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Does the 6600M have relay or pin diode filter switches?

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David Salomon
David Salomon Member ✭✭
edited April 2020 in FLEX-6000 Signature Series
I may be using my new 6600M for MIL-ALE-141 via PC-ALE or MARS-ALE (or both).  When scanning, the software can do up to 10 frequency switches per second (multiple bands).  A radio with relay switching for the filters will die quickly under those conditions (at least the relays are likely to die an untimely death).  A radio that uses pin diode switching should fare much better.

So, which is it for the 6600M?

73 - David, AG4F

Answers

  • Tim - W4TME
    Tim - W4TME Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
    edited April 2020
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    This is a fallacy that the radio will die quicker with relay switching.  The relays are rated for a very high number of actuations.  I did the math a while back and if the radio ran 7x24x365 with a band change every 10 seconds, you will not hit the rated spec for something like 10 years. 

    BTW, it is a reed relay, not a pin diode.
  • David Salomon
    David Salomon Member ✭✭
    edited April 2020
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    Tim -

    Thanks for the elmering!

    So the 6600M is using reed relays vs mechanical relays, correct?

    73 - David, AG4F
  • KC2QMA_John
    KC2QMA_John Member ✭✭
    edited February 2018
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    WOW I’m glad to hear that they are reed relays they are super reliable and fast.
  • David Salomon
    David Salomon Member ✭✭
    edited February 2018
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    That makes two of us.
  • Joe N9VX
    Joe N9VX Member ✭✭
    edited February 2018
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    Is the same relay used in the 6400?
  • Tim - W4TME
    Tim - W4TME Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
    edited February 2018
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    Yes
  • Tim - W4TME
    Tim - W4TME Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
    edited February 2018
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    In QSK mode, it uses a reed relay.

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