If we cannot upgrade to v2.0.17 (6000 series radios), will we be able to upgrade to future versions

Wheelin Rev

Being disabled and terminally ill with a mound of bills, I cannot swing $250 (or even $100 as far as that goes) to purchase SmartSDR v2.0.17 and the corresponding iOS app although the two would definitely be nice for times when I am laid up in the hospital. Going forward however, I have a some questions and I doubt if I am alone with this thinking.

Let's say down the road v2.2.75 is released at little ($25) to no cost for the revision. Let's say it adds some minor functionality like being able to monitor the PA temperature and a few other internal parameters on the front panel display by using the front panel 4-way rocker switch. Would that version be able to be installed on the last free version before v2.0.17, i.e. v1.10.16, if NO OTHER COST VERSIONS are installed (such as v2.0.17)?

Let's also say that v3.0.73 and v3.3.88 are released along the way that have both a significant functionality addition and tweak some parameters that enhance noise reduction again like we have had in earlier no-cost releases. But this time v3.0.73 and v3.3.88 cost $100 apiece. I have been advised to NOT install v2.0.17 since I cannot afford the upgrade cost. Would I also be advised to NOT install these versions even though they had another tweak to the noise reduction functionality that was a no-cost upgrade before? I ask this in view of the way Ham Radio Deluxe issues their software upgrades.

In Ham Radio Deluxe, even though the 1-year maintenance fee is $50 that we pay when out of warranty for a software upgrade if we desire the features being added, we are told to ALWAYS install new software revisions even if we are not purchasing the maintenance extension. This is because tweaks and bug fixes may have been done in the code that will be implemented at no-cost regardless of whether or not one pays the $50 to extend the 1-year maintenance window. Note that if one does pay to extend the 1-year maintenance window, then the functionality of the software upgrade that was NOT no-cost becomes active. Essentially, one does not have to pay the $50 fee to extend the maintenance window unless they want unlimited technical support for the coming year and/or they wish to have new functionality of a software upgrade become active. This philosophy apparently works well for Ham Radio Deluxe, LLC.

Please try to be as specific as possible while looking into the future to answer my two concerns. As always, thank you greatly for your time and assistance.

73, Rev. David E. Hamm, K4EET

Mark_WS7M

Hello Rev Hamm,

I would like to volunteer to pay your 2.x upgrade cost for you.  Currently I am 60, healthy and doing well in life for the most part financially.

I would never wish illness on my worst enemy so it would be my honor to help you out with the 2.x upgrade cost.  I would not be able to add the iOS app but maybe some others would help.

This has no strings attached.  I want no recognition or thank you's just let's figure out someway I can help make your life a little better.

Email me at:  ws7m@arrl.net

Tim - W4TME

The upgrade process is really fairly straightforward.  It is based on major version releases.

Once you purchase the 2.x license for $199, you will receive all 2.x versions of software as free upgrades.

Once you purchase the 3.x license, you will receive all 3.x versions of software as free upgrades.

Rick W7YP

Rev.  Hamm, what version iPad do you have?  I'd like to help you get the IOS version of SmartSDR on your iPad.

My QRZ email address is good.

73,

Rick, W7YP

James Skala

Rev.  I would like to assist you as well.  Looks like you have someone offering to pay for your 2.x upgrade and your ios app.  How else can I assist?

Mark WS7M

I will try to set up the Reverends upgrade tomorrow morning.

Wheelin Rev

One person said to not thank them but at least I can say I pray they will be blessed 100-fold more than I have been blessed. God bless you all! 73, Dave K4EET

James Skala

Rev. Did you get my Agape gift

Greg N8GD

This is the second time in a week that I have seen selfless acts of kindness toward fellow Hams on the Internet.  A few days ago I saw a post on an eHam forum where an older Ham was having problems setting up a new Icom IC-7300 due to his mental decline and inability to figure out how to make the sound interface work in digital modes (using those modes quite often).  After the typical negative exchanges on the eHam forum that had nothing to do with the original poster's plea, and almost 2 weeks had passed, a Ham replied to the post and said he would be glad to help the original poster over the phone and via remote control (TeamViewer).  Amazingly the OP replied, and they got together, solving the problem in a few phone calls and a couple of hours of remote control time.  I personally thanked the Ham (via email) who provided the assistance.

These selfless acts prove that Amateur Radio is a great hobby and fraternity (you're included, too, Ria).  Even though we hear and see negative things regarding our hobby, acts like these make me realize just how wonderful Amateur Radio is, for so may reasons!

Greg - N8GD

David

What happens if a major version is skipped. If upgrading from 1.x to 3.x is the cost still $199.

Tim - W4TME

Yes.
http://www.flexradio.com/amateur-products/flex-6000-signature-series/smartsdr/#smartsdr-win-tab-6

Mark_WS7M

I've placed a call to Matt to set this upgrade up but I have not heard back from him yet.  I'll post here when it is good to go and send you a private email as well Reverend.

Mark_WS7M

Hello David, et al,

I was able to successfully pay for the update on the phone with Matt just now.  He has to manually enter it into the system but later today it should work for you.  Contact Matt if you have any issues.

For everyone I want to say that two people who chose to remain anonymous have chipped into help out in addition to the folks above who have offered to help out with iOS.

I just got an email from Matt saying the license should be active now.

I hope this works well for you David and the only obligation I place on you is with your new found 2.x abilities if you happen to hear me on the air you have to break in and give me a shout back.

Enjoy!  Mark - WS7M

Tim - W4TME

"Contact Matt if you have any issues."

Actually, open a HelpDesk ticket if you have any issue.

Mark_WS7M

Tim knows best!  :-)

Wheelin Rev

FYI everyone... I have the iPhone SmartSDR iOS app working 100% from home which will enable me to operate my HF radio from my hospital bed at home when I am laid up in it for extended periods of time. Wheeeeeee!!! Next will be to try to get it to work via my wireless carrier and then to test it from the hospital in about a month when I go there for another procedure. Life is good. Thanks to all that helped to make this a reality! Be blessed! 73, Dave K4EET