the 6000 series is in another class above the 3000/5000 in almost all areas.  Unless you are OCD fixated upon a couple of particular issues, unwilling to wait for continuing improvements, have specific Noise Blanking issues that require performance that the 6000 is still lacking, or are unable to learn how to make a few required adjustments in filters, AGC-T, and EQ to maximize performance, the 6000 is a top level rig.

Ken - NM9P

Steve W6SDM

My mother-in-law wouldn't fly because she kept seeing plane crashes on the news.  

I had a 3000 when there were the same type of discussions on the reflectors.   You know, I never had to send my Flex 3000 in for any type of upgrade or recall.  I did get a lot of new software along with new features for the radio.  If I got a bill for that, I must have misplaced it.   Ssshhh!  Don't tell Flex.

Ian1

Really My take is the Flex 6000 series is fantastic it has eclipsed everything the competition has to offer. While not for everyone meaning I don't get E mail crowd or my latest computer is 5 year's old. I find it an incredible tool. Ian

Bill -VA3WTB

I am on my 3000 now and plan on moving to the 6500. I have not yet because I have a time line I'm working on. Retirement and stuff.
And I do understand what this forum is for. It is for discussion on our radios, to find and report problems in order to make it better. Have you noticed most everyone that post to report a problem are not saying they are disappointed and unhappy? They are reporting. that's all.
I remember years ago when PSDR started up most the features on my 3000 didn't work as PSDR was still improving, it took some time for it to get to where it is today,,SSDR is the same.

George O'Brien

Hi Ricky,
I've been a ham since 1969 and have had a lot of rigs.  I upgraded in October of last year from a TenTec Orion II to the Flex 6700.  Being a CW fan, I wanted full QSK.  Having owned a Flex 1500, I knew that I liked seeing the signals across the band.  Owning a KX3 (#150) from the time it was introduced, I knew that the feature set of an SDR would get better and better over time.  Both Elecraft and Flex Radio Systems make excellent products that they stand behind.

I think you will be very happy with any of the 6000 series radios.

N7BCP

For me, Flex radios (all models including the 6000 series) are far more interesting to use than non SDR amateur gear I've owned - even with the software bugs.  The 6000 series architecture is compelling and being a network apliance with an open API should make for an interesting future.  I opted for the 6500 over the 6300 so that I could see the entire HF spectrum while working a specific band plus the GPSDO capability and extra I/O on the back panel.

W5UN_Dave

if you pass on the 6700 (and can afford it) you are making a big mistake

Glen Collier

I have had a LOT of HF radios since 1970, and the Flex 6700 is not even in the same league as most of the other HF systems in the market.  And use of the system is so intuitive it is as if the designers read my mind.  This is an engineering masterpiece and should be considered a work of art!

Lee - N5LN

Dave,  Thanks for your comment! 

While I can afford the 6700, (other than eight panadapters vs. 4 panadapters,) what advantages are there between the 6500 that makes it worth the extra $$$'s?  

I've been a ham since the early 70's and operated my beautiful "S-Line" until 2005.  While I won't miss all the knobs, I will miss dipping the plate current and peaking the grid!  Hi, Hi.  

Thanks Oscar, N5LN

N4TTY

I had a 3000 and constantly had issues! I now have a 6700 and never have problems other than anxiously awaiting the next release of software to see what's new this time. I guess it's to each his own. Sorry you have been so misled!

Jon_KF2E

If you want opinions on a radio read reviews like Eham. If you want to see the issues people are having, read the forum. Forums are not generally a love fest of owners. It is a place to ask for help and to discuss your problems.

Jon...kf2e

G4YDO

yes your right ricky, we are all beta tester and we've paid to do so........  flex should NOT had released these 6000's until they worked. i've been waiting for fm now 15 months, it's like building a car and forgetting the petrol tank.

Ernest - W4EG

I been an owner of Flex radios since the beginning and I loved them all.

I have owned all of the  Flex radios 1000,1500,3000 and two 5000.  Now I have a 6700.

Just like, N4TTY said, I am also sorry that you have been misled.  

I had a few bumps down the road. However, it was because I did not understand the instructions as simple as they are.

Plus, my limited knowledge of computers software and programming. I am an average self thought, and still learning user. 

When I have issues, I ask questions and 99.9% of the time it turns out to be; my misunderstanding of what Flex said to do.

I do not share the rest of your views.  

I bought my Flex-6700 the Monday after Dayton.  I had no idea what was in the box.  I was confident that Flex does what they promise.  

Flex told us that the software (SmartSDR) was being created.  This was major development: Since this was their product.  They made us aware and gave us the opportunity to wait until it was fully developed or we can choose to be part of the BETA testers.  

Guess what my friend. We chose to take the radio under those conditions.  So your "should have waited and got rid of all the bugs first before making us their Beta testers" is absurd and ignorant. 

Is your choice and money; next time consider who is feeding you negative advice before you castigate FlexRadio System.

Steve W6SDM

You must have got a bad one.  Mine works.  I have worked DXCC and WAS several times over just since I got the 6300 last August. 

Ken - NM9P

The 6700 has two SCU's, which allows you to listen to stations on two separate antennas, like 160 and 6 meters at the same time. Or... Listening to the same frequency on two antennas, opening the door to many interesting options for diversity reception, noise reduction and other things that the 6500 and 6300 cannot do. The 6700 also has the fastest processor, which may allow some high processing option more than the others. Not to mention the 8 pan adapters and 8 slices instead of 4 on the 6500 or 2 on the 6300. It also has capability for 2 meter receive and transmit, although it is at transverter levels. Many 6700 owners are using a high gain amp to good effect. I wish I could have afforded the 6700 for these reasons. But I love my 6500!

lyndy brannen

Troll.

Steve W6SDM

If he is a troll, he sure managed to solicit a lot of positive testimonials from happy Flex 6000 series owners. 

W5XZ - dan

Ricky, do you have power line noise?  If  you need a decent noise blanker, you should keep your F3k...the 6000 series ineffective NB is 'science project' status....and 'later' at that..

JM2C, 73, w5xz, dan

k3Tim

Actually it worked well for me on the specific noise type.  There was a loarge portion of 40M band that had a weird 'click' about 4 times second.  With NB on, it disappeared w/o causing damage to the received signal.  Turned an unusable portion of the band into clear air.  It was pretty amazing.

k3Tim

I concur with the group, in addition some of the problems listed are old (1 year) and fixed. 

I picked up my 6500 in late December and have a lot of time on it.  WIth the 1.38 sw I am a very happy camper.  It does a lot of things well.  The 1.4 should add to this list.  Suggest you check the fixes there were included in 1.38.  One can read the release notes from the main Flex site.  This trend of fixing bugs will continue.

Before ordering I was in the same mindset you are about all the 'problems'.  I realized most posts are about problems and a lot of 'em are PC related,  I was going to hold off till 1.4 came out but to what end.  The s/w will be included in very near future for current users.  Also the radio does pretty much everything I want (CW / RTTY some SSB)  whereas the 1.4 goodies{FM / thin-net client} are of no interest.  Any bug / enhancements will be welcome.  So I figured why what / for what?
  
Radio is very good.  Dabbled in the RTTY Round Up this weekend with no hick-ups from the Flex (PC did once on 15 meters due to RFI hitting it)  Some of the contestants were right on top of each other and the 6500 pulled the station of interest w/o problems.  One could run 3K filter width and have no problems even under these wall-to-wall conditions. 

I leave this puppy on 24hrs a day and the Flex has stayed up for days on end. 

Best Wishes.

(K3)Tim

Steve K9ZW

K3TIM's advice about computers is worth expanding on - you simply have to have the right machine to make the best of either the PowerSDR radios or the new SmartSDR radios.

And the same computer isn't necessarily the right one for both PowerSDR and SmartSDR - I found that out when the XP Box I used with my 5000 wasn't up to what was needed to effectively run multiple programs with PowerSDR and want't up to doing SmartSDR well.  

I hadn't budgeted for a new computer and tried to push it for a while, but my setup really didn't work very well until I got a good enough machine in.

So in short, check your intended computer against the SmartSDR minimums and recommendations if you are not planning to upgrade computers at the same time as radios.

73

Steve
K9ZW

Jerry W2TXB

When those of us bought the Flex 6500 and 6700 series and ordered it in advance of its release, we knew we would be doing beta testing on the radio and software; that is a big part of what Flex users enjoy doing. Part of the fun is "beating the software to death" and reporting problems, issues, proposed changes, etc. back to Flex, whose staff are know to be among the best and most helpful in the business. 

Right from the box and with the earliest software, I could see this radio is a definite winner, and I am not even a big contester or avid DX'er. With the subsequent upgrades, it has become even better. As 1.4 and 1.5 are released, the radios will really shine.

I could have bought something from one of the "big three" and already have a small ICOM HF/VHF/UHF radio, but with the Flex 6700, I have a lot more flexibility and a receiver that does everything better than any radio I have ever owned... even better than the 5000A I sold prior to ordering the 6700.

While the 3000 and 5000 series are most worthy radios that will outperform pretty much anything else out there, the 6000 series kicks it up a (huge) notch. 

Jim Hawkins / K2JHV

Except for one premature release 1.3.8, I have had ZERO problems with 1.3.  My problems are usually "cockpit error" like forgetting to turn on my audio rack!  And now that I've moved everything from my Vista machine to a newer, faster, Windows 8.1 machine, most of the problems with DAX have disappeared.  The old Vista needs cleaning up.  I adore my 6500 (not as much as my wife, though!).  Can't wait for 1.4.