flex 3000 or a yaesu ftdx 3000

Martijn Verhoef

i need to deside witch radio a flex 3000 or a yaesu ftdx 3000 pls advice

DH2ID

I've got the Flex-3000, Martijn. I can recommend this TRX, which you can get used, as it is not in production anymore. You either need a firewire card for your PC or a compatible notebook, as the Toughbook CF-52 or GETAC S400. If you can live with the limitations (firewire, 192kHz maximum sample rate=170kHz maximum waterfall bandwidth with KE9NS software and that the signal is processed by the PC) this is a very good and reliable TRX which I use on fielddays and for EMCOMM. It runs for hours at maximum power and with modes like JT65, JT9, FT8, RTTY and PACTOR without getting too hot and it still fits under a notebook.
If you want a knob, you can easily get a FlexControl.

You can get used Flex-3000's for abou 800 to 1000€, if you can get one. The market is almost empty
as many OM found that the older FlexRadios are very good for transverter work forthe GHz bands.

You can get a lot of information and the newest PowerSDR on KE9NS's website: http://www.ke9ns.com/flexpage.html

If money is not the limiting factor I would recommend the Flex-6400 or 6600.

I don't own a FTDX3000 and can't compare the two TRX, but I would always buy a FlexRadio as a SDR TRX is much more flexible for digital modes and I need the waterfall ;-)

Hope this helps a bit. Vy 73, Alex - DH2ID

N8SDR

The Flex 3000 when I compared using  against as FTDX 3000 was a better receiver, more quite and much less fatiguing to listen to for hours, this is based on comparing my Flex 3000 with another members FTDX 3000 on 2 separate field day events, also the filtering on the Flex 3000 is better, I had my Flex 3000 for 9 years never had an issues, great rig and price versus performance is an outstanding rig. I recently upgraded to a 6400. and as Alex pointed out Darrin's KE9NS updated software for the older models is excellent and provides many options esp for DX. 

David Decoons, wo2x

Since this is a Flex forum I expect you will not get any responses choosing the Yaesu over Flex.

The Flex allows you to do digital modes without need for additional hardware. Much more Flexible with filter settings, AGC, etc.

Last, check out the KE9NS PowerSDR software that runs on the Flex 3000. If that doesn't convince you then nothing will :-)
https://ke9ns.com/flexpage.html

Dave wo2x

Martijn Verhoef

so the flex3000 in the shack works fine onle downside slow atu end noise reduction

Bill -VA3WTB

That sounds great, I am using my 3000 here right now, I give it a workout once in a while giving my 6500 a break.
I'm sure you will come to enjoy all the advantages the 3000 gives you as you learn more and more. Enjoy.

James Whiteway

The Noise Reduction with the Flex 3000 takes place in PowerSDR. And from my experience with PSDR, works quite well. Also, the Automatic Notch Filter works well in PSDR.( better, at the moment, than the one in SmartSDR......in my opinion) The FTDX 3000, is a good radio too. But if you are wanting a true SDR radio, of the two you are asking about, the Flex 3000, is the only real SDR radio. It's dated technology, but, if you can find a good deal on one, withe the Firewire card and cable, you'll have a good radio. Personally, I never use the internal ATU, with my antenna system, I need an ATU with a broader matching range. (live in the city on a small lot now. No towers and beams for me!) Good luck on whichever you choose. Both are good radios. James WD5GWY